Sermon nuggets Week of April 6 Ecclesiastes 8
Eccl 8:1-17
Sermon Nuggets Mon April 6
Verses Eccl 8:1,2 Who is like the wise man? Who knows the explanation of things? Wisdom brightens a man's face and changes its hard appearance.
Obey the king's command, I say, because you took an oath before God.
Authority and Wisdom
One little girl was told by her mother at their kitchen table to be seated. She didn't want to sit. The mother explained she needed to sit at the table and not stand. The daughter continued to stand. Finally the mother gave her a choice of being seated, or getting a swat. Disgusted the child sat and said firmly, "I might be seated on the outside, but I'm standing in the inside."
This morning the subject is authority and submission. There are many things we do out of compulsion, not out of desire. If there was one word many would like to remove from the Bible it might be the word, submission. Typically we do not like to submit to any authority, but that is the basis by which society can operate without chaos. In our individualist mindset we want to grant authority to those we deem worthy to receive it and not to those whom we feel do not deserve it. But let’s face it, from the moment we are born until we die there are people in authority over us. Parents and babysitters have responsibility for our care and our discipline as children. Teachers must have authority in the classroom of learning. We have laws and rules to govern our communities and they are established by procedures that govern the legislature and leaders.
But just because someone might have the position of authority doesn’t mean we grant them that authority in our lives. People continually defy rules and laws. We do not always obey those in charge. We might be convinced to do so if it seems to be for our good. But there is this streak within where we think, “No one is going to tell me what to do.”
We resent it if a policeman stops us for going a few miles over the speed limit, but are grateful when there is a disturbance and we want his protection. Young people resent parents authority when they put limitations on their activities, but are happy to partake of their benefits of food, laundry, money and a place to sleep. The Armed Forces provide security and defense but with it comes polished shoes short hair, boot camp and undo hassles from the drill sergeant. We pay them with our tax money.
But what rules and laws ought to govern our morals? There is a growing trend society that each does what is right in his own eyes. This is nothing new, of course. This was the way life was in the days of the Judges from the Old Testament. The philosophy of relativism and pluralism sets up personal opinion guiding our choices and actions.
All throughout our existence we are going to be in conflict with the benefits and the limitation of authority. Yet, we cannot begin to experience spiritual growth until we learn the lesson of submission.
God's word has important instructions- "Children obey your parents, slaves be submission to your masters, wives to subject to your husbands. Be subject to the rulers and authorities, submit yourselves one unto another.” The church is subject to Christ. And in the end the Bible teaches “every knee shall bow and every tongue declare that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father"
Solomon teaches wisdom about authority. We will look more closely at that this week.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues April 7, 2009
Verses Eccl 8:1-6 Who is like the wise man? Who knows the explanation of things? Wisdom brightens a man's face and changes its hard appearance.
Obey the king's command, I say, because you took an oath before God. Do not be in a hurry to leave the king's presence. Do not stand up for a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases.
Since a king's word is supreme, who can say to him, "What are you doing?"
Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man's misery weighs heavily upon him.
Proper Authority
Because God is a God of order He ordained people to be used to maintain order. But the Bible is clear. All authority comes from God. The concept of leadership and submission comes from our Creator. Solomon is sharing facts. There is a king; like him or not. He does what he wants; like it or not. It will go best if you obey him.
I had read about a new TV program called “Kings” inspired by the stories of King Saul and King David. It is put in a modern day setting and certainly veers far from the Biblical account. But I did watch a few episodes. It illustrates the power of a king who does what he wants. To the credit of the producer the character also acknowledges that God is the power that allowed the king to have his position. When power goes to his head his authority may continue for awhile, but the steps of the future are in the hands of God.
There is a God; like Him or not. He does what He wants; like it or not. And it will go best if you learn to obey Him. Human government is inaugurated by God. Having civil authority is an absolutely necessary because of fallen, deprived and sinful mankind. We must have a restraint on our evil tendencies. God has therefore authorized human ruling powers in countries, kingdoms and nations to make and enforce laws for the sake of order and public welfare. If any society is going to exist it needs to have rules and someone to enforce those rules or there is chaos and anarchy.
Romans 13:1-3 says, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.”(NIV)
When the newspaper speaks of increased burglaries in Cambridge, and vandalism in Braham, I am glad we have laws and civil authorities that can investigate and arrest the guilty parties. Others in authority to create laws and judge whose who brake laws help us making it a punishable crime when peole steal and vandalize and rape, and abuse others. We must not kill and pollute, and speed that might endanger other lives. We must stop at red lights, and keep the noise down after a certain time in the evening, so we might better live in peace. God ordained government to protect, prosecute and execute civil justice for the peace and welfare of its citizens. To the degree they seek to carry out that divine purpose we must submit.
Verses 5& 6 remind us it is wise to obey. We will have an easier time of it. We see this not only in civil government, but also in school, on the job, in all organizations. If you have a boss and she is in authority over you. When you are submissive to her wishes that are appropriate to the job, you will be more blessed as an employee. A good worker seeks the best interest by generally doing her work conscientiously, honestly, and quickly.
Now there are ways that labor and management can negotiate. Employees do have rights. We do not live in slavery like in Solomon’s day without any rights or recourse to stand against injustice. That is true in many countries today. Too often we receive goods from third world countries that have slave labor, or as close to it as possible.
When a youngster obeys his parents, what do you think his parents’ response will be? When an employee is cooperative he or she is honored.
v. 6 reminds us there are also wise citizens who learn the right time and place to provide proper influence on those in authority. Seldom is it in confrontation, but in seeking solutions to make it go easy for all parties involved. Many wise employees learn to reason with their bosses when they are in calmer moods. Most know the times and places for negotiations in respectful and polite manners.
Daniel was just such a man of wisdom who humbly and respectfully submitted the authority King of Babylon and palace guards and made friends while demonstrating allegiance to God. Joseph did the same thing. The kings saw honest character, humble spirit, effective work, loyalty and God used them to influence those in authority for Godly ways.
As Christian citizens, make your views known. Since we are allowed the opportunity for voice, write congressmen, attend local meetings, even protest with respect and reason. But it is wise to obey the laws, unless those laws come in conflict with the laws of God.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds April 8, 2009
Verses-Eccl 8: 7-9 Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come?
8 No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death. As no one is discharged in time of war, so wickedness will not release those who practice it.
9 All this I saw, as I applied my mind to everything done under the sun. There is a time when a man lords it over others to his own hurt.
Limited Authority
We discussed proper authority ordained by God yesterday- government has the right to collect taxes, protect citizens, take care of fire emergencies, build and maintain roads, maintain military and assist in welfare and social services; but no authority in this world is all knowing. All the promises of politicians are just wishful thinking. Our wisest economists are not all that wise. There are things constantly occurring especially today that just do not fit the economic rules.
There are no easy answers to complex questions. There is no president, senator, or political leader that is right all the time, because none of us are omniscient. There is no pastor who doesn't make mistakes; there is no boss who makes decisions that are right all the time. We do not know the future and furthermore there are areas leaders stick their noses in where frankly it does not belong.
Authority is for a prescribed purpose, but it does not extend beyond what is God's intent. There will be mistakes, so learn to forgive and learn to be humble.
The danger of proper authority is that it often does not recognize when their authority is limited. The policeman who has authority is also under authority. He cannot be judge and jury to a criminal he is arresting. The problem with congressmen is the have authority but cannot take their authority to areas beyond their jurisdiction. But their authority is also subjected to certain laws and rules. A democracy states that the common citizen has rights under the law that the president himself cannot overrule. The court systems are provided so laws can be followed and prescribed ways can be accomplished to determine guilt and innocence. It does not always work.
We must be aware of limited authority. 1) Limited in wisdom, they don't know everything so don't always make the best decisions
2) Limited in power; even though they have authority they may not have the power. Someone said the rebel with the gun may have power, but not authority. Jesus told Pilate that when he was being judged falsely.
3) Authority is limited in that is it also under authority if no one else, at least to God, for He alone has all power and all wisdom and is the final authority.
Solomon is reminding us only God knows all things. Only God controls the winds and the storms and all power is in his hands. Only God can forgive sin. That is why we can look to Jesus and call him our Lord first and foremost. He knows the future. Jesus alone could call the winds and the waves and they would obey. He did have power of the day of his own death and conquered death and arose victorious over the grave. Jesus alone could say to people "thy sins are forgiven you"
Now when it comes to earthly activity how do we respond to limited authority?
I think we need to recognize it. I think we need to pray. I Tim 2:2 “Pray for those in authority over you.” Pray for all people and for our rulers and not just criticize. I've heard lots of complaints concerning our president, concerning our senators, concerning our governor, concerning our representatives, but for all officials, you need to pray.
There are complaints about your boss, about your teacher, about your parents, about your spouse, about your school, about your pastor and church, about any in leadership positions. Recognize their authority is limited. God is in charge, and pray for them.
Thank you so much for those of you who continue to pray for your pastors, keep doing do. Recognize we are so limited and needy and dependent on the true one who has all authority. Our tasks is to point each other to Him.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets April 9 2009
Verses- Eccl 8:9-11,14
9 All this I saw, as I applied my mind to everything done under the sun. There is a time when a man lords it over others to his own hurt.
10 Then too, I saw the wicked buried-- those who used to come and go from the holy place and receive praise in the city where they did this. This too is meaningless.
11 When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong.
14 There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: righteous men who get what the wicked deserve, and wicked men who get what the righteous deserve. This too, I say, is meaningless.
Abused Authority
Unfortunately with authority comes abuse. Power goes to one’s head when he inflicts injustice an another. It may not be for profit, but just the fact of power. There is the constant temptation of leaders to misuse their position for selfish purposes or pride. It is easy for public servants to become public masters. That is another reason why leaders need our prayers.
I read a story of one of the hired hands working on Teddy Roosevelt’s ranch in North Dakota. He captured a maverick, wild animal on another man's land. According to the law it belonged to the neighbor. Roosevelt’s cowhand was about to put his boss’s brand on. Teddy Roosevelt stopped him and fired him on the spot. He explained "Any man who will steal for me, will steal from me."
I don't understand companies who try to get sales representatives misrepresent the product for they are encouraging liars and dishonest persons as employees and will fail one way or the other sooner or later.
We are troubled when some congressmen think their position is above the law and have the liberty to write bad checks without consequences, using expense accounts for personal use, billing telephones for private use, taking personal trips at government expense. Some are seeking sexual favors with employees. It is horrible abuse of authority when police can beat up people they arrest unmercifully, when doctors change their medical records to cover up their errors. It is an abuse of authority when the wicked are rewarded for their actions and the righteous are punished.
When government exceeds God's authority and promotes ungodly results then it ceases to be legitimate authority and must be corrected, or disobeyed, if contrary to Gods laws. When those in authority fail to see they are under the greater heavenly authority the apostle Peter stated, “We must obey God rather than man.” It is the same principle when your employer asks you to do dishonest things, or when parents abuse their children and instead of protecting them and caring for them. Sexual and physical abuse results when empowered people seek to get their way.
Solomon says he sees cruelty done and lording it over others to their own hurt. He's seen wicked buried and then listened to their eulogy. Many wicked are praised at death, but they will be facing the one who has final authority and then it's too late to change.
If all authority is granted by God, that doesn’t mean all things a person in that position is allowed by God. Some day there will be an accounting of how each does his or her work.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri April 10, 2009
Eccl 8:12-17 Although a wicked man commits a hundred crimes and still lives a long time, I know that it will go better with God-fearing men, who are reverent before God.
13 Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.
15 So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.
16 When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe man's labor on earth-- his eyes not seeing sleep day or night--then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it.
Divine Authority
Lastly, the writer reminds us there is divine authority. The preacher realizes that God ordained proper human authority, which makes that indirectly divine authority. We observed all those in authority have limited authority. That is why leaders need prayer. We also see many in power will abuse their leadership. But ultimately God will hold into account all who are in authority as well as those under authority. We need to strongly support people that will carry out justice, help those who are in need, have a just tax, and not abuse power. We need responsible leadership. But never to forget that ultimately our submission and authority is to God. But also remember all humans will fall short of the ideal. All of us will make mistakes.
Who of us as parents at times fall short of the authority granted to us by God? We do not always make wise decisions for the benefit of our family or children. This is a reminder that we are not only under Gods’ authority but need to evaluate our position and responsibility with humility and confession.
Yes, it is true there are people who can get away with crime and sin and do things that are not right. But never forget, God has the last word. Solomon knows it will go better also on this earth with God fearing men, for they have the spirit of God within them, even during the difficulties of our days. King Solomon is mindful that when people do not fear God it will not go well with them and “their days will not lengthen like a shadow" You cannot fool God. He is just.
Those who have been declared righteous, regardless what has happened in their lives, will be rewarded by God, our great and holy judge. Wisdom comes from the fear of the Lord.
Look at vs. 15 Solomon says since there are many things we are blind to, and since God is ultimately in charge, live a life of faith and truth and trust in God. When we seek to live for Christ then joy will come and blessings with the provisions we know comes as a gift from above. Our food and our drink are provisions from God. Enjoy them.
Our Lord gives us this world to enjoy. It is best enjoyed when we put Him as the final authority in our lives, in our work, in our church, in our country. All that we receive are gifts from above. Be glad and full of joy in this life. Thank Him for your daily provisions. Thank Him for your family, friends, air, spring, clothes, and cars. Thank Him for He has given Himself to you and is the Divine Authority that operates out of glory for Him and love for you.
Do you have that peace? Because of the authority of heaven, Jesus bought us unto Himself. He is our Lord and King. We have a Lord whose authority is over all of nature, heaven, hell, principalities above and below. All human authority is in his hand. He seeks to work out good if we submit and obey our king Jesus. Our wisdom is so limited (16-17) When we see all God has done, who can understand or comprehend it all?
Isn't it a curious thing that Jesus, who has all authority, humbled himself into the position of a servant? Isn't it a bit odd that the Lord of the universe took on the form of a man and became servant of all? Why is it that Jesus would say, "He would be first shall be last, and the last shall be first." Why when Jesus was teaching his disciples on leadership say in Mark 10:43 You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you, Instead whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whosoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Because Jesus understood the plan, and the future, He was able to be under authority and carry out our salvation. He who is the best authority is one who has learned to be under authority. The kind of leader we are instructed to be is the leader who is concerned for those for whom he is responsible, their task, their lord, and in humility draw upon the wisdom from the one his is the divine authority. The best leaders are those who model Jesus Christ. The best leader is Jesus Christ.
As we conclude as yourself this question, "Is he Lord over your life?"
Pastor Dale
Friday, April 10, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Ways of Wisdom- Ecclesiastes 7
Sermon Nuggets Mon March 30, 2009
Theme- WORDS OF WISDOM
Verses- Eccl 7:1-4
A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.
2 It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart.
4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
Be Prepared
Wisdom is the most important theme of King Solomon’s writing in Ecclesiastes. He is so full of proverbs that collections of his wise sayings were compiled into a separate book of Scripture. But a lot of secular advice we receive is hot air. It may be the wisdom from man, but not from God. However, God does allow us to look at every day life in practical ways to help make decisions.
Solomon writes, “Vanity of vanity, all is vanity.” There are good things, there are better things, but most things are just absolutely meaningless when it comes to the important things in this world.
The story is told of one lady during the time of the sinking of the Titanic left her spot on the life boat while many were going to drown. She asked to be given 3 minutes as she ran through the gambling room with all the money that had rolled on the floor ankle deep. She came to her stateroom and pushed aside her diamond rings and expensive bracelets and necklaces and grabbed 3 small oranges.
Thirty minutes earlier she would not have chosen a crate of oranges over the smallest diamond. But death had boarded the Titanic. Her view of valuables were transformed. Instantaneously priceless things had become worthless. Worthless things like oranges now had become priceless. And in that moment she preferred 3 small oranges to a crate of diamonds.
Solomon had seen the misplaced philosophies and the worthless energies people waste on thing that have no value. Now he shares insights of wisdom for this life that we all need to heed.
Be prepared is the slogan of the Boy Scouts. Solomon says, “a good name is better than fine perfume.” That makes sense. When I leave for the day I usually slap on some cologne. My wife puts on perfume. However it doesn't last long. It fades away.
Being prepared isn't what is on the outside, but what is on the inside. We can smell nice, but if we don't have a good reputation, we aren't prepared for what counts. Honesty, righteousness, and positive reputation reveals our inner character. Prepare your inward beauty, more than your outward beauty. For soon comes death.
But what does Solomon mean when he says the day of death is better than the day of birth? Are funerals better than birthdays? Who would agree with that?
Solomon is saying what might be better said in N.T. terms, "Better never to have been born at all, than never to have been born again." If one is not prepared to die, then one's birth is not worth celebrating. If all we seek in this world is worldly gain and pleasure and then die, shouldn't that cause us to focus on spiritual preparation for death?
We live in a culture that frankly ignores death. Church is one of the few institutions that keep calling people to look at mortality.
Hospitals are geared for recovery. Doctors, on the whole, seek to improve your health. Mortuaries dress people painted and dressed to make one look like they are sleeping.
Being prepared means one is ready to die. It is a celebration service when there is confidence that a saint is going home to the Lord. Do you know for sure you are going to heaven and not hell? The Bible teaches you can be prepared. We can trust Christ alone and confess and turn from our sin and ask God's forgiveness.
Solomon says wisdom is not pursuing primarily the fun times and laughter and entertainment, but be ready to meet God. Booze, money, drugs, pleasures, work might keep us from facing the reality of death for awhile, but sooner or later we must all die. Are you prepared for death today? If you are not and die outside of Jesus Christ then it would be better if you were not born. However if you are prepared and ready to leave this world it is a great to know you walk with God.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Tues March 31, 2009
Verses Eccl 7:5-6 It is better to heed a wise man's rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.
6 Like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of fools. This too is meaningless.
Be Discerning
Theodore Geisel (better known as Dr. Seuss) wrote these words:
“My uncle ordered popovers from the restaurant’s bill of fare.
And when they were served, he regarded them with a penetrating stare.
Then he spoke great Words of Wisdom as he sat there on his chair:
"To eat these things," said my uncle, "you must exercise great care.
You may swallow down what's solid, BUT ..you must spit out the air!"
And as you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow.
Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow."
There is lots of advice to be heard. Some of it is wise. Other advice is quite foolish. A discerning person will not accept what is being said without some evaluation of which is full of hot air.
The increase of bad information and misguided advice is only a click of a finger on the internet. Emails are full of forwards that are frankly hoaxes. Unscrupulous con artists learn they can sell their products by making unsubstantiated claims and have a false testimony circulate among emails that they could not do under government regulation for truth in selling. I have giving up counting how many millionaire widows want to transfer all their money into my bank account because their country is persecuting them or going to steal their money.
Why do such con artists use Christians language and plead for help from brothers and sister in the Lord? Because it works. They get 1,000s every day from people gullible enough to want to help and soon the scam spreads. Be discerning. If it is too good to be true is almost always is. Don’t just come to conclusions because there is an ad or email in your box. Most jobs at home are false. Most sure-bet investments are only benefiting the receiver of your money. Scam artists abound.
But on the other side there are people who are wise and need to be listened to. I have gained much from people helping people sharing their stories on the internet. Some people who have gone through various circumstance become excellent teachers. Caring Bridge is a comforting website to support families whose loved ones are in critical condition in a hospital. It is a means of keeping the larger family of friends informed as to what is going on with the patient. Facing health issues allows for information to be shared at no or low cost to people who want to help one another.
If we are open to God's teaching it come in many ways and through many experiences. The greatest way sometime to grow in our faith is through the difficult times. We can learn from praise, but you know as much as I hate to admit this, I learn more from criticism. I learn more by facing things in my life that I don't particularly want to face. What I need to do however is to distinguish the source of criticism whether it be from someone wise or foolish. Criticism from any source hurts. But for one who is open learns from wise words of someone who tells us something for our own good. Ask yourself if there is some truth to what is being said. Instead of being defensive, or insisting on building up your ego, or condemning others who might criticize you another more helpful alternative is to look at yourself as less than perfect.
I think most of you already know that when you hear the criticism consider the source. If comments are from a fool, forget it. If it is from one who is always complaining about something, don't take it too seriously. If it is someone who has a grudge on their shoulder consider that.
Those who truly love you are well meaning in advice they give. Some of the advice still needs to be judged an often checked out by those who have greater knowledge in some area. It is easy to become defensive instead of carefully listening to what is said and evaluate it. Be discerning and figure what is solid and what is air that should be spit out.
Unpleasant words will come. If we choose the paths of wisdom we can find growth in those situations. Reprimands are not pleasant, but sometimes needed. Learn from them. Be open to learn from them. Judge if what is said might be applicable. Pray about it, and then change where you can, and where you can't then turn that area over to God. If it is untrue or said in a spirit that is not helpful then turn that over to God as well. Be discerning through prayer and the reading of the Word of God. That is always the best advice.
Pastor Dale.
Sermon nuggets Weds, April 1
Verses- Eccl 7:7-12
7 Extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.
8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.
9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
10 Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions.
11 Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun.
12 Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor.
Be Self-controlled
Have you ever noticed how much wisdom is tied into self control? Foolishness is too often tied into our words and actions that get us into trouble. Self control is mentioned with the fruit of the Spirit.
Solomon mentioned 5 areas where self control is exhibiting wisdom. First is to control your desire for money. Money and greed tempt us as we talked about last time when thinking about materialism. The preacher warns us against lust for money that can even lead to bribes and extortion. Look at all the perks politicians get from companies that expect favors. Look at the debacle in the Chicago mayor this year and bidding off the Senate seat. Many countries are confused that we make a deal of bribery when that is just the way business and government is run. Resist the temptations of money and unfair dealings, even if it means getting less money. Be warned also when deals seem to be so sweet.
Secondly, we need self-control in patience. Everybody wishes there was a patient pill that could be taken. When you need to model Christ to those around you, do they see someone who is so impatient, impulsive, and wanting their own way? Aren't you glad that God is loving, merciful, gracious, kind, long-suffering, but also holy, righteous, just and patient? Learn to leave results to God even in your waiting and in your praying as you learn patience.
Thirdly, be self controlled when it comes to pride. I heard a story about a frog who wanted to go south with the geese for the winter. The birds kept talking about how lovely it was and how nice it would be for the frog to go there, but they couldn't think of a way to make that happen. He was too heavy for any goose to carry him for any distance. Then the frog came up with a suggestion. "Two of you could hold sticks between your legs, and then I'll hang on with my mouth. You can stop periodically for rests."
Things were going along fine. The frog was looking at all the scenery when other geese flew by.
"My, my isn't that a cleaver idea? I wonder who thought of it." The problem with the frog was pride, for he told them and fell to his death.
Fourthly, be self controlled with your anger. It is not a pleasant home where kids have to walk around on eggs because dad or mom had a bad day. Nor is it good when kids cannot control their temper. As believers in Jesus we need to learn to control anger and passions. If it is a problem in your life, then it is a spiritual problem. I'm not saying there isn't a time and place to be angry, but there is also an acceptable manner to handle anger in effective ways and not destructive ways. If you are a victim of physical or emotional abuse or an abuser when anger overtakes you or a loved one, intervention is necessary. Jesus needs to do some healing in your life. Find help while you can.
Lastly, be self controlled in your attitude. I like the way Solomon puts it. “Don't keep complaining about the present and rising up how things used to be in the good old days. The reciting of history that is used to criticize and show displeasure with the present just as well not be said. "Ah let me tell you how it was when I was a kid.. Let me tell you about the church in the good old days.”
I had never ceased to be amazed working at nursing homes when people would talk with fondness of how great life was 50-70-90 years ago, but are the first to complain when the air conditioner isn't working right or there is a burned out light bulb, or they're the last to get served their food.
Frankly we quickly forget the reality and instead lean on sentimentality with the untrue picture of how it was. God made the present as well as the past. When we complain we are miserable and so are others. Be what God wants you to be today. Make the most of today. If something needs changing, help bring change for the better of all. If you can't help build things up, then don't tear things down. Learn that wisdom leads to satisfaction. Satisfaction is learned through self-control of our temptations, emotions, tongues, attitude and action.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Thurs April 2, 2009
Verses- Eccl 7:13-19
13 Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked?
14 When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.
15 In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: a righteous man perishing in his righteousness, and a wicked man living long in his wickedness.
16 Do not be over righteous, neither be over wise-- why destroy yourself?
17 Do not be over wicked, and do not be a fool-- why die before your time?
18 It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. The man who fears God will avoid all.
19 Wisdom makes one wise man more powerful than ten rulers in a city.
Be Dependable
Do you know what it means to be a dependable person? Such people are believable. They can be trusted. They are solid. They are persons of integrity. They have common sense. They are reliable. They usually are not extremists. They are consistent people not following fads. They are not wishy-washy. They are not full of pretense. They know their faults and can admit them. They know their sins and desires to change. They know they are not holy and they know they do not want to be defeated sinners. They don't live with real highs and lows. This seems to be what Solomon saw is acting with wisdom.
Among the various proverbs of wisdom Solomon continues with ways of wisdom telling us that when times are good be happy; when times are bad, consider that God has made the one a well as the other.
Man cannot be secure in human future events, only in the security and sovereignty of God. We recall lessons God teaches us in both good and the bad situations. We become perfected through the experiences of life and death, joy and sorrow, prosperity and adversity.
He gives a few illustrations of the dependable life. We discussed injustice in the past devotions from Ecclesiastes, but the writer reminds us of the facts. Life is not fair. Sometimes the good suffer and the wicked live long and prosperous lives. That is not justice from our point of view. But fairness will never be completed on this earth, not until we get to heaven. Being dependable is not throwing away your faith because bad things happen. It is the confidence that in time God’s word works out according to His promises. Many are fooled by worldly success and find it empty. The consistent follower find being in the will of God there is success not known to the world. God gives contentment if we focus on Him and not stuff.
The illustration mentioned in Verses 16,17 seems to go contrary to the other plain scriptural passages, particularly in Rev 3:15-16 when Jesus said, “if you are lukewarm I will spew you out of my mouth.” Some follow this advice by thinking it is better not be too good or too bad. You have heard some say, “He is so heavenly minded that he is no earthly good”. But they fail to quote the rest that says, “he is so earthly minded he is no heavenly good."
What is Solomon saying? That the reaction of some people is to act so religious but that is not real righteousness. The Pharisees were overly righteous, meaning they were trusting their good works to save them. They compared their good acts with one another and judged who was better and best. They thought the ones who memorized the most Scripture were the more righteous. They thought those who were cloistered in a religious community were being better than the tradesmen. Those with superior knowledge of the Scriptures would win them favor with God.
As we are reminding studying Romans on Sunday mornings, righteousness comes only through the grace given by God. It is not of ourselves, it is a gift from God. God looks upon the heart. The legalist and the libertine both concentrate on their performances. What does it mean to please the Lord? Getting our heart right with Him lead us to desire to honor Him. As we allow the Spirit of God to work through us, we desire to do that which is well pleasing unto Him.
vs 18 reminds us that the man who fears God will avoid all extremes by his own effort. That means we ought to be dependable people of faith. We're sinners saved by grace and it is by grace that we live in the freedom and joy of the Lord. It is the consistent, and dependable Christian trusting daily in God and loving Him that finds meaning and blessing in life from the long perspective.
Do others say of you, “She is dependable? He is trustworthy? They are consistent in what they say and what they do?” That is wise.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri April 3, 2009
Verses- Eccl 7:20-29
There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins.
Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you-- for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.
All this I tested by wisdom and I said, "I am determined to be wise"-- but this was beyond me. Whatever wisdom may be, it is far off and most profound-- who can discover it?
So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly.
I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare.
"Look," says the Teacher, "this is what I have discovered: "Adding one thing to another to discover the scheme of things- while I was still searching but not finding-- I found one man among a thousand, but not one woman among them all.
This only have I found: God made mankind upright, but men have gone in search of many schemes."
Be Warned
Today we look at some of the warnings of Solomon. What to avoid also are the ways of wisdom. We are all sinners and there is no one that is righteous. “There is none that does good, no not one.” Until we come to that understanding there is no salvation. But knowing allows us the power to face it, admit it, and confess it. We are wise when we stop comparing ourselves with anyone else than Jesus Christ. When we compare ourselves with others we can justify our behavior and actions. But when compared with Jesus we are unholy and full of selfishness and sin and disobedience, which requires confession.
Many have the worldview that mankind is basically good. The Scriptures teach a different view of mankind. We live in a sin filled world. In the conclusion of this week’s thoughts Solomon warns us against our tongues and our lusts.
People will be tearing others down through gossip and malice and slander. Be warned of the damage that our words can do. Christians particularly need to watch what we say. We get caught up in cursing others by tearing them down and seeking to build ourselves up in our minds and in the minds of our listeners. Be warned to not repeat gossip.
One young man said to his mother, “Mom your already telling more of the story than you heard." Recently I was in a conversation with someone who wanted to find out more details of a situation that I knew and kept coming up with alternatives as to what might have surrounded a circumstance. They wanted me to agree with them. We can make up all types of things, or admit that we don’t know.
As Solomon looked all around and investigated people he wanted to also warn folks against lusts. Look at the extreme damage pornography plays in our lives and on the internet. We warned of sexual urges and also the temptations there are widely available today. Even children’s magazines have pictures of ladies whose breasts were half showing. Many young people see nothing wrong with wearing some of the clothing that is highly sexual in nature in school, and in church. Many do not recognize how it affects young men around them. And many boys and men feed on pornography so readily available that their lusts and desires become obsessions.
If God is the Lord of your body dress as to please the Lord, not lewdly to attract those who are easily sexually tempted. Be warned that sex before marriage is common but goes against God’s laws. It is damaging in many ways to our psyche when we are in sin. People claiming to want to follow Jesus Christ are convincing themselves it is ok to live together with boy friends and girl friends. Solomon paid the consequences and his sexual desires became his spiritual downfall. Be warned of sexual immorality and be warned of lusts.
Many celebrities and people of power or influence find themselves targets of others who are attracted to them and tempt them in many ways. That is why our guard needs to be up since there will be opportunities for people wanted to lure us into sexual sins of all kind. Being a king he could have any woman he wanted and found many women wanting to lure him into his unleashed passions. That was his downfall.
Determine in your heart that you will not let the world mold you into its thinking even as Solomon was molded by his lusts and hence left the Lord. Most of Solomon's wives were foreign wives and not devoted to God lest we forget the context, he is out to prove that all people are sinners and that is true men and women alike.
This weekend try to be alert how often the temptation presents itself to talk negatively about others, and how sexual temptations try to capture your attention and thoughts.
There are many wise proverbs of Solomon. He learned wisdom the hard way, through mistakes of sin. It hurt. He wanted to warn others to stay away from sin. We can learn through the inspired word of Scripture. God has a path of righteousness and protection for us. But like Adam and Eve in the Garden that which attracts us is our downfall when we take our eyes off of Christ. Take what is real and chew on it, and spit out the air. Be wise in the Lord and in his word and in your life and in your witness. Learn the ways of wisdom through those who needed to learn the hard way.
Pastor Dale
Theme- WORDS OF WISDOM
Verses- Eccl 7:1-4
A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.
2 It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart.
4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
Be Prepared
Wisdom is the most important theme of King Solomon’s writing in Ecclesiastes. He is so full of proverbs that collections of his wise sayings were compiled into a separate book of Scripture. But a lot of secular advice we receive is hot air. It may be the wisdom from man, but not from God. However, God does allow us to look at every day life in practical ways to help make decisions.
Solomon writes, “Vanity of vanity, all is vanity.” There are good things, there are better things, but most things are just absolutely meaningless when it comes to the important things in this world.
The story is told of one lady during the time of the sinking of the Titanic left her spot on the life boat while many were going to drown. She asked to be given 3 minutes as she ran through the gambling room with all the money that had rolled on the floor ankle deep. She came to her stateroom and pushed aside her diamond rings and expensive bracelets and necklaces and grabbed 3 small oranges.
Thirty minutes earlier she would not have chosen a crate of oranges over the smallest diamond. But death had boarded the Titanic. Her view of valuables were transformed. Instantaneously priceless things had become worthless. Worthless things like oranges now had become priceless. And in that moment she preferred 3 small oranges to a crate of diamonds.
Solomon had seen the misplaced philosophies and the worthless energies people waste on thing that have no value. Now he shares insights of wisdom for this life that we all need to heed.
Be prepared is the slogan of the Boy Scouts. Solomon says, “a good name is better than fine perfume.” That makes sense. When I leave for the day I usually slap on some cologne. My wife puts on perfume. However it doesn't last long. It fades away.
Being prepared isn't what is on the outside, but what is on the inside. We can smell nice, but if we don't have a good reputation, we aren't prepared for what counts. Honesty, righteousness, and positive reputation reveals our inner character. Prepare your inward beauty, more than your outward beauty. For soon comes death.
But what does Solomon mean when he says the day of death is better than the day of birth? Are funerals better than birthdays? Who would agree with that?
Solomon is saying what might be better said in N.T. terms, "Better never to have been born at all, than never to have been born again." If one is not prepared to die, then one's birth is not worth celebrating. If all we seek in this world is worldly gain and pleasure and then die, shouldn't that cause us to focus on spiritual preparation for death?
We live in a culture that frankly ignores death. Church is one of the few institutions that keep calling people to look at mortality.
Hospitals are geared for recovery. Doctors, on the whole, seek to improve your health. Mortuaries dress people painted and dressed to make one look like they are sleeping.
Being prepared means one is ready to die. It is a celebration service when there is confidence that a saint is going home to the Lord. Do you know for sure you are going to heaven and not hell? The Bible teaches you can be prepared. We can trust Christ alone and confess and turn from our sin and ask God's forgiveness.
Solomon says wisdom is not pursuing primarily the fun times and laughter and entertainment, but be ready to meet God. Booze, money, drugs, pleasures, work might keep us from facing the reality of death for awhile, but sooner or later we must all die. Are you prepared for death today? If you are not and die outside of Jesus Christ then it would be better if you were not born. However if you are prepared and ready to leave this world it is a great to know you walk with God.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Tues March 31, 2009
Verses Eccl 7:5-6 It is better to heed a wise man's rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.
6 Like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of fools. This too is meaningless.
Be Discerning
Theodore Geisel (better known as Dr. Seuss) wrote these words:
“My uncle ordered popovers from the restaurant’s bill of fare.
And when they were served, he regarded them with a penetrating stare.
Then he spoke great Words of Wisdom as he sat there on his chair:
"To eat these things," said my uncle, "you must exercise great care.
You may swallow down what's solid, BUT ..you must spit out the air!"
And as you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow.
Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow."
There is lots of advice to be heard. Some of it is wise. Other advice is quite foolish. A discerning person will not accept what is being said without some evaluation of which is full of hot air.
The increase of bad information and misguided advice is only a click of a finger on the internet. Emails are full of forwards that are frankly hoaxes. Unscrupulous con artists learn they can sell their products by making unsubstantiated claims and have a false testimony circulate among emails that they could not do under government regulation for truth in selling. I have giving up counting how many millionaire widows want to transfer all their money into my bank account because their country is persecuting them or going to steal their money.
Why do such con artists use Christians language and plead for help from brothers and sister in the Lord? Because it works. They get 1,000s every day from people gullible enough to want to help and soon the scam spreads. Be discerning. If it is too good to be true is almost always is. Don’t just come to conclusions because there is an ad or email in your box. Most jobs at home are false. Most sure-bet investments are only benefiting the receiver of your money. Scam artists abound.
But on the other side there are people who are wise and need to be listened to. I have gained much from people helping people sharing their stories on the internet. Some people who have gone through various circumstance become excellent teachers. Caring Bridge is a comforting website to support families whose loved ones are in critical condition in a hospital. It is a means of keeping the larger family of friends informed as to what is going on with the patient. Facing health issues allows for information to be shared at no or low cost to people who want to help one another.
If we are open to God's teaching it come in many ways and through many experiences. The greatest way sometime to grow in our faith is through the difficult times. We can learn from praise, but you know as much as I hate to admit this, I learn more from criticism. I learn more by facing things in my life that I don't particularly want to face. What I need to do however is to distinguish the source of criticism whether it be from someone wise or foolish. Criticism from any source hurts. But for one who is open learns from wise words of someone who tells us something for our own good. Ask yourself if there is some truth to what is being said. Instead of being defensive, or insisting on building up your ego, or condemning others who might criticize you another more helpful alternative is to look at yourself as less than perfect.
I think most of you already know that when you hear the criticism consider the source. If comments are from a fool, forget it. If it is from one who is always complaining about something, don't take it too seriously. If it is someone who has a grudge on their shoulder consider that.
Those who truly love you are well meaning in advice they give. Some of the advice still needs to be judged an often checked out by those who have greater knowledge in some area. It is easy to become defensive instead of carefully listening to what is said and evaluate it. Be discerning and figure what is solid and what is air that should be spit out.
Unpleasant words will come. If we choose the paths of wisdom we can find growth in those situations. Reprimands are not pleasant, but sometimes needed. Learn from them. Be open to learn from them. Judge if what is said might be applicable. Pray about it, and then change where you can, and where you can't then turn that area over to God. If it is untrue or said in a spirit that is not helpful then turn that over to God as well. Be discerning through prayer and the reading of the Word of God. That is always the best advice.
Pastor Dale.
Sermon nuggets Weds, April 1
Verses- Eccl 7:7-12
7 Extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.
8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.
9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
10 Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions.
11 Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun.
12 Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor.
Be Self-controlled
Have you ever noticed how much wisdom is tied into self control? Foolishness is too often tied into our words and actions that get us into trouble. Self control is mentioned with the fruit of the Spirit.
Solomon mentioned 5 areas where self control is exhibiting wisdom. First is to control your desire for money. Money and greed tempt us as we talked about last time when thinking about materialism. The preacher warns us against lust for money that can even lead to bribes and extortion. Look at all the perks politicians get from companies that expect favors. Look at the debacle in the Chicago mayor this year and bidding off the Senate seat. Many countries are confused that we make a deal of bribery when that is just the way business and government is run. Resist the temptations of money and unfair dealings, even if it means getting less money. Be warned also when deals seem to be so sweet.
Secondly, we need self-control in patience. Everybody wishes there was a patient pill that could be taken. When you need to model Christ to those around you, do they see someone who is so impatient, impulsive, and wanting their own way? Aren't you glad that God is loving, merciful, gracious, kind, long-suffering, but also holy, righteous, just and patient? Learn to leave results to God even in your waiting and in your praying as you learn patience.
Thirdly, be self controlled when it comes to pride. I heard a story about a frog who wanted to go south with the geese for the winter. The birds kept talking about how lovely it was and how nice it would be for the frog to go there, but they couldn't think of a way to make that happen. He was too heavy for any goose to carry him for any distance. Then the frog came up with a suggestion. "Two of you could hold sticks between your legs, and then I'll hang on with my mouth. You can stop periodically for rests."
Things were going along fine. The frog was looking at all the scenery when other geese flew by.
"My, my isn't that a cleaver idea? I wonder who thought of it." The problem with the frog was pride, for he told them and fell to his death.
Fourthly, be self controlled with your anger. It is not a pleasant home where kids have to walk around on eggs because dad or mom had a bad day. Nor is it good when kids cannot control their temper. As believers in Jesus we need to learn to control anger and passions. If it is a problem in your life, then it is a spiritual problem. I'm not saying there isn't a time and place to be angry, but there is also an acceptable manner to handle anger in effective ways and not destructive ways. If you are a victim of physical or emotional abuse or an abuser when anger overtakes you or a loved one, intervention is necessary. Jesus needs to do some healing in your life. Find help while you can.
Lastly, be self controlled in your attitude. I like the way Solomon puts it. “Don't keep complaining about the present and rising up how things used to be in the good old days. The reciting of history that is used to criticize and show displeasure with the present just as well not be said. "Ah let me tell you how it was when I was a kid.. Let me tell you about the church in the good old days.”
I had never ceased to be amazed working at nursing homes when people would talk with fondness of how great life was 50-70-90 years ago, but are the first to complain when the air conditioner isn't working right or there is a burned out light bulb, or they're the last to get served their food.
Frankly we quickly forget the reality and instead lean on sentimentality with the untrue picture of how it was. God made the present as well as the past. When we complain we are miserable and so are others. Be what God wants you to be today. Make the most of today. If something needs changing, help bring change for the better of all. If you can't help build things up, then don't tear things down. Learn that wisdom leads to satisfaction. Satisfaction is learned through self-control of our temptations, emotions, tongues, attitude and action.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Thurs April 2, 2009
Verses- Eccl 7:13-19
13 Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked?
14 When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.
15 In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: a righteous man perishing in his righteousness, and a wicked man living long in his wickedness.
16 Do not be over righteous, neither be over wise-- why destroy yourself?
17 Do not be over wicked, and do not be a fool-- why die before your time?
18 It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. The man who fears God will avoid all.
19 Wisdom makes one wise man more powerful than ten rulers in a city.
Be Dependable
Do you know what it means to be a dependable person? Such people are believable. They can be trusted. They are solid. They are persons of integrity. They have common sense. They are reliable. They usually are not extremists. They are consistent people not following fads. They are not wishy-washy. They are not full of pretense. They know their faults and can admit them. They know their sins and desires to change. They know they are not holy and they know they do not want to be defeated sinners. They don't live with real highs and lows. This seems to be what Solomon saw is acting with wisdom.
Among the various proverbs of wisdom Solomon continues with ways of wisdom telling us that when times are good be happy; when times are bad, consider that God has made the one a well as the other.
Man cannot be secure in human future events, only in the security and sovereignty of God. We recall lessons God teaches us in both good and the bad situations. We become perfected through the experiences of life and death, joy and sorrow, prosperity and adversity.
He gives a few illustrations of the dependable life. We discussed injustice in the past devotions from Ecclesiastes, but the writer reminds us of the facts. Life is not fair. Sometimes the good suffer and the wicked live long and prosperous lives. That is not justice from our point of view. But fairness will never be completed on this earth, not until we get to heaven. Being dependable is not throwing away your faith because bad things happen. It is the confidence that in time God’s word works out according to His promises. Many are fooled by worldly success and find it empty. The consistent follower find being in the will of God there is success not known to the world. God gives contentment if we focus on Him and not stuff.
The illustration mentioned in Verses 16,17 seems to go contrary to the other plain scriptural passages, particularly in Rev 3:15-16 when Jesus said, “if you are lukewarm I will spew you out of my mouth.” Some follow this advice by thinking it is better not be too good or too bad. You have heard some say, “He is so heavenly minded that he is no earthly good”. But they fail to quote the rest that says, “he is so earthly minded he is no heavenly good."
What is Solomon saying? That the reaction of some people is to act so religious but that is not real righteousness. The Pharisees were overly righteous, meaning they were trusting their good works to save them. They compared their good acts with one another and judged who was better and best. They thought the ones who memorized the most Scripture were the more righteous. They thought those who were cloistered in a religious community were being better than the tradesmen. Those with superior knowledge of the Scriptures would win them favor with God.
As we are reminding studying Romans on Sunday mornings, righteousness comes only through the grace given by God. It is not of ourselves, it is a gift from God. God looks upon the heart. The legalist and the libertine both concentrate on their performances. What does it mean to please the Lord? Getting our heart right with Him lead us to desire to honor Him. As we allow the Spirit of God to work through us, we desire to do that which is well pleasing unto Him.
vs 18 reminds us that the man who fears God will avoid all extremes by his own effort. That means we ought to be dependable people of faith. We're sinners saved by grace and it is by grace that we live in the freedom and joy of the Lord. It is the consistent, and dependable Christian trusting daily in God and loving Him that finds meaning and blessing in life from the long perspective.
Do others say of you, “She is dependable? He is trustworthy? They are consistent in what they say and what they do?” That is wise.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri April 3, 2009
Verses- Eccl 7:20-29
There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins.
Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you-- for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.
All this I tested by wisdom and I said, "I am determined to be wise"-- but this was beyond me. Whatever wisdom may be, it is far off and most profound-- who can discover it?
So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly.
I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare.
"Look," says the Teacher, "this is what I have discovered: "Adding one thing to another to discover the scheme of things- while I was still searching but not finding-- I found one man among a thousand, but not one woman among them all.
This only have I found: God made mankind upright, but men have gone in search of many schemes."
Be Warned
Today we look at some of the warnings of Solomon. What to avoid also are the ways of wisdom. We are all sinners and there is no one that is righteous. “There is none that does good, no not one.” Until we come to that understanding there is no salvation. But knowing allows us the power to face it, admit it, and confess it. We are wise when we stop comparing ourselves with anyone else than Jesus Christ. When we compare ourselves with others we can justify our behavior and actions. But when compared with Jesus we are unholy and full of selfishness and sin and disobedience, which requires confession.
Many have the worldview that mankind is basically good. The Scriptures teach a different view of mankind. We live in a sin filled world. In the conclusion of this week’s thoughts Solomon warns us against our tongues and our lusts.
People will be tearing others down through gossip and malice and slander. Be warned of the damage that our words can do. Christians particularly need to watch what we say. We get caught up in cursing others by tearing them down and seeking to build ourselves up in our minds and in the minds of our listeners. Be warned to not repeat gossip.
One young man said to his mother, “Mom your already telling more of the story than you heard." Recently I was in a conversation with someone who wanted to find out more details of a situation that I knew and kept coming up with alternatives as to what might have surrounded a circumstance. They wanted me to agree with them. We can make up all types of things, or admit that we don’t know.
As Solomon looked all around and investigated people he wanted to also warn folks against lusts. Look at the extreme damage pornography plays in our lives and on the internet. We warned of sexual urges and also the temptations there are widely available today. Even children’s magazines have pictures of ladies whose breasts were half showing. Many young people see nothing wrong with wearing some of the clothing that is highly sexual in nature in school, and in church. Many do not recognize how it affects young men around them. And many boys and men feed on pornography so readily available that their lusts and desires become obsessions.
If God is the Lord of your body dress as to please the Lord, not lewdly to attract those who are easily sexually tempted. Be warned that sex before marriage is common but goes against God’s laws. It is damaging in many ways to our psyche when we are in sin. People claiming to want to follow Jesus Christ are convincing themselves it is ok to live together with boy friends and girl friends. Solomon paid the consequences and his sexual desires became his spiritual downfall. Be warned of sexual immorality and be warned of lusts.
Many celebrities and people of power or influence find themselves targets of others who are attracted to them and tempt them in many ways. That is why our guard needs to be up since there will be opportunities for people wanted to lure us into sexual sins of all kind. Being a king he could have any woman he wanted and found many women wanting to lure him into his unleashed passions. That was his downfall.
Determine in your heart that you will not let the world mold you into its thinking even as Solomon was molded by his lusts and hence left the Lord. Most of Solomon's wives were foreign wives and not devoted to God lest we forget the context, he is out to prove that all people are sinners and that is true men and women alike.
This weekend try to be alert how often the temptation presents itself to talk negatively about others, and how sexual temptations try to capture your attention and thoughts.
There are many wise proverbs of Solomon. He learned wisdom the hard way, through mistakes of sin. It hurt. He wanted to warn others to stay away from sin. We can learn through the inspired word of Scripture. God has a path of righteousness and protection for us. But like Adam and Eve in the Garden that which attracts us is our downfall when we take our eyes off of Christ. Take what is real and chew on it, and spit out the air. Be wise in the Lord and in his word and in your life and in your witness. Learn the ways of wisdom through those who needed to learn the hard way.
Pastor Dale
Friday, March 27, 2009
Seeking Satisfaction Eccesiastes 6:1-12
Sermon Nuggets Mon March 23
Theme- Seeking Satisfaction
Verses: Eccl 6:1, 2 I have seen another evil under the sun, and it weighs heavily on men:
God gives a man wealth, possessions and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires, but God does not enable him to enjoy them, and a stranger enjoys them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil.
Seeking Satisfaction in Things
As we have been going through Ecclesiastes I am reminded how often Solomon addresses the emptiness of materialism. Perhaps it is for a reason, since it has such a grip on our society. We do re-evaluations of things in our lives at economic downturns like what are experiencing, or end life issues when we reflect on what is really important.
When we used to take our kids to McDonalds they always wanted the same thing. There were not so interested in the food as the prize. The prize in those colorful boxes was worth maybe 20 cents but for the moment getting it was all that mattered. McDonalds called this a Happy meal. You were not just buying hamburgers fries, and a dinosaur stamp. You were buying happiness.
When they tore into the bag and ripped open their prize the happiness didn’t last very long. It was over in a matter of seconds. I thought of suing the company for false advertising. Happiness was an illusion. Not one child says, “Remember that Happy meal? What great joy I found there.”
I did the same thing when little prizes were put in cereal boxes. I told Mom how much I loved the cereal only to leave it on the shelf after the prize was obtained.
When you get older you don't get any smarter; your Happy Meals just get more expensive. All day long the advertising industry wants to highlight discontentment and lure us into buying their product that will change our lives and bring satisfaction. TV actors smile with renewed energy after they used the product. We seldom smile.
Last week as we studied about wealth the wise King concluded it does not bring satisfaction. All that people strive to accumulate in this world will eventually be taken away. We concluded chapter 5 by reminding ourselves happiness is a gift from God. All your money as well as your ability to enjoy it is a gift from God. But in chapter 6 he reflects on five other ways people continue the treadmill of seeking satisfaction.
Solomon was in the unique possession having anything he wanted. There was nothing that his heart desired that he couldn’t get. The lure of the lottery is that one can finally be rich enough to get whatever they wanted, cars, vacations, new homes, education, sex, clothes- then they will be satisfied.
Too often self esteem is wrapped up in things. But the more things people consume the more they are dissatisfied. Until our piles grow beyond our house and we build larger storage buildings to keep it all in.
The evil, Solomon says, is when you get all the things that you thought would make you happy and they don't. Even though he was wise enough to know the Lord allowed him to have these things, satisfaction was not found in those things. God did not give him that.
"Millionaires seldom smile" said Andrew Carnegie. John D. Rockefeller said, "Great wealth is a burden destroying the real zest of life and burnishing peace from the heart." Solomon said it thousands of years before. Satisfaction is not in things.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Tues March 24, 2009
Verses- Eccl 6:3-6 A man may have a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he.
It comes without meaning, it departs in darkness, and in darkness its name is shrouded.
Though it never saw the sun or knew anything, it has more rest than does that man--even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place?
Seeking Satisfaction in Family and Retirement v.3-6
I wasn’t sure if I should highlight Retirement or Family. Prosperity seems to mean enjoying life as an older person.
When I wrote this sermon I was a younger man and enjoying my family at home. Now that I have turned a corner I think ahead of how to “finish well”. When the children leave it is an adjustment again to daily activities. Solomon had well over 100 kids. I wonder if he could keep all their names straight. But he reflects over what is must be like living 2,000 years on earth, that thought does not appeal to him. He is discovering these latter days are not that much fun. Death ends it all and at the time of burial what difference does it make how nice the casket looks or the beauty of a floral display except in the memories of the loved ones? Funerals are for the living, not for the dead. Rich and poor, family filled or by one’s self death ends all relationships and all we have is left behind. In his despairing thoughts someone never born or dying as an infant means he does not experience the pain of this fallen world.
Solomon certainly sees life from the dark side when his heart is troubled. He tells us that satisfaction is not always found in families. Family certainly is more satisfying than things. A man rich with family is blessed if there is love. But did you ever really stop to think that is a gift from God? It is not something we produce ourselves.
I feel frustrated when after all I try to do to warn Christian young people not to marry non Christians, and they still look at immediate emotional desires instead of God’s word which brings wisdom for the long view. An innocent relationship soon turns into something deeper and more involved. Faith in Jesus is the spiritual glue for bonding of hearts.
Another misconception is thinking a wife or a husband will make us fulfilled. “And they got married and lived happily ever after.” That is great for fairy tales, but all good marriages take a lot of work, patience, forgiveness, and learning to give, give and give some more. No spouse can meet all your needs. It is a wonderful thing to have a mate who helps you face the realities of work, kids, stress, tension and financial challenges. Love is an emotional support but must be based on long range commitment even when days are not so happy. Trust is earned when one proves trustworthy during the hard times as well as the fun ones.
But Solomon tried to make his family his way, not God's way and he was very unhappy. In his day the foreign nations around him showed their wealth by having lots of things, but they also showed off, by having lots of wives. So Solomon thought, “I'll show them, whose greater”, and took 1,000 wives as an object lesson to them of his extreme wealth and you can image how many children he had. He did not follow God's direction for marriage. He did not marry only one believer. He married for physical attraction; he married for sexual stimulation; he married for political alliances. He married to show his power and his greatness and found family life did not bring to him satisfaction.
I know there are many men who leave work and absolutely dread going home. There are many women who dread when their husbands come home. There are children whose worse times are when they have to be with their families.
Now let me say this. My family means more to me than anything in this world, next to Jesus Christ. There is nothing that can cause more joy but also more hurt and disappointment as one's family.
Many a young wife thinks having a baby will help regain the love of a husband, but find after a baby comes more stress is added to an unhappy relationship. As parents get older there are obligations and responsibilities that adult children take over. In-laws will also be affected with these life changes that can be draining in family relationships and resources. Love takes commitment in all stages of life.
As a couple looks forward to retirement there are unexpected events that are thrown their way. Retirement accounts are no longer there to enjoy the “good life”. Financial difficulties of adult children sometimes demand help which can drain a bank account. Many a grandparent finds the need to raise the grandchildren after they thought their child rearing days were over. There is no better robber of joy than ill health and unexpected disease. And there stark reality comes that no matter how much family means to us we must leave each and every one of them. Death comes to us all. Kids grow up and marry. Some get divorced, Some have broken relationships some move out of the area. But eventually all my family will leave me by death or I them. I cannot keep them here forever.
When we lay to rest our loved ones the greatest pain is the grief of sorrow of separation. Love is worth it. But the pain of death and adjustments will affect us all our days and the longing for heaven becomes stronger. The desires of this earth lose more of their meaning. Happiness here becomes a short lived illusion. That is why faith in an eternal God and knowing life is ours beyond the grave, give hope.
The only thing you can take to heaven with you is your children, if they know the Lord. There is a forever family that is also greater than our blood relatives. We find the rest of the story in the person of Jesus Christ. When one comes to faith in Jesus Christ life takes on a different purpose. One is part of a new family. There is a love that is beyond even family love. But outside of Jesus Christ we can say, It is better never to have been born at all than never to have been born again! Christ brings meaning to our relationships now and forever. Joy comes when He is at our center of families and prosperity.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Weds March 25, 2009
Verse- Eccl 6: All man's efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.
Seeking Satisfaction in Food
Now we come to some proverbs. We work to eat and eat to stay alive to work and the cycle continues. No matter how good or how much a meal we have, in just a short time we want to eat again. Hunger is only satisfied for a few hours at the most. We constantly need food. Satisfaction is short lived.
More times than I wish to admit I was so full I didn't want another bite. I had to take food home from restaurants. I skipped dinner because lunch was so much. But by 10 pm I was hunting around the refrigerator looking for morsels. I skipped and skimmed on some days when I knew that a pot luck is coming up or we were going out to eat, or having someone over for dessert.
I was watching the Biggest Loser program a week ago when some contestants were allowed 24 hours of luxury. They could go off their diets. But temptation was too strong. They not only ate some food they longed for they also binged in drinking and eating resulting in feelings of remorse afterwards when some gained wait and others didn’t lose anything in spite of all the work outs they did other days. The sin of gluttony is a temptation that gives in to the lusts of my stomach.
But God lets people like me discover in various degrees the consequences of thinking food will satisfy. Many who are grossly overweight eat to cover up troubles, or tension or worry or anxiety. If I have a particularly stressful day I want to eat more and reward myself with goodies that are only to be used sparingly. "I deserve it" I say to myself. I owe it to myself, I lie. Then instead of doing things according to the wisdom of my mind, one yields to gluttony.
Look at Prov 16:26 "The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on." If one is hungry he learns to work. It is a great motivation against laziness.
Now in Hebrew poetry hunger and appetite probably means the hunger of the soul which is not satisfied, which may mean that work doesn't bring satisfaction to an empty life. Hard work doesn't bring relief from depression if there are conflicts that feed the soul with discouragement.
Food does not satisfy. It is pleasurable for a time but unless there are life changes, we pay the consequences for unhealthy eating habits.
Someone asked me an interesting question. “Pastor, is it wrong to ask God to bless the meal when you know it is unhealthy junk food?” What do you think?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs March 26
Verses- Eccl 6:8,9 What advantage has a wise man over a fool? What does a poor man gain by knowing how to conduct himself before others?
9 Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
Seeking Satisfaction in Ambition v. 8 & 9
I certainly am glad I don’t have to live those teen years over again. The insecurities of self doubt, seeking acceptance by others, and wanting to be liked is seeking too often to live up to others expectations. Ambition can be good, but how often what I want is influence on what others have. How to get what I want isn’t always the best for me.
It is naïve to think those days are over when we are older. We constantly compare ourselves with others looking for acceptance, and especially self acceptance. Our ambitions motivate us to do better. Our frustrations and depression come too often by situations over which we have no control or say. Fame and popularity don’t last. Embarrassments come when we don’t think we are accepted by what we say or do or wear or how far we come to meet the expectations of others and especially our own expectations.
The Lord knew what he was doing when he gave us that 10th commandment, “Thou shall not covet.” We compare ourselves and judge ourselves by what they have, their status, their positions, and their abilities. If we are poor we dream what it would be like to be rich. We might see someone who is smart and want to be like them. We listen to someone musical and dream about those talents. If we have a small house we envy those with bigger ones. Many times our dreams make us dissatisfied with the reality.
Soren Siebold wrote this parable: The Terribly, Tragically Sad Man. I am condensing it.
"Once there was a boy who lived in a big house on a hill. One day the boy said to God, "I've been thinking and I know what I want when I become a man." "What?" asked God.
"I want to live in a big house with a porch across the front and two St. Bernards and a garden out back. I want to marry a woman who is tall and very beautiful and kind, who has long, black hair and blue eyes and who plays the guitar and sings in a clear, high voice. I want three strong sons to play football with . When they grow up, one will be a great scientist, one will be a Senator and the youngest will be a quarterback for the 49ers. I want to be an adventurer who sails vast ocean and climbs tall mountains and rescues people.
"That sounds like a nice dream" said God. "I want you to be happy."
One day playing football the boy hurt his knees; he couldn't climb tall mountains or even tall tress, must less sail vast oceans. So he studied marketing and started a medical supplies business.
He married a girl who was very beautiful and very kind who had long black hair, but she was short, not tall and had brown eyes, not blue. She couldn't play the guitar or sing. But she prepared wonderful meals and painted magnificent pictures of birds.
Because of his business, he lived in a city near the top of a tall apartment building. He didn't have room for two Saint Bernards, but he had a fluffy cat. He had three daughters, all very beautiful. The youngest, who was in a wheelchair, was the loveliest. They loved their father very much. They didn't play football with him, but sometimes they went to the park and tossed a Frisbee-except for the youngest who sat under a tree strumming her guitar and singing lovely songs.
Then one morning the man awoke and remembered his dream. "I am very sad." He said to his best friend. "Why?" asked his friend.
"Because I once dreamed of marrying a tall woman with black hair, and blue eyes who would play the guitar, and could sing. My wife can't play the guitar and sing. She has brown eyes and she's not tall. "
"Oh But your wife is beautiful and very kind," said his friend. "She creates splendid pictures and delectable food." But the man wasn't listening.
"I am very sad.” The man confessed to his wife one day. Why?
“Because I once dreamed of living in a big house with a porch and having two St Bernards and a garden out back. Instead I live in an apartment building"
"Our apartment is comfortable. We have love, laughter, paintings of birds and a fluffy cat-not to mention three beautiful girls.” But the man wasn't listening.
"I am very sad," the man said to the therapist. "Why? "
“Because I once dreamed that I would grow up to be a great adventurer. Instead I'm a bald business man with a bad knee."
"The medical supplies you sell have saved many lives”. Said the therapist, but the man wasn't listening. So his therapist charged him
$110 and sent him home.
"I am very sad" the man said to his minister. "Why?"
Because I once dreamed of having three sons, a great scientist, a politician and a quarterback; instead I have 3 daughters and the youngest can't even walk."
“But your daughters are beautiful and intelligent.” Said the minster, “They love you very much and they've all done well. One is a nurse, the other an artist, and the youngest teaches music to children." But the man wasn't listening.
He was so sad that he became very sick. He lay in a hospital room. Tubes and wires connect his body to blinking machines that he once sold to the hospital. He was terribly, tragically sad.
Then one night when everyone except the nurse had gone home. The man said to God. "Remember when I was a boy and I told you all things I wanted? "
"It was lovely dream." said God.
"Why didn't you give me those things?" asked the man.
"I could have" said God, "But I wanted to surprise you with things you didn't dream of. I suppose you've notice what I've given you; a kind beautiful wife, a good business a nice place to live, three lovely daughters, one of best packages I've put together."
"Yes interrupted the man, "But I thought you were going to give me what I really wanted."
"And I thought you were going to give me what I really wanted.” Said God."
"What did you want?" asked the man. It had never occurred to him that God was in want of anything.
"I wanted to make you happy with what I'd give you." said God.
The man thought. Then he decided to dream that he wanted most were the very things he already had.
And the man got well and lived happily on the 47th floor, enjoying his children's beautiful voices, his wife's deep brown eyes and her glorious paintings of birds."
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri March 27
Verses- Eccl 6:10-12 10 Whatever exists has already been named, and what man is has been known; no man can contend with one who is stronger than he.
11 The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?
12 For who knows what is good for a man in life, during the few and meaningless days he passes through like a shadow? Who can tell him what will happen under the sun after he is gone?
(NIV)
Seeking Satisfaction in Philosophy v. 10-12
There is value in all pursuits when one seeks meaning and satisfaction in who he is and what he does. It allows life to be examined and as the philosopher Socrates said to Plato, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” The search for meaning, some will say, is more important than the conclusion. Just to discover more of truth and expose falsehoods is of value, the philosophers will argue.
I minored in Philosophy at the University. I enjoyed listening to various arguments but I was more interested in the conclusions rather than the process of arguments. Yes, I learned the faulty reasoning when I studied logic. But I confess, I was frustrated reading volumes of writers and thinkers who were going down the wrong path. Of course, the bases of such education was there was no absolute truth. Find what people say makes sense and follow truth for you. It is all relative.
The value of it, I confess, was minimal. It did help me sort out thought process, and helped me to see how other people arrive at some conclusions in their dialogues and exploration of meaning. But since I experienced Jesus Christ and discovered truth didn't come from my conclusions but rather His revealtion, I decided to devote my life to answers, not just the questions which leave people floundering.
Solomon is wise. He brings people down the path of both experiencing life and thinking about it. As he presents the various answers to satisfaction, he reveals the inward emptiness when faced with death and no hope. If that is all there is, what is the meaning of all this endless search? Man left to himself is finite. He does not know the future, he cannot second guess God. He cannot make his life better doing things his own way.
I see a vast number of people running after meaning in man-made philosophies, spirituality, and political pursuits.
The nation is at a deadlock when various political powers are at odds to solve the world problems and financial principles that will bring us out of the economic crises. The reason they differ is their philosophy of financial recovery.
But Solomon argues that meaning for anything within ourselves is insufficient. We were made to have a relationship with God not a religion. Going through man made rituals to appease God don't work and even religion leaves us dissatisfied.
vs. 10 whatever exists has already been named. This observation tells us God is sovereign. One poet said it, "Not til the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly. Will God unroll his canvas and explain the reason why.. The dark threads are as needful in the weaver's skillful hands. As the thread of gold and scarlet in the pattern He has planned."
What is man? He is the clay. God is the potter. God is infinite; we are finite. God is all powerful; mankind is limited in strength and ability. God is faithful; we are unfaithful and inconsistent. The point is clear. (Ish 45:9-12) Clay pots don’t argue with their maker.
What about the future? Are you fearful? Who knows what the future
holds? The satisfied person is not the one who gets everything he or she wants. It is the person who has stopped wanting.
If you devote your life only to the pursuit of happiness you will be miserable; however if you devote your life to doing God's will you will find inner peace in the purpose for which He made you. The preacher reveals that satisfaction is a gift that comes by faith in Him.
The apostle Paul wrote, “I have learned the secret of being content”. It is learned behavior, an acquired skill. Satisfaction comes not in religion or philosophies of man, but in the relationship we can have with our creator. Faith points to Jesus who began his kingdom at his revelation the first time and promises that at His return it will be revealed to the entire world. That forever hope in the Almighty gives us the power to endure all things. That faith in truth from God is what allowed Abraham to be willing to offer his son Isaac. That hope allowed Paul to say while in chains, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" God allows us to hunger and thirst, to be discontented so we will be hungry enough and thirsty enough to search for one that can truly satisfy.
As we looked last week, Eccl 5:19 Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work-- this is a gift of God.”
This gift brings salvation, which we now know is by faith and trust in Jesus Christ as He was revealed to fulfill what Old Testament saints longed to understand.
Pastor Dale
Theme- Seeking Satisfaction
Verses: Eccl 6:1, 2 I have seen another evil under the sun, and it weighs heavily on men:
God gives a man wealth, possessions and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires, but God does not enable him to enjoy them, and a stranger enjoys them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil.
Seeking Satisfaction in Things
As we have been going through Ecclesiastes I am reminded how often Solomon addresses the emptiness of materialism. Perhaps it is for a reason, since it has such a grip on our society. We do re-evaluations of things in our lives at economic downturns like what are experiencing, or end life issues when we reflect on what is really important.
When we used to take our kids to McDonalds they always wanted the same thing. There were not so interested in the food as the prize. The prize in those colorful boxes was worth maybe 20 cents but for the moment getting it was all that mattered. McDonalds called this a Happy meal. You were not just buying hamburgers fries, and a dinosaur stamp. You were buying happiness.
When they tore into the bag and ripped open their prize the happiness didn’t last very long. It was over in a matter of seconds. I thought of suing the company for false advertising. Happiness was an illusion. Not one child says, “Remember that Happy meal? What great joy I found there.”
I did the same thing when little prizes were put in cereal boxes. I told Mom how much I loved the cereal only to leave it on the shelf after the prize was obtained.
When you get older you don't get any smarter; your Happy Meals just get more expensive. All day long the advertising industry wants to highlight discontentment and lure us into buying their product that will change our lives and bring satisfaction. TV actors smile with renewed energy after they used the product. We seldom smile.
Last week as we studied about wealth the wise King concluded it does not bring satisfaction. All that people strive to accumulate in this world will eventually be taken away. We concluded chapter 5 by reminding ourselves happiness is a gift from God. All your money as well as your ability to enjoy it is a gift from God. But in chapter 6 he reflects on five other ways people continue the treadmill of seeking satisfaction.
Solomon was in the unique possession having anything he wanted. There was nothing that his heart desired that he couldn’t get. The lure of the lottery is that one can finally be rich enough to get whatever they wanted, cars, vacations, new homes, education, sex, clothes- then they will be satisfied.
Too often self esteem is wrapped up in things. But the more things people consume the more they are dissatisfied. Until our piles grow beyond our house and we build larger storage buildings to keep it all in.
The evil, Solomon says, is when you get all the things that you thought would make you happy and they don't. Even though he was wise enough to know the Lord allowed him to have these things, satisfaction was not found in those things. God did not give him that.
"Millionaires seldom smile" said Andrew Carnegie. John D. Rockefeller said, "Great wealth is a burden destroying the real zest of life and burnishing peace from the heart." Solomon said it thousands of years before. Satisfaction is not in things.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Tues March 24, 2009
Verses- Eccl 6:3-6 A man may have a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he.
It comes without meaning, it departs in darkness, and in darkness its name is shrouded.
Though it never saw the sun or knew anything, it has more rest than does that man--even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place?
Seeking Satisfaction in Family and Retirement v.3-6
I wasn’t sure if I should highlight Retirement or Family. Prosperity seems to mean enjoying life as an older person.
When I wrote this sermon I was a younger man and enjoying my family at home. Now that I have turned a corner I think ahead of how to “finish well”. When the children leave it is an adjustment again to daily activities. Solomon had well over 100 kids. I wonder if he could keep all their names straight. But he reflects over what is must be like living 2,000 years on earth, that thought does not appeal to him. He is discovering these latter days are not that much fun. Death ends it all and at the time of burial what difference does it make how nice the casket looks or the beauty of a floral display except in the memories of the loved ones? Funerals are for the living, not for the dead. Rich and poor, family filled or by one’s self death ends all relationships and all we have is left behind. In his despairing thoughts someone never born or dying as an infant means he does not experience the pain of this fallen world.
Solomon certainly sees life from the dark side when his heart is troubled. He tells us that satisfaction is not always found in families. Family certainly is more satisfying than things. A man rich with family is blessed if there is love. But did you ever really stop to think that is a gift from God? It is not something we produce ourselves.
I feel frustrated when after all I try to do to warn Christian young people not to marry non Christians, and they still look at immediate emotional desires instead of God’s word which brings wisdom for the long view. An innocent relationship soon turns into something deeper and more involved. Faith in Jesus is the spiritual glue for bonding of hearts.
Another misconception is thinking a wife or a husband will make us fulfilled. “And they got married and lived happily ever after.” That is great for fairy tales, but all good marriages take a lot of work, patience, forgiveness, and learning to give, give and give some more. No spouse can meet all your needs. It is a wonderful thing to have a mate who helps you face the realities of work, kids, stress, tension and financial challenges. Love is an emotional support but must be based on long range commitment even when days are not so happy. Trust is earned when one proves trustworthy during the hard times as well as the fun ones.
But Solomon tried to make his family his way, not God's way and he was very unhappy. In his day the foreign nations around him showed their wealth by having lots of things, but they also showed off, by having lots of wives. So Solomon thought, “I'll show them, whose greater”, and took 1,000 wives as an object lesson to them of his extreme wealth and you can image how many children he had. He did not follow God's direction for marriage. He did not marry only one believer. He married for physical attraction; he married for sexual stimulation; he married for political alliances. He married to show his power and his greatness and found family life did not bring to him satisfaction.
I know there are many men who leave work and absolutely dread going home. There are many women who dread when their husbands come home. There are children whose worse times are when they have to be with their families.
Now let me say this. My family means more to me than anything in this world, next to Jesus Christ. There is nothing that can cause more joy but also more hurt and disappointment as one's family.
Many a young wife thinks having a baby will help regain the love of a husband, but find after a baby comes more stress is added to an unhappy relationship. As parents get older there are obligations and responsibilities that adult children take over. In-laws will also be affected with these life changes that can be draining in family relationships and resources. Love takes commitment in all stages of life.
As a couple looks forward to retirement there are unexpected events that are thrown their way. Retirement accounts are no longer there to enjoy the “good life”. Financial difficulties of adult children sometimes demand help which can drain a bank account. Many a grandparent finds the need to raise the grandchildren after they thought their child rearing days were over. There is no better robber of joy than ill health and unexpected disease. And there stark reality comes that no matter how much family means to us we must leave each and every one of them. Death comes to us all. Kids grow up and marry. Some get divorced, Some have broken relationships some move out of the area. But eventually all my family will leave me by death or I them. I cannot keep them here forever.
When we lay to rest our loved ones the greatest pain is the grief of sorrow of separation. Love is worth it. But the pain of death and adjustments will affect us all our days and the longing for heaven becomes stronger. The desires of this earth lose more of their meaning. Happiness here becomes a short lived illusion. That is why faith in an eternal God and knowing life is ours beyond the grave, give hope.
The only thing you can take to heaven with you is your children, if they know the Lord. There is a forever family that is also greater than our blood relatives. We find the rest of the story in the person of Jesus Christ. When one comes to faith in Jesus Christ life takes on a different purpose. One is part of a new family. There is a love that is beyond even family love. But outside of Jesus Christ we can say, It is better never to have been born at all than never to have been born again! Christ brings meaning to our relationships now and forever. Joy comes when He is at our center of families and prosperity.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Weds March 25, 2009
Verse- Eccl 6: All man's efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.
Seeking Satisfaction in Food
Now we come to some proverbs. We work to eat and eat to stay alive to work and the cycle continues. No matter how good or how much a meal we have, in just a short time we want to eat again. Hunger is only satisfied for a few hours at the most. We constantly need food. Satisfaction is short lived.
More times than I wish to admit I was so full I didn't want another bite. I had to take food home from restaurants. I skipped dinner because lunch was so much. But by 10 pm I was hunting around the refrigerator looking for morsels. I skipped and skimmed on some days when I knew that a pot luck is coming up or we were going out to eat, or having someone over for dessert.
I was watching the Biggest Loser program a week ago when some contestants were allowed 24 hours of luxury. They could go off their diets. But temptation was too strong. They not only ate some food they longed for they also binged in drinking and eating resulting in feelings of remorse afterwards when some gained wait and others didn’t lose anything in spite of all the work outs they did other days. The sin of gluttony is a temptation that gives in to the lusts of my stomach.
But God lets people like me discover in various degrees the consequences of thinking food will satisfy. Many who are grossly overweight eat to cover up troubles, or tension or worry or anxiety. If I have a particularly stressful day I want to eat more and reward myself with goodies that are only to be used sparingly. "I deserve it" I say to myself. I owe it to myself, I lie. Then instead of doing things according to the wisdom of my mind, one yields to gluttony.
Look at Prov 16:26 "The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on." If one is hungry he learns to work. It is a great motivation against laziness.
Now in Hebrew poetry hunger and appetite probably means the hunger of the soul which is not satisfied, which may mean that work doesn't bring satisfaction to an empty life. Hard work doesn't bring relief from depression if there are conflicts that feed the soul with discouragement.
Food does not satisfy. It is pleasurable for a time but unless there are life changes, we pay the consequences for unhealthy eating habits.
Someone asked me an interesting question. “Pastor, is it wrong to ask God to bless the meal when you know it is unhealthy junk food?” What do you think?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs March 26
Verses- Eccl 6:8,9 What advantage has a wise man over a fool? What does a poor man gain by knowing how to conduct himself before others?
9 Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
Seeking Satisfaction in Ambition v. 8 & 9
I certainly am glad I don’t have to live those teen years over again. The insecurities of self doubt, seeking acceptance by others, and wanting to be liked is seeking too often to live up to others expectations. Ambition can be good, but how often what I want is influence on what others have. How to get what I want isn’t always the best for me.
It is naïve to think those days are over when we are older. We constantly compare ourselves with others looking for acceptance, and especially self acceptance. Our ambitions motivate us to do better. Our frustrations and depression come too often by situations over which we have no control or say. Fame and popularity don’t last. Embarrassments come when we don’t think we are accepted by what we say or do or wear or how far we come to meet the expectations of others and especially our own expectations.
The Lord knew what he was doing when he gave us that 10th commandment, “Thou shall not covet.” We compare ourselves and judge ourselves by what they have, their status, their positions, and their abilities. If we are poor we dream what it would be like to be rich. We might see someone who is smart and want to be like them. We listen to someone musical and dream about those talents. If we have a small house we envy those with bigger ones. Many times our dreams make us dissatisfied with the reality.
Soren Siebold wrote this parable: The Terribly, Tragically Sad Man. I am condensing it.
"Once there was a boy who lived in a big house on a hill. One day the boy said to God, "I've been thinking and I know what I want when I become a man." "What?" asked God.
"I want to live in a big house with a porch across the front and two St. Bernards and a garden out back. I want to marry a woman who is tall and very beautiful and kind, who has long, black hair and blue eyes and who plays the guitar and sings in a clear, high voice. I want three strong sons to play football with . When they grow up, one will be a great scientist, one will be a Senator and the youngest will be a quarterback for the 49ers. I want to be an adventurer who sails vast ocean and climbs tall mountains and rescues people.
"That sounds like a nice dream" said God. "I want you to be happy."
One day playing football the boy hurt his knees; he couldn't climb tall mountains or even tall tress, must less sail vast oceans. So he studied marketing and started a medical supplies business.
He married a girl who was very beautiful and very kind who had long black hair, but she was short, not tall and had brown eyes, not blue. She couldn't play the guitar or sing. But she prepared wonderful meals and painted magnificent pictures of birds.
Because of his business, he lived in a city near the top of a tall apartment building. He didn't have room for two Saint Bernards, but he had a fluffy cat. He had three daughters, all very beautiful. The youngest, who was in a wheelchair, was the loveliest. They loved their father very much. They didn't play football with him, but sometimes they went to the park and tossed a Frisbee-except for the youngest who sat under a tree strumming her guitar and singing lovely songs.
Then one morning the man awoke and remembered his dream. "I am very sad." He said to his best friend. "Why?" asked his friend.
"Because I once dreamed of marrying a tall woman with black hair, and blue eyes who would play the guitar, and could sing. My wife can't play the guitar and sing. She has brown eyes and she's not tall. "
"Oh But your wife is beautiful and very kind," said his friend. "She creates splendid pictures and delectable food." But the man wasn't listening.
"I am very sad.” The man confessed to his wife one day. Why?
“Because I once dreamed of living in a big house with a porch and having two St Bernards and a garden out back. Instead I live in an apartment building"
"Our apartment is comfortable. We have love, laughter, paintings of birds and a fluffy cat-not to mention three beautiful girls.” But the man wasn't listening.
"I am very sad," the man said to the therapist. "Why? "
“Because I once dreamed that I would grow up to be a great adventurer. Instead I'm a bald business man with a bad knee."
"The medical supplies you sell have saved many lives”. Said the therapist, but the man wasn't listening. So his therapist charged him
$110 and sent him home.
"I am very sad" the man said to his minister. "Why?"
Because I once dreamed of having three sons, a great scientist, a politician and a quarterback; instead I have 3 daughters and the youngest can't even walk."
“But your daughters are beautiful and intelligent.” Said the minster, “They love you very much and they've all done well. One is a nurse, the other an artist, and the youngest teaches music to children." But the man wasn't listening.
He was so sad that he became very sick. He lay in a hospital room. Tubes and wires connect his body to blinking machines that he once sold to the hospital. He was terribly, tragically sad.
Then one night when everyone except the nurse had gone home. The man said to God. "Remember when I was a boy and I told you all things I wanted? "
"It was lovely dream." said God.
"Why didn't you give me those things?" asked the man.
"I could have" said God, "But I wanted to surprise you with things you didn't dream of. I suppose you've notice what I've given you; a kind beautiful wife, a good business a nice place to live, three lovely daughters, one of best packages I've put together."
"Yes interrupted the man, "But I thought you were going to give me what I really wanted."
"And I thought you were going to give me what I really wanted.” Said God."
"What did you want?" asked the man. It had never occurred to him that God was in want of anything.
"I wanted to make you happy with what I'd give you." said God.
The man thought. Then he decided to dream that he wanted most were the very things he already had.
And the man got well and lived happily on the 47th floor, enjoying his children's beautiful voices, his wife's deep brown eyes and her glorious paintings of birds."
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri March 27
Verses- Eccl 6:10-12 10 Whatever exists has already been named, and what man is has been known; no man can contend with one who is stronger than he.
11 The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?
12 For who knows what is good for a man in life, during the few and meaningless days he passes through like a shadow? Who can tell him what will happen under the sun after he is gone?
(NIV)
Seeking Satisfaction in Philosophy v. 10-12
There is value in all pursuits when one seeks meaning and satisfaction in who he is and what he does. It allows life to be examined and as the philosopher Socrates said to Plato, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” The search for meaning, some will say, is more important than the conclusion. Just to discover more of truth and expose falsehoods is of value, the philosophers will argue.
I minored in Philosophy at the University. I enjoyed listening to various arguments but I was more interested in the conclusions rather than the process of arguments. Yes, I learned the faulty reasoning when I studied logic. But I confess, I was frustrated reading volumes of writers and thinkers who were going down the wrong path. Of course, the bases of such education was there was no absolute truth. Find what people say makes sense and follow truth for you. It is all relative.
The value of it, I confess, was minimal. It did help me sort out thought process, and helped me to see how other people arrive at some conclusions in their dialogues and exploration of meaning. But since I experienced Jesus Christ and discovered truth didn't come from my conclusions but rather His revealtion, I decided to devote my life to answers, not just the questions which leave people floundering.
Solomon is wise. He brings people down the path of both experiencing life and thinking about it. As he presents the various answers to satisfaction, he reveals the inward emptiness when faced with death and no hope. If that is all there is, what is the meaning of all this endless search? Man left to himself is finite. He does not know the future, he cannot second guess God. He cannot make his life better doing things his own way.
I see a vast number of people running after meaning in man-made philosophies, spirituality, and political pursuits.
The nation is at a deadlock when various political powers are at odds to solve the world problems and financial principles that will bring us out of the economic crises. The reason they differ is their philosophy of financial recovery.
But Solomon argues that meaning for anything within ourselves is insufficient. We were made to have a relationship with God not a religion. Going through man made rituals to appease God don't work and even religion leaves us dissatisfied.
vs. 10 whatever exists has already been named. This observation tells us God is sovereign. One poet said it, "Not til the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly. Will God unroll his canvas and explain the reason why.. The dark threads are as needful in the weaver's skillful hands. As the thread of gold and scarlet in the pattern He has planned."
What is man? He is the clay. God is the potter. God is infinite; we are finite. God is all powerful; mankind is limited in strength and ability. God is faithful; we are unfaithful and inconsistent. The point is clear. (Ish 45:9-12) Clay pots don’t argue with their maker.
What about the future? Are you fearful? Who knows what the future
holds? The satisfied person is not the one who gets everything he or she wants. It is the person who has stopped wanting.
If you devote your life only to the pursuit of happiness you will be miserable; however if you devote your life to doing God's will you will find inner peace in the purpose for which He made you. The preacher reveals that satisfaction is a gift that comes by faith in Him.
The apostle Paul wrote, “I have learned the secret of being content”. It is learned behavior, an acquired skill. Satisfaction comes not in religion or philosophies of man, but in the relationship we can have with our creator. Faith points to Jesus who began his kingdom at his revelation the first time and promises that at His return it will be revealed to the entire world. That forever hope in the Almighty gives us the power to endure all things. That faith in truth from God is what allowed Abraham to be willing to offer his son Isaac. That hope allowed Paul to say while in chains, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" God allows us to hunger and thirst, to be discontented so we will be hungry enough and thirsty enough to search for one that can truly satisfy.
As we looked last week, Eccl 5:19 Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work-- this is a gift of God.”
This gift brings salvation, which we now know is by faith and trust in Jesus Christ as He was revealed to fulfill what Old Testament saints longed to understand.
Pastor Dale
Friday, March 20, 2009
Dangers of Wealth Ecclesiastes 5:8-20
Sermon Nuggets Mon March 16, 2009
Theme-Dangers of Wealth
Verses- Read Ecclesiastes 5:8-20
Dangers of Wealth
In a Prayer book by Michel Quoist he reveals use and abuses of money. He looks at a $20.00 bill and prays "Lord, This bill frightens me. You know its secrets, you know its history. It scares me, for it cannot speak.
It will never tell all it hides in its creases. It will never reveal all the struggles and efforts it represents, all the disillusionment and slighted dignity. It is stained with sweat and blood. It is laden with all the weight of the human toil which makes its worth. It fills me with awe, it frightens me. For it has death on its conscience.
All the poor fellows who killed themselves for it, to possess it for a few hours, to have through it a little pleasure, a little joy, a little life. Through how many hands has it passed, Lord? And what has it done in the course of its long, silent journeys?
It has offered white roses to the radiant fiancée. It has paid for the birthday party and fed the rosy-cheeked baby. It has provided bread for the family table. Because of it there was laughing among the young and the joy among the leaders. It has paid for the saving visit of the doctor, it has bought the book that taught the youngster, It has clothed the young girl.
But it has sent the letter of breaking the engagement, it has paid for the death of the baby in its mother's womb, It has bough the liquor that made the drunkard, It has produced the movie unfit for children, and has recorded the indecent song. It has broken the morals of the adolescent and made the adult a thief. It has bought for a few hours the body of a woman. It has paid for the weapons of the crime and for the wood of the coffin.
O Lord, I offer you this bill with its joyous mysteries, its sorrowful mysteries. It can serve or destroy man. I thank you for all the life and joy it has given. I ask you forgiveness for the harm it has done. But above all, Lord, I offer it to you as a symbol of all the labors of men indestructible money, which tomorrow will be changed into your eternal life."
We get a realistic picture of the problems of our riches from the richest man in the world. Solomon probably got in our standards $30 million a year. So when Solomon speaks we should listen. There are some important considerations regarding money.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues March 17
Verses- Eccl 5:8-12
8 If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still.
9 The increase from the land is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields.
Danger of Wealth can be Desires- Dissatisfaction
Discrimination
History shows that people in power too often abuse and mistreat or ignore others. Unfortunately, money is a discerner of persons. Those with money tend to have power and the danger is discrimination is against those who do not.
Jesus was discriminated against because he was only the son of a carpenter and not of the more privileged class. Jesus was oppressed, abused by the powerful leaders of his day who tried to kill Him because of the threat of His teaching, and the increase of His followers. But Jesus was the ultimate victor by rising again from the dead and promised to come again to take with him all those who believe in Him. Are you ready for his second coming? If He were to come today do you have confidence that you will be taken with him? You can have that assurance you know.
But from these verses we also see that wealth has been the means for
discrimination. Justice is for the wealthy for the poor cannot afford a competent lawyer. Influence happens when people have money.
In the musical drama, Fiddler on the Roof, the main character, Tevye asks God to make him a rich man. He said openly that there is no dishonor to be poor, but it is no great honor either. He dreams of what it would be like to follow the ways of a rich man. He will get respect, and be a man of influence. He would impress his neighbors by building a big house and staircases that don't go anywhere, but just for show. People will come to him and ask his opinions on all matters..why? Because he is a wealthy man.
Notice if you are a poor man people are not interested in your opinions. You do to have prestige in the community. There is discrimination. You are given the feeling of not being important.
Wealth discriminates when it comes to justice, it discriminates when it comes to elections, it discriminates when it comes to pleasures.
The Bible tells us to be people who speak up for the rights of the oppressed, and to stand in seeking justice for the poor. We are given resource by God in part to assist those who have needs. To feed, to clothe, to help, to provide health service, and assist in emergencies, and to carry out the works of Jesus Christ. Prov 19:17 "He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord and he will reward him for what he has done." God has a heart for the oppressed and poor, and wants his people to as well. He will reward us for kindnesses done in his name.
Prov. 22:22,23 "Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them."
Beware of your wealth that it not be used to discriminate against those who do not have it. Be careful of your attitudes toward those who do not have money, lest you and I be guilty of judging people in ways that God says is sin. Be alert that if you have been given more resources that needed to meet your needs God wants you to share some of it so others can be helped. For man desires to discriminate based on people's possession.
If God gives you blessings, on not another, what should your attitude be? If he gives you material gifts in order to serve Him, care for needs and help others how should that change your opinions regarding wealth?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds March 18, 2009
Verses – Eccl 5: 10-12 Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.
11 As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them?
12 The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep.
Deception
If you were given today $5,000 what would you do with it? What would make you happier?
Another danger of wealth that Solomon experiences is the promise of something it does not produce. The lure of money is deceiving. People desire money for they believe it will bring happiness. But it does not.
There is something within us that tells us whatever we have, we want more. Money promises satisfaction, but never produces it. Few people are actually satisfied with what they have. Who among us can say, I need an want no more? Is not there another item, another goal, another purchase that we have set our attention on?
As soon as we acquire what we desired, the desire is not satisfied, we want something else. Wants are like that. Someone asked that proverbial question, “who is wealthier the man with a million dollars or the man with 10 children?” The answer is the man with 10 children because he doesn't want any more.
Let’s be realistic that for most, whatever you have, you spend. Those who have grey hairs usually are the ones who can tell you that happiness is not found in the acquiring of many goods. Some of the most unhappy people are millionaires.
Churches have risen to attract people with the desire to get richer by Biblical principles. Those attracted will be deceived. If we follow the biblical principles we may or may not become wealthy. It is a perversion of Bible teaching that makes the Bible focus on material wealth. There is a great amount of smoothing phrases and the misuse of Bible verses out of context that entices people who are automatically wanting to having a better lifestyle attracted.
"God doesn't want the devils people to have all the diamonds. He made them for his children to enjoy." Sounds great doesn't it? Now what is the attraction? God or diamonds? Zig Zigler preached God owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He's a wealthy God and we are his heirs. Zigler teaches that Humility in the area of finances is “stinkin thinking.” Through the power of positive thinking God will make you wealthy if you only believe." It is heresy when people make God a means to achieve greater financial end, instead of the end Himself. It is a false teaching that motivates you to give money into the offering plate thinking that by giving you will get richer. You have given for the wrong reasons. If you give out of your desire and love for God and for the needs of carrying on his work and witness. If you give to help those in need. If you give because you want to give of yourself in this way in your honor to God without expectations of material return that is what the Bible teaches. God gives out of grace not out of our schemes of manipulating Him.
If you had the option of having God give you the joy of his daily fellowship of the blessing of money which would you chose? Think about that. That answer may explain why there are so many miserable Christians today. If God meant for his people to be wealthy in this world's goods then why was Jesus poor, and didn't have a place to lay his head? Why did he borrow coins, and tell the rich young ruler to give all his money away and follow Jesus? Why did Peter and John tell the crippled man, "Silver and gold we have none, but such as we have you give you. In the name of Jesus Christ, stand up and walk."
Solomon says that the sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but he abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep" (vs. 12) There have been studies on insomnia and there is a correlation between sleep patterns of people compared to their income.
Those who work and don't have responsibilities of running businesses as employers sleep better. Those who are responsible for the larger corporations have increased sleeping and eating problems than those employed by them.
Solomon tells us to guard your desires. There is a danger of deception when what we have doesn’t produce what we really need.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nugget Thurs March 19, 2009
Verses Eccl 5:13 I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when he has a son there is nothing left for him.
Naked a man comes from his mother's womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand.
This too is a grievous evil: As a man comes, so he departs, and what does he gain, since he toils for the wind?
All his days he eats in darkness, with great frustration, affliction and anger.
Destruction
The parable of the wise and foolish man illustrates the danger of wealth. IT is a foundation that is sand. It will leave us as many are discovering in these hard economic times. When our foundation is on money, jobs, health, family we are destroyed when they are taken from us. When it is on Jesus Christ and things of heaven faith is following the Lord whose dividends will never fade.
There is great disaster when people lose what they have obtained and accumulated. There is a Biblical principle that is so obvious but so ignored. Let me remind you- You cannot take it with you. Everything you have on this earth will be taken from you eventually. Sooner or later you are going to lose it all. Why don't we live that way?
Maybe it's because we think we will acquire as much as we possibly can to enjoy what we can until we lose it.
Why do so many people have personal economic disaster? Solomon who is many times a millionaire knows that answer. Part of the answer is discontent. People want more than what they can afford, and their lives are centered around what they possess instead of Who possesses them.
We are witnessing the devastation of foreclosures when loans were given to people who could not afford them. Banks and mortgage agencies are experiencing great losses. Devaluation of homes make those investments pummel. Material things will not sell. People seek elevated lifestyles beyond their income. They accumulate debt early. Many young couples today feel pressure to live at the level of their parents, not realizing that it took their parents 30 or 40 years of work to reach that level.
Consumer debt in our economy is a vicious cycle. To avoid that trap we must commit to living within our incomes throughout our whole lives so that becomes a life pattern.
If we look beyond overspending to the root cause, we often find a low self-esteem or a need for significance or approval. There really is an emotional disaster inside and the finances become a symptom of the real problem. When people lose it all there is nothing for which to fall back on and there is emotional devastation.
My wife's grandfather was believed to commit suicide because he lost money in the stock market crash. Possessions become so much a part of self esteem that life loses it's meaning when it is gone. Self worth found in dollars is lost when the dollars are gone.
Solomon also sees situations beyond a person’s greed that will cause them financial disaster. It may be no problem of their own. It can be a loss of income from a lost job, it might be a thief or a robber, it can be the stock market crash, it might be flooding of farmland, it can be the misfortune of a customer or client that does not pay off their debt causes the company to go bankrupt. Some are left penniless today because of war, or fire, or other disasters.
Many are devastated financially, but more than that. Their hope is in their possession and without their possessions and wealth they are lost and in despair. Friend whatever the cause of the loss, money will never last.
When Jesus said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to get to heaven, he was trying to shock his listeners into an understanding of the damage that wealth causes spiritually. There are people who cheat, steal, and murder for money. There are people who abuse the rights of workers, fudge on the quality of products they are selling, or the bribes, and misrepresentations of goods for the sake of profit all to no avail for the Lord cannot be tolerant of the ways we make money at others expenses.
The disaster is when the God of gold damns our souls to hell for we have sought foundations of life in ways of the world and wealth and not Christ.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri March 20
Verses- Eccl.5: 18 Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him-- for this is his lot.
19 Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work-- this is a gift of God.
20 He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.
Discontent
Another danger of wealth is discontent. We already discussed discrimination, deception, and destruction. Solomon sought contentment in worldly things and was disappointed. Whatever diversion it allowed passed to an unsettled mind and heart. He tells his subject that contentment is found in wealth that is beyond riches and gold. The focus of real wealth is found in faith in God's provisions. Can a person find satisfaction when his needs are met?
I was visiting with a lady who was shut-in and asked her how she was doing. She looked at me and smiled. "Great, I was able to get up today and dress myself. I have something to eat, and a bed to sleep in." We chuckled.
But that statement caused me to think of my feeble complaints. I was frustrated with my schedule of uncompleted tasks. I was grumpy for not having enough money to purchase a vehicle I couldn’t afford. I was complaining about the weather. I realized after my conversation with the lady that I never once looked at what I had, only what I wanted that I didn't have. I was grumpy. She was happy. I had more than she, but she had more than me. She had contentment. I had discontentment because things could be better.
I never thanked God for a good nights sleep. Yet I slept well. I never thanked God for having a bed, or roof or able to get out of bed that morning. She seemed grateful for what I took for granted. It caused me to reflect on where wealth lies?
Solomon knew joy, not in things, but in the grace of God. All that we have is from God. It is not ours anyway. Our job, our talents, our abilities, our homes, our children are gifts. If we make them the end of our desires we are people without satisfaction.
If we see our job as a gift from God which has both practical and spiritual purpose it too takes on more significance. We don't have to worry about our life when we are in His will. We don't have to compete with others over what we purchase. We don't have to scurry around impressing people but have the gladness of heart in a right relationship with God and joyful with what he provides. If you love the Lord you'll enjoy your day, because God is the source of our pleasure. He is the source of our wealth. If we are diluted in thinking we have made our own money and we have earned our own riches then we have bankrupted the spiritual lesson of joy. We think we deserve it, when it is really an act of God's grace. We become prideful instead of thankful.
Some accept jobs because it provides more money, but with the added responsibility and prestige there is more stress. With less time at home family matters suffer. One soon thinks they become self made individuals instead of realizing the truth of Phil 4:19 Only our heavenly Father will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
God uses our financial resources to teach us how to depend on Him for our true necessities.
Many people are shaped by the consumer culture rather than the economics of Christ. They still feel if you earned it you deserve it. They have taken in by the half truth that says we glorify God with our money by enjoying thankfully all the luxuries He enables us to buy. The true half is this- We should give thanks for every good thing God gives us.
That does glorify Him. The evidence that many of our people are not rich toward God is how little they give to God and how much they own. Over the years God has prospered us. Yet it becomes an irresistible law of the consumer to have bought bigger and better things.
The New Testament tells us to be content with what you have. The wealthy especially need the warning not to set their hopes on uncertain riches but on God (I Tim 6:17).
What is the promise of delight? It is to see what greater joy there is in the fellowship with the Lord and in service for Him. "O taste and see that the Lord is good! Happy is the man who takes refuge in him" If Christians can experience times of real fellowship with the Lord in genuine worship and prayer they will clearly see the great joy the comes from God Himself, joy and blessing far surpassing anything that could be purchased with money. The delight is in the giver of all good gifts, and the focus on the giver not the gift.
Make your investments not for the few years to come, but for eternity which is forever. Delight yourself in the Lord, then He will give you the desires of your heart. Then you will find that which is missed by those who think they have everything, but have missed everything. Then you will know God and His pleasure evermore. Contentment comes from within, not from what is on the outside. It comes from above, not in things below.
Pastor Dale
Theme-Dangers of Wealth
Verses- Read Ecclesiastes 5:8-20
Dangers of Wealth
In a Prayer book by Michel Quoist he reveals use and abuses of money. He looks at a $20.00 bill and prays "Lord, This bill frightens me. You know its secrets, you know its history. It scares me, for it cannot speak.
It will never tell all it hides in its creases. It will never reveal all the struggles and efforts it represents, all the disillusionment and slighted dignity. It is stained with sweat and blood. It is laden with all the weight of the human toil which makes its worth. It fills me with awe, it frightens me. For it has death on its conscience.
All the poor fellows who killed themselves for it, to possess it for a few hours, to have through it a little pleasure, a little joy, a little life. Through how many hands has it passed, Lord? And what has it done in the course of its long, silent journeys?
It has offered white roses to the radiant fiancée. It has paid for the birthday party and fed the rosy-cheeked baby. It has provided bread for the family table. Because of it there was laughing among the young and the joy among the leaders. It has paid for the saving visit of the doctor, it has bought the book that taught the youngster, It has clothed the young girl.
But it has sent the letter of breaking the engagement, it has paid for the death of the baby in its mother's womb, It has bough the liquor that made the drunkard, It has produced the movie unfit for children, and has recorded the indecent song. It has broken the morals of the adolescent and made the adult a thief. It has bought for a few hours the body of a woman. It has paid for the weapons of the crime and for the wood of the coffin.
O Lord, I offer you this bill with its joyous mysteries, its sorrowful mysteries. It can serve or destroy man. I thank you for all the life and joy it has given. I ask you forgiveness for the harm it has done. But above all, Lord, I offer it to you as a symbol of all the labors of men indestructible money, which tomorrow will be changed into your eternal life."
We get a realistic picture of the problems of our riches from the richest man in the world. Solomon probably got in our standards $30 million a year. So when Solomon speaks we should listen. There are some important considerations regarding money.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues March 17
Verses- Eccl 5:8-12
8 If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still.
9 The increase from the land is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields.
Danger of Wealth can be Desires- Dissatisfaction
Discrimination
History shows that people in power too often abuse and mistreat or ignore others. Unfortunately, money is a discerner of persons. Those with money tend to have power and the danger is discrimination is against those who do not.
Jesus was discriminated against because he was only the son of a carpenter and not of the more privileged class. Jesus was oppressed, abused by the powerful leaders of his day who tried to kill Him because of the threat of His teaching, and the increase of His followers. But Jesus was the ultimate victor by rising again from the dead and promised to come again to take with him all those who believe in Him. Are you ready for his second coming? If He were to come today do you have confidence that you will be taken with him? You can have that assurance you know.
But from these verses we also see that wealth has been the means for
discrimination. Justice is for the wealthy for the poor cannot afford a competent lawyer. Influence happens when people have money.
In the musical drama, Fiddler on the Roof, the main character, Tevye asks God to make him a rich man. He said openly that there is no dishonor to be poor, but it is no great honor either. He dreams of what it would be like to follow the ways of a rich man. He will get respect, and be a man of influence. He would impress his neighbors by building a big house and staircases that don't go anywhere, but just for show. People will come to him and ask his opinions on all matters..why? Because he is a wealthy man.
Notice if you are a poor man people are not interested in your opinions. You do to have prestige in the community. There is discrimination. You are given the feeling of not being important.
Wealth discriminates when it comes to justice, it discriminates when it comes to elections, it discriminates when it comes to pleasures.
The Bible tells us to be people who speak up for the rights of the oppressed, and to stand in seeking justice for the poor. We are given resource by God in part to assist those who have needs. To feed, to clothe, to help, to provide health service, and assist in emergencies, and to carry out the works of Jesus Christ. Prov 19:17 "He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord and he will reward him for what he has done." God has a heart for the oppressed and poor, and wants his people to as well. He will reward us for kindnesses done in his name.
Prov. 22:22,23 "Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them."
Beware of your wealth that it not be used to discriminate against those who do not have it. Be careful of your attitudes toward those who do not have money, lest you and I be guilty of judging people in ways that God says is sin. Be alert that if you have been given more resources that needed to meet your needs God wants you to share some of it so others can be helped. For man desires to discriminate based on people's possession.
If God gives you blessings, on not another, what should your attitude be? If he gives you material gifts in order to serve Him, care for needs and help others how should that change your opinions regarding wealth?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds March 18, 2009
Verses – Eccl 5: 10-12 Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.
11 As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them?
12 The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep.
Deception
If you were given today $5,000 what would you do with it? What would make you happier?
Another danger of wealth that Solomon experiences is the promise of something it does not produce. The lure of money is deceiving. People desire money for they believe it will bring happiness. But it does not.
There is something within us that tells us whatever we have, we want more. Money promises satisfaction, but never produces it. Few people are actually satisfied with what they have. Who among us can say, I need an want no more? Is not there another item, another goal, another purchase that we have set our attention on?
As soon as we acquire what we desired, the desire is not satisfied, we want something else. Wants are like that. Someone asked that proverbial question, “who is wealthier the man with a million dollars or the man with 10 children?” The answer is the man with 10 children because he doesn't want any more.
Let’s be realistic that for most, whatever you have, you spend. Those who have grey hairs usually are the ones who can tell you that happiness is not found in the acquiring of many goods. Some of the most unhappy people are millionaires.
Churches have risen to attract people with the desire to get richer by Biblical principles. Those attracted will be deceived. If we follow the biblical principles we may or may not become wealthy. It is a perversion of Bible teaching that makes the Bible focus on material wealth. There is a great amount of smoothing phrases and the misuse of Bible verses out of context that entices people who are automatically wanting to having a better lifestyle attracted.
"God doesn't want the devils people to have all the diamonds. He made them for his children to enjoy." Sounds great doesn't it? Now what is the attraction? God or diamonds? Zig Zigler preached God owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He's a wealthy God and we are his heirs. Zigler teaches that Humility in the area of finances is “stinkin thinking.” Through the power of positive thinking God will make you wealthy if you only believe." It is heresy when people make God a means to achieve greater financial end, instead of the end Himself. It is a false teaching that motivates you to give money into the offering plate thinking that by giving you will get richer. You have given for the wrong reasons. If you give out of your desire and love for God and for the needs of carrying on his work and witness. If you give to help those in need. If you give because you want to give of yourself in this way in your honor to God without expectations of material return that is what the Bible teaches. God gives out of grace not out of our schemes of manipulating Him.
If you had the option of having God give you the joy of his daily fellowship of the blessing of money which would you chose? Think about that. That answer may explain why there are so many miserable Christians today. If God meant for his people to be wealthy in this world's goods then why was Jesus poor, and didn't have a place to lay his head? Why did he borrow coins, and tell the rich young ruler to give all his money away and follow Jesus? Why did Peter and John tell the crippled man, "Silver and gold we have none, but such as we have you give you. In the name of Jesus Christ, stand up and walk."
Solomon says that the sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but he abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep" (vs. 12) There have been studies on insomnia and there is a correlation between sleep patterns of people compared to their income.
Those who work and don't have responsibilities of running businesses as employers sleep better. Those who are responsible for the larger corporations have increased sleeping and eating problems than those employed by them.
Solomon tells us to guard your desires. There is a danger of deception when what we have doesn’t produce what we really need.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nugget Thurs March 19, 2009
Verses Eccl 5:13 I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when he has a son there is nothing left for him.
Naked a man comes from his mother's womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand.
This too is a grievous evil: As a man comes, so he departs, and what does he gain, since he toils for the wind?
All his days he eats in darkness, with great frustration, affliction and anger.
Destruction
The parable of the wise and foolish man illustrates the danger of wealth. IT is a foundation that is sand. It will leave us as many are discovering in these hard economic times. When our foundation is on money, jobs, health, family we are destroyed when they are taken from us. When it is on Jesus Christ and things of heaven faith is following the Lord whose dividends will never fade.
There is great disaster when people lose what they have obtained and accumulated. There is a Biblical principle that is so obvious but so ignored. Let me remind you- You cannot take it with you. Everything you have on this earth will be taken from you eventually. Sooner or later you are going to lose it all. Why don't we live that way?
Maybe it's because we think we will acquire as much as we possibly can to enjoy what we can until we lose it.
Why do so many people have personal economic disaster? Solomon who is many times a millionaire knows that answer. Part of the answer is discontent. People want more than what they can afford, and their lives are centered around what they possess instead of Who possesses them.
We are witnessing the devastation of foreclosures when loans were given to people who could not afford them. Banks and mortgage agencies are experiencing great losses. Devaluation of homes make those investments pummel. Material things will not sell. People seek elevated lifestyles beyond their income. They accumulate debt early. Many young couples today feel pressure to live at the level of their parents, not realizing that it took their parents 30 or 40 years of work to reach that level.
Consumer debt in our economy is a vicious cycle. To avoid that trap we must commit to living within our incomes throughout our whole lives so that becomes a life pattern.
If we look beyond overspending to the root cause, we often find a low self-esteem or a need for significance or approval. There really is an emotional disaster inside and the finances become a symptom of the real problem. When people lose it all there is nothing for which to fall back on and there is emotional devastation.
My wife's grandfather was believed to commit suicide because he lost money in the stock market crash. Possessions become so much a part of self esteem that life loses it's meaning when it is gone. Self worth found in dollars is lost when the dollars are gone.
Solomon also sees situations beyond a person’s greed that will cause them financial disaster. It may be no problem of their own. It can be a loss of income from a lost job, it might be a thief or a robber, it can be the stock market crash, it might be flooding of farmland, it can be the misfortune of a customer or client that does not pay off their debt causes the company to go bankrupt. Some are left penniless today because of war, or fire, or other disasters.
Many are devastated financially, but more than that. Their hope is in their possession and without their possessions and wealth they are lost and in despair. Friend whatever the cause of the loss, money will never last.
When Jesus said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to get to heaven, he was trying to shock his listeners into an understanding of the damage that wealth causes spiritually. There are people who cheat, steal, and murder for money. There are people who abuse the rights of workers, fudge on the quality of products they are selling, or the bribes, and misrepresentations of goods for the sake of profit all to no avail for the Lord cannot be tolerant of the ways we make money at others expenses.
The disaster is when the God of gold damns our souls to hell for we have sought foundations of life in ways of the world and wealth and not Christ.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri March 20
Verses- Eccl.5: 18 Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him-- for this is his lot.
19 Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work-- this is a gift of God.
20 He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.
Discontent
Another danger of wealth is discontent. We already discussed discrimination, deception, and destruction. Solomon sought contentment in worldly things and was disappointed. Whatever diversion it allowed passed to an unsettled mind and heart. He tells his subject that contentment is found in wealth that is beyond riches and gold. The focus of real wealth is found in faith in God's provisions. Can a person find satisfaction when his needs are met?
I was visiting with a lady who was shut-in and asked her how she was doing. She looked at me and smiled. "Great, I was able to get up today and dress myself. I have something to eat, and a bed to sleep in." We chuckled.
But that statement caused me to think of my feeble complaints. I was frustrated with my schedule of uncompleted tasks. I was grumpy for not having enough money to purchase a vehicle I couldn’t afford. I was complaining about the weather. I realized after my conversation with the lady that I never once looked at what I had, only what I wanted that I didn't have. I was grumpy. She was happy. I had more than she, but she had more than me. She had contentment. I had discontentment because things could be better.
I never thanked God for a good nights sleep. Yet I slept well. I never thanked God for having a bed, or roof or able to get out of bed that morning. She seemed grateful for what I took for granted. It caused me to reflect on where wealth lies?
Solomon knew joy, not in things, but in the grace of God. All that we have is from God. It is not ours anyway. Our job, our talents, our abilities, our homes, our children are gifts. If we make them the end of our desires we are people without satisfaction.
If we see our job as a gift from God which has both practical and spiritual purpose it too takes on more significance. We don't have to worry about our life when we are in His will. We don't have to compete with others over what we purchase. We don't have to scurry around impressing people but have the gladness of heart in a right relationship with God and joyful with what he provides. If you love the Lord you'll enjoy your day, because God is the source of our pleasure. He is the source of our wealth. If we are diluted in thinking we have made our own money and we have earned our own riches then we have bankrupted the spiritual lesson of joy. We think we deserve it, when it is really an act of God's grace. We become prideful instead of thankful.
Some accept jobs because it provides more money, but with the added responsibility and prestige there is more stress. With less time at home family matters suffer. One soon thinks they become self made individuals instead of realizing the truth of Phil 4:19 Only our heavenly Father will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
God uses our financial resources to teach us how to depend on Him for our true necessities.
Many people are shaped by the consumer culture rather than the economics of Christ. They still feel if you earned it you deserve it. They have taken in by the half truth that says we glorify God with our money by enjoying thankfully all the luxuries He enables us to buy. The true half is this- We should give thanks for every good thing God gives us.
That does glorify Him. The evidence that many of our people are not rich toward God is how little they give to God and how much they own. Over the years God has prospered us. Yet it becomes an irresistible law of the consumer to have bought bigger and better things.
The New Testament tells us to be content with what you have. The wealthy especially need the warning not to set their hopes on uncertain riches but on God (I Tim 6:17).
What is the promise of delight? It is to see what greater joy there is in the fellowship with the Lord and in service for Him. "O taste and see that the Lord is good! Happy is the man who takes refuge in him" If Christians can experience times of real fellowship with the Lord in genuine worship and prayer they will clearly see the great joy the comes from God Himself, joy and blessing far surpassing anything that could be purchased with money. The delight is in the giver of all good gifts, and the focus on the giver not the gift.
Make your investments not for the few years to come, but for eternity which is forever. Delight yourself in the Lord, then He will give you the desires of your heart. Then you will find that which is missed by those who think they have everything, but have missed everything. Then you will know God and His pleasure evermore. Contentment comes from within, not from what is on the outside. It comes from above, not in things below.
Pastor Dale
Friday, March 13, 2009
Ways of Worship Ecclesiates 5:1-7
Sermon Nuggets Mon March 9
Theme- Ways of Worship
Verses Eccl 5:1,2 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God.
Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.
2 Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.
Worshipers need to be Responders
Last week we discussed the question of what God is doing about all the evil. He has done something by sending Christ, and He will do something by sending Christ again. We can be saved from evil's effects even though we live in an evil environment. It does not have to happen within us. We can respond as God intents. He will bring justice. That is a great thing about knowing Him and that is the worse thing if you don't know Him.
The two phrases I want to consider as we begin to reflect on Solomon’s wise words on ways to worship are “Guard your steps” and "God is in heaven and you are on earth.”
Worship means to ascribe worth. Specifically we ascribe worth to God. We realize our humility before Him and His awesome character. He is on the throne. He is in heaven. We are the ones who have sinned and fall short of His glory. We do not come to Him on our terms, but on His. We respond to Him in humility an guarding our steps according to His will and ways.
About the time of Stanchfield Baptist Church's beginning in 1866 De Tocqueville of France visited America. Upon his return home he wrote, "I sought for the greatness of America in her harbors and rivers and fertile fields and in her mines and commerce. It was not there. Not until I went into the churches and heard her pulpits flamed with righteousness did I understand the greatness of her power. America is great because she is good; and if America ever ceases to be good America will cease to be great."
What influenced the steps of our nation? It was the reverence for God. It was the response to His holiness and sovereignty. The beginning of wisdom certainly is positioning Him as Lord and ourselves as servants. It is opening our hearts for the saving grace of Jesus Christ. It is responding to his love by faith and living by His commands.
How does that enhance our worship from Sunday to Sunday? Are we not still responders to the holy and sovereign God? Ought we not to reflect on His power and our need for Him? Ought we not to acknowledge in our own hearts that we need holiness and have no place else to turn but come into His presence to be made holy, forgiven, and right before God?
We must remember the reality of the strength of our nation is God. The reality of the strength of our lives is God. We need worship. We need to come together before Him. We need to keep getting off the thrown of our lives and put Him in His rightful place in our hearts. We need prayer. We need the Bible. We need fellowship. We need to guard our steps according to Him in order to thrive in a upside down, lust filled world. Worship makes the difference. America is closing its doors to the very power that made it strong.
Who would have thought that evil would now be acceptable and part of society’s policies? The world view of this age has so filled the church. Worship needs to focus on God and not on us. We need to be responders. He declares what is good and bad. We respond in guarding our steps and seeking to submit to His authority and truth.
ACLU may be gaining increased power in these days limiting our freedom of Religion, but it cannot limit the works of God. Political laws can enforce relativism and restrictions against preaching the whole counsel of God, but He is still in his Heaven not to be judged by man, but to be the judge of all mankind. The schools may be required to teach acceptance of alternative life styles and outlaw prayer and Bible from curriculum but that does not change truth from the Lord. Planned Parenthood can continue to fight for the right of a woman’s choice and laws allow for embryos to be harvested for stem cell research, but the right to life belongs to God and He will bring about His power in His time. Our entertainment and media might continue with vulgarity, profanity, pornography, promiscuity, violence, and vices of all sorts until most of the popular considers that normal and rightful behavior, but to guard our steps is a commitment to a life designed by God to bless and not curse. Sexual freedoms of the day yield to any and all lusts of the mind and flesh but to come to the lawmaker of the universe is to guard our steps and find true freedom in being in sync with the purpose for our creation- to reflect the image of God and give Him glory.
The beginning thoughts on worship is responding to His sovereignty love and power by reverently coming before Him as HE is, not how we want to remake Him.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues March 10
Verse Eccl 5:1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God.
Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.
Worshipers need to be Listeners
Since Worship is ascribing worth to God and recognizing His rightful place, we respond to who He is in our hearts and in our actions.
As we come to worship the Lord one important but often missing element is listening. We learn most by listening. We respond to what the Spirit of God reminds us or teaches us.
Quieting our hearts before the Lord is part of prayer asking the Lord to help us to listen. There is an important place for praise and singing and making our requests known, but silence help us to focus.
Worship is founded upon a relationship and it doesn't happen until first we hear from God. Part of listening according to the Psalmists to do to a bit of self review. “Search me of God and know my heart. Ps 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
The Bible is full of references that talk about vain sacrifice in worship, as also mentioned here. How often do we go through motions of worship without actually participating in it. I confess that trying to direct a worship service too often gets in the way of my actual worshipping as a pastor. My attention isn’t on the Lord but thinking of what to say, how many verses to use, The length of time things are going to take, whether this fits better with that or if a song is too high or too low, how long will that train whistle be this week? That gets in the way of worship for me.
What goes through your minds at set times of worship. Fortunately that is not the whole story. But listening and quieting our spirits before God is one of the ways of worship.
The reason I ask for people to pray before the service, the reason I wish our prayer warrior groups during the week will grow with people dedicated to prayer is that we might meet with God and Him with us, as a church and as individuals. God wants to meet us. Job offered many questions and complaints in his time of suffering, but it was when he listened that true connect with a holy and awesome God took place. There are different times in a service when God may speak. It may come through the preaching, it may come through S.S. class. It may come thorough special music, or listening to organ, or comment in the foyer, or something you read in a bulletin, or listen to on the radio, but do you desire to listen?
There is no better time to listen to God than also having time alone with God in personal prayer, Bible reading and devotions I will say that you cannot grow as a Christian unless you have personal prayer and time with God. S.M. Lockridge says, "It is important to pray in a dialogue, than a monologue because we wait to hear what God says, which is more important than what we have to say anyway because we don't know what to ask for in the first place."
What is God wanting to say to you today? What about when your come to church? The Sabbath was set aside to meditate and rest and listen to God to change our activities that we might be better listeners and worship.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds March 11
Verses – Eccl 5:2,3 Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.
As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words.
Worshipers need to Reflect
I would like to encourage you that if you are not involved in a Bible study to come to church Wednesday nights and take in the study on “Experiencing God” by Henry Blackabee.
The Scriptures and the study of them are an important part of worship. Study and meditation reflect on what God has to tell us and what we can learn from the Word of God. From the verses that call us to worship, it is great to remind ourselves of the greatness of grandeur of God. WE are blessed to reflect on His character as revealed in the Word. He is Holy. There is nothing like knowing Him. He is making himself known to you and me.
Worship is to think and meditate and reflect on the object of our worship. You come to birthday party or a retirement party for the purpose of honoring the person. You talk about that person you review what he has done, you give him gifts, you sing to him. In a much greater way we are blessed when we talk about Him, talk to him, share our love and honor him by singing to him and thinking about his great accomplishments. That's worship.
I think of the Hymn, "Have your own way Lord, have your own way. Thou art the Potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after your will, while I am waiting, yielded and still." God is our creator, he is not our errant boy. Where we command the Lord around, Friends, we are His creatures and we are creatures for His glory we need to reflect on his person and see him as he rally is and see us as we really are, sinners saved by grace. We need to go into the house of God with receptive attitudes and gaze upon His presence. To be rebuked for our pretense and hypocrisy and superficiality and religiousity.
We are foolish mortals He is God. But the joy of worship is that this great God desires that we be blessed by meeting with Him and when we do it is awesome and the desire to know Him more grows.
We not only reflect on his glory, but reflect on man's situation. Before we can become what we want to be there must be a healing of things that might stand in the way between me and the Lord. And when Isaiah saw the presence of the Lord his response was "Woe is me I am ruined for I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." Isn't it interested that this good man is immediately convicted of his mouth. Sin must come from the conviction of the Holy Spirit, that is only possible when we are open to him and realizing that in his purity we are selfish and prideful we are seeking our ways and not his ways. We want our pleasure and not his pleasures,
Prayer is not to change God, but to change us. More than confess reflection in prayer is to praise, to make our requests known to God, to thank Him for His goodness to us. Prayer begins by quieting ourselves before the Lord not only to listen, but to reflect and as the Spirit of God brings things to mind our reflection turns into praise and prayer. We set ourselves aside from our regular activity to gaze upon His beauty and reflect on Him, ourselves, and others from a divine perspective.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs March 12, 2009
Verses- 4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.
5 It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.
6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands?
Worshipers need to Obey
In addition to our prayers we come to worship with our sacrifices. The sacrifice of a fool is one who does so without meaning or intention of giving without commitment. Commitment is to recognize the object of our worship and offer ourselves to be used by Him. It is the giving of one’s tithes and offerings (or sheep and oxen) and seek repentance, forgiveness and make promises of obedience to God.
We must act on our promises. In this passage worship is responding in obedience to the things that you say to God you are going to do. When you make a vow fulfill it, even if no one else does. We are to be obedient to what God wants of you and me.
We are cautioned not to make vows. Solomon is convicted, I believe because he has now been cursed and his family is going to lose most of the kingdom. IKing 11:11 “So the LORD said to Solomon, "Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates.”
He failed to keep a vow when he promised to God he would be faithful to Him and not worship any other gods, yet through lust, many wives, and adultery due to wealth and prestige and power, Solomon became an old fool and God judged him. Friend we need to take seriously the vows we make before God.
There are vows people make especially when they are faced with crises. They make solemn pledges to the Lord, as if we could bargain with God anyway. "Lord, if you will make me well I'll go to church faithfully, if you save the life of my son or daughter, then I'll give 10% of all I have. If you allow me to get out of this alive, I promise I'll be a preacher for you, Lord." There are examples of Kings in the Bible who make foolish and thoughtless vows. We must never think that making a vow will merit God's favor.
I believe our nation makes a mockery of the vow of marriage with such a flippant attitude toward divorce. I believe we are judged for weak Christian commitment that vows to trust and obey and we make the things of this world more important than the things of God. We sing I have decided to follow Jesus, the cross before me the world behind me, but no one would ever know it as the things of this world become increasingly important in our lives and God gets the leftovers. Do you think God will forget your commitments to him? People dedicate their children publicly to God and many never carry through on their vow to bring up their children in the admonition of the Word and with the people of God in fellowship.
The problem with the lack of growth in the Christians life boils down to simply to two problems: A lack of faith or a lack of obedience.
Jesus said, “If you love me, obey my commandments.” If you want to understand the will of God for your life the first thing is to be an obedience servant. God doesn't want you to marry people that are not Christians. If the Bible teaches tithing you will not get very far without fulfilling that promise. When Jesus teaches us to forgive our trespasses as we forgive others who trespass against us, that means we must take the first steps in seeking and also willing to forgive other's sins. That is part of worship not to be envious or drunk, or gossips, or busybodies or any such things.
Worship is not just receiving from God, but giving to God. We give him ourselves through sacrifices and obedience as His loving servants.
Pastor Dale.
Sermon Nuggets Fri. March 13, 2009
Verse Eccl 5:7 Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God.
Worshipers need to be in Awe
What helps us think about the awesomeness of God? Certainly the truth of the Word, the teachings from the Bible, reflections over how God has been active in the world as well as in your personal life are part of it. But God has also ordained music to be ways for us to respond by declaring and thinking about his awesomeness.
Music is an emotional expression of one’s self. It is a spiritual experience through which we can sing, listen, play and pray. Truths are also conveyed through music. Unfortunately, we can also convey false doctrine and trite man-centered theology. Hymns and spiritual songs need to be evaluated as to it’s Biblical truth. But music, even without words convey expressions of feeling. Is it entertainment, or praise worship or testimony to the Lord?
Lets be honest. Lots of music is subjective. So much of how different cultures worship is through various styles of music. Even within a Midwestern Baptist church people worship differently. Some enjoy classical, others country. Some like gospel, others like Spirituals. Some appreciate rock others prefer quieter expressions. Rather than force one another into their preferred style it does us well to recognize diversity and appreciate the awesomeness of God. He is the focus of all that should be done. But this is not saying everything goes. Much of music is only a tribune to our own egos and pride.
Worship music that lifts up our Lord and helps us declare His glory and His work and His ways with a heart that desires to be vertical in our attention is the goal. People that play guitar, or piano, or organ, or bongos can enhance sounds from which the awesomeness of God is expressed.
Look at Him and reflect on His presence, His sovereignty, His faithfulness, and loveliness. Realize that you can place all your faith upon Him. Give Him every area of your life for you can't do anything about it of much worth anyway. Then put to practice the things you have promised to Him that you would do.
The greatest act of God is the cross. The awesome mercy, justice, love and sovereignty is displayed by the crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of the Lord. The story of the Bible is God. His story shows how He redeems mankind unto Himself by faith in the works of His Son.
The problem with worship today is we're living in a self-centered era. We don't come to worship to have our needs met, we come to listen to God, to reflect on His beauty. We come declare His worth. We come to thank Him. We come to be changed by Him. We come to confess sin. We come to be empowered to make a difference in the world around us together as a body as we allow Him to live in and through us in a different way than our neighbors who do not know Christ. We are to be obedient people.
Where is your heart? Is it right with God today? Are you able to have the barriers removed by allowing him to do it?
Lets not forget the instruction of Amos 5:23-24 Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.
But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!
That’s awesome. That is worship that embraces the heart of God in all we are and do.
Pastor Dale
Theme- Ways of Worship
Verses Eccl 5:1,2 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God.
Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.
2 Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.
Worshipers need to be Responders
Last week we discussed the question of what God is doing about all the evil. He has done something by sending Christ, and He will do something by sending Christ again. We can be saved from evil's effects even though we live in an evil environment. It does not have to happen within us. We can respond as God intents. He will bring justice. That is a great thing about knowing Him and that is the worse thing if you don't know Him.
The two phrases I want to consider as we begin to reflect on Solomon’s wise words on ways to worship are “Guard your steps” and "God is in heaven and you are on earth.”
Worship means to ascribe worth. Specifically we ascribe worth to God. We realize our humility before Him and His awesome character. He is on the throne. He is in heaven. We are the ones who have sinned and fall short of His glory. We do not come to Him on our terms, but on His. We respond to Him in humility an guarding our steps according to His will and ways.
About the time of Stanchfield Baptist Church's beginning in 1866 De Tocqueville of France visited America. Upon his return home he wrote, "I sought for the greatness of America in her harbors and rivers and fertile fields and in her mines and commerce. It was not there. Not until I went into the churches and heard her pulpits flamed with righteousness did I understand the greatness of her power. America is great because she is good; and if America ever ceases to be good America will cease to be great."
What influenced the steps of our nation? It was the reverence for God. It was the response to His holiness and sovereignty. The beginning of wisdom certainly is positioning Him as Lord and ourselves as servants. It is opening our hearts for the saving grace of Jesus Christ. It is responding to his love by faith and living by His commands.
How does that enhance our worship from Sunday to Sunday? Are we not still responders to the holy and sovereign God? Ought we not to reflect on His power and our need for Him? Ought we not to acknowledge in our own hearts that we need holiness and have no place else to turn but come into His presence to be made holy, forgiven, and right before God?
We must remember the reality of the strength of our nation is God. The reality of the strength of our lives is God. We need worship. We need to come together before Him. We need to keep getting off the thrown of our lives and put Him in His rightful place in our hearts. We need prayer. We need the Bible. We need fellowship. We need to guard our steps according to Him in order to thrive in a upside down, lust filled world. Worship makes the difference. America is closing its doors to the very power that made it strong.
Who would have thought that evil would now be acceptable and part of society’s policies? The world view of this age has so filled the church. Worship needs to focus on God and not on us. We need to be responders. He declares what is good and bad. We respond in guarding our steps and seeking to submit to His authority and truth.
ACLU may be gaining increased power in these days limiting our freedom of Religion, but it cannot limit the works of God. Political laws can enforce relativism and restrictions against preaching the whole counsel of God, but He is still in his Heaven not to be judged by man, but to be the judge of all mankind. The schools may be required to teach acceptance of alternative life styles and outlaw prayer and Bible from curriculum but that does not change truth from the Lord. Planned Parenthood can continue to fight for the right of a woman’s choice and laws allow for embryos to be harvested for stem cell research, but the right to life belongs to God and He will bring about His power in His time. Our entertainment and media might continue with vulgarity, profanity, pornography, promiscuity, violence, and vices of all sorts until most of the popular considers that normal and rightful behavior, but to guard our steps is a commitment to a life designed by God to bless and not curse. Sexual freedoms of the day yield to any and all lusts of the mind and flesh but to come to the lawmaker of the universe is to guard our steps and find true freedom in being in sync with the purpose for our creation- to reflect the image of God and give Him glory.
The beginning thoughts on worship is responding to His sovereignty love and power by reverently coming before Him as HE is, not how we want to remake Him.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues March 10
Verse Eccl 5:1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God.
Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.
Worshipers need to be Listeners
Since Worship is ascribing worth to God and recognizing His rightful place, we respond to who He is in our hearts and in our actions.
As we come to worship the Lord one important but often missing element is listening. We learn most by listening. We respond to what the Spirit of God reminds us or teaches us.
Quieting our hearts before the Lord is part of prayer asking the Lord to help us to listen. There is an important place for praise and singing and making our requests known, but silence help us to focus.
Worship is founded upon a relationship and it doesn't happen until first we hear from God. Part of listening according to the Psalmists to do to a bit of self review. “Search me of God and know my heart. Ps 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
The Bible is full of references that talk about vain sacrifice in worship, as also mentioned here. How often do we go through motions of worship without actually participating in it. I confess that trying to direct a worship service too often gets in the way of my actual worshipping as a pastor. My attention isn’t on the Lord but thinking of what to say, how many verses to use, The length of time things are going to take, whether this fits better with that or if a song is too high or too low, how long will that train whistle be this week? That gets in the way of worship for me.
What goes through your minds at set times of worship. Fortunately that is not the whole story. But listening and quieting our spirits before God is one of the ways of worship.
The reason I ask for people to pray before the service, the reason I wish our prayer warrior groups during the week will grow with people dedicated to prayer is that we might meet with God and Him with us, as a church and as individuals. God wants to meet us. Job offered many questions and complaints in his time of suffering, but it was when he listened that true connect with a holy and awesome God took place. There are different times in a service when God may speak. It may come through the preaching, it may come through S.S. class. It may come thorough special music, or listening to organ, or comment in the foyer, or something you read in a bulletin, or listen to on the radio, but do you desire to listen?
There is no better time to listen to God than also having time alone with God in personal prayer, Bible reading and devotions I will say that you cannot grow as a Christian unless you have personal prayer and time with God. S.M. Lockridge says, "It is important to pray in a dialogue, than a monologue because we wait to hear what God says, which is more important than what we have to say anyway because we don't know what to ask for in the first place."
What is God wanting to say to you today? What about when your come to church? The Sabbath was set aside to meditate and rest and listen to God to change our activities that we might be better listeners and worship.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds March 11
Verses – Eccl 5:2,3 Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.
As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words.
Worshipers need to Reflect
I would like to encourage you that if you are not involved in a Bible study to come to church Wednesday nights and take in the study on “Experiencing God” by Henry Blackabee.
The Scriptures and the study of them are an important part of worship. Study and meditation reflect on what God has to tell us and what we can learn from the Word of God. From the verses that call us to worship, it is great to remind ourselves of the greatness of grandeur of God. WE are blessed to reflect on His character as revealed in the Word. He is Holy. There is nothing like knowing Him. He is making himself known to you and me.
Worship is to think and meditate and reflect on the object of our worship. You come to birthday party or a retirement party for the purpose of honoring the person. You talk about that person you review what he has done, you give him gifts, you sing to him. In a much greater way we are blessed when we talk about Him, talk to him, share our love and honor him by singing to him and thinking about his great accomplishments. That's worship.
I think of the Hymn, "Have your own way Lord, have your own way. Thou art the Potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after your will, while I am waiting, yielded and still." God is our creator, he is not our errant boy. Where we command the Lord around, Friends, we are His creatures and we are creatures for His glory we need to reflect on his person and see him as he rally is and see us as we really are, sinners saved by grace. We need to go into the house of God with receptive attitudes and gaze upon His presence. To be rebuked for our pretense and hypocrisy and superficiality and religiousity.
We are foolish mortals He is God. But the joy of worship is that this great God desires that we be blessed by meeting with Him and when we do it is awesome and the desire to know Him more grows.
We not only reflect on his glory, but reflect on man's situation. Before we can become what we want to be there must be a healing of things that might stand in the way between me and the Lord. And when Isaiah saw the presence of the Lord his response was "Woe is me I am ruined for I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." Isn't it interested that this good man is immediately convicted of his mouth. Sin must come from the conviction of the Holy Spirit, that is only possible when we are open to him and realizing that in his purity we are selfish and prideful we are seeking our ways and not his ways. We want our pleasure and not his pleasures,
Prayer is not to change God, but to change us. More than confess reflection in prayer is to praise, to make our requests known to God, to thank Him for His goodness to us. Prayer begins by quieting ourselves before the Lord not only to listen, but to reflect and as the Spirit of God brings things to mind our reflection turns into praise and prayer. We set ourselves aside from our regular activity to gaze upon His beauty and reflect on Him, ourselves, and others from a divine perspective.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs March 12, 2009
Verses- 4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.
5 It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.
6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands?
Worshipers need to Obey
In addition to our prayers we come to worship with our sacrifices. The sacrifice of a fool is one who does so without meaning or intention of giving without commitment. Commitment is to recognize the object of our worship and offer ourselves to be used by Him. It is the giving of one’s tithes and offerings (or sheep and oxen) and seek repentance, forgiveness and make promises of obedience to God.
We must act on our promises. In this passage worship is responding in obedience to the things that you say to God you are going to do. When you make a vow fulfill it, even if no one else does. We are to be obedient to what God wants of you and me.
We are cautioned not to make vows. Solomon is convicted, I believe because he has now been cursed and his family is going to lose most of the kingdom. IKing 11:11 “So the LORD said to Solomon, "Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates.”
He failed to keep a vow when he promised to God he would be faithful to Him and not worship any other gods, yet through lust, many wives, and adultery due to wealth and prestige and power, Solomon became an old fool and God judged him. Friend we need to take seriously the vows we make before God.
There are vows people make especially when they are faced with crises. They make solemn pledges to the Lord, as if we could bargain with God anyway. "Lord, if you will make me well I'll go to church faithfully, if you save the life of my son or daughter, then I'll give 10% of all I have. If you allow me to get out of this alive, I promise I'll be a preacher for you, Lord." There are examples of Kings in the Bible who make foolish and thoughtless vows. We must never think that making a vow will merit God's favor.
I believe our nation makes a mockery of the vow of marriage with such a flippant attitude toward divorce. I believe we are judged for weak Christian commitment that vows to trust and obey and we make the things of this world more important than the things of God. We sing I have decided to follow Jesus, the cross before me the world behind me, but no one would ever know it as the things of this world become increasingly important in our lives and God gets the leftovers. Do you think God will forget your commitments to him? People dedicate their children publicly to God and many never carry through on their vow to bring up their children in the admonition of the Word and with the people of God in fellowship.
The problem with the lack of growth in the Christians life boils down to simply to two problems: A lack of faith or a lack of obedience.
Jesus said, “If you love me, obey my commandments.” If you want to understand the will of God for your life the first thing is to be an obedience servant. God doesn't want you to marry people that are not Christians. If the Bible teaches tithing you will not get very far without fulfilling that promise. When Jesus teaches us to forgive our trespasses as we forgive others who trespass against us, that means we must take the first steps in seeking and also willing to forgive other's sins. That is part of worship not to be envious or drunk, or gossips, or busybodies or any such things.
Worship is not just receiving from God, but giving to God. We give him ourselves through sacrifices and obedience as His loving servants.
Pastor Dale.
Sermon Nuggets Fri. March 13, 2009
Verse Eccl 5:7 Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God.
Worshipers need to be in Awe
What helps us think about the awesomeness of God? Certainly the truth of the Word, the teachings from the Bible, reflections over how God has been active in the world as well as in your personal life are part of it. But God has also ordained music to be ways for us to respond by declaring and thinking about his awesomeness.
Music is an emotional expression of one’s self. It is a spiritual experience through which we can sing, listen, play and pray. Truths are also conveyed through music. Unfortunately, we can also convey false doctrine and trite man-centered theology. Hymns and spiritual songs need to be evaluated as to it’s Biblical truth. But music, even without words convey expressions of feeling. Is it entertainment, or praise worship or testimony to the Lord?
Lets be honest. Lots of music is subjective. So much of how different cultures worship is through various styles of music. Even within a Midwestern Baptist church people worship differently. Some enjoy classical, others country. Some like gospel, others like Spirituals. Some appreciate rock others prefer quieter expressions. Rather than force one another into their preferred style it does us well to recognize diversity and appreciate the awesomeness of God. He is the focus of all that should be done. But this is not saying everything goes. Much of music is only a tribune to our own egos and pride.
Worship music that lifts up our Lord and helps us declare His glory and His work and His ways with a heart that desires to be vertical in our attention is the goal. People that play guitar, or piano, or organ, or bongos can enhance sounds from which the awesomeness of God is expressed.
Look at Him and reflect on His presence, His sovereignty, His faithfulness, and loveliness. Realize that you can place all your faith upon Him. Give Him every area of your life for you can't do anything about it of much worth anyway. Then put to practice the things you have promised to Him that you would do.
The greatest act of God is the cross. The awesome mercy, justice, love and sovereignty is displayed by the crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of the Lord. The story of the Bible is God. His story shows how He redeems mankind unto Himself by faith in the works of His Son.
The problem with worship today is we're living in a self-centered era. We don't come to worship to have our needs met, we come to listen to God, to reflect on His beauty. We come declare His worth. We come to thank Him. We come to be changed by Him. We come to confess sin. We come to be empowered to make a difference in the world around us together as a body as we allow Him to live in and through us in a different way than our neighbors who do not know Christ. We are to be obedient people.
Where is your heart? Is it right with God today? Are you able to have the barriers removed by allowing him to do it?
Lets not forget the instruction of Amos 5:23-24 Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.
But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!
That’s awesome. That is worship that embraces the heart of God in all we are and do.
Pastor Dale
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