Sermon Nuggets Week of May 11, 2009
Theme: Gaining by Giving
Verses- Eccl ll:1,2 Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.
Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.
THE ART OF BREAD CASTING
It is said, a hog is good for nothing while he is alive. He cannot be ridden like a horse; he cannot be used to draw like the ox he does not provide clothing like the sheep or milk like the cow; he will not guard the house like a dog; He is good only for slaughter.
Some have likened people to a pig in a number of ways. A covetous rich man, just like the hog, does no good with his riches while he lives; when he is dead then his riches can be used. It seems a silly to hang on to that which we are going to lose eventually.
Albert Schweitzer was accomplished musician compose, physician and surgeon, author, theologian, educator but he lived his life in a small African Village working as a missionary in a humble clinic.
In a world that is bombarded with the messages of gaining and getting for yourself, there is a word from God that speaks softly, "Give yourself away." Without the promises of worldly success there is gain in losing.
Verse 1,2 talk about gaining by being generous. Some think casting your bread on the waters is a parable. In Egypt, farmers cast their seed into the rich foam of the Nile River valley while the land is flooded. Then as the water recedes, the grain springs up and in the few months produce a bountiful harvest. Some said it is like putting food in a bottle it and throwing it out in the sea. If you get stuck on a desert island a bottle will float and you will eventually benefit. If you help the needy, then you will be helped if you are needed.
You gain by giving. Being generous and helpful to others during times when you have something can be helpful when you will be in need yourself. Keep giving and it will produce results. Sow today what you will reap tomorrow. Some have said it may be more blessed to give than receive, but the average man is always willing to let the other fellow have the blessing.
One does not give indiscriminately. There are crooks and con artists. If you are generous enough you will be taken advantage of. However, that should not make someone stingy. For fear of being taken some people never give to help anyone.
I gave a man I did not know some money two days ago who claimed he was robbed and trying to get gas money to get home. This was not from the church benevolence but from my wallet. Was he lying? Was he telling the truth? That was up to the Lord. I didn’t give him a lot of money but neither did I agonize or fret over it. If he was helped I believe it was of the Lord. If I was taken then it was his problem, not mine.
Many ask about solicitations in the mail from well meaning ministries and important causes. I believe you should give your tithe first to the church. Then as you are able and desire further assistance, I do not give to charitable organizations unless I know Christian groups are members of Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. There should be note from ECFA with a little symbol or statement in their literature for they are willing to submit themselves to the rules and regularly of accepted accounting practices and within guidelines of who much can be spend on administrative expenses. Or give to a local board or organization that you know is run by people that you know or trust.
When Robert Tilton was exposed on 60 minutes on how his ministry would tear open envelopes to get the money and didn't even read the prayer requests. Recently there were many of the health and wealth and prosperity gospel preachers under investigation for tax fraud. The problem with such news is also that people reduce giving to churches and local groups that help people in our communities and over which we have more knowledge of their work. Unfortunately some people would rather not give to anything than be deceived in their giving.
Giving to the Lord is always the best way to be generous. As we approach our own annual meeting and budget presentation being accountable to the members and friends is something you don’t see on TV ministries. We agree how we want to give our money away. We set up committees and elect persons we trust to handle the gifts we receive.
Are you generous with the Lord? The lesson of generosity may be a lesson we must learn in patience. For after many days you will find it again sometimes in ways you least expect.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues May 12, 2009
Verses- Eccl 11:3-5 If clouds are full of water, they pour rain upon the earth. Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where it falls, there will it lie.
4 Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.
5 As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.
Security in Insecure Times
Most churches will report these times are tough. Even though most people are working in many churches the giving is down. People will use their money to pay off bills, reduce debt, and save if they do lose their job. But what about the priority of giving to the Lord?
The principle of tithing was established in the Old Testament as 10% for rich or poor. It was a fair way to show that all we have belongs to God. It was a portion of who we are and what we do. It was an expression of faith to worship the God in whom we trust. We do not trust our riches but our Lord.
Solomon talks about the fact that the Lord, not humans, knows the future. There are principles we live by, but who can control the rain or if is time for a tree to fall on its own or not? How do we live in unsettled times?
The answer is to be faithful in what you are doing day by day. Do not worry about things over which you have no control. If someone is worried about the wind, then they will not plant. It is an excuse for laziness or anxiety to get in the way of faith and labor. If we are always thinking it will rain and don't do anything thinking that we might get wet, then you will never do anything. If worried about the clouds and not just going at it, you will never get to the job. There are some projects that I don't particularly like and when I say I'll do them sometimes when I have time on my hands, they never get done.
Incidentally this seems to be just another illustration of God's work within a womb. The sanctity of life and even a fetus is part of God's handiwork and with all the talk and the legislation about abortions and rights of mothers to their own bodies and can do what they want, the Bible says we are not our own, we belong to the Lord. It is a national social problem when tax money or proposed national health care funds can go to perform abortions which kill unborn and rates are rising. Abortion should be concern for all Christians. Who can explain the one who is formed in the womb, so you cannot understand the work of God? Who is the maker of all things?
Solomon preaches that only God who made the body and created you and me knows our end and how our days are numbered. So live today for him in labor and love, not laziness and anxiety. Continue to bless as you have been blessed. Trust the Lord with your riches, not the government.
Anita Belmont said, "There aren't any rules for success that work unless you do. Yet there is no disgrace in failing. It is a disgrace to do less than your best to keep from failing."
I didn’t get the name of the poet who wrote a interesting piece-
"Master where shall I work today?" and my love flowed warm and free;
and He pointed out a tiny plot, and He said, "Tend that for me".
But I answered quickly, "Oh, no, not there; not anyone could see.
No matter how well my task was done, Not that little place for me".
And His voice, when He spoke, was not stern, but He answered me tenderly,
"Disciple, search that heart of thine: Are you working for them or for me? Nazareth was just a little place, and so was Galilee."
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds May 13, 2009
Verses: Eccl 11: 6,7 Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.
Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.
Gaining by Living Diligently
Giving is possible because we have something to give. All that we receive is a gift from above. But partly those blessings come through our work. Good work is rewarded with the fruit of our labor, whether it be by a paycheck or good crops. Living diligently is facing the tasks regularly and faithfully until they are accomplished.
Farmers wouldn't get far if they always waited for perfect days to do their field work or work at the most convenient times. Get at your tasks. Keep at it. Set goals. Pray about them. Be diligent whether or not you can ever be sure of the out come. There are many things we cannot control but what we can have some measure of control over is how well we do our work. Faith involves doing our best realizing God understands all things. We don't. We don't know which will succeed. Do not let your hands be idle. Try some things and if they don’t work try something else. Keep at it.
We gain by being diligent in the tasks and responsibilities that await us as gifts from God to use us. We plant the seed and after many days it will produce. A generous planting will give you generous yield. Heb. 6:10 says, "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." God will reward your kindness, he will not forget if it is with an open heart, not a greedy one.
During the civil war a man on horseback was suddenly confronted by a sentry who demand at gunpoint that he give the password, "Lincoln" he confidently replied. A dead silence followed, for it wasn't the right word! Finally the guard solemnly said, "If I hadn't recognized you, I would have shot you because of your mistake. At the risk of my own life I am sparing yours. Go back and get the right word. Thanking the soldier warmly, the man rode away, then returned he said, "Massachusetts" That's right, you may pass now. "I will not pass until I've given you a message. At the risk of your life your spared mine, so I must ask you if you have the right password for Heaven?"
"Yes, I do" said the guard."
“What is it?" He asked.
"It is Jesus Christ."
"Where did you learn that?"
"In your Sunday School class long ago in Pennsylvania. You planted that seed of God's word in my life. “And although you didn't know it at the time, it bore fruit. So even though you didn't have the right password, I knew you were an honest man. That's' why I gave you a second chance."
Believer, are you daily sowing the good seed of the Word. Be confident that someday it will take root and spring up in sinners’ hearts. There is the harvest and it is sure.
Make friends everywhere and with all and you will have friends. Look for opportunities to spread the word and talents and time and generosity will be rewarded.
Jesus put it another way, Matt 10:42 "And if anyone give a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." A giving person is a growing person. Be diligent in your tasks and in your giving and God will be blessed as well as others.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs May 14, 2009
Verses- Eccl 11:8,9 However many years a man may live, let him enjoy them all. But let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Everything to come is meaningless.
9 Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.
Gaining by Responding to Opportunities
Being wise involves using good judgment. It is being aware of opportunities that help you and others. Solomon was looking for way sto enjoy the days God gives to him. But enjoyment doesn’t come living selfishly. Think about that which lasts. There will be good days and there will be bad days. That is life. Take the opportunities to plan and be willing to change those plans. Can you make those days count for something? Can you learn from the disaster and tragedies and difficulties and stresses?
I have a book on my shelf entitled, “Make your Illness Count” by Vernon Bittner. As a former hospital chaplain he dealt with very sick and dying people. Through many conversations comments would be repeated as to how unfair life is, or how the staff wasn’t doing their job to bring healing or help. But Bittner made it is goal for patients to evaluate their situation and seek the lessons that patience might teach them. Don’t waste this illness on bitterness and resentment. Learn about yourself and dealing with issues of emotional, spiritual and social areas. Life is so short and meaningless unless it has eternal value.
Since our life is so fleeting and brief God's given it for us to enjoy, but to enjoy it wisely with eternity in mind. Live it up, but remember the judgment of God. Live it up, but real enjoyment is not found in the things of this earth, but in the creator of them. Live it up, but let your enjoyment be that which is not sin or which will lead you away from your accountability before God. Rejoicing in the days God gives you but remember you'll be accountable for it there will be a judgment.
Chill out. Life is serious, it is not games and gluttony, but neither is it to be spent without enjoyment as long as it has its place and purpose in the whole picture. There will be dark days and there will be fun days. Do not let the dark days overshadow your enjoyment of them. Don't let your disappointment rob you of enjoying the days that you can enjoy.
We need to respond to the opportunities God gives to us. We don't know how God works He surprises us. I read the story of John Pound, a cobbler in England in the 1700s. During that time there were many street urchins who ran around like unfed rats. Small girls sick and homeless would be victims of child prostitution. One report claimed that out of 260 vagrant children in one area 27 had been in prison, 41 lived by begging, 20 never slept in a bed, 19 slept in flophouses, and every one of the 260 were physically, mentally, and morally degenerate. Although the population of the city at that time was 100,000 only 2,000 were able to afford school.
John Pound helped build England's fighting ships, but fell from mast and several broken bones. For 2 years lay in bed, and learned to walk again all healed crooked and deformed. He learned eventually to hobble with one crutch. He used this accident to learn a new trade as a cobbler.
Pound taught himself during those years in bed to read and accepted Jesus into his life when reading a Bible. While John's brother was out at sea his nephew was living with him. He was also crippled. John examined his nephew’s foot and made little pieces of leather and iron that corrected his ankle allowing him to walk. John began to teach his nephew to read and then some friends, kids left and forgotten, were included in his teaching time. Soon this became known as the Ragged School. He'd offer ‘Hot taters’ to eat and in time up to 40 kids from the streets were taught by this crippled and poor cobbler. In his lifetime John Pound rescued 500 children from streets and lead every one of them to Lord Jesus Christ, He had gift of holding their attention. He never accepted a penny for his teaching of 20 years.
When John Pound died his reputations of good was so well know that they started the Ragged School movement where missionaries volunteered to open ragged schools. Laws were passed to establish school for the poor as a memorial to John Pound within 90 years of his birth over 50 mission centers were started, 13 hostiles and training institutions for the poor and urchins of England.
John Pound was poor, crippled, and limited but looked for the opportunity around him to be used of God. He gave himself away. He was able to manifest fruit for the kingdom of God and the good of Britain.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri May 15
Verse- Eccl 11:10 So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.
Gaining by Giving Love
Solomon gives a reminder to youth. Youth is a great time; In the first third of your life your chose your faith, your vocation, your spouse. Youth can be an unpredictable time. Someone wrote:
"The youth today are rebellious, pleasure seeking, irresponsible they have no respect for their elders and spend their days in idleness and their nights pursuing sensual lusts. They have no respect for authority nor for the traditions of the past."
Who said it? Plato made that statement several hundred years before Christ. I am not so sure many adults of our society have gained anymore wisdom through the years. Even with all the Viagra ads on TV it seems seeking sensual pleasures and enjoying life is he whole goal of mankind. Youth openly wonder, if sexual arousal can result in sexual satisfaction why wait until marriage? If booze or drugs gives highs then what's wrong with it so long as nobody gets killed or hurt? If being under the authority of teachers or parents become too much of a hassle, then why not split and live on your own?
Elizabeth Jackson wrote a tract saying young people have always been restless and dissatisfied. Part of it is just growing up. What do young people really want from us as an older generation? “I'll tell you,” she writes, “they want first of all to be loved. Jesus looked a young man who came to Him asking some advice and asking some spiritual question, and the Bible says Jesus looked at him and loved him."
That's the reason so many popular songs of youth are about love which is so confused with sexual intimacy. Yet there is no better real love story than of one in the Bible whose love made him willing to die for youth and adults of all generations. Youth also want to be recognized as persons, as individuals. They want to be seen as different from their parents. They have their own aptitudes, own gifts that may be superior to parents. When it comes to spiritual things you can lead them just so far. When one is an adult God holds you responsible and you must make your own decisions concerning Jesus Christ. You cannot inherit your parent’s faith. Youth want to be trusted, and nothing is more provoking to teens than parents who do not trust them, but want acceptance, to be listened to, and to be forgiven.
There is one who accepts, loves and forgives us but that love must be returned. II Tim 2:22 "Flee also youthful lusts but follow righteousness, faith charity, peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." When we abuse bodies we pay for it later. Drugs, sex trust, scars cannot heal.
Give yourself away. Be generous, Be diligent, be wise, be loving. Jesus Christ said, Matt 16:24-26 "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” That is gaining by giving ourselves away.
Pastor Dale
Friday, May 15, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Foolish Words Ecclesiastes 10 Part 2
Sermon Nuggets week of May 4 2009 Eccl 10 part 2
Sermon Nuggets Mon May 4, 2009
Theme Foolish Words
Verses Eccl 10:12-15
12 Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips.
13 At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness--
14 and the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming-- who can tell him what will happen after him?
15 A fool's work wearies him; he does not know the way to town.
Foolish Words
Last week, in part one on Ecclesiastes 10, we looked at Foolish Ways. The choices we make can be wise or foolish when we neglect to make decisions based on the word and wisdom from God. Impulsive actions can result in things we may regret later. Looking for pride, power, or prestige is valued in our world, but foolish when we find them all fleeting and fluff. That s not always the way of the Lord. Carelessness is experienced by all. But Solomon shows how carelessness is foolish when we don’t take regard to what we are doing, or how our actions affect ourselves or others by inattentiveness.
This week we will continue to look at portions of the chapter than deserve special attention. Beware of foolish words. How foolish it is when we have unguarded tongues. How often do we wish we could take back what was said? James tells us that no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. James 3:8-9
Foolish words can be more than what comes through our lips. Increasingly communication is done by email, tweetering, Facebook, MySpace, texting and the such. Many people are devastated by words they read from one another in various forms.
Years ago poet Anna Dryer wrote, "Twas only a word, a careless word, but it smote the heart of one that heard.
Like a fierce relentless blow; the day seemed overcast with gloom.
The sweetest songs seemed out of tune; the fires of hope burned low.
'Twas only a word, a loving word, but a weary, sorrowing heart was stirred.
And life took brighter hue; and faith triumphant, pruned her wing.
Discouraged souls began to sin and the hope revived anew.
Only a word, yet what power it hold to better or to mar the lives of those who hear.
What power for good -for evil too! Oh may our words be good and true and spoken in God's fear."
This week (and more) make it your prayer like King David, “
Ps 19:14 “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues May 5, 2009
Verses- Eccl 10:12-15
12 Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips.
13 At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness--
Destructive Words
In many ways words expose what is in our hearts. Jealousy, competition, contempt may be what we feel. But our jibs and put downs toward others reveal it is foolish to talk in destructive ways about another. It too often comes back at us.
Gossip is destructive. It is not gracious. In Hebrew poetry and proverbs we see contrasting statements to make a point. The opposite of graciousness would be unkind. Instead of speaking kindly to another it is foolish to speak in unkind ways.
In Colossians we are told to let your speech be seasoned with salt meaning speech can also be attractive and effective and be persuasive for good. It was Abraham Lincoln who said, "It is better to remain silent and let people think you are a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubt. "
I was speaking to a pastor recently who was the victim of gossip. Some one in his church did not agree with how he was running a particular program. Instead of speaking to him directly and discussing her concerns in a gracious and kind manner she talked to others and say destructive things about him. Foolishness grew as people passed on this gossip. Now people started to take sides to support the pastor and those who supported this woman who was their friend. It lead to confrontation that could have been avoided. Unfortunately many people were affected by her foolish words.
The words we speak do damage and one of the most destructive ways is to gossip. The apostle Paul was planning to come to Corinth since there were many divisions among the church. He addressed the root of much of the problem when he said, “For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.” 2 Cor 12:20 Those are destructive and unkind words. When those words are spoken it grows instead of diminishes. A person may begin with foolishness and it continues to absolute madness.
Lies can be that way. They can begin with just a little white lie and escalate into death and destruction. It can be something so small and grow into something so horrible. Rumors can begin with just a little spicy information and in the tongues of fools devastate people and families. More damage is done by Christians by churches through vicious gossip and muttering tongues than any doctrinal heresy or financial or moral scandals. I have worked with young people that have completely turned away from the church because of the critical words they hear at home, they hear words against the preacher, against the leaders, against he programs against, the Sunday School teachers, against everything, and then parents later wonder why kids don't want to come to church.
Rev. 12:10 says the devil is the accuser of the brethren. We are guilty of doing the devils work by accusing other unjustly.
Watch your words today and see how often you might be tempted to put someone else down by your words. Catch yourself when gossip is spoken and let the Holy Spirit season your talk with that which is gracious and kind.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds May 6
Verses- Ecc.10 14 and the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming-- who can tell him what will happen after him?
15 A fool's work wearies him; he does not know the way to town.
Hot Air
I know it was wrong, but my brother and I would make jokes of an aunt who talked so much and so fast we would watch to see if we see if she took a breath. She'd be talking and we'd be giggling. She never knew what she was saying some of the time when she got going. We called it diarrhea of the mouth.
Sometimes we call someone who doesn’t know what they are talking about “full of hot air”. There isn’t anything to it and it flies away and it gone. One of the foolishness of words is that there are so many of them. Some people are incessant takers. George Elliot said "Blessed is the man who having nothing to say abstains from giving wordy evidences of that fact. Another said, “Don't use a gallon of words to express a spoonful of thought.”
Now I am aware that preachers can be faulted in this area. One lady admired the affection showed between a pastor and his wife. She noticed at the beginning of a sermon she sweetly blew her husband a kiss. Finally she remarked to the pastor and his wife about the thoughtfulness they demonstrated. Then the wife piped up and said, “KISS stands for Keep it Short, Stupid.”
Hot Air can also illustrate ignorance. Now there is nothing wrong with someone who doesn't know something and is able to learn in the process. Likewise it isn’t foolishness to be misinformed and willing to change. But there are people who come out like authorities on just about every subject and display an impressive amount of ignorance. In fact Solomon says teasingly, they probably can't find their own way home back into town. Some of that may be an excuse for laziness which we will address tomorrow, but hot air is talk that is better to be without.
You know people who think they know absolutely everything about everything. (They irritate those of us who really do.) You just give them a subject and they will pontificate. They are more concerned to hear themselves talk. It doesn't make any difference who they are with. They think nobody knows as much as they do about it. An exciting evening for them is when they can monopolize the whole conversation and when it is someone else's turn to talk, they leave, or change the subject, or demonstrate they aren't listening to you. I remember visiting with another pastor. He was talking about some passage from the Bible that supported his position. But I started to bring up an objection based on the context of the passage. He tuned me out entirely and changed the subject. After finding out I worked for nursing homes, he began to explain all that was wrong with nursing homes because he had done chapel services 4 times a year in a nursing home. Even though I wrote a booklet on visiting and volunteering in nursing homes had been a chaplain for 4 years in three different homes, he wanted to tell me how it really is in long term care work and how I should have done my job for the greatest effectiveness. After a while I kept quiet as he went on about politics, about music, about philosophy, about cars, about Baptists, about education, about any topic that came up whether or not he had his facts right. He was a fool.
Unfortunately one of the occupational hazards about being a pastor is that people expect you to know everything about all subjects. The temptation is to believe it for oneself. There is nothing wrong for anyone to say, “I don’t know.” Or “I’ll get back to you on that.” Or after a while people just stop listening. They know better.
When you find people no longer listening to you, take the hint. It may be you have nothing significant or new to say, or you are wasting your time on someone who thinks she/he has all the answers. Either way, there is probably foolishness going on somewhere.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs May 7, 2009
Verses- Eccl 10:18-20
18 If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks.
19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.
20 Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.
Excuses
Call it what you will. Rationalizations, excuses, little white lies. All of them are different of course, but words often are used in crafty ways to excuse foolish, sinful, or lazy ways. That is not to say of course there are legitimate excuses as to why or why not we do some things. IF we are sick we excuse ourselves from school or work for good reason. If we are not wanting to go to work or school it can be convenient to come up with reasons that are pretty lame.
Solomon identifies a lazy person who comes up with foolish words to excuse him from work. They convince themselves and others why some projects do not get completed. Their roof can cave in but its because of poor lumber, or too much snow, or shingles are too expensive, or too busy to get at it. And the lazy man never gets around to fixing the leak and things get worse. He'd much rather feast and drink and make merry and talk. And if you get to hear his philosophy in the parties he'll tell you the problem is we need more money- then all the problems if life will be solved. The advice with much talk is less taxes, better pay, more work. Yet talk can become an excuse for not getting things done.
Our words can be light and frivolous to cover up needed confrontation. We can excuse ourselves of habits that need to be faced. I come up with lots of foolish words as to why I cannot lose weight. I love to blame it on my Mother who taught me to clean my plate because there are starving children in China who would be glad to have the food I am wasting. So as a proud members of the clean plate club to do my part for the starving children in China I clean my plate and everyone else’s in the family.
Maybe a good illustration of foolish excuses can be illustrated by this example- Pastor Quits Sports:Ten Reasons Why a Clergyman Stopped Attending Athletic Contests
1. Every time I went, they asked me for money.2. The people with whom I had to sit didn't seem very friendly.3. The seats were too hard and not comfortable.4. The coach never came to call on me.5. The referee made a decision with which I could not agree.6. I was sitting with some hypocrites -- they came only to see what others were wearing.7. Some games went into overtime, and I was late getting home.8. The band played some numbers that I had never heard before.9. My parents took me to too many games when I was growing up.10. Since I read a book on sports, I feel that I know more than the coaches anyhow.On the bottom of the page was this one line postscript: "With apologies to those who use these same excuses for not coming to church."
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri May 8, 2009
Verses- Eccl 10:20 Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.
Secrets
One lady was pumping me about information concerning another person. It was not something I should share. Finally I said, “Can you keep a secret”. “Oh yes”, she said expectantly. I responded, “So can I and this is one of them.”
Foolishly we say things we shouldn’t. It may not be gossip, but it isn’t in the best interests of others to share what should not be shared or repeat what should not be repeated. It is a hard lesson to learn especially when we think others appreciate us more when we tell them secrets.
Our words get repeated. It is interesting that when you say something in the privacy of your own room about someone somehow that story gets out and soon is thrown back into your face.
Beware, the writer says, because a little bird may tell everything that you are saying. Presidents and Kings try as they may, they cannot stop leaks of confidential information and conversations. In Washington it becomes a game as to who can leak information to the press first. In fact sometimes people will purposely whisper things to see what public reaction is before they official adopt the plan.
Walter Trobish in his book entitled, “I married You.” Told of a counseling situation he had on the phone with a lady about her boy friend. She was making derogatory remarks and some of his actions surprised Walter. Trobish made a comment of his own that was unkind about her boyfriend agreeing with her and continued with the session. Moments later he received a phone call from this girl's boyfriend, who was greatly offended over his comment. For he was taping all her phone conversations and everything that was said. He apologized and thought again, every negatives remarks about someone is prayers to the devil.
When it comes to words we wish we never said all of us our guilty. I wish I could take back things I said. I wish I could learn forever the lessons of being quiet instead of speaking up. And then there are times when I know I should have spoken up and remained silent. God has given to us the great experience of communication. Like everything else we can abuse it or use it for God's glory.
People have been hurt when they have overheard unkind remarks. There is folly in words.
One poet said,
“A careless word may kindle strife. A cruel word may wreck a life;
A bitter word may hate instill, A brutal word may smite and kill.
A gracious word may smooth the way; a joyous word may light the day;
A timely word may lessons stress, a loving word may heal and bless.”
When it comes to folly, Solomon cautions us, Christ command us, be careful what you say. You words matter to others and to God.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Mon May 4, 2009
Theme Foolish Words
Verses Eccl 10:12-15
12 Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips.
13 At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness--
14 and the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming-- who can tell him what will happen after him?
15 A fool's work wearies him; he does not know the way to town.
Foolish Words
Last week, in part one on Ecclesiastes 10, we looked at Foolish Ways. The choices we make can be wise or foolish when we neglect to make decisions based on the word and wisdom from God. Impulsive actions can result in things we may regret later. Looking for pride, power, or prestige is valued in our world, but foolish when we find them all fleeting and fluff. That s not always the way of the Lord. Carelessness is experienced by all. But Solomon shows how carelessness is foolish when we don’t take regard to what we are doing, or how our actions affect ourselves or others by inattentiveness.
This week we will continue to look at portions of the chapter than deserve special attention. Beware of foolish words. How foolish it is when we have unguarded tongues. How often do we wish we could take back what was said? James tells us that no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. James 3:8-9
Foolish words can be more than what comes through our lips. Increasingly communication is done by email, tweetering, Facebook, MySpace, texting and the such. Many people are devastated by words they read from one another in various forms.
Years ago poet Anna Dryer wrote, "Twas only a word, a careless word, but it smote the heart of one that heard.
Like a fierce relentless blow; the day seemed overcast with gloom.
The sweetest songs seemed out of tune; the fires of hope burned low.
'Twas only a word, a loving word, but a weary, sorrowing heart was stirred.
And life took brighter hue; and faith triumphant, pruned her wing.
Discouraged souls began to sin and the hope revived anew.
Only a word, yet what power it hold to better or to mar the lives of those who hear.
What power for good -for evil too! Oh may our words be good and true and spoken in God's fear."
This week (and more) make it your prayer like King David, “
Ps 19:14 “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues May 5, 2009
Verses- Eccl 10:12-15
12 Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips.
13 At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness--
Destructive Words
In many ways words expose what is in our hearts. Jealousy, competition, contempt may be what we feel. But our jibs and put downs toward others reveal it is foolish to talk in destructive ways about another. It too often comes back at us.
Gossip is destructive. It is not gracious. In Hebrew poetry and proverbs we see contrasting statements to make a point. The opposite of graciousness would be unkind. Instead of speaking kindly to another it is foolish to speak in unkind ways.
In Colossians we are told to let your speech be seasoned with salt meaning speech can also be attractive and effective and be persuasive for good. It was Abraham Lincoln who said, "It is better to remain silent and let people think you are a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubt. "
I was speaking to a pastor recently who was the victim of gossip. Some one in his church did not agree with how he was running a particular program. Instead of speaking to him directly and discussing her concerns in a gracious and kind manner she talked to others and say destructive things about him. Foolishness grew as people passed on this gossip. Now people started to take sides to support the pastor and those who supported this woman who was their friend. It lead to confrontation that could have been avoided. Unfortunately many people were affected by her foolish words.
The words we speak do damage and one of the most destructive ways is to gossip. The apostle Paul was planning to come to Corinth since there were many divisions among the church. He addressed the root of much of the problem when he said, “For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.” 2 Cor 12:20 Those are destructive and unkind words. When those words are spoken it grows instead of diminishes. A person may begin with foolishness and it continues to absolute madness.
Lies can be that way. They can begin with just a little white lie and escalate into death and destruction. It can be something so small and grow into something so horrible. Rumors can begin with just a little spicy information and in the tongues of fools devastate people and families. More damage is done by Christians by churches through vicious gossip and muttering tongues than any doctrinal heresy or financial or moral scandals. I have worked with young people that have completely turned away from the church because of the critical words they hear at home, they hear words against the preacher, against the leaders, against he programs against, the Sunday School teachers, against everything, and then parents later wonder why kids don't want to come to church.
Rev. 12:10 says the devil is the accuser of the brethren. We are guilty of doing the devils work by accusing other unjustly.
Watch your words today and see how often you might be tempted to put someone else down by your words. Catch yourself when gossip is spoken and let the Holy Spirit season your talk with that which is gracious and kind.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds May 6
Verses- Ecc.10 14 and the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming-- who can tell him what will happen after him?
15 A fool's work wearies him; he does not know the way to town.
Hot Air
I know it was wrong, but my brother and I would make jokes of an aunt who talked so much and so fast we would watch to see if we see if she took a breath. She'd be talking and we'd be giggling. She never knew what she was saying some of the time when she got going. We called it diarrhea of the mouth.
Sometimes we call someone who doesn’t know what they are talking about “full of hot air”. There isn’t anything to it and it flies away and it gone. One of the foolishness of words is that there are so many of them. Some people are incessant takers. George Elliot said "Blessed is the man who having nothing to say abstains from giving wordy evidences of that fact. Another said, “Don't use a gallon of words to express a spoonful of thought.”
Now I am aware that preachers can be faulted in this area. One lady admired the affection showed between a pastor and his wife. She noticed at the beginning of a sermon she sweetly blew her husband a kiss. Finally she remarked to the pastor and his wife about the thoughtfulness they demonstrated. Then the wife piped up and said, “KISS stands for Keep it Short, Stupid.”
Hot Air can also illustrate ignorance. Now there is nothing wrong with someone who doesn't know something and is able to learn in the process. Likewise it isn’t foolishness to be misinformed and willing to change. But there are people who come out like authorities on just about every subject and display an impressive amount of ignorance. In fact Solomon says teasingly, they probably can't find their own way home back into town. Some of that may be an excuse for laziness which we will address tomorrow, but hot air is talk that is better to be without.
You know people who think they know absolutely everything about everything. (They irritate those of us who really do.) You just give them a subject and they will pontificate. They are more concerned to hear themselves talk. It doesn't make any difference who they are with. They think nobody knows as much as they do about it. An exciting evening for them is when they can monopolize the whole conversation and when it is someone else's turn to talk, they leave, or change the subject, or demonstrate they aren't listening to you. I remember visiting with another pastor. He was talking about some passage from the Bible that supported his position. But I started to bring up an objection based on the context of the passage. He tuned me out entirely and changed the subject. After finding out I worked for nursing homes, he began to explain all that was wrong with nursing homes because he had done chapel services 4 times a year in a nursing home. Even though I wrote a booklet on visiting and volunteering in nursing homes had been a chaplain for 4 years in three different homes, he wanted to tell me how it really is in long term care work and how I should have done my job for the greatest effectiveness. After a while I kept quiet as he went on about politics, about music, about philosophy, about cars, about Baptists, about education, about any topic that came up whether or not he had his facts right. He was a fool.
Unfortunately one of the occupational hazards about being a pastor is that people expect you to know everything about all subjects. The temptation is to believe it for oneself. There is nothing wrong for anyone to say, “I don’t know.” Or “I’ll get back to you on that.” Or after a while people just stop listening. They know better.
When you find people no longer listening to you, take the hint. It may be you have nothing significant or new to say, or you are wasting your time on someone who thinks she/he has all the answers. Either way, there is probably foolishness going on somewhere.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs May 7, 2009
Verses- Eccl 10:18-20
18 If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks.
19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.
20 Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.
Excuses
Call it what you will. Rationalizations, excuses, little white lies. All of them are different of course, but words often are used in crafty ways to excuse foolish, sinful, or lazy ways. That is not to say of course there are legitimate excuses as to why or why not we do some things. IF we are sick we excuse ourselves from school or work for good reason. If we are not wanting to go to work or school it can be convenient to come up with reasons that are pretty lame.
Solomon identifies a lazy person who comes up with foolish words to excuse him from work. They convince themselves and others why some projects do not get completed. Their roof can cave in but its because of poor lumber, or too much snow, or shingles are too expensive, or too busy to get at it. And the lazy man never gets around to fixing the leak and things get worse. He'd much rather feast and drink and make merry and talk. And if you get to hear his philosophy in the parties he'll tell you the problem is we need more money- then all the problems if life will be solved. The advice with much talk is less taxes, better pay, more work. Yet talk can become an excuse for not getting things done.
Our words can be light and frivolous to cover up needed confrontation. We can excuse ourselves of habits that need to be faced. I come up with lots of foolish words as to why I cannot lose weight. I love to blame it on my Mother who taught me to clean my plate because there are starving children in China who would be glad to have the food I am wasting. So as a proud members of the clean plate club to do my part for the starving children in China I clean my plate and everyone else’s in the family.
Maybe a good illustration of foolish excuses can be illustrated by this example- Pastor Quits Sports:Ten Reasons Why a Clergyman Stopped Attending Athletic Contests
1. Every time I went, they asked me for money.2. The people with whom I had to sit didn't seem very friendly.3. The seats were too hard and not comfortable.4. The coach never came to call on me.5. The referee made a decision with which I could not agree.6. I was sitting with some hypocrites -- they came only to see what others were wearing.7. Some games went into overtime, and I was late getting home.8. The band played some numbers that I had never heard before.9. My parents took me to too many games when I was growing up.10. Since I read a book on sports, I feel that I know more than the coaches anyhow.On the bottom of the page was this one line postscript: "With apologies to those who use these same excuses for not coming to church."
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri May 8, 2009
Verses- Eccl 10:20 Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.
Secrets
One lady was pumping me about information concerning another person. It was not something I should share. Finally I said, “Can you keep a secret”. “Oh yes”, she said expectantly. I responded, “So can I and this is one of them.”
Foolishly we say things we shouldn’t. It may not be gossip, but it isn’t in the best interests of others to share what should not be shared or repeat what should not be repeated. It is a hard lesson to learn especially when we think others appreciate us more when we tell them secrets.
Our words get repeated. It is interesting that when you say something in the privacy of your own room about someone somehow that story gets out and soon is thrown back into your face.
Beware, the writer says, because a little bird may tell everything that you are saying. Presidents and Kings try as they may, they cannot stop leaks of confidential information and conversations. In Washington it becomes a game as to who can leak information to the press first. In fact sometimes people will purposely whisper things to see what public reaction is before they official adopt the plan.
Walter Trobish in his book entitled, “I married You.” Told of a counseling situation he had on the phone with a lady about her boy friend. She was making derogatory remarks and some of his actions surprised Walter. Trobish made a comment of his own that was unkind about her boyfriend agreeing with her and continued with the session. Moments later he received a phone call from this girl's boyfriend, who was greatly offended over his comment. For he was taping all her phone conversations and everything that was said. He apologized and thought again, every negatives remarks about someone is prayers to the devil.
When it comes to words we wish we never said all of us our guilty. I wish I could take back things I said. I wish I could learn forever the lessons of being quiet instead of speaking up. And then there are times when I know I should have spoken up and remained silent. God has given to us the great experience of communication. Like everything else we can abuse it or use it for God's glory.
People have been hurt when they have overheard unkind remarks. There is folly in words.
One poet said,
“A careless word may kindle strife. A cruel word may wreck a life;
A bitter word may hate instill, A brutal word may smite and kill.
A gracious word may smooth the way; a joyous word may light the day;
A timely word may lessons stress, a loving word may heal and bless.”
When it comes to folly, Solomon cautions us, Christ command us, be careful what you say. You words matter to others and to God.
Pastor Dale
Friday, May 1, 2009
Foolish Ways Ecclesiastes 10 part 1
Sermon Nuggets Week of April 27 Ecc 10
Sermon Nuggets Mon April 27
Theme- Foolish Ways
Verse Eccl 10:1 As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
Foolish Ways
A Jackdaw is member of the crow family in Europe. As for its name, it comes from an old English word that was used to ridicule foolishness, thievery and overly talkative people. The bird lives up to it's reputation. On the ground it walks with a jerky, swaggering strut. In flight, it often looks as though it is engaging in aerial displays. In the evening around roosting time, it loves being part of a noisy crowd. Beyond that, this little fellow is known for picking up and hiding brightly colored objects. The jackdaw's flair for showy living is matched only by it's indiscretions. Once fire fighters had to put out a blaze in the top of a high tree that started when a jackdaw picked up a "brightly" tipped cigarette and dropped his red- hot prize into his nest.
Some people have a similar zest for life. Their love of a practical joke and good laugh makes them the highlight parties. But their strength can also be their weakness. Just as serious-minded people often lack spontaneity and fun, so these happy-go-lucky individuals often come up short on spiritual discernment. They may be well meaning, but they can start fires of irritations in their own home by being overly foolish rather than sensitive to the feelings of others. As one person put it "As wise man is like a pin: his head keeps him from going too far."
As we look at the 10th chapter of Ecclesiastes we see many proverbs. Solomon is the author of the book of Proverbs. Here he talks about wisdom and foolishness. Like the jackdaw, some people tend to be foolish in action and in word. I've heard the very unkind poem quoted by some woman that says, "Women have many faults that true, and some of them have quite a few; We're told men's faults are but two; Everything they say and everything they do."
Perhaps that is a bit overstated, but those are the major areas of folly for us all, the things we say and the things we do. We take a wise look at our actions and how they affect others. Next week we will relook at some verses and discuss the foolishness that can come from our words.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues April 28, 2009
Verses 1 As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.
3 Even as he walks along the road, the fool lacks sense and shows everyone how stupid he is.
Foolish Choices
Foolishness damages a good reputation. A dead fly causes perfume to stink. A small mistake can outweigh much wisdom and honor. One foolish act can ruin a person of high position and wisdom.
I watched the news last night about Christopher Anderson pleading guilty in Anoka County Circuit Court for the June 2008 crash that killed artist Jeff Hettwer and injured two others. He was drunk. A foolish choice of drinking and driving has devastated at least two families for the rest of their lives. His 365 day sentence is to be served over 5 years for 2 months at a time so he will long remember the consequences for his foolish decision.
I wonder if President Clinton wouldn’t havewished he could relive his choice to get involved in Monica Lewinski?How many times a moment of flirtation leads a couple to adultery and the break up of marriages that were not wanted or intended? There are opportunities each day when wrong choices are before us. Satan delights in our failures and foolishness.
Folly causes more trouble than wisdom can cause good. I wonder how often people wished they could relive one moment that changed their lives. How David wishes there was no Bathsheba, if Samson did not tell Delilah his secret, if Ananias and Sapphira did not tell the lie about selling their property and giving it to the church, how Nixon wishes there was no Watergate, how one man impulsively stole just a little money from a company with full intention of paying it back, only to discover they were caught doing it. A little folly can damage wisdom and ruin lives.
Temptation creeps into our thinking saying, "just a little bit won't hurt, Just this once is o.k., It's only a few. A little white lie won't hurt." And soon like the snake that moves so slowly it strikes and bites us and we are never the same and curse the folly that causes ruin. Beware of the little folly.
Foolishness also moves people to wrong choices. v2,3 With all respect to left handed people the use of the wise on the right hand the fool on the left is a figurative expression, and not political ideology. (Do with that as you wish.) Since most were right handed, the custom of shaking right hands was to show there were no weapon, knives, or danger in the hands of the opponent. They were open handed and so shaking right hands was a sign of peace. A left handed person could still cause damage for in it a person may have a weapon. Left handed can imply evil intent.
One neighbor told me of a dog who never learns to leave porcupines alone and foolishly gets hurt. If the wisdom of the Bible tells you to do obey it is foolish to disobey. The Bible contrasts the narrow road and broad road. Most make choices that go along with the crowd and miss the wisdom that comes from above. Fools follow the crowds. Wise people discern what is right. They follow truth. They seek the ways of the Lord.
It troubles me to see people making decisions that you know will hurt them and others because it is sinful. It seems they are the ones blind to it. Can you be convinced that the ways of the world will lead to destruction? Beware.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds April 29, 2009
Verses- Eccl. 10:4 If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great errors to rest.
Foolishness of Impulsiveness
This passage talks about a fool who is a boss or master. It certainly is not uncommon that people in authority are not the best qualified. But Solomon also talks about how to address those who are in authority over you and the wise way to respond. It is best to be calm, be self controlled and be patient. It is foolish to be impulsive, respond in anger and seek revenge.
It is not wise to run from troubles, but be able to face them. Not to hide from consequences of actions, and even if your boss or the person in authority is angry, your calmness and easy spirit can ease tensions and lay aside many errors. Don't make things worse.
When mistakes come, and they will to all, face them openly, honestly and calmly and you will be better off than quitting your job because you've had your feelings hurt. No problem is ever solved by running from it.
There are ministers I know that move every 2-3 years in their pastorate. That doesn’t seem as common as it used to be when I left seminary. But I have a friend who as soon as trouble came, he looked for another church. The longest he stayed anywhere was almost 6 years. The least amount of time was 2 years. He did not handle conflict very well. But he also missed the chance of growing or learning from those experiences. Folly is seen in impulsive behavior.
Anger can lead us to impulsive acts that are not thought out. Road rage is a perfect example of anger that has given over to impulsive acts of aggression and exchange of words that quickly escalate. A soft word, ignoring the agitator, and in need be, call 911 or drive to a safe place is a plan that is predetermined than impulsive anger and the results are better for all. Before you say a word in anger, wait a bit and think about what you really want to say and when it is best to say it.
Pleasure can lead us to impulsive acts that we regret later. We want something in a store, we might be tempted to be impulsive and buy it only to regret that purchase later. We see the luscious dessert at the end of a full meal in a restaurant and quickly eat more calories than is healthy. We might be tempted at a fair to take chances in winning a big prize only to discover loss that we could not afford.
Desire for riches can lead us to impulsive acts that cause poverty. Investments, expensive purchases, and get rich quick schemes provide ruin. Giving a matter prayer and patience is a wiser course of action in the long run.
Proverbs 3:5,6 becomes a healthy prescription for foolish impulsiveness, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.”
When we pray for wisdom and seek guidance of the Lord in prayer it gives us time to think more about a decision or activity and we are open to the leading of the Lord. That is the way of wisdom.
Pastor Dale.
Sermon Nuggets Thur April 30, 2009
Verses- Eccl 10:5-7 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler: Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones. I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.
Eccl 10: 16, 17 Woe to you, O land whose king was a servant and whose princes feast in the morning. Blessed are you, O land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time-- for strength and not for drunkenness.
Foolishness of Position
It is a national past time to talk about how our elected government officials respond in foolishness. It is harder to pray for them. But it never ceases to amaze me that the people who clamor and distrust government officials forget they are elected by the will of the people. These officials hire others that work for them. Many are given high positions because of who they know, not what they know. Many do not belong in leadership positions or positions of honor. Many others, regardless of wealth, are better prepared to lead with wisdom, but not put such in positions.
How many times does someone with talent and ingenuity hire his son or son-in-law to manage the employees or take over the business when they don't know what they are doing? How often does someone put friends and relatives in important positions who seek honor, but those who run the business or government wisely are those who have little status?
A party spirit, selfish interests, pride, surrounded by self-seeking advisors, who give faulty advise result because many are more impressed with their position than with responsibility. Selfish interests include the pursuit of fame, desire for pleasure; seek advancement to the detriment of those more qualified. It is a fool who is self serving.
When I read that some officials are upset with where they sit at the table and how close their chairs are to the President's chair, then it seems that folly can easily destroy land and nations. Foolishness is found in pride for position.
I am stunned how important titles are to people. It may not affect their work, or their income, or responsibility, but having a title can produce haughty behavior. That is foolishness.
Jim Elliot wrote, "No doubt you will hear of my receiving preliminary honors at school. They carry the same brand and will be not long hence in the basement in a battered trunk beside the gold "Be" pin, with the ruby in it for which I studied a Benson. All is vanity. Life is not here, but hid above with Christ in God and therein I rejoice and sing as I think on such exaltation."
The position Jesus sought was to be a servant of His Heavenly Father and in carrying out his earthly responsibility to the fullest. “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phil 2:9-11
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri May 1
Verses: Eccl 10 8-11 Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
9 Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.
10 If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success.
11 If a snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.
Foolishness in Carelessness
How many times do we experience the pain of careless mistakes? There are tasks that require careful precautions. Solomon mentions some: One who digs pits may fall into it; one who breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake; one who quarries stones may be injured in the process, or one splitting logs could get cut.
When some keep working with improper tools and dull axes, they'll have a more difficult time accomplishing the task. Skill and knowledge bring success. Not doing a job right can get you into the trouble. There are right and wrong ways of doing jobs. A foolish decision may be prompted by the temptation to do things that are the easiest, quickest and sometimes the cheapest.
Verse 15 relates a little to this theme as well. "A fool's work wearies him; he does not know the way to town." We have a couple of proverbs that may relate to what Solomon is saying. “He who plays with fire may get burned.” “An once of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Jesus was teaching an important discipleship principle in Luke 14:24-29. We need to count the cost. A wise man counts the cost of a project before he goes ahead to does it. Otherwise he is a fool.
All of these have practical implications in our living, but spiritual applications as well. Solomon isn't just giving good working advice to be careful on the job, but be careful in your life in the daily experiences because it can cause us to fall into sin as well. A fool who wants to catch someone in a trap will be caught himself.
That was the story of Daniel’s accusers who planted a trap so he would end up in Lions Den, but they were killed by those lions instead. Haman hated Jews and designed a plot to kill the Jew, Mordecai in the book of Esther. But he ended up there himself when the king discovered he was the uncle to his wife. Haman fell into his own trap, hung on his own gallows.
Foolishly intent on seeking harm to others can easily cause harm to fall on us. Stay away from sin. Be careful of silly mistakes. Satan loves to ruin reputations and witness through silly mistakes.
We all are careless at times. When we fall into the consequences of such actions then use them as lessons to prevent future problems. The real fool is one who does not learn and keeps repeating actions that get him or her in trouble.
Pastor Dale.
Sermon Nuggets Mon April 27
Theme- Foolish Ways
Verse Eccl 10:1 As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
Foolish Ways
A Jackdaw is member of the crow family in Europe. As for its name, it comes from an old English word that was used to ridicule foolishness, thievery and overly talkative people. The bird lives up to it's reputation. On the ground it walks with a jerky, swaggering strut. In flight, it often looks as though it is engaging in aerial displays. In the evening around roosting time, it loves being part of a noisy crowd. Beyond that, this little fellow is known for picking up and hiding brightly colored objects. The jackdaw's flair for showy living is matched only by it's indiscretions. Once fire fighters had to put out a blaze in the top of a high tree that started when a jackdaw picked up a "brightly" tipped cigarette and dropped his red- hot prize into his nest.
Some people have a similar zest for life. Their love of a practical joke and good laugh makes them the highlight parties. But their strength can also be their weakness. Just as serious-minded people often lack spontaneity and fun, so these happy-go-lucky individuals often come up short on spiritual discernment. They may be well meaning, but they can start fires of irritations in their own home by being overly foolish rather than sensitive to the feelings of others. As one person put it "As wise man is like a pin: his head keeps him from going too far."
As we look at the 10th chapter of Ecclesiastes we see many proverbs. Solomon is the author of the book of Proverbs. Here he talks about wisdom and foolishness. Like the jackdaw, some people tend to be foolish in action and in word. I've heard the very unkind poem quoted by some woman that says, "Women have many faults that true, and some of them have quite a few; We're told men's faults are but two; Everything they say and everything they do."
Perhaps that is a bit overstated, but those are the major areas of folly for us all, the things we say and the things we do. We take a wise look at our actions and how they affect others. Next week we will relook at some verses and discuss the foolishness that can come from our words.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues April 28, 2009
Verses 1 As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.
3 Even as he walks along the road, the fool lacks sense and shows everyone how stupid he is.
Foolish Choices
Foolishness damages a good reputation. A dead fly causes perfume to stink. A small mistake can outweigh much wisdom and honor. One foolish act can ruin a person of high position and wisdom.
I watched the news last night about Christopher Anderson pleading guilty in Anoka County Circuit Court for the June 2008 crash that killed artist Jeff Hettwer and injured two others. He was drunk. A foolish choice of drinking and driving has devastated at least two families for the rest of their lives. His 365 day sentence is to be served over 5 years for 2 months at a time so he will long remember the consequences for his foolish decision.
I wonder if President Clinton wouldn’t havewished he could relive his choice to get involved in Monica Lewinski?How many times a moment of flirtation leads a couple to adultery and the break up of marriages that were not wanted or intended? There are opportunities each day when wrong choices are before us. Satan delights in our failures and foolishness.
Folly causes more trouble than wisdom can cause good. I wonder how often people wished they could relive one moment that changed their lives. How David wishes there was no Bathsheba, if Samson did not tell Delilah his secret, if Ananias and Sapphira did not tell the lie about selling their property and giving it to the church, how Nixon wishes there was no Watergate, how one man impulsively stole just a little money from a company with full intention of paying it back, only to discover they were caught doing it. A little folly can damage wisdom and ruin lives.
Temptation creeps into our thinking saying, "just a little bit won't hurt, Just this once is o.k., It's only a few. A little white lie won't hurt." And soon like the snake that moves so slowly it strikes and bites us and we are never the same and curse the folly that causes ruin. Beware of the little folly.
Foolishness also moves people to wrong choices. v2,3 With all respect to left handed people the use of the wise on the right hand the fool on the left is a figurative expression, and not political ideology. (Do with that as you wish.) Since most were right handed, the custom of shaking right hands was to show there were no weapon, knives, or danger in the hands of the opponent. They were open handed and so shaking right hands was a sign of peace. A left handed person could still cause damage for in it a person may have a weapon. Left handed can imply evil intent.
One neighbor told me of a dog who never learns to leave porcupines alone and foolishly gets hurt. If the wisdom of the Bible tells you to do obey it is foolish to disobey. The Bible contrasts the narrow road and broad road. Most make choices that go along with the crowd and miss the wisdom that comes from above. Fools follow the crowds. Wise people discern what is right. They follow truth. They seek the ways of the Lord.
It troubles me to see people making decisions that you know will hurt them and others because it is sinful. It seems they are the ones blind to it. Can you be convinced that the ways of the world will lead to destruction? Beware.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds April 29, 2009
Verses- Eccl. 10:4 If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great errors to rest.
Foolishness of Impulsiveness
This passage talks about a fool who is a boss or master. It certainly is not uncommon that people in authority are not the best qualified. But Solomon also talks about how to address those who are in authority over you and the wise way to respond. It is best to be calm, be self controlled and be patient. It is foolish to be impulsive, respond in anger and seek revenge.
It is not wise to run from troubles, but be able to face them. Not to hide from consequences of actions, and even if your boss or the person in authority is angry, your calmness and easy spirit can ease tensions and lay aside many errors. Don't make things worse.
When mistakes come, and they will to all, face them openly, honestly and calmly and you will be better off than quitting your job because you've had your feelings hurt. No problem is ever solved by running from it.
There are ministers I know that move every 2-3 years in their pastorate. That doesn’t seem as common as it used to be when I left seminary. But I have a friend who as soon as trouble came, he looked for another church. The longest he stayed anywhere was almost 6 years. The least amount of time was 2 years. He did not handle conflict very well. But he also missed the chance of growing or learning from those experiences. Folly is seen in impulsive behavior.
Anger can lead us to impulsive acts that are not thought out. Road rage is a perfect example of anger that has given over to impulsive acts of aggression and exchange of words that quickly escalate. A soft word, ignoring the agitator, and in need be, call 911 or drive to a safe place is a plan that is predetermined than impulsive anger and the results are better for all. Before you say a word in anger, wait a bit and think about what you really want to say and when it is best to say it.
Pleasure can lead us to impulsive acts that we regret later. We want something in a store, we might be tempted to be impulsive and buy it only to regret that purchase later. We see the luscious dessert at the end of a full meal in a restaurant and quickly eat more calories than is healthy. We might be tempted at a fair to take chances in winning a big prize only to discover loss that we could not afford.
Desire for riches can lead us to impulsive acts that cause poverty. Investments, expensive purchases, and get rich quick schemes provide ruin. Giving a matter prayer and patience is a wiser course of action in the long run.
Proverbs 3:5,6 becomes a healthy prescription for foolish impulsiveness, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.”
When we pray for wisdom and seek guidance of the Lord in prayer it gives us time to think more about a decision or activity and we are open to the leading of the Lord. That is the way of wisdom.
Pastor Dale.
Sermon Nuggets Thur April 30, 2009
Verses- Eccl 10:5-7 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler: Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones. I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.
Eccl 10: 16, 17 Woe to you, O land whose king was a servant and whose princes feast in the morning. Blessed are you, O land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time-- for strength and not for drunkenness.
Foolishness of Position
It is a national past time to talk about how our elected government officials respond in foolishness. It is harder to pray for them. But it never ceases to amaze me that the people who clamor and distrust government officials forget they are elected by the will of the people. These officials hire others that work for them. Many are given high positions because of who they know, not what they know. Many do not belong in leadership positions or positions of honor. Many others, regardless of wealth, are better prepared to lead with wisdom, but not put such in positions.
How many times does someone with talent and ingenuity hire his son or son-in-law to manage the employees or take over the business when they don't know what they are doing? How often does someone put friends and relatives in important positions who seek honor, but those who run the business or government wisely are those who have little status?
A party spirit, selfish interests, pride, surrounded by self-seeking advisors, who give faulty advise result because many are more impressed with their position than with responsibility. Selfish interests include the pursuit of fame, desire for pleasure; seek advancement to the detriment of those more qualified. It is a fool who is self serving.
When I read that some officials are upset with where they sit at the table and how close their chairs are to the President's chair, then it seems that folly can easily destroy land and nations. Foolishness is found in pride for position.
I am stunned how important titles are to people. It may not affect their work, or their income, or responsibility, but having a title can produce haughty behavior. That is foolishness.
Jim Elliot wrote, "No doubt you will hear of my receiving preliminary honors at school. They carry the same brand and will be not long hence in the basement in a battered trunk beside the gold "Be" pin, with the ruby in it for which I studied a Benson. All is vanity. Life is not here, but hid above with Christ in God and therein I rejoice and sing as I think on such exaltation."
The position Jesus sought was to be a servant of His Heavenly Father and in carrying out his earthly responsibility to the fullest. “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phil 2:9-11
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri May 1
Verses: Eccl 10 8-11 Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
9 Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.
10 If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success.
11 If a snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.
Foolishness in Carelessness
How many times do we experience the pain of careless mistakes? There are tasks that require careful precautions. Solomon mentions some: One who digs pits may fall into it; one who breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake; one who quarries stones may be injured in the process, or one splitting logs could get cut.
When some keep working with improper tools and dull axes, they'll have a more difficult time accomplishing the task. Skill and knowledge bring success. Not doing a job right can get you into the trouble. There are right and wrong ways of doing jobs. A foolish decision may be prompted by the temptation to do things that are the easiest, quickest and sometimes the cheapest.
Verse 15 relates a little to this theme as well. "A fool's work wearies him; he does not know the way to town." We have a couple of proverbs that may relate to what Solomon is saying. “He who plays with fire may get burned.” “An once of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Jesus was teaching an important discipleship principle in Luke 14:24-29. We need to count the cost. A wise man counts the cost of a project before he goes ahead to does it. Otherwise he is a fool.
All of these have practical implications in our living, but spiritual applications as well. Solomon isn't just giving good working advice to be careful on the job, but be careful in your life in the daily experiences because it can cause us to fall into sin as well. A fool who wants to catch someone in a trap will be caught himself.
That was the story of Daniel’s accusers who planted a trap so he would end up in Lions Den, but they were killed by those lions instead. Haman hated Jews and designed a plot to kill the Jew, Mordecai in the book of Esther. But he ended up there himself when the king discovered he was the uncle to his wife. Haman fell into his own trap, hung on his own gallows.
Foolishly intent on seeking harm to others can easily cause harm to fall on us. Stay away from sin. Be careful of silly mistakes. Satan loves to ruin reputations and witness through silly mistakes.
We all are careless at times. When we fall into the consequences of such actions then use them as lessons to prevent future problems. The real fool is one who does not learn and keeps repeating actions that get him or her in trouble.
Pastor Dale.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Unpredictability of Life Ecclesiastes 9:11-18
Sermon Nuggets Mon April 20
Theme- Unpredictability of Life
Verses- Eccl 9:1 So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God's hands, but no man knows whether love or hate awaits him.
The Unpredictability of Life
Last week we reflected on the predictability of death. Because we all die it makes a difference how we should live. But this week is another side of the argument. Life on this earth has no guarantees. There are principles to live by but as far as this world is concerned those principles do not always produce predictable results. We are constantly surprised as to what happens in our world.
The works that we accomplish in this life is the basis of our rewards in the next. We cannot earn our rewards after the grave.
There are some ditties- "Now I get me up to work, I pray the Lord I may not shirk. If I should die before tonight, I pray the Lord my works' all right." Another said, “When my life on earth is past only the work for Christ will last.” What are you doing for Him?
We do not know how long our life will be on this earth. We do not know what will happen tomorrow. We have no guarantees of health or wealth, or poverty or illness.
The hedonist philosophy of old says, "Eat drink and be merry for tomorrow you die." Live it up while you can for this is as good as it gets. Friends let me say something I hope you do not miss. If you are outside of faith in Jesus Christ this life is as good as it gets. It will not get any better than this. You might as well make life as fun as you want fulfilling any and all desires, for after this life is over there is the judgment and eternal hell. But likewise, for those who have faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and seek to live for him this life on earth is as worse as it will every get. All the problem and troubles of this earth is the worse hell you will ever experience, for He has prepared a place for eternity that in his presence will be joy everlasting. Are you prepared? Either this life is the best heaven you will enjoy or the worse hell you will enjoy. And when this life is ended it will be too late to repent. There will be no other chance.
Making our choices of preparing for the predictable and living in a world of unpredictability must rely on faith. Faith is trusting in Gods’ work and His promises that He will carry out what He has promised.
When Solomon sought to experience all he could on life he passed on all that he observed. The first verse was the theme of the rest of the chapter. As we look more closely at verese 11-18 this week the emphasis I want us to think about is how to live in an unpredictable world. There is one thing we experience since Jesus Christ that no one else experienced up to 33 AD. We who have believed in Christ and sought to make Him Lord over our lives have the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to be our guide and our comfort in the unpredictable world. For that give praise this day.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues April 21
Verses-Eccl 9: 11 I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.
Unpredictability Attacks Self Confidence.
Solomon started this chapter reminding us that even the wise and the righteous do not know whether love or hate awaits him. Now in this verse his observations lead to humbly say all man's plans and dreams are unpredictable. We try so hard to prepare for the future and to make sense of life by applying certain principles to get blessings but somehow it just doesn't always work. We can do every thing right and have things turn out wrong. And some can do everything wrong and have things turn out right as far as this world is concerned. Life is more complex than 10 easy principles of this or 7 easy lessons of that. I realize that I too can be guilty of oversimplifying the principles presented.
I went to a seminar on how to understand you wife. Guess what? I applied every principle the teacher gave me and it didn't work. Wives are more complex than a 3 hour seminar. We cannot be self confident in our achievements. Whatever we have experienced for good is a gift from God. We too often take credit for our works instead of His grace. Difficulties and circumstances keep us dependent on Him.
Injustice has always been a problem for believers. Why do folks who seek to be faithful, suffer? Why do those who seem to have no regard for God or His ways seems to have an easy and rich life? Why do the evil prosper? Why do the faithful fall?
Friends in life, even in the Christian life, there are no pat answers. We need the continual reminder that faith in God is believing and knowing He is in control and He knows best. God has said He will never leave us nor forsake us. Just because you cannot understand all the answers doesn't mean we give up on the one who does know all the answers.
If there is one constant complaint against church people by outsiders it is “self righteousness.” Instead of witnessing compassion and humility there is a perception of people who are holier and more judgmental toward others. There are people who think they have God all figured out. If they say a prayer a certain way, or follow a particular path then their wanted results always follow. Solomon says that just isn't so in this life. I feel so small and ignorant when complexities come. I ask "Why Lord, I do not understand.” I find that real Christian maturity isn't being able to answer the questions; it is to trust even in the midst of questions. Sometimes a satisfying answer never comes. As we humbly walk with trust in the Lord we accept by faith that some things are not for us to understand and are beyond our ability humanly to understand. But we will understand it by and by.
Oswald Chambers, said, "God disciplines us by disappointments. Life may have been going on like a torrent, then suddenly down comes a barrier of disappointment, until slowly we learn that the disappointment was His appointment. God hides His treasures in darkness, and many a radiant star that was not seen before comes out. In some lives you can see the treasure. There is sweetness and beauty about them, the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit and you wonder where the wisdom power of God came from. It came from the dark places where God revealed His sovereign will in unexpected issues. ‘Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress.’ the psalmist says. Isn't it in those dark days that we lean most on God?”
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds April 22, 2009
Verse- Eccl 9: 12 Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them.
Unpredictability Results in False Confidence
It's not the fastest that wins the race, nor the strongest than wins battle, nor the wisest farmer that necessarily gets the best crop, nor the brilliant that gets the most money. And still no one knows when death will occur.
Eric Clapton, a noted rock star, wrote a ballad called tears in heaven, "Would you know my name, if I saw you in heaven? Would it be the same, if I saw you in heaven? I must be strong and carry on. 'Cause I know I don't belong, here in heaven."
During his career Clapton had faced heroin addiction and the pain of shattered relationships with wives and women. Finally he seemed to have found peace and maturity as a parent. But he wrote ‘Tears in Heaven’ after the accidental death of his 4 year old son who fell from a 53rd floor NYC apartment in 1991. His song was named record of the year and song of the year at 35th annual Grammy Awards. He sang, "Time can bring you down. Time can bend your knees. Time can break your heart, have you beggin' please. Beyond the door there's peace, I'm sure. And I know, there'll be no more tears in heaven."
Pop-culture expect Bob DeMoss said, "Clapton knows that there's peace on the other side, if only he could bring himself to ask for forgiveness..It's evident that he's so close, yet so far."
There are times when people say, I do not understand this world. I cannot make sense out of my life. Things don't always turn out they way we think they should.
We live in a world where too often dreams are shattered, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dream. We live in a world where people we love disappoint us, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love. We live in a world where our jobs may not be secure, but that doesn’t mean we don’t do our best in our work. We live in an unsecure world but that does not mean we quit or give up.
I applaud those whose homes have been devastated by tornados or floods and in tears say, I have lost everything, but will build again. We have not lost lives and things can be replaced.
There are both warnings in the Bible to not put too much stock in things over which we have no control. Yet it also teaches we make wiser decisions as we assess as carefully as we can our present plans to make decisions that affect our future. The wise man who built bigger barns was anticipating living a long life. Retirement is not a bad thing to plan. But all his riches were placed in those dreams to the neglect of his eternal and spiritual life. The man who was going to build a house was wise if he first considered all he needed before the house was build and the type of foundation needed to withstand future storms.
It is wise to plan for the future, but not put all our trust in things that pass away. If your whole life and love is devoted to anything of this world we will lose it some day and then what will you do?
Pastor Dale.
Sermon Nuggets Thur April 23, 2009
Verses- Eccl 9: 13-15 I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom that greatly impressed me: There was once a small city with only a few people in it. And a powerful king came against it, surrounded it and built huge siegeworks against it.
Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man.
Unpredictability Produces Surprises.
Underdogs win sometimes. It is frustrating in sports when millions of dollars are paid to the best players making the lower paid teams and coaches’ automatic losers. We live in a world where prejudice abounds against those less talented, less rich, less popular.
If you haven’t been one of the 30 plus million who saw a replay of Susan Boyle’s performance in Britain’s Got Talent contest you should see it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luRmM1J1sfg (copy and paste in your address line).
What makes her one of the overnight successes is that she was such a surprise to Simon Cowell and the rest of the judges and audience when this timid church volunteer at 47 years of age brought the house down with the beauty of her voice. The cheers were not just for her talent, but for the surprise of someone who did not impress others with her looks, dress, or personality shocked the world with her talent.
We see played over and again the autistic but enthusiastic basket ball manager, 17-year-old Jason McElwain from Greece Athena High School. Just to honor him in his senior year they coach let him play in the last home game. He delighted the home crowd by shooting a surprising 3 point long shot. But it didn’t stop there- he did it again, and again and again and again and again. In a few minutes he gained for his team 20 points. They carried him off the court on the shoulders of his teammates.
These stories are surprising in a couple of ways. The underdog wins. The least popular surpasses the favorites. The forgotten outshine the heroes. There is something within us that touches the heart of our own feelings of feeling unworthy. For once the weakest link becomes the strongest. Those expected to lose win in the last seconds. We feel good about that and say talent deserves to be honored above those who flaunt it.
But what is equally surprising is that Susan Boyle was ever allowed to sing in the first place, or Jason McElwain was allowed to play, or people would be given the chance of participating. Prejudice of all sorts stops people off at the pass.
In this short illustration Solomon acknowledges a poor man who stands up with his wisdom against the advances of a king and his army and is able to save the city. The results are the city is spared. Wisdom wins over might. What isn’t surprising is that no one could come up with his name and there was no banquet given in his honor. He remained in the shadows and forgotten. It might be likely the mayor of the city got the honors. It might be true the notoriety goes to the boss instead of the secretary who prepared his presentation. It seems typical the bonus payments go to those in supervisory positions while the employee who originally presented the winning idea is transferred to another department or laid off.
Man's plans do not always work. It was Goliath who had strength; it was David that had faith. It was Ahab that had power; it was Elijah that had God. It was the wise men of Egypt that had education; it was Namaan's servant girl that was the tool for cleansing. Friends, God keeps intervening man's plans to prove our life is humanly unpredictable.
Wisdom was better than strength. Brains beat brawn. But this poor man didn't get the prize, or reward- that seemed so unfair. He didn't get the credit for his wisdom or work.
But God knows. Many forgotten people who did right are known by God and that's enough. More than that, God often chooses to work through clay vessels so that He might receive the glory. He is the giver of talent, wisdom, strength, voice, and life. Jesus chose to come among the poor and be ridiculed, ignored, and rejected. He understands our world. He knows our hearts. He keeps the final score in the end.
So keep singing, keep shooting, keep sharing, keep giving and do it for Him knowing He is delighted even if no one else notices.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri April 24, 2009
Verses- Eccl 9:16-18 So I said, "Wisdom is better than strength." But the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.
The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
Unpredictability Needs Stability
We can try to prepare for the unexpected. As Solomon stated so well that is not always possible. We do not know the future. Some people live paranoid lives thinking bad things will happen to them and their worries overwhelm them. They do not have peace. There are so many things in life over which we have no control. However, there are wise ways to live. To ignore good advice is to risk greater peril. God gives wisdom sometimes through people we least expect. Those who shout the loudest are not always the wisest. One sinner can destroy much good.
Giving good advice and applying wisdom was the purpose of Solomon’s other book- the book of Proverbs. Wisdom will guide us in making better decisions that in the long run protects us from major disappointments and allows for greater security.
A person can save for a rainy day and find that savings destroyed. But it is still wiser to have some savings. A person can prevent lots of health problems by eating properly, and exercising. But so far the mortality rate is 100%. Even healthy people die young.
I read a parable of a man who was going on a journey. He traveled light. Along the way he met various people who warned him of things he could experience. Each concern resulted in carrying more things he might need to prepare him for the unexpected, until he was burdened down with much weight. As he walked across a bridge over the river all his extra weight caused the bridge to break and he fell into the water and drowned.
There is one thing for sure- we do not know what the future can hold as far as this world is concerned. Only what God's word reveals will happen. Do you know it predicts our world will be destroyed? There will be a new heaven and a new earth. Do you know it predicts a world-wide economic crisis? There are treasures in heaven than cannot be taken away. Do you know Jesus is coming again? Some will be taken and others will be left behind. We know how to prepare for that.
I do not know why Peter was miraculously released from prison and Stephen was stoned to death as a martyr. I don't know why some person can be spared death from an accident but another is killed in one. I do not know what God answers the prayer of family member in his 70s to come out of a coma and a young couple has a still born child. I do not know why some missionaries are slaughtered and others miraculously released. I do not know why evil people are sometimes rewarded in their dishonesty and honest people suffer because of their commitment to Godly morals. But in spite of what this world calls success, if you are out of God's will there is no true success and happiness, and if you are in the center of God will there is no true failure. Can you walk by faith and not by sight and ask "though, I do not understand, yet will I trust in the one who died for me?"
Solomon raises very significant questions and observations. There is a predictability of death. It will come to you and to me. When it does all our decisions and work on this life is over. Until then there is the unpredictability of our days and the future. But there came one, Jesus Christ, who gave us hope. He said, “in this world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Can you believe that even when the days are dark? Do you know that Christ is your hope in our uncertain world and in our certain death? Faith in Him will lead us down paths we have not traveled before but there are no surprises to Him. Let Him be your stability in these unpredictable days.
Pastor Dale
Theme- Unpredictability of Life
Verses- Eccl 9:1 So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God's hands, but no man knows whether love or hate awaits him.
The Unpredictability of Life
Last week we reflected on the predictability of death. Because we all die it makes a difference how we should live. But this week is another side of the argument. Life on this earth has no guarantees. There are principles to live by but as far as this world is concerned those principles do not always produce predictable results. We are constantly surprised as to what happens in our world.
The works that we accomplish in this life is the basis of our rewards in the next. We cannot earn our rewards after the grave.
There are some ditties- "Now I get me up to work, I pray the Lord I may not shirk. If I should die before tonight, I pray the Lord my works' all right." Another said, “When my life on earth is past only the work for Christ will last.” What are you doing for Him?
We do not know how long our life will be on this earth. We do not know what will happen tomorrow. We have no guarantees of health or wealth, or poverty or illness.
The hedonist philosophy of old says, "Eat drink and be merry for tomorrow you die." Live it up while you can for this is as good as it gets. Friends let me say something I hope you do not miss. If you are outside of faith in Jesus Christ this life is as good as it gets. It will not get any better than this. You might as well make life as fun as you want fulfilling any and all desires, for after this life is over there is the judgment and eternal hell. But likewise, for those who have faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and seek to live for him this life on earth is as worse as it will every get. All the problem and troubles of this earth is the worse hell you will ever experience, for He has prepared a place for eternity that in his presence will be joy everlasting. Are you prepared? Either this life is the best heaven you will enjoy or the worse hell you will enjoy. And when this life is ended it will be too late to repent. There will be no other chance.
Making our choices of preparing for the predictable and living in a world of unpredictability must rely on faith. Faith is trusting in Gods’ work and His promises that He will carry out what He has promised.
When Solomon sought to experience all he could on life he passed on all that he observed. The first verse was the theme of the rest of the chapter. As we look more closely at verese 11-18 this week the emphasis I want us to think about is how to live in an unpredictable world. There is one thing we experience since Jesus Christ that no one else experienced up to 33 AD. We who have believed in Christ and sought to make Him Lord over our lives have the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to be our guide and our comfort in the unpredictable world. For that give praise this day.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues April 21
Verses-Eccl 9: 11 I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.
Unpredictability Attacks Self Confidence.
Solomon started this chapter reminding us that even the wise and the righteous do not know whether love or hate awaits him. Now in this verse his observations lead to humbly say all man's plans and dreams are unpredictable. We try so hard to prepare for the future and to make sense of life by applying certain principles to get blessings but somehow it just doesn't always work. We can do every thing right and have things turn out wrong. And some can do everything wrong and have things turn out right as far as this world is concerned. Life is more complex than 10 easy principles of this or 7 easy lessons of that. I realize that I too can be guilty of oversimplifying the principles presented.
I went to a seminar on how to understand you wife. Guess what? I applied every principle the teacher gave me and it didn't work. Wives are more complex than a 3 hour seminar. We cannot be self confident in our achievements. Whatever we have experienced for good is a gift from God. We too often take credit for our works instead of His grace. Difficulties and circumstances keep us dependent on Him.
Injustice has always been a problem for believers. Why do folks who seek to be faithful, suffer? Why do those who seem to have no regard for God or His ways seems to have an easy and rich life? Why do the evil prosper? Why do the faithful fall?
Friends in life, even in the Christian life, there are no pat answers. We need the continual reminder that faith in God is believing and knowing He is in control and He knows best. God has said He will never leave us nor forsake us. Just because you cannot understand all the answers doesn't mean we give up on the one who does know all the answers.
If there is one constant complaint against church people by outsiders it is “self righteousness.” Instead of witnessing compassion and humility there is a perception of people who are holier and more judgmental toward others. There are people who think they have God all figured out. If they say a prayer a certain way, or follow a particular path then their wanted results always follow. Solomon says that just isn't so in this life. I feel so small and ignorant when complexities come. I ask "Why Lord, I do not understand.” I find that real Christian maturity isn't being able to answer the questions; it is to trust even in the midst of questions. Sometimes a satisfying answer never comes. As we humbly walk with trust in the Lord we accept by faith that some things are not for us to understand and are beyond our ability humanly to understand. But we will understand it by and by.
Oswald Chambers, said, "God disciplines us by disappointments. Life may have been going on like a torrent, then suddenly down comes a barrier of disappointment, until slowly we learn that the disappointment was His appointment. God hides His treasures in darkness, and many a radiant star that was not seen before comes out. In some lives you can see the treasure. There is sweetness and beauty about them, the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit and you wonder where the wisdom power of God came from. It came from the dark places where God revealed His sovereign will in unexpected issues. ‘Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress.’ the psalmist says. Isn't it in those dark days that we lean most on God?”
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds April 22, 2009
Verse- Eccl 9: 12 Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them.
Unpredictability Results in False Confidence
It's not the fastest that wins the race, nor the strongest than wins battle, nor the wisest farmer that necessarily gets the best crop, nor the brilliant that gets the most money. And still no one knows when death will occur.
Eric Clapton, a noted rock star, wrote a ballad called tears in heaven, "Would you know my name, if I saw you in heaven? Would it be the same, if I saw you in heaven? I must be strong and carry on. 'Cause I know I don't belong, here in heaven."
During his career Clapton had faced heroin addiction and the pain of shattered relationships with wives and women. Finally he seemed to have found peace and maturity as a parent. But he wrote ‘Tears in Heaven’ after the accidental death of his 4 year old son who fell from a 53rd floor NYC apartment in 1991. His song was named record of the year and song of the year at 35th annual Grammy Awards. He sang, "Time can bring you down. Time can bend your knees. Time can break your heart, have you beggin' please. Beyond the door there's peace, I'm sure. And I know, there'll be no more tears in heaven."
Pop-culture expect Bob DeMoss said, "Clapton knows that there's peace on the other side, if only he could bring himself to ask for forgiveness..It's evident that he's so close, yet so far."
There are times when people say, I do not understand this world. I cannot make sense out of my life. Things don't always turn out they way we think they should.
We live in a world where too often dreams are shattered, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dream. We live in a world where people we love disappoint us, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love. We live in a world where our jobs may not be secure, but that doesn’t mean we don’t do our best in our work. We live in an unsecure world but that does not mean we quit or give up.
I applaud those whose homes have been devastated by tornados or floods and in tears say, I have lost everything, but will build again. We have not lost lives and things can be replaced.
There are both warnings in the Bible to not put too much stock in things over which we have no control. Yet it also teaches we make wiser decisions as we assess as carefully as we can our present plans to make decisions that affect our future. The wise man who built bigger barns was anticipating living a long life. Retirement is not a bad thing to plan. But all his riches were placed in those dreams to the neglect of his eternal and spiritual life. The man who was going to build a house was wise if he first considered all he needed before the house was build and the type of foundation needed to withstand future storms.
It is wise to plan for the future, but not put all our trust in things that pass away. If your whole life and love is devoted to anything of this world we will lose it some day and then what will you do?
Pastor Dale.
Sermon Nuggets Thur April 23, 2009
Verses- Eccl 9: 13-15 I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom that greatly impressed me: There was once a small city with only a few people in it. And a powerful king came against it, surrounded it and built huge siegeworks against it.
Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man.
Unpredictability Produces Surprises.
Underdogs win sometimes. It is frustrating in sports when millions of dollars are paid to the best players making the lower paid teams and coaches’ automatic losers. We live in a world where prejudice abounds against those less talented, less rich, less popular.
If you haven’t been one of the 30 plus million who saw a replay of Susan Boyle’s performance in Britain’s Got Talent contest you should see it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luRmM1J1sfg (copy and paste in your address line).
What makes her one of the overnight successes is that she was such a surprise to Simon Cowell and the rest of the judges and audience when this timid church volunteer at 47 years of age brought the house down with the beauty of her voice. The cheers were not just for her talent, but for the surprise of someone who did not impress others with her looks, dress, or personality shocked the world with her talent.
We see played over and again the autistic but enthusiastic basket ball manager, 17-year-old Jason McElwain from Greece Athena High School. Just to honor him in his senior year they coach let him play in the last home game. He delighted the home crowd by shooting a surprising 3 point long shot. But it didn’t stop there- he did it again, and again and again and again and again. In a few minutes he gained for his team 20 points. They carried him off the court on the shoulders of his teammates.
These stories are surprising in a couple of ways. The underdog wins. The least popular surpasses the favorites. The forgotten outshine the heroes. There is something within us that touches the heart of our own feelings of feeling unworthy. For once the weakest link becomes the strongest. Those expected to lose win in the last seconds. We feel good about that and say talent deserves to be honored above those who flaunt it.
But what is equally surprising is that Susan Boyle was ever allowed to sing in the first place, or Jason McElwain was allowed to play, or people would be given the chance of participating. Prejudice of all sorts stops people off at the pass.
In this short illustration Solomon acknowledges a poor man who stands up with his wisdom against the advances of a king and his army and is able to save the city. The results are the city is spared. Wisdom wins over might. What isn’t surprising is that no one could come up with his name and there was no banquet given in his honor. He remained in the shadows and forgotten. It might be likely the mayor of the city got the honors. It might be true the notoriety goes to the boss instead of the secretary who prepared his presentation. It seems typical the bonus payments go to those in supervisory positions while the employee who originally presented the winning idea is transferred to another department or laid off.
Man's plans do not always work. It was Goliath who had strength; it was David that had faith. It was Ahab that had power; it was Elijah that had God. It was the wise men of Egypt that had education; it was Namaan's servant girl that was the tool for cleansing. Friends, God keeps intervening man's plans to prove our life is humanly unpredictable.
Wisdom was better than strength. Brains beat brawn. But this poor man didn't get the prize, or reward- that seemed so unfair. He didn't get the credit for his wisdom or work.
But God knows. Many forgotten people who did right are known by God and that's enough. More than that, God often chooses to work through clay vessels so that He might receive the glory. He is the giver of talent, wisdom, strength, voice, and life. Jesus chose to come among the poor and be ridiculed, ignored, and rejected. He understands our world. He knows our hearts. He keeps the final score in the end.
So keep singing, keep shooting, keep sharing, keep giving and do it for Him knowing He is delighted even if no one else notices.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri April 24, 2009
Verses- Eccl 9:16-18 So I said, "Wisdom is better than strength." But the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.
The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
Unpredictability Needs Stability
We can try to prepare for the unexpected. As Solomon stated so well that is not always possible. We do not know the future. Some people live paranoid lives thinking bad things will happen to them and their worries overwhelm them. They do not have peace. There are so many things in life over which we have no control. However, there are wise ways to live. To ignore good advice is to risk greater peril. God gives wisdom sometimes through people we least expect. Those who shout the loudest are not always the wisest. One sinner can destroy much good.
Giving good advice and applying wisdom was the purpose of Solomon’s other book- the book of Proverbs. Wisdom will guide us in making better decisions that in the long run protects us from major disappointments and allows for greater security.
A person can save for a rainy day and find that savings destroyed. But it is still wiser to have some savings. A person can prevent lots of health problems by eating properly, and exercising. But so far the mortality rate is 100%. Even healthy people die young.
I read a parable of a man who was going on a journey. He traveled light. Along the way he met various people who warned him of things he could experience. Each concern resulted in carrying more things he might need to prepare him for the unexpected, until he was burdened down with much weight. As he walked across a bridge over the river all his extra weight caused the bridge to break and he fell into the water and drowned.
There is one thing for sure- we do not know what the future can hold as far as this world is concerned. Only what God's word reveals will happen. Do you know it predicts our world will be destroyed? There will be a new heaven and a new earth. Do you know it predicts a world-wide economic crisis? There are treasures in heaven than cannot be taken away. Do you know Jesus is coming again? Some will be taken and others will be left behind. We know how to prepare for that.
I do not know why Peter was miraculously released from prison and Stephen was stoned to death as a martyr. I don't know why some person can be spared death from an accident but another is killed in one. I do not know what God answers the prayer of family member in his 70s to come out of a coma and a young couple has a still born child. I do not know why some missionaries are slaughtered and others miraculously released. I do not know why evil people are sometimes rewarded in their dishonesty and honest people suffer because of their commitment to Godly morals. But in spite of what this world calls success, if you are out of God's will there is no true success and happiness, and if you are in the center of God will there is no true failure. Can you walk by faith and not by sight and ask "though, I do not understand, yet will I trust in the one who died for me?"
Solomon raises very significant questions and observations. There is a predictability of death. It will come to you and to me. When it does all our decisions and work on this life is over. Until then there is the unpredictability of our days and the future. But there came one, Jesus Christ, who gave us hope. He said, “in this world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Can you believe that even when the days are dark? Do you know that Christ is your hope in our uncertain world and in our certain death? Faith in Him will lead us down paths we have not traveled before but there are no surprises to Him. Let Him be your stability in these unpredictable days.
Pastor Dale
Friday, April 17, 2009
Preparing for Death Ecclesiastes 9:1-10
Sermon Nuggets Mon April 13, 2009
Theme PREPARING FOR DEATH
Verses-Ecc 9:3 This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of men, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead.
The Predictability of Death
Edith A Reuss wrote article on “Time for the Lord.”
"Today our pastor preached on time for the Lord, but I'm just a kid, still in high school. I think he meant that for grown-ups; I'm in college now and I love it! So many new ideas! Every day I find myself passing the campus chapel and somehow it nags at me but I have so much studying to do I'm sure the Lord understands;
I'm' married now, and I love him so much! We've talked about taking time to pray together but with our jobs and housework and trying to get adjusted to each other..I don't push it just now; Three pre-schoolers! They keep me going all day and when they are finally in bed. I'm exhausted. We should have family devotions, but they're too little to understand now. I'll wait until they are older;
They're finally all in school. Now its PTA piano lesson and little league. Each day slips away from me before I know it. We never seem to be home at the same time;
Now My teens are so independent sometimes I feel I'm running a boarding house instead of a family. I suggested family prayer once and they all gave me that "Oh, Mother" look. I can't push them I guess;
The last one is married It's so quiet being just the two of us again. Now I have a job and I'm busier than ever adjusting to the business world again. When I get used to the new life then I'll have time for daily prayer and time for God;
Cancer is an ugly word no matter how kindly it is put. the hospital is a bustling place and I a steady stream of roommates, but I feel walled off and alone. I have time now . Nothing but time. I sit with my Bible open before me by my tears blur the words so I cannot read. I cannot pray! God seems so far away now. I wonder why?"
In his sermon in Ecclesiastes Solomon looks at all his accomplishments and concludes it is all for nothing. Without God life is vanity. All things that Solomon wanted were ultimately are in God's hands. All wisdom, knowledge, money, politics, authority all of it is meaningless when life lacks meaning and purpose.
When Solomon looked at the problems of the world and the injustices, the abuse of power and money life is so short lived and futile. There are two simple but often overlooked truths that Solomon talks about in Chapter 9. Death is Predictable and Life is Unpredictable. So my question is, what are we doing about it?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues April 14, 2009
Verses- Eccl 9:1-3 1 So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God's hands, but no man knows whether love or hate awaits him.
2 All share a common destiny-- the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not. As it is with the good man, so with the sinner; as it is with those who take oaths, so with those who are afraid to take them.
3 This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of men, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead.
Facing the Inevitable
Although death is not a popular subject to discuss it is a reality we cannot deny. Since Ecclesiastes addresses all subjects under the sun Solomon reflects on the inevitable. He tells us it doesn't make any different what you do, or how good or bad you are, you are going to die. It really doesn't make any different how rich, or important or unimportant you are you are, all go to the grave.
Statistically do you know what age most people die? The answer is by far the first year of life. In fact more die in the first year of life than any other combined up to 55 years of age. Yet we live in a culture that has been reluctant to face its reality makes jokes of it. The Bible calls it an enemy, for death is the price of sin in our world and all will die.
I have lead and participated in many funerals. I have found with the rise of Hospice care increasingly more study and attention has been given to addressing the needs of those with terminal illness. When I started as a chaplain in the health care field I was asked to speak on the spiritual needs of the elderly and infirmed at the Minnesota Association of Nursing Homes in the 70s. It was very well attended due to the fact very few years had such a seminar been offered in a non Christian setting. My statistics showed that the older population have an increased openness to discuss death and dying and the importance of spiritual resources than those who take care of them. Since that time the connection of health and spiritual concerns is addressed.
There are also practical matters when it comes to the inevitable. My aunt was married to a mortician. He talked with many people about preparing their funeral arrangements. He contacted leukemia. The doctors told him it was terminal. He had a prepaid burial. He purchased his wife a new car so she wouldn’t have to make those decisions when he was gone. He paid off debts and set up trusts with a lawyer. He took care of many practical matter, but with that did not provide my Aunt with his wishes regarding funeral home, services, or preferences of details of inheritances. He was better prepared than most, but there were many unanswered questions that my Aunt wished she would have asked him before he died. I had the new responsibility of taking over the planning of my Aunt’s burial and taking care of her affairs. Even though many things were in order, many things were not. Was she prepared to die?
There is lots more to being prepared than making sure you have a plot and what you want sung at your funeral. There is more to being prepared than having insurance or telling relatives where your important papers are located.
We all live under a spiritual judgment for all of us have a terminal disease-it is sin. The wages of sin is death. Solomon says it doesn't make a bit of difference if you are wicked or righteous, rich or poor, hard working or lazy, we all come to the final resting place. The reason is that no matter how good you are you are still a sinner in God's eyes. Mortality rate is still 100% We die because we are sinners. There is no one who is not.
Now some have looked at this chapter and claimed that it supports a humanistic viewpoint of death. When you're dead you're dead and there isn't anything more. That is not the theme of this book. Solomon is writing about the things under the sun. As far as this life is concerned under the sun means when our life is gone the things of this earth are all over. That is what he is saying. We are dead to this world and there is nothing more that can be done.
The reason things look bleak to Solomon is because all of his accomplishments which were great among men, lost their joy when he fell under the judgment of God. Joy comes not by what we do, but by the gift and grace of God and being in a right relationship with Him. This physical world does not offer to meet our needs in the next world. All throughout the New Testament the teaching of death and eternal life is very clear and repeated. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me shall never die. "
Facing the inevitable makes us sort out priorities, and to have a right relationship with Jesus Christ should be top on the list. To live for Him and for eternity seems obvious, but still many close their eyes to that which is most important.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds April 15, 2009
Verses Eccl 9:4-6 Anyone who is among the living has hope-- even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!
5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even the memory of them is forgotten.
6 Their love, their hate and their jealousy have long since vanished; never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun.
Work for the Night is Coming
I remember the old hymn that was sung often in a small church I attended growing up. “Work for the Night is Coming”. The three verses speaks of the importance of working “through the morning hours..through the sunny noon….under the sunset skies. The challenge is clear- “Work, when the day grows brighter, Work, in the glowing sun, Work, for the night is coming, When man's work is done.”
It was written by a farm girl of 18 years before the Civil War. It was inspired by John 9:4 when Jesus said, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work."
Solomon was not looking so much at the importance of work in this passage as he was the futility of life when all our work is done. He gives us a better perspective later in his writing, but if all we work for are the things of this earth it can be very futile. But with faith and hope of eternal life we need not fear death. The teachings of Jesus remind us of the value to be faithful to Christ unto death.
Whatever you're going to do, do it now, for when you die it will be too late. Hope exists as long as there is life. Just as it is predicted that all will die, so it is true that at death all decisions are completed. It is too late to do anything about eternity after the grave. This life is the time we make our peace with God or live unto our own desires. But as long as there is life there is hope.
I remember one night a college aged young person came to my door. He was full of tears. I let him cry for awhile and finally he told the story of his grandfather who had a stoke and was unconscious and not expected to live. He had a strong sense from God that he should share his faith with his grandfather, but kept putting it off. Now it was too late. After awhile I said to my friend, “Let’s pray that as long as there is life there is hope. Let's pray that somehow God might arouse you grandfather enough that he might hear the message at least for the last time.”
This man came to me a couple of days later and said, "God answered our prayer. I don't know if he understood or not, but he opened his eyes and watched me as I gave him my testimony. He answered our prayer.”
We don't know when it will be too late to tell a fiend, or loved one, neighbor or enemy, of God's saving grace. There is a possibility to respond to God; however the older one gets the more difficult it is. The more you say no to God and keep putting off a decision for Christ the less will be the desire to say yes. Resisting the Spirit of God is serious. Some people falsely think that when they get older and lived their lives they way they wanted, then they will give themselves to God. It doesn't work very often that way. Instead people become hardened to spiritual things and lose their interest because God has stopped convicting them of their need.
Are you prepared for death? For after that there is no opportunity to change what is done in this life. All the rewards that you will be acquiring in eternity will be based on what you do now. We are not saved by our works. But the Scriptures are clear about two things. When the door to the ark was shut it was too late. When the door to the wedding banquet was closed those foolish virgins could not enter. And secondly, there are rewards for the works God calls us to do as Christians. IF we are faithful to what he gives us then comes the reward when he says, "Well done thou good and faithful servant.”
Use the time we have to let God be glorified in your life while it is day, for the night comes when our work is done.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs April 16, 2009
Verses- Eccl 9:7-9
7 Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do.
8 Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil.
9 Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun-- all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.
Prioritize your life.
When I was a chaplain in the nursing homes I decided to be creative and put together a Thanksgiving multi media program. I interviewed residents taking their pictures in different scenes. The interview was easy. I went around asking what they were thankful for. I included some music and patriotic scenes along with their comments.
It wasn’t long before I realized the three main themes of the responses from the people. After living a long life- (most were in their 90s) what mattered most were health they did have, family, and faith. Their basic needs were met in the home. They had a shelter. They had food. They had clothes. So after those needs were met they thought on what they could enjoy as long as they had life on this earth.
1 Tim 6:8 “But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” In light of our present economy we tend to forget the basics and concentrate of all the stuff we lost or can’t have. After awhile we are miserable. When we think of what we do have we realize we are blessed.
With death in mind Solomon concentrates on enjoying the essentials while we have them. In these three verses he is thankful for food, clothes and family. Isn’t that worth praising God today for those gifts? Enjoy them. Life might be a struggle, but there are small blessings today you might miss.
When you are spiritually prepared to enter eternity you can enjoy the time you have while on earth as gifts from God. We will speak more about this next week. Now is the time to enjoy life that God has given you to enjoy and look upon the peace and joy with Him. Some Christian think life is no fun.
I have enjoyed food too much. But when I have enjoyed food the most are usually when I have been very hungry. The longer it has been before I had eaten the better the food tastes. After I had to fast before a surgical procedure, peanut butter on toast in my post operation room never tasted as good! I was starved. It was a blessing to eat again.
A couple of weeks ago I was able to celebrate with my friend who entered retirement. We went to a fancy restaurant. The food was plentiful and delicious. I enjoyed the company and the various foods properly prepared and options that I did not have before. Feasting times at holidays, birthdays, and special occasion can be enjoyed as blessing from the Lord. I never envied the very rich who work themselves up with such stress it results in ulcers. Their food was reduced to a diet of Maalox and milk toast all the time.
Contentment with something to eat and something to wear allows anyone to thank the Lord for today. There are some who go to bed hungry and naked. Enjoy these gifts. If you can get out of bed, get dressed, comb your hair, brush your teeth, get dressed and thank the Lord. Begin your day with Him and think on the gifts He has given you today to enjoy.
Thirdly, if you have a family, love them. Appreciate them. Realize they deserve your attention and your priority next to the Lord. They are also a gift from God to you. You have a part you play in this mini-organization whether you are a son, daughter, mom, dad, sibling or in law. Recognize that no one is perfect. All need forgiveness. If God gives you a spouse, enjoy him/her while we have life, for the day will come when we will be parted. Tell them you love them today while there is time.
I asked one man how he could live with his nagging wife. His answer surprised me. “If you get a lemon, learn to make lemonade.” Put some sugar in the relationship and be the one to give love. The movie, “Fireproof” has changed relationships when we see love is a choice. Enjoy your family.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Fri April 17
Verses- Eccl 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
Do it Now
This was one of the verses my Mother quoted often in the house. It was to encourage her lazy son to become more Biblical. Although, I will say she practiced what she preached. She wasn’t ADHD where she always had to be on the go, but my grandmother also would quote this verse to her. To be idle is to waste time when things could be accomplished.
Mom took up many hobbies and helped many people. She was a working mother in and out of the home. Ruth was somewhat of a perfectionist in her work and took pride in doing it right even if it meant doing it over. She didn’t comprehend my philosophy of “if you don’t see it, it doesn’t exit.” I am not talking about Spiritual things. I was talking about dirt.
Why would she move the refrigerator to regularly clean underneath? I tried to convince her no one would know it. She would retort, “I would know it. Now move that refrigerator for me.” If she was watching TV she would be crocheting, knitting, darning socks, or her favorite- doing a crossword puzzle. “That isn’t wasting time it is improving one’s mind.” She would say.
I can’t help but think of Mom when I read this verse for this is how she lived. She also loved to entertain. Fixing meals, doing dishes, or giving a hot dish to a neighbor was not work. It was serving the Lord with busy hands.
Mom was more of a Martha than a Mary. God creates them both. But like Solomon said in Chapter 3 there is a time for everything under heaven. Although he did not use this contrast, it was true in Jesus’ life. There was a time to work and a time to rest. He accomplished all he needed to accomplish in the three years of his public ministry.
I think we excuse ourselves from faithfulness by thinking we have little or no talent. But God takes what we have and uses it if we are obedient and faithful. Moses continued to shepherd for 40 years until God took that rod in his hand and it became the power rod of God. Samson took the jawbone of an ass and it became a weapon that destroyed the Philistines. Gideon took the lamp and bowl and with the power of God destroyed the Midianites.
The faithful worker is not found sleeping but working with what God has given him or her. There are many excuses for poor work. Some have a quitter’s spirit—quick to start, but have no endurance. Some are content to be mediocre—never give their best at anything, the church included. Unfortunately, some have lost their first love. The spark, enthusiasm of new birth is gone.
Most are not called to lead armies or free people from slavery, but we all are to be a witness for the Lord. We are being watched in the quality of work we do. We do what we do as unto the Lord with our work and with our rest. Col 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward."
Pastor Dale
Theme PREPARING FOR DEATH
Verses-Ecc 9:3 This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of men, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead.
The Predictability of Death
Edith A Reuss wrote article on “Time for the Lord.”
"Today our pastor preached on time for the Lord, but I'm just a kid, still in high school. I think he meant that for grown-ups; I'm in college now and I love it! So many new ideas! Every day I find myself passing the campus chapel and somehow it nags at me but I have so much studying to do I'm sure the Lord understands;
I'm' married now, and I love him so much! We've talked about taking time to pray together but with our jobs and housework and trying to get adjusted to each other..I don't push it just now; Three pre-schoolers! They keep me going all day and when they are finally in bed. I'm exhausted. We should have family devotions, but they're too little to understand now. I'll wait until they are older;
They're finally all in school. Now its PTA piano lesson and little league. Each day slips away from me before I know it. We never seem to be home at the same time;
Now My teens are so independent sometimes I feel I'm running a boarding house instead of a family. I suggested family prayer once and they all gave me that "Oh, Mother" look. I can't push them I guess;
The last one is married It's so quiet being just the two of us again. Now I have a job and I'm busier than ever adjusting to the business world again. When I get used to the new life then I'll have time for daily prayer and time for God;
Cancer is an ugly word no matter how kindly it is put. the hospital is a bustling place and I a steady stream of roommates, but I feel walled off and alone. I have time now . Nothing but time. I sit with my Bible open before me by my tears blur the words so I cannot read. I cannot pray! God seems so far away now. I wonder why?"
In his sermon in Ecclesiastes Solomon looks at all his accomplishments and concludes it is all for nothing. Without God life is vanity. All things that Solomon wanted were ultimately are in God's hands. All wisdom, knowledge, money, politics, authority all of it is meaningless when life lacks meaning and purpose.
When Solomon looked at the problems of the world and the injustices, the abuse of power and money life is so short lived and futile. There are two simple but often overlooked truths that Solomon talks about in Chapter 9. Death is Predictable and Life is Unpredictable. So my question is, what are we doing about it?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues April 14, 2009
Verses- Eccl 9:1-3 1 So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God's hands, but no man knows whether love or hate awaits him.
2 All share a common destiny-- the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not. As it is with the good man, so with the sinner; as it is with those who take oaths, so with those who are afraid to take them.
3 This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of men, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead.
Facing the Inevitable
Although death is not a popular subject to discuss it is a reality we cannot deny. Since Ecclesiastes addresses all subjects under the sun Solomon reflects on the inevitable. He tells us it doesn't make any different what you do, or how good or bad you are, you are going to die. It really doesn't make any different how rich, or important or unimportant you are you are, all go to the grave.
Statistically do you know what age most people die? The answer is by far the first year of life. In fact more die in the first year of life than any other combined up to 55 years of age. Yet we live in a culture that has been reluctant to face its reality makes jokes of it. The Bible calls it an enemy, for death is the price of sin in our world and all will die.
I have lead and participated in many funerals. I have found with the rise of Hospice care increasingly more study and attention has been given to addressing the needs of those with terminal illness. When I started as a chaplain in the health care field I was asked to speak on the spiritual needs of the elderly and infirmed at the Minnesota Association of Nursing Homes in the 70s. It was very well attended due to the fact very few years had such a seminar been offered in a non Christian setting. My statistics showed that the older population have an increased openness to discuss death and dying and the importance of spiritual resources than those who take care of them. Since that time the connection of health and spiritual concerns is addressed.
There are also practical matters when it comes to the inevitable. My aunt was married to a mortician. He talked with many people about preparing their funeral arrangements. He contacted leukemia. The doctors told him it was terminal. He had a prepaid burial. He purchased his wife a new car so she wouldn’t have to make those decisions when he was gone. He paid off debts and set up trusts with a lawyer. He took care of many practical matter, but with that did not provide my Aunt with his wishes regarding funeral home, services, or preferences of details of inheritances. He was better prepared than most, but there were many unanswered questions that my Aunt wished she would have asked him before he died. I had the new responsibility of taking over the planning of my Aunt’s burial and taking care of her affairs. Even though many things were in order, many things were not. Was she prepared to die?
There is lots more to being prepared than making sure you have a plot and what you want sung at your funeral. There is more to being prepared than having insurance or telling relatives where your important papers are located.
We all live under a spiritual judgment for all of us have a terminal disease-it is sin. The wages of sin is death. Solomon says it doesn't make a bit of difference if you are wicked or righteous, rich or poor, hard working or lazy, we all come to the final resting place. The reason is that no matter how good you are you are still a sinner in God's eyes. Mortality rate is still 100% We die because we are sinners. There is no one who is not.
Now some have looked at this chapter and claimed that it supports a humanistic viewpoint of death. When you're dead you're dead and there isn't anything more. That is not the theme of this book. Solomon is writing about the things under the sun. As far as this life is concerned under the sun means when our life is gone the things of this earth are all over. That is what he is saying. We are dead to this world and there is nothing more that can be done.
The reason things look bleak to Solomon is because all of his accomplishments which were great among men, lost their joy when he fell under the judgment of God. Joy comes not by what we do, but by the gift and grace of God and being in a right relationship with Him. This physical world does not offer to meet our needs in the next world. All throughout the New Testament the teaching of death and eternal life is very clear and repeated. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me shall never die. "
Facing the inevitable makes us sort out priorities, and to have a right relationship with Jesus Christ should be top on the list. To live for Him and for eternity seems obvious, but still many close their eyes to that which is most important.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds April 15, 2009
Verses Eccl 9:4-6 Anyone who is among the living has hope-- even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!
5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even the memory of them is forgotten.
6 Their love, their hate and their jealousy have long since vanished; never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun.
Work for the Night is Coming
I remember the old hymn that was sung often in a small church I attended growing up. “Work for the Night is Coming”. The three verses speaks of the importance of working “through the morning hours..through the sunny noon….under the sunset skies. The challenge is clear- “Work, when the day grows brighter, Work, in the glowing sun, Work, for the night is coming, When man's work is done.”
It was written by a farm girl of 18 years before the Civil War. It was inspired by John 9:4 when Jesus said, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work."
Solomon was not looking so much at the importance of work in this passage as he was the futility of life when all our work is done. He gives us a better perspective later in his writing, but if all we work for are the things of this earth it can be very futile. But with faith and hope of eternal life we need not fear death. The teachings of Jesus remind us of the value to be faithful to Christ unto death.
Whatever you're going to do, do it now, for when you die it will be too late. Hope exists as long as there is life. Just as it is predicted that all will die, so it is true that at death all decisions are completed. It is too late to do anything about eternity after the grave. This life is the time we make our peace with God or live unto our own desires. But as long as there is life there is hope.
I remember one night a college aged young person came to my door. He was full of tears. I let him cry for awhile and finally he told the story of his grandfather who had a stoke and was unconscious and not expected to live. He had a strong sense from God that he should share his faith with his grandfather, but kept putting it off. Now it was too late. After awhile I said to my friend, “Let’s pray that as long as there is life there is hope. Let's pray that somehow God might arouse you grandfather enough that he might hear the message at least for the last time.”
This man came to me a couple of days later and said, "God answered our prayer. I don't know if he understood or not, but he opened his eyes and watched me as I gave him my testimony. He answered our prayer.”
We don't know when it will be too late to tell a fiend, or loved one, neighbor or enemy, of God's saving grace. There is a possibility to respond to God; however the older one gets the more difficult it is. The more you say no to God and keep putting off a decision for Christ the less will be the desire to say yes. Resisting the Spirit of God is serious. Some people falsely think that when they get older and lived their lives they way they wanted, then they will give themselves to God. It doesn't work very often that way. Instead people become hardened to spiritual things and lose their interest because God has stopped convicting them of their need.
Are you prepared for death? For after that there is no opportunity to change what is done in this life. All the rewards that you will be acquiring in eternity will be based on what you do now. We are not saved by our works. But the Scriptures are clear about two things. When the door to the ark was shut it was too late. When the door to the wedding banquet was closed those foolish virgins could not enter. And secondly, there are rewards for the works God calls us to do as Christians. IF we are faithful to what he gives us then comes the reward when he says, "Well done thou good and faithful servant.”
Use the time we have to let God be glorified in your life while it is day, for the night comes when our work is done.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs April 16, 2009
Verses- Eccl 9:7-9
7 Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do.
8 Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil.
9 Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun-- all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.
Prioritize your life.
When I was a chaplain in the nursing homes I decided to be creative and put together a Thanksgiving multi media program. I interviewed residents taking their pictures in different scenes. The interview was easy. I went around asking what they were thankful for. I included some music and patriotic scenes along with their comments.
It wasn’t long before I realized the three main themes of the responses from the people. After living a long life- (most were in their 90s) what mattered most were health they did have, family, and faith. Their basic needs were met in the home. They had a shelter. They had food. They had clothes. So after those needs were met they thought on what they could enjoy as long as they had life on this earth.
1 Tim 6:8 “But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” In light of our present economy we tend to forget the basics and concentrate of all the stuff we lost or can’t have. After awhile we are miserable. When we think of what we do have we realize we are blessed.
With death in mind Solomon concentrates on enjoying the essentials while we have them. In these three verses he is thankful for food, clothes and family. Isn’t that worth praising God today for those gifts? Enjoy them. Life might be a struggle, but there are small blessings today you might miss.
When you are spiritually prepared to enter eternity you can enjoy the time you have while on earth as gifts from God. We will speak more about this next week. Now is the time to enjoy life that God has given you to enjoy and look upon the peace and joy with Him. Some Christian think life is no fun.
I have enjoyed food too much. But when I have enjoyed food the most are usually when I have been very hungry. The longer it has been before I had eaten the better the food tastes. After I had to fast before a surgical procedure, peanut butter on toast in my post operation room never tasted as good! I was starved. It was a blessing to eat again.
A couple of weeks ago I was able to celebrate with my friend who entered retirement. We went to a fancy restaurant. The food was plentiful and delicious. I enjoyed the company and the various foods properly prepared and options that I did not have before. Feasting times at holidays, birthdays, and special occasion can be enjoyed as blessing from the Lord. I never envied the very rich who work themselves up with such stress it results in ulcers. Their food was reduced to a diet of Maalox and milk toast all the time.
Contentment with something to eat and something to wear allows anyone to thank the Lord for today. There are some who go to bed hungry and naked. Enjoy these gifts. If you can get out of bed, get dressed, comb your hair, brush your teeth, get dressed and thank the Lord. Begin your day with Him and think on the gifts He has given you today to enjoy.
Thirdly, if you have a family, love them. Appreciate them. Realize they deserve your attention and your priority next to the Lord. They are also a gift from God to you. You have a part you play in this mini-organization whether you are a son, daughter, mom, dad, sibling or in law. Recognize that no one is perfect. All need forgiveness. If God gives you a spouse, enjoy him/her while we have life, for the day will come when we will be parted. Tell them you love them today while there is time.
I asked one man how he could live with his nagging wife. His answer surprised me. “If you get a lemon, learn to make lemonade.” Put some sugar in the relationship and be the one to give love. The movie, “Fireproof” has changed relationships when we see love is a choice. Enjoy your family.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Fri April 17
Verses- Eccl 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
Do it Now
This was one of the verses my Mother quoted often in the house. It was to encourage her lazy son to become more Biblical. Although, I will say she practiced what she preached. She wasn’t ADHD where she always had to be on the go, but my grandmother also would quote this verse to her. To be idle is to waste time when things could be accomplished.
Mom took up many hobbies and helped many people. She was a working mother in and out of the home. Ruth was somewhat of a perfectionist in her work and took pride in doing it right even if it meant doing it over. She didn’t comprehend my philosophy of “if you don’t see it, it doesn’t exit.” I am not talking about Spiritual things. I was talking about dirt.
Why would she move the refrigerator to regularly clean underneath? I tried to convince her no one would know it. She would retort, “I would know it. Now move that refrigerator for me.” If she was watching TV she would be crocheting, knitting, darning socks, or her favorite- doing a crossword puzzle. “That isn’t wasting time it is improving one’s mind.” She would say.
I can’t help but think of Mom when I read this verse for this is how she lived. She also loved to entertain. Fixing meals, doing dishes, or giving a hot dish to a neighbor was not work. It was serving the Lord with busy hands.
Mom was more of a Martha than a Mary. God creates them both. But like Solomon said in Chapter 3 there is a time for everything under heaven. Although he did not use this contrast, it was true in Jesus’ life. There was a time to work and a time to rest. He accomplished all he needed to accomplish in the three years of his public ministry.
I think we excuse ourselves from faithfulness by thinking we have little or no talent. But God takes what we have and uses it if we are obedient and faithful. Moses continued to shepherd for 40 years until God took that rod in his hand and it became the power rod of God. Samson took the jawbone of an ass and it became a weapon that destroyed the Philistines. Gideon took the lamp and bowl and with the power of God destroyed the Midianites.
The faithful worker is not found sleeping but working with what God has given him or her. There are many excuses for poor work. Some have a quitter’s spirit—quick to start, but have no endurance. Some are content to be mediocre—never give their best at anything, the church included. Unfortunately, some have lost their first love. The spark, enthusiasm of new birth is gone.
Most are not called to lead armies or free people from slavery, but we all are to be a witness for the Lord. We are being watched in the quality of work we do. We do what we do as unto the Lord with our work and with our rest. Col 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward."
Pastor Dale
Friday, April 10, 2009
Authority and Wisdom Ecclesastes 8
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
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
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