Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 17; Ps 91

“At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you.” These are the words of the Lord to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:13. God showed His strength in this way to King Ahab generations later as He took away all dew and rain for several years. But for Elijah, who was faithful, God provided.

Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go to the east and hide by Kerith Brook, near where it enters the Jordan River. Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have commanded them to bring you food.” So Elijah did as the Lord told him and camped beside Kerith Brook, east of the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. But after a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land. — 1 Kings 17:4-7

SO WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WHAT GOD PROVIDED IS GONE?

Have you ever asked yourself that question? Have you ever wondered when God’s overflowing provision in your life will end? Perhaps you question what is ahead or whether or not God will provide for you in the future, despite the fact that He is providing for you right now. When the brook God provided Elijah dried up, He faithfully provided another source.

Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. I have instructed a widow there to feed you.”

So he went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her, “Would you please bring a little water in a cup?” As she was going to get it, he called to her, “Bring me a bite of bread, too.”

But she said, “I swear by the Lord your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die.” — 1 Kings 17:8-12

But Elijah knew he served the God who provides — again and again! God had already told Elijah that He would provide for the widow — that there would ALWAYS be enough! She trusted in Elijah’s words and made bread for him first, and what God promised came true — there was ALWAYS enough!

SO WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE WANT MORE THAN “ENOUGH”?

The widow’s son became sick; the son whom she was raising so that he could one day provide for her in her husband’s absence died in her arms. Can you imagine her grief and worry? Elijah took the child and did what most of us would do in this same situation — He asked God, “Why?”

Elijah begged God, “O Lord my God, please let this child’s life return to him.” God heard Elijah’s prayer and the life of the boy returned and he was revived! The child was placed back in the arms of his mother, who responded, “Now I know for sure…” (1 Kings 17:21-24).

NOW I KNOW FOR SURE!

Maybe that is why God allows events in our life that cause us to ask, “Why?” Like the widow, we need to know for sure that we serve the God who provides; we need to know we can trust God for all of our tomorrows.

Think of all the times when God has provided generously for you. Stop and speak it out loud. Now think of the ways in which you need God to provide for you again. Are you in a situation where you find yourself asking God why He is allowing something in your life? The answer may be floating in your morning coffee — so that you can KNOW FOR SURE and so others around you can KNOW FOR SURE that you serve a God who provides!

So, next time God provides and then what God provided is taken away from you, what will be your response? Are you willing to let God take you on a journey that leads to the land of KNOWING FOR SURE? Can you trust God that there will always be enough?

I look up to the mountains – does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!
He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.
The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. – Psalm 121

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him…
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me, I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” – Psalm 91:1-2, 14-16

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 15-16; 2 Chronicles 13 – 17:19

Abijam began to rule over Judah in the eighteenth year of Jeroboam’s reign in Israel. He reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother was Maacah, the granddaughter of Absalom.
He committed the same sins as his father before him, and he was not faithful to the Lord his God, as his ancestor David had been. But for David’s sake, the Lord his God allowed his descendants to continue ruling, shining like a lamp, and he gave Abijam a son to rule after him in Jerusalem. — 1 Kings 15:1-4

The chronicles of the succession of kings in both Israel and Judah give us a great example of how our decisions today can impact the choices of the next generations. All Abijam had ever known was the culture set by his father. King Rehoboam had lusted after the things of this world, leading his country and his family in the worship of false gods. And so often our kids value what we teach them to value — money, sports, alcohol, music, hobbies, etc. So when we do not live our lives out of a faith relationship with God, why would our kids?

Nadab son of Jeroboam began to rule over Israel in the second year of King Asa’s reign in Judah. He reigned in Israel two years. But he did what was evil in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his father, continuing the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit. — 1 Kings 15:25-26

HE FOLLOWED THE EXAMPLE OF HIS FATHER.

But King David’s great-grandson, Asa, had a heart for God. The decisions he made and the manner in which he led the people of Judah were pleasing in the Lord’s sight. He got rid of the idols and banished the male and female shrine prostitutes. Because his grandmother made an Asherah pole, he even removed her from the honored position of queen mother. Asa’s heart remained completely faithful to the Lord throughout his life (1 Kings 14b).

There was constant war between King Asa of Judah and King Baasha of Israel. Baasha son of Ahijah began to rule over all Israel in the third year of King Asa’s reign in Judah. Baasha reigned in Tirzah twenty-four years. But he did what was evil in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of Jeroboam, continuing the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit. — 1 Kings 15:32-34

HE CONTINUED THE SINS OF HIS FATHER.

Zimri began to rule over Israel in the twenty-seventh year of King Asa’s reign in Judah, but his reign in Tirzah lasted only seven days. The army of Israel was then attacking the Philistine town of Gibbethon. When they heard that Zimri had committed treason and had assassinated the king, that very day they chose Omri, commander of the army, as the new king of Israel. So Omri led the entire army of Israel up from Gibbethon to attack Tirzah, Israel’s capital. When Zimri saw that the city had been taken, he went into the citadel of the palace and burned it down over himself and died in the flames. For he, too, had done what was evil in the Lord’s sight. He followed the example of Jeroboam in all the sins he had committed and led Israel to commit. — 1 Kings 16:15-19

When the influence of a father leads to the sinful behavior of the son, it strips both father and son of joy. There are consequences to sin, all of which could have been avoided if the father had chosen to lead the son in the ways of the Lord. But when a father leads his family into a covenant relationship with God, teaching them how to see after God with all their heart, soul, and mind, they will find a life filled with joy.

Then they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul. They agreed that anyone who refused to seek the Lord, the God of Israel, would be put to death—whether young or old, man or woman. They shouted out their oath of loyalty to the Lord with trumpets blaring and rams’ horns sounding. All in Judah were happy about this covenant, for they had entered into it with all their heart. They earnestly sought after God, and they found him. And the Lord gave them rest from their enemies on every side. — 2 Chronicles 15:12-15

HE LED THEM INTO A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND THEY FOLLOWED WITH ALL THEIR HEART.

Many of us have our own story of the influence of our father on our spiritual journey. As I spend my first Father’s Day without my dad, my heart is grateful for the example he set for me and for my children. His willingness to do whatever God asked Him to do taught me how to fully surrender my life to Christ. And my prayer today is that my girls will always have the example of their parents and grandparents to encourage them to remain strong in their faith.

What legacy are you passing down to others? What impact are you having on the lives of those around you — those who are watching how you respond to life’s challenges and blessings? May God equip you to be a great example of a life surrendered and fully devoted to God.

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 11:18 – 12:16

It is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice. Such a youth could rise from poverty and succeed. He might even become king, though he has been in prison. But then everyone rushes to the side of yet another youth who replaces him. Endless crowds stand around him, but then another generation grows up and rejects him, too. So it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind. — Ecclesiastes 4:13-16

The feud between Jeroboam and Rehoboam continued. There was constant war between Judah and Israel (14:30). They both led God’s people in the worship of false gods, they both died, and they were both succeeded by their sons. Their reigns were marked by complete disregard of God and all He had commanded of His people. They were given the privilege to sit in the top position of leadership, an opportunity to lead the people in a season of blessings from God, but they were too focused on the temporary pleasures of this world to invest in the things that are eternal.

Jeroboam’s son, Abijah, became very sick, so he sent his wife in disguise to ask the prophet Ahijah what would become of the boy. Even though Ahijah could no longer see clearly, he knew it was Jeroboam’s wife, for the Lord had already told him what to say to her.

WHY ARE YOU PRETENDING TO BE SOMEONE ELSE?

“Give your husband, Jeroboam, this message from the Lord, the God of Israel: ‘I promoted you from the ranks of the common people and made you ruler over my people Israel. I ripped the kingdom away from the family of David and gave it to you. But you have not been like my servant David, who obeyed my commands and followed me with all his heart and always did whatever I wanted. You have done more evil than all who lived before you. You have made other gods for yourself and have made me furious with your gold calves. And since you have turned your back on me, I will bring disaster on your dynasty and will destroy every one of your male descendants, slave and free alike, anywhere in Israel. I will burn up your royal dynasty as one burns up trash until it is all gone. The members of Jeroboam’s family who die in the city will be eaten by dogs, and those who die in the field will be eaten by vultures. I, the Lord, have spoken.’” — 1 Kings 14:7-11

When God allows someone to sit in a place of influence, it is for His purposes and to advance His Kingdom. But the temptation of leadership is to make it about us — to become addicted to authority and to start advancing our own agendas. Arrogance sets in and we lose track of why God placed us in the leadership seat in the first place.

If God created you to do something and He has in mind for you to be something, then why are you doing your own thing and why are you pretending to be someone else? Why are you living in your own confidence when God has strategically positioned you to do amazing things by His power and with His favor? You have been given an opportunity and you are wasting it.

During Rehoboam’s reign, the people of Judah did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, provoking his anger with their sin, for it was even worse than that of their ancestors. For they also built for themselves pagan shrines and set up sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. There were even male and female shrine prostitutes throughout the land. The people imitated the detestable practices of the pagan nations the Lord had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites. — 1 Kings 14:22-24

In the fifth year of his reign, King Shishak of Egypt attacked Jerusalem and carried away the treasuries of the Lord’s Temple, including all of the gold shields King Solomon had made. Rehoboam replaced them with bronze shields, but they were a cheap imitation of what God had once blessed His people with.

WHY ARE YOU SETTLING FOR A CHEAP IMITATION OF THE LIFE GOD PLANNED FOR YOU?

When we choose to live our lives our own way, seeking our own happiness rather than bringing glory to God, we miss out on God’s best. We become a cheap imitation of what life could have been. Eventually we will die and life will go on without us, and we will have missed our opportunity to write an amazing chapter in God’s story.

Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the Lord’s anger was turned away, and he did not destroy him completely. There were still some good things in the land of Judah. — 2 Chronicles 12:12

It is not too late. We serve a God of grace and mercy. He has given us the Spirit to guide us back onto the path He planned for us. God loves a repentant heart who is willing to humble themselves and make retribution for the actions of the past. Consider how God used Samson on the last day of his life.

Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me just one more time. With one blow let me pay back the Philistines for the loss of my two eyes.” Then Samson put his hands on the two center pillars that held up the temple. Pushing against them with both hands, he prayed, “Let me die with the Philistines.” And the temple crashed down on the Philistine rulers and all the people. So he killed more people when he died than he had during his entire lifetime. — Judges 16:28-30

I believe that God has positioned you for great things ahead. He is calling you back to His purposes and His plan. If you will keep your eyes on your Creator and lean your ears towards His Spirit, He will place before you opportunities. You will be brought into the conversation, and God will strategically position you so that He can do great things through you. And the world will be a better place because you are a devoted follower of Christ.

Jeroboam reigned over Israel for twenty-two years, and then he died. His son, Nadab, followed him as King of Israel. Rehoboam reigned over Judah for seventeen years. He was buried with his ancestors — David and Solomon — and his son, Abijam, became the next king of Judah. And life went on.

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 13; Psalm 76

At the Lord’s command, a man of God from Judah went to Bethel, arriving there just as Jeroboam was approaching the altar to burn incense. Then at the Lord’s command, he shouted, “O altar, altar! This is what the Lord says: A child named Josiah will be born into the dynasty of David. On you he will sacrifice the priests from the pagan shrines who come here to burn incense, and human bones will be burned on you.” That same day the man of God gave a sign to prove his message. He said, “The Lord has promised to give this sign: This altar will split apart, and its ashes will be poured out on the ground.” — 1 Kings 13:1-3

King Jeroboam did not appreciate the words of the man of God, nor did he fear God enough to respect what the prophet had to say. He stretched out his arm, pointed towards the man of God, and commanded he be seized. Instantly his arm froze in place and he could not pull it back. At the same time, the altar cracked and ashes poured out, just as the man of God said it would.

Jeroboam cried out for the prophet to ask God to restore his hand, and he did. God displayed his power, and then He displayed His grace, yet Jeroboam did not turn from his evil ways. His hand was restored but his heart remained self-seeking.

Just like he had done with the Israelites, Jeroboam attempted to shower the man with hospitality in order to win his loyalty. He invited the man of God to come to the palace for a meal and a gift, but the man refused for the Lord had commanded him not to eat or drink anything while he was there. God had given him specific instructions — to go, do what he had been called to do, and then get back home. He was to avoid distractions and temptation.

An old prophet that was living in Bethel heard about Jeroboam’s hand and he rushed to catch up with the man of God. After finding him resting under a tree, he invited him back to his house for a meal. The man of God again denied, for the Lord had specifically commanded him not to eat or drink anything while on this journey. He needed to stay focused on completing the mission in full obedience.

For some unknown reason, the old prophet lied to the man of God next. He told him that an angel had appeared to him, telling him to bring the man of God back to his house for a meal. Something he said must have persuaded the man of God, and he allowed himself to get sidetracked on his journey home. He went to the old prophet’s home and enjoyed a meal.

Then while they were sitting at the table, a command from the Lord came to the old prophet. He cried out to the man of God from Judah, “This is what the Lord says: You have defied the word of the Lord and have disobeyed the command the Lord your God gave you. You came back to this place and ate and drank where he told you not to eat or drink. Because of this, your body will not be buried in the grave of your ancestors.” — 1 Kings 13:20-22

How often has someone used the phrase “the Lord told me” on you? How are you supposed to respond? It is wise to ask the Lord for discernment. If what someone is saying is a direct contradiction to what God has commanded of you in scripture or through a word you have received from Him, it is wise to remain committed to obedience.

On his way home, a lion attacked the man of God and killed him. The old prophet retrieved his body, which the lion had left intact, and buried the man of God, grieving his death.

As I read this bizarre story in 1 Kings 13, I asked God what I was supposed to do with this passage. I found myself questioning how God could allow the audacity of a king who had experienced God’s power firsthand (literally), yet refused to turn from his wicked ways, while responding with a death sentence to the man of God who chose to believe the lie of the old prophet. So out of these three men in the story, the idolator and the liar get to live, and the foolish man has to die. What do we do with this? How are we supposed to respond when we do not see God moving as we expect him to?

We are ALL called to obedience — kings, prophets, messengers, and everyone in between. God is calling all of us to the kind of relationship where we respond in submission and love to what God is asking of us. No one gets a pass, and no unrepentant heart will be rewarded for their denial of the lordship of Christ. When we do not see the hand of God responding to the injustices in this world, He is asking us to trust His heart and His timing.

Father, help us to be consistent in our walk with you. May our private life match our public ministry so that you are glorified through our lives. Give us discernment to know when you are speaking into our lives through other people and when we need to block out the opinions and thoughts of others. Thank you for being a God who allows us to bring our questions to you, and a God we can trust as we leave our questions at your feet. Amen.

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 12:25-33; 2 Chronicles 11:5-17

When all the Israelites heard that Jeroboam had returned, they sent and called him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. Only the tribe of Judah remained loyal to the house of David. — 1 Kings 12:20

Jeroboam was pleased to lead the Israelites, but he was not confident that he would keep their allegiance if they went back to Jerusalem to offer the sacrifices. He did not trust the people and he did not trust God. After seeking what turned out to be bad advice, Jeroboam made two golden calves. And in order to keep the Israelites close to home, he set up two places of worship, putting one golden calf at each location — Bethel and Dan.

He said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” — 1 Kings 12:28b

Jeroboam had the audacity to give these two man-made idols credit for all that God had done for the Israelites. He built shrines on high places, and he installed priests who were not Levites. He created a new festival, and the Israelites came to these high places in Bethel and Dan to give their offerings to the idols Jeroboam had created. Once more, the people of Israel walked away from God, choosing false gods over the one true God.

BETHEL

If Bethel sounds familiar to you, let me take you back to Genesis 28. Jacob had left his family to visit his Uncle Laban. He had just tricked his father into giving him the blessing of the firstborn that was meant for his brother, Esau. His father, Isaac, sent him away to marry one of Laban’s daughters, and so he left the life he knew and traveled toward Haran. On his way, he found a place to set up camp and he stopped for the night. He was alone, and yet he wasn’t. While he slept, Jacob had a dream about a stairway and he heard the voice of the Lord renewing the same covenant He had made with Abraham and Isaac. That same special relationship was now available to Jacob.

“Your descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth! They will spread out in all directions—to the west and the east, to the north and the south. And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants. What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.” — Genesis 28:14-15

Jacob named the place Bethel, which means House of God, because the Lord had spoken to him there (Genesis 35:15). This place was special — a place where God would now be worshiped because He had so faithfully made his presence known to Jacob. King Jeroboam took this holy place that had been dedicated to the Lord and built a shrine to a golden calf in its place. He boldly desecrated a place that had been set aside for God.

DAN

The town of Dan was on the northern tip of Israel. It had once been known as Laish, that is, before the tribe of Dan arrived. The tribe had been allotted eighteen towns to claim as their territory in the land of Canaan. But they had trouble taking possession of the land, and so they chose an easier space to occupy. They captured the town of Laish, slaughtered all of the people who lived there, and made it their home. This place represented the weakness and laziness of a people who had been given so much by God, but who settled for less than all God wanted to give them.

With Dan on the northern edge of the land Israel occupied, and Bethel just north of Jerusalem, Jeroboam could provide easier access to places of worship than traveling to the city of Jerusalem, where God had commanded his people to make their offerings to him. He boldly offered God’s people the opportunity to worship false gods closer to home instead of worshiping the God of Israel in Jerusalem, and they gladly obliged him. He boldly sinned against God, more focused on beating Rehoboam than he was on glorifying God.

The position of king was an honored seat of authority. Jeroboam could have placed his trust in God, showing humility for this opportunity to reign as king, but instead he chose a competitive spirit. He created a new religion, new places of worship, and a new festival. He chased after the next shiny thing instead of following the traditions God had put into place. He worked hard to keep the eyes of the people focused on him, rather than focused on God.

What false god is the church chasing after today because it is easier than doing it God’s way? Are we so caught up in trying to outdo other churches or leaders that we have lost sight of God’s calling? Are we worshiping the created over the Creator? Is God glorified when his people hop from one church to another in response to the churches’ gimmicks and marketing? Are we watering down the gospel in order to please others?

Father God, we give you our attention. May we serve you in the church to which you have called us; may you be glorified every day by our authentic desire to point others towards you. May our worship be authentic, and may we be used in the lives of others. Point out any false gods we have allowed to draw our attention away from you. May we make the most of this leadership opportunity you have given us by trusting in you every step of the way — whether the crowd is cheering or walking away. Amen.

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 12:1-24 and 2 Chronicles 9:29 – 11:4

It is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice. Such a youth could rise from poverty and succeed. He might even become king, though he has been in prison. But then everyone rushes to the side of yet another youth who replaces him. Endless crowds stand around him, but then another generation grows up and rejects him, too. So it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind. — Ecclesiastes 4:13-16

King Solomon ruled over all of Israel for 40 years, but his body grew old and after he took his last breath, he was buried in the city named after his father, David. He left his son, Rehoboam, many words of wisdom, as well as the throne of Israel. Solomon had experienced the fruit of ruling with wisdom, but he had also experienced the humiliation of living with the consequences of his foolishness. He knew that popularity can disappear as quickly as it rises; one day everyone can be cheering for you, but the next day they will place their hope in a new leader.

All of Israel gathered for the new king’s inauguration. WIth this change in leadership, they saw the opportunity for a better life. The leaders asked Rehoboam to lighten the harsh labor demands and heavy taxes that King Solomon had imposed on the people. They promised their loyalty to the new king if he would choose to be less harsh than his father.

SEEKING ADVICE FROM THE GODLY

King Rehoboam asked for three days to make a decision regarding the manner in which he would lead the people of Israel. He went to the older men whom his father had used for counsel, and he asked them for their advice.

The older counselors replied, “If you are good to these people and do your best to please them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects.” — 2 Chronicles 10:7

This model of servant leadership did not appeal to King Rehoboam, so he rejected the wise advice of the godly and built a new team of advisers made up of his childhood friends.

The young men replied, “This is what you should tell those complainers who want a lighter burden: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! Yes, my father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!’” — 1 Kings 12:10-11

Rehoboam followed the advice of his young friends. He spoke harshly to the people, refusing to listen to the leaders of the tribes of Israel. But leading with arrogance backfired, and the people of Israel walked away from their king, leaving Rehoboam with only the towns of Judah to rule. He sent Adoniram to restore order, but the people of Israel stoned him to death. So Rehoboam fled to Jerusalem to mobilize an army. The Lord told him not to fight against his relatives, so Rehoboam accepted his losses and continued to rule over the tribes of Benjamin and Judah.

The wicked are trapped by their own words,
but the godly escape such trouble.
Wise words bring many benefits,
and hard work brings rewards.
Fools think their own way is right,
but the wise listen to others.
A fool is quick-tempered,
but a wise person stays calm when insulted. — Proverbs 12:13-16

The mark of a good leader is loyal followers; leadership is nothing without a following. — Proverbs 14:28, MSG

Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; take good counsel and watch them succeed. — Proverbs 15:22, MSG

Father God, give us wisdom to act in your love and with your grace. Humble us so that we lead as servants, willing to put the needs of our team ahead of our own. Thank you for those you have placed in our lives who are available for godly counsel, and for their words of encouragement and support. May we recognize bad advice when it comes, and may we glorify you in all that we say and do. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Ecclesiastes 10 – 12

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace. — Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Life is beautiful, and part of that beauty comes with the changing seasons. Summer will officially arrive this week with its heat and high humidity, and there is a new buzz of activity across the community from farmers markets to summer concerts. Families can be seen out riding their bikes, and the sounds of laughter and lifeguard whistles can be heard by the swimming pool. But summer does not last forever. We are only weeks away from stores filling their shelves with back to school supplies. Soon fall will arrive with all of its yummy smells and community festivals.

Like the changing of the calendar, life comes with its seasons. As we look back, we see how our life is broken into intervals. Friendships come and go, jobs change, and life looks slightly different from one chapter of our lives to the next. College years, young adulthood, new parents, growing careers, youth sports leagues, summer camp, vacations, graduations, weddings, funerals…We blink and we go from having a newborn in our arms to having the chaos of coordinating family schedules to having the silence of the empty nest. One chapter ends and another begins, and there is beauty to be found with each turning page.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. — Ecclesiastes 3:11-13

Last year brought many changes to my life. I had a daughter move away to go to medical school, a daughter get married, and a daughter finish college. We moved to a new state, started new jobs, and began a new chapter. Scott gave me a book by Patricia Heaton titled My Second Act and it changed my perspective about facing a new day. While in some ways it felt like I was losing my purpose and life as I knew it was coming to an end, this book helped me realize I was just entering into act two of a story that is far from finished. There are still new characters to be introduced, memories to be made, and a storyline to be developed.

Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant.
If they watch every cloud, they never harvest. — Ecclesiastes 11:4

Ecclesiastes has the potential to change our perspective on life. Every time we make our way back to this familiar book of wisdom, we are given the opportunity to step back and see how our life has evolved from season to season. It is okay to grieve the chapters that have come to an end, but I believe God wants us to look ahead with hope. Every chapter of our lives has come with its unique blessings, and this next one will also. So rejoice in where God has you today, and allow him to use you. Live with the expectation that your favorite memories are still ahead of you; live with the confidence that this earthly life is nothing in comparison to the joy we will experience for an eternity when we place our hope in Christ Jesus.

Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning.
When people live to be very old, let them rejoice in every day of life. But let them also remember there will be many dark days. Everything still to come is meaningless.
Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy. But remember that youth, with a whole life before you, is meaningless. Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. — Ecclesiastes 11:7 – 12:1a

Life is meaningless, but find satisfaction in it. This life God has given you is a gift — find new ways to show your appreciation for each opportunity He gives you. Yes, the day will come when our earthly chapter ends, but our life will not. When we take our last breath of humanity, we will experience Jesus like never before. One chapter ends and another begins, and there is beauty to be found with each turning page.

Today’s Reading: Ecclesiastes 7 – 9; Psalm 73

Accept the way God does things, for who can straighten what he has made crooked?
Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God.
Remember that nothing is certain in this life. – Ecclesiastes 7:13-14

Why do bad things happen to good people? We hear this question asked often. Or sometimes we hear the question — Why do the wicked prosper? When we watch a godly person battle cancer or a child die suddenly and seemingly without purpose, we find ourselves asking, “Why?”

So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper? But what a difficult task it is! – Psalm 73:16

King Solomon struggled with this same question and it is beneficial for us to follow his line of thinking and see where his journey for understanding took him. When we do not understand what or why, we can trust in the wisdom God gave to Solomon when he reached the following conclusion:

Indeed, how can people avoid what they don’t know is going to happen?…None of us has the power to prevent the day of our death. — Ecclesiastes 8:7-8a

I have thought deeply about all that goes on here under the sun, where people have the power to hurt each other. I have seen wicked people buried with honor. Yet they were the very ones who frequented the Temple and are now praised in the same city where they committed their crimes! This, too, is meaningless. When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong. But even though a person sins a hundred times and still lives a long time, I know those who fear God will be better off. The wicked will not prosper, for they do not fear God. Their days will never grow long like the evening shadows.

And this is not all that is meaningless in our world. In this life, good people are often treated as though they were wicked, and wicked people are often treated as though they were good. This is so meaningless!

So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun…there is ceaseless activity, day and night. I realized that no one can discover everything, no matter what they claim. — Ecclesiastes 8:9-17

I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time.

People can never predict when hard times might come. Like fish in a net or birds in a trap, people are caught by sudden tragedy. — Ecclesiastes 9:11-12

Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things. — Ecclesiastes 11:5

…rejoice in every day of life. — Ecclesiastes 11:8

Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. — Ecclesiastes 11:9

Don’t let the excitement of your youth cause you to forget your Creator…REMEMBER HIM…
That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion; Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. — Ecclesiastes 12:1-2,13-14

Remember Him, fear Him, obey Him… King Solomon is not giving his readers permission to participate in what the world defines as fun. When he says to “enjoy life”, he is not giving us permission to serve our sinful nature. Those who choose their own course, who are not careful to do what is good, have no hope. FIND JOY TODAY, but know that there is no joy in choosing sin. There is joy in trusting God – fearing and obeying a God who loves us and knows everything about us.

It is what it is, so trust God. That seems to be what Solomon is saying. It does no good to worry about what will happen in life. Instead relax in God’s plan and enjoy what He gives you today, not worrying about tomorrow. Remember Him, fear Him and obey Him. There may be sinful people around you who seem to be having a better life than you, but you know where you will spend eternity. You know there will be a day when you give an account to God for everything you do in this life.

Remember Him and rejoice in every day of life. Don’t spend your youth worrying about what you have no control over. It is what it is, but that is okay because God is who He is and we can trust Him with whatever comes our way.

Today’s Reading: Ecclesiastes 4 – 6

But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless — like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere. — Ecclesiastes 2:11

I must confess I have had moments when I have asked God what the purpose is in this repetitive life. I have found myself wrapped in self-pity and despair, more focused on what I did not have than on what I did have. Have you been there? Have you found yourself half happy and half mourning? Have you spent time dreaming about what could be, instead of soaking in the blessings of what is?

In 2011, we moved to Dallas. The Church was wonderful, the schools and community were great, and the food was delicious. God blessed us with a beautiful home with a small pool in the backyard. Life was good. But life in Texas meant we were far from family and that my job with Living Alternatives would soon come to an end. I loved our life in Texas, but missed family and friends, and I dreaded the coming loss of my job.

In 2012, God moved us back to Illinois. We were close to our family again and I was able to keep my job. God was richly blessing our family and we were happy, yet we were all missing our Texas friends. I was mourning the loss of the role of the pastor’s wife and struggling to feel at home in our new church. I was surrounded by gifts from God, yet had my Ecclesiastes-moments of feeling sorry for myself. I grieved what I did NOT have.

Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless – like chasing the wind. — Ecclesiastes 6:9

God is SO good and SO generous! Why do we feel sorry for ourselves when we are surrounded by His blessings? Why do we fail to recognize the pleasures in life that come straight from the hand of God? God has made EVERYTHING beautiful for its own time. There is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy this life! No looking back at what we have lost or looking down at what we are missing. Life is meant for looking around at all our blessings and looking up at the source of those blessings!

It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life — this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past. — Ecclesiastes 5:18b-20

Last year, we once again packed our belongings and moved to Kansas City. We hugged our family and friends, and we moved 300 miles away. This time, I made the conscious decision to find joy in this next chapter of our lives. I looked back and saw how each season of our life was full of God’s blessings, and I decided to look ahead in anticipation for the evidence of God’s goodness in what would become our Kansas chapter. It does not mean that I don’t have moments of feeling a little homesick for what used to be, but I am trusting that God is good and that life in the center of God’s will is great.

Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there’s no use arguing with God about your destiny. — Ecclesiastes 6:10

Father God, we thank you for the many gifts you give us so generously. Forgive us for the moments when our focus is on what we don’t have, or our minds wander to what we wish our life could be. Thank you for the opportunity to learn this morning from King Solomon, in all of his wisdom. Help us to relax in YOUR plan for our life – to trust you with yesterday, today, and tomorrow. May life be about pursuing your perfect plan rather than chasing after the wind. Plant eternity in our hearts and give us eyes to see the grand scope of your plan. May each day be lived for the glory of God. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Ecclesiastes 1 – 3

“Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!” — Ecclesiastes 1:2

EVERYTHING IS MEANINGLESS.

Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. History merely repeats itself. The wise and the foolish share the same fate – they both die. All of our hard work, everything we have earned or acquired, we leave behind to someone else. We cannot take it with us when we die. Most people are motivated to succeed because they envy their neighbors. This is meaningless — like chasing after the wind.

These are the thoughts of King Solomon after devoting himself to the search for understanding and exploring everything being done under the sun. The more wisdom he gained, the more grief he experienced; the more Solomon knew and understood, the more he grieved the realities of life. He discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race.

I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. So I said, “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?” – Ecclesiastes 2:1-2

King Solomon initially comes across much like Winnie the Pooh’s friend, Eeyore. But, in the midst of Solomon’s cynical and negative rant, he offers us some great words of wisdom to live by. He teaches us how to relax in some of these negative realities and enjoy the life God has blessed us with.

EVERYTHING IS FROM GOD

What do people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are GIFTS FROM GOD. – Ecclesiastes 3:9-13

Today is a great day to recognize God’s blessings in our lives. Even though there is trouble and sorrow in this world, the evidence of God’s provision is everywhere. He is preparing a wonderful place for us to spend eternity with Him — more beautiful than we can imagine — but He is also blessing us with people and opportunities that bring us joy now. God has made everything beautiful for its own time. Let’s find the beauty in today, recognize the beauty in yesterday, while living in hope for tomorrow.

So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are FROM THE HAND OF GOD. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? – Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth – except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers!…Hoarding riches harms the saver…We can’t take our riches with us…And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life – this is indeed a GIFT FROM GOD. — Ecclesiastes 5:10-19

God, we want to stop before our day gets any farther and thank you for all you have done for us. Today we recognize all the pleasures you allow us to enjoy in this life, and we want you to know how grateful we are for your loving generosity. Although the pleasures of this world are temporary and cannot be compared to the riches of Heaven, we see that they are gifts from you — blessings straight from the hand of God! May we never lose sight of the source of everything good in our lives, and may we never lose sight of the things that are eternal because we have become too wrapped up in the things that are temporary. Amen.