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 tried to rewrite history and override God’s truth. 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. Generations later, 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. Jeroboam 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 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 and redefining righteousness 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 us on 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

TAKING ADVICE FROM THE UNGODLY

Rehoboam foolishly 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: Psalm 109, 115, 125, 129

They surround me with hateful words
and fight against me for no reason.
I love them, but they try to destroy me with accusations
even as I am praying for them!
They repay evil for good,
and hatred for my love. – Psalm 109:3-5

From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me.
Let all Israel repeat this:
From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me,
but they have never defeated me.
My back is covered with cuts,
as if a farmer had plowed long furrows.
But the Lord is good;
he has cut me free from the ropes of the ungodly. – Psalm 129:1-4

PERSECUTED BUT NOT DEFEATED

I have never been fully understood by those who did not value my faith. I have been questioned, challenged, and accused, but not known. Some have not accepted me and some have excluded me, but through it all, the Lord is good. It is not easy to live in a world that questions my character, but the Lord is faithful. When times get tough, I can trust in Him; when life is hard, I will choose to trust in my Jesus.

Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion;
they will not be defeated but will endure forever.
Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever.
The wicked will not rule the land of the godly,
for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong.
O Lord, do good to those who are good,
whose hearts are in tune with you. – Psalm 125:1-4

When my heart is in tune with the heart of God, I can see my enemies in a different light. God gives me the strength to choose mercy instead of retaliation — compassion where once I would have chosen revenge. I can put the situation or relationship in God’s hands, and I can trust Him through it all!

MISTREATED BUT NOT DEFEATED

All you who fear the Lord, trust the Lord!
He is your helper and your shield.
The Lord remembers us and will bless us.
He will bless the people of Israel
and bless the priests, the descendants of Aaron.
He will bless those who fear the Lord,
both great and lowly.
May the Lord richly bless
both you and your children.
May you be blessed by the Lord,
who made heaven and earth. – Psalm 115:11-15

God, we pray this morning for favor among those we come in contact with today. We pray for strength when others mistreat us and courage when we are threatened or bullied. Give us a heart of mercy to respond in a way that reflects courage, and strengthen us to do it again tomorrow and the next day. Thank you for the reminder that you are good and that you can be trusted. We ask you to bless us and our children as we live to honor you in all that we say and do. Amen.

Help me, O Lord my God!
Save me because of your unfailing love.
Let them see that this is your doing, that you yourself have done it, Lord.
Then let them curse me if they like,
But you will bless me! – Psalm 109:26-28a

Today’s Reading: Psalm 83, 110 & 120

I took my troubles to the Lord;
I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.
Rescue me, O Lord, from liars
and from all deceitful people.
O deceptive tongue, what will God do to you?
How will he increase your punishment?
You will be pierced with sharp arrows
and burned with glowing coals.
How I suffer in far-off Meshech.
It pains me to live in distant Kedar.
I am tired of living
among people who hate peace.
I search for peace;
but when I speak of peace, they want war! – Psalm 120:1-7

THIS WORLD WE LIVE IN CAN LEAVE US WEARY AND EXHAUSTED.

It seems like the truth is no longer desired by our culture, and we are surrounded by lies — in the news, politics, social media, education, and in the workplace. Lines are blurred and confusion is the special for the day as someone else’s truth gets more credence than God’s truth. To be surrounded by those who wound us with their words and challenge our integrity can leave us crying out to God and longing for peace.

O God, do not be silent!
Do not be deaf.
Do not be quiet, O God.
Don’t you hear the uproar of your enemies?
Don’t you see that your arrogant enemies are rising up?
They devise crafty schemes against your people;
they conspire against your precious ones.
“Come,” they say, “let us wipe out Israel as a nation.
We will destroy the very memory of its existence.” – Psalm 83:1-4

Would you agree that the culture we live in today is quickly destroying the cultural expectations of yesterday? The truth has been watered down and justice is quickly disappearing. Beautiful cities have become unsafe as thieves are allowed to take what they want and protestors are given space to vandalize anything in their path, all for political gain. The Church is spoken of with contempt, and God’s people are accused of promoting agendas that take away the freedom of those who shake their fist in the face of God.

WHY ARE WE SURPRISED WHEN OTHERS PERSECUTE US, LIE ABOUT US, OR FALSELY ACCUSE US?

Jesus warned his disciples that they would be mistreated. He told us we would be blessed when people make fun of us or lie about us or say awful things about us. His advice for us was to be happy, for great is our reward in heaven (Matthew 5:11-12). When times get tough, we are encouraged by the words of King David and the words of the apostles.

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? And also, “If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?”

So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. – 1 Peter 4:12-19

KEEP ON DOING WHAT IS RIGHT AND TRUST IN GOD.

Lord, thank you for the encouragement we daily receive from your scriptures. Thank you for the reminder that it is a privilege to be called a Christ follower. Though this world will disappoint us, you will never fail us; though others may accuse us, you are the only One who has the right to judge us. We pray for courage to stand strong in the midst of adversity, and we pray for your Spirit to guide us each day so that we represent you well. Give us the words to say and the heart to love, even in these dark days.

The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
until I humble your enemies,
making them a footstool under your feet.” – Psalm 110:1

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, cars, 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 another 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: Psalm 90

Lord, through all the generations you have been our home! – Psalm 90:1

Consider the man of God who first prayed these words. Moses, who was taken from his home and hidden in a basket (Exodus 2:3), called God “home”. A few years later, he was taken from the arms of his mother once more to live in the palace and become the son of Pharaoh’s daughter (Exodus 2:10). As a young adult, Moses stood up for the mistreatment of his people, after which Pharaoh tried to kill him. So once more Moses left the home he knew and fled to the land of Midian. God gave him a wife and two sons, and the Midianites became his family.

GOD GAVE MOSES A FAMILY OF HIS OWN — A PLACE TO CALL HOME.

But one day God called Moses back “home”. He had seen the affliction of His people and He chose to use Moses to rescue the Israelites from the bondage they were experiencing. He had heard the cries of His children, including Moses. He knew the heart of the man who did not have the consistent security of “home” and promised to go with him as he stepped into God’s story (Exodus 4:12).

Moses was not the perfect leader. He experienced doubt, lacked self-confidence, and battled fear, even to the point where it affected his speech. But God knew Moses’ struggles and chose him anyhow. The God of the Universe displayed His strength, showed His power, and exhibited His omnipresence to Moses as He called him to leadership.

MOSES FELT ILL-EQUIPPED FOR WHAT GOD WAS ASKING HIM TO DO.

But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.”

Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” – Exodus 4:9-12

This orphan came to realize that God had been the consistent presence in his life, and that God would equip him for the task before him. He found his “home” in his God, as he penned these words:

Before the mountains were born,
before you gave birth to the earth and the world,
from beginning to end, you are God.
You turn people back to dust, saying,
“Return to dust, you mortals!”
For you, a thousand years are as a passing day,
as brief as a few night hours.
You sweep people away like dreams that disappear.
They are like grass that springs up in the morning.
In the morning it blooms and flourishes,
but by evening it is dry and withered. – Psalm 90:2-6

As Moses looked back over his life, he recognized the holiness of our God and compared it to the sinfulness of humanity. He saw the grace of a God who allows us a short time on earth before He takes us “home”.

We wither beneath your anger;
we are overwhelmed by your fury.
You spread out our sins before you—
our secret sins—and you see them all.
We live our lives beneath your wrath,
ending our years with a groan.
Seventy years are given to us!
Some even live to eighty.
But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble;
soon they disappear, and we fly away.
Who can comprehend the power of your anger?
Your wrath is as awesome as the fear you deserve.
Teach us to realize the brevity of life,
so that we may grow in wisdom. – Psalm 90:7-12

THIS WORLD IS NOT OUR ETERNAL HOME.

Let’s make this prayer of Moses our own. Let’s soak in the satisfaction we can only find in our God, and let’s rest in the purpose that can only be found in the eyes of our Creator. May each of us experience the approval of God, and may He make our efforts successful as we respond in obedience to the call He has placed on our lives.

Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love,
so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.
Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery!
Replace the evil years with good.
Let us, your servants, see you work again;
let our children see your glory.
And may the Lord our God show us his approval
and make our efforts successful.
Yes, make our efforts successful! – Psalm 90:14-17

Today’s Reading: Psalm 45

Beautiful words stir my heart.
I will recite a lovely poem about the king,
for my tongue is like the pen of a skillful poet. – Psalm 45:1

This poet had been inspired by God’s Spirit to write about the coming King. This song had been placed on the heart of the lyricist, and powerful words to describe the coming Messiah had been penned by the Spirit. The King was coming — the beautiful and magnificent promised One.

You are the most handsome of all.
Gracious words stream from your lips.
God himself has blessed you forever.
Put on your sword, O mighty warrior!
You are so glorious, so majestic!
In your majesty, ride out to victory,
defending truth, humility, and justice.
Go forth to perform awe-inspiring deeds! – Psalm 45:2-4

DRAW NEAR TO THE LORD AND BASK IN THE GLORY OF THE ANOINTED ONE.

Consider this morning how glorious He is as He rides out in victory. He comes to defend the truth in a world that promotes lies and deception; He comes to distribute justice to those who have been oppressed and exploited. Draw near to the Lord and He will draw near to you (James 4:8).

He will give justice to the poor
and make fair decisions for the exploited.
The earth will shake at the force of his word,
and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked. – Isaiah 11:4

Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by the splendor of his coming. – 2 Thessalonians 2:8

Your arrows are sharp, piercing your enemies’ hearts.
The nations fall beneath your feet.
Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever.
You rule with a scepter of justice.
You love justice and hate evil.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you,
pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.
Myrrh, aloes, and cassia perfume your robes.
In ivory palaces the music of strings entertains you. – Psalm 45:5-8

THE KING IS RIDING VICTORIOUSLY!

Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords. – Revelation 19:11-16

The bride, a princess, looks glorious
in her golden gown.
In her beautiful robes, she is led to the king,
accompanied by her bridesmaids.
What a joyful and enthusiastic procession
as they enter the king’s palace!
Your sons will become kings like their father.
You will make them rulers over many lands.
I will bring honor to your name in every generation.
Therefore, the nations will praise you forever and ever. – Psalm 45:13-17

CHURCH, GET READY, FOR THE KING IS COMING AGAIN!

What a glorious day that will be when the prophecies are fulfilled and the bridegroom makes His home among His people! Sing praise to the One who is worthy of our worship.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” – Revelation 21:1-4

Today’s Reading: Ecclesiastes 10 – 12

One chapter ends and another begins, and there is beauty to be found with each turning page.

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 next 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

2021 brought many changes to our life. We had a daughter move away to go to medical school, a daughter graduate from college and get married, and a father pass away. 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 because 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 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.

LIVE WITH THE EXPECTATION THAT YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES ARE STILL AHEAD.

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

THOSE WHO FEAR GOD WILL BE BETTER OFF.

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 (Eccl. 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 the 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.

“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

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

WHY DO WE FEEL SORRY FOR OURSELVES WHEN WE ARE SURROUNDED BY GOD’S BLESSINGS?

God is SO good and SO generous! 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. No, let’s look around at all our blessings and look up in gratitude to 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

GOD HAS MADE EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL IN HIS TIME.

In 2021, we once again packed our belongings and this time we moved to Kansas City. We hugged our family and friends, said our goodbyes, 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.

When we moved to Kansas, the Lord gave me a word — stay light on your feet. I pondered the meaning behind those words and the Spirit brought them back to my mind over and over again. We began thinning out our possessions once more and then gave the Lord a quick YES when we felt Him moving us to Indiana for a season. Moving is hard; leaving friends behind is painful. Honestly, I still have moments of feeling a little homesick for what used to be, but I am trusting in the Lord who daily leads me.

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.