ecclesiastes...the journey continues

i read about 5 chapters of ecclesiastes this morning, so this could be long... :- ).  the over-arching theme that is hitting me is this, 

•  then i realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him-- for this is his lot.  Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God.  He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.  Ecclesiastes 5:18-20.

that is not me!  I would like for that to be me, but it isn't.  why, you might ask.  i feel guilty for things i have...b/c i worked hard and my priorities haven't always been lined up to where i want to live for God.  b/c i focus too much on what "i can do", what is my plan...and in this verse (and others that are basically identical in other chp's of ecclesiastes) it seems like it is more focused on God bringing the riches, God supplying the peace, God gives...all this person, or type of person, does is receives...  just receive

now for me, if i go to lunch with someone...i will always look for a way to pick up the tab.  and if some how, someone else picks up the bill...it is hard for me to just accept that and say thank you.  it is hard for me to just receive.  why?  i don't know...but i am praying that God works with me on that in the new year!  

i have more, but i will save it for another post.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

ecclesiastes...year end review!

ecclesiastes 1 

i was told by a friend/mentor one time, who was told by a friend/mentor one time, it is always good to read ecclesiastes at the end of the old year/beginning of the new year.  it is a real kick in the pants and just kind of puts things in perspective.

so, this week, i am still going to be sporadic at best...so short Bible books seem to be on the docket.  this is particularly intriguing to me this year.  not that i don't always work hard, but, this year...my work has been more focused.  one job, for most of the year.  selling chemicals, leading the company, focusing on building a future...one thing.  for the past several years, i have been really involved in student ministry in different churches.  since march of this year, my focus really has been our company.  so, i was hit pretty hard right off the bat by this line;

verse 3 what does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun? 

when you go onto read, you learn what we gain...zilcho!  in fact, you can read verse 2.  everything is meaningless!  this is coming from, according to God, the wisest man whom ever lived.  everything is meaningless...just let that resonate in your agenda and your calendar for a little bit.  

i was going to, and probably still will, be planning this week.  planning my next couple of months.  setting goals for me and my salesman, plotting out new product lines and new territories.... sounds exciting, huh? i need to, i have to remember these words when i am doing these things...i probably need to read this more than once a year!  some verses that jump out to me are these in matthew 6, i think it is important to note that Jesus refers to solomon in these verses...the very writer of ecclesiastes.  you get gypped a little bit in the MSG, which is the link i posted to, but it makes up for it in other areas.  but the MSG says, "the ten best dressed men and women..." , the NIV says, "even Solomon in all his splendor..."  the point is, Jesus is saying, Solomon was right...it is a chasing after the wind!  

so, for me...it is good to stop and reflect on a year that seems like it has been very productive, and say, so what!  i mean, great that God provides and thank you God for all you have provided for me...but as far as my efforts...so what!  refocus my priorities Lord!  it's a constant prayer for me. 

it's really really late...and i need some sleep so that i can work a full day tomorrow...lol!  see ya tuesday!