Bible Study - Special - Love Gets Involved - Luje 10:25-37 - August 28, 2016

Bible Study – Special – Love Gets Involved – August 28, 2016

This is a special focus lesson.

Our focus scripture is Luke 10:25-37

Love for GOD includes love for others.

Political correctness is mechanically shaping our society. The key is for society to be shaped from the inside out by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Yet, our society is doing all it can to deny GOD simply because it does not understand the One True GOD as revealed by JESUS The CHRIST. This is normal because no one can understand The One True GOD intellectually. Understanding GOD requires a personal relationship with HIM through faith in JESUS.

Does GOD exist? The scripture reveals a truth regarding the spirit world and GOD in James 2:19:

19 You believe that God is one; you do well. The demons also believe-and they shudder.

Believing is one thing but putting into action based upon your faith in GOD is quite another. JESUS in HIS teachings gave us GOD’S prospective of what it means to be an obedient follower of GOD. Does this mean all a person has to do is to follow the Law and the Commandments and put them into action? 

Let’s explore!

JESUS was teaching a group of people. JESUS was likely seated along with those listening to JESUS. Doctor Luke wrote that:

Let’s read Luke 10:25-28:

25 Just then an expert in the law stood up to test Him, saying, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

In the group JESUS was teaching was a lawyer. He was likely a scribe who knew the law like the back of his hand. He stood up, first to draw attention to himself and then to ask JESUS a question in an effort to test HIM. JESUS quickly put the question back to the lawyer because HE knew that the lawyer knew the law and had an opinion.

26 "What is written in the law?" He asked him. "How do you read it?"

Lawyers like to talk. JESUS gave him the opportunity to speak and reveal his expertise in the law.

27 He answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.

28 "You've answered correctly," He told him. "Do this and you will live."

The lawyer gave the correct reply but what was missing? The key word is “do.” JESUS instructed the lawyer to apply what he knew. Does this mean a person can live such a good life that they are acceptable to GOD? Look back to verse 27 and notice the word “all” and act accordingly. I say try it. I cannot and that is why I need JESUS. HE is perfect and I am getting to heaven riding on HIS credentials based upon what HE did for me. HE paid, in full, the penalty for my sins and by placing my faith in that fact, I have experienced the gift of eternal life through the miracle of rebirth as confirmed by the indwelling Holy Spirit. I am still responsible for putting into action what I know as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit. As being born anew into GOD’S family, I live under GOD’S grace. I do not live a prefect life but I must confess my sins. Any un-confessed sin prevents me from having the complete fellowship and relationship with GOD through CHRIST as GOD intends. So I need to ask the Holy Spirit to search my heart to reveal any wickedness, sins of omission and commissions, in me that blocks my relationship with GOD. When revealed by the Holy Spirit, I must confess it or them and stop doing it. When I do, fellowship is restored. Salvation is never lost only the fullness of relationship is compromised. Once saved, always saved. A true Christian will never become a non-Christian. Just as no matter what you do as a child of your parents, you will always be a child of your parents. Once born, you will never become unborn. You may denounce your parents, change your name and move off to a distant place but you will always be your parent’s child. The same is true when you are born into GOD’S family through the miracle of rebirth. Read 1 

Corinthians 3:11-15 and notice verses 14 and 15:

11 because no one can lay any other foundation than what has been laid-that is, Jesus Christ. (Salvation)

12 If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, (Living)

13 each one's work will become obvious, for the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one's work. (Test)

14 If anyone's work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. (The great reveal)

15 If anyone's work is burned up, it will be lost, but he will be saved; yet it will be like an escape through fire. (Salvation is for all who have been born-again by placing their faith in JESUS The CHRIST.)

As a Christian, GOD never leaves you or forsakes you. A Christian is always secure in CHRIST. Believe it, accept it and live it in obedience because GOD loves you! Do not let Satan mislead you and try to make you believe that GOD has turned HIS back on you. You can always confess your sins, stop doing it or them and return to GOD. HE and HE alone forgives, cleanses and restores. Do it now because GOD’S desire is for you to be in fellowship and relationship with HIM!

Let’s read Luke 10:29-32:

29 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

The lawyer was pleased that JESUS confirmed his response. The lawyer wanted JESUS to define “neighbor.” The Jews, in general, considered a neighbor to be a fellow Jew. Notice the patience of JESUS. HE let the lawyer pose the question that gave HIM the teachable moment. The group was likely eager to hear JESUS’ response. They likely thought they knew the answer but did they? Let’s read on.

30 Jesus took up [the question] and said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead.

JESUS might have said, “Now that is a good question that our lawyer friend has raised, who is our neighbor, let’s explore.”

JESUS knew that robbers lurked along the road from Jerusalem down to Jericho. A man, likely a fellow Jew, was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho. The distance from Jerusalem to Jericho is about 17 miles. Down because Jerusalem is about 2,500 feet above sea level and Jericho is about 800 feet below sea level. It was a winding road with plenty of hiding places for thieves. The most likely Jewish traveler had likely been worshiping in Jerusalem and fell upon thieves/robbers who took his clothes, his money and beat him. He was near death and not able to care for his wounds. He was helpless and if no one helped him he would likely die. He had been stripped of all his means and had nothing to offer to someone to help him.

31 A priest happened to be going down that road. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

It so happened that a priest was going down the road. Since the priest was going down the road, he had already served his time in the temple. The priest was a descendant of Aaron and a pillow of the Jewish community. He offered sacrifices. Surely the priest would help the man who had been beaten and robbed!

Oh no, the priest crossed the road and passed on the other side of the road. He did not want to get near the bloody man. Some have postulated that the man may have appeared dead and the priest touching a dead body would have defiled him. Others postulate that the man appearing to be hurt was a decoy to lure others to him only to be robbed themselves. A priest was held in high esteem among the Jews. Yet, he passed by on the other side of the road.

32 In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

Now a second pillow of the Jewish community came along and looked at the man and assessed the situation but he too passed on the other side of the road. Since the words “in the same way are used” the Levite was going down the road to Jericho. So he too had completed his duties at the temple. He likely wanted to go home.

The Levite was a descendant from the tribe of Levi but not from Aaron. A Levite was an assistant to the priest. He provided support and maintenance for the temple.

Now for the real zinger! The hero of the story was ---

Let’s read Luke 10:33-37:

33 But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw [the man], he had compassion.

Samaritans were despised by the Jews. Samaritans were considered half-breeds since they intermarried with the Babylonians. Most Jews would go out of their way to walk around Samaria so they would not even step foot on the land they occupied. JESUS referring to a Samaritan was not politically correct especially after painting the picture that a priest and a Levite would not stop to help this poor person, who was likely a fellow Jew.

34 He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

The Samaritan had to touch the injured, bloody person. He risked his life by ministering to the needs of the injured person.  He was equipped with the things the injured man needed and he used them to care for him. He relocated the injured man using his animal to a place of safety, an inn. He stayed with the injured man to nurse him through the night.

35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him. When I come back I'll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.'

The Samaritan cared for the injured man overnight and paid the innkeeper to continue for his care as long as it was needed. He promised the innkeeper that he would pay for the injured man’s care if it exceeded the money he had already given to the innkeeper.

I understand that a denarii was considered a day’s wage. It was a Roman silver coin and likely would cover the man’s care for several weeks. The innkeeper accepted the two denarii and trusted that the Samaritan would pay him additional money if the injured man required it. Trust was placed in the Samaritan.

Now, the scene was set and JESUS put a very important question to the lawyer as we read on ---

36 "Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?"

The lawyer had to judge the actions of the priest, Levite and the despised Samaritan.

37 "The one who showed mercy to him," he said. Then Jesus told him, "Go and do the same."

Many speculate that the lawyer despised the Samaritans so much that he could not utter the name “Samaritan.” The lawyer referred to the Samaritan as “the one who showed mercy to him.”

Now for the point in the story to the lawyer and to all Christians put what you know to do into action – “Go and do the same.”

Most of us know what to do but it is the doing that is difficult. Prejudice can taint our ability to reach out to others who are in need both physically and Spiritually.  “Go and do the same!” Blessings!!!  

Bible Study - Re-Finance (6) - Give Money Generously - Proverbs 11:23-29 - August 21, 2016

Bible Study – Re-Finance (6) – Give Money Generously – August 21, 2016

This is our sixth and final lesson in our series entitled “Re-Finance: Ancient Wisdom for Money Management.”

Our focus scripture is Proverbs 11:23-29.

Use what you have to invest in the lives of others.

In the Advanced Bible Study, summer 2016, pages 115-116, LifeWay, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0175, Dr. Duane Garrett, professor of Old Testament, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary provides the setting for our focus scripture as copied below:

(Dr. Garrett used the word “aphorisms.” Aphorism is a pithy observation that contains a general truth, such as, “if it ain't broke, don't fix it.”)

[Proverbs 11:23-29 is a collection of individual sayings or aphorisms. These aphorisms sometimes appear to be random, but actually they often form little groups.

Proverbs 11:23 and 27 forms what is called an “inclusion.” These two proverbs are similar to one another and thus create a virtual set of bookends, with verses 24-26 included between the two bookends. Verse 23 sets the desire of the righteous against the hope of the wicked. Verse 27, the other bookend, sets the person who searches for what is good against the one who looks for trouble. Because verse 27 in some sense echoes verse 23, it is a signal to the reader that these two verses are the brackets for a little collection of proverbs. Between these two, verses 24-26 all deal with the theme of generosity and open-handedness, as opposed to greed and hoarding.]

Let’s explore!

Let’s read Proverbs 11:23-27:

23 The desire of the righteous [turns out] well, but the hope of the wicked [leads to] wrath.

This scripture is the first bookend. Notice the desire or the attitude of the heart of the person who is in right relationship with GOD through faith in GOD. Such a relationship, until the coming of JESUS, was based upon ritual which reflected a person’s faith in GOD. Since the coming of JESUS, (HIS birth as a human, life, death, resurrection and ascension) we know that our faith in JESUS is the gateway to GOD. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:21:

21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Also, keep in mind what JESUS said in John 14:6:

6 Jesus told him (Thomas), "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Righteousness means to be in right standing or relationship with GOD which is faith. First, a person must believe that GOD is real. It is not any god but the One True GOD as revealed in the Bible. The Bible is the revelation of GOD on an ever ascending scale culminating with JESUS as the promised Messiah. The resurrection of JESUS is proof that JESUS was and is the promised Messiah. 

The passion of JESUS paid, in full, the penalty for sin and opened the gateway to GOD for all who will place their faith in JESUS. Faith in JESUS and what HE did on the cross, atoning for our sins, makes us (Those who place their faith in the passion of JESUS) righteous (2 Corinthians 5:20). Thus Christians have direct access to HIM through the miracle of rebirth in our spirit. But all must first go through CHRIST to be cleansed by HIS shed blood which GOD declares us righteous before HIM. That is GOD’S plan and rules out anything we can do on our own to be acceptable to GOD other than accept what JESUS did for all who place their faith in JESUS.

Today, we have this full unveiling of knowledge. When this proverb was written there was knowledge of GOD and what it meant when they trusted GOD as they walked with GOD by faith.

In contrast to the righteous, there was knowledge that those who did not place their faith in the One True GOD encountered HIS wrath.

The righteous trust GOD, whereas the hope of the wicked leads only to wrath. Those not being in right relationship with GOD hope in themselves or self-sufficient that somehow they will earn the right to get to Heaven. But they will only experience the wrath of their decision.

This leads us to examples of what has been stated in verse 23 as referenced in verses 24-26.

24 One person gives freely, yet gains more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor.

The words, “gives freely” means to “scatter.” The person who “gives freely” scatters his or her gifts in many different directions which reflect his heart. This giving nature reflects a trusting and confident nature that GOD provides because of being in right relationship with HIM, which not only extends to others through their ministry but gives the assurance that GOD will take care of those who give.

 A person who has this giving heart “gains more.” Does that mean they gain more material possessions or the satisfaction because they are obediently serving GOD and meeting the needs of others? It could be a combination but here we must be cautious. If we have the attitude that we give in order for us to get more, something is wrong and we need a Spiritual checkup. When we give, the Bible is clear that there is a return, which can be defined in many ways other than getting more resources. Certainly one way is the satisfaction of obediently serving our LORD and the unspeakable joy it brings.

The flip side is the stingy person withholds his or her resources thinking he or she will have more for himself or herself only to find that he or she has become poor. The stingy person could be poor in the joy of obediently serving because he or she is missing out on obediently serving others and gaining the satisfaction that only GOD gives in recognition that all we have comes from HIM. If we hoard, when life is over, we will leave it all behind. Only what we do in obedience to GOD will result in heavenly treasure. Obedient sharing and giving, as led by the Holy Spirit, helps us to grow more in our relationship with GOD because we see our LORD meeting our needs both physically and Spiritually.

This next example addresses the generous versus the stingy.

25 A generous person will be enriched, and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water.

This to me helps define “generous.” Some people can give much and others not as much, as reflected in giving a drink of water. The point being, regardless of the size or nature of the gift when it is given, as GOD leads us, it is pleasing to GOD and does not go unnoticed by HIM.

JESUS stated it well in Matthew 10:42:

42 And whoever gives just a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple -I assure you: He will never lose his reward!"

Never moan that you have nothing to give. Opportunity surrounds us every day. It is not the size of the gift but the obedience to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

JESUS taught this in Luke 21:1-4:

1 He (JESUS) looked up and saw the rich dropping their offerings into the temple treasury.

2 He also saw a poor widow dropping in two tiny coins.

3 "I tell you the truth," He said. "This poor widow has put in more than all of them.

4 For all these people have put in gifts out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on."

We can live longer without food than we can without water. Water is vital to sustain life. JESUS is the living water that is vital to every person upon earth. 

We who are Christians contain this living water which we can share with others with whom we come into contact each day. Will we?

Let’s continue with our lesson scripture in Proverbs 11:26:

26 People will curse anyone who hoards grain, but a blessing will come to the one who sells it.

This example deals with those who have and are unwilling to sell what is needed by others for fear they may not have enough. We may have been wise and foresaw a need coming and we planned for it. It came to pass and we have plenty but we are unwilling to sell it to others for fear that we may need it. We do need to lookout for our needs and the needs of our family. But when we see that we have enough to meet our needs we need to sell our excess. Doing so honors GOD and shows our trust in GOD that HE will supply all of our needs. 

Those who hoard because of fear they might need it incur the hostility of those in need. Such an attitude does not honor GOD as depicted in the Old Testament or JESUS as Christians represent in today’s world.

This leads us to the last bookend, which reflects verse 23.

27 The one who searches for what is good finds favor, but if someone looks for trouble, it will come to him.

We all know or have known people who look on the Brightside of life. They can turn lemons into lemonade. Circumstances may not change but they do not let whatever has befallen them continue to control them. By the same token, those who look for gloom and doom will surely find it.

Let’s read Proverbs 11:28-29:

28 Anyone trusting in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage.

Riches can breed self-sufficiency. Just because a person is wealthy does not mean he or she will fall. It is trusting riches that has the potential to become the problem. Often, those who are self-sufficient do not need GOD but those who are in right relationship with GOD flourish, regardless of their wealth. 

This does not necessarily mean they will always have monetary resources but they will have the wealth, joy and satisfaction that come from obediently serving GOD. Trust in GOD breeds confidence in all aspects of living. It allows a person to roll with the punches because he or she fully trusts GOD to meet his or her every need.

I have known several very wealthy people who used their wealth in such a way that they tried not to let their left hand know what their right hand was doing. In other words, they attempted to minister, as led by the Holy Spirit, in secret. Having the right relationship with GOD is vital in the management of your household.

Flourishing foliage gives the impression of a well nourished plant that gets the right amount of sunshine, water, cultivation and nutrients, which produces strength to resist pest, blight and good fruit. Such is the picture of those who have the right relationship with GOD through faith in CHRIST.

It is likely many of us have either observed or known families who have appeared to be Godly and their children have not turned out very well. We must keep in mind that GOD made us with the right to choose. Our role as parents is to raise our children up as GOD desires but it is their right to choose. But a key verse that many Godly parent or parents have to hang onto is found in Proverbs 22:6:

6 Teach a youth about the way he (or she) should go; even when he (or she) is old he will not depart from it.

My wife and I hung onto this verse and saw it fulfilled.

29 The one who brings ruin on his household will inherit the wind, and a fool will be a slave to someone whose heart is wise.

What does it mean to inherit the wind? The wind is an invisible force. We can see the effects of the wind which can be beneficial or wreak destruction. If we attempt to catch the wind, we come up empty handed. In this case, the wrong lifestyle and attitude of a person within a household, be it parent or child who does not have the right relationship with GOD, can wreak ruin on his or her family.

Those who live a self-directed life as opposed to a GOD-directed life can bring ruin on their household. When they live a self-centered life, they are not walking in the will of GOD.

Those who live foolishly will become the slave of the wise. An ungodly lifestyle has consequences not only upon the person but also upon his or her family.

Be wise and place your life into the hands of the One True Living GOD by placing your faith in JESUS the CHRIST and live in obedience to the Holy Spirit as HE leads and directs your life. Salvation is just the beginning of a wonderful journey hand-in-hand with both GOD and CHRIST. Be Wise! Walk in step with GOD by building an intimate, loving, personal relationship with HIM. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Re-Finance (5) - Invest Money Wisely - Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 - August 14, 2016

Bible Study – Re-Finance (5) – Invest Money Wisely – August 14, 2016

This is lesson five (5) in our series entitled “Re-Finance: Ancient Wisdom for Money Management.”

Our focus scripture is Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

When it comes to your money, plan and invest wisely.

All people or at least most of us like to make wise investments. At the moment we invest, we believe it is wise. Time will tell. Bad investments often teach us a valuable lesson; don’t do it again or teaches us what to look for when we do invest. Living teaches us. GOD is wisdom and HIS desire is for HIS children to have such a relationship with HIM that HE is the ONE we go to for counsel.

Some may say but I went to the LORD for counsel and things did not turn out like I expected. I have been there and done that. I said, “But LORD, I asked YOU for guidance and wisdom in this matter and it failed.” Do you know the answer I received? “How else will you learn wisdom?” Ouch! I never anticipated that answer. 

But most of us, if not all, have baggage from many different sources. Some comes from our ancestry. Some decisions come from the lifestyle and upbringing of our family during our formative years and the circumstances of our parent or parents. There are many natures and habits we have that cause us to make certain decisions. Some are good and others are reactive and not based upon sound judgment. Often, many of us have rough edges that have to be honed to get us to the point where we can make wise decisions.

Many of us have heard that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result. We often fail to learn from our mistakes.

Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon to spare future generations from the bitterness of learning through life’s experiences. The key is all humans are to build the right relationship with GOD and seek wisdom from HIM. Ecclesiastes focuses upon certain key issues such as:

Ecclesiastes 6:8:

8 What advantage then does the wise man have over the fool? What [advantage] is there for the poor person who knows how to conduct himself before others?

Life is filled with uncertainties for both the wise and the foolish.

Ecclesiastes 9:2:

2 Everything is the same for everyone: there is one fate for the righteous and the wicked, for the good and the bad, for the clean and the unclean, for the one who sacrifices and the one who does not sacrifice. As it is for the good, so it is for the sinner, as for the one who takes an oath, so for the one who fears an oath.

The bottom line is that all humans die. SO what do we do between life and death? What we do is in our control. We are free agents. Where do we go to for wisdom? GOD is the source for all wisdom. It makes sense to seek the right relationship with HIM through faith in CHRIST. Why JESUS? JESUS said it best in John 14:6:

6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Is JESUS the only way to GOD or HE was a liar, lunatic or the True Promised Messiah? It is your decision to make. Without a doubt, I believe JESUS is the only way. Why because HE gave HIS life for all who will place their faith in HIM. Experience the miracle of rebirth in your Spirit by asking JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your life now. Experience the joy of being GOD’S Son or Daughter and knowing that you have eternal life now and into eternity. When you make this decision, thank HIM for saving you and then tell a Christian friend what you have done. Blessings to all who seek knowing JESUS as their Savior.

Ecclesiastes 9:18:

18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner can destroy much good.

The bottom line is that although wisdom is powerful, wisdom does not dictate the outcome because of the many variables which can alter the course of events.

So what can we learn from our lesson?

The bottom line of Ecclesiastes is for all to honor, respect and reverence GOD. GOD’S desire is for humans to use their resources wisely by seeking the right relationship with HIM and applying the wisdom that they learn through this relationship. Part of this relationship is for HIS children to invest wisely.

Ecclesiastes reflects a period in which trade and international contacts were common. There was money to be made but also it was a time when money could be lost. It was a time when those who were wise could do very well and those who were foolish could lose all they had.

Let’s explore!

Let’s read Ecclesiastes 11:1-2:

Invest in Life – Don’t Put All Of Your Eggs Into One Basket

1 Send your bread on the surface of the waters, for after many days you may find it.

2 Give a portion to seven or even to eight, for you don't know what disaster may happen on earth.

Not putting all your eggs into one basket was a common phrase with which I grew up. My grandfather raised chickens and the hens laid eggs. We harvested the eggs for us to eat and to sell in the grocery. When we gathered the eggs, we did not place them all in one basket. Simply, if we tripped and fell we ran the risk of breaking some of the eggs, if not all of them. Eggs were important to our family therefore we were to act responsibly to protect them.

Ancient wisdom instructs us to diversify. Most, if not all, advisors today tell us to diversify because we simply cannot know all of the variables which can influence our investments both positively and negatively. Ancient wisdom reflected this advice.

Therefore, cast your bread upon the water and send it in many directions. You will lose some but others will come back to you.

The idea was that goods were shipped both by sea and land. When you split up your goods and send them by several different routes you reduce the potential for total economic disaster. Storms at sea could result in your cargo being lost. If you ship by land, the caravan could be attacked and your goods taken by thieves. Therefore, select seven or eight different ways to ship your goods and hope that some, if not all, will result in you receiving the money you hoped to receive from them.

Trade during the life of Solomon flourished but you had to be wise when you sent your goods to other locations. Diversify your investments and be patient to see what returns to you. But even here one has to be careful. Things change and what works one time needs to be carefully evaluated to determine if it is still viable. Again, diversify.

Let’s read Ecclesiastes 11:3-4:

Misfortune May Arise But Keep Working

3 If the clouds are full, they will pour out rain on the earth; whether a tree falls to the south or the north, the place where the tree falls, there it will lie.

4 One who watches the wind will not sow, and the one who looks at the clouds will not reap.

Verse 3 is a maxim. A maxim is a short pithy statement expressing a general truth or a rule of conduct e.g. actions speak louder than words.

The reference to the clouds or the tree in verse 3 represent the potential for rain or the tree landing where you want it to land. Whether or not the potential will be beneficial to you and your plans will be determined after the fact. You can plan but once action has been taken the results are out of your hands. Thus, one decides whether or not to plant or harvest based upon the potential for rain or it not raining. One cuts a tree which he or she has planned for it to fall in a certain direction but once cut the potential is for unknown factors to change its direction but once fallen then you have to deal with it. Life is filled with uncertainties, but in all of your dealings, seek wisdom from GOD and trust that HE will see you through all circumstances, good or bad. HE teaches in all circumstances and HIS love for you is unfailing.

Verse 4 describes a person who is too cautious. Procrastination can be very harmful. It pays to be cautious but there comes a time when as the old adage states “either fish or cut bait.”

In the old days farmers sowed seeds by hand. They would broadcast their seeds by casting them such that they fell randomly on the plowed field. If the wind was blowing hard they would wait because the seeds would be carried by the wind to only heaven knew where they would fall. Therefore, when it was very windy, it would be wise to wait but also one could not wait too long and the time to plant may pass them by.

When harvest time came, grain had to be harvested at the right time. The harvested grain had to be tied in bundles to dry so it could be thrashed. If the bundles were harvested when wet they could spoil and rendered of no value. They could mold. A judgment had to be made and a chance taken. Again, the idea is for the farmer to seek wisdom from GOD and choose the right time to harvest.

Most, if not all, decisions come from limited knowledge. We do our best when we seek GOD’S help but even then things may not turn out like we would hope for.

Does this mean that GOD has failed us? No, when things do not turn out like we think that is when we go to our LORD and ask HIM to reveal to us what happened. If it was to teach us then we need to learn the lesson well so that it will not be repeated. If it was to test you, then may the test do its intended work! Life upon earth is a training ground for eternity. Life is a partnership with GOD through our relationship with CHRIST.

All Christians must keep in mind the teaching of JESUS as written in Luke 11:11-13:

11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish?

12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"

We must also keep in mind that we can make bad decisions and when we do we must suffer the consequences. But even when we do, GOD is in all things to bring about the best conclusion as written in Romans 8:28:

28 We know that (GOD is in) all things work (ing) together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

Things do not control GOD but rather GOD controls all things. But certain decisions we make have dire consequences but even when they do, GOD is working in our behalf.

Let’s read Ecclesiastes 11:5-6:

Life Is Uncertain, So Leave It All In GOD’S Hands

5 Just as you don't know the path of the wind, or how bones [develop] in the womb of a pregnant woman, so you don't know the work of God who makes everything.

Life is filled with uncertainties but we are not to let that prevent us from taking the action we need to take. We need food and resources to sustain us. Weather can be a formidable foe to the farmer, to maritime and to caravans. Yet, life goes on. These uncertainties are out of our control but always under the control and authority of GOD. Bad things happen to Godly people but GOD is their strength to see them through these times.

Reproduction is a mystery. We know more about it today than ever before and it is a miracle that all the complexities of embryology take place in an orderly fashion to produce a healthy baby. Sometimes fetal development jumps track but because it does, we trust that they will go according to plan, thus, most couples long for an offspring. 

6 In the morning sow your seed, and at evening do not let your hand rest, because you don't know which will succeed, whether one or the other, or if both of them will be equally good.

The reference to morning and evening refer to times and seasons. The point being we, from our perspective, do not know what will succeed or fail. We seek wisdom from GOD and move forward. If what we do does not turn out as we expected, we learn from it and move on armed with this knowledge. Being in partnership with GOD equips us with the resource to succeed. Most of us equate success with wealth but success, in GOD’S eyes, is building a personal, intimate, loving relationship with HIM regardless of the success as defined by the world.

The bottom line is that we do not know what will succeed or fail but with GOD’S help and our due diligence we will succeed because building the right relationship with GOD through thick and thin builds trust in HIM.

Copied below comes from, Herschel Hobbs Commentary, summer 2016, pages 117 and 118, published by LifeWay, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0175.

[Thus, the study this week falls into that category of practical, real-life instruction. When it comes to our money, how are we to act in responsible ways that are satisfying and God-honoring? We have identified three steps we can take.

First, act sensibly. That is the message behind the admonition to diversify your investments. Even if you don’t have a lot of money and have not made actual investments in stock, don’t be foolish with what you have. Use good common sense.

Second, act diligently. We don’t have the answers to everything and we can’t foresee the future to the degree we would like. Nevertheless, rather than sit idly by, take action; keep working with what you have. Do your due diligence.

Third, act faithfully. We cannot understand all the things happening around us nor all that GOD is doing to bring HIS plan to fulfillment. Nevertheless, we can continue to follow HIS instructions for daily living and trust HIM to bring eternal purposes to pass. Thus, keep the faith.

This section ends with a beautiful prayer:

Father, there is so much I don’t know and some of what I know I don’t understand. Help me not to be so consumed with knowing that I fail to be trusting. I will do my best with what I have, but foremost, I leave all things in Your hands. Amen] Blessings!!!