The Blessing of Godly Parents

I can't say enough how blessed I am to have such godly, patient, and wise parents. They are most definitely my pride (Proverbs 17:6b) and I would not be where I am today had God not bestowed these two people upon my life.
I spoke to my father just yesterday about some things going on in my life. Every word he said brought comfort and strength to my soul. It was as if God Himself was using my dad to explain to me what He wants for my life.
As if that wasn't enough - I spoke to my mother this evening. I was slightly distressed about a couple things, but it was if God used her as well to bring comfort to my ears. Her words of wisdom gently balanced the scales of my dad's wisdom - as if singing a song in perfect harmony and melody.
I only pray now that the words that were bestowed upon me will reflect outwardly the advice given to me by my parents (woah - that was a long sentence)!
God has been teaching me patience in ALL things, since I asked Him to help me develop this virtue several years ago. He has now tested me in a new area, and I feel the growing pains developing. The good news is though, that growing pains are a sign of strength. It will only be a matter of time until the pains are gone and I can once again walk away with more wisdom and virtue under my belt.
This bring to mind a simple prayer I made to God just a few days ago on my walk to the bus stop. It reflects Ephesians 6:

Lord, thank you for equipping me with such technical and indestructible armor. May I use them according to your glory and good. May I take the breastplate of righteousness and walk upright with you. May my righteousness in you deflect the bullets that the enemy so eagerly tries to puncher me with.
May me feet, shod with peace, allow my attitude to reflect the peace your Son Jesus has shown the world.
May the shield of faith that you have given me, develop into a faith so great, that the enemy would shudder with fear when they think about advancing.
Thank you for the helmet of salvation, which saves the vital mind that You have given me. May my mind be used for wisdom, knowledge, and glory for Your sake alone.
Finally Lord, thank you for equipping me with the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. May my lips only carry out words that please you, may you delight in my every word. May my lips be used as a strong offense against the enemy when danger draws near, and may the Word of God, which is sharper than any two-edged sword, pierce those who defame your name.
This is pray in the precious and holy name of my King and Savior, hMelach vMeshiach sheli: Amen

Ecclesiastes 3

"The Balance"
Ecclesiastes 3
4/28/07

Summary:
The story of Solomon's journey unfolds as he begins to settle down a little bit, noting that God has a time for everything that happens.

Key Verse(s):
3:11a "He has made everything beautiful in its time.
3:14 "I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere Him."

Lesson:
I found some phrases in this chapter to be a little confusing, but I think I worked through them. I'll get to those in a minute.
In this chapter, we read the famous words to the Beatles song - there is a time for everything! I think that phrase in itself says it all: there is a time for everything. We need to find a balance in our lives, by doing certain things over others, and others over certain things. Each of us knows where we struggle in those areas. For some, it may be a problem with talking too much and not listening. For others it may be a problem with too much self awareness but not even awareness of others around us (though it's good to have both I think).
Also, Solomon noted now that, despite his worries in chapter 2, the righteous and wicked DO have different outcomes! God will judge both according to their deeds and their hearts (vs 17).
Finally, we need to realize and embrace the fact that, to find satisfaction in our work, to eat, drink, and be happy - these are gifts from God (12-13)! If you hate your job right now...it might be time to consider some other options. For what good is it if you hate what you work, then later die hating?

Insight:
Verse 14 says that everything God does will endure forever...so that men will revere Him. This confused me, since I know that not everything DOES last forever. But after thinking for a moment, I realized that God created things perfect with enduring purposes, but because of sin, this is no longer possible. (However, our souls are still intact and will last forever, whether we live our lives for our Messiah or not.) But let's look one more time at verse 14: "...everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere Him." What exactly does it meant to "revere" God? I see two parts to this word:
1. Idolization of God. I see reverence as an act of unquestionable love and complete allegiance to another. I think that's putting it a little too formally as a matter of fact. Imagine how a typical hardcore Beatles fan would act at a concert or backstage with them ("For every season...")! Imagine the crazy feelings one would have; the devotion; the utmost respect, hanging on every word that said or sang!
2. I also see reverence as awe, fear, and formal respect for another. This is a more solemn definition, but very important.

I see both parts of idolization, and fear, awe, and respect - working together to form the word "revere." Now things make more sense. Do we revere God for his enduring qualities, His love for us, and the satisfaction He's given us when we work to please Him?! Or do we sometimes ignore the fact that what we do in life, for ourselves or for God will have eternal blessings and consequences?

Everlasting God, thanks again for creating me, for loving me, and for promising me eternity with you in Heaven. Thanks for comforting and encouraging me with your Word, and teaching me to find a balance in my life. Help my daily routines to glorify you, and help me to ALWAYS remember that what I do on earth should be done for your sake and not for mine, and help my wants to reflect your desires. I love you.
Amen