From “In the Beginning” to Amen // Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes 1:2 (NLT)

Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!”

Hevel = Smoke

Temporary

Paradoxical

Ecclesiastes 9:3 (NLT)

“It seems so wrong that everyone under the sun suffers the same fate…”

Smoke

Ecclesiastes 2:4,10-11 (NLT)

“I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all of my labors. 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.”

A Warning:

Ecclesiastes 7:16-18 (NLT)

“So don’t be too good or too wise! Why destroy yourself? On the other hand, don’t be too wicked either. Don’t be a fool! Why die before your time? Pay attention to these instructions, for anyone who fears God will avoid both extremes.”

Fear God and Obey His Commandments

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NLT)

“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.”

The Answer is Fear God, Stop Grasping, and Receive Life as a Gift.

“Nothing Better”

A repeated phrase in the book. So, be joyful, do good, enjoy walks, a garden, a friend, a tasty meal, a swim, a sunrise, etc…

Remember God

Ecclesiastes 12:1 (NLT)

“Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.’”

Accept This: You cannot Control Your life

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 (NLT)

“Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. 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.”

You Cannot Control Your Life, but You Can Control Your Attitude.

Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 (MSG)

“Seize life! Eat bread with gusto, Drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes —God takes pleasure in your pleasure! Dress festively every morning. Don’t skimp on colors and scarves. Relish life with the spouse you love Each and every day of your precarious life. Each day is God’s gift. It’s all you get in exchange for the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one! Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily! This is your last and only chance at it, for there’s neither work to do nor thoughts to think in the company of the dead.”

Ephesians 2:2-10 (NLT)

“You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”