Reflections On Ecclesiastes Three

Reflections On Ecclesiastes Three

Key Verse: He sets the time for finding and the time for losing Eccelesiates 3:6A(GNT)

Our reflections on this chapter of the book of Ecclesiastes began with the statement: There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven. God sets these seasons and times. (See previous posts for clarity)

 He sets the time for finding and the time for losing.

We all have many things we seek; there are as diverse as our names. There are things God finds or seeks on the earth, too; in the days of Abraham, God said he would spare Sodom if he found ten righteous people; unfortunately, he could not find them.

Abraham said, “Please don’t be angry, Lord, and I will speak only once more. What if only ten are found?” He said, “I will not destroy it if there are ten.” Genesis 18:32(KJV)

 God also seeks fruit from his planting at specific times. It is not enough that a tree will eventually bear fruit, but it has to be at God’s time, or it could attract judgment. 

 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? Luke 13:7(KJV)

For we are partners working together for God, and you are God’s field. You are also God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:9(GNT)

Bearing fruit is God’s expectation for every believer, and there is a right time and season for it to happen in our lives. Our fruit distinguishes us as being genuine or false believers.

 Watch out for false prophets! They dress up like sheep, but inside they are wolves who have come to attack you. 16 You can tell what they are by what they do. No one picks grapes or figs from thornbushes. Matthew 7:15-16(CEV)

Bring forth fruit that is consistent with repentance [let your lives prove your change of heart]; Matthew 3:8(AMPC)

 And don’t think you can escape punishment by saying that Abraham is your ancestor. I tell you that God can take these rocks and make descendants for Abraham! The ax is ready to cut down the trees at the roots; every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown in the fire. Matthew 3:9-11(GNT)

One concern Jesus had during his days on earth was finding faith among believers in the last days. Even today, many are giving up hope that their prayers will be answered because of delays, disappointments, and trials they are going through. God wants to find faith in your life at all times. Grow your faith by increasing the knowledge of the word of God you have. 

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Luke18:8(KJV)

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17(KJV)

There will be a time when we will lose valuable things and even people. Jesus taught this in the parable of the lost sheep, silver, and Son. His conclusion was always the same. God is interested in finding sinners who come to salvation. Would you like to be a part of helping God find them?

What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness and go after that which is lost until he finds it? Luke 15:4(KJV)

 In the same way, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine respectable people who do not need to repent. Luke 15:7 (GNT)

 In the same way, I tell you, the angels of God rejoice over one sinner who repents.” Luke15:10(GNT)

There is a time to find God; the scriptures say there will be a time when it would be difficult to find God. Have you found God, or are you still busy in search of every other thing but God?

 From one human being he created all races of people and made them live throughout the whole earth. He himself fixed beforehand the exact times and the limits of the places where they would live. He did this so that they would look for him, and perhaps find him as they felt around for him. Yet God is actually not far from any one of us; Acts 17:26-27(GNT)

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; Isaiah 55:6(ESV)

There are many things we are all trying to find; Saul had to find the lost asses, Abraham had to find a wife for Isaac, Peter and the apostles had to go “a-fishing”, but found no fish! God sets the times and seasons when we can discover provisions, opportunities, and pathways. Trust him for whatever you seek.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Proverbs 3:5(GNT)

This is not an easy command to obey, but it is the key to finding peace in a world of uncertainties. The Holy Spirit helps us to trust in God’s wisdom and goodness.

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:26-28(MSG)

There is a time when our loved ones must go back to their maker, a time when businesses may fail due to market forces or wrong decisions. When that happens, and we lose money, property, friends, or family, we can find comfort in knowing that God sets the times and he knows how to bring good out of that complex and painful situation. The lost asses created the need for Saul to seek Samuel, and he discovered his destiny as King of Israel.

Knowing God’s character helps us see how all things can work together for good, for all who love God and are called according to his purpose. If you are a man or woman of purpose, rest assured that nothing that happens to you is an accident. 

If you have been trying to find something or someone, trust God’s timing, do everything God expects you to do, and wait for Him.

 For everyone who keeps on asking [persistently], receives; and he who keeps on seeking [persistently], finds; and to him who keeps on knocking [persistently], the door will be opened. Luke 11:10(AMP)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, my times are in your hand; I choose to trust your timing for all l seek, knowing you will bring them to pass for my good. Help me to be a part of what you seek on earth; make it my priority in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Pastor Ada

Photo by Aachal on Unsplash

Reflections On Ecclesiastes Three

 

Reflections On Ecclesiastes Three

Key Verse: a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing Ecclesiastes 3:5b

A time to embrace and refrain from embracing became prominent to this generation during the COVID pandemic. Social distancing became a way of life to avoid getting infected with the virus. To embrace is to hold (someone) closely in one’s arms, especially as a sign of affection. In some cultures, this is the natural way to greet visitors, while some families are fond of embracing each other, parents to children, and siblings with each other.

And it came to pass when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob, his sister’s son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things. Genesis 29:13(KJV)

And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. Genesis 33:4(KJV)

And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. Acts 20:1(KJV)

One of the five love languages identified by Dr. Gary Chapman includes physical touch. To this person, nothing speaks more deeply than appropriate physical touch. So parents need to start showing affection to their children early by holding hands and hugging them more often.

 In the new testament, Paul admonished the believers to greet each other with a holy kiss. (1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:26)

Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the Messiah’s congregations send their greetings to you. Romans 16:16(CJB)  

Believers in the New Testament showed affection to each other in the way they greeted, and there was so much love among them as they cared and shared what they had with each other. These traits were also visible among believers in the 70’s and 80s, but as soon as the church in Africa began to embrace “Western” lifestyles, it was one value that quickly disappeared as people preferred individualism to a sense of community. 

And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything with each other, selling their possessions and dividing with those in need. They worshiped together regularly at the Temple each day, met in small groups in homes for Communion, and shared their meals with great joy and thankfulness, Acts 2:44-46(TLB)

There are times when embracing another person may not be appropriate, especially if there are of the opposite sex and are in a vulnerable position. Many cases of infidelity among ministers started from counseling sessions where one of the parties was in a broken emotional state; as they tried to calm them through a hug or an embrace, the affection led to sensual feelings that engulfed them. 

Another time to refrain from physical embrace is when you discern the presence of an immoral woman; her characteristics are visible through her dress, lustful stares, and seductive words. There is no need to act like “Macho”; Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife and saved his soul.

My son, why be infatuated with an unknown woman? Why embrace the body of a loose woman? Proverbs 5:20(CJB)

To embrace also refers to accepting (a belief, theory, or change) willingly and enthusiastically. King Solomon encourages us to embrace Wisdom because of its benefits. As prophesied by Daniel, knowledge is on the increase, and discoveries in technology and science have changed how we live, communicate and do commerce.

Don’t stay stuck in old ways because of fear; embrace Wisdom, get more training, study courses in other fields, and arm yourself for victory. The Jews missed Jesus because they stayed in the traditions of the old and refused to embrace the “new normal”, they even said the teachings of Jesus were turning the world upside down.

Prize Wisdom highly and exalt her, and she will exalt and promote you; she will bring you to honor when you embrace her. Proverbs 4:8(AMPC)

The saints of old embraced the promises of God wholeheartedly and held on to them to the end. What promises have you received from the Father?

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Hebrews 11:13(KJV)

All these people kept on trusting until they died, without receiving what had been promised. They had only seen it and welcomed it from a distance, while acknowledging that they were aliens and temporary residents on the earth. Hebrews 11:13(CJB)

Be careful also to test every spirit before you embrace the teachings of every minister; several doctrines and prayer points have originated from a religious, vengeful, and covetous spirit defiling the church. We must make it a habit to go back to Jesus in private to confirm what we are hearing before we embrace them. 

The error of presumption makes people embrace an enemy without warning. We must cultivate the habit of allowing the Holy Spirit to introduce people to us; physical appearance can be deceptive. Accuracy in prophecy is not the only proof that God is involved; the spirit of divination is also accurate.

And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. Acts 16:16-17(KJV)

But test all things carefully [so you can recognize what is good]. Hold firmly to that which is good. 1Thessalonians 5:21(AMP)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessing of an embrace from those we love, teach us how to identify the right people and beliefs to embrace in Jesus’ name, amen.  

Pastor Ada

Photo by Noah on Unsplash

Reflections on Ecclesiastes Three

Reflections on Ecclesiastes Three
KEY VERSE: A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; Ecclesiastes 3:5(KJV)

A stone is a hard solid non-metallic mineral matter made from rock. According to geology, there are three major types of stones/ rocks, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. Stones are majorly used for construction, but there are many other uses we shall discover and review in our reflection today. Stones have structure, composition, and properties, which determine use and economic value.

God commanded the Israelites to gather stones to build an altar as a place of sacrifice. At other times, the Israelites carried stones from the Jordan river to set up a memorial of the miracle that had occurred.

And it shall be on the day when ye shall pass over Jordan unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, that thou shalt set thee up great stones, and plaister them with plaister:
And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey; as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee.
And there shalt thou build an altar unto the Lord thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them.
Thou shalt build the altar of the Lord thy God of whole stones: and thou shalt offer burnt offerings thereon unto the Lord thy God: Deuteronomy 27:2-3, 4-5 (KJV)

And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of Jordan, and take you up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel: That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever. Joshua 4:5-7(KJV)

Formally, in America, the ten commandments were written on stones or plagues in front of government and public buildings like schools as a reminder of their Christian heritage. This practice has been an object of many legal battles. Tombstones are a reminder of where people were buried.

And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the Lord came, saying, Israel shall be thy name: And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed. 1 Kings 18:31-32(KJV)

Elijah’s breakthrough at Mount Carmel teaches us the need to gather stones to build our personal, family, and national altars, where God would meet with us for fellowship.

A good time to gather stones is during the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges. Stones were also used as weapons to execute judgment on people who broke God’s laws in times past. David chose five smooth stones to fight goliath and God granted him victory. Achan, his family, and Naboth are a few of the people who were stoned to death. (Joshua 7:25-26, 1 Samuel 17:40, 1 Kings 21:13)

Casting stones at people was a symbol of accusation and condemnation, but Jesus brought that practice to an end in his response to the case of the woman caught in adultery. Even though it is in the law, is there anyone who does not offend in one way or another? Shimei threw stones at David when he fled from his son Absalom because he felt David was being judged for taking the throne from Saul; it cost him his life. (2 Samuel 16:6, John 8:4-11)

Nowadays, social media has created a global court of public opinion where people gather daily with stones to hurl at those who don’t meet their expectations and standards. Are we called to gather stones to condemn people, or are we chosen to be living stones to build up God’s kingdom? Jesus is referred to as the Chief corner stone, we are also invited to become living stones that will form part of the building of God’s kingdom.

You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. 1 Peter 2:4(NLT)

And now you have become living building-stones for God’s use in building his house. What’s more, you are his holy priests; so come to him—you who are acceptable to him because of Jesus Christ—and offer to God those things that please him. 1 Peter2:5(TLB)

Many are still stumbling over who Jesus is and his absolute values. May we be examples for them to see what a life built on Christian values look like, and may we show them how to build on Christ the Rock.

Welcome to the living Stone, the source of life. The workmen took one look and threw it out; God set it in the place of honor. Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you’ll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God. 1 Peter 2:4-5(MSG)

Some stones are classified as Precious stones: Diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires; while all others are semi-precious and are of great economic value, there are used for decorative and even healing purposes. Each gemstone goes through processes to become an object of beauty, durability, and purpose. We must stop running from the dealings of God; they are the tools that bring out our value.

When the foundations of a building are not set right on the rock, the structure scatters. Marriages, families, and businesses are compared to buildings; when the stones are not put together properly, the storms of life will scatter them. Values are the binders that hold stones or building blocks together. What are the values that drive your choices? A time to scatter comes when people hold on to divergent values in their relationships.

Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. Psalms 127:1(NLT)

A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands. Proverbs 14:1(NLT)

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.
Matthew 7:24-26(NLT)

Building a life, marriage, business, or family on Christian values will stand the test of time and survive the storms of life; this truth has been proven in different generations and cultures. To avoid a time of scattering stones, seek the Lord before you start building anything. If you have built on wrong values of falsehood, greed, and vanity, wouldn’t it be better to scatter it and start over while you can?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us of these truths; help us respond to its wisdom, knowing that everything works according to seasons in Jesus’ name, amen.

Pastor Ada

Photo by Susan Wilkinson on Unsplash

Reflections On Ecclesiastes Three

Reflections On Ecclesiastes Three

KEY VERSE: a time for crying and a time for laughing, a time for mourning and a time for dancing. Ecclesiastes 3:4b(CEB)

Why should they ever be a time for mourning? We mourn as an expression of sorrow for someone’s death. The passing of someone we love can produce grief, leading to mourning. Grief is internal, while mourning is the outward expression of what you feel inside. Grieving is not exclusive to death; it is about loss, which comes in many different ways.

People mourn differently; some refuse food, experience numbness and detachment from others, extreme focus on reminders of the loved one, or even excessive avoidance of reminders. Focus on little else, but the loved one’s death can keep people in mourning for years.

Several people in the bible mourned. Joseph mourned his father, and David mourned the death of Absalom, his son. The Jews mourned when Haman incited the King to eliminate them. But God turned their mourning into dancing!

And in every province, whithersoever the King’s commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. Esther 4:3(KJV)

Now Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews who lived in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, obliging them to celebrate the fourteenth day of the month of Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same month, annually, because on those days the Jews rid themselves of their enemies, and as the month which was turned for them from grief to joy and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and rejoicing and sending choice portions of food to one another and gifts to the poor. Esther 9:20-22(AMP)

People who mourn must express grief, it must not be denied. Trauma healing encourages them to speak and process their thoughts around the circumstances and what they find most challenging. Living in denial of the loss is a false bridge to recovery. Many Christians try to give a false image of themselves by refusing to mourn. It is not a healthy response nor a sign of spirituality because those who mourn will be comforted.

God blesses those people who grieve. They will find comfort! Matthew 5:4(CEV)

But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you]. John 16:7(AMP)

The period of mourning must not be overextended. Samuel continued to grieve over Saul until the Lord rebuked him. Joshua did not discern that the time of mourning should have ended so they could continue the mission to the promised land. God has reserved a time when He will permanently wipe away our tears, and mourning will cease in heaven.

And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. 1 Samuel 16:1(KJV)

“Moses, My servant is dead; now, therefore, arise [to take his place], cross over this Jordan, you and all these people, into the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. Joshua 1:2(AMP)

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:4(KJV)

A time of grieving can help reaffirm our beliefs about God and his promises. It helps us focus on the memory of our loved ones and the impact of their lives. It also wakes us up to the brevity of life and the need to maximize our time on earth.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 34:18(CEB)

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26(ESV)

Journalling, music, and spending time with nature are helpful during the mourning period, but most of all, the presence of the Holy Spirit helps us find comfort in the people and opportunities we still have. A miscarriage may precede the birth of another baby months later; a job loss could be the catalyst that makes you a successful entrepreneur. How God changes seasons to bring in a time of dancing is his prerogative, but in the scriptures, we see that the Cross had to take place before the resurrection.

Bathsheba mourned before she danced at Solomon’s coronation as King; Job’s seasons changed from mourning to rejoicing; Mary had grief and joy in different seasons; God’s presence in our lives is the only constant.

You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, Psalm 30:11(AMPC)

God has the power to change seasons; the prophet Isaiah calls it an appointment! An appointment has a specific time when it occurs. David knew that very well and kept his focus on God. When God gave him victory and rest, he did not feel too important before God but danced as an expression of his gratitude.

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.” – Isaiah 61:3 KJ21

When was the last time you danced? What makes you dance? Celebrate the showers as we wait for the downpours; happiness is a choice. “Enjoy where you are on the way to where you are going” is a book by Joyce Meyer; it teaches how to find reasons for dancing.

Prayer
Father, thank you for the gift of seasons; we are encouraged to know you are always with us in every season of life. We pray for comfort for those who are mourning and ask that you teach us to dance with others till our season of dancing comes in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pastor Ada

Photo by Luwadlin Bosman on Unsplash

Reflections from Ecclesiastes Three

Reflections from Ecclesiastes Three

KEY VERSE: a time for crying and a time for laughing, a time for mourning and a time for dancing, Ecclesiastes 3:4(CEB)

There’s a season for everything and a time for every matter under the heavens: this scripture is valid in all cultures and generations. If life were a buffet, everyone would pick and choose only a time for laughing and dancing. But, there are several benefits to a time of crying. 

At creation, God made man with the Lacrimal glands that produce tears. There are different types of tears; the Basal tears lubricate the eyes and clear them of dust or debris. Scientific studies show that emotional tears relieve the body of stress, while reflex tears come in response to a stimulus, like while slicing onions.

Since the world began, children and adults cry, men and women, cry, and even Jesus the son of God cried. I wonder about the wisdom behind the statement that “Men don’t cry.” There are many benefits in the time of crying. God hears our cries and sends help our way; several people received answers to prayer when they cried to the Lord.

When Jesus saw her crying and the Jews who had come with her crying also, he was deeply disturbed and troubled. He asked, “Where have you laid him?” They replied, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus began to cry. John 11:33-35

God heard the boy’s cries, and God’s messenger called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “Hagar! What’s wrong? Don’t be afraid. God has heard the boy’s cries over there. Get up, pick up the boy, and take him by the hand because I will make of him a great nation.” Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well. She went over, filled the water flask, and gave the boy a drink. Genesis 21:17-19(CEB)

Hannah was very upset and couldn’t stop crying as she prayed to the Lord. 1 Samuel 1:10(CEB)

Crying can express joy when you experience something beyond your expectation, like the relief from the pain of separation in the case of Jacob and his twin brother Esau, Joseph and Benjamin; and Joseph and his family in Egypt.

Joseph got in his chariot and went to Goshen to meet his father. When they met, Joseph threw his arms around his father’s neck and cried for a long time. Genesis 46:29(GNT)

After he said these things, he knelt down with all of them to pray. They cried uncontrollably as everyone embraced and kissed Paul. They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see him again. Then they accompanied him to the ship. Acts 20:36-38(CEB)

Just as tears move God, it moves man. Many have received answers to difficult requests because of their crying before men. It is unwise for you to hold back your emotions when you are in a hard place, it might make the difference you so desperately need. Esau’s crying gave him a blessing after his brother stole his blessing, and Esther’s crying moved the King to undo the effect of the plot of Haman against the Jews.

When Esau heard what his father said, he let out a loud agonizing cry and wept bitterly. He said to his father, “Bless me! Me too, my father!” Esau said to his father, “Do you really have only one blessing, Father? Bless me too, my father!” And Esau wept loudly.” Genesis 27:34, 38

Then Esther spoke to the King again, throwing herself at his feet and crying. She begged him to do something to stop the evil plot that Haman, the descendant of Agag, had made against the Jews. Esther 8:3 (GNT)

We cannot get all we want by making decrees; certain victories will come by seeking God’s face with crying and tears.

During his days on earth, Christ offered prayers and requests with loud cries and tears as his sacrifices to the one who was able to save him from death. He was heard because of his godly devotion. Hebrews 5:7 (CEB)

God can change times and seasons; after a time of crying comes a season of laughing. As we sow into the lives of others and the kingdom with precious seeds, it seems to be a season of crying because of the pain of denial. God constantly changes seasons to reward our labors with harvest-producing laughter. 

Let those who go out, crying and carrying their seed, come home with joyful shouts, carrying bales of grain! Psalm 126:6(CEB)

Crying may last for a night. But joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5b(ICB)

Prayer

 May the Lord hear your cries and turn the season in your favor to make you laugh and cause others to laugh with you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pastor Ada  

Photo by Claudia Wolff on Unsplash

Reflections On Ecclesiastes Three

KEY VERSE: a time to break down and a time to build up Ecclesiastes 3:3b

Did you know that we can break bad habits in the name of Jesus? Yes, a bad habit is a negative behavior pattern. Common examples include procrastination, overspending, and nail-biting. Engaging in negative self-talk is another common habit we must break if we have it.

Failing in life makes you think you are a failure and will never do any good. The life of Moses teaches us that we can rise above that negative mindset and break the negative chain.

“Procrastination is the thief of time” -Charles Dickens.

“Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried”- author unknown.

“Action will destroy your procrastination.” Og Mandino

The cure to procrastination is to build a new habit. God has given us the power to walk away from unhealthy relationships as soon as we identify them. Living in a toxic community and making excuses for them is another way we encourage evil. Samson had enough time to walk away from Delilah and the Philistines, but he kept postponing action.

But his father and mother said to him, “Is there no woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people, that you must go to take a wife from the uncircumcised (pagan) Philistines?” And Samson said to his father, “Get her for me because she looks pleasing to me.” Judges 14:3(AMP)

So be careful how you act; these are difficult days. Don’t be fools; be wise: make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to. Ephesians 5:15-17(TLB)

Foolishness is behind bad habits, and it takes wisdom to take advantage of opportunities. Now is the time to build new prayer habits, study the bible, share your faith with others and make your bed. One principle to guide us is to ask, what would Jesus do? Knowing the will of God and taking action is the way to overcome bad habits.

The next morning he was up long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray. Mark 1:35 (TLB)

Building a habit requires planning, just like building a house. We can’t just start something because someone is doing it. Jesus taught his disciples to count the cost, similar to SWOT analysis in business. Sometimes we need help to break certain bad habits; let us look around us for someone strong in the areas where we are weak. Partner with them in your pursuit to build good habits bearing in mind there is a right time to do it.

“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first getting estimates and then checking to see if he has enough money to pay the bills? Luke 14:28(TLB)

Bad habits are why many marriages fail, and business relationships don’t last. Today, we can take stock of habits that need to break and new ones to build. There are several promises God has made to assure us of victory. You can say confidently, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

for I can do everything, God asks me to with the help of Christ, who gives me the strength and power. Phillippians 4:13(TLB)

Prayer
Father, thank you for giving us the power to do everything you want us to do. Please give me the willingness to work with the Holy Spirit to build good habits in this new season in Jesus’ name. Amen

Pastor Ada

Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

Reflections On Ecclesiastes Three

“The future doesn’t just happen. we are building it, and we are building it all the time”. Hannah Fry

Key Verse: a time to break down and a time to build up.Ecclesiastes 3:3(GNT)

It is a good thing to build homes, lives, relationships, businesses, ministries, and nations, but most times, we have to break up the existing structures to lay a solid foundation for a permanent one. The strength of a building rests on its foundation, and a faulty foundation will bring down a building.

Many of us have grown up with faulty spiritual foundations; building our faith on this structure would eventually lead to frustration, confusion, and failure. Gideon had faith, and God chose him to be an instrument of deliverance for Israel during his time. The idol in his father’s house threatened the foundation of his faith in Jehovah. God commanded him to break them down.

Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. And it came to pass the same night that the Lord said unto him, Take thy father’s young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it: And build an altar unto the Lord thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down. Judges 6:24-26(KJV)

Altars are a gateway, providing access to God or demons into our lives. To build an altar to God, you need to identify and break down existing altars that will inhibit the flow of fellowship and communion with God. These altars may no longer be physical, but their sacrifices still speak. Just as the presence of God honors our sacrifices of praise, demons dwell in places where they have been given access through altars and oppress the people until they are broken down. (Genesis 15,28:11-22)

Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree: And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire, and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place. Deuteronomy 12:2-3(KJV)

God breaks down systems, dynasties, institutions, and kingdoms that do not serve his purpose, but he will use people like me and you. God raised up different Judges in Israel and used them to judge heathen kings and kingdoms. He raised the apostles to break down the false teachings and beliefs that kept the people away from the gospel of our Lord Jesus. Today, he wants to use you as a battleax to break down everything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God in your center of influence. 

When he breaks something down, it can’t be rebuilt; when he imprisons someone, he can’t be released. Job 12:14(CJB)

“Thou art My battleax and weapons of war; for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms. And with thee will I break in pieces the horse and his rider; and with thee will I break in pieces the chariot and his rider. With thee also will I break in pieces man and woman; and with thee will I break in pieces old and young; and with thee will I break in pieces the young man and the maid. I will also break in pieces with thee the shepherd and his flock; and with thee will I break in pieces the husbandman and his yoke of oxen; and with thee will I break in pieces captains and rulers. Jeremiah 51:20-23(KJV21)

Before God can use you to break up others, you must break your own unplowed heart. God uses broken vessels so that his glory will be revealed through them. Are they areas of our lives not yet yielded to the Lord? A broken and contrite heart the Lord will always receive.

“Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will reap a crop of my love; plow the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower salvation upon you. Hosea 10:12(TLB)

 But this precious treasure—this light and power that now shine within us—is held in a perishable container, that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own. 2 Corinthians 4:7(TLB)

These days, we must cultivate the habit of regularly breaking bread with other believers. By this, we are reminded of the sacrifice of the Lord as his body was broken and his blood was poured out on the Cross for our sins. The breaking of bread releases the power of healing for our broken bodies, emotions, and lives.

When we ask the Lord’s blessing upon our drinking from the cup of wine at the Lord’s Table, this means, doesn’t it, that all who drink it are sharing together the blessing of Christ’s blood? And when we break off pieces of the bread from the loaf to eat there together, this shows that we are sharing together in the benefits of his body. 1 Corinthians 10:16(TLB)

We all have a lifetime opportunity to build something, but David admonishes us to recognize that it is pointless, except God is the originator of the building project.; This is so because many lives, marriages, families, businesses, and even ministries are built on sand without proper foundations, and their buildings crash when life challenges come. (Matthew 7:24-27)

Unless it is the Lord who builds the house, the builders’ work is pointless. Psalm 127:1a(CEB)

It is time to build an altar to the Lord and build your faith by praying in the Holy Ghost. Return to the Lord to review what you have been building for him or yourself. What is the point of spending your life on something without eternal significance because you are living another man’s dream?

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Jude 1:20(KJV)

We cannot stop building up ourselves mentally, spiritually and emotionally. Focus on physical health without paying attention to other areas leads to imbalance and emptiness. Spiritually growth and strength come from feeding on fresh revelations, insights, and wisdom. Jesus was the son of God, but he sat down with teachers to ask and answer questions. 

God is building his kingdom, and we are welcome to be a part of that mission. The reward is excellent and starts here till eternity. What tools do you have to join the work, and what materials will you build with? God is the master builder and has the blueprint for every life, don’t be a copycat; spend time seeking his face till you are equipped to build according to the pattern. (1 Corinthians 3:9-15)

For every house is builded by some man, but he that built all things is God. Hebrews 3:4(KJV)

Prayer

Father, thank you for your words that build up and inspire. Please show me what l need to break up in my life and help me build according to your plan for my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pastor Ada

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Reflections On Ecclesiastes Three

Reflections On Ecclesiastes Three

Key Verse: A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; Ecclesiastes 3:3

One of the commandments God gave Moses on Mount Sinai says, “Thou shall not kill,” yet there are things we must kill if we must stay alive. How do we discern what and when it is right to kill?

From the beginning, God gave the man a vegetarian diet, but later God permitted him to kill animals for meat. Abel was the first man to offer animals for sacrifices to God, and God approved. Later in the wilderness, God instructed Moses on the types of animals acceptable for different offerings in the tabernacle. Never did God command Men to kill each other except in battle.

But Abel brought [an offering of] the [finest] firstborn of his flock and the fat portions. And the Lord had respect (regard) for Abel and for his offering; Genesis 4:4(AMP)

God said to Noah and his sons:

I am giving you my blessing. Have a lot of children and grandchildren, so people will live everywhere on this earth. All animals, birds, reptiles, and fish will be afraid of you. I have placed them under your control, and I have given them to you for food. From now on, you may eat them, as well as the green plants that you have always eaten. But life is in the blood, and you must not eat any meat that still has blood in it. I created humans to be like me, and I will punish any animal or person that takes a human life. If an animal kills someone, that animal must die. And if a person takes the life of another, that person must be put to death. Genesis 9:1-6(CEV) 

The Lord called to Moses out of the Tent of Meeting, and said to him, Say to the Israelites, When any man of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering of [domestic] animals from the herd or from the flock.

 If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without blemish; he shall offer it at the door of the Tent of Meeting, that he may be accepted before the Lord.

And he shall lay [both] his hands upon the head of the burnt offering [transferring symbolically his guilt to the victim], and it shall be an acceptable atonement for him. Leviticus 1:1-4

God set the approved time to kill according to the instruction He gave Noah and Moses. The sacrifice of animals did not deal with the problem of sin, so God had to send his son Jesus as a sacrifice for man’s sins. It is no longer time to kill for atonement.

But Christ, having come a High Priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands (that is to say, not of this building), neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, He entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if sprinkling the unclean with the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh,how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:11-14

Apostle Paul points our attention to a time to kill that is often ignored by many believers. In many of our prayers, we ask God to do what we ought to do ourselves.

So kill (deaden, deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that, is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God). Colossians 3:5(AMPC)

We live in a time when the culture encourages you to give in to every desire; even if that desire hurts others, your pleasure and satisfaction are your guides. As children of God, we are different; we live according to the principles and values of God’s kingdom, not our pleasures.

 Let us examine ourselves and identify any foreign traits and behavior contrary to the life of Christ; today is the right time to kill them.

Diseases kill both man and beast today; During the days of Jesus on earth, God anointed him to heal the sick; Jesus also paid for our healing by the stripes he took. Now is the time to heal the sick and the broken-hearted, be bold and pray for the sick.

You know about Jesus of Nazareth and how God poured out on him the Holy Spirit and power. He went everywhere, doing good and healing all who were under the power of the Devil, for God was with him. Acts 10:38(GNT)

 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mark 16:17-18(KJV)

We should be bold to lay hands on the sick and pray for their healing and recovery because we have been empowered to do so.

We need healing from physical, emotional, and psychological diseases. The physical wounds attract more attention, while the emotional hurts that are not visible go unnoticed until they cause fatal damage. Absalom was deeply hurt when Ammon raped his sister Tamar; their father failed to notice Absalom’s pain and need for healing; the wound festered and led to Ammon’s brutal murder. Families will stay stronger and united if hurt and emotional wounds heal promptly. 

Even in organizations and ministries, offenses are inevitable, but taking appropriate action to meet those needs provides healing, as we see in the crisis in the early church over the food given to the Grecian widows. Acts 6:1-7

Our words have the potential to cut, kill and hurt others. We must be careful and choose them well before we release them. 

Are you hurting from wounds inflicted by a friend, spouse, child, or minister? Now is the time to get healed. 

Sharp words cut like a sword, but words of wisdom heal. Proverbs 12:18(CEV)

Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. Proverbs 18:21(MSG)

And the tongue is like a fire. It is a world of wrong, occupying its place in our bodies and spreading evil through our whole being. It sets on fire the entire course of our existence with the fire that comes to it from hell itself. James 3:6

Take that pain to Jesus; He understands how it feels because he suffered the same. Lay it at his feet, and receive his love and comfort in exchange. To your benefit, you give forgiveness to those who caused you pain. That is the key to full recovery. 

I struggled with emotional hurts for a long time until l discovered that healing is available in Christ. That healing produced a better version of me and gave me a sense of purpose, giving birth to the Closing Gaps ministry. 

Trauma Healing is a ministry that helps with emotional hurts and wounds; it combines scientific knowledge, psychology, and biblical principles to provide professional help; seek help today if you are hurt because it is time to heal!

Prayer

Father, thank you for your word and its revelations. Teach me to discern the time to kill and heal in Jesus’ name, amen. 

Pastor Ada

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Reflections on Ecclesiastes Three

KEY VERSE: He sets the time for birth and the time for death, the time for planting and the time for pulling up. Ecclesiastes 3:2(GNT)

The preacher states several activities that occur at set times, most of which are out of our control. The first is the time for birth and the time of death. Innovations in science and medicine have made it possible to choose children’s birth dates, and even terminally ill people can pick their date for physician-assisted suicide. Nevertheless, it is God who knows when these can occur.
The ability to give birth is one of the manifestations of God’s blessings. Fruitfulness is part of the mandate given to humanity after the creation to reproduce their kind and fill the earth with people. God gave this charge to man within the context of marriage, and anytime the process was flawed, it was a sin.

Then God said, “And now we will make human beings; they will be like us and resemble us. They will have power over the fish, the birds, and all animals, domestic and wild, large and small.” So God created human beings, making them to be like himself. He created them male and female, blessed them, and said, “Have many children so that your descendants will live all over the earth and bring it under their control. I am putting you in charge of the fish, the birds, and all the wild animals. Genesis 1: 26-28(GNT)

The Lord will give you many children, many cattle, and abundant crops in the land that he promised your ancestors to give you. Deuteronomy 28:11(GNT)

But because you have shown such contempt for the Lord in doing this, your child will die.” 2 Samuel 12:14(GNT)

The time to give birth is not for children until they attain maturity; God determines this maturity. As there is a natural process of physical delivery, there is also a process for spiritual birth. The time of birth releases us into a family, just as the New birth gives us access to the family of God. If any man fails to be born into God’s family before their death date, they will lose access to God’s kingdom.

He came to his own country, but his own people did not receive him. Some, however, did receive him and believed in him, so he gave them the right to become God’s children. They did not become God’s children by natural means, that is, by being born as the children of a human father; God himself was their Father. John 1:11-13(GNT)

“I am telling you the truth,” replied Jesus, “that no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. A person is born physically of human parents but is born spiritually of the Spirit. Do not be surprised because I tell you that you must all be born again. John 3:5-7(GNT)

Sometimes, the time to bear is delayed due to natural and unnatural means, as in the case of Hannah and Elizabeth, but it is within the power of God to break every delay in answer to prayer. When we have done what God expects us to do within the time to bear, we stand on the faithfulness of his character and promises.

You will be blessed beyond all the people. There will not be an infertile male or infertile female among you or among your livestock. Deuteronomy 7:14(EHV)

Would I bring a baby to the point of birth and not let it be born? says the Lord. Or would I let a baby be conceived but shut the womb to prevent its birth? says your God. Isaiah 66:9(EHV)

Even though no man desires to have a death date, it is the means of ending our physical life to enter an endless eternity with God. Satan tries to interfere with this date through the activities of stealing, killing, and destroying using human agents and demons. But we rest in the knowledge that God has the power to deliver us from all evil in answer to prayers and according to his covenant promises. Man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

“a time to plant and a time to uproot” Ecclesiastes 3:2b(CJB)

There is a right time to plant crops to guarantee the maximum yield, and the nature of the crop determines every harvest time. Some harvests come in months while others after many years; the promise of God to Noah still stands that as long as the earth remains, seasons will come, and harvests will not fail. (Genesis 8:22)
We cannot expect a harvest time if we have not been part of a planting season. There are different kinds of seeds to sow; God is the source of seeds. (2 Corinthians 9:10)

Sometimes, the enemy plants the wrong kinds of seeds in our bodies, lives, and ministries, and as soon as we identify them is the right time to pluck them out. But, we must take care to avoid uprooting the good seeds too.

“Every plant which my Father in heaven did not plant will be pulled up,” answered Jesus. Matthew 15:13(GNT)

Sometimes people are planted in our families and organizations who specialize in bearing destructive fruits of malice, strife, jealousy, immorality, and violence. We need the wisdom of God to root them out skillfully.

But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all. James 1:5(GNT)

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. James 3:17(ESV)

Prayer
Father, thank you for your faithfulness to your word; we look to you for power to bring forth all that you have ordained for our lives at the appointed time. We trust you to keep our lives from untimely deaths and receive wisdom to know when and what to plant and how to uproot the evil people and things in our lives in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pastor Ada

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Reflections on Ecclesiates Three

KEY VERSE: For everything, there is a season, a right time for every intention under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1(CJB)

INTRODUCTION
The book of Ecclesiastes in Hebrew is called Qohelet; meaning Preacher is an old testament book of wisdom literature. The book is attributed to Solomon, the son of David, King in Jerusalem. Its content is very relevant in a world of changing values and principles. To maintain balance in life and ministry, we need to glean from someone who had it all, did all his heart desired, and came to a conclusion that will help us guard our hearts in our pursuits.

Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all 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. Ecclesiastes 2:10-11(NLT)

Is life meaningless? Is life worth living? I pray this series will give us clarity on these questions.

TIMES AND SEASONS

For everything, there is a season, a right time for every intention under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1(CJB)

The word seasons (Greek: Kairos in the strong’s concordance) means a fixed or special occasion, while Times(Greek: Chronos) refers to the general time frame of events in God’s plan. These insights point to two clocks, one that determines when special occasions take place and the second clock the Father uses for his program in the universe.

He answered, “You don’t need to know the dates or the times; the Father has kept these under his own authority. Acts 1:7

So, is it essential to discern times in the light of Jesus’ statement above? Looking at the context, the disciples were asking for specific dates when God would restore political rule to Israel. Instead, Jesus pointed them to the event of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit whose time had come, which should concern them.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth.” Acts 1:8

No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel:’In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. Acts 2:16-17(NLT)

We can trace the origin of seasons to the creation of the world. God made lights that determined the day and night times. The absence or presence of lights also determined the years and the seasons. In nature, we know that there are four seasons, which are identified by the change in weather. The differential heating of the Earth controls all seasons due to how it faces the Sun. The absence of light, which gives clarity, might determine the lack of change of season in a person’s life.

Then God said, “Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them be signs to mark the seasons, days, and years. Let these lights in the sky shine down on the Earth.” And that is what happened. God made two great lights—the larger one to govern the day and the smaller one to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set these lights in the sky to light the Earth, to govern the day and night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:14-18(NLT)

We can prepare for each season when we know the time of the year because every season has its opportunities and challenges. Jesus, in other passages of scriptures, gave clues to the signs of different times(Kairos) so that his disciples would not be taken unaware.

“Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to be fulfilled?” “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door.” “And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!” Mark 13:4,28-29,33

Discerning the times and seasons keeps us on guard and alert. It helps us take the posture that empowers us for the appropriate actions God expects from us.

Recently, l received the stem of a sunflower from a friend to plant in my garden; the plant has grown tall with plenty of leaves and no flower yet. As soon as l started to get impatient and wanted to complain, I remembered my friend had told me how long it would take before the flowers appeared. That piece of information helped me to have the right expectation.

Knowing that God has a Time (Chronos) helps us seek alignment with his plans; our prayers become an agreement with his plans. The songwriter in the hymn, What a friend we have in Jesus, speaks of “…needless pain we bear” when we don’t take our cares to Jesus.

Several scriptures point to an error in judging the time right; just as there are natural consequences for misjudging the weather, there are several impacts of having wrong expectations about life.

But Elisha asked him, “Don’t you realize that I was there in spirit when Naaman stepped down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to receive money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, and male and female servants. 2 Kings 5:26(NLT)

“Son of man, you’ve heard that proverb they quote in Israel: ‘Time passes, and prophecies come to nothing.’ Tell the people, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will put an end to this proverb, and you will soon stop quoting it.’ Now give them this new proverb to replace the old one: ‘The time has come for every prophecy to be fulfilled!’ Ezekiel 12:22-24(NLT)

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 2 Timothy 4:3(NLT)

You must understand that in the last days, there will come times of much trouble. 2 Timothy 3:1(NLT)

For everything, there is an appointed time. There is an appropriate time for every activity under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1(EHV)

In conclusion, we need a mindset that considers the appropriateness of the timing of requests and expectations from both man and God. Secondly, while we plan, it is better to consider God’s plans for us first and seek an alignment with them. Thirdly, we must seek spiritual light and divine clarity about the seasons; it can save us needless chasing after the wind like Jonah.

Prayer
Father, thank you for the wisdom available for us in the scriptures; as we study, open the eyes of our understanding in Jesus’ name, amen.

Pastor Ada

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