Archive for November, 2009
November 30, 2009 at 6:53 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #228: Leadership has a Short Memory
Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer pays attention to warnings. For he came from prison to be king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom. I saw all the living who move about under the sun follow a second youth who succeeds him. There is no limit to all the people who were before them, yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. Eccl 4:13-16 (HCSB)
Solomon has a distinctly interesting view of this passage. He is the third in the line of Kings of Israel, and pauses to wonder what the future holds for the kings that follow him. He also ponders how history will regard him after he has long gone.
In fact, relevant to us today, there is little difference between kings and presidents today. We remember recent presidents and compare their time on office while they live in the glow of their presidency after they leave office, some for the good and some for not the good, but nonetheless they are compared to the current president. However, in time, all presidents are relegated to history books and summarized into the hall of former presidents by their accomplishments or failures.
Further, whether a king or a president, their background marks their leadership style. We tend to connect to the rare leader who arrives onto the national scene from common roots. In recent history it has been harder and harder to find that kind of presidential candidate, but there have been several notables since World War II: Harry Truman, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Each of these was from ordinary births in poor or average family situations. A couple struggled in broken homes which marked their personalities, i.e. Clinton and Obama. Each of these has a common history of climbing the ladder of leadership by hard work and determination to fulfill their destiny. And in the end, each had a unique stamp on their presidency. However, as time passes, little is recalled of their humble beginnings, or their unique accomplishments as leaders who climbed the ranks in political circles. In time, like Solomon stated of the kings in his day, they too will be nothing more than another presidential bust in a long mine of former presidents that most people will not remember much about them.
Whether from rich, average or poor backgrounds – God uses men and women who rise as our leaders for His greater purposes. And, He holds each accountable for their time under the sun. The people may recognize and respond initially to those leaders who appeal to their station in life, but once in office, whether rich or poor in their background, the people look to their leaders for leadership that is just and fair for all. As long as the people feel secure in their homes and they can sense the opportunity to prosper in their land, the leadership wins the favor of the people. However, when decisions or circumstances threaten that sense of security and hope for prosperity, then the people will turn from the leadership and seek a new leader. Nothing has changed in all the millennia of kingdoms, nations and governments instituted by mankind. Monarchs, oligarchies, and presidents, whether elected or appointed, are under this approval of the people. And, God uses the hearts of the people to accomplish His greater good, when governments forget it is the governed who allow the government to govern in the land.
With all that said, the important issue that I believe Solomon is saying is this, kings or presidents, whether from rich or poor backgrounds, it matter not. The people will rejoice in them only while they are in office and making an impact on their lives in the present moment. We may memorialize past presidents and write about them in history books, but only the current president can make a difference in the lives of the people. We should pray for them and seek God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word for their leadership decisions. Because one truth remains, other leaders will follow and they too will be replaced and relegated to history books. The one constant is God’s presence and influence on the leaders in office.
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do good and you will have its approval. For government is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath, but also because of your conscience. Romans 13:1-5 (HCSB)
November 28, 2009 at 8:23 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #227: Competition and Companionship among Friends
I saw that all labor and all skillful work is due to a man’s jealousy of his friend. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. The fool folds his arms and consumes his own flesh. Better one handful with rest, than two handfuls with effort and pursuit of the wind. Again, I saw futility under the sun: There is a person without a companion, without even a son or brother, and though there is no end to all his struggles, his eyes are still not content with riches. “So who am I struggling for,” [he asks,] “and depriving myself from good?” This too is futile and a miserable task. Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? And if somebody overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken. Eccl 4:4-12 (HCSB)
What gain is there in life if we struggle through life all alone? What satisfaction is there in competing with one’s self? What inspiration is there in being first in a one man race? Life is about companionship and competition among friends. We are a social creature by God’s design and our inspiration for accomplishing great and innovative things comes from our fellow man.
“Keeping up the Jones’ next door” is a catch phrase that speaks about man’s desire to keep the status quo with our neighbors and friends. Merely driving on the interstate reveals the competitive spirit of mankind as people are generally motivated to push the pedal just a little harder to keep up or even slowly pass the other vehicles around us. It is rare that someone sits in the inside lane allowing all the others to pass them by because there is contentment in the futility of being last. We enjoy races and games and competition of all kinds. We buy our children games and teach to compete in sports from early age, and our justification is that it prepares them for real life when they are adults.
We also are a creature who enjoys the company of close friends. We are viewed as a social misfit if we walk through life without any friends. Our companionship need is a survival instinct. Man by himself is a weak creature, but in numbers he is an adversary for even the fiercest animal. Why is it we enjoy team sports so much, i.e. football, baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, etc.? Is it that our primal instincts are engaged and our companionship and competitive urges are maximized? Even the lonely cross-country runner seeks a teammate to run with him for most of the race before his competitiveness overpowers his companionship as he races to the finish.
Survival is a necessity and requires us to perform at our best to outrun our ever-present adversary, and catch our necessary prey. Companionship inspires and encourages peak performance, whether in survival mode or merely for pursuing a mutual prize of adulation over a game of pool at a party. God wants our best, and He has in His wisdom instilled the gift of companionship and desire of competition to drive us to be the best we can be. Even the spiritual leadership in Jerusalem during Jesus’ day was envious of Jesus’ popularity because it was seen as a threat to their desire for competitive edge among the people. They were so driven they were able to rally the people to their side in the competition for power, and sadly they won at all cost! With that in our mind, companionship and competition is a gift from God that requires we seek God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word as we apply it to our lives for His greater purposes, never own selfish motives.
May the games begin with the Lord urging us on to the finish line!
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
Do you not know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. However, they do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. Therefore I do not run like one who runs aimlessly, or box like one who beats the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Cor 9:24-27 (HCSB)
November 27, 2009 at 9:08 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #226: Does Hope Reside Before, During or After Oppression?
Again, I observed all the acts of oppression being done under the sun. Look at the tears of those who are oppressed; they have no one to comfort them. Power is with those who oppress them; they have no one to comfort them. So I admired the dead, who have already died, more than the living, who are still alive. But better than either of them is the one who has not yet existed, who has not seen the evil activity that is done under the sun. Eccl 4:1-3 (HCSB)
According to the Webster’s Dictionary, oppression is the exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner. In how many places and in how many ways does oppression afflict people in the world? Certainly, there is political oppression, religious oppression, and financial oppression. However, the assumption exists that there is always someone who is in authority, whether politically, religiously or financially, who is the oppressor. When we can identify the oppressor we can place the blame for our burdensome, cruel, or unjust circumstances on someone else. We can assume the victim’s role, as if we have no hope in our present circumstances. However, we always have a decision that we can choose to make that can impact our circumstances. But, so many would rather feel helpless and hopeless, whining for someone to bail them out. So many offer prayers to God as if He is absent from their life and He is to blame for their condition. Yes, many people even make God their scapegoat for their oppression.
So where is there hope: before, during or after our oppressive circumstances? According to Solomon, there is little hope during the oppression, as only tears are there to comfort the oppressed. According to Solomon only the dead will escape some form oppression; even the survivors will continue to fear future oppression. However, the unborn are naïve to oppression, but how can you understand hope of you do not understand the possible need for it? However, I believe in any circumstance we have a choice that places the authority within us to realize that the real oppressor is most likely ourselves. We are only a victim when we choose to be a victim, because clearly when we are in God’s will, walking in God’s ways, and seeking God’s wisdom according to God’s Word, we are confident in all circumstances we have the Lord as our refuge and redeemer. We recognize that often God orchestrates His will and purpose through our circumstances to strengthen our faith, which is the anchor of our hope. And, what prevents our fear is the fact we know His love is always in view.
When we place our faith in God, it matters not on what side of oppression we are, or whether we are currently in the midst of a period of oppression: there is no panic, no fear, and no need to feel as a victim…our faith allows us to persevere, because we are never the victim, but actually the victor! How about you? Are you the victim or victor in your present circumstances? The victor has the faith to know hope resides in the Lord and His love. Thus, the victor also knows confidently that no matter the circumstances hope can be found in the present, future, or the past. And, oppression is but an opportunity for God’s will to be realized in his or her life.
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified. What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?
Romans 8:26-31 (HCSB)
November 25, 2009 at 9:46 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #225: What Separates Animals and Humans in Death?
I also observed under the sun: there is wickedness at the place of judgment and there is wickedness at the place of righteousness. I said to myself, “God will judge the righteous and the wicked, since there is a time for every activity and every work.” I said to myself, “This happens concerning people, so that God may test them and they may see for themselves that they are like animals.” For the fate of people and the fate of animals is the same. As one dies, so dies the other; they all have the same breath. People have no advantage over animals, for everything is futile. All are going to the same place; all come from dust, and all return to dust. Who knows if the spirit of people rises upward and the spirit of animals goes downward to the earth? I have seen that there is nothing better than for a person to enjoy his activities, because that is his reward. For who can enable him to see what will happen after he dies? Eccl 3:16-22 (HCSB)
The question at the end of this passage of inquiry from Solomon reveals the difference of those who lived before the Messiah and His Gospel (Good News) and the despair of people prior to His manifestation among His people. Solomon wondered is it possible for anyone to know for sure what happens after death. Are we like the animals, which are born and die in the cycle of life on earth? Do we really know what happens to them after death? We all share the same breath of life, and death comes when that breath ceases in us.
Solomon’s wisdom reveals that he ponders the futility of knowledge beyond this life. He, like so many today, figures what he does not know does not affect him. Therefore, life now is all that matters and there is no reward beyond this life. If that were so, what would be the purpose of living rightly in this life? When we live life within our own limited understanding and wisdom, such a philosophy of life is called hedonism, or the pursuit of absolute pleasure in life as its main purpose. If that is true, then why don’t the animals have the same purpose in life, if there really is no difference? Animals are instinctive in their life choices, however we are thoughtful beings and we have a conscience for good or bad. Our behavior choices are for an intended purpose beyond mere survival instincts like the animals.
What clearly happens to animals beyond death, only God knows for sure? We have no instruction in His Word that says much on the matter. However, we have plenty of first- hand statements from the Lord on our future. Even Solomon acknowledges there is a judgment day between the wicked and the righteous, but evidently he seems to not address what makes us righteous before a Holy God. Is it our lineage or bloodline? Is it our family’s inherited benefit, or is it a personal accountability before God? Jesus clearly points to the fact we all will stand on our own before God, accountable for our life choices. Those who wish to deny there is a real separation between the righteous and the wicked (or those who lived in denial of God’s desire for their lifestyle choices), then I guess you may believe there will be no difference between them and the animals beyond the grave.
Of course, I believe when we seek God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according God’s Word – and not selective seeking but truly opening and studying of all of His Word, then there is no doubt how we are to live now, and the impact of those life choices beyond the grave.
Thank you Lord for the heritage of Your Word that clearly prepares us for making right life choices so we may live rightly in this lifetime so we may realize your blessing on that day when all of us will stand before you…
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
“ I assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life. “ I assure you: An hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in Himself, so also He has granted to the Son to have life in Himself. And He has granted Him the right to pass judgment, because He is the Son of Man. Do not be amazed at this, because a time is coming when all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come out—those who have done good things, to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked things, to the resurrection of judgment.” John 5:24-29 (HCSB)
November 24, 2009 at 6:32 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #224: Is God’s Eternity Yours to Share?
What does the worker gain from his struggles? I have seen the task that God has given people to keep them occupied. He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but man cannot discover the work God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts. I know that all God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it. God works so that people will be in awe of Him. Whatever is, has already has been, and whatever will be, already is. God repeats what has passed. Eccl 3:9-15 (HCSB)
Our time in this lifetime is but a preparation period for eternal life. All of us will realize a life in eternity, but not all will share God’s eternity. Long before we were, He was, and long after we will be, He will continue to be. Eternity in its vastness still does not define God, because God created eternity. Where man cannot find the beginning of eternity, God was there; and where man searches for the end of eternity, God is waiting already. And in the midst of this awesome display of greatness of God, His gift to man is the opportunity to share eternity with Him. However, some will opt to not accept this gracious gift. Some will deny God because they think they have a better idea. However, what awaits all of us is eternal life, however it is clear, one is with God and His majesty and glory, and the other is alone, isolated and hopelessly devoid of anything but what you worshiped on earth – your “self”! No matter how you try to depict “hell” to be, nothing is worse than eternity alone with only your “self”! But, that is the choice God has allowed you to make.
So what do we can we gain with all struggles in this life? God in His timing has revealed His Son to us to show us the way to real life that makes all the challenges, trials, tribulations, and heartache in this life worthwhile and full of purpose. The joy of seeking after God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word is revealed once we recognize His Son as our Savior and Lord. He then becomes our tutor and tour guide on an eternal journey. And we will not be alone. God desires all to find His Son so that they may find Him in eternity as His gift of love.
What about you? Is this life worth living when we realize it all has a purpose that God has orchestrated just so you can realize the joy of eternity with Him? Once we have the Lord on our side, what can we possibly fear? What could any man do to us that would remove us from the love of Christ Jesus and the Heavenly Father? Do you know that love? Do you have that assurance within you that helps you through those trying and difficult days? If not, begin today realizing God has an eternal gift for you that is worth pursuing. Open God’s Word and seek to know Him and His plan for you today.
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
Just then an expert in the law stood up to test Him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the law?” He asked him. “How do you read it?” 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. “You’ve answered correctly,” He told him. “Do this and you will live.” Luke 10:25-28 (HCSB)
November 23, 2009 at 6:28 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #223: TIME is a Gift from GOD
There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven: a time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing; a time to search and a time to count as lost; a time to keep and a time to throw away; a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to be silent and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace. Eccl 3:1-8 (HCSB)
Man has devised the manner which we measure it and keep track of it, but it is not a creation of man – TIME is the creation of God. TIME is finite, not infinite. There is only TIME in this LIFE-TIME. In eternity, TIME is irrelevant. TIME is for man’s benefit, not God’s. It defines the when of our LIFE-TIME. TIME defines us, and gives us a sense of urgency. TIME once lost cannot be replaced or reset. TIME for each man begins in conception and ends in death. For those who are in misery, TIME drags on; yet, for those who live in contentment with life, TIME speeds by. TIME is only realized in the present, as what TIME has passed we can never recover; nor can we grasp hold of TIME yet to come in the future. Nor, is man promised anything more than the present TIME. God created TIME for man to cherish and to enjoy the fullest while he can.
Another thought about TIME: it is the perfect complement to LOVE. When life is full of LOVE, TIME marks the depth of the LOVE we cherish, because who and what we LOVE requires the most TIME that we have. Spend TIME with those you LOVE, not money or things! Wasted TIME erodes relationships, but invested TIME strengthens relationships. TIME is the value by which LOVE is measured and realized. Do not let TIME slip away, as LOVE will follow.
Final thought: God created TIME to share with His creation. He cannot be defined by it, nor is He limited to it, and He expresses His ultimate gift of LOVE by entering into it for our sake. Yet, the greatest gift is when we leave it and find eternity beyond it. How do I know this? God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word reveals it to me. You too can smile when you discover it too!
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
“Now concerning that day or hour no one knows—neither the angels in heaven nor the Son—except the Father. Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is [coming]. It is like a man on a journey, who left his house, gave authority to his slaves, gave each one his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to be alert. Therefore be alert, since you don’t know when the master of the house is coming—whether in the evening or at midnight or at the crowing of the rooster or early in the morning. Otherwise, he might come suddenly and find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Be alert!” Mark 13:32-37 (HCSB)
November 21, 2009 at 10:40 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #222: What is the Legacy of Our Labors to be?
I hated all my work at which I labored under the sun because I must leave it to the man who comes after me. And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will take over all my work that I labored at skillfully under the sun. This too is futile. So I began to give myself over to despair concerning all my work I had labored at under the sun. For there is a man whose work was done with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, but he must give his portion to a man who has not worked for it. This too is futile and a great wrong. For what does a man get with all his work and all his efforts that he labors with under the sun? For all his days are filled with grief, and his occupation is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile.
There is nothing better for man than to eat, drink, and to enjoy his work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand. For who can eat and who can enjoy life apart from Him? For to the man who is pleasing in His sight, He gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy, but to the sinner He gives the task of gathering and accumulating in order to give to the one who is pleasing in God’s sight. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. Eccl 2:18-26 (HCSB)
In history there are many great kings, emperors, and rulers of vast dynasties that are well known, however what happened after they passed away? What happened to so many of these kingdoms and empires when their day had ended, and others took over? Most of them collapsed and faded away into the hands of fools that followed. Quite often, but sadly it was either sons or grandsons who stumbled and bumbled all that had been built by the hard work and labors of great men before them. Solomon was one such ruler. He took from David, his father and managed to hold onto the greatness of Israel as a nation until the end of his reign, then strife and conflict rumbled through the kingdom, and in the end when he abdicated, his successors fought over the kingdom and it became split. The Nation of Israel entered a period of downward spiral that would end within 200-300 years with its total devastation and collapse. (I wonder what kind of peak into the future did Solomon have when he wrote this passage?)
So the question arises: Why should we work so hard in this lifetime to build up something when it likely will fall a part after we are gone. How will history be marked by our legacy? Should we care? My own father built a great company, but after he finally retired late in life it was sold and then resold, and the legacy of my father has been slowly lost with it as well. The family remembers what he did, but none had the fire or desire that matched the fire and desire of our father. So what purpose did the legacy of his labors serve?
The good news in the passage, we learn that in the grand scheme of life, God uses others at the right time to pick up the pieces of others for His purposes, using the right person(s) to rebuild the labor of love for greater good. Yet, we will be long gone, and can only trust a future generation will benefit from God’s grace.
What is the legacy of your labors in this lifetime? What greater good? What greater purpose, pleasing to God has your labor in this life served? And, how will you be remembered? Or, have you only lived a life that is like the wind – here today and gone tomorrow, leaving no trace, no footprints for others to follow?
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
Someone from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” “Friend,” He said to him, “who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?” He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.” Then He told them a parable: “A rich man’s land was very productive. He thought to himself, ‘What should I do, since I don’t have anywhere to store my crops? I will do this,’ he said. ‘I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and store all my grain and my goods there. Then I’ll say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—whose will they be?’ “That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:13-21 (HCSB)
November 20, 2009 at 6:47 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #221: Look Both Ways Before Proceeding
Then I turned to consider wisdom, madness, and folly, for what will the man be like who comes after the king? He will do what has already been done. And I realized that there is an advantage to wisdom over folly, like the advantage of light over darkness.
The wise man has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness.
Yet I also knew that one fate comes to them both. So I said to myself, “What happens to the fool will also happen to me. Why then have I been overly wise?” And I said to myself that this is also futile. For, just like the fool, there is no lasting remembrance of the wise man, since in the days to come both will be forgotten. How is it that the wise man dies just like the fool? Therefore, I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind. Eccl 2:12-17 (HCSB)
The difference between the wise person, the mad man, and the fool is this: if all are at a busy crossing at a street corner, the wise person will wait and look both ways before proceeding across the street, making certain there is no traffic; the mad man will look but will begin walking across even though he sees traffic but in his estimation he can make it across before getting hit; and the fool, well, he starts walking assuming no one will hit him, and never bothers to look if it is safe or not. Which of the three will likely live longer and avoid injury to their selves? Yet, which will avoid death all together? The answer is clear, the wise man may out live the other two, and the mad man likely will out live the fool, but all have a destiny with death! So, is there any logic that says why not live like the fool or the mad man, and not bother to walk in the light of the wisdom God gifts to us?
Consider there are many people in this world that you may know who are like the mad man or fool, and they walk a risky path, throwing caution to the wind. Many believe they are invincible, only to discover after it is too late that such a lifestyle is a risk that eventually has a consequence. But is life boring without some risk? If wisdom is so good for us, then why do so many people opt not to apply it to their lives? Why do so many walk away from the pursuit of it? Why do people enjoy the thrill of walking on the edge of danger? Is it madness or folly? Does God desire us to live a totally safe and cautious lifestyle? Actually, I believe the Bible says otherwise. One can be wise yet still walk boldly and with confidence in the face of danger, if it is for the right purpose.
When we walk in the light of God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word, there is a mission we have to make a difference in this lifetime. And, sometimes that mission can place us at risk, but we are not alone in the danger. When we are following the Lord’s direction in our life, He is with us in the valley of the shadow of death, and He will prepare us a table before our enemies – the Lord will comfort and guide and protect us as we follow Him for His purposes. That is the difference of a godly wise man and the mad man or the fool. Likewise, Solomon saw folly in it all because he argued we all face the same inevitable death. However, when we walk with the Lord in His will, ways and wisdom in this lifetime, death is but a portal to something much greater. The mad man and fool are blinded and thus lost as their destiny, and even the wise man who seeks his own ways discovers only folly in his choices. What about you, are you chasing the wind, or are you being directed by it?
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
One day He and His disciples got into a boat, and He told them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, and as they were sailing He fell asleep. Then a fierce windstorm came down on the lake; they were being swamped and were in danger. They came and woke Him up, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to die!” Then He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves. So they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?” Luke 8:22-25 (HCSB)
November 19, 2009 at 6:56 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom #220: When I live for Myself, Futility Reigns!
I increased my achievements. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. I made gardens and parks for myself and planted every kind of fruit tree in them. I constructed reservoirs of water for myself from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees. I acquired male and female servants and had slaves who were born in my house. I also owned many herds of cattle and flocks, more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. I also amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I gathered male and female singers for myself, and many concubines, the delights of men. Thus, I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem; my wisdom also remained with me. All that my eyes desired, I did not deny them. I did not refuse myself any pleasure, for I took pleasure in all my struggles. This was my reward for all my struggles. When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun. Eccl 2:4-11 (HCSB)
Solomon is the greatest example of the fact that when we live a self-centered, self-focused lifestyle, self-satisfaction is not possible. As this passage points out, when “I” is the focus of your thoughts and actions, and the purpose of your life is to seek to please yourself, futility is all “I” will give to “myself”. With futility comes frustration, and in frustration “I” begins to hate “myself.” Even when all the wealth of this world is available to give, “I” can never please “myself” – life is not worth anything when we live only seeking to please ourselves! God did not create us to selfish creatures! Family, friends, and faith in others is what identifies our true purpose in life.
The richest people in this world have repeatedly stated that when they caught up in their wealth and fame, they found in all the money and fame there is loneliness also. Why do so many rich and famous people resort to lifestyles that are destructive even to the point of losing all they have? Things will never buy happiness and companionship! Solomon was surrounded by concubines not a spouse, servants not friends, slaves not family! He had possessions that he really could not share! The only thing Solomon, and others like him, could possess was the wisdom to discover his own lonely futile life, realizing the more he had, the less he possessed that meant anything in this world.
There is a decision that we all have to make in life: a crossroads that offers two choices.
In one direction it appears that glory and fame and fortune are the destination and is attainable through a lifetime guided by our own will, our own ways, and our own wisdom according to our own understanding and desires – much like Solomon. Versus, the other option which leads you to a path that is not so clear as to its destination and the Lord says you may only travel by faith. A faith that must surrender your selfish ways and trust in God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word. At that crossroads the decision is to believe your eyes or your heart!
Solomon asked for wisdom, and God gave him his wish, but what he got was a lifetime of misery and frustration. His selfish choices had consequences that affected all of Israel, as after his death the Kingdom of Israel split and never reconciled and wound up on a slippery slope towards destruction in history. Likewise, if we choose wrongly, we too can not only get on that slippery slope, but also cause others to join us as well. Which way is the right way, the one your eyes can see, or the one your heart can feel is the right choice?
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
If I speak the languages of men and of angels, but do not have love, I am a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so that I can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I donate all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient; love is kind. Love does not envy; is not boastful; is not conceited; does not act improperly; is not selfish; is not provoked; does not keep a record of wrongs; finds no joy in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for languages, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when the perfect comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things. For now we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I am fully known. Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor 13:1-13 (HCSB)
November 18, 2009 at 6:42 am · Filed under FCA, First Baptist Ocala
Words of Wisdom # 219: What Purpose Does the Pursuit of Pleasure Serve?
I said to myself, “Go ahead, I will test you with pleasure and enjoy what is good.” But it turned out to be futile. I said about laughter, “It is madness,” and about pleasure, “What does this accomplish?” I explored with my mind how to let my body enjoy life with wine and how to grasp folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom—until I could see what is good for people to do under heaven during the few days of their lives. Eccl 2:1-3 (HCSB)
The focal point of most of us is our leisure time – that time we crave to do what we want for pleasure. Yet, what is pleasure? We seek after it! We desire it! We save up for it! But, what is it really? Solomon decided in his wisdom that he would engage in pleasure and try to determine what there was in pleasure that actually served a practical purpose, or what is good about the pursuit of pleasure; the answer he learned was: pleasure was doing what pleases you first and foremost. He identified pleasure as futile in this lifetime, because what does it really accomplish in this short life we have?
Now, I believe God allows us the joy of laughter and the reenergizing benefit of a retreat from the fast pace of life, but Solomon is focused on what many do in the pursuit of “pleasure seeking activities.” 3000 years ago and still today, wine and other alcoholic drinks flow to dull our senses for what purpose? Is there really pleasure found not being in control of one’s self? Is pleasure being the fool in the midst of his folly while under the influence of alcohol? If so, why do many believe letting go and artificially relaxing and risking being out of control is pleasure? After the alcohol euphoria wears off, reality returns and you have a headache and stomachache to boot! Is what pleasure you think you had worth the after-affects? I believe that is why Solomon called the pursuit of pleasure: madness!
There is a purpose that God promotes that serves to rest our bodies and minds, and that is termed recreation – or, (re) creation. Recreation is to give us rest to revive and reenergize our bodies and minds. In the pursuit of retreating from the harsh pace and realities of the world, merely turning to recreation activities is much more beneficial than hoisting a bottle of wine or mug of beer, because the benefits are lasting and not artificial. The after-affects are not sickening.
The only time in God’s Word is the use of alcohol promoted is when there is no hope and our wickedness has someone trapped in a life of misery. Then the wine or alcohol dulls the senses out of mercy for that person. So think about why you do what you do in the pursuit of pleasure. What real benefit does it serve? Is it meaningless folly and madness as Solomon points out? Think about the difference of re-creation versus the folly of pleasure seeking for the pleasing of one’s self. Which best serves and pursues after God’s will, God’s ways, and God’s wisdom according to God’s Word?
What is true pleasure are actions and attitudes that bring a smile on the faces of loved ones and friends in this world – serving their needs and desires, and to witness the pleasing of my Lord as I learn to live rightly for His purposes, not selfishly for mine. I will trade the pursuit of pleasure for genuine happiness or blessing any day in this lifetime. How about you?
Coach
www.coachbrown.org
Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. And don’t get drunk with wine, which [leads to] reckless actions, but be filled with the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music to the Lord in your heart, giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of Christ. Eph 5:15-21 (HCSB)
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