September 20, 2006 - Ecclesiastes 4-6 and II Corinthians 12
There are some vital spiritual principles in our reading today. I believe they are some that we often neglect, even though we know them. I pray that God will prick our hearts with the importance of these truths today.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 tells us that two are better than one. The next few verses express the importance of close relationships. We need help in our labor. We need someone to pick us up when we fall. We need someone to keep us warm, physically and emotionally. We need protection from harm. We need other people.
In chapter 5 we are reminded of the importance of intentional worship. Many times we go to worship with our brains and our hearts disengaged. We say things we don't intend to do. We make foolish vows. This is a dangerous way to live. Instead, we must fear God and take our worship seriously. (v.7)
II Corinthians 12 reminds us that we are all weak. However, our weakness can make us strong, if we will allow it to push us to trust in God for His power, instead of trusting our own power. That thorn in the flesh we have is not a problem, it is a blessing. Through that pain or weakness, we come to see that God's grace is sufficient for everything. We must keep our eyes on the Lord, instead of looking at our problems or pains.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ecclesiastes 7-9 and II Corinthians 13.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 tells us that two are better than one. The next few verses express the importance of close relationships. We need help in our labor. We need someone to pick us up when we fall. We need someone to keep us warm, physically and emotionally. We need protection from harm. We need other people.
In chapter 5 we are reminded of the importance of intentional worship. Many times we go to worship with our brains and our hearts disengaged. We say things we don't intend to do. We make foolish vows. This is a dangerous way to live. Instead, we must fear God and take our worship seriously. (v.7)
II Corinthians 12 reminds us that we are all weak. However, our weakness can make us strong, if we will allow it to push us to trust in God for His power, instead of trusting our own power. That thorn in the flesh we have is not a problem, it is a blessing. Through that pain or weakness, we come to see that God's grace is sufficient for everything. We must keep our eyes on the Lord, instead of looking at our problems or pains.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ecclesiastes 7-9 and II Corinthians 13.