Reading for today
Old Testament: Ecclesiastes 2, 3, 4
New Testament: James 4
Thoughts from today’s reading
Ecclesiastes 2:17-23. The writer was very concerned about all the things that happen under the sun, and this leaves him with a sense of dismay. One of the things that he noted was there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). The reference to the sun is important because it gives us an indication of time as opposed to eternity. God created the sun to mark times and seasons, so anything under the sun is subject to time or this life. Our walk with God transcends time and this life, and He gives us glimpses into eternity. That knowledge should free us from the dismay that may be found in the limitations of this life or things under the sun. When Jesus Christ appeared to Saul of Tarsus, he said he saw a light above the sun that shined brighter than the sun (Acts 26:13). So in this world we find nothing new under the sun, but in Christ the Son who shines above the sun, all things are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17, Revelation 21:5).
James 4:1-10. The proud is the one that doesn’t come to God to seek His help and rely on His ways for doing things thinking that they know better. When we stay in pride God resists us while we are unable to resist the devil. It was pride that got the devil out of the presence of God and made him to be cast to the lowest pits. Wherever we sense pride in ourselves, we must repent of it, cleanse our hearts from it and return in humility to God so He can lift us up.
Prayer
1. Lord Jesus, I thank you that you are the light that shines above the sun, therefore I am not limited to the things that happen under the sun only. I thank you for a new life in Christ, I thank you that my labour in this life is not in vain and all that I do will count towards eternity. Thank you Lord for helping me to keep a focus on eternal things, therefore I will live my time in this life with a consciousness of making an impact for the life to come.
2. Father, I come to you and I humble myself in all aspects of my life. Wherever I have thought I can handle things better than you advice in your word, I repent of it now. Wherever my heart is striving against others to show my status or prove a point, I purge myself of such thinking. I submit my life, my thoughts, my desires and my aspirations to you now. Have your way in me O Lord, this I pray in Jesus name, amen.