Do you agree passion, gifts and/or talents influences ones’ pursuit of purpose. If so, in what ways or why not. Folks may be talented in more than one area. How do they handle that?
More importantly let’s not “Get it twisted.” God allows us to have or experience great careers, dream jobs and/or businesses. In addition to “The pursuit of happiness, raised our children and grands, attained worldly possessions and more. But this alone will not get us in heaven.
A lot to think about. Let’s explore Ecclesiastes which means “One who addresses an assembly” like a Preacher, Teacher and Philosopher; then Ecclesiastes is known as “The Search for Meaning in Life” conducted by Solomon, the Preacher who was the wisest, wealthiest and most powerful king of Israel. Ecclesiastes’ purpose is PROOF LIFE W/O GOD HAS NO MEANING. Blog tittle, GOD’S DIVINE PURPOSE for you and me.
First, Solomon the wisest, wealthiest and most powerful king of Israel had to learn the “Hard way” and said,1:2 “Vanity of vanities; all is vanity which does not mean foolish pride but, the emptiness in the final result of all life apart from God. To be born, to toil, to suffer, to experience some transitory (temporary) joy is nothing in view of eternity, to leave it all and to die (KJV Reference Bible, Romans 8:20-22).
What happened to Solomon? He greatly angered God. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines. Maybe we can refer to them as “Women on the side.” Many were foreigners that led him into public idolatry in his old age (1 Kings 11:1-13). Seems like Solomon had lost himself like many caught-up in the women and/or men, glamor, fun and folly. Solomon’s heart turned away from the LORD God of Israel. He followed other gods, despite the LORD’S command and warnings to return to Him. Many times we think “Old age” produces more wisdom and steadfastness in the LORD but, seemingly not so.
God did not remove Solomon from the kingdom during his lifetime for the sake of David. How many of us are living off the favor of God due to the prayers and steadfastness of our mothers, fathers and ancestors? Then we need to “Play it forward” with prayers and steadfastness for our children’s children and those to come to receive the favor, blessings and protection from God. Yet in the meantime God raised up adversaries against Solomon (1 Kings 11:14-25). God has allowed many of us to experience trials and troubles to return to Him and for others to realize the need for Jesus, the Savior of the world. Yet we are nothing w/o Christ.
Biblical insight to help us understand GOD’S DIVINE PURPOSE for you and me. Solomon’s brother Absalom had committed treason-betrayal toward their father king David. He attempted to steal the kingdom (Israel) from their father, the king. Read 2 Samuel Chapter 15. David was told of his son’s plot to overthrow his kingdom. Therefore David and the people of Jerusalem left on foot running, loudly weeping and crying for safety in the wilderness. Ten concubines were left behind to keep the house. Now paraphrasing David came to himself. “He instructed the priest, Abiathar, sought and trusted God to save them if it was His will.” Look at God! Chapter 15:37;18:10-15-Absalom’s return to Jerusalem, was killed against David’s will. Thus his rebellion against David failed.
Remember David was chosen by God to rule over Israel. He was anointed by the prophet as a boy. First Samuel 16:11-12 “And he sent, and brought him in. Now he (David) was ruddy, and withal (at the same time) of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward.
First Kings 1 Chapter, David now an old man, bedridden king was made aware of his oldest son, Adonijah declared himself as king. Deuteronomy 17:14-20, a requirement that kings be appointed by the LORD, not self-appointment. David was reminded of the divine selection of Solomon as king before his birth.
First Chron 22:9-10 records God’s Word to David: Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days. He shall build a house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever. The choice is therefore Yahweh’s, not David’s political preference. David’s binding oath made public 1 Kings 1:29-30. Then a prophetic confirmation and priestly anointing of Solomon; GOD’S DIVINE PLAN.
The Bible also presents GOD’S DIVINE PLAN, as essential to His interactions with the world. This includes you and me. Ephesians 1:11, the Apostle Paul writes, "In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined7 (appointed) according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will." The counsel of God’s will is perfect, unchanging and wise as He actively works His purposeful plan and events in our lives. Another confirmation Psalm 37:23 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he/she delights in His way.”
GOD’S DIVINE PLAN of purpose in your life and mine ought to manifest through our passion, gifts and talents as we share with others the gospel of Jesus Christ. For God is love. The demonstration of His love should be like the “Light on the hill, that is not hidden-nor extinguishes! The light of His love should be wherever our feet go. It is also like our defense weapon in warfare Ephesians 6:15 “And your feet shod (covered) with the preparation of the gospel of peace.”
We are reminded the church is another critical component of GOD’S DIVINE PLAN. The church is the body of Christ, called to continue His mission on earth. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." The Church is tasked with proclaiming the Gospel, living out biblical principles, serving others and intentional obedience to God's will in our daily life, as well as changing hearts
How do we view the church today? Many feel no need to go to the building. Yet Church attendance pleases and glorifies Go. We are made to worship (1 Cor 10:31. We stir up one another to love and do “Good works” (Heb 10:31). The act of love makes us more like Jesus. Filled with knowledge (Matthew 22:37) and understanding (2 Tim 2:7). Harvard research concludes weekly church attendance effectively improves the physical and mental health of millions Americans. Reduced mortality by 20-30% over a period of 15 years. For more see Gospel Coalition the benefits of church attendance.
NOW GOD’S DIVINE PLAN emphasizes His sovereignty, supreme authority and control over all creation to ensure living out biblical principles, serving others, and sharing the gospel. It involves intentional obedience to God's will in daily life, transforming hearts to reflect heavenly values rather than just are ultimately fulfilled. Yet despite human responsibilities, you and I still have the freewill, the right to accept or reject GOD’S DIVINE PLAN. Like Solomon, the Preach said, 1:2 “Vanity of vanities; all is vanity which does not mean foolish pride but, the emptiness in the final result of all life apart from God. To be born, to toil, to suffer, to experience some transitory (temporary) joy is nothing in view of eternity. Thus to leave it all and to die (KJV Reference Bible, Romans 8:20-22).
Therefore LORD I chose You today or reconfirm I still chose You. Philippians 2:12-13 describes your relationship and mine consisting of God's purposes and our individual actions. Therefore Paul exhorts (urges) us and all believers, "Therefore, my beloved (we are God’s beloved) He loves us dearly, “Just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (with humility, reverence and respect). For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." Reminded of the scripture
Thankful for GOD’S DIVINE PLAN that operates daily in your life and mine. Most importantly the PROOF LIFE WITHOUT GOD HAS NO MEANING regardless of our status, silver, gold, houses and possessions which are all temporary; as well as incomparable to Eternity with Christ and the entire heavenly host in the New Heaven and the New Earth. #love, #joy and #blessings, Neatbooks4u.com
