Today you should read: Ecclesiastes 3
Why can I not read this passage without envisioning CPC member, Mike Pepper, dancing to and singing The Byrds’ version of Ecclesiastes 3?
“To everything – turn, turn, turn
There is a season –turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose
Under heaven”
—The Byrds—“Turn! Turn! Turn!”
Sorry, Mike. I’m not sure why you come to mind when I read this. Anyway…
The other thought that comes to mind when I read this chapter is the solid truth that God is absolutely in control…of EVERY event under heaven (vs. 1). God is sovereign over the good and the bad. Nothing happens that is not allowed by Him to work towards His glory.
Look through that list of things that there is “a time for” in verses 2-8. There’s a time for good things, and a time for bad things. Amidst the good and the bad, God “has made everything appropriate in its time” (vs. 11). And “everything that God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and nothing to take away from it” (vs. 14).
I can relate to the author. There are a lot of things that happen on this earth that are difficult to grasp, and it sometimes seems like life doesn’t make a lot of sense. Still yet, God is in control. He has an appointed time for everything that happens. Nothing has caught Him off guard.
I know His sovereignty is maybe old news to many of us, but, man, it’s good to be reminded of His sovereignty when tough things AND encouraging things happen. Whatever is has happened, is happening, or will happen is all under the authority and appointment of a God who knows EXACTLY what He is doing!
Posted by: Rich Duffield
JumpstartCPC.com 
Thanks Rich! I’ve been known to belt out a tune & bust-a-move on occasion. The Byrds released Turn, Turn, Turn in 1965 when I was in kindergarten. The song does make me smile when I hear it on an “oldies” radio station.
Mike Pepper, you need to talk to Todd Thomas about doing a ‘special music’ one Sunday. I think you’re serving in the wrong area my friend!
Regarding the devo, I think it’s interesting how conflicted Solomon is. He says God has put eternity into our hearts, but then he questions if eternal life can be proved. I’m glad to live on this side of the cross.
Yes, I’m glad someone brought it up: “who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth?” It’s comforting to read Solomon’s thoughts because I know I’ve searched the same questions. Thanks be to the Lord who has put his spirit and hope in our hearts! “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” Romans 8:15-17
Man, all of Romans 8 is pretty cool to read in response to the suffering, vain toil, and questions of mankind.