Today you should read: Ecclesiastes 1
Today we begin a journey through the book of Ecclesiastes. This book of wisdom was written by Solomon – David’s son. When he became king, God asked him what He could grant him. Solomon asked for wisdom to govern God’s people.
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 1 Kings 3:5-10
Ecclesiastes is one result of that request. It’s a book that teaches us wisdom while dismissing the folly of life that many overlook.
Chapter 1 brings us back to a hard reality: If we try and find our joy and our value in life alone, it is meaningless. Life is a gift from God and should certainly be lived to the fullest, but life only has meaning and purpose when God’s a part of it. Otherwise we’re running after things we will never catch.
Jesus clearly taught us how to combat this folly:
Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:31-33
- What are some ways you try and find happiness and value in the empty things of life?
- How can you apply the lessons Jesus taught His disciples in your life today?
By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor
JumpstartCPC.com 
“The Gentiles eagerly seek after this…” I just realized that’s certainly true today. Our Gentile culture says to get an education and our schools have thrown out God. Our colleges mock God and the students who profess to believe in Him. Our culture says be famous and alluring – sell yourself. So often we see the sad ends of those who have chased that dream. There’s the ‘get stuff’ idea so we can elevate ourselves and ‘be happy’. But I realize I fall into these traps every day. I’m more interested in ‘I want’ and I forget ‘God wants’. I’ve gotta watch out for this sneaky deception. It will overtake me if I’m not watching for it.
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths!