Memory Verses

That which has been is that which will be [again], And that which has been done is that which will be done again. So there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9 AMP

Then I considered all which my hands had done and labored to do, and behold, all was vanity and chasing after the wind and there was no profit (nothing of lasting value) under the sun. Ecclesiastes 2:11 AMP

There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven – Ecclesiastes 3:1 AMP

Key people

Here is a list of key people found in today’s reading (in order of appearance) with bios from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Solomon. Also called Jedidiah. Was, according to the Hebrew Bible, Old Testament, Quran, and Hadiths, a fabulously wealthy and wise king of the United Kingdom of Israel who succeeded his father, King David.

Today’s Devotional Reading: Ecclesiastes 1 – 4

Ecclesiastes 1 Amplified Version (AMP)
Ecclesiastes 2 Amplified Version (AMP)
Ecclesiastes 3 Amplified Version (AMP)
Ecclesiastes 4 Amplified Version (AMP)

From the Amplified Bible footnotes on Ecclesiastes 1:13 – The “wisdom” of Proverbs is not the “wisdom” of Ecclesiastes. The former is godly wisdom; the latter is usually human wisdom.

Reflection

Today we enter the book of Ecclesiastes, where we learn that no matter how specific our situation that makes us feel alienated, there is nothing new under the sun. Somebody, somewhere knows exactly how you feel.

In the first verse of the third chapter of Ecclesiastes we read, “There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven” (AMP). There are both pleasant and not so pleasant seasons (or appointed times), all with purpose or meaning. Our response to a season depends on our vantage point. That is why we must trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not to our own understanding; and acknowledge Him in all our ways so He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

If we seek to understand a season by earthly wisdom alone, we are inevitably left with more questions and no peace. God’s wisdom allows us to apply His mind to our seasons of life and thereby come through trials and tribulations with faith unfettered and still giving thanks to God. In this way, even if we have questions, we can still have peace and persevere.

A spiritual dry season is identified by the lack of communication with God. Either we are not talking to Him, or we are talking to Him less than we need to in order to stay watered, rooted and grounded in following His will. In a dry season, we feel distant from God because we allow circumstances to distract us from serving Him. We may still do acts of service and even spend time in prayer but we will not have the same conviction that God is listening and caring about what is troubling us. In this dry season you feel thirsty for God’s presence but are unable to step into it. A big indicator of a dry season is when you don’t spend time in the Word, studying and asking for revelation.

A dry season could also be an in-between place, on the way to another season. That means, a dry season is not permanent if you do not let it be so. You can transition out of a dry season into green pastures. God, as your Father, does not want you to be in a dry season because you will be tempted to walk away from Him, and dryness makes you weak to resist evil.

² Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. ³ For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: (Isaiah 44:2-3 KJV)

A season of spiritual rain waters the soul with refreshment and creates life and growth where it is needed most. In a spirituality rainy season, you feel close to God and communicate with him regularly. You do not hesitate to seek the voice of God in the Word. “Rain is one of many symbols in the Bible used to describe the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit waters dry places that there may be life abundantly. When the Holy Spirit rains, miracles happen under direct precipitation from heaven.

A miracle does not have to mean Lazarus raised from the dead. A miracle can be any situation in which circumstances beyond your control work out for your good. If you don’t acknowledge those things as the blessings that they are, you will not be as grateful for having experienced them. Everyone wants a miracle, but are you willing to give God His proper glory?

I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Isaiah 42:8 KJV

A Grateful Harvest

A few years ago, I had an idea to write a book called, “The Grateful Harvest.” I never really got started with it (but I did publish A Woman of  Purpose). It was to be about a season of life (harvest) that follows the grateful heart that expresses itself to God through praise and worship. Praise and worship are the love languages of God. He inhabits the praises of His people and sends His glory into the midst of worship in person of the Holy Spirit.

In a grateful harvest, there is restoration of things lost or stolen by the enemy. There is new growth from seeds planted before this season. There is revelation to take your faith to the next level. What you may have sown in tears, you will reap in joy. If you need to get out of a dry season, start praising God for everything in your life that has meaning, brings you joy, and gives you purpose. Leave nothing out. Memorize and recite daily, Psalm 100:

1 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness and delight; Come before His presence with joyful singing. 3 Know and fully recognize with gratitude that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who has made us, [a]not we ourselves [and we are His]. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name. 5 For the Lord is good; His mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting, His faithfulness [endures] to all generations.

References

« The Amplified Bible
« The King James Bible
« Matthew Henry’s Commentary

« Songs of Praise
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Image Source: 365 Seeds of Promise by Shenica Graham.

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