June 14, 2019
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Now all has been heard;
    here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
    for this is the duty of all mankind.
For God will bring every deed into judgment,
    including every hidden thing,
    whether it is good or evil. 

New International Version (NIV)
                “After all is said and done, more is said than done,” wrote Aesop.  The writer of Ecclesiastes has concluded about many of our human pursuits, “Meaningless . . . meaningless . . . a chasing after the wind.”  If we take a look around at our world we may come to a similar conclusion.  Staying on that road we may come to conclude that life has no purpose.  We would be wrong in that conclusion.

                Solomon was famous for his wisdom.  He knew a lot about the world.  In this book, his melancholy observations may leave us . . . well, melancholy too.  But the conclusion of the book points the way to finding meaning.  Even though our idolatrous pursuit of happiness in the temporary gifts of this life will in fact leave us empty, the Preacher, Solomon does not end there. 

                All people are bound to fear our Creator and to keep his commandments.  At our own peril, we ignore him.  We attend to God because we will give an account to God.   God knows our secrets.  Nothing is hidden from him.  We attend to him best in reverent, grateful worship.  So today if we hear his voice, let us not harden our hearts.  Best of all, God is with us.  
Pray with me: 
Father, we have no doubt that you are with us today.  Help us not to miss your new mercies this morning.  Great is your faithfulness.  Today, we consciously choose to live life with you, in all that we do.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.  
This year our Every Day with Jesus readings will follow The Bible Project Read Scripture Plan.  Copies of this reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download 
the app at readscripture.org.  Read through the Bible with us in 2019!
Joyfully, 
Duane 

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