Ecclesiastes 7:14 Enjoy prosperity while you can. But when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. That way you will realize that nothing is certain in this life.
Many of you are experiencing some adversity in the middle of this economic mess. I know of some who have lost jobs and can't find work. Others have lost health insurance. The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us that everything that happens to us comes from God. Now, although that is hard to handle, it also is comforting to know that behind these things is an eternal purpose in which we are involved. We may not know until we get to be with God at the end of life, what that purpose was but I believe it will all have been worth it, no matter what life dishes out in the here and now.
It is also good that the verse includes prosperity because we can always hope that God has some of that in mind for us before we pass on. One of the incredible things about the church that has always been true, is that it is the one place in our society where the haves and the have nots congregate. In fact that is one of the reasons that churchgoers used to, and some still do, 'dress up' for church meetings. The origin of that custom was not to please God but to impress others. Today, of course, it is often hard to tell the well off from the poor because many congregations do not have a dress code and everyone dresses down. I have no problem with that as long as it not done in disrespect.
Years ago a young man came into my office to apologize for not attending the worship services. He felt the need to explain that he had lost his construction job over a year ago, and had gained some weight so that his suits did not fit and he could not afford to buy a new one. He did not feel that he could dress appropriately. I looked him in the eye and implored him to reconsider. I would rather see him with us in rags than think that he was not good enough to attend. If a dress code is important, than there will be an increasing lack of attendance as many more people find themselves in the position of this young man.
So hard times are striking and they may last for a while. Add in the need for all of us to chip in more money in taxes to keep the world from melting in the global warming thing (back in the seventies it was global cooling, they can't seem to make up their mind). What is true is that, if we Christians can stick together and help each other out when necessary, the hard times may not be as hard but if we all go at it on our own they could get much worse. I highly suggest that church leaders prepare for ways the members of their congregations could help each other if, and when it is needed. If every church develops a strategy as to how this could be done, we just may see a purpose for God allowing it to happen. He just may be giving us the impetus to gather and work together.
Wouldn't it be great to see Christians all over the country turn hard times into prosperity? Let's all pray that God will lead us in that way. My prayers are with you and your families and your churches. Let me know if you have specific requests. God bless you all.
Just a little while ago you may have heard of Susan Boyles on Britain Has Talent. It was amazing. Did you see Paul Potts, a year ago on the same show. If you missed it, here it is. Looks can be deceiving.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DelJrP3P7tA&feature=related
If you somehow missed Susan here she is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk
Theo
Dear Small Group Leader (or soon to be Facilitator)
Please allow everyone in your group to answer the Quick Question. It will get things started on the right foot, encouraging quieter ones to open up. Please do not require everyone to answer every question. They may not be ready to share yet. Also please allow at least 5-10 minutes at the end of your study so as many as would like to can respond to the REFLECTION question. This may be the most important time in your small group study. Thank You
SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDY
Please Read: Ecclesiastes 7:1-14
QUICK QUESTION: Has this economic downturn affected you and, if so, how?
How is a house of mourning better than a feast?
What do you think we should be doing during these hard times?
What did Solomon liken 'wisdom' to?
Of what value is patience these days?
When were the 'good 'ol days? Why were they so good?
REFLECTION: How can we pray for you this week?
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