Embracing Life: Joy, Faith, and Eternal Perspective

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Joy in Every Season

Life is full of sweet moments and bright blessings, and we should never feel guilty for enjoying them. Regardless of age, we are called to find joy in the simple pleasures of life. Whether it's the taste of a sweet fruit or the warmth of a sunny day, these moments are gifts from God. Embracing joy in every season helps us maintain a positive outlook and a grateful heart. By focusing on the goodness around us, we can cultivate a spirit of gratitude and contentment that transcends our circumstances.

As we age, it becomes even more important to cherish these moments. The physical and mental changes that come with aging can sometimes overshadow the beauty of life, but by intentionally seeking out and celebrating the good, we can maintain a joyful spirit. This practice not only enriches our own lives but also serves as a testament to others of God's goodness and faithfulness. [36:37]

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 (ESV): "I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man."

Reflection: What simple pleasure can you intentionally enjoy today as a gift from God? How can you make a habit of finding joy in everyday moments?

Day 2: Remember God's Faithfulness

Keeping a record of God's blessings and faithfulness helps us stay grounded in our faith. When we face challenges, recalling past victories and God's provision can renew our hope and strengthen our resolve. This practice keeps us focused on God's unchanging nature and His promises. By remembering the good things God has done for us, we can maintain our joy and faith, even in difficult times.

This act of remembrance is not just about looking back but also about building a foundation for the future. It helps us to trust that the same God who was faithful before will be faithful again. This perspective can transform our outlook, turning moments of despair into opportunities for gratitude and praise. [38:03]

Psalm 77:11-12 (ESV): "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds."

Reflection: Take a moment to write down three specific instances where you have seen God's faithfulness in your life. How can these memories encourage you in your current circumstances?

Day 3: Remove Hindrances to Spiritual Growth

Identifying and eliminating things that cause us pain or hinder our spiritual growth is crucial. This could be negative thoughts, harmful habits, or toxic relationships. By removing these obstacles, we create space for God's peace and joy to flourish in our lives. It's important to regularly evaluate our lives and make necessary changes to align more closely with God's will.

This process of removal is not always easy, but it is essential for spiritual health. It requires honesty, courage, and a willingness to let go of what is familiar but harmful. By doing so, we open ourselves up to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, allowing us to grow and thrive in our faith. [39:32]

Hebrews 12:1 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

Reflection: What is one specific hindrance in your life that you need to remove to grow spiritually? What steps can you take today to begin this process?

Day 4: Live with Purpose and Joy

Life is a precious gift, and we should live it with purpose and joy. Even as we age and face physical limitations, we can still find meaning and fulfillment by focusing on what truly matters—our relationship with God and the love we share with others. Living with purpose means aligning our actions and decisions with God's will, seeking to glorify Him in all that we do.

This purposeful living is not about grand gestures but about daily faithfulness. It's about finding joy in serving others, in small acts of kindness, and in the quiet moments of prayer and reflection. By living with purpose, we can experience a deep sense of fulfillment and joy that transcends our circumstances. [45:23]

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Reflection: How can you align your daily activities with God's purpose for your life? What small changes can you make to live more intentionally and joyfully?

Day 5: Maintain an Eternal Perspective

Our ultimate hope lies in eternal life with God. This perspective helps us navigate the challenges of aging and life's difficulties with grace and hope. Knowing that we have an eternal home with God gives us the strength to endure and the courage to live fully. This eternal perspective shifts our focus from temporary struggles to the everlasting promises of God.

By keeping our eyes on eternity, we can find peace and joy even in the midst of trials. This hope is not just for the future but also transforms our present, giving us the resilience to face each day with faith and confidence. [51:34]

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: How does the promise of eternal life with God change your perspective on current challenges? What can you do today to keep an eternal perspective in mind?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Tonight, we delved into the final chapter of Ecclesiastes, focusing on the theme of aging and the importance of enjoying life at every stage. Solomon, also known as Kohelet, offers wisdom on the inevitability of growing older and the physical and mental changes that come with it. He uses vivid metaphors to describe the aging process, such as bones trembling and eyesight dimming, to remind us that aging is a natural part of life. The key message is to enjoy your youth and remember your Creator before the days of trouble come.

We explored three main points: Rejoice, Remember, and Remove. First, we are called to rejoice in the goodness of life, regardless of our age. Life is full of sweet moments and bright blessings, and we should never feel guilty for enjoying them. Second, we must remember the good things God has done for us. Keeping a record of God's blessings helps us maintain our joy and faith, even in difficult times. Lastly, we need to remove anything that hinders our spiritual growth or causes us unnecessary pain and vexation. This includes negative thoughts, harmful habits, and toxic relationships.

The sermon emphasized that life is a gift from God, and we should live it to the fullest, always finding reasons to rejoice and be grateful. Even in the face of aging and the challenges it brings, we can find joy and purpose by focusing on God's goodness and promises. We are reminded that our ultimate hope lies in eternal life with God, where there will be no more pain or suffering.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Rejoice in Every Season of Life: Regardless of age, we are called to find joy in the simple pleasures of life. Whether it's the taste of a sweet fruit or the warmth of a sunny day, these moments are gifts from God. Embracing joy in every season helps us maintain a positive outlook and a grateful heart. [36:37]
2. Remember God's Faithfulness: Keeping a record of God's blessings and faithfulness helps us stay grounded in our faith. When we face challenges, recalling past victories and God's provision can renew our hope and strengthen our resolve. This practice keeps us focused on God's unchanging nature and His promises. [38:03]
3. Remove Hindrances to Spiritual Growth: Identifying and eliminating things that cause us pain or hinder our spiritual growth is crucial. This could be negative thoughts, harmful habits, or toxic relationships. By removing these obstacles, we create space for God's peace and joy to flourish in our lives. [39:32]
4. Live with Purpose and Joy: Life is a precious gift, and we should live it with purpose and joy. Even as we age and face physical limitations, we can still find meaning and fulfillment by focusing on what truly matters—our relationship with God and the love we share with others. [45:23]
5. Eternal Perspective: Our ultimate hope lies in eternal life with God. This perspective helps us navigate the challenges of aging and life's difficulties with grace and hope. Knowing that we have an eternal home with God gives us the strength to endure and the courage to live fully. [51:34]
### [51:34]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[31:31] - Introduction to Ecclesiastes
[33:24] - Metaphors of Aging
[35:02] - Are You Young or Old?
[36:37] - Celebrate Life at Any Age
[38:03] - Remember God's Faithfulness
[39:32] - Remove Hindrances
[41:04] - Rejoice in the Goodness of Life
[42:46] - Finding Joy in Simple Pleasures
[44:01] - Overcoming a Critical Spirit
[45:23] - Living with Purpose
[47:08] - Remember What You've Learned
[48:33] - Don't Take Life for Granted
[50:17] - Spend Time with Children
[51:34] - Eternal Perspective
[53:12] - Rejoice in Youth
[54:49] - Remove What's Holding You Back
[57:12] - Stop Feeling Sorry for Yourself
[58:35] - Cast Your Cares on God
[59:56] - Loving God Fully
[64:13] - Make Right Choices
[65:20] - Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love
[66:10] - Final Encouragement and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What metaphors does Solomon use to describe the aging process in Ecclesiastes 12:1-5?
According to the sermon, what are the three main points we should focus on as we age? ([36:37])
How does the sermon describe the importance of remembering God's faithfulness? ([38:03])
What are some examples given in the sermon of things we need to remove from our lives to grow spiritually? ([39:32])

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to "rejoice in the goodness of life" regardless of age, as mentioned in the sermon? How can this perspective change our daily lives? ([36:37])
How can keeping a record of God's blessings help us during difficult times? What are some practical ways to do this? ([38:03])
Why is it important to remove hindrances to spiritual growth, and what might be some challenges in doing so? ([39:32])
How does having an eternal perspective help us navigate the challenges of aging and life's difficulties? ([51:34])

Application Questions

Reflect on a recent moment of joy in your life. How did you recognize it as a gift from God, and how can you cultivate more moments like this? ([36:37])
Think of a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did remembering God's past faithfulness help you through it? If you haven't done this before, how might you start? ([38:03])
Identify one negative thought, harmful habit, or toxic relationship that is hindering your spiritual growth. What steps can you take this week to begin removing it from your life? ([39:32])
How can you live with more purpose and joy, even in the face of aging or physical limitations? What specific actions can you take to focus on what truly matters? ([45:23])
How does the promise of eternal life with God influence your daily decisions and outlook on life? Share a specific instance where this perspective has given you strength or hope. ([51:34])
Spend some time this week with children or young people. How does their joy and energy impact you, and what can you learn from them about finding joy in simple pleasures? ([50:17])
Reflect on your current state of mind. Are you more "young" or "old" in your outlook on life? What changes can you make to embrace a more youthful, joyful perspective? ([35:02])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Regardless of our age, we should celebrate life. And the Bible in this book, Ecclesiastes, says that a live dog, and in Israel, dogs weren't like they were today. There was no Petco or Pet Center. Dogs weren't very popular. But they said a live dog is better than a dead lion. At least you're alive. At least you're alive. That's what's important. That's what God wants. Okay, so you've got a sickness. Okay, so you've got a pain. Okay, so you're forgetting things. At least you're alive. And as long as you're alive, you can still live and rejoice and thank God." [36:37] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Don't ever let life take your joy from you. And don't let anyone take your joy from you. Whoever is going to be elected, whoever's winning the war, whatever happens to the economy, don't ever let them rob you of the joy that God has given to you. Come on, church. And that is what makes us different from the world. We have hope. We know where we're going. Some people don't even know where they're going. And we're not afraid of death because death is the last enemy. And then we go to be with the Lord. Some people don't have that." [38:03] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Never, never, never forget who God is. He's the creator of the heavens and the earth. There's nothing that is hidden from his sight. The light and the darkness are a light unto him. He is all-powerful. Come on, give my God a hand. Always remember who he is. Never give up. Never feel it's over. It's never over. Never. Even when we die, it's not over for us. We're not going to go to darkness. We're going to the light. We're going back to our creator. There's a heaven prepared, for us." [38:03] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "When death comes for you, make sure death is ashamed because you have enjoyed life so much. Make sure he's got to drag you to death and dying. So when death comes looking for you, make sure he's ashamed to even bother you. You should go into heaven like you just passed, Jesus said, from death to life. You just went in. Now, I've heard it said this way. Some people have died. They just haven't laid down." [45:23] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The biblical way of removing vexation, is to cast your cares on God. There's nothing wrong with giving God your problems. Here, you take this. He can handle it. He's not going to go, Oh, great. He can handle it. Give Him your problems. If our sufferings are physical, it is right and good for us to seek a way to ease the pain. I understand that. When the Bible tells us to put away pain, it's not giving us license to drown our sorrows in alcohol or to use the Bible. It's just life-destroying drugs. However, physical pain is an evil that we are right to avoid when we're able to do it in a way that honors God." [59:13] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "So we are being taught to celebrate the joys of life at any age. However, we need to be honest about the troubles that come with growing old. We're being given a series of alerts that can help us live well. However young or old we happen to be. And here's the three things I'm talking about tonight. One is rejoice. Say that with me. Rejoice. Don't ever let life take your joy from you. And don't let anyone take your joy from you. Whoever is going to be elected, whoever's winning the war, whatever happens to the economy, don't ever let them rob you of the joy that God has given to you." [36:37] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "If you haven't learned anything in life, that's sad. You were put here to remember things. You were put here to always remember God's been good to you. Thank you. Your lungs breathe. Your eyes see. Your ears hear. You can close your eyes at night and lay down and go to sleep because God says, there's no sense both of us staying up all night. Go ahead and go to sleep. I'm watching over you. Come on, give him a hand of praise. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God for the goodness of life. Praise him for everything sweet that you taste and everything bright that you see." [47:08] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "When we are told that we'll have many dark days, again, it's not being cynical. But the days of darkness qualify what he says about rejoicing in the light. But they do not negate it. To the end of our days, there is sweetness in the world. And therefore, we are called to rejoice. Rejoice. Paul said. And again, I say rejoice. And you know what? Do you know where he was when he wrote that? In prison. That's where he was. In a Roman prison. And he knew they were going to behead him. And he says rejoice. And again, I say rejoice." [51:06] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The very best remedy for vexation is go to God in prayer. And tell Him your troubles. And He says, Don't be anxious about anything or vexed about anything. But in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. I just want to let you know that I know that you already know. Because He does. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, it will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." [57:53] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Loving God is to live our whole lives for Him. It is to be mindful of God in every circumstance, including Him in all our plans, praising Him for all His blessings, and praying to Him through all our troubles. Why? we will not live here forever. on, give Him a hand of praise. We're going to Heaven to be with Him." [59:56] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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