Living with Joy, Wisdom, and Purpose

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we had the joy of celebrating a child dedication, a beautiful tradition that reflects our gratitude to God for the gift of children and the commitment of parents to raise them in a godly environment. We prayed for Anahid, Jim, and their daughter Rameh, asking for God's grace, wisdom, and presence in their lives. We also emphasized the importance of creating a household centered on God's Word and love.

We then transitioned to discussing the upcoming "We Pray" event on October 7th, a night dedicated to praying for the next generation. This event will bring together various churches to pray for children, middle schoolers, high schoolers, and college students, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational prayer and worship.

Our main focus today was on Ecclesiastes 9, where we explored three distinct messages. The first message, "Carpe Diem," encourages us to seize the day and live with joy and gratitude. Solomon advises us to eat with gladness, drink with a joyful heart, and always be clothed in white, symbolizing a life of celebration and gratitude. He also emphasizes the importance of enjoying life with our loved ones, particularly our spouses, and living each day with purpose and passion.

The second message, "What is Success?" challenges our conventional understanding of success. Solomon observes that human abilities do not guarantee success, as time and chance happen to all. He encourages us to be prepared and to trust in God's providence, knowing that our response to life's challenges is what truly matters.

The third message, "Wisdom is Power," highlights the story of a poor but wise man who saved a city through his wisdom. This story underscores the value of wisdom over brute strength and the importance of applying knowledge in our lives. Solomon is greatly impressed by this example, reminding us that true power lies in wisdom and faith in action.

In conclusion, we are called to live with joy, gratitude, and purpose, to be prepared for life's uncertainties, and to seek and apply God's wisdom in all circumstances.

### Key Takeaways

1. Seize the Day with Joy and Gratitude: Solomon encourages us to live each day with a joyful heart, eating and drinking with gladness. This posture of gratitude transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. By embracing a life of celebration and recognizing the blessings we have, we honor God and find deeper fulfillment in our daily lives. [15:16]

2. The Importance of Marital Love: Solomon emphasizes the significance of enjoying life with our spouses. He reminds us that our spouses are the most important human relationships we have, even more than our children. A loving and joyful marriage reflects God's love and provides a strong foundation for our families. [22:13]

3. Redefining Success: Human abilities do not guarantee success, as time and chance happen to all. Solomon teaches us that true success is not measured by worldly standards but by our preparedness and response to life's challenges. Trusting in God's providence and being ready for the unexpected are key to navigating life's uncertainties. [30:48]

4. Wisdom Over Strength: The story of the poor but wise man who saved a city illustrates the power of wisdom over brute strength. Solomon is greatly impressed by this example, highlighting that true power lies in applying knowledge and living out God's wisdom. This story encourages us to seek and apply wisdom in our lives, trusting in God's guidance. [40:46]

5. The Beauty of Repentance: Repentance is a beautiful act of returning to God, acknowledging our mistakes, and seeking His wisdom and guidance. It is a reminder that God's arms are always open, ready to receive us with grace and mercy. Embracing repentance allows us to live with a renewed sense of purpose and alignment with God's will. [52:03]

### YouTube Chapters

1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [0:30] - Child Dedication Introduction
3. [3:01] - Anahid and Jim's Commitment
4. [4:13] - Prayer for Parents and Rameh
5. [5:03] - Blessings for Rameh
6. [6:06] - Family and Community Support
7. [7:01] - Upcoming "We Pray" Event
8. [8:04] - Focus on Next Generation
9. [10:07] - Introduction to Ecclesiastes 9
10. [11:24] - Carpe Diem: Seize the Day
11. [15:16] - Living with Joy and Gratitude
12. [22:13] - Importance of Marital Love
13. [30:48] - Redefining Success
14. [40:46] - Wisdom Over Strength
15. [52:03] - The Beauty of Repentance

Study Guide

### Bible Reading

1. Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 (NIV)
> "Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do. Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil. Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom."

2. James 1:2-5 (NIV)
> "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

3. Proverbs 5:18-19 (NIV)
> "May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer—may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love."

### Observation Questions

1. What does Solomon encourage us to do with our food and drink in Ecclesiastes 9:7? How does this reflect a posture of joy and gratitude? [15:16]
2. According to Ecclesiastes 9:9, what relationship does Solomon emphasize as important, and how should it be enjoyed? [22:13]
3. In James 1:2-5, what is the purpose of facing trials, and what should we ask God for when we lack it?
4. How does Proverbs 5:18-19 describe the relationship between a husband and wife? What specific emotions and actions are highlighted?

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Solomon advise us to "always be clothed in white" and "anoint your head with oil"? What might these actions symbolize in our daily lives? [17:02]
2. How does the story of the poor but wise man in Ecclesiastes 9:13-16 illustrate the value of wisdom over strength? What lesson can we draw from this example? [40:46]
3. James 1:2-5 speaks about the testing of faith producing perseverance. How can this perspective change the way we view and handle life's challenges?
4. In what ways does Proverbs 5:18-19 challenge conventional views of marital love and satisfaction? How does this align with Solomon's emphasis on enjoying life with one's spouse?

### Application Questions

1. Solomon encourages us to live each day with joy and gratitude. What are some practical ways you can incorporate this attitude into your daily routine, especially during challenging times? [15:16]
2. Reflect on your marriage or closest relationships. How can you actively work to enjoy and cherish these relationships more fully, as Solomon advises? [22:13]
3. Solomon redefines success by emphasizing preparedness and trust in God's providence. How can you apply this understanding of success in your personal and professional life? [30:48]
4. The story of the poor but wise man shows the power of wisdom. What steps can you take to seek and apply God's wisdom in your current circumstances? [40:46]
5. Repentance is described as a beautiful act of returning to God. Is there an area in your life where you need to seek God's forgiveness and guidance? How can you take steps towards repentance this week? [52:03]
6. Considering the upcoming "We Pray" event, how can you contribute to intergenerational prayer and support for the next generation in your community? [08:04]
7. Solomon's advice to "always be clothed in white" suggests living with a joyful and celebratory heart. What specific changes can you make in your lifestyle or mindset to embrace this attitude more fully? [17:02]

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Joy and Gratitude in Daily Life
Description: Solomon encourages us to live each day with a joyful heart, eating and drinking with gladness. This posture of gratitude transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. By embracing a life of celebration and recognizing the blessings we have, we honor God and find deeper fulfillment in our daily lives. Solomon's advice to always be clothed in white symbolizes a life of celebration and purity, reminding us to approach each day with a heart full of gratitude and joy. This perspective not only enriches our own lives but also positively impacts those around us, creating an atmosphere of thankfulness and contentment. [15:16]

Ecclesiastes 9:7-8 (ESV): "Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head."

Reflection: Think of one ordinary activity you do daily (e.g., eating a meal, commuting to work). How can you transform this activity into a moment of joy and gratitude today?

Day 2: Cherish and Nurture Marital Love
Description: Solomon emphasizes the significance of enjoying life with our spouses. He reminds us that our spouses are the most important human relationships we have, even more than our children. A loving and joyful marriage reflects God's love and provides a strong foundation for our families. By prioritizing and nurturing our marital relationships, we create a stable and loving environment that benefits not only our spouses but also our children and community. This focus on marital love encourages us to invest time, effort, and affection into our marriages, recognizing them as a vital part of our spiritual and emotional well-being. [22:13]

Ecclesiastes 9:9 (ESV): "Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can show love and appreciation to your spouse today? How can you make them feel valued and cherished?

Day 3: Redefine Success Through God's Providence
Description: Human abilities do not guarantee success, as time and chance happen to all. Solomon teaches us that true success is not measured by worldly standards but by our preparedness and response to life's challenges. Trusting in God's providence and being ready for the unexpected are key to navigating life's uncertainties. This perspective shifts our focus from striving for worldly achievements to seeking God's guidance and wisdom in all circumstances. By redefining success in this way, we learn to rely on God's timing and provision, finding peace and contentment in His plans for our lives. [30:48]

Ecclesiastes 9:11 (ESV): "Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge or setback. How can you trust in God's providence and prepare yourself to respond with faith and resilience?

Day 4: Seek and Apply Wisdom Over Strength
Description: The story of the poor but wise man who saved a city illustrates the power of wisdom over brute strength. Solomon is greatly impressed by this example, highlighting that true power lies in applying knowledge and living out God's wisdom. This story encourages us to seek and apply wisdom in our lives, trusting in God's guidance. By valuing wisdom over physical strength or worldly power, we learn to make decisions that align with God's will and bring about positive change in our lives and communities. This approach emphasizes the importance of spiritual discernment and the application of biblical principles in our daily actions. [40:46]

Ecclesiastes 9:15-16 (ESV): "But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man. But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man's wisdom is despised and his words are not heard."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you relied on your own strength or abilities. How can you seek and apply God's wisdom in a similar situation today?

Day 5: Embrace the Beauty of Repentance
Description: Repentance is a beautiful act of returning to God, acknowledging our mistakes, and seeking His wisdom and guidance. It is a reminder that God's arms are always open, ready to receive us with grace and mercy. Embracing repentance allows us to live with a renewed sense of purpose and alignment with God's will. This act of turning back to God not only restores our relationship with Him but also brings healing and transformation to our lives. By regularly practicing repentance, we maintain a humble and teachable spirit, continually growing in our faith and dependence on God's grace. [52:03]

Isaiah 55:7 (ESV): "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to seek God's forgiveness and guidance? How can you embrace repentance and realign yourself with God's will today?

Quotes

1. "This dedication ceremony doesn't make Rameh saved as a believer of Jesus, but as the scriptures say, there's a household that needs provision and protection and power and presence. And when they come of age to follow Jesus, the environment they've been planted in makes that clear. And so we get to celebrate together with this." [03:01] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We pray that they would be Christ-like examples in their home. And we pray that their whole home may be a place where it is seen and known that they live not just for one another, but they live for you. And for Rameh today, we dedicate her to you, Lord. We say thank you. And we pray that, yes, she would be raised in the word of God, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. And we pray that she'd be trained in the way that she can go. And we pray that one day she would embrace and receive and follow you, Jesus, as her personal Savior, her Lord, and as her King." [05:03] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We want this next generation to go way further than we ever have. For the kingdom in the name of Jesus. And this is so, so significant. So, so significant. And so I want Grace to literally, we're going to be just the host, but we're also going to lead. By example, we're going to demonstrate it matters. Hey, if you are a middle schooler, high schooler, you're in college right now, you have got to be here. Do whatever it takes. Invite your friends to be here on that night. It's praise and prayer and nothing more for the generation, especially the next one. I cannot, cannot say. You've just got to be here." [09:31] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Each week, we get to hear the words of the sage, probably King Solomon. He's coming to the end of his life. He's wanting to pour out some thoughts. Ideas, wisdom, cause the listeners to go, what? Cause them to ask question. Cause them to reflect on their own self. Cause them to look to what matters most." [11:24] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Carpe diem. He is nailing in verse seven through 10. Listen, guys, carpe diem. Seize the day. You have now. Make the most of it. You do not. You do not know when or where or what. You don't know what may happen, but you do have today. So here's a posture with how I want you to live." [15:16] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Eat your food with gladness and drink your wine with a joyful heart for God's already approved what you do. Then he says this in verse eight. Always, always, always be clothed in white and always anoint your head with oil. What's he talking about? Culture and context. In those days, if you were wealthy or royalty, your wardrobe was white clothing. The wealthy and the royal got to wear white all the time. Everybody else had white clothing for special occasions, specific joyful moments, celebrations, festivities. But it wasn't their normal attire. Only the wealthy and the royal got to wear white all the time. And now Solomon's saying, always be clothed in white. What's he saying? You don't know, guys, is what he's saying. You don't know." [17:02] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "The most important human on the planet, husbands, is your wife. She is far more important than your children. Far more important than your children. She's far more important than any other human in your life. She's more important than your parents. She is the only one in the whole of scripture that Jesus commands you are to die for. Husbands, love your wives as Christ is. loved the church and gave his life up for it. She's the only one. She is the greatest gift the Lord has ever given you on this earth. We need to be reminded of that, and for some of you men in here, you need to repent today." [24:11] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Human abilities do not guarantee success. it's quite clear through the whole landscape of Scripture, and even within Ecclesiastes, what we do is we bring our best, and we are prepared the best we can for whatever may come, knowing that we're not fully in control. But am I prepared for it? Am I prepared to learn and be ready so that when things come out of the blue, when things come not as I planned, I've built up something that helps me still lean into it, still learn from it? The preparation side of it is really key." [34:03] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Wisdom is our strength, friends. Wisdom is our strength. Faith in action is our strength. We don't need more stuff. We need to live out God's wisdom and trust him with it. It's absurd to think this poor guy could save his city against a powerful king. But wisdom brought about the victory." [45:21] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. A fool demonstrates power and feels powerful because they have weapons in their hand and in their mouth. The wise know they are most powerful when their hands are empty. Look at Jesus and look at his kingdom." [47:15] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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