I just finished reading through the book of Ecclesiastes. I’ve heard people say that Ecclesiastes is a rather depressing book of the Bible. “All is vanity, all is vain!” Was Solomon just ranting after a bad week?

What is Solomon, and ultimately the Holy Spirit, wanting to communicate through this remarkable book?

I make it a discipline, whether I’m reading the Bible or a book, to underline the author’s main thoughts as I go along, whether I agree with them or not. Check this thread of bold throughout the entire book:

“I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him” (3:14).

“For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear” (5:7).

“Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool…for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them” (7:17a, 18b).

“Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him” (8:12).

“But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear before God” (8:13).

“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgement, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” (12:13-14).

What is the whole duty of man? It is to fear God and keep his commandments – a theme preached throughout this entire book. My prayer today is, “Lord, through pleasure and pain, keep my heart fixed upon honoring you, and may my actions keep in step with your perfect Word.”

I had a wonderful time at the Catalyst conference these past few days. I was amazed by the diversity of speakers and topics – from business and leadership to preaching and the Gospel, I was blown away. Here are some great quotes that I took away:

Andy Stanley – “Moral authority is the alignment between deed and creed”
Jim Collins – “A to-do list without a stop-doing list is unproductive”
Steven Furtick – “A promise from God always starts small”
Craig Groeschel – “In order to get the ‘something special’ of God back, you must do something drastic”
Tim Sanders – “What you learn on Sunday makes you a rockstar on Monday”
Dave Ramsey – “Don’t talk about problems to someone who can’t fix it”
Matt Chandler – “There is a way to live and a way to teach so that people see what the Gospel is and what it is not”

This evening I head to Atlanta to attend the Catalyst Conference with some other APC Pastors. I’m excited to hear from great speakers, connect with other leaders, and learn new creative ideas. Speakers include: Andy Stanley, Franklin Graham, Craig Groeschel, Dave Ramsey, Tim Sanders, and others.

I will try and post some sessions I attend here on the blog. Check back in.

DS

EXPECT – The Believer

•    What was your favorite insight after reading this chapter?

•    Read Hebrews 10:32-39. What caused these early Christians to persevere through such difficulty?

•    What trials are you facing right now that you need to persevere through with confidence and optimism?

•    Read the Scripture on the next two pages. Do you feel you’ve lessened your dream to match your level of difficulty?

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.

“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what was seen was not made out of what was visible” (Hebrews 11:1-3).

•    According to these verses, what is faith? How does this apply to your dream for your life?

“Faith is about confidence in God’s character, that he is good and true and beautiful.”

•    Read the middle chapter on page 111. Do you believe you can live a life like this?

•    Are you living for something greater than happiness, prosperity, wealth, or prestige? What are you living for?