Ecclesiastes 3:17, "I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work." 

 This book begins by speaking of the vanities of life in relation to the way Solomon perceived things on his own.  At the end, Solomon speaks of the whole duty of man, but for now, he uses some key phrases which appear throughout the book.  Scofield writes, "The key phrases are "under the sun"; "I perceived"; "I said in my heart."  An individual can come to many different conclusions about life when he is relying upon his own intellect in order to "discern" things.  But as we journey through life with God, there is only one conclusion.  God is to be honored, glorified, and praised.  And in the end, God is the judge of all things.  Gill writes that Solomon, "... knew from reason, from tradition, and from the word of God, that there was a judgment to come, a general, righteous, and eternal one; that this judicial process would be carried on by God himself, who is holy, righteous, just, and true, omniscient, and omnipotent; and, being the Judge of all the earth, would do right; when he would vindicate the righteous, and clear them from all calumnies and charges; acquit and justify them, and condemn the wicked, pass a just sentence on them, and execute it; for there is a time there for every purpose, and for every work."

 If you are having a hard time understanding life, I want to encourage you to take time to learn what God has to say about life, about death, and about judgment.  Seek salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ, prayerfully seek the illuminating teaching of the Holy Spirit, and seek to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

 Life only makes sense if you see it through the truths found in the Word of God.

 Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

Meditations

1.  Do you live considering the reality of death and judgment, knowing one day you will stand before the Lord?

2.  Are you assured of your standing before God in relation to salvation?  How do you know you are saved?

3.  Is it possible to hide anything from God?  How should your answer influence the way you live your life?