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Bible teaching
ministry of
Stephen &
Brooksyne
Weber
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Wednesday,
January 17, 2024
"Remember
your Creator"
Message
summary: Whoever
may be reading
this; whether
you are young,
middle-aged or
old, we
encourage you
to "Remember
your Creator".
Listen
to our message
on your audio
player.
"Remember
your Creator
in the days of
your youth,
before the
days of
trouble come
and the years
approach when
you will say,
"I find no
pleasure in
them'"
(Ecclesiastes
12:1).
We
attend an
Adult Bible
Fellowship (AKA
Sunday School)
class
comprised
mostly of
those 60+. Our
class usually
begins with
sharing prayer
requests/praises
which often
include class
members facing
physical
challenges as
we practice
the Biblical
call to "Bear
one another's
burdens".
In
Ecclesiastes
12:1-5 Solomon
writes about
the changes
that come to
those enduring
old age with a
colorful
litany of the
impact of
aging. Here's
a list of
aging
afflictions
from these
verses;
Sense of
despair (v.2),
Weak arms and
legs (v.3),
failing teeth
(v.3), failing
eyesight
(v.3),
hearing loss
(v.4), fears
(v.5), white
hair (v.5),
difficulty
walking (v.5),
no
appetite/desires
(v.5).
In this final chapter of Ecclesiastes Solomon, who experienced the effects of aging that he wrote about, goes beyond his physical decline and reaches deep into his soul to again express the faith of his youth. He acknowledges the trouble that inevitably is a part of life and even the cynicism that many experience with increasing age, though he reminds us of that which does not fail us but can be renewed daily, faith in our Almighty God.
Today's text begins the chapter and it seems to me the text is actually primarily directed to the young: "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, 'I find no pleasure in them'".
The Life Application study note treats this verse:
But remembering our Creator is a timeless call to all regardless of age. The best decision you can make early in life is to remember your Creator. Many can reflect upon that decision as they age with gratitude. But you can remember your Creator at any time in life even in old age. Tomorrow's message will be on how Solomon sadly did not follow his own advice. "As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been" (1 Kings 11:4).
In this final chapter of Ecclesiastes Solomon, who experienced the effects of aging that he wrote about, goes beyond his physical decline and reaches deep into his soul to again express the faith of his youth. He acknowledges the trouble that inevitably is a part of life and even the cynicism that many experience with increasing age, though he reminds us of that which does not fail us but can be renewed daily, faith in our Almighty God.
Today's text begins the chapter and it seems to me the text is actually primarily directed to the young: "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, 'I find no pleasure in them'".
The Life Application study note treats this verse:
“A
life without
God can
produce a
bitter,
lonely, and
hopeless old
age. A life
centered
around God is
fulfilling; it
will make the
“days of
trouble” –
when
disabilities,
sickness, and
handicaps
cause barriers
to enjoying
life –
satisfying
because of the
hope of
eternal life.
Being young is
exciting, but
the excitement
of youth can
become a
barrier to
closeness with
God if it
makes young
people focus
on passing
pleasures
instead of
eternal
values. Make
your strength
available to
God when it is
still yours –
during your
youthful
years. Don’t
waste it on
evil or
meaningless
activities
that become
bad habits and
make you
callous. Seek
God now.”
But remembering our Creator is a timeless call to all regardless of age. The best decision you can make early in life is to remember your Creator. Many can reflect upon that decision as they age with gratitude. But you can remember your Creator at any time in life even in old age. Tomorrow's message will be on how Solomon sadly did not follow his own advice. "As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been" (1 Kings 11:4).
We
know many who
have
remembered
their Creator
and have done
so throughout
their lives,
well into
their senior
and golden
years. They're
not cynical,
even amidst
the inevitable
effects of
aging; they
rejoice in
God's love and
provision.
They
demonstrate a
great
spiritual
maxim:
obedience
brings
blessing.
Just begin to consider your blessings as you purposefully, "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, 'I find no pleasure in them'” (Ecclesiastes 12:10).
Just begin to consider your blessings as you purposefully, "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, 'I find no pleasure in them'” (Ecclesiastes 12:10).
Be
encouraged
today,
Hebrews
3:13
Stephen
&
Brooksyne
Weber
Daily prayer:
Father, we who
have received
Christ early
in our young
years are
grateful for
the solid and
lasting
foundation
we’re building
that will
provide
comfort,
solidity, and
needed
perspective
when we
approach the
golden years
of our life
here on earth.
The older we
get the more
this earth and
all that it
has to offer
grows dimmer
while the
lights of
glory grow
ever brighter.
When we
consider our
nation's
troubles,
trouble
throughout the
world and our
own personal
troubles we
will find
peace, comfort
and hope when
we fix our
eyes on the
eternal city
not built with
human hands
but fashioned
and designed
by the Builder
of the Ages.
Keep us true
Lord Jesus,
for there’s a
race to be run
and there are
many victories
to be won in
every season
of life on
this side of
heaven. We can
be victorious
through Christ
Jesus our
Lord. Amen.Today's
Suggested
Music and
Supplemental
Resources
"Finish
Well"
Watch
on YouTube
Karen Peck
"The Longer I Serve Him" Watch on YouTube Bill Gaither
"Turn Your Eyes" Watch on YouTube The Glorious Christ Live
"When the Grinders Cease" When the body fails and the eyes grow dim, we start evaluating our lives. That’s what King Solomon did, and here is his conclusion.
"The Longer I Serve Him" Watch on YouTube Bill Gaither
"Turn Your Eyes" Watch on YouTube The Glorious Christ Live
"When the Grinders Cease" When the body fails and the eyes grow dim, we start evaluating our lives. That’s what King Solomon did, and here is his conclusion.
Lord
Keep Me Going
Lord
keep me going
for another
day,
And
when this body
languishes for
rest,
Bring peaceful sleep throughout the quiet hours,
Unmarred by worries and by restlessness.
Lord, keep me going when my back becomes
Too sore to bear the burden of it all,
When vision dims, and everywhere I turn,
It seems I only bump into a wall.
Lord, keep me going when the way becomes
Overgrown with brambles and with weeds,
Turn not Thy face away, I ask for naught
Save Thou attend to my most meager needs.
And if sometimes I may be sad of heart,
I beg at least, dear Lord, keep it from showing.
I do not ask to walk upon the waves,
But for another day, Lord keep me going.
Bring peaceful sleep throughout the quiet hours,
Unmarred by worries and by restlessness.
Lord, keep me going when my back becomes
Too sore to bear the burden of it all,
When vision dims, and everywhere I turn,
It seems I only bump into a wall.
Lord, keep me going when the way becomes
Overgrown with brambles and with weeds,
Turn not Thy face away, I ask for naught
Save Thou attend to my most meager needs.
And if sometimes I may be sad of heart,
I beg at least, dear Lord, keep it from showing.
I do not ask to walk upon the waves,
But for another day, Lord keep me going.
- Grace E. Easley
A Treasury of Poems (Salesian Trilogy)
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In considering support we are so pleased when we hear from you, our readers, that our messages are a source of teaching and encouragement to you. We also urge you to consider the mission aspect of these daily teachings that are freely available and read by many all over the world.
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Stephen
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Weber
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Church Road
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Joy, PA 17552
To
donate
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here.
(This will
open to a page
that
designates the
offering to:
Stephen and
Brooksyne
Weber -
700001-237376
serving in
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chaplaincy
(Daily
Encouragement
is our
endorsed
special
chaplaincy
ministry).Thank
you,
Stephen & Brooksyne
Stephen & Brooksyne
2024
offerings YTD:
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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version and a variety of other versions.
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
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