Seeking Wisdom | Reuben Ramsaran | Ecclesiastes 7:11 - 8

If you've been following along with us If you've been following along with us through our study of the book of through our study of the book of through our study of the book of Ecclesiastes, you know that we're well Ecclesiastes, you know that we're well Ecclesiastes, you know that we're well over half of the way through this book. over half of the way through this book. over half of the way through this book. And and tonight in chapter 7, we are And and tonight in chapter 7, we are And and tonight in chapter 7, we are going to see again another picture that going to see again another picture that going to see again another picture that Solomon is giving us of the reality that Solomon is giving us of the reality that Solomon is giving us of the reality that while we're here in this world, in so while we're here in this world, in so while we're here in this world, in so many ways, life is out of our control. many ways, life is out of our control. many ways, life is out of our control. And I don't know if you're a control And I don't know if you're a control And I don't know if you're a control freak or a person who likes when control freak or a person who likes when control freak or a person who likes when control is in your hands. I happen to be one of is in your hands. I happen to be one of is in your hands. I happen to be one of those individuals. I do appreciate a those individuals. I do appreciate a those individuals. I do appreciate a good value of control. It was reminded good value of control. It was reminded good value of control. It was reminded to me this past week I was with a group to me this past week I was with a group to me this past week I was with a group of friends and we were on a road trip. of friends and we were on a road trip. of friends and we were on a road trip. And typically on road trips I'm the one And typically on road trips I'm the one And typically on road trips I'm the one that drives. And so as I sat in the that drives. And so as I sat in the that drives. And so as I sat in the passenger seat of this vehicle, of passenger seat of this vehicle, of passenger seat of this vehicle, of course, I didn't let the driver know, course, I didn't let the driver know, course, I didn't let the driver know, but I was evaluating every turn. I was but I was evaluating every turn. I was but I was evaluating every turn. I was evaluating their acceleration, their evaluating their acceleration, their evaluating their acceleration, their deceleration. I was checking to see, did deceleration. I was checking to see, did deceleration. I was checking to see, did they clear the car as they made that they clear the car as they made that they clear the car as they made that pass on the highway? As they went by pass on the highway? As they went by pass on the highway? As they went by semi trucks, I was like, are they semi trucks, I was like, are they semi trucks, I was like, are they getting too close? And every couple of getting too close? And every couple of getting too close? And every couple of hours, I would say, hey, do you need a hours, I would say, hey, do you need a hours, I would say, hey, do you need a break? And of course, the joke back to break? And of course, the joke back to break? And of course, the joke back to me, but I didn't realize at the time me, but I didn't realize at the time me, but I didn't realize at the time that the joke was at me. The joke back that the joke was at me. The joke back that the joke was at me. The joke back was, "Are you okay?"

was, "Are you okay?" was, "Are you okay?" Because there was something that they Because there was something that they Because there was something that they picked up inside of me that was picked up inside of me that was picked up inside of me that was unsettled. unsettled. unsettled. There was something that was they were There was something that was they were There was something that was they were picking up inside of me that was a bit picking up inside of me that was a bit picking up inside of me that was a bit nervous. And often when control comes nervous. And often when control comes nervous. And often when control comes out of our hands, we can see parts of us out of our hands, we can see parts of us out of our hands, we can see parts of us that change in regards to our that change in regards to our that change in regards to our personality, in regards to our personality, in regards to our personality, in regards to our character, in the regards to the way character, in the regards to the way character, in the regards to the way that we handle our life. Now a road trip that we handle our life. Now a road trip that we handle our life. Now a road trip is one thing, but what happens when that is one thing, but what happens when that is one thing, but what happens when that control issue has to do with finances. control issue has to do with finances. control issue has to do with finances. What happens to you when that control What happens to you when that control What happens to you when that control issue happens to be with health? issue happens to be with health? issue happens to be with health? What about when it's a relational What about when it's a relational What about when it's a relational crisis? That's when the fire tends to go crisis? That's when the fire tends to go crisis? That's when the fire tends to go up. And inside of us, what can come out up. And inside of us, what can come out up. And inside of us, what can come out of us can be sometimes ugly. What can of us can be sometimes ugly. What can of us can be sometimes ugly. What can come out of us can sometimes be anxiety. come out of us can sometimes be anxiety. come out of us can sometimes be anxiety. What can happen that comes out of us can What can happen that comes out of us can What can happen that comes out of us can sometimes be linked to anger. And the sometimes be linked to anger. And the sometimes be linked to anger. And the question is is well, what do we do about question is is well, what do we do about question is is well, what do we do about it? Often in the mo most challenging it? Often in the mo most challenging it? Often in the mo most challenging times that we're dealing with a loss of times that we're dealing with a loss of times that we're dealing with a loss of control, we have really two choices. The control, we have really two choices. The control, we have really two choices. The first option can be do all that we can first option can be do all that we can first option can be do all that we can do to ignore it. Can be party the night do to ignore it. Can be party the night do to ignore it. Can be party the night away so that I don't feel a thing. Or it away so that I don't feel a thing. Or it away so that I don't feel a thing. Or it could be I'm going to work so hard that could be I'm going to work so hard that could be I'm going to work so hard that I've got no time to feel or think or I've got no time to feel or think or I've got no time to feel or think or react. Or it could be like we're going react. Or it could be like we're going react. Or it could be like we're going to see tonight in Ecclesiastes chapter 7 to see tonight in Ecclesiastes chapter 7 to see tonight in Ecclesiastes chapter 7 that we apply wisdom or that we seek that we apply wisdom or that we seek that we apply wisdom or that we seek wisdom.

wisdom. wisdom. When we allow ourselves to seek the When we allow ourselves to seek the When we allow ourselves to seek the wisdom of the Lord, what we're going to wisdom of the Lord, what we're going to wisdom of the Lord, what we're going to discover is his leading, his guiding, discover is his leading, his guiding, discover is his leading, his guiding, and his wisdom through it all. Job knew and his wisdom through it all. Job knew and his wisdom through it all. Job knew something about seeking God's wisdom, something about seeking God's wisdom, something about seeking God's wisdom, didn't he? We saw all throughout the didn't he? We saw all throughout the didn't he? We saw all throughout the fear of the Lord is the beginning of fear of the Lord is the beginning of fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And we allow when we uh rely on wisdom. And we allow when we uh rely on wisdom. And we allow when we uh rely on the fear of God. When we rely on the the fear of God. When we rely on the the fear of God. When we rely on the wisdom of God, we can find ourselves wisdom of God, we can find ourselves wisdom of God, we can find ourselves with confidence and strength for the with confidence and strength for the with confidence and strength for the journey ahead. Now, this chapter reads a journey ahead. Now, this chapter reads a journey ahead. Now, this chapter reads a bit like a mini Proverbs. You're going bit like a mini Proverbs. You're going bit like a mini Proverbs. You're going to find several different nuggets across to find several different nuggets across to find several different nuggets across this entire chapter as well as chapter 8 this entire chapter as well as chapter 8 this entire chapter as well as chapter 8 that I want to encourage you if you're that I want to encourage you if you're that I want to encourage you if you're not a notetaker to look for a way to not a notetaker to look for a way to not a notetaker to look for a way to take notes tonight. The title of take notes tonight. The title of take notes tonight. The title of tonight's message is seeking wisdom. tonight's message is seeking wisdom. tonight's message is seeking wisdom. Seeking wisdom. We're going to start and Seeking wisdom. We're going to start and Seeking wisdom. We're going to start and and read at chapter 7 verse 11. So if and read at chapter 7 verse 11. So if and read at chapter 7 verse 11. So if you have your Bibles, we're going to you have your Bibles, we're going to you have your Bibles, we're going to read together. Chapter 7, beginning in read together. Chapter 7, beginning in read together. Chapter 7, beginning in verse 11. Here's what the Bible says.

verse 11. Here's what the Bible says. verse 11. Here's what the Bible says. Wisdom like an inheritance is a good Wisdom like an inheritance is a good Wisdom like an inheritance is a good thing and benefits those who see the thing and benefits those who see the thing and benefits those who see the sun. Verse 12, wisdom is a shelter as sun. Verse 12, wisdom is a shelter as sun. Verse 12, wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter. But the advantage of money is a shelter. But the advantage of money is a shelter. But the advantage of knowledge is this. Wisdom preserves knowledge is this. Wisdom preserves knowledge is this. Wisdom preserves those who have it. Verse 13, consider those who have it. Verse 13, consider those who have it. Verse 13, consider what God has done. Who can straighten what God has done. Who can straighten what God has done. Who can straighten what he has made crooked? When times are what he has made crooked? When times are what he has made crooked? When times are good, be happy. But when times are bad, good, be happy. But when times are bad, good, be happy. But when times are bad, consider this. God has made the one as consider this. God has made the one as consider this. God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can well as the other. Therefore, no one can well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future. If discover anything about their future. If discover anything about their future. If you look with me back up with at verse you look with me back up with at verse you look with me back up with at verse 11 and 12, what you're going to see is 11 and 12, what you're going to see is 11 and 12, what you're going to see is that there are benefits to wisdom. There that there are benefits to wisdom. There that there are benefits to wisdom. There are benefits. There's something good are benefits. There's something good are benefits. There's something good that you can harness by understanding that you can harness by understanding that you can harness by understanding and seeking the wisdom of God. If you and seeking the wisdom of God. If you and seeking the wisdom of God. If you look at verse 11, you're going to see look at verse 11, you're going to see look at verse 11, you're going to see there that wisdom is like an there that wisdom is like an there that wisdom is like an inheritance. My brothers and I had the inheritance. My brothers and I had the inheritance. My brothers and I had the blessing of receiving an inheritance blessing of receiving an inheritance blessing of receiving an inheritance years ago. And there's something special years ago. And there's something special years ago. And there's something special about that. There's a legacy passed down about that. There's a legacy passed down about that. There's a legacy passed down from a parent to a child. There is a way from a parent to a child. There is a way from a parent to a child. There is a way in which somebody can be remembered by in which somebody can be remembered by in which somebody can be remembered by receiving an inheritance. Just the other receiving an inheritance. Just the other receiving an inheritance. Just the other day, my 8-year-old daughter said, day, my 8-year-old daughter said, day, my 8-year-old daughter said, "Daddy, will I get an inheritance?"

"Daddy, will I get an inheritance?" "Daddy, will I get an inheritance?" And she's wanting a puppy. And so she And she's wanting a puppy. And so she And she's wanting a puppy. And so she said, "And can I get it a little early?" said, "And can I get it a little early?" said, "And can I get it a little early?" I was like, "Wow." And you can see that I was like, "Wow." And you can see that I was like, "Wow." And you can see that sm that goofy smile on her face like I'm sm that goofy smile on her face like I'm sm that goofy smile on her face like I'm kind of joking but kind of not. But kind of joking but kind of not. But kind of joking but kind of not. But there's something about wisdom that's a there's something about wisdom that's a there's something about wisdom that's a blessing. There's something about wisdom blessing. There's something about wisdom blessing. There's something about wisdom that is like something that you ought to that is like something that you ought to that is like something that you ought to wait for, something that you have to wait for, something that you have to wait for, something that you have to long for, something that you ought to long for, something that you ought to long for, something that you ought to hope for. In verse 12, you see, wisdom hope for. In verse 12, you see, wisdom hope for. In verse 12, you see, wisdom is like a shelter, a shelter, something is like a shelter, a shelter, something is like a shelter, a shelter, something that we ought to run to, something that that we ought to run to, something that that we ought to run to, something that we can hide in, something that we can we can hide in, something that we can we can hide in, something that we can receive protection from. Wisdom is like receive protection from. Wisdom is like receive protection from. Wisdom is like that shelter. Look with me at verse 13 that shelter. Look with me at verse 13 that shelter. Look with me at verse 13 and 14. We see that wisdom is good, but and 14. We see that wisdom is good, but and 14. We see that wisdom is good, but it also has its limits. There are limits it also has its limits. There are limits it also has its limits. There are limits to wisdom. What do you mean by that? It to wisdom. What do you mean by that? It to wisdom. What do you mean by that? It says, "Who can make straight what he has says, "Who can make straight what he has says, "Who can make straight what he has made crooked?" Solomon is simply stating made crooked?" Solomon is simply stating made crooked?" Solomon is simply stating that in the midst of the limits of human that in the midst of the limits of human that in the midst of the limits of human wisdom, there is a beautiful bounty in wisdom, there is a beautiful bounty in wisdom, there is a beautiful bounty in God's sovereignty. God's sovereignty. God's sovereignty. There is a strength in God whereby when There is a strength in God whereby when There is a strength in God whereby when we in our own wisdom try to change what we in our own wisdom try to change what we in our own wisdom try to change what he has made, we are wasting our time. In he has made, we are wasting our time. In he has made, we are wasting our time. In verse 14, what we see is that God has verse 14, what we see is that God has verse 14, what we see is that God has made one as well as the other. You've made one as well as the other. You've made one as well as the other. You've heard Pastor Doug and the other pastors heard Pastor Doug and the other pastors heard Pastor Doug and the other pastors talk about the under the sun concept. Do talk about the under the sun concept. Do talk about the under the sun concept. Do you remember it? Everything under the you remember it? Everything under the you remember it? Everything under the sun, excluding heaven, looking here at sun, excluding heaven, looking here at sun, excluding heaven, looking here at this earth, Solomon has a perspective.

this earth, Solomon has a perspective. this earth, Solomon has a perspective. But here in this chapter, we see But here in this chapter, we see But here in this chapter, we see something incredibly different. What you something incredibly different. What you something incredibly different. What you see, God has made one as well as the see, God has made one as well as the see, God has made one as well as the other. You see Solomon will write in a other. You see Solomon will write in a other. You see Solomon will write in a prescriptive way. prescriptive way. prescriptive way. And here in this way, he's giving us a And here in this way, he's giving us a And here in this way, he's giving us a prescription. Look to God. He hasn't prescription. Look to God. He hasn't prescription. Look to God. He hasn't mentioned that much before these mentioned that much before these mentioned that much before these chapters, but here we see him chapters, but here we see him chapters, but here we see him challenging, prescribing for us, not challenging, prescribing for us, not challenging, prescribing for us, not just describing God, but prescribing a just describing God, but prescribing a just describing God, but prescribing a way that we ought to look at God for the way that we ought to look at God for the way that we ought to look at God for the way we should live our life. And what way we should live our life. And what way we should live our life. And what he's calling for is balance. he's calling for is balance. he's calling for is balance. There should be balance in your life. There should be balance in your life. There should be balance in your life. understanding the benefit, the value of understanding the benefit, the value of understanding the benefit, the value of wisdom, but realizing that there is a wisdom, but realizing that there is a wisdom, but realizing that there is a way or a distance that wisdom can only way or a distance that wisdom can only way or a distance that wisdom can only go. If you look with me at verse 15, go. If you look with me at verse 15, go. If you look with me at verse 15, we're going to read 15 through 18 as we we're going to read 15 through 18 as we we're going to read 15 through 18 as we continue on in the story. Verse 15 says continue on in the story. Verse 15 says continue on in the story. Verse 15 says this, "In this meaningless life of mine, this, "In this meaningless life of mine, this, "In this meaningless life of mine, I have seen both of these things, the I have seen both of these things, the I have seen both of these things, the righteous perishing in their righteous perishing in their righteous perishing in their righteousness and the wicked living long righteousness and the wicked living long righteousness and the wicked living long in their wickedness." Verse 16. Do not in their wickedness." Verse 16. Do not in their wickedness." Verse 16. Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise.

be overrighteous, neither be overwise. be overrighteous, neither be overwise. Why destroy yourself? Do not be over Why destroy yourself? Do not be over Why destroy yourself? Do not be over wicked and do not be a fool. Why die wicked and do not be a fool. Why die wicked and do not be a fool. Why die before your time? It is not good. It is before your time? It is not good. It is before your time? It is not good. It is sorry. It is good to grasp the one and sorry. It is good to grasp the one and sorry. It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears not let go of the other. Whoever fears not let go of the other. Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes. Look with God will avoid all extremes. Look with God will avoid all extremes. Look with me at verse 15. We see here that Solomon me at verse 15. We see here that Solomon me at verse 15. We see here that Solomon is trying to explain to us that life is is trying to explain to us that life is is trying to explain to us that life is not fair. How many times have you heard not fair. How many times have you heard not fair. How many times have you heard that? that? that? Every time I'm talking to one of my Every time I'm talking to one of my Every time I'm talking to one of my accountability brothers and I talk about accountability brothers and I talk about accountability brothers and I talk about a a problem that I'm going o over and a a problem that I'm going o over and a a problem that I'm going o over and going through, they'll look at me and going through, they'll look at me and going through, they'll look at me and say, "Ruben, life's not fair." It's such say, "Ruben, life's not fair." It's such say, "Ruben, life's not fair." It's such a simple statement, but yet something a simple statement, but yet something a simple statement, but yet something that we can all forget from time to time that we can all forget from time to time that we can all forget from time to time that life is not fair. And maybe this is that life is not fair. And maybe this is that life is not fair. And maybe this is a reminder for somebody in the room a reminder for somebody in the room a reminder for somebody in the room tonight. Maybe those simple words can be tonight. Maybe those simple words can be tonight. Maybe those simple words can be refreshing for your soul. that in the refreshing for your soul. that in the refreshing for your soul. that in the midst of the reality that life is not midst of the reality that life is not midst of the reality that life is not fair, Solomon also realized and saw that fair, Solomon also realized and saw that fair, Solomon also realized and saw that in the midst of fairness, it could be in the midst of fairness, it could be in the midst of fairness, it could be like a fleeting thing to chase after, I like a fleeting thing to chase after, I like a fleeting thing to chase after, I often have these like neat logical often have these like neat logical often have these like neat logical equations in my mind. If I do good, then equations in my mind. If I do good, then equations in my mind. If I do good, then life will be good. If I do bad, then life will be good. If I do bad, then life will be good. If I do bad, then life won't be good. But these logical life won't be good. But these logical life won't be good. But these logical equations don't always work out in real equations don't always work out in real equations don't always work out in real life. Just because I do what's right life. Just because I do what's right life. Just because I do what's right doesn't mean that life will always look doesn't mean that life will always look doesn't mean that life will always look right. Just because I do wrong doesn't right. Just because I do wrong doesn't right. Just because I do wrong doesn't mean that God's vengeance is coming mean that God's vengeance is coming mean that God's vengeance is coming after me. My life could look great on after me. My life could look great on after me. My life could look great on the outside, but on the inside it could the outside, but on the inside it could the outside, but on the inside it could be falling apart.

be falling apart. be falling apart. Do you ever have those logical equations Do you ever have those logical equations Do you ever have those logical equations in your own thinking? Do you ever find in your own thinking? Do you ever find in your own thinking? Do you ever find yourself spinning because the person yourself spinning because the person yourself spinning because the person next to you who did what's wrong hasn't next to you who did what's wrong hasn't next to you who did what's wrong hasn't experienced the wrath of God in that experienced the wrath of God in that experienced the wrath of God in that moment? And you're like, man, they moment? And you're like, man, they moment? And you're like, man, they deserve that. They deserve God to come deserve that. They deserve God to come deserve that. They deserve God to come after them. Look at them. In our home, after them. Look at them. In our home, after them. Look at them. In our home, we used to joke around and call it we used to joke around and call it we used to joke around and call it Godmat. When something bad happens right Godmat. When something bad happens right Godmat. When something bad happens right away to a person that's going through away to a person that's going through away to a person that's going through some disobedient spell in their life, some disobedient spell in their life, some disobedient spell in their life, they get God smacked. But that's not the they get God smacked. But that's not the they get God smacked. But that's not the way that life works. Often it can be the way that life works. Often it can be the way that life works. Often it can be the very opposite. And so, what does Solomon very opposite. And so, what does Solomon very opposite. And so, what does Solomon tells us? He's telling us, don't be a tells us? He's telling us, don't be a tells us? He's telling us, don't be a theological snob. Don't be a person theological snob. Don't be a person theological snob. Don't be a person that's so caught on wisdom that you that's so caught on wisdom that you that's so caught on wisdom that you forget about the realities of your own forget about the realities of your own forget about the realities of your own sin. So often we can find ourselves in sin. So often we can find ourselves in sin. So often we can find ourselves in position of looking down on people position of looking down on people position of looking down on people instead of realizing that we all have instead of realizing that we all have instead of realizing that we all have struggles in our life. And so he's struggles in our life. And so he's struggles in our life. And so he's telling us avoid extremes. Avoid these telling us avoid extremes. Avoid these telling us avoid extremes. Avoid these extremes. And I'm as I was reading this extremes. And I'm as I was reading this extremes. And I'm as I was reading this section of scripture, my mind began to section of scripture, my mind began to section of scripture, my mind began to drift to the New Testament for a moment drift to the New Testament for a moment drift to the New Testament for a moment because in the midst of our desire to because in the midst of our desire to because in the midst of our desire to want to live safe and balanced lives want to live safe and balanced lives want to live safe and balanced lives like Solomon's trying to describe for us like Solomon's trying to describe for us like Solomon's trying to describe for us here, there will be also times that God here, there will be also times that God here, there will be also times that God calls you as a Christian into calls you as a Christian into calls you as a Christian into challenging situations. Think about Paul challenging situations. Think about Paul challenging situations. Think about Paul for a moment in Acts 20 24. The Bible for a moment in Acts 20 24. The Bible for a moment in Acts 20 24. The Bible talks a little there about how Paul talks a little there about how Paul talks a little there about how Paul counted his life as less important than counted his life as less important than counted his life as less important than seeking the Lord and his plan and his

seeking the Lord and his plan and his seeking the Lord and his plan and his will for his future. Have you sensed God will for his future. Have you sensed God will for his future. Have you sensed God calling you? Have you sensed God working calling you? Have you sensed God working calling you? Have you sensed God working in you to move you from a place of maybe in you to move you from a place of maybe in you to move you from a place of maybe apathy, a place of security into a place apathy, a place of security into a place apathy, a place of security into a place of risk for his name's sake? Have you of risk for his name's sake? Have you of risk for his name's sake? Have you been in even in a place of apathy in a been in even in a place of apathy in a been in even in a place of apathy in a relationship where God's calling you to relationship where God's calling you to relationship where God's calling you to take a risk to apologize or to push take a risk to apologize or to push take a risk to apologize or to push forward through some pain so that you forward through some pain so that you forward through some pain so that you can see new growth in a broken can see new growth in a broken can see new growth in a broken relationship in your life? There are relationship in your life? There are relationship in your life? There are times that God calls us in. There are times that God calls us in. There are times that God calls us in. There are times that God calls us out into new times that God calls us out into new times that God calls us out into new spaces for him so that we can experience spaces for him so that we can experience spaces for him so that we can experience all that he has for us. And so, point all that he has for us. And so, point all that he has for us. And so, point number one, if you're taking note, is number one, if you're taking note, is number one, if you're taking note, is seeking wisdom is a lot like seeking seeking wisdom is a lot like seeking seeking wisdom is a lot like seeking God. God. God. Seeking wisdom is a lot like seeking Seeking wisdom is a lot like seeking Seeking wisdom is a lot like seeking God. Reuben, what do you mean by that? I God. Reuben, what do you mean by that? I God. Reuben, what do you mean by that? I mean that the process that Solomon was mean that the process that Solomon was mean that the process that Solomon was walking through, all of the things that walking through, all of the things that walking through, all of the things that we're going to learn about in Solomon's we're going to learn about in Solomon's we're going to learn about in Solomon's life, the point of it was for him to life, the point of it was for him to life, the point of it was for him to know the Lord. And all of the things know the Lord. And all of the things know the Lord. And all of the things that you go throughout your life, some that you go throughout your life, some that you go throughout your life, some of the twists and turns, the things that of the twists and turns, the things that of the twists and turns, the things that you scratch your head and say, "Why God?

you scratch your head and say, "Why God? you scratch your head and say, "Why God? What's this all about?" He wants to have What's this all about?" He wants to have What's this all about?" He wants to have relationship with you. He wants to have relationship with you. He wants to have relationship with you. He wants to have intimate fellowship with you. And so, intimate fellowship with you. And so, intimate fellowship with you. And so, what does your process look like in your what does your process look like in your what does your process look like in your own life? How do you seek God? own life? How do you seek God? own life? How do you seek God? What's your mornings look like with him? What's your mornings look like with him? What's your mornings look like with him? When you're going through the challenges When you're going through the challenges When you're going through the challenges and the troubles and the struggles of and the troubles and the struggles of and the troubles and the struggles of life, how do you seek him out for life, how do you seek him out for life, how do you seek him out for wisdom? I know I know for me, there's wisdom? I know I know for me, there's wisdom? I know I know for me, there's got to be a process for me because I can got to be a process for me because I can got to be a process for me because I can often get lost in the challenges that I often get lost in the challenges that I often get lost in the challenges that I face on a daily basis. And so often in face on a daily basis. And so often in face on a daily basis. And so often in the morning, I look for that space in the morning, I look for that space in the morning, I look for that space in the in the in the quietness and the the in the in the quietness and the the in the in the quietness and the stillness in the early part of the stillness in the early part of the stillness in the early part of the morning where I can spend time with him. morning where I can spend time with him. morning where I can spend time with him. So often when I miss that space because So often when I miss that space because So often when I miss that space because my life is not perfect, my life has my life is not perfect, my life has my life is not perfect, my life has challenges. When I miss that space, I challenges. When I miss that space, I challenges. When I miss that space, I can find my thinking off. I can find my can find my thinking off. I can find my can find my thinking off. I can find my thoughts distracted. And we as children thoughts distracted. And we as children thoughts distracted. And we as children of God need space to seek him. When you of God need space to seek him. When you of God need space to seek him. When you seek wisdom, it's a lot like seeking seek wisdom, it's a lot like seeking seek wisdom, it's a lot like seeking God. Learn to seek wisdom and you're God. Learn to seek wisdom and you're God. Learn to seek wisdom and you're going to find the Lord right there at going to find the Lord right there at going to find the Lord right there at the foundation of all wisdom that comes the foundation of all wisdom that comes the foundation of all wisdom that comes from him. I want to continue to read in from him. I want to continue to read in from him. I want to continue to read in verse 19 through 22 if you follow along verse 19 through 22 if you follow along verse 19 through 22 if you follow along with me. Verse 19 through 22, the Bible with me. Verse 19 through 22, the Bible with me. Verse 19 through 22, the Bible says, "Wisdom makes one person more says, "Wisdom makes one person more says, "Wisdom makes one person more powerful than 10 rulers in a city.

powerful than 10 rulers in a city. powerful than 10 rulers in a city. Indeed, there is no one on earth who is Indeed, there is no one on earth who is Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right righteous, no one who does what is right righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins. Do not pay attention to and never sins. Do not pay attention to and never sins. Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear every word people say, or you may hear every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you. For you know your servant cursing you. For you know your servant cursing you. For you know in your heart that many times you you in your heart that many times you you in your heart that many times you you yourself have cursed others. Look with yourself have cursed others. Look with yourself have cursed others. Look with me back at verse 19. We see that wisdom me back at verse 19. We see that wisdom me back at verse 19. We see that wisdom can bring strength more powerful than 10 can bring strength more powerful than 10 can bring strength more powerful than 10 rulers is what Solomon says. Wisdom can rulers is what Solomon says. Wisdom can rulers is what Solomon says. Wisdom can give you strength. Do you lack strength give you strength. Do you lack strength give you strength. Do you lack strength today? today? today? Do you lack courage today in your life? Do you lack courage today in your life? Do you lack courage today in your life? Seek the wisdom of God and let him Seek the wisdom of God and let him Seek the wisdom of God and let him restore the strength that you're looking restore the strength that you're looking restore the strength that you're looking for. In verse 20 through 22, the Bible for. In verse 20 through 22, the Bible for. In verse 20 through 22, the Bible says that wisdom teaches you to see says that wisdom teaches you to see says that wisdom teaches you to see yourself clearly. And Solomon uses a yourself clearly. And Solomon uses a yourself clearly. And Solomon uses a really unique illustration to help us to really unique illustration to help us to really unique illustration to help us to see that today. In verse 20, the Bible see that today. In verse 20, the Bible see that today. In verse 20, the Bible says there that there's no one on earth says there that there's no one on earth says there that there's no one on earth who is righteous. We all struggle with who is righteous. We all struggle with who is righteous. We all struggle with unrighteousness. unrighteousness. unrighteousness. How often have you been in the middle of How often have you been in the middle of How often have you been in the middle of a conflict and you've got everything a conflict and you've got everything a conflict and you've got everything that your friend that you're in conflict that your friend that you're in conflict that your friend that you're in conflict with needs to know for them? You ever with needs to know for them? You ever with needs to know for them? You ever find yourself there? Well, what they find yourself there? Well, what they find yourself there? Well, what they need to know, let me tell you what they need to know, let me tell you what they need to know, let me tell you what they need to do, what they need to understand need to do, what they need to understand need to do, what they need to understand about their life. And so Solomon gives about their life. And so Solomon gives about their life. And so Solomon gives us this beautiful picture. He says, us this beautiful picture. He says, us this beautiful picture. He says, "Don't pay attention to every word.

"Don't pay attention to every word. "Don't pay attention to every word. Don't pay attention to every word that Don't pay attention to every word that Don't pay attention to every word that somebody says about you." And I don't somebody says about you." And I don't somebody says about you." And I don't know about you, but I struggle with this know about you, but I struggle with this know about you, but I struggle with this at times. I have a really bad problem. at times. I have a really bad problem. at times. I have a really bad problem. It's called people pleasing. And every It's called people pleasing. And every It's called people pleasing. And every time there's a conflict or a problem, I time there's a conflict or a problem, I time there's a conflict or a problem, I just want to solve it. Can we solve it? just want to solve it. Can we solve it? just want to solve it. Can we solve it? Can we just make it go away because I Can we just make it go away because I Can we just make it go away because I want to people please instead of find want to people please instead of find want to people please instead of find the balance to the problem that we're the balance to the problem that we're the balance to the problem that we're looking for. But but Solomon says, don't looking for. But but Solomon says, don't looking for. But but Solomon says, don't pay attention. You can't pay attention pay attention. You can't pay attention pay attention. You can't pay attention to every word people say about you to every word people say about you to every word people say about you because people say things. And so he's because people say things. And so he's because people say things. And so he's giving us a bit of wisdom giving us a bit of wisdom giving us a bit of wisdom [clears throat] here. Have you ever [clears throat] here. Have you ever [clears throat] here. Have you ever struggled with that? Have you ever struggled with that? Have you ever struggled with that? Have you ever struggled with something that you struggled with something that you struggled with something that you overheard that you shouldn't have heard? overheard that you shouldn't have heard? overheard that you shouldn't have heard? Have you ever struggled with something Have you ever struggled with something Have you ever struggled with something that you heard from another person that that you heard from another person that that you heard from another person that somebody else was saying about you and somebody else was saying about you and somebody else was saying about you and now you find yourself all twisted now you find yourself all twisted now you find yourself all twisted because of what you heard about your own because of what you heard about your own because of what you heard about your own character? Verse 22, look closely here. character? Verse 22, look closely here. character? Verse 22, look closely here. He says, "You yourself have cursed He says, "You yourself have cursed He says, "You yourself have cursed others." In the midst of the time where others." In the midst of the time where others." In the midst of the time where you're now thinking, man, that person you're now thinking, man, that person you're now thinking, man, that person needs to get saved for what they said needs to get saved for what they said needs to get saved for what they said about me. You have fully forgotten that about me. You have fully forgotten that about me. You have fully forgotten that you found yourself in the very same you found yourself in the very same you found yourself in the very same place maybe it was just a couple months place maybe it was just a couple months place maybe it was just a couple months previous. It happens to all of us. We previous. It happens to all of us. We previous. It happens to all of us. We have exactly what another person needs have exactly what another person needs have exactly what another person needs to know about themselves, but have to know about themselves, but have to know about themselves, but have forgotten what we need to remember about forgotten what we need to remember about forgotten what we need to remember about who we are.

who we are. who we are. Now, here's what the scripture says. You Now, here's what the scripture says. You Now, here's what the scripture says. You have cursed others. So, we should watch have cursed others. So, we should watch have cursed others. So, we should watch what we think about these other folks. I what we think about these other folks. I what we think about these other folks. I have heard from a friend of mine, a have heard from a friend of mine, a have heard from a friend of mine, a really close friend of mine, a really really close friend of mine, a really really close friend of mine, a really good thought that helps me stay anchored good thought that helps me stay anchored good thought that helps me stay anchored in the midst of the moments that I have in the midst of the moments that I have in the midst of the moments that I have like this. And here's what they told me. like this. And here's what they told me. like this. And here's what they told me. They said, "If it if it's not said to They said, "If it if it's not said to They said, "If it if it's not said to you, then it's not meant for you." I you, then it's not meant for you." I you, then it's not meant for you." I don't know if that helps you at all, but don't know if that helps you at all, but don't know if that helps you at all, but if it's not said to you, then it's not if it's not said to you, then it's not if it's not said to you, then it's not meant for you. Here, what Solomon is meant for you. Here, what Solomon is meant for you. Here, what Solomon is telling us is that you're going to hear telling us is that you're going to hear telling us is that you're going to hear people say things about you and they're people say things about you and they're people say things about you and they're not all for you. And before you judge not all for you. And before you judge not all for you. And before you judge them, be careful because you will find them, be careful because you will find them, be careful because you will find yourself in that very same position. yourself in that very same position. yourself in that very same position. Charles Spurgeon once wrote this, Charles Spurgeon once wrote this, Charles Spurgeon once wrote this, "We would not want to be judged by our "We would not want to be judged by our "We would not want to be judged by our worst moments. Therefore, we should not worst moments. Therefore, we should not worst moments. Therefore, we should not judge others by theirs." judge others by theirs." judge others by theirs." So, how do you walk by grace in the So, how do you walk by grace in the So, how do you walk by grace in the midst of times where people aren't the midst of times where people aren't the midst of times where people aren't the shining examples that they once were in shining examples that they once were in shining examples that they once were in that moment? The reality is that we that moment? The reality is that we that moment? The reality is that we often speak ill of others and we should often speak ill of others and we should often speak ill of others and we should it should make us more apt to forgive it should make us more apt to forgive it should make us more apt to forgive more broadly. Point number two, if more broadly. Point number two, if more broadly. Point number two, if you're taking note, seeking wisdom you're taking note, seeking wisdom you're taking note, seeking wisdom humbles you from the inside out.

humbles you from the inside out. humbles you from the inside out. When we seek wisdom, it's supposed to be When we seek wisdom, it's supposed to be When we seek wisdom, it's supposed to be changing us. Not just changing us on the changing us. Not just changing us on the changing us. Not just changing us on the outside, but changing us on the inside. outside, but changing us on the inside. outside, but changing us on the inside. The book of James 3:14 says this, "But The book of James 3:14 says this, "But The book of James 3:14 says this, "But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish if you harbor bitter envy and selfish if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast ambition in your hearts, do not boast ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth, such wisdom about it or deny the truth, such wisdom about it or deny the truth, such wisdom does not come down from heaven, but is does not come down from heaven, but is does not come down from heaven, but is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic." earthly, unspiritual, and demonic." earthly, unspiritual, and demonic." Verse 16, for where you have envy and Verse 16, for where you have envy and Verse 16, for where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find selfish ambition, there you find selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But disorder and every evil practice. But disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is the wisdom that comes from heaven is the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peaceloving, first of all pure, then peaceloving, first of all pure, then peaceloving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Why good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Why good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Why do I read this to you? Because it's a do I read this to you? Because it's a do I read this to you? Because it's a reminder for us. Like the book of James reminder for us. Like the book of James reminder for us. Like the book of James tells us that when we allow bitterness tells us that when we allow bitterness tells us that when we allow bitterness to be harbored deep in our soul, that to be harbored deep in our soul, that to be harbored deep in our soul, that will change you as much as maybe even will change you as much as maybe even will change you as much as maybe even more than what you'll be changed by more than what you'll be changed by more than what you'll be changed by seeking wisdom. Sin has a way of eroding seeking wisdom. Sin has a way of eroding seeking wisdom. Sin has a way of eroding all the good things that you try to all the good things that you try to all the good things that you try to build in your life. And so, seek wisdom.

build in your life. And so, seek wisdom. build in your life. And so, seek wisdom. Allow it to change you from the inside. Allow it to change you from the inside. Allow it to change you from the inside. The pursuit of wisdom will form and The pursuit of wisdom will form and The pursuit of wisdom will form and shape you. What's shaping you today? Is shape you. What's shaping you today? Is shape you. What's shaping you today? Is it your pride it your pride it your pride or is it the wisdom that you're seeking? or is it the wisdom that you're seeking? or is it the wisdom that you're seeking? What's your pursuit of wisdom look like? What's your pursuit of wisdom look like? What's your pursuit of wisdom look like? These are questions we should be asking These are questions we should be asking These are questions we should be asking ourselves. How are you being formed ourselves. How are you being formed ourselves. How are you being formed today deep inside in the inner man? Is today deep inside in the inner man? Is today deep inside in the inner man? Is it by wisdom or is it by sin? And these it by wisdom or is it by sin? And these it by wisdom or is it by sin? And these things are questions we should be asking things are questions we should be asking things are questions we should be asking constantly because sin is around us. constantly because sin is around us. constantly because sin is around us. There's no shortage of sin around every There's no shortage of sin around every There's no shortage of sin around every corner and hiding and lurking in corner and hiding and lurking in corner and hiding and lurking in different parts of our world today. I different parts of our world today. I different parts of our world today. I want to continue to read for you in want to continue to read for you in want to continue to read for you in verse 23 through 29. Here's what the verse 23 through 29. Here's what the verse 23 through 29. Here's what the Bible says. All this I tested by wisdom Bible says. All this I tested by wisdom Bible says. All this I tested by wisdom and I said, I'm determined to be wise, and I said, I'm determined to be wise, and I said, I'm determined to be wise, but this was beyond me. Whatever exists but this was beyond me. Whatever exists but this was beyond me. Whatever exists is far off and most profound. Who can is far off and most profound. Who can is far off and most profound. Who can discover it? Verse 25. So I turned my discover it? Verse 25. So I turned my discover it? Verse 25. So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate, and mind to understand, to investigate, and mind to understand, to investigate, and to search out wisdom and the scheme of to search out wisdom and the scheme of to search out wisdom and the scheme of things, and to understand the stupidity things, and to understand the stupidity things, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly.

of wickedness and the madness of folly. of wickedness and the madness of folly. I find more bitter than death the woman I find more bitter than death the woman I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap, who is a snare, whose heart is a trap, who is a snare, whose heart is a trap, whose hands are chains. The man who whose hands are chains. The man who whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the pleases God will escape her, but the pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare. Look, says the sinner she will ensnare. Look, says the sinner she will ensnare. Look, says the teacher, this is what I have discovered, teacher, this is what I have discovered, teacher, this is what I have discovered, adding one thing to another, to discover adding one thing to another, to discover adding one thing to another, to discover the scheme of things. While I was still the scheme of things. While I was still the scheme of things. While I was still searching, but not finding, I found one searching, but not finding, I found one searching, but not finding, I found one upright man among a thousand, but not upright man among a thousand, but not upright man among a thousand, but not one upright woman among them all. This one upright woman among them all. This one upright woman among them all. This only I have found. God created mankind only I have found. God created mankind only I have found. God created mankind upright, but they have gone in search of upright, but they have gone in search of upright, but they have gone in search of many schemes. Look with me back at verse many schemes. Look with me back at verse many schemes. Look with me back at verse 23 and 24. What we see is that Solomon's 23 and 24. What we see is that Solomon's 23 and 24. What we see is that Solomon's giving himself a humble assessment. Have giving himself a humble assessment. Have giving himself a humble assessment. Have you ever taken an assessment? Have you you ever taken an assessment? Have you you ever taken an assessment? Have you ever sat and had a 360 review from your ever sat and had a 360 review from your ever sat and had a 360 review from your boss? Have you ever sat with one of your boss? Have you ever sat with one of your boss? Have you ever sat with one of your with your spouse or one of your kids? with your spouse or one of your kids? with your spouse or one of your kids? Hey, can you tell me a little bit about Hey, can you tell me a little bit about Hey, can you tell me a little bit about how you see dad? We see here Solomon is how you see dad? We see here Solomon is how you see dad? We see here Solomon is getting and giving himself a very humble getting and giving himself a very humble getting and giving himself a very humble assessment. Who out there is wise? What assessment. Who out there is wise? What assessment. Who out there is wise? What he says? Who understands wisdom? He's he says? Who understands wisdom? He's he says? Who understands wisdom? He's giving himself this honest report of the giving himself this honest report of the giving himself this honest report of the reality that wisdom is hard to seek reality that wisdom is hard to seek reality that wisdom is hard to seek after and wisdom is difficult to after and wisdom is difficult to after and wisdom is difficult to understand. In verse 25- 28, we see that understand. In verse 25- 28, we see that understand. In verse 25- 28, we see that he examines the extremes of life. I he examines the extremes of life. I he examines the extremes of life. I don't know if you have any extremes in don't know if you have any extremes in don't know if you have any extremes in your life, but here Solomon has this your life, but here Solomon has this your life, but here Solomon has this illustration for us. He gives us an illustration for us. He gives us an illustration for us. He gives us an assessment of the women that are around assessment of the women that are around assessment of the women that are around him. And he, the Bible says, examined

him. And he, the Bible says, examined him. And he, the Bible says, examined the extremes. And he sought out the ways the extremes. And he sought out the ways the extremes. And he sought out the ways in which the world would walk in sin and in which the world would walk in sin and in which the world would walk in sin and walk in folly. And I would tell you walk in folly. And I would tell you walk in folly. And I would tell you tonight, if you have any extremes in tonight, if you have any extremes in tonight, if you have any extremes in your life, that examining the extremes, your life, that examining the extremes, your life, that examining the extremes, the extent to which we could fall or the the extent to which we could fall or the the extent to which we could fall or the extent to which we could walk in extent to which we could walk in extent to which we could walk in foolishness or in injustice or foolishness or in injustice or foolishness or in injustice or unrighteousness can be very dangerous. unrighteousness can be very dangerous. unrighteousness can be very dangerous. Examining the extremes of life can be a Examining the extremes of life can be a Examining the extremes of life can be a dangerous path to walk on. Now, we don't dangerous path to walk on. Now, we don't dangerous path to walk on. Now, we don't know exactly what season of life Solomon know exactly what season of life Solomon know exactly what season of life Solomon wrote this part of Ecclesiastes chapter wrote this part of Ecclesiastes chapter wrote this part of Ecclesiastes chapter 7, but we do know that there was a 7, but we do know that there was a 7, but we do know that there was a season, a long season of Solomon's life season, a long season of Solomon's life season, a long season of Solomon's life where he had 700 plus wives, 300 plus where he had 700 plus wives, 300 plus where he had 700 plus wives, 300 plus concubines. concubines. concubines. And I have to wonder, And I have to wonder, And I have to wonder, was this a self acknowledgement of was this a self acknowledgement of was this a self acknowledgement of Solomon about his own life? Was he Solomon about his own life? Was he Solomon about his own life? Was he telling us about the dignity and the telling us about the dignity and the telling us about the dignity and the character of women in general? Or was he character of women in general? Or was he character of women in general? Or was he telling us a little bit about his telling us a little bit about his telling us a little bit about his choices of women that he surrounded choices of women that he surrounded choices of women that he surrounded himself with? I think it's evident that himself with? I think it's evident that himself with? I think it's evident that Solomon is telling us that living and Solomon is telling us that living and Solomon is telling us that living and having a herum around you is not a great having a herum around you is not a great having a herum around you is not a great choice of relationships. Wouldn't you choice of relationships. Wouldn't you choice of relationships. Wouldn't you agree?

agree? agree? >> But I ask you tonight, what about your >> But I ask you tonight, what about your >> But I ask you tonight, what about your choice of relationships? choice of relationships? choice of relationships? Is this part of God's word a challenging Is this part of God's word a challenging Is this part of God's word a challenging reminder for us to consider who am I reminder for us to consider who am I reminder for us to consider who am I surrounding myself with? Imagine what surrounding myself with? Imagine what surrounding myself with? Imagine what Solomon's life would look like if he had Solomon's life would look like if he had Solomon's life would look like if he had found one good wife. What would his life found one good wife. What would his life found one good wife. What would his life look like if there was one good woman by look like if there was one good woman by look like if there was one good woman by his side? What would his reign of the his side? What would his reign of the his side? What would his reign of the people of Israel have looked like? And people of Israel have looked like? And people of Israel have looked like? And what would we be reading today? You see, what would we be reading today? You see, what would we be reading today? You see, Solomon's choices Solomon's choices Solomon's choices light up, illuminate for us a way for us light up, illuminate for us a way for us light up, illuminate for us a way for us to examine our relationships around us to examine our relationships around us to examine our relationships around us tonight. His choice of companionship led tonight. His choice of companionship led tonight. His choice of companionship led to a fruitless to a fruitless to a fruitless wandering for many years in his life. wandering for many years in his life. wandering for many years in his life. Solomon discovered these things for us Solomon discovered these things for us Solomon discovered these things for us to remember and understand today and for to remember and understand today and for to remember and understand today and for us as a living testament for us to us as a living testament for us to us as a living testament for us to continue to look at. So I ask you one continue to look at. So I ask you one continue to look at. So I ask you one more time, is there an extreme in your more time, is there an extreme in your more time, is there an extreme in your life? That was Solomon's extreme. What life? That was Solomon's extreme. What life? That was Solomon's extreme. What about you? Our extremes can look about you? Our extremes can look about you? Our extremes can look different. Our extremes probably won't different. Our extremes probably won't different. Our extremes probably won't look like Solomon's. Solomon's life was look like Solomon's. Solomon's life was look like Solomon's. Solomon's life was like this life that was so huge and so like this life that was so huge and so like this life that was so huge and so big, so extreme that it's something for big, so extreme that it's something for big, so extreme that it's something for us to look at. and sometimes say, "Um, us to look at. and sometimes say, "Um, us to look at. and sometimes say, "Um, that's bad, Solomon. Why'd you do that?"

that's bad, Solomon. Why'd you do that?" that's bad, Solomon. Why'd you do that?" And then we ignore or forget the And then we ignore or forget the And then we ignore or forget the extremes in our own life. So, what about extremes in our own life. So, what about extremes in our own life. So, what about you? Is there an extreme that maybe you? Is there an extreme that maybe you? Is there an extreme that maybe you've struggled with that nobody knows you've struggled with that nobody knows you've struggled with that nobody knows about? Is there an extreme that you've about? Is there an extreme that you've about? Is there an extreme that you've wrestled with that maybe a few people wrestled with that maybe a few people wrestled with that maybe a few people know about, but you still have that know about, but you still have that know about, but you still have that little dabble in your back pocket, so to little dabble in your back pocket, so to little dabble in your back pocket, so to speak, that nobody really fully knows speak, that nobody really fully knows speak, that nobody really fully knows about? Is there a part of your life that about? Is there a part of your life that about? Is there a part of your life that maybe people wouldn't understand or maybe people wouldn't understand or maybe people wouldn't understand or know, but deep inside, maybe you've know, but deep inside, maybe you've know, but deep inside, maybe you've wrestled with anxiety to a point where wrestled with anxiety to a point where wrestled with anxiety to a point where you feel like your life is out of you feel like your life is out of you feel like your life is out of control? Maybe there's an element of control? Maybe there's an element of control? Maybe there's an element of depression that's driven you towards depression that's driven you towards depression that's driven you towards suicidal ideiation that you would not suicidal ideiation that you would not suicidal ideiation that you would not want anybody to realize, but it's an want anybody to realize, but it's an want anybody to realize, but it's an extreme that has become and gotten out extreme that has become and gotten out extreme that has become and gotten out of control. Maybe tonight is a night for of control. Maybe tonight is a night for of control. Maybe tonight is a night for you to finally say, I want to surrender you to finally say, I want to surrender you to finally say, I want to surrender that to the Lord. We all have a certain that to the Lord. We all have a certain that to the Lord. We all have a certain extreme in our life. We all have things extreme in our life. We all have things extreme in our life. We all have things that we've struggled with in the past, that we've struggled with in the past, that we've struggled with in the past, in the present, and we will struggle in in the present, and we will struggle in in the present, and we will struggle in the future. And this is a reminder for the future. And this is a reminder for the future. And this is a reminder for us to realize that we have an us to realize that we have an us to realize that we have an opportunity to seek wisdom in the midst opportunity to seek wisdom in the midst opportunity to seek wisdom in the midst of the extremes that we walk through of the extremes that we walk through of the extremes that we walk through throughout our life. If we look at verse throughout our life. If we look at verse throughout our life. If we look at verse 29, we see here that Solomon ascribes 29, we see here that Solomon ascribes 29, we see here that Solomon ascribes responsibility. He says here, he says, responsibility. He says here, he says, responsibility. He says here, he says, "God created man upright. The original "God created man upright. The original "God created man upright. The original creation was perfect, but sin entered creation was perfect, but sin entered creation was perfect, but sin entered that creation. And what we see in verse that creation. And what we see in verse that creation. And what we see in verse 29, he says that man goes on search of 29, he says that man goes on search of 29, he says that man goes on search of not just one scheme, but many schemes.

not just one scheme, but many schemes. not just one scheme, but many schemes. And there could be that essence in our And there could be that essence in our And there could be that essence in our life today. What are the many schemes? life today. What are the many schemes? life today. What are the many schemes? Not just one extreme, but many schemes Not just one extreme, but many schemes Not just one extreme, but many schemes that you may have running somewhere that you may have running somewhere that you may have running somewhere inside of you or somewhere inside of inside of you or somewhere inside of inside of you or somewhere inside of somebody that you love or that you care somebody that you love or that you care somebody that you love or that you care for. And these are things that we ought for. And these are things that we ought for. And these are things that we ought to be paying attention to. Point number to be paying attention to. Point number to be paying attention to. Point number three, if you're taking notes, seeking three, if you're taking notes, seeking three, if you're taking notes, seeking wisdom reminds you to not be surprised wisdom reminds you to not be surprised wisdom reminds you to not be surprised by sin. Don't be surprised by sin. The by sin. Don't be surprised by sin. The by sin. Don't be surprised by sin. The Bible says in Romans 3:23 that all have Bible says in Romans 3:23 that all have Bible says in Romans 3:23 that all have sinned and come short of the glory of sinned and come short of the glory of sinned and come short of the glory of God. There is a common issue inside of God. There is a common issue inside of God. There is a common issue inside of all of us that we wrestle with and it's all of us that we wrestle with and it's all of us that we wrestle with and it's called sin. called sin. called sin. So often I I'm sure if you are a parent So often I I'm sure if you are a parent So often I I'm sure if you are a parent in the room when your child comes to you in the room when your child comes to you in the room when your child comes to you and says, "Dad, I've got something I and says, "Dad, I've got something I and says, "Dad, I've got something I need to tell you." Your heart kind of need to tell you." Your heart kind of need to tell you." Your heart kind of stops for a minute, right? Oh Lord, stops for a minute, right? Oh Lord, stops for a minute, right? Oh Lord, [laughter] what are they going to say? [laughter] what are they going to say? [laughter] what are they going to say? Maybe you have a friend that's called Maybe you have a friend that's called Maybe you have a friend that's called you and said, "Hey, I need to talk to you and said, "Hey, I need to talk to you and said, "Hey, I need to talk to you about something." And the first you about something." And the first you about something." And the first thing that comes to your mind is, "Oh thing that comes to your mind is, "Oh thing that comes to your mind is, "Oh no, what's going on? What are they going no, what's going on? What are they going no, what's going on? What are they going to say?" And there are times and moments to say?" And there are times and moments to say?" And there are times and moments of reflections where we get these of reflections where we get these of reflections where we get these opportunities to realize that in our opportunities to realize that in our opportunities to realize that in our commonality of sin naturaturedness that commonality of sin naturaturedness that commonality of sin naturaturedness that we all struggle. So instead of looking we all struggle. So instead of looking we all struggle. So instead of looking at one person as higher than the other, at one person as higher than the other, at one person as higher than the other, we can all see that we're on the same we can all see that we're on the same we can all see that we're on the same plane of this need for Jesus in our plane of this need for Jesus in our plane of this need for Jesus in our life. So we're going to now turn our life. So we're going to now turn our life. So we're going to now turn our attention to uh chapter 8 uh of the book attention to uh chapter 8 uh of the book attention to uh chapter 8 uh of the book of Ecclesiastes and we're going to read of Ecclesiastes and we're going to read of Ecclesiastes and we're going to read verses 1-9. If you could read along with verses 1-9. If you could read along with verses 1-9. If you could read along with me, the Bible says, "Who is like the

me, the Bible says, "Who is like the me, the Bible says, "Who is like the wise? Who knows the explanation of wise? Who knows the explanation of wise? Who knows the explanation of things? A person's wisdom brightens things? A person's wisdom brightens things? A person's wisdom brightens their face and changes its heart their face and changes its heart their face and changes its heart appearance. Obey the king. Obey the appearance. Obey the king. Obey the appearance. Obey the king. Obey the king's command, I say, because you took king's command, I say, because you took king's command, I say, because you took an oath before God. Do not be in a hurry an oath before God. Do not be in a hurry an oath before God. Do not be in a hurry to leave the king's presence. Do not to leave the king's presence. Do not to leave the king's presence. Do not stand up for a bad cause, for he will do stand up for a bad cause, for he will do stand up for a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. Since the king's whatever he pleases. Since the king's whatever he pleases. Since the king's word is supreme, who can say to him, word is supreme, who can say to him, word is supreme, who can say to him, "What are you doing?" Whoever obeys any "What are you doing?" Whoever obeys any "What are you doing?" Whoever obeys any procedure, for there is a proper time procedure, for there is a proper time procedure, for there is a proper time and procedure for every matter. Though a and procedure for every matter. Though a and procedure for every matter. Though a person may be weighed down by misery. person may be weighed down by misery. person may be weighed down by misery. Since no one knows the future, who can Since no one knows the future, who can Since no one knows the future, who can tell someone else what is to come? As no tell someone else what is to come? As no tell someone else what is to come? As no one has the power over the wind to one has the power over the wind to one has the power over the wind to contain it, so no one has the power over contain it, so no one has the power over contain it, so no one has the power over the time of their death, as no one is the time of their death, as no one is the time of their death, as no one is discharged in time of war. So wickedness discharged in time of war. So wickedness discharged in time of war. So wickedness will not release those who practice it. will not release those who practice it. will not release those who practice it. All this I saw as I applied my mind to All this I saw as I applied my mind to All this I saw as I applied my mind to everything done under the sun. There is everything done under the sun. There is everything done under the sun. There is a time when a man lords it over others a time when a man lords it over others a time when a man lords it over others to his own hurt. Look with me back at to his own hurt. Look with me back at to his own hurt. Look with me back at verse 1 through3. What we see is that verse 1 through3. What we see is that verse 1 through3. What we see is that Solomon gives advice to wisdom seekers.

Solomon gives advice to wisdom seekers. Solomon gives advice to wisdom seekers. People who are on the path to seeking People who are on the path to seeking People who are on the path to seeking wisdom. He says, "Who's like the wise wisdom. He says, "Who's like the wise wisdom. He says, "Who's like the wise men who understands the explanation of men who understands the explanation of men who understands the explanation of all things? It's going to change your all things? It's going to change your all things? It's going to change your appearance." He says from the inside appearance." He says from the inside appearance." He says from the inside out, there's a change in the way a out, there's a change in the way a out, there's a change in the way a person looks because of the grace and person looks because of the grace and person looks because of the grace and the wisdom that comes along with seeking the wisdom that comes along with seeking the wisdom that comes along with seeking wisdom. He said the person that is going wisdom. He said the person that is going wisdom. He said the person that is going to seek wisdom will obey the king and to seek wisdom will obey the king and to seek wisdom will obey the king and they're going to and they're going to do they're going to and they're going to do they're going to and they're going to do whatever the king says because that king whatever the king says because that king whatever the king says because that king has a sovereign or a supreme authority. has a sovereign or a supreme authority. has a sovereign or a supreme authority. What does that mean? That means that What does that mean? That means that What does that mean? That means that Solomon was in essence talking about Solomon was in essence talking about Solomon was in essence talking about himself. I the king have supreme power. himself. I the king have supreme power. himself. I the king have supreme power. But even in the midst of supreme power, But even in the midst of supreme power, But even in the midst of supreme power, what do we see here? Who has power over what do we see here? Who has power over what do we see here? Who has power over the wind? Even in the midst of a supreme the wind? Even in the midst of a supreme the wind? Even in the midst of a supreme power, there are things that not even a power, there are things that not even a power, there are things that not even a king can do. But in verse 9, I want to king can do. But in verse 9, I want to king can do. But in verse 9, I want to draw your attention. He says there is a draw your attention. He says there is a draw your attention. He says there is a person who can lord it over. Lord it person who can lord it over. Lord it person who can lord it over. Lord it over. Have you ever been in a situation over. Have you ever been in a situation over. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt lorded over? Maybe where you felt lorded over? Maybe where you felt lorded over? Maybe there's a relationship at work that you there's a relationship at work that you there's a relationship at work that you feel there's an imbalance of power. Or feel there's an imbalance of power. Or feel there's an imbalance of power. Or maybe a person who thinks they have maybe a person who thinks they have maybe a person who thinks they have power, so they want to exert that power power, so they want to exert that power power, so they want to exert that power over you. Maybe even in your own home, over you. Maybe even in your own home, over you. Maybe even in your own home, you feel like the power differentials you feel like the power differentials you feel like the power differentials are off. There's something that's wrong are off. There's something that's wrong are off. There's something that's wrong and you feel like you're being lorded and you feel like you're being lorded and you feel like you're being lorded over in a way that's unhealthy and not over in a way that's unhealthy and not over in a way that's unhealthy and not right. Maybe you're a leader in the room right. Maybe you're a leader in the room right. Maybe you're a leader in the room tonight and you feel a little convicted tonight and you feel a little convicted tonight and you feel a little convicted because in your own place of work, your because in your own place of work, your because in your own place of work, your anger gets out of control or your temper

anger gets out of control or your temper anger gets out of control or your temper flies in a space where you should be an flies in a space where you should be an flies in a space where you should be an example of Jesus, but you know, things example of Jesus, but you know, things example of Jesus, but you know, things have been just a little off. [snorts] have been just a little off. [snorts] have been just a little off. [snorts] Solomon's words to us tonight are a Solomon's words to us tonight are a Solomon's words to us tonight are a brisk reminder of how leaders ought to brisk reminder of how leaders ought to brisk reminder of how leaders ought to lead their life and how people who are lead their life and how people who are lead their life and how people who are followers ought to follow and what the followers ought to follow and what the followers ought to follow and what the balance of the two should look like. I balance of the two should look like. I balance of the two should look like. I read a funny story today. It's about a read a funny story today. It's about a read a funny story today. It's about a man from the 1950s. man from the 1950s. man from the 1950s. Um this man, his name is Christian, Um this man, his name is Christian, Um this man, his name is Christian, Christian Herder, and he was the Christian Herder, and he was the Christian Herder, and he was the governor of Massachusetts at the time governor of Massachusetts at the time governor of Massachusetts at the time and he was seeking re-election. And so and he was seeking re-election. And so and he was seeking re-election. And so he was campaigning all day. He skipped he was campaigning all day. He skipped he was campaigning all day. He skipped breakfast. He skipped lunch. He was out breakfast. He skipped lunch. He was out breakfast. He skipped lunch. He was out camping in the heat of the sun. And so camping in the heat of the sun. And so camping in the heat of the sun. And so he rolled into a a church that was doing he rolled into a a church that was doing he rolled into a a church that was doing a barbecue and he decided to join them a barbecue and he decided to join them a barbecue and he decided to join them and have some fellowship and enjoy the and have some fellowship and enjoy the and have some fellowship and enjoy the moment in the evening with those folks. moment in the evening with those folks. moment in the evening with those folks. As he got into the line, he saw the As he got into the line, he saw the As he got into the line, he saw the buffet barbecue and he got to the woman buffet barbecue and he got to the woman buffet barbecue and he got to the woman who was serving the chicken and she put who was serving the chicken and she put who was serving the chicken and she put one piece of chicken in in his plate and one piece of chicken in in his plate and one piece of chicken in in his plate and he said he said, "Ma'am, is there an he said he said, "Ma'am, is there an he said he said, "Ma'am, is there an opportunity to have a second piece of opportunity to have a second piece of opportunity to have a second piece of chicken?" And she said, "No, sir. I've chicken?" And she said, "No, sir. I've chicken?" And she said, "No, sir. I've been instructed just to give one piece been instructed just to give one piece been instructed just to give one piece of chicken." True story. I'm not making of chicken." True story. I'm not making of chicken." True story. I'm not making this up. This really happened. And so, this up. This really happened. And so, this up. This really happened. And so, and so he, it was a humble man, the and so he, it was a humble man, the and so he, it was a humble man, the story goes about him. And so, he would story goes about him. And so, he would story goes about him. And so, he would never really talk about himself, but never really talk about himself, but never really talk about himself, but that night in his hunger, he said, that night in his hunger, he said, that night in his hunger, he said, "Ma'am, do you know who I am?" And she "Ma'am, do you know who I am?" And she "Ma'am, do you know who I am?" And she said, "I don't know who you are. I'm the said, "I don't know who you are. I'm the said, "I don't know who you are. I'm the I'm the governor of this of this area."

I'm the governor of this of this area." I'm the governor of this of this area." And she says, and she said to him, And she says, and she said to him, And she says, and she said to him, "Well, do you know who I am? I'm the "Well, do you know who I am? I'm the "Well, do you know who I am? I'm the person in charge of this chicken. So, person in charge of this chicken. So, person in charge of this chicken. So, take your piece and move along." Crazy. Crazy. But isn't it wild how sometimes even our But isn't it wild how sometimes even our But isn't it wild how sometimes even our longings deep in our body can cause us longings deep in our body can cause us longings deep in our body can cause us to do and say things that we ought not to do and say things that we ought not to do and say things that we ought not say. Isn't it wild that even in the say. Isn't it wild that even in the say. Isn't it wild that even in the midst of times where we think the midst of times where we think the midst of times where we think the governor of that state talking to the governor of that state talking to the governor of that state talking to the woman who's serving the chicken and just woman who's serving the chicken and just woman who's serving the chicken and just in that moment that power differential in that moment that power differential in that moment that power differential shifted. shifted. shifted. >> And in times in your life, the times >> And in times in your life, the times >> And in times in your life, the times where you feel like you're being lorded where you feel like you're being lorded where you feel like you're being lorded over the most, guess what? Power over the most, guess what? Power over the most, guess what? Power differentials can shift in you. And differentials can shift in you. And differentials can shift in you. And often the fingerprints that are left on often the fingerprints that are left on often the fingerprints that are left on our life can be the very fingerprints our life can be the very fingerprints our life can be the very fingerprints that we expose to somebody else. So that we expose to somebody else. So that we expose to somebody else. So watch what is shaping you. Allow the watch what is shaping you. Allow the watch what is shaping you. Allow the seeking of wisdom to be the thing that seeking of wisdom to be the thing that seeking of wisdom to be the thing that shapes you and not the pressure or the shapes you and not the pressure or the shapes you and not the pressure or the pain or the sin of those around you to pain or the sin of those around you to pain or the sin of those around you to be the thing that is shaping you. So be the thing that is shaping you. So be the thing that is shaping you. So point number four, if you're taking point number four, if you're taking point number four, if you're taking note, seeking wisdom teaches you how to note, seeking wisdom teaches you how to note, seeking wisdom teaches you how to endure power that you can't control, endure power that you can't control, endure power that you can't control, whether you're under it or you're whether you're under it or you're whether you're under it or you're wielding it.

wielding it. wielding it. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 12:9, The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 12:9, The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "But he said to me, my grace is "But he said to me, my grace is "But he said to me, my grace is sufficient for you. For my power is made sufficient for you. For my power is made sufficient for you. For my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my boast all the more gladly about my boast all the more gladly about my weakness so that Christ's power may rest weakness so that Christ's power may rest weakness so that Christ's power may rest on me." The answer for Paul, who wrote on me." The answer for Paul, who wrote on me." The answer for Paul, who wrote this book, wasn't that the problem would this book, wasn't that the problem would this book, wasn't that the problem would be taken from him, but that God would be taken from him, but that God would be taken from him, but that God would give him the endurance to make it give him the endurance to make it give him the endurance to make it through that problem. The book of through that problem. The book of through that problem. The book of Ecclesiastes is about power that is over Ecclesiastes is about power that is over Ecclesiastes is about power that is over you and sometimes on you. And the power you and sometimes on you. And the power you and sometimes on you. And the power that Paul is describing is the type of that Paul is describing is the type of that Paul is describing is the type of power that rests on you for courage and power that rests on you for courage and power that rests on you for courage and for strength. The spirit of God can give for strength. The spirit of God can give for strength. The spirit of God can give you access to whatever you need today. you access to whatever you need today. you access to whatever you need today. And so that whatever you're going And so that whatever you're going And so that whatever you're going through, as difficult as a person who through, as difficult as a person who through, as difficult as a person who would be lording power over you can be, would be lording power over you can be, would be lording power over you can be, I want to encourage you tonight if I want to encourage you tonight if I want to encourage you tonight if that's you, that you remind that God that's you, that you remind that God that's you, that you remind that God sees you. He sees even the most private sees you. He sees even the most private sees you. He sees even the most private of struggles. If it's even a struggle in of struggles. If it's even a struggle in of struggles. If it's even a struggle in your own home, God sees you and he can your own home, God sees you and he can your own home, God sees you and he can meet you there and help you make it meet you there and help you make it meet you there and help you make it through to the other side of what God through to the other side of what God through to the other side of what God has for you, no matter what the has for you, no matter what the has for you, no matter what the circumstances are. We're going to circumstances are. We're going to circumstances are. We're going to continue to read in verse 10 through18.

continue to read in verse 10 through18. continue to read in verse 10 through18. Here's what the Bible says. Then too, I Here's what the Bible says. Then too, I Here's what the Bible says. Then too, I saw the wicked buried, those who used to saw the wicked buried, those who used to saw the wicked buried, those who used to come and go from the holy place and come and go from the holy place and come and go from the holy place and receive praise in the city where they receive praise in the city where they receive praise in the city where they did this. This too is meaningless. When did this. This too is meaningless. When did this. This too is meaningless. When the sentence for a crime is not quickly the sentence for a crime is not quickly the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, people's hearts are filled carried out, people's hearts are filled carried out, people's hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong. Although a with schemes to do wrong. Although a with schemes to do wrong. Although a wicked person who commits a 100 crimes wicked person who commits a 100 crimes wicked person who commits a 100 crimes may live a long time, I know that it may live a long time, I know that it may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, will go better with those who fear God, will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him. Yet because who are reverent before him. Yet because who are reverent before him. Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not the wicked do not fear God, it will not the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them and their days will be go well with them and their days will be go well with them and their days will be will not be lengthened like a shadow. will not be lengthened like a shadow. will not be lengthened like a shadow. There is something else meaningless that There is something else meaningless that There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth. The righteous who get occurs on earth. The righteous who get occurs on earth. The righteous who get what the wicked deserve and the wicked what the wicked deserve and the wicked what the wicked deserve and the wicked who get what the righteous deserve. This who get what the righteous deserve. This who get what the righteous deserve. This too I say is meaningless. So I commend too I say is meaningless. So I commend too I say is meaningless. So I commend the enjoyment of life because there is the enjoyment of life because there is the enjoyment of life because there is nothing better for a person under the nothing better for a person under the nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and to drink and be sun than to eat and to drink and be sun than to eat and to drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in glad. Then joy will accompany them in glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of their life their toil all the days of their life their toil all the days of their life that God has given them under the sun. that God has given them under the sun. that God has given them under the sun. When I applied my mind to know wisdom When I applied my mind to know wisdom When I applied my mind to know wisdom and observe the labor that is done on and observe the labor that is done on and observe the labor that is done on the earth, people getting no sleep day the earth, people getting no sleep day the earth, people getting no sleep day or night. When I saw all that God has or night. When I saw all that God has or night. When I saw all that God has done, no one can comprehend what goes on done, no one can comprehend what goes on done, no one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all their efforts under the sun. Despite all their efforts under the sun. Despite all their efforts to search it out, no one can discover to search it out, no one can discover to search it out, no one can discover its meaning. Even if the wise claim they its meaning. Even if the wise claim they its meaning. Even if the wise claim they know it, they cannot really comprehend know it, they cannot really comprehend know it, they cannot really comprehend it. Wow. Look at that. In verse 10 it. Wow. Look at that. In verse 10 it. Wow. Look at that. In verse 10 through13, what do we see? Solomon is through13, what do we see? Solomon is through13, what do we see? Solomon is describing the inequities of life.

describing the inequities of life. describing the inequities of life. Again, he goes back to life's not fair. Again, he goes back to life's not fair. Again, he goes back to life's not fair. This world is not fair and what you're This world is not fair and what you're This world is not fair and what you're going through is something that is going through is something that is going through is something that is unbalanced. unbalanced. unbalanced. So, he says this, there's a a wickedness So, he says this, there's a a wickedness So, he says this, there's a a wickedness in I see and that those who are buried in I see and that those who are buried in I see and that those who are buried again, he's back to that under the sun again, he's back to that under the sun again, he's back to that under the sun theory. He's looking not above the sun theory. He's looking not above the sun theory. He's looking not above the sun but beneath the sun and seeing how life but beneath the sun and seeing how life but beneath the sun and seeing how life is inequitable. is inequitable. is inequitable. Look at verse 11. He says there's when Look at verse 11. He says there's when Look at verse 11. He says there's when when justice is not clearly carried out, when justice is not clearly carried out, when justice is not clearly carried out, when things are not made right right when things are not made right right when things are not made right right away. Have you ever been in that away. Have you ever been in that away. Have you ever been in that situation where you feel like there's an situation where you feel like there's an situation where you feel like there's an injustice that just keeps going and injustice that just keeps going and injustice that just keeps going and going and going? Does anybody see what's going and going? Does anybody see what's going and going? Does anybody see what's happening here in this room, in this happening here in this room, in this happening here in this room, in this department, in this problem or in the department, in this problem or in the department, in this problem or in the circumstances? But again, in verse 12, circumstances? But again, in verse 12, circumstances? But again, in verse 12, what do we see? It's better for those what do we see? It's better for those what do we see? It's better for those who fear God. It's better. Again, he who fear God. It's better. Again, he who fear God. It's better. Again, he mentions the Lord here and he says, mentions the Lord here and he says, mentions the Lord here and he says, "It's better. It's better for those who "It's better. It's better for those who "It's better. It's better for those who fear God. Do you fear God today? Is he fear God. Do you fear God today? Is he fear God. Do you fear God today? Is he with you in the midst of your problem?"

with you in the midst of your problem?" with you in the midst of your problem?" The truth, we know that God is present The truth, we know that God is present The truth, we know that God is present with you. He's with me. with you. He's with me. with you. He's with me. He's got that promise that he's given He's got that promise that he's given He's got that promise that he's given us, that he's walking with us, leading us, that he's walking with us, leading us, that he's walking with us, leading us through the circumstances in our us through the circumstances in our us through the circumstances in our lives. It will go better with that lives. It will go better with that lives. It will go better with that person. He's got this fixation. in person. He's got this fixation. in person. He's got this fixation. in Solomon several times in this section he Solomon several times in this section he Solomon several times in this section he says their days would be lengthened and says their days would be lengthened and says their days would be lengthened and here in this part of verse 13 it says here in this part of verse 13 it says here in this part of verse 13 it says that that day will not be lengthened he that that day will not be lengthened he that that day will not be lengthened he was fixed on the length of life what can was fixed on the length of life what can was fixed on the length of life what can one man do to add one iota to a person's one man do to add one iota to a person's one man do to add one iota to a person's life the truth is we can do nothing life the truth is we can do nothing life the truth is we can do nothing amidst those illogical schemes like we amidst those illogical schemes like we amidst those illogical schemes like we talked about earlier in our life the talked about earlier in our life the talked about earlier in our life the equations if I do right maybe things equations if I do right maybe things equations if I do right maybe things will be right if I do wrong things will will be right if I do wrong things will will be right if I do wrong things will be wrong we can't add another day to our be wrong we can't add another day to our be wrong we can't add another day to our life that's in the hand of God. In life that's in the hand of God. In life that's in the hand of God. In verses 14- 16, we see that he's got an verses 14- 16, we see that he's got an verses 14- 16, we see that he's got an eternity eternity excluding viewpoint. eternity eternity excluding viewpoint. eternity eternity excluding viewpoint. The righteous get what the wicked The righteous get what the wicked The righteous get what the wicked deserve? And I don't know if you've ever deserve? And I don't know if you've ever deserve? And I don't know if you've ever struggled with that. This is one of the struggled with that. This is one of the struggled with that. This is one of the hardest questions I get as a pastor. Why hardest questions I get as a pastor. Why hardest questions I get as a pastor. Why do bad things happen to good people?

do bad things happen to good people? do bad things happen to good people? Really hard question to be asked as a Really hard question to be asked as a Really hard question to be asked as a leader. Really hard question to be asked leader. Really hard question to be asked leader. Really hard question to be asked by one of your children. Dad, why did by one of your children. Dad, why did by one of your children. Dad, why did this happen? Dad, why did God see? Can this happen? Dad, why did God see? Can this happen? Dad, why did God see? Can God change this circumstance? Why do bad God change this circumstance? Why do bad God change this circumstance? Why do bad things happen to good people? I think things happen to good people? I think things happen to good people? I think it's relatively impossible to answer it's relatively impossible to answer it's relatively impossible to answer that question with the under the sun that question with the under the sun that question with the under the sun perspective without God. How do you perspective without God. How do you perspective without God. How do you answer a question like that? How do you answer a question like that? How do you answer a question like that? How do you wrestle with the inequities, the wrestle with the inequities, the wrestle with the inequities, the inequalities of life when the when God inequalities of life when the when God inequalities of life when the when God is not in the equation of your life? I is not in the equation of your life? I is not in the equation of your life? I feel like it's an impossible question to feel like it's an impossible question to feel like it's an impossible question to answer without the presence of God. And answer without the presence of God. And answer without the presence of God. And so he says,"I commend enjoyment. Just so he says,"I commend enjoyment. Just so he says,"I commend enjoyment. Just live however you want. Drink all of you live however you want. Drink all of you live however you want. Drink all of you want. Live any which way because life is want. Live any which way because life is want. Live any which way because life is just unfair." just unfair." just unfair." He says, "Joy will accompany them in He says, "Joy will accompany them in He says, "Joy will accompany them in their toil." But we see here in verse their toil." But we see here in verse their toil." But we see here in verse 17, you see these first couple of words, 17, you see these first couple of words, 17, you see these first couple of words, "Then I saw "Then I saw "Then I saw all that God has done." And I love this all that God has done." And I love this all that God has done." And I love this phrase because it's a reminder again phrase because it's a reminder again phrase because it's a reminder again that Solomon is getting these sneak that Solomon is getting these sneak that Solomon is getting these sneak peaks in his life of the work of God.

peaks in his life of the work of God. peaks in his life of the work of God. Have you ever been in a moment where you Have you ever been in a moment where you Have you ever been in a moment where you sensed that life was dark? Where you sensed that life was dark? Where you sensed that life was dark? Where you sensed that the circumstances were sensed that the circumstances were sensed that the circumstances were overtaking you and then you saw a overtaking you and then you saw a overtaking you and then you saw a glimpse of God? Can you put yourself in glimpse of God? Can you put yourself in glimpse of God? Can you put yourself in Solomon's shoes for a minute? Where you Solomon's shoes for a minute? Where you Solomon's shoes for a minute? Where you got a a picture of God's handiwork in got a a picture of God's handiwork in got a a picture of God's handiwork in his life? My prayer is that there may be his life? My prayer is that there may be his life? My prayer is that there may be some of you in the room who get a some of you in the room who get a some of you in the room who get a reminder that God is at work. Even when reminder that God is at work. Even when reminder that God is at work. Even when you don't know it, even when you can't you don't know it, even when you can't you don't know it, even when you can't sense it, God can be seen and God can be sense it, God can be seen and God can be sense it, God can be seen and God can be experienced even where you sit. This experienced even where you sit. This experienced even where you sit. This evening, my fifth and final point is evening, my fifth and final point is evening, my fifth and final point is seeking wisdom can lead you to a a peace seeking wisdom can lead you to a a peace seeking wisdom can lead you to a a peace by not not by understanding everything, by not not by understanding everything, by not not by understanding everything, but by releasing the need to understand but by releasing the need to understand but by releasing the need to understand everything. So, how do you get yourself everything. So, how do you get yourself everything. So, how do you get yourself into that place? especially the control into that place? especially the control into that place? especially the control freaks in the room, right? I have to freaks in the room, right? I have to freaks in the room, right? I have to have some level of control to be sane. have some level of control to be sane. have some level of control to be sane. How do I how do I God, how do I get to How do I how do I God, how do I get to How do I how do I God, how do I get to this place where I can release the this place where I can release the this place where I can release the understanding of why things happen in a understanding of why things happen in a understanding of why things happen in a certain way and just trust God's hand certain way and just trust God's hand certain way and just trust God's hand through it? And so, I believe that this through it? And so, I believe that this through it? And so, I believe that this message, that this section of scripture message, that this section of scripture message, that this section of scripture calls for a response from believers calls for a response from believers calls for a response from believers because the reality is that I'm sure because the reality is that I'm sure because the reality is that I'm sure half of this room is going through half of this room is going through half of this room is going through something. There's something going on in something. There's something going on in something. There's something going on in half 50% of the people in this room's half 50% of the people in this room's half 50% of the people in this room's life that's challenging.

life that's challenging. life that's challenging. 50% of you probably have a question for 50% of you probably have a question for 50% of you probably have a question for God. If you were sitting in front of you God. If you were sitting in front of you God. If you were sitting in front of you tonight, you say, "God, I got a question tonight, you say, "God, I got a question tonight, you say, "God, I got a question for you. Hey, Lord, can can we talk for for you. Hey, Lord, can can we talk for for you. Hey, Lord, can can we talk for a minute? I got a question for you. I a minute? I got a question for you. I a minute? I got a question for you. I want to figure this part of my life out. want to figure this part of my life out. want to figure this part of my life out. Maybe you've got an unanswered prayer. A Maybe you've got an unanswered prayer. A Maybe you've got an unanswered prayer. A prayer that you've been praying for prayer that you've been praying for prayer that you've been praying for years. I've got a couple of them that years. I've got a couple of them that years. I've got a couple of them that I've written in my journal over and over I've written in my journal over and over I've written in my journal over and over and over again. God, would you help me and over again. God, would you help me and over again. God, would you help me with this? I don't I don't get this. with this? I don't I don't get this. with this? I don't I don't get this. Could you could you clarify this for me? Could you could you clarify this for me? Could you could you clarify this for me? Could you give me a little more insight Could you give me a little more insight Could you give me a little more insight about this particular situation? God, I about this particular situation? God, I about this particular situation? God, I beseech you for this problem. Maybe beseech you for this problem. Maybe beseech you for this problem. Maybe you've got one as well. Maybe you've got you've got one as well. Maybe you've got you've got one as well. Maybe you've got a relationship that ended without a relationship that ended without a relationship that ended without without closure. The person walked away without closure. The person walked away without closure. The person walked away from you and you don't fully get it. You from you and you don't fully get it. You from you and you don't fully get it. You don't know what happened, why they left, don't know what happened, why they left, don't know what happened, why they left, but they're gone. And you're left but they're gone. And you're left but they're gone. And you're left wondering like, God, what what do I do wondering like, God, what what do I do wondering like, God, what what do I do with this? How do I how do I figure this with this? How do I how do I figure this with this? How do I how do I figure this part of my life out? What do I do? How part of my life out? What do I do? How part of my life out? What do I do? How do I move on? Maybe some of you in the do I move on? Maybe some of you in the do I move on? Maybe some of you in the room feel like you were looked over. room feel like you were looked over. room feel like you were looked over. Maybe it's a promotion that you thought Maybe it's a promotion that you thought Maybe it's a promotion that you thought was coming your way, but it went to was coming your way, but it went to was coming your way, but it went to somebody else. Maybe it was like an somebody else. Maybe it was like an somebody else. Maybe it was like an accolade for a for a project that you accolade for a for a project that you accolade for a for a project that you work on and you did the most of the work on and you did the most of the work on and you did the most of the work, but somebody else got the the work, but somebody else got the the work, but somebody else got the the raise or the promotion for what you did.

raise or the promotion for what you did. raise or the promotion for what you did. Maybe you're in the room and you got a Maybe you're in the room and you got a Maybe you're in the room and you got a weward child that you've been praying weward child that you've been praying weward child that you've been praying for for a long time to come home, to for for a long time to come home, to for for a long time to come home, to come to a place where they would come to a place where they would come to a place where they would acknowledge Jesus again in their life. acknowledge Jesus again in their life. acknowledge Jesus again in their life. Maybe you're in the room and and you've Maybe you're in the room and and you've Maybe you're in the room and and you've got a diagnosis or an illness that you got a diagnosis or an illness that you got a diagnosis or an illness that you just discovered and you're not exactly just discovered and you're not exactly just discovered and you're not exactly sure how to handle it, how to walk sure how to handle it, how to walk sure how to handle it, how to walk through it. You're not sure what through it. You're not sure what through it. You're not sure what tomorrow looks like and you and you are tomorrow looks like and you and you are tomorrow looks like and you and you are wishing for God to help you to wishing for God to help you to wishing for God to help you to understand what to do and how to walk understand what to do and how to walk understand what to do and how to walk through it. Maybe you've got a financial through it. Maybe you've got a financial through it. Maybe you've got a financial hardship that doesn't make sense. You hardship that doesn't make sense. You hardship that doesn't make sense. You did everything right. You got the did everything right. You got the did everything right. You got the budget. You did the spreadsheet. Maybe budget. You did the spreadsheet. Maybe budget. You did the spreadsheet. Maybe you even worked with Dave Ramsey to get you even worked with Dave Ramsey to get you even worked with Dave Ramsey to get it all figured out, but for whatever it all figured out, but for whatever it all figured out, but for whatever reason, it's not working out. The reason, it's not working out. The reason, it's not working out. The numbers aren't computing. And now you're numbers aren't computing. And now you're numbers aren't computing. And now you're like, "God, what do I do? What do I cut? like, "God, what do I do? What do I cut? like, "God, what do I do? What do I cut? Where do I go? How do I make it Where do I go? How do I make it Where do I go? How do I make it through?" Maybe you've had a sudden loss through?" Maybe you've had a sudden loss through?" Maybe you've had a sudden loss recently. Somebody you love died recently. Somebody you love died recently. Somebody you love died and it doesn't make sense, and you and it doesn't make sense, and you and it doesn't make sense, and you you're trying to figure it out, but the you're trying to figure it out, but the you're trying to figure it out, but the things aren't coming together, and you things aren't coming together, and you things aren't coming together, and you wish that you just had one more day.

wish that you just had one more day. wish that you just had one more day. All of these circumstances in our life All of these circumstances in our life All of these circumstances in our life are what Solomon is talking about. are what Solomon is talking about. are what Solomon is talking about. It's the echo of Solomon's life saying, It's the echo of Solomon's life saying, It's the echo of Solomon's life saying, "Seek wisdom." "Seek wisdom." "Seek wisdom." It's the echo of Solomon's life that It's the echo of Solomon's life that It's the echo of Solomon's life that says, "Release the control." says, "Release the control." says, "Release the control." It's the echo of Solomon's life that It's the echo of Solomon's life that It's the echo of Solomon's life that says, "Let God work it out." It's the says, "Let God work it out." It's the says, "Let God work it out." It's the echo of Solomon's life that says, "I am echo of Solomon's life that says, "I am echo of Solomon's life that says, "I am sovereign and I am your God and I want sovereign and I am your God and I want sovereign and I am your God and I want to lead you." And so if you are in a to lead you." And so if you are in a to lead you." And so if you are in a circumstance like one of the areas that circumstance like one of the areas that circumstance like one of the areas that I just mentioned or maybe I didn't I just mentioned or maybe I didn't I just mentioned or maybe I didn't mention one but you know what I'm mention one but you know what I'm mention one but you know what I'm talking about and you're in the process talking about and you're in the process talking about and you're in the process of letting something go that's got a of letting something go that's got a of letting something go that's got a grip on you. I just want to pray for grip on you. I just want to pray for grip on you. I just want to pray for you. you. you. And so if you're in the room and and And so if you're in the room and and And so if you're in the room and and that's you, I want to simply ask you to that's you, I want to simply ask you to that's you, I want to simply ask you to stand to your feet. And you might say, stand to your feet. And you might say, stand to your feet. And you might say, "Why do I got to stand to my feet?" I "Why do I got to stand to my feet?" I "Why do I got to stand to my feet?" I want to encourage you to stand under want to encourage you to stand under want to encourage you to stand under your feet because of an act of your feet because of an act of your feet because of an act of obedience. Just to say like, "I see you. obedience. Just to say like, "I see you. obedience. Just to say like, "I see you. I hear you." And for you to be able to I hear you." And for you to be able to I hear you." And for you to be able to know that, hey, around you when you know that, hey, around you when you know that, hey, around you when you stand, you'll still be accepted. You'll stand, you'll still be accepted. You'll stand, you'll still be accepted. You'll still be loved. Nobody's going to look still be loved. Nobody's going to look still be loved. Nobody's going to look at you differently because you're going at you differently because you're going at you differently because you're going through something cuz we're all going through something cuz we're all going through something cuz we're all going through something. So, if that's you, through something. So, if that's you, through something. So, if that's you, stand to [music] your feet. I just want stand to [music] your feet. I just want stand to [music] your feet. I just want to pray a prayer of surrender for each to pray a prayer of surrender for each to pray a prayer of surrender for each of you that are standing. If you would of you that are standing. If you would of you that are standing. If you would please bow with me. God, I'm grateful please bow with me. God, I'm grateful please bow with me. God, I'm grateful for those who for those who for those who are here tonight and for those who are are here tonight and for those who are are here tonight and for those who are standing to their feet because of standing to their feet because of standing to their feet because of whatever struggle they're going through, whatever struggle they're going through, whatever struggle they're going through, God.

God. God. This is not a little thing. This is not a little thing. This is not a little thing. Each person in this room who's standing Each person in this room who's standing Each person in this room who's standing represents a a big issue, God, represents a a big issue, God, represents a a big issue, God, that they've been doing battle with for that they've been doing battle with for that they've been doing battle with for a long time that they've been working a long time that they've been working a long time that they've been working through but yet haven't gotten a handle through but yet haven't gotten a handle through but yet haven't gotten a handle over. And so I'm asking God tonight, over. And so I'm asking God tonight, over. And so I'm asking God tonight, would you do a miracle for them? And would you do a miracle for them? And would you do a miracle for them? And would you teach us, God, to open our would you teach us, God, to open our would you teach us, God, to open our hands hands hands and to release yet again and to release yet again and to release yet again our circumstances, our challenges, our our circumstances, our challenges, our our circumstances, our challenges, our trials to you because we know, Lord, trials to you because we know, Lord, trials to you because we know, Lord, that in your hands, it's the best spot that in your hands, it's the best spot that in your hands, it's the best spot for them. In our hands, God, we're going for them. In our hands, God, we're going for them. In our hands, God, we're going to make a mess of it just like Solomon to make a mess of it just like Solomon to make a mess of it just like Solomon explained to us. So we pray God as we explained to us. So we pray God as we explained to us. So we pray God as we open our hands tonight symbolically, open our hands tonight symbolically, open our hands tonight symbolically, Lord, we just want you to take these Lord, we just want you to take these Lord, we just want you to take these things that we're going through and work things that we're going through and work things that we're going through and work your way through them. God, save our your way through them. God, save our your way through them. God, save our loved ones. God, help our hurting bodies loved ones. God, help our hurting bodies loved ones. God, help our hurting bodies that are going through ailments that we that are going through ailments that we that are going through ailments that we can't even explain or understand. can't even explain or understand. can't even explain or understand. God, be our provider in the midst of God, be our provider in the midst of God, be our provider in the midst of moments where the math is not adding up.

moments where the math is not adding up. moments where the math is not adding up. God, I pray that you would be our God, I pray that you would be our God, I pray that you would be our closest friend when friends abandon us. closest friend when friends abandon us. closest friend when friends abandon us. God, I pray that you would be our God, I pray that you would be our God, I pray that you would be our wisdom. That help us to pass wisdom. That help us to pass wisdom. That help us to pass understanding in the moments that things understanding in the moments that things understanding in the moments that things just don't line up. Help us, God. We're just don't line up. Help us, God. We're just don't line up. Help us, God. We're your kids. We're broken. We need your your kids. We're broken. We need your your kids. We're broken. We need your help help help in so many ways, God. We are completely in so many ways, God. We are completely in so many ways, God. We are completely lost without you. So, we're asking God, lost without you. So, we're asking God, lost without you. So, we're asking God, give us fresh eyes. We're asking, God, give us fresh eyes. We're asking, God, give us fresh eyes. We're asking, God, give us a fresh heart. We're asking God, give us a fresh heart. We're asking God, give us a fresh heart. We're asking God, give us fresh ears to be able to walk give us fresh ears to be able to walk give us fresh ears to be able to walk through our days through our days through our days in a way that gives you the most glory in a way that gives you the most glory in a way that gives you the most glory and draws the most people to yourself. and draws the most people to yourself. and draws the most people to yourself. God, set our hearts on fire. Help us to God, set our hearts on fire. Help us to God, set our hearts on fire. Help us to live on purpose, to be wisdom seekers, live on purpose, to be wisdom seekers, live on purpose, to be wisdom seekers, ultimately be being God seekers. So we ultimately be being God seekers. So we ultimately be being God seekers. So we commit ourselves aresh to you and pray commit ourselves aresh to you and pray commit ourselves aresh to you and pray God have your way in and through us. God have your way in and through us. God have your way in and through us. Before I say amen, I want to keep this Before I say amen, I want to keep this Before I say amen, I want to keep this holy moment. For those who are standing, holy moment. For those who are standing, holy moment. For those who are standing, you can go and have a seat. There's one you can go and have a seat. There's one you can go and have a seat. There's one more person I want to pray for. And more person I want to pray for. And more person I want to pray for. And those are the people in the room who those are the people in the room who those are the people in the room who would say, "Ruben, I don't have a would say, "Ruben, I don't have a would say, "Ruben, I don't have a relationship with the Lord. You talk relationship with the Lord. You talk relationship with the Lord. You talk about this this God. We you talk about about this this God. We you talk about about this this God. We you talk about this father. You talk about Jesus. You this father. You talk about Jesus. You this father. You talk about Jesus. You talk about salvation, and I don't even talk about salvation, and I don't even talk about salvation, and I don't even know what you're talking about." And know what you're talking about." And know what you're talking about." And maybe you have even walked in tonight maybe you have even walked in tonight maybe you have even walked in tonight with a load like Solomon had in chapter with a load like Solomon had in chapter with a load like Solomon had in chapter 7 and 8. Maybe you've got these loads of 7 and 8. Maybe you've got these loads of 7 and 8. Maybe you've got these loads of pain. And when I talk about a friend in pain. And when I talk about a friend in pain. And when I talk about a friend in God, you're like, "A friend? He wants to

God, you're like, "A friend? He wants to God, you're like, "A friend? He wants to be my friend?" When I talk about a God be my friend?" When I talk about a God be my friend?" When I talk about a God who wants to heal you, he wants to heal who wants to heal you, he wants to heal who wants to heal you, he wants to heal me of what I'm going through. me of what I'm going through. me of what I'm going through. When I talk about a closeness of a When I talk about a closeness of a When I talk about a closeness of a heavenly father to your life, heavenly father to your life, heavenly father to your life, and if you've never had an experience and if you've never had an experience and if you've never had an experience with the Lord like that, we want to with the Lord like that, we want to with the Lord like that, we want to offer that to you tonight. The Bible offer that to you tonight. The Bible offer that to you tonight. The Bible makes it very clear that God is not far makes it very clear that God is not far makes it very clear that God is not far off. He can be found. God is not far off. He can be found. God is not far off. He can be found. God is not far off. He is here tonight. And he's made off. He is here tonight. And he's made off. He is here tonight. And he's made that possible through his son, the Lord that possible through his son, the Lord that possible through his son, the Lord Jesus Christ. You see, the Bible says Jesus Christ. You see, the Bible says Jesus Christ. You see, the Bible says that there's a this problem that we have that there's a this problem that we have that there's a this problem that we have called sin. In John 3:16, the Bible says called sin. In John 3:16, the Bible says called sin. In John 3:16, the Bible says God loved you so very much that he gave God loved you so very much that he gave God loved you so very much that he gave his son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die his son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die his son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die for you so that we could have for you so that we could have for you so that we could have relationship with him. And if you're in relationship with him. And if you're in relationship with him. And if you're in this room tonight and you never given this room tonight and you never given this room tonight and you never given your life to Christ, can I implore you? your life to Christ, can I implore you? your life to Christ, can I implore you? Can I beseech you? Can I beg you? Give Can I beseech you? Can I beg you? Give Can I beseech you? Can I beg you? Give your life to him. Don't go another day your life to him. Don't go another day your life to him. Don't go another day without making a decision to follow the without making a decision to follow the without making a decision to follow the Lord Jesus because you you simply don't Lord Jesus because you you simply don't Lord Jesus because you you simply don't have a assurityity of tomorrow. You have a assurityity of tomorrow. You have a assurityity of tomorrow. You don't have a confidence that tonight is don't have a confidence that tonight is don't have a confidence that tonight is your last night. Why would you waste your last night. Why would you waste your last night. Why would you waste another moment without giving your life another moment without giving your life another moment without giving your life to Christ? Some of you in the room would to Christ? Some of you in the room would to Christ? Some of you in the room would say, "Ruben, give me some evidence."

say, "Ruben, give me some evidence." say, "Ruben, give me some evidence." Like, "How is my life going to change?" Like, "How is my life going to change?" Like, "How is my life going to change?" I want to challenge you. Try him and I want to challenge you. Try him and I want to challenge you. Try him and find out. I want to challenge you. Be I find out. I want to challenge you. Be I find out. I want to challenge you. Be I want to be so bold to say to you, you're want to be so bold to say to you, you're want to be so bold to say to you, you're walking a dangerous path without him. walking a dangerous path without him. walking a dangerous path without him. If you if you hear me say anything If you if you hear me say anything If you if you hear me say anything tonight, hear me say this. Jesus loves tonight, hear me say this. Jesus loves tonight, hear me say this. Jesus loves you. He wants to have relationship with you. He wants to have relationship with you. He wants to have relationship with you. And so that if that's you and you you. And so that if that's you and you you. And so that if that's you and you say, "Well, Ruben, you're talking right say, "Well, Ruben, you're talking right say, "Well, Ruben, you're talking right to me." to me." to me." I can remember when this was the case in I can remember when this was the case in I can remember when this was the case in my life. When the Lord was talking right my life. When the Lord was talking right my life. When the Lord was talking right to me, I got so afraid. I got so locked to me, I got so afraid. I got so locked to me, I got so afraid. I got so locked to my seat. I didn't even hear the to my seat. I didn't even hear the to my seat. I didn't even hear the pastor. It was like my life was playing pastor. It was like my life was playing pastor. It was like my life was playing in front of me and I couldn't even in front of me and I couldn't even in front of me and I couldn't even understand the person around me. And so understand the person around me. And so understand the person around me. And so I want to challenge you. If that's you, I want to challenge you. If that's you, I want to challenge you. If that's you, that's the Holy Spirit working in you. that's the Holy Spirit working in you. that's the Holy Spirit working in you. That's him getting a hold of your life That's him getting a hold of your life That's him getting a hold of your life and saying, "I'm drawing you into and saying, "I'm drawing you into and saying, "I'm drawing you into relationship with me." [music] And so if relationship with me." [music] And so if relationship with me." [music] And so if you're in the room tonight and you want you're in the room tonight and you want you're in the room tonight and you want to give your life to Christ, you know to give your life to Christ, you know to give your life to Christ, you know it's the time. You've heard me say what it's the time. You've heard me say what it's the time. You've heard me say what I'm going to say. You understand that I'm going to say. You understand that I'm going to say. You understand that there's there's this there's this need there's there's this there's this need there's there's this there's this need of you that we're going to play a song. of you that we're going to play a song. of you that we're going to play a song. [music] And when that song is played, [music] And when that song is played, [music] And when that song is played, that's your cue to come forward. And by that's your cue to come forward. And by that's your cue to come forward. And by coming forward, you're simply coming forward, you're simply coming forward, you're simply acknowledging that I I want to give my acknowledging that I I want to give my acknowledging that I I want to give my life to Christ. I'll pray a simple life to Christ. I'll pray a simple life to Christ. I'll pray a simple prayer with you. It'll it'll sound prayer with you. It'll it'll sound prayer with you. It'll it'll sound something like this. Dear Lord, I something like this. Dear Lord, I something like this. Dear Lord, I confess that I'm a sinner and I want to confess that I'm a sinner and I want to confess that I'm a sinner and I want to live for you, Lord. That simple prayer live for you, Lord. That simple prayer live for you, Lord. That simple prayer will be your acknowledgement that you will be your acknowledgement that you will be your acknowledgement that you give your life to Christ. We'll put a give your life to Christ. We'll put a give your life to Christ. We'll put a Bible and a Bible study in your hand and Bible and a Bible study in your hand and Bible and a Bible study in your hand and then you'll be back with your friends.

then you'll be back with your friends. then you'll be back with your friends. So, if that's you, as this song is So, if that's you, as this song is So, if that's you, as this song is played, get up out of your seat and come played, get up out of your seat and come played, get up out of your seat and come forward now. I'll be privately praying forward now. I'll be privately praying forward now. I'll be privately praying for you to make that decision for Jesus. [music] [music] on me. You have broken every chain. on me. You have broken every chain. on me. You have broken every chain. [music] There's salvation [singing] [music] There's salvation [singing] [music] There's salvation [singing] in your name. Jesus Christ, my livinging in your name. Jesus Christ, my livinging in your name. Jesus Christ, my livinging hope. [singing] hope. [singing] hope. [singing] Hallelujah. [music] Praise the [singing] one who set me Praise the [singing] one who set me free. Hallelujah. Death has [singing] lost its grip on me. Death has [singing] lost its grip on me. You have broken [music] You have broken [music] You have broken [music] every chain. There's salvation [singing] every chain. There's salvation [singing] every chain. There's salvation [singing] in your name, Jesus Christ, [music] in your name, Jesus Christ, [music] in your name, Jesus Christ, [music] my living [singing] hope.

>> So proud of the courage [applause] >> So proud of the courage [applause] of each of you coming forward. So proud of each of you coming forward. So proud of each of you coming forward. So proud of you. of you. of you. I'm going to pray a prayer and and I'm going to pray a prayer and and I'm going to pray a prayer and and that's your cue. You can say quietly, that's your cue. You can say quietly, that's your cue. You can say quietly, repeat it after me or out loud. And this repeat it after me or out loud. And this repeat it after me or out loud. And this prayer, although it's my words, let it prayer, although it's my words, let it prayer, although it's my words, let it be your own. Allow them to be the words be your own. Allow them to be the words be your own. Allow them to be the words that you pray in your heart. Now that you pray in your heart. Now that you pray in your heart. Now remember, the Bible says in Romans 6:23 remember, the Bible says in Romans 6:23 remember, the Bible says in Romans 6:23 that the wages of the payment of sin is that the wages of the payment of sin is that the wages of the payment of sin is death, that death means separation from death, that death means separation from death, that death means separation from go from God. But the free gift of God go from God. But the free gift of God go from God. But the free gift of God that he gives you tonight is eternal that he gives you tonight is eternal that he gives you tonight is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. The Bible life in Jesus Christ our Lord. The Bible life in Jesus Christ our Lord. The Bible says tonight the Bible clearly says that says tonight the Bible clearly says that says tonight the Bible clearly says that there is a celebration in heaven when there is a celebration in heaven when there is a celebration in heaven when one person [music] gets saved. And look one person [music] gets saved. And look one person [music] gets saved. And look across this this hall. There's five across this this hall. There's five across this this hall. There's five people here. There's a big party in people here. There's a big party in people here. There's a big party in heaven for the decisions that you've heaven for the decisions that you've heaven for the decisions that you've made. and we're so excited to share that made. and we're so excited to share that made. and we're so excited to share that with you tonight. [applause] So, if you would bow with me and and So, if you would bow with me and and we'll pray. You can simply say, "Dear we'll pray. You can simply say, "Dear we'll pray. You can simply say, "Dear Lord Jesus, I admit that I'm a sinner. Lord Jesus, I admit that I'm a sinner. Lord Jesus, I admit that I'm a sinner. I believe that you sent your son, I believe that you sent your son, I believe that you sent your son, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for my sins.

to die on the cross for my sins. to die on the cross for my sins. I confess him as my Lord and Savior. I confess him as my Lord and Savior. I confess him as my Lord and Savior. Help me to live for him from this day Help me to live for him from this day Help me to live for him from this day forever. in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. forever. in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. forever. in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. >> Proud of each of you. Hey, we got some >> Proud of each of you. Hey, we got some >> Proud of each of you. Hey, we got some some friends right behind you on this some friends right behind you on this some friends right behind you on this side. We'd love to put a Bible and a side. We'd love to put a Bible and a side. We'd love to put a Bible and a Bible study in your hand. If you would, Bible study in your hand. If you would, Bible study in your hand. If you would, please follow them over to that exit please follow them over to that exit please follow them over to that exit sign and they'll put that Bible study sign and they'll put that Bible study sign and they'll put that Bible study into your hand. Church, let's give it up into your hand. Church, let's give it up into your hand. Church, let's give it up for them. for them. for them. If you would please stand with me. If you would please stand with me. If you would please stand with me. [music] [music] [music] I want to encourage you this week to I want to encourage you this week to I want to encourage you this week to look for a space. look for a space. look for a space. Look for a simple, quiet space to seek Look for a simple, quiet space to seek Look for a simple, quiet space to seek wisdom. wisdom. wisdom. In the midst of your seeking wisdom, In the midst of your seeking wisdom, In the midst of your seeking wisdom, remember you're seeking God. And as you remember you're seeking God. And as you remember you're seeking God. And as you do, allow him to change you from the do, allow him to change you from the do, allow him to change you from the inside out. Amen. inside out. Amen. inside out. Amen. >> God bless you. We'll see you next week. Sing of his holiness as we leave this Sing of his holiness as we leave this place today.

compound [singing] before the king of compound [singing] before the king of kings every kings every kings every tongue [music] tongue [music] tongue [music] confess that he [singing] is alive. Lift confess that he [singing] is alive. Lift confess that he [singing] is alive. Lift up your shout. [music and singing] Let up your shout. [music and singing] Let up your shout. [music and singing] Let us join with our hands singing holy. us join with our hands singing holy. us join with our hands singing holy. [music and singing] holy. [singing] holy. [singing] [music] >> All [singing] hell >> All [singing] hell Jesus Jesus Jesus is his name. All [music and singing] is his name. All [music and singing] is his name. All [music and singing] hell. All [music] hell. All [music] hell. Jesus Jesus Jesus be glorified. [music] be glorified. [music] be glorified. [music] All hell, savior All hell, savior All hell, savior of the world.

of the world. of the world. [music and singing] Hell, [music and singing] Hell, [music and singing] Hell, Jesus, you're worthy of my word. Jesus, you're worthy of my word. Jesus, you're worthy of my word. All hell. [music] All hell. [music] All hell. [music] [singing] All the savior All the savior of the world. [music] [music] [music] It's been so sweet to worship with you It's been so sweet to worship with you It's been so sweet to worship with you tonight. Church, as you leave, remember tonight. Church, as you leave, remember tonight. Church, as you leave, remember there are prayer teams that [music] are there are prayer teams that [music] are there are prayer teams that [music] are going to come and line these altars. If going to come and line these altars. If going to come and line these altars. If you need prayer, don't leave this place you need prayer, don't leave this place you need prayer, don't leave this place without being [music] prayed for. We without being [music] prayed for. We without being [music] prayed for. We love you and we will see you next week. Thanks for listening to today's [music] Thanks for listening to today's [music] message. You know, here at Calvary, we message. You know, here at Calvary, we message. You know, here at Calvary, we believe a relationship with Jesus believe a relationship with Jesus believe a relationship with Jesus changes everything. And if you've changes everything. And if you've changes everything. And if you've decided to follow Jesus, we'd love for decided to follow Jesus, we'd love for decided to follow Jesus, we'd love for you to text the word believe to 31352.

you to text the word believe to 31352. you to text the word believe to 31352. So you can find out what it means to So you can find out what it means to So you can find out what it means to follow Christ. And to learn more about follow Christ. And to learn more about follow Christ. And to learn more about Calvary and all of our campuses, you're Calvary and all of our campuses, you're Calvary and all of our campuses, you're free to visit calvaryftl.org.