Evangelist Wil Rice IV (firstlight@billriceranch.org)
Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"
Times, Seasons, and Purpose
Not too long ago, I came across a picture I had taken while we were driving down a coastal highway in South Florida. The picture is of a beautiful, lavish house with elaborate landscaping and a stretch limo parked in the driveway-the owners of this home undoubtedly could buy almost anything their hearts desired! King Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, was also a man of untold wealth. Not only was he rich, but he was also the wisest man on earth!
But, contrary to today's thinking, both wealth and wisdom are folly by themselves. They only matter when they are used to affect eternity. You see, everything has its season; things of earth will pass away. Ironically, the surest thing in life is the fact that life will end! This is the basis of King Solomon's message in Ecclesiastes 3: "to everything there is a season."
A sense of time automatically brings restraint. All things in this life have a definite beginning and end. Notice the "seasons" mentioned in the next few verses: "A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which was planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. . . ." And the list goes on. We must be reminded that we only have a short time here on this earth.
This restraint should give us a sense of responsibility. Whatever we are going to do, we'd better do now! Before we know it, the season of sowing will be past. So make the most of every day-don't take time for granted. What are you putting off that should be done for the Lord today? What eternal goals are you aiming for today?
With this sense of responsibility, the Lord gives us a wonderful reminder. Verse 11 says, "He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end." God has a purpose behind every season and time throughout history, and He also has a purpose for every season we go through in our lives. God is the One who determines our purpose in life. His plan for my short life is part of His great plan for the ages! No life-no matter how short-is an accident; God has a specific, unique purpose for every life.
Not only that, but His purposes extend to each season within our lives. Each changing season brings with it a unique purpose. So find pleasure in the season you are in today! Yes, be busy doing the work God has given you for today; but don't get too busy to enjoy your life. Everything we have is given to us by our loving God! Verse 22 says, "Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?"
So be mindful today that your life is only for a season, but rejoice in the truth that God has a purpose for your life today! Make the most of your "portion" today and enjoy what the Lord has given you.
Prayer Requests:
1. Bill Rice Ranch Men's Conference (Oct. 2-4)
2. Deaf on the Move Rally in Seattle, WA (Oct. 4)
For more information about the Bill Rice Ranch visit our website: billriceranch.org
Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"
Times, Seasons, and Purpose
Not too long ago, I came across a picture I had taken while we were driving down a coastal highway in South Florida. The picture is of a beautiful, lavish house with elaborate landscaping and a stretch limo parked in the driveway-the owners of this home undoubtedly could buy almost anything their hearts desired! King Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, was also a man of untold wealth. Not only was he rich, but he was also the wisest man on earth!
But, contrary to today's thinking, both wealth and wisdom are folly by themselves. They only matter when they are used to affect eternity. You see, everything has its season; things of earth will pass away. Ironically, the surest thing in life is the fact that life will end! This is the basis of King Solomon's message in Ecclesiastes 3: "to everything there is a season."
A sense of time automatically brings restraint. All things in this life have a definite beginning and end. Notice the "seasons" mentioned in the next few verses: "A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which was planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. . . ." And the list goes on. We must be reminded that we only have a short time here on this earth.
This restraint should give us a sense of responsibility. Whatever we are going to do, we'd better do now! Before we know it, the season of sowing will be past. So make the most of every day-don't take time for granted. What are you putting off that should be done for the Lord today? What eternal goals are you aiming for today?
With this sense of responsibility, the Lord gives us a wonderful reminder. Verse 11 says, "He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end." God has a purpose behind every season and time throughout history, and He also has a purpose for every season we go through in our lives. God is the One who determines our purpose in life. His plan for my short life is part of His great plan for the ages! No life-no matter how short-is an accident; God has a specific, unique purpose for every life.
Not only that, but His purposes extend to each season within our lives. Each changing season brings with it a unique purpose. So find pleasure in the season you are in today! Yes, be busy doing the work God has given you for today; but don't get too busy to enjoy your life. Everything we have is given to us by our loving God! Verse 22 says, "Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?"
So be mindful today that your life is only for a season, but rejoice in the truth that God has a purpose for your life today! Make the most of your "portion" today and enjoy what the Lord has given you.
Prayer Requests:
1. Bill Rice Ranch Men's Conference (Oct. 2-4)
2. Deaf on the Move Rally in Seattle, WA (Oct. 4)
For more information about the Bill Rice Ranch visit our website: billriceranch.org
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