Ecclesiastes 5: Stand in Awe of God
New International Version (NIV)
1 [a]Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.
2 Do not be quick with your mouth,
do not be hasty in your heart
to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
and you are on earth,
so let your words be few.
3 A dream comes when there are many cares,
and many words mark the speech of a fool.
do not be hasty in your heart
to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
and you are on earth,
so let your words be few.
3 A dream comes when there are many cares,
and many words mark the speech of a fool.
Stand in Awe of God
Daniel's thoughts:
I have had many thoughts and words, but God you are the one who is worthy. God speak to me, speak to anyone who might be reading this. Remind us that you are the one that matters. Come Holy Spirit speak your truth.
Let my words be few: I need to speak less and listen more in relationships but especially with you God in prayer, study of your word, in leadership, in InterVarsity and Church.
Daniel's Prayer:
God
Let my words be few
speak
I want to listen
humble me
Amen
Ecclesiastes 5
ReplyDeleteNew International Version (NIV)
Ecclesiastes 5
Fulfill Your Vow to God
1 [a]Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.
2 Do not be quick with your mouth,
do not be hasty in your heart
to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
and you are on earth,
so let your words be few.
3 A dream comes when there are many cares,
and many words mark the speech of a fool.
4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. 6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, “My vow was a mistake.” Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? 7 Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God.
This second half of the section has been on my heart. I often make rash decisions and commit to thing quickly. I have made promises and commitments to God and to people and broken them. Sometimes they have been big and sometimes small. But I want to be a man of integrity and follow through on my word. I thank God for his mercy and cleansing that washes us clean and frees us from guilt. I know that guilt over how I have failed on my promises to God could eat me, but his grace overflows and I am free to live anew not to continue in sin but to live to Christ and righteousness. I do fear you God but often for the wrong reasons. I want to fear you because you are righteous and mighty instead of because I am afraid of what you might take from me. I know your promise that you have the best possible life for me. Help me to trust in that and submit to you. In the end I know that submitting to you will be better as I see your plan. But even as I make mistakes your grace abounds and you still use everything for my good! Thank you Jesus!