Daily Devotional

March 28th, 2023
by Laurel Dhillon

"And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yet, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs. The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright--words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end and much study is wearisome to the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil." Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

This morning I was finishing up my time in Ecclesiastes and I read in my notes after this final passage, "Read at my funeral." My reason for writing that was because I thought if I had it read at my funeral maybe it would somehow have more impact. But today I thought…"Why should I wait?! People need to hear them NOW!

These words are acceptable, upright and truthful. So many things ran through my mind when I read this. Such as John 1:1, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God," and John 1:14, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." Do you think this when you read your Bible each day? The first time I really took this all in was when I looked up the definition of "word." I don't remember what dictionary I used at the time but it said, "an utterance coming from the mouth." I remember thinking…"So what I am holding in my hand is the utterance coming from the mouth of Jesus!"

These words are wise and given by one Shepherd. In John 10:11 "Jesus said, 'I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.'" He came to give us life and because He is the Word, He produces life in us. 2 Timothy 3:16 is proof… "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…"

It makes me think of the many passages where God breathed life into man:

Genesis 1:7 "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being."
Ezekiel 37:4-5 (1-10) 'Again He said to me, "prophesy to these bones, and say to them, 'O dry bones hear the word of the LORD!' Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: 'Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live.'"'
John 20:21-22 "So Jesus said to them again, 'Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.' And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'"

When we receive Jesus, He breathes life into us. His Holy Spirit enters us and that's how we are able to live the life He calls us to live.That's why reading HIS WORD is more than just words on a page. It is God's breath, breathing life into us. Yes, there are a lot of good books out there, but sometimes they can make us so weary because we are working so hard to keep their list of do's and don'ts. There is only one that "brings every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil." And that WORD produces LIFE!

Let's not wait 'til our funeral to share this Good News!

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