A Journey With “The Teacher”
I don't remember exactly the first time I heard a scripture from the book of Ecclesiastes, but, within the last couple of years, I’ve had a chance to read the bible from cover to back, twice, and now in my third year reading it again. It was during these studies that I became intrigued about the book of Ecclesiastes. I’ve also looked at a few commentaries and debates as to whether King Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes or some unknown author. However, the opening of the book says “These are the words of the Teacher,[a] King David’s son, who ruled in Jerusalem”. Even as you read all Twelve (12) chapters, there are so many references that point to King Solomon. I personally believe that King Solomon had a lot of influence on the book of Ecclesiastes.
What’s important is, while I love the book of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes on the other hand gives me a reality check. I kid you not, if you haven’t studied it yet, then embark on this journey with me in the weeks ahead. I’ll be sharing with you various scriptures in the book of Ecclesiastes that you and I can chat about and see how real it gets. It will open your mind, your heart and perception. Matter of fact, it will bring you a resolve to many of the life questions and things you struggle with.
Just to share something funny with you, in the last few days, my closest friends have been wondering what’s up with me because anytime they bring up an issue, I quote Ecclesiastes and they fall off their backs laughing. I know they think it’s funny but they also know it’s real. To the point where now, when I ask them “should I read something in Ecclesiastes for you”, they’ll quickly beg to say “NO, we’ve heard you read it all”. (Laughing hard).
Well, since you have not heard me read it all, here’s your chance to indulge me as we face our realities this year and overcome them. Some bible versions call the author of Ecclesiastes, “The Preacher”, and others call him “The Teacher”. I like to reference him as “The Teacher” because boy does he teach us about life.
Welcome again and thank you for joining me on this intriguing journey with “The Teacher” every week. You’ll be greatly blessed.
XOXO,
Lady Abena.
Seek To Grow In Christ
In Ephesians 4, you will read about Apostle Paul earnestly beckoning believers to seek maturity in Christ. This maturity comes from spending time in studying the word of God, praying fervently in all kinds of prayer and allowing the Holy Spirit to invade your life, direct you and lead you to an understanding of the truth in Christ Jesus. This advice is so important especially in our world today where you seem to have religious organizations popping left and right. There’s a desperation for men and women of God to ‘prosper’ and some are literally convoluting the word of God with their own doctrine that is not of Christ. A lot of men and women of God are called, but many have not been sent. That is a whole message for another day.
Many people are desperate for answers to their problems and afflictions and rightly so, who would want to keep suffering? But, seeking just the solution to your problems and not understanding how to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ will lead you into the wrong sects and misguided teachings.
Ephesians 4:14-15 NIV teaches us best:
“14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ”
Here’s my encouragement to you, that you will desire to grow in Christ Jesus so you do not become a religious victim this year. When you are grounded in the Scripture, Prayer and walking with the Holy Spirit, you will know when you meet or see a preacher or some self-proclaimed men and women of God if they are truly operating under the authority of the Holy Spirit or something else. Don’t forget that Jesus Himself said that “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”, John 14:26 NIV.
So, who’s teaching you this year and who are you learning from? I pray for you that the Lord will stir up a grace in your life this year that will propel you to earnestly seek Him, study His word and mature into becoming more like Him. I decree it is so and it is in Jesus’ name. AMEN!
XOXO,
Lady Abena.
January 2023 Declarations
The Lord laid in my spirit to assure you that in this new year that you have started;
There will no longer be an infant who lives only a few days, or an old man who does not finish his days;
For the youth who dies at the age of a hundred, and the one who does not reach the age of a hundred will be thought of as accursed.
You will build houses and live in them.
You will plant vineyards and eat the fruit.
You will not build and another person will occupy.
You will not plant and another will eat [the fruit].
For as the lifetime of a tree, so will be the days of His children.
The Lord says we will fully enjoy [and long make use of] the work of our hands.
We will not labor in vain, or bear children for disaster for we are the descendants of those blessed by the Lord and our offspring too.
It shall also come to pass that before we call, He will answer; and while we are still speaking, He will hear us.
(Isaiah 65:20-24 AMP, paraphrased)
I declare it is so and so it is in Jesus’ name. AMEN!
XOXO,
Lady Abena.