Recently, I asked Walter Vogt if I could use some of his pictures for my posts- he was glad to help!!! Here is one of them. I cropped it, changed it and made it mean something to me, personally. If you would like to see the original, go to facebook and visit Walt's page (you WILL enjoy it). While I was adjusting the various aspects of the photo, I asked myself the question: What if I could extend this process to my life? In other words- What if I could do ANYTHING I WANTED TO DO- NO BOUNDARIES???
Ecclesiastes, Chapter 1
12 I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the sky. It is a heavy burden that God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with. 14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and a chasing after wind. 15 That which is crooked can’t be made straight; and that which is lacking can’t be counted. 16 I said to myself, “Behold, I have obtained for myself great wisdom above all who were before me in Jerusalem. Yes, my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.” 17 I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind. 18 For in much wisdom is much grief; and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.
Chapter 2
3 I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives. 4 I made myself great works. I built myself houses. I planted myself vineyards. 5 I made myself gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit. 6 I made myself pools of water, to water from it the forest where trees were reared. 7 I bought male servants and female servants, and had servants born in my house. I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all who were before me in Jerusalem; 8 I also gathered silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces. I got myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men—musical instruments, and that of all sorts. 9 So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me. 10 Whatever my eyes desired, I didn’t keep from them. I didn’t withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor, and this was my portion from all my labor.
Chapter 12
9 Further, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge. Yes, he pondered, sought out, and set in order many proverbs. 10 The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, and that which was written blamelessly, words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are like goads; and like nails well fastened are words from the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. 12 Furthermore, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
13 This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.
I can only imagine the abilities of Solomon. He was one of the most significant kings of Israel (if not THE MOST SIGNIFICANT). His wisdom, accomplishments, and wealth are legendary!!! Yet, for all he was and did- he concluded the whole duty of many was fearing God and keeping his commandments. I find it quite ironic that at the end of his life he turned from his own conclusions and served a myriad of false gods. He also failed with his son and soon after Solomon's demise, the country divided. I guess there are limits for everyone, even the mighty Solomon. God has given us the freedom to give him the respect he deserves or disobey him. On this Independence day, be thankful for the freedoms we enjoy, but realize that with freedom also comes the danger of making incorrect choices.
PS. Walt- I hope you like what I did with your picture?
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