You don't have to be an Einstein to understand that explanation of life. Fear God. Pastor Adrian Rogers called the fear of the Lord, "love on it's knees." It's a worshipful devotion to the Lord. I've chalked out a simple acronym for the FEAR of the Lord that I've shared before-
Follow by faith God's holy word,
Eschew evil, O flee it's trap like a bird.
Act in obedience, for God always sees,
Reverence His rulership, O worship on your knees.
Solomon not only wrote down that we need to fear the Lord, he also pointed out that we need to obey Him as well. They go hand in hand. A man is fooling himself if he thinks he fears the Lord, but is not obeying His commands. Jesus put it this way, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" Luke 6:46. We need to remember that God's commands are to free us, not to enslave us. Jesus said, "the truth will set you free." There are those who still think they would be better off keeping a secret sin, hidden. Chalk that up to foolishness, for God is not blind. Ecclesiastes ends with this reminder, "God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or bad" 12:14. Paul put it this way, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. Since then we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men" 2 Cor.5:10-11. Notice that Paul also mentioned judgment and the fear of the Lord. This motivated him to seek to persuade others. He didn't want to be a good for nothing Christian. He wanted to persuade others to fear (devotedly love) and follow the Lord. Christ's love compelled him. I'm so glad you are motivated to love and serve the Lord. You are also seeking to lovingly persuade others to follow Him. Oh, to one day hear at the judgment seat of Christ, "Well done!"
I'm no Einstein. M3 has a very simple focus- it's to multiply MANLY men. We can now summarize our focus; E = M3 squared :)
Evangelize. You are doing that as you share your faith and Greatest Mini-movies.
Enlist. You are telling Christian men about M3 and giving out M3 cards.
Exemplify. You are examples for them of how to be GREAT in God's kingdom as they see on the GREAT scoreboard.
Encourage. You encourage others on the blog and especially those in your squad, fire team and new recruits.
I'm so glad you are with me on this GREAT commission we have been given.
1.- So send a text of encouragement right now to one or more of your fire team brothers. Strengthen these bonds. Pray often for each other.
2.- Read through Eccles.12:9-14 and pick out one verse and share some of your thoughts regarding it.
Announcements
Wow! Congratulations to Squad 5 with a weekly average score of 38.2. Fire Team 1 and 2 of Squad 5 also rocked with 38 and 38.5 with both teams also having all their men being Unstoppable. Don't envy, please emulate. Please do what we have all committed to- blog daily and put up your points daily. If you do, every team will excel. Thanks!
| Squad 1 | #REF! | 23.42 | Squad 4 | 0 | 19.5 | |||||
| Eddie Morales | U | R5 | 52 | George Rabiela | U | R1 | 53 | |||
| Fire Team 1 | 30.5 | Fire Team 1 | 16.3 | |||||||
| William Dyckman | U | R1 | 34 | Dave Heidekruger | U | R2 | 28 | |||
| Phil Raymond | U | 29 | Michael Gonzalez | 0 | ||||||
| Ismael Andrade | R2 | 26 | Chuy Cervantes | U | 21 | |||||
| James Schmidt | U | 33 | Fire Team 2 | 22.6 | ||||||
| Fire Team 2 | 14 | Rich Guardiola | U | R1 | 33 | |||||
| Gary Remson | R1 | 0 | Mark Estrada | 0 | ||||||
| Luis Ortiz | 14 | Horacio De La Torre | U | 35 | ||||||
| Alex Dyckman | U | 28 | Squad 5 | 0 | 38.2 | |||||
| Fire Team 2 | 0 | 27 | Jack Rogers | U | R4 | 106 | ||||
| Sam Vargas | U | R3 | 24 | Fire Team 1 | 38 | |||||
| Fire Team 1 | 40 | Roger Vinlasaca | U | R1 | 45 | |||||
| Oscar Nunez | 36 | Hernandez | U | 31 | ||||||
| Lou Ojeda | U | 44 | Jose Billegas | U | 38 | |||||
| Fire Team 2 | 18.3 | Fire Team 2 | 38.5 | |||||||
| Israel Fuentes | U | R1 | 28 | George Doherty | U | R1 | 38 | |||
| Flo Juarez | 0 | Andre Vargas | U | 39 | ||||||
| Dave DeBoer | U | 27 | ||||||||
| Squad 3 | 0 | 20.1 | ||||||||
| Robert Roman | R1 | 47 | ||||||||
| Fire Team 1 | 21.2 | |||||||||
| Vince Diaz | U | R1 | 38 | |||||||
| Antonio Palomar | R1 | 31 | ||||||||
| Nic Palhegyi | U | R1 | 16 | |||||||
| Rich Petre | 0 | |||||||||
| Fire Team 2 | 18 | |||||||||
| Osiris Alday | U | 36 | ||||||||
| Ed Lake | U | 0 |
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ReplyDelete2. " For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing whether it is good or bad." ECC 12:14
God is all knowing and sees everything-- he even knows what we are thinking of doing before we do it. It's what we do when we are are alone that counts-good or bad. Faithfulness is always and he KNOWS what we do and what is on our minds-so we must commit ourselves as followers of Jesus Christ to live by his examples to lead others. Love one another more than ourselves, live by his commands, and intentionally influence others to live by his ways.
Amen Jack! God bless.
DeleteExcellent Jack!
DeleteBrother Jack, your comments reminded me of Psalm 19:12-14 "But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight,Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
DeleteI agree 100% with you! Good words jack!
DeleteAmen Jack, great words of encouragement.
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ReplyDelete2. Eccl. 11:13 "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."
Very important admonishment for all of us to continually keep in mind, that we must obey his commandments in order to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Roger. I agree that the important thing is to live by his ways disclosed through the word. Great that we have the blood of Jesus to provide us the opportunity
DeleteTo be free to follow him
Oh Lord, help us to do just that.
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ReplyDelete2. Ecc.12.14." For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.". Very powerful verse. Judgement day for all.
Indeed George. Thx Lord for the blood of Jesus to free us to live righteously
DeleteRight on George!
DeleteAmen George may we always remember we now belong to God and act accordingly.
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ReplyDelete2- Ecclesiastes 12:9-10
“Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.” NIV
The teacher was wise and also shared his wisdom. I personally like talking to people who I consider wise. Their words are something that I enjoy listening to. I pray that I would be a man of wisdom and that I would share my wisdom with others. But.... Moving on to the following verse, that my words would be true as well. That I would not be wise in my own eyes but I pray for the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you Lord for Louis. May you help him all the more to be such a truthful and wise man.
DeleteKeep relying on him and you'll be good Luis. 😉
DeleteGod will enable your replies when you listen and give the correct words to what you have heard from other people.
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ReplyDelete2.13Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the duty of all mankind.
As it is written, this sums up the doctrine of the old testament and a simple, yet, right way to live our lives. To fear God is to worship, respect, have reverence for Him. And how does God know that we love Him? Because Jesus tells us in John 14:15 that if we keep love him we will keep his commandments.
Excellent cross reference too Eddie.
DeleteGreat post, Eddie!
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ReplyDelete2. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
Solomon was a wise man and rightfully concludes to fear God for we will be judged. Even the good things will be judged. Only God knows our intentions.I pray that we seek to know God better and fear Him out of respect.
Yes Lord, help us to pursue Sam's prayer- "I pray that we seek to know God better and fear Him out of respect."
DeleteAmen Sam thank your for that great admonishment.
Delete1. You got it!
ReplyDelete2."The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails —given by one Shepherd." Eccl 12:12
- I love how prophetic this is!
Yes indeed.
DeleteTrust your Michigan retreat was a good one.
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ReplyDelete2. "The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd." Ecclesiastes 12:11
The Shepherd's words compel us to obey Him and are firmly established!
Yes, and this verse reminds us that our Shepherd gave us this unique book as well :)
Delete1: Will do.
ReplyDelete2: Ecclesiastes 12:14. For god will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or bad
We will be held accountable for everything we do in life, our secrets will be held against us, whether good or bad.
Yes Jose may we always keep in mind that God sees us at all times.
DeleteO help us Lord to fear, to honor and obey you always.
DeleteVerse 12;14.......This reminds me of my brother when I was little my brother use to beat me for anything I did, although I for give him his beating left a bad influence on my life
ReplyDeleteUgh! sorry to hear that Flo.
DeleteGlad you didn't get hurt in your car crash.
Please make sure to give a word of encouragement to one or more of your fire team brothers.
Throughout our lives we are given trials to test our perseverence. Keep on this path with Jesus and it's great you understand forgiveness brother
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ReplyDelete2.“Words from the wise are like sharp goads. When these sayings are written down and saved, they can be used to guide people, just as a shepherd uses a sharp stick to make his sheep go the right way.” Ecclesiastes 12:11 ERV
This verse spoke to me and told me I need to start taking notes. I tend to forget things a lot. I'm going to start taking notes in service and during my devotions. I think this will help me grow even more.
Wise idea James. Since I have a good, but very short memory, I write things down a lot.
DeleteMay I suggest putting your notes all in one file. Then you can find anything using the search feature.
I'm glad when I do this and sad when I don't.
I pray that your word of wisdom are always guided by Christ
DeleteYeah bro, great thing to do. I keep all my notes on my phone. I go through them from time to time and it's crazy to realize how much I've forgotten when I start reading through them.
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ReplyDelete2. “For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:14
I find it cool that even the good we do in secret will one day be revealed. God doesn't just focus on our mistakes but cheers us on when we do good.
Amen brother, God is our Encourager!
DeleteThat's an encouraging perspective Nic. Thanks!
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ReplyDeletedid it
it was also very helpful to spread the word on what is being received on the outside of M3 to further enrich the team and increase the bond.
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Ecc 12:12 My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
I chose verse 12:2 as the warning to be careful of teaching that goes beyond the wisdom of God and the Bible. (Rev 22:19).
Alternately we should cherish the wisdom that is received here.
Yup, it's great to read good Christian literature but nothing compares to the bible.
Delete1 Sent an email
ReplyDelete2. " For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing whether it is good or bad." ECC 12:14
Cross reference
10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.
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ReplyDelete2.Ecclesiastes 12:13 Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
Plain and simple to understand. Fear God by knowing that in order to have eternal life in heaven, we must continue to praise God.
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ReplyDelete2) “The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd.”
Ecclesiastes 12:11
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ReplyDelete2. Ecc. 12:11, The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the master of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
Being a furniture maker/designer craftsman this jumped out to me. Understanding the importance of solid joinery and quality fasteners is crucial to the quality of a piece. No other aspect of a project has the potential to make or break the function and appearance of a piece. If it falls apart it doesn't matter how well the joints fit for the time it held together. If the finish is flawless it doesn't matter if the piece falls apart.
I can see this verse from two perspectives.
1. The wise man speaking the wise words.
2. The person (potentially) receiving the wise words.
This makes me reflect on the things I allow myself to say to my children. Specifically, all of the negative, critical, and destructive things I say. If my children were a piece of furniture that I've built, it would comparable to IKEA (shudders...) They are wonderful children, I'm amazed that they are as functional as they are. However, in the name of making a change for the better I choose to see my need for change.
Reflecting on the second perspective I noted I think of the times I heeded advice of the wise and also the times where I shunned the advice of the wise. Respectively, I've felt strengthened, encouraged, and built up as well as foolish and weak. I already know what I am capable of on my own. Frankly, I've seen enough of that.
It's time I submit myself, again, to the master maker.
Mike
Excellent Mike, just excellent! I look forward to having you in M3. Others will be blessed by you as well.
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ReplyDelete2. Ecc 12:13 says". Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind." -- a couple of cross references come to mind:
Deuteronomy 10:12. And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,
1 Samuel 12:24. But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.
Job 28:28. And he said to the human race, "The fear of the Lord--that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding."
The main point is as clear as day, The end of the matter, when all is heard, is this. This verse guards against every possible misconception, and give the author's real and mature conclusion. When this is received, all that need be said has been uttered. Fear God, and keep his commandments!!!
Israel, it sounds like you got Solomon's point and definitely stated it here very clearly. Great cross references brother.
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ReplyDelete2) Ecclesiastes 14:13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
Solomon, in all his wisdom and gained experience summarizes simply what will give man the greatest sense of meaning in life. It's found in his connection and relationship with his creator. Jesus also expressed this in John 14:15 “ If you love me, keep my commands. “
Very good thoughts, Mr. Heidekrueger!
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ReplyDelete2) For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
(Ecclesiastes 12:14 ESV)
usually when I think of judgement it sounds very negative but this verse says you will be judge of good and evil things. We should always strive to be good and it will become a habit of always doing good things.
Yes Amen Andre! I miss painting with u but I am grateful we are brothers in Christ!
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ReplyDelete2- Ecclesiastes 12:11New Living Translation (NLT)
11 The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd[a] drives the sheep
Just a very interesting verse. Very direct and to the point.
You are an awesome manly man Vinni! ;)
DeleteThis translation clears the verse up for me. Truly, wisdom poured into the ear of a fool can be painful. I have found myself in the position of the fool more times than I care to admit. If I am here, today, it is thanks to the cattle prod.
Delete1. Ecclesiastes 12:13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
ReplyDeleteDid it
DeleteI like your verse choice, Phil. This is one of my favorite verses of the Bible. By the way, great job on being unstoppable! :)
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ReplyDelete2) Ecclesiastes 12:13 "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind."
Looking for the purpose of life? Look no further.
Amen, brother. We have only to look to Christ as our standard. The path has been made known to all men, that any man can take up his cross and follow Him.
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2.- Ecc. 12:13
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
1 Samuel 12:24
But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Excellent cross references, Armando! These are really good verses. Thanks for sharing!
DeleteThank you for the verse from Micah 6:8, brother, and for reminding me of what the Lord requires of me. I will strive each day to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with my God. God bless you.
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ReplyDelete2. Ecclesiastes 12:14 "For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."
You don't have to be a reality TV star to be followed around with a camera and have your whole life recorded. God is keeping a record of our life for us. Do not boast about your good deeds (even the little things like cleaning up around the house or doing the dishes). God sees the good things you've done even when others don't. Do not hide your sin in shame (even the big things that you fear will be discovered). God sees you in the act of sinning, and He sees you in your human state and form. He took human form that He may meet us where we're at. Confess your sin to the Lord, and resolve never to sin that way again. When you make an oath to the Father, keep it. Heaven rejoices every time a man turns from sin and turns to Christ. Let's keep that party going! Live each day as though it were your last. Do the good today that you may not get a chance to do tomorrow. Turn from sin, that you may not get a chance to tomorrow. Live on your knees trusting that in prayer your loving Father lifts you up.
Osiris,
DeleteThank you for the encouraging words. I always learn a little more when I read your posts. You are a very faithfull son of God
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ReplyDelete2.http://bible.com/111/ecc.12.13.niv Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
Seems so fitting to end a book that is full of "mans' own ways" & all that was done "under the sun". May we ponder on life and see God great creation that is us and all around us and marvel at his glory!
Great words , Ismael! Stay on the path that lead to the Lord.
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ReplyDelete2 – Ecclesiastes 12: 11 The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep. This verse speaks for itself, it makes me think about the way a lot people live these days, they are only concerned with having a good time and not worrying about the consequences. While they may feel good today the consequences of their actions might not be known until they die and it’s too late to change where they will spend eternity.
What a scary thought. Is this what is meant fear of God?" Must be. But for those who know the Lord , this fear turns to love and obedience. George , my good friend, continue your close walk with the Lord. Continue to make wise choices.
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ReplyDelete2. Eccles 12: 13. After all this , there is only one thing to say: Have reverence for God , and Obey his commands , because this is all we've been created for.
We have a purpose in life. God created us to love, obey and seek his glory. This is all pleasing to God. When we please the Father, our life is a more fuller, and happier one.
1) I made sure to do so.
ReplyDelete2) The verse I chose is:
Ecclesiastes 12:10 “The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.”
I loved it because it spoke of the care and effort that Solomon took in writing Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, and Song is Solomon. It is a great indicator of how God treats His word to us.
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ReplyDelete2. Ecclesiastes 9:14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
Written proof that we all are going to be judged! This verse should bring the chills to every person. I know it does to me. So foolish i was but thank you God for the lessons learned.
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ReplyDelete2. – Ecclesiastes 12: 13 now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.