The wise “Teacher” who wrote Ecclesiastes centuries before Jesus was born applied his “mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 1:12-13 NIV). He thoroughly reflected on what he had seen and experienced and came to the conclusion that, “A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment” (Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 NIV)?

 

Life is a gift from God. Our time, experiences, relationships, health, and all that sustains us are gifts from our Creator. The wise Teacher commends the reader to Enjoy Your Life. There are many things outside of our control, but we can choose to enjoy our meals, work, relationships, and the time we are here. Each day provides new opportunities to choose JOY and to thank God for his gifts.

 

For a full version of this Your Faith Journey devotional download the Worship Guide from the Avon UMC website: www.AvonUMC.com

 

The Your Faith Journey Bible verses for this week are listed below:

 

Today I am going to offer God ______________________________________.

 

During the worship service God revealed __________________________________________________________________________________.

 

I am going to respond by __________________________________________________________________________________________________.

 

Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 and thank God for his timing and seasons.

 

Read Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 and pray for your family members, friends, and the believers God has brought into your life so that you are not walking alone as a Jesus follower.

 

Read Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 and thank God for the time, talents, and treasures he has given you. Ask the Lord to enable you to enjoy what you have been given.

 

Read Ecclesiastes 8:14-15 and pray for God to enable you to experience joy during every task and chore you do today.

 

Read Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 and Matthew 22:34-40, then pray in response to the verses.

 

Rest, enjoy recreation, and re-read verses or phrases that stood out to you from

this past week. The questions below can be used to reflect upon the past week:

How did you see, hear, or encounter God during this past week?

Who needs to hear about your experience sometime in the coming days?

 

*If you don’t have a Bible, consider downloading the YouVersion Bible App for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play for your smartphone or tablet. You can also use www.BibleGateway.com to look up and read various translations of Bible verses online.