Solomon observes

ECCLESIASTES CHAPTER 4

Solomon's observances were pessimistic. He says that he saw the tears of the oppressed, with no one to comfort them. The oppressors had great power and the victims were helpless. So he concluded that the dead are better off then the living.

He also observed that most people are motivated to success by their envy of their neighbors. And that foolish people refuse to work and almost starve.
He observed another example of meaningless, as that of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet works to accumulate all the wealth he can and ends up resenting his work.

Two people, says Solomon can accomplish more than twice as one. When one falls, the other reaches out, but if they both fall, they are in trouble. Under a blanket on a cold night, they gain warmth from each other and can stand back to back and conquer. Three people, he says are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Solomon says it is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: In this chapter Solomon reflects that some people are lazy and others workaholics. The lazy person idles away his time and hurts himself and those who depend on him. A workaholic is often driven by envy and greed. The answer is to work hard but with moderation. And take time to enjoy the gifts God has given.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? Two to work is better than one, and three is even better. Life is designed for companionship, not isolation. We are on this earth to serve God and don't ever forget it! Become a team member for God. How much better is God's approval. His love never changes!

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Pray for Gabe.
Pray for Janice Long’s parents, especially her mother who faces another round of chemotherapy and her father with Alzheimer’s and now her mother in law also with Alzheimer’s. Their family is feeling the strain both emotionally and financially. Pray for them. Update on this family: Her mother-in-law is being taken to Oklahoma to live with an aunt who will care for her.
Pray for Arlene’s nephew David and for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life.
Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer and for her sister Wanda’s soul which went to heaven.
Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. Thanks to your prayers, she is able to hobble without a cane and has been granted disability. She still has surgery scheduled on her hand, but I saw her recently and her attitude is fantastic.
Pray for Robert Sargent who is quite ill with lung cancer.
Pray for Gary Summers, my friend from church, who has cancer.
Pray for Judy’s husband who was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Pray for her too, that she can deal with the side effects of his illness.
Pray too for Charly’s husband Robert who is undergoing chemo for his prostate cancer. Update on Robert: he has one more treatment and then three months of waiting for his psat test to come back clean.
Pray for John’s recovery from a heart attack and for the doctors who have difficulty diagnosing his other symptoms.
Pray for James’s sister Cynthia whose chemo has lost its effect as the cancer grows powerful.
Pray for another friend named Carolyn whose faith remains strong, but is lost and confused about where and how to spend her elder years.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.