“The RoseBouquet”

(a page from a devotional book in progress)

Ecclesiastes 2:26 To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Wow! I’ve marked this before, but haven’t thought of it lately.

Is this true now though in my life? I do hope I please God, and I like to think He is granting me wisdom, knowledge and much happiness! The monies I’ve received in the last year or so are not really from sinners, but from Christians who wanted to help.

But still, if God wants to turn sinners’ money over to me too, … I’m open to any of His gifts, aren’t you? Can you picture this; you live a life that pleases God, so He gives you wisdom, knowledge and happiness, and He has sinners raise funds or wealth, which they turn over to you?

Once a former neighbour who remembered me from my childhood met me in a public place, and seemed to know all about me. He was watching my life. He insisted he wanted nothing to do with church, but he held out $20 to me and said he wanted me to have it as long as I would spend it on myself and not give it to my church.

About three months ago I heard a young woman raising support for full-time missionary work share how a couple, not believers, had come to her and said, “We’ve been watching your life and we want to help you out. Here’s money to help you buy a house for you and your daughters.” It was a check for $250,000, and she was able to find a house for that price!

PRAYER: How shall I understand this, Lord? The first part I grasp, for You do give wisdom, knowledge and happiness when our lives are obedient and pleasing to You. Do You really give the sinners the task of gathering wealth for those that please You? If so, that is tremendous! Thank You for being so creative in supplying our every need, and the resources to do Your work in Your name. Amen.