AGING WISELY

AGING WISELY                                                   January 5, 2014                                                     ECCLESIASTES 11:,9,10 12;1-7 VRS 13

Hook: Wise or Wrong Benjamin Franklin Proverbs

1.       "God helps those who help themselves"

2.       "A penny saved is a penny earned"

3.       "Well done is better than well said"

4.       "Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards"  

5.       "If you would know the value of money, try to borrow some"  

Book:  Heed the Warnings

1.      

Warnings about youth

Ecclesiastes 11:9,10

So what we can take away? 

2.       Warnings about Old Age

Ecclesiastes 12:1

Underline the world Remember  to remember = zakhar (זכר)

Read Ecclesiastes 12:2-7

What does verse 6 mean?

 Possibilities

1.

2.

3.

3.Wisdom for all

Ecclesiastes 12:13

1. People who DISOBEY God are described as being NON-FEARERS OF GOD.

2. Even in the FUTURE, IN HEAVEN the fear of God IS THERE.

3. The fear of God is where BELIEVERS gain TRUE KNOWLEDGE of the Creator

Look: What Risks are we less likely to take as we grow older?  Does this indicate a lack of faith?

Why ?  Why Not

Took: How does a healthy fear of God influence your daily decision?  How will you improve in this area?

Baptism

Snippet

It seemed like I was under for a long, long time

And layer after layer of gunk was being removed

Nate Hardagee on His Baptism

Scripture

Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.  Romans 6:1-4 NLT

Song

Baptism of Jesse Taylor Johnny Russell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW0Og9foOFs

Among the local taverns they'll be a slack in business
'Cause Jesse's drinkin' came before the groceries and the rent
Among the local women they'll be a slack in cheatin'
'Cause Jesse won't be be steppin' out again.

They baptized Jesse Taylor in Cedar Creek last Sunday
Jesus gained a soul and Satan lost a good right arm
They all cried "Hallelujah" as Jesse's head went under
'Cause this time he went under for the Lord.

The scars on Jesse's knuckles were more than just respected
The county courthouse records tell all there is to tell
The pockets of the gamblers will soon miss Jesse's money
And the black eye of the law will soon be well.
(Chorus)
From now on Nancy Taylor can proudly speak to neighbors
Tell how much Jesse took up with little Jim
Now Jimmy's got a daddy and Jesse's got a family
And Franklin County's got a lot more man.

Sentence Prayer

Father Praise Your Awesome Power that Raised Jesus and me to New Life

Jesus Praise Your Compelling love that drove you to the Cross for my Forgiveness

Holy Spirit Praise your Holy of Holies place in my heart at my baptism

Forgive me when I have been unwilling to share this new life in word and deeds.

Thank you for  _________ who shared Jesus with Me

Thank you for the victory over sin and death

Thank you that I am a new person

Pray for those in need of a new life in Christ.

Amen

Write down all you memories of when you came to have a relationship to Christ

and were baptized.  If you can set a spiritual birthday, when you celebrate your

new life in Christ!

WORN

Snippet

The Spirit does not take His pupils beyond the cross, but ever more deeply into it.

 J. Knox Chamblin  Paul and the Self: Apostolic Teaching for Personal Wholeness, Baker, 1993, p. 117.

Scripture

This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:

‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Zechariah 4:6 NKJV

Song

Worn Tenth Avenue North

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zulKcYItKIA

I’m Tired I’m worn

My heart is heavy

From the work it takes

To keep on breathing

I’ve made mistakes

I’ve let my hope fail

My soul feels crushed

By the weight of this world

And I know that you can give me rest

So I cry out with all that I have left

Let me see redemption win

Let me know the struggle ends

That you can mend a heart

That’s frail and torn

I wanna know a song can rise

From the ashes of a broken life

And all that’s dead inside can be reborn

Cause I’m worn

I know I need to lift my eyes up

But I'm too weak

Life just won’t let up

And I know that you can give me rest

So I cry out with all that I have left

Let me see redemption win

Let me know the struggle ends

That you can mend a heart

That’s frail and torn

I wanna know a song can rise

From the ashes of a broken life

And all that’s dead inside can be reborn

Cause I’m worn

My prayers are wearing thin

Yeah, I’m worn

Even before the day begins

Yeah, I’m worn

I’ve lost my will to fight

I’m worn

So, heaven come and flood my eyes

Let me see redemption win

Let me know the struggle ends

That you can mend a heart

That’s frail and torn

I wanna know a song can rise

From the ashes of a broken life

And all that’s dead inside can be reborn

Cause all that’s dead inside will be reborn

Though I’m worn

Yeah I’m worn

Sentence Prayer

Loving God,

Father of Jesus, our Savior,

By water and the Spirit you have

Freed us from sin and called us to faith.

Let the Holy Spirit you sent upon your church

Continue to work through the hearts of all who believe.

Come to us, Spirit, breath of life!

Empower us with your loving energy.

Be our helper and guide. Give us your Spirit

Of wisdom and understanding,

Of right judgement and courage,

Of knowledge and reverence.

Form us into oneness with all creation

And keep us attentive to the interdependence of all

Your people.

Fill us with wonder and awe in your presence

And grant that we may be open to your guiding love. Amen

LEAN ON ME

Snippet

We are the Sons and Daughters of the same father.  Rwandan proverb

Scripture

Share each other’s troubles and problems, and so obey our Lord’s command. 3 If anyone thinks he is too great to stoop to this, he is fooling himself. He is really a nobody. Galatians 6:2,3 LB

Song

Lean On Me by Newsboys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJufkeY1E5s

[Oldie but a goodie]

[1, 2, 3, funky]

[True MC, True MC]

[Everybody listens to the True MC]

True MC, no slack on the track

Here to tell the people that love's what we lack

In this family we gotta love like Christ

So precise in your life so take this advice

Brother to brother we need to learn to love each other

So lean on me when you're in trouble

I cast my cares on Christ 'cause He cares for me

So when you need a shoulder to cry on, just lean

[Props to my man speedy, 1, 2, 3]

Lean on me, when you're not strong

And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on

For it won't be long 'til

I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

Sometimes in our lives

We all have pain, we all have sorrows

But, if we are wise

We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me, when you're not strong

And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on

For it won't be long 'til

I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

Please, swallow your pride

If I have things that you need to borrow

For, no one can fill those of your needs

If you won't let them show

Lean on me, when you're not strong

And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on

For it won't be long 'til

I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

You just call on your brother when you need a hand

We all need somebody to lean on

I just might have some problems that you'd understand

We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me, when you're not strong

And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on

For it won't be long 'til

I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

Make it funky, make it funky

Make it funky, make it funky

Make it funky, make it funky

Cause I'm housin' this joint

Like a brother with an attitude

And comin' straight so you best give me latitude

Leanin' on my boys from the word get go

And bein' there for them cause the Lord said so

Many of us just don't know what to do

Well take it here and now from the boy named true

Don't dog a brother out when he stumbles and falls

Just be there to lean on y'all

Call me, call me, just call me,

Call me, call me, just call me, lean on me

Don't you know that I'll be there, you can lean on me

Don't you know that I'll be there, you can lean on me

Don't you know that I'll be there, you can lean on me

Sentence Prayer

Draw us ever closer into your community, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, that we might love one another and work with one another in ways that Mirror your care and unending love.  Amen

ABBA

Snippet

God smiles when we love him supremely, Trust him completely, obey whole heartedly, and praise and thank him continually.  

Rick Warren Daily Inspiration for purpose driven life pg. 55

Scripture

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen

Matthew 6:9-13

Song

Awesome God by Rich Mullins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KU8MS6lGmE8

When He rolls up His sleeves
He ain't just putting on the ritz
(Our God is an awesome God)
There's thunder in His footsteps
And lightning in His fists
(Our God is an awesome God)
And the Lord wasn't joking
When He kicked 'em out of Eden
It wasn't for no reason
That He shed His blood
His return is very close
And so you better be believing that
Our God is an awesome God

Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God

Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God

And when the sky was starless
In the void of the night
(Our God is an awesome God)
He spoke into the darkness
And created the light
(Our God is an awesome God)
Judgement and wrath He poured out on Sodom
Mercy and grace He gave us at the cross
I hope that we have not
Too quickly forgotten that
Our God is an awesome God

Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God

Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God

Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God

Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God

Our God is an awesome God (Our God is an awesome God)
He reigns from heaven above (He reigns from heaven above)
With wisdom, power, and love (With wisdom, power, and love)
Our God is an awesome God

Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God

Sentence Prayer

Father,

Give us Wisdom to perceive you,

Intellect to understand you,

Diligence to seek you,

Patience to wait for you,

Eyes to behold you,

A heart to meditate on you

And a life to proclaim you,

Through the power of the Spirit

Of our Lord Jesus Christ      Saint Benedict

BEGININGS

Snippet

Perhaps there is something restorative about a new years walk, something hopeful in unread visions and new days, precisely because there is a coming New Day.  Perhaps the hope promised in new mornings, the assurance of new mercies and new beginnings, is only a hint of the promise of a certain redemption, a new earth.  In this higher dream, God is the dreamer, redeeming worlds, redeeming time; God's redemption is the great love that prevents us from being consumed.   Unread Visions by Jill Carattini Daily Slice  Friday

Scripture

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed,                             because his compassions fail not.

They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that              seeketh him.  It is good that a man should both hope and quietly                  wait for the salvation of the LORD Lamentations 3:21-26  NKJV

Song

Verge of a Miracle

Rich Mullins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zZmcUW1TKw

Clung to a ball
That was hung in the sky
Hurled into orbit
There You are
Whether you fall down
Or whether you fly
Seems you can never get too far
Someone's waiting to put wings
Upon your flightless heart

You're on the verge of a miracle
Standing there
Oh you're on the verge of a miracle
Just waiting to be believed in
Open your eyes and see
You're on the verge of a miracle

Here in your room
Where nobody can see
Voices are loud
But seldom clear
But beneath the confusion
That's running so deep
There is a promise you must hear
The love that seems so far away
Is standing very near

You're on the verge of a miracle
Standing there
Oh you're on the verge of a miracle
Just waiting to be believed in
Open your eyes and see

When you've played out
Your last chance
And your directions
Have all been lost
When the roads that you look down
Are all dead ends
Look up
You could see if you'd just look up

You're on the verge of a miracle
Standing there
Oh you're on the verge of a miracle
Just waiting to be believed in
Open your eyes and see
You're on the verge of a miracle

Sentence Prayer

Lord our God,

Amid the uncertainties of our human life,

May we pause and draw strength from you,                                              Trusting in your faithful love.

We ask this through Jesus, you Son,your Lord

Amen

A Celtic Primer Pg 67

MONSTER

SNIPPET

The marvelous thing is that He who came to destroy the works of the devil [1 John 3:8] will destroy them in me. G. Campell Morgan

SCRIPTURE

          Am I saying that something good caused my death? Certainly not! It was sin that killed me by using something good. Now we can see how terrible and evil sin really is. ¹⁴We know that the Law is spiritual. But I am merely a human, and I have been sold as a slave to sin. ¹⁵In fact, I don't understand why I act the way I do. I don't do what I know is right. I do the things I hate. ¹⁶Although I don't do what I know is right, I agree that the Law is good. ¹⁷So I am not the one doing these evil things. The sin that lives in me is what does them.

I know that my selfish desires won't let me do anything that is good. Even when I want to do right, I cannot. ¹⁹Instead of doing what I know is right, I do wrong. ²⁰And so, if I don't do what I know is right, I am no longer the one doing these evil things. The sin that lives in me is what does them. Romans 7:13-20 CEV

SONG

Monster By Skillet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mjlM_RnsVE

The secret side of me, I never let you see
I keep it caged but I can't control it
So stay away from me, the beast is ugly
I feel the rage and I just can't hold it
It's scratching on the walls, in the closet, in the halls
It comes awake and I can't control it
Hiding under the bed, in my body, in my head
Why won't somebody come and save me from this, make it end?
I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin
I must confess that I feel like a monster
I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun
I must confess that I feel like a monster
I, I feel like a monster
I, I feel like a monster
My secret side I keep hid under lock and key
I keep it caged but I can't control it
'Cause if I let him out he'll tear me up, break me down
Why won't somebody come and save me from this, make it end?
I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin
I must confess that I feel like a monster
I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun
I must confess that I feel like a monster
I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin
I must confess that I feel like a monster
I, I feel like a monster
I, I feel like a monster

It's hiding in the dark, it's teeth are razor sharp
There's no escape for me, it wants my soul, it wants my heart
No one can hear me scream, maybe it's just a dream
Maybe it's inside of me, stop this monster

I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin
I must confess that I feel like a monster
I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun
I must confess that I feel like a monster

I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin
I must confess that I feel like a monster
I've gotta lose control, he something radical
I must confess that I feel like a monster
I, I feel like a monster
I, I feel like a monster
I, I feel like a monster
I, I feel like a monster

SENTENCE PRAYER

Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against thee
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved thee with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in thy will,
and walk in thy ways,
to the glory of thy Name. Amen

CARRY THE LIGHT

Snippet

“Peace on earth will come to stay, When we live Christmas every day.” ― Helen Steiner Rice

Scripture

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

Song

Carry the Light by Twila Paris

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOqMnwsvTNY

In this world of darkness

We are given light

Hope for all the dying

How will they know

How will they know

That Jesus loves them

And He died to save them

Chorus

Carry the Light

Carry the Light

Go and tell the children

They are precious in His sight

Carry the Light

Carry the Light

Go and preach the gospel

'Til there is no more night

In the name of Jesus Christ

Carry the Light

Count them by the millions

Blinded slaves to sin

Inside they are dying

How will they know

How will they know

That Jesus loves them

And His heart is breaking

Ending

Go ye into all the world

Go ye into all the world

And carry the Light the Light

Carry the Light

Sentence Prayer

O Light that knew no dawn,

That shines to endless day,

All things in earth and heav’n

Are brightened by thy ray;

No eye can to thy throne ascend,

Nor mind thy brightness comprehend.

Thy grace, O Father, give,

That I might serve in fear;

Above all gifts, I pray,

Grant me thy voice to hear;

From sin thy child in mercy free,

And let me dwell in light with thee.

Mother Teresa