THE WHOLE STORY

The Book of Ecclesiastes #10

Pastor Dennis Clanton

March 23, 2025

(Ecclesiastes 11:7–12:1a, NLT) “Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning. When people live to be very old, let them rejoice in every day of life. But let them also remember there will be many dark days. Everything still to come is meaningless. Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy. But remember that youth, with a whole life before you, is meaningless. Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator.”

1.  ENJOY YOUR LIFE, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD

(Ecclesiastes 11:8, NLT) “Rejoice in every day of life.”

(Proverbs 27:1, NLT) “Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.”

(Matthew 6:34, LB) “Don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.”

(Ecclesiastes 11:4, LB) “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.”

(Ecclesiastes 9:9, Message) “Each day is God’s gift.”

2.  LIVE WITH A DREAM

(Ecclesiastes 11:9, Message) “You who are young, make the most of your youth. Relish your youthful vigor. Follow the impulses of your heart. If something looks good to you, pursue it. But know also that not just anything goes; You have to answer to God for every last bit of it.”

I will live Reverently.

Ecclesiastes 12:2–7 (NLT)

Remember him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky.

Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop. Remember him before your teeth—your few remaining servants—stop grinding; and before your eyes—the women looking through the windows—see dimly.

Remember him before the door to life’s opportunities is closed and the sound of work fades. Now you rise at the first chirping of the birds, but then all their sounds will grow faint.

Remember him before you become fearful of falling and worry about danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper, and the caperberry no longer inspires sexual desire. Remember him before you near the grave, your everlasting home, when the mourners will weep at your funeral.

Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don’t wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well.

For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.

GROWTHWORK

1.  Write a Plan for my dream

(Proverbs 16:9, AMP) “A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.”

I will live a holy life.

(Ecclesiastes 11:10, NLT) “Refuse to worry and keep your body healthy.”

• Have a clear mind.
• Have a clean body.
• Have a committed spirit.

   

2.  Read my Bible daily

(Isaiah 55:11, NLT) “It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.”

I will have days of sunshine and darkness.

(Ecclesiastes 11:7-8, NLT) “… how pleasant to see a new day dawning. … remember there will be many dark days.”

3.  Build my faith

(Acts 20:32, LB) “I entrust you to God and his care and to his wonderful words that are able to build your faith …”

(Joshua 1:9, GN) “Be sure that the book of the Law is always read in your worship. Study it day and night, and make sure that you obey everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. … Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go.”

4.  Prepare to Give an Account of my life to God

(Ecclesiastes 12:13–14, NLT) “That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.”