Daily Encouragement (8/17/21) "When the Grinders Cease"
Published: Tue, 08/17/21
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A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber.
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Tuesday, August 17, 2021
 "When the Grinders Cease"
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"Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them'" (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
 Several weeks ago I was eating a peach (as I recall) and felt like a bit of the pit had broken off in my mouth so I spit it out. Then I discovered it wasn't the pit but a tooth had fallen out! I quickly reached into the trash to recover the broken tooth but apart from have having a gaping space in the middle of my lower teeth I had no pain. Now truth be told I was already missing a molar in the back but have managed
without it, but this was a lower front tooth so it was quite obvious when I talked to others. I put if off for awhile but yesterday Brooksyne emphatically said, "CALL THE DENTIST!!!" (I guess she was tired of me having a hillbilly look.)So I called and they got me right in and yesterday morning I visited Dr. Dinse, my long-time dentist. He glued the tooth back in (although I am sure that's not the official dental term). He told me he hoped it would get me another couple hundred thousand miles.
In Ecclesiastes 12:2-5 Solomon writes about the changes that come to those enduring old age with a colorful litany of the impact of aging. One phrase applicable to my experience states, "when the grinders cease because they are few" (v.3). Or as one version states, "Your teeth will fall out so you cannot chew" (NCV).
We heard Brad Mullen preach an excellent message from Ecclesiastes 12 several weeks ago and I suppose, due to our own aging, it seemed very applicable. Here's a list of aging afflictions from these verses; Sense of despair (v.2), Weak arms and legs (v.3), Failing teeth (v.3), Failing eyesight (v.3), Failing hearing (v.4), Fears (v.5), White hair (v.5), Difficulty walking (v.5), No appetite/desires (v.5).
In this final chapter of Ecclesiastes Solomon, who experientially knows the effects of aging reaches deep and again expresses the faith of his youth. He acknowledges the trouble that inevitably is a part of life and even the cynicism that many experience with increasing age.
Today's text begins the chapter and it seems to me the text is actually directed to the younger folks, "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, 'I find no pleasure in them'".
The Life Application study note treats this verse:
“A life without God can produce a bitter, lonely, and hopeless old age. A life centered around God is fulfilling; it will make the “days of trouble” – when disabilities, sickness, and handicaps cause barriers to enjoying life – satisfying because of the hope of eternal life. Being young is exciting, but the excitement of youth can become a barrier to closeness with God if it makes young
people focus on passing pleasures instead of eternal values. Make your strength available to God when it is still yours – during your youthful years. Don’t waste it on evil or meaningless activities that become bad habits and make you callous. Seek God now.”
Remembering our Creator is a timeless call to all regardless of age. The best decision you can make early in life is to remember your Creator. Many can reflect upon that decision as they age with gratitude. But you can remember your Creator at any time in life even in old age.
I know many who have remembered their Creator and have done so throughout their lives even into their senior years. They're not cynical, even amidst the inevitable effects of aging, they rejoice in God's love and provision. They demonstrate a great spiritual maxim: obedience brings blessing. Just begin to consider your blessings as you purposefully, "remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, 'I find no pleasure in them'” (Ecclesiastes 12:10).
Be encouraged today, (Hebrews 3:13) Stephen & Brooksyne Weber  Daily prayer: Father, we who have received Christ early in our young
years are grateful for the solid and lasting foundation we’re building that will provide comfort, solidity, and needed perspective when we approach the golden years of our life here on earth. The older we get the more this earth and all that it has to offer grows dimmer while the lights of glory grow ever brighter. When we considerour nation's troubles, trouble throughout the world and our own personal troubles we will find peace, comfort and hope when we fix our eyes on the eternal
city not built with human hands but fashioned and designed by the Builder of the Ages. Keep us true Lord Jesus, for there’s a race to be run and there are many victories to be won in every season of life on this side of heaven. We can be victorious through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
"Finish Well" Video Karen Peck "The Longer I Serve Him" Video Bill Gaither
"Turn Your Eyes" Video
The Glorious Christ Live
"When the Grinders Cease" When the body fails and the eyes grow dim, we start evaluating our lives. That’s what King Solomon did, and here is his conclusion. Interesting study
This evening we pick up Ester at BWI after a several weeks of visiting her aunt and boyfriend in Texas so Brooksyne has her welcome home greeting ready.
Finally today:
 Our border collie, Mollie, loves when you throw the rings to her so she can run and catch them. But if she has no one to throw them to her she manages to throw them up in the air and catch them all by herself!
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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version. Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity." © Copyright 2021 Stephen C. & Brooksyne Weber - All Rights Reserved
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