David Macdonald - August 30th 2026

David Macdonald - August 30th, 2026 - Rejoice, Remember, Receive A student is a person who is dedicated to learning — anyone enrolled in a school, college or university, as well as anyone who takes a deep, curious interest in studying any subject or skill. Life is a school. Our textbook is the Bible, and the Holy Spirit is our Teacher. Son of King David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:27); became king of Israel at 20 and ruled 40 years Described as the wisest man of his times (1 Kings 4:29–34) and one of the wealthiest of all time (2 Chronicles 9:22) Reign marked by rare time of peace in Israel (1 Kings 4:24) — David's life had been ruled by wars Built the great Temple in Jerusalem and many other large projects God used him to write three books of the Bible: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon Had over 700 wives and 300 concubines — mostly in his old age; no record of children of theirs are named in Scripture Ecclesiastes 11:9 ESV ECCLESIASTES 11:9 NLT Enjoy in life when you are young and have strength, energy, curiosity and ability Worldly advice - follow your heart – hmmm?? – Jer. 17:9 A serious warning: But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment— young and old alike will stand before God It is natural and proper to enjoy youth — be sure it is in ways pleasing to God – live life with eternity always in mind 1 CORINTHIANS 15:19 Too soon old, and too late smart." “Live wisely while you are young. You might be old before you know it!" Ecclesiastes 12:1 ESV "Remember" means more than mental recall — it means ordering life around God now – consider Him, honour Him Solomon's version of Matthew 6:33: "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" Note the word YOUR Creator — not only the Creator of heaven and earth, but yours personally (Psalm 139) This is what keeps a life from ending in regret In youth - foundations are laid — learn of your Creator while you are learning the Scriptures Once schooling begins, encounter ideas that challenge faith – “deconstruction” Many who reject Christ grew up in Christian homes and know the gospel — they chose a direction early Life gets busy fast; without a close, disciplined walk you will be swept into the cares of this life Difficult days come, and life passes quickly HEBREWS 2:1 "Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity." — 12:8 The body deteriorates and goes to the grave — believers do not see this as hopelessness. We go to be with the Lord. – the best days are ahead! PHILIPPIANS 3:20–21 2 CORINTHIANS 5:6–9 Ecclesiastes 12:9-12 "Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh" (v.12) There is no end of opinions ready to be expressed; studying them can go on forever (NLT) Man's books can rob you of God's wisdom **Test all other books by the truth of God's Word — never the other way around JOHN 14:26 Fear God Reverence and awe — because we love Him and understand His power and greatness. Holy fear brings us to a loving submission. Keep His commandments God created life and wrote the manual of instructions. Don't wait until things fail to read them (Proverbs 1:7). Live in obedience. Prepare for judgment "The remarkable thing about fearing God is that, when you fear God, you fear nothing else; whereas, if you do not fear God, you fear everything else." — Oswald Chambers Live the rest of your days — whether many or few — in joyful reverence before God - - Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth