David Macdonald - August 30th, 2026 - Rejoice, Remember, ReceiveA 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 Described as the wisest man of his times (1 Kings Reign marked by rare time of peace in Israel (1 Kings Built the great Temple in Jerusalem and many other large projectsGod used him to write three books of the Bible: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of SolomonHad over 700 wives and 300 concubines — mostly in his old age; no record of children of theirs are named in ScriptureEcclesiastes ECCLESIASTES Enjoy in life when you are young and have strength, energy, curiosity and abilityWorldly advice - follow your heart – hmmm?? – Jer. A serious warning: But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment— young and old alike will stand before GodIt is natural and proper to enjoy youth — be sure it is in ways pleasing to God – live life with eternity always in mind1 CORINTHIANS Too soon old, and too late smart."“Live wisely while you are young. You might be old before you know it!"Ecclesiastes "Remember" means more than mental recall — it means ordering life around God now – consider Him, honour HimSolomon's version of Matthew 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 regretIn youth - foundations are laid — learn of your Creator while you are learning the ScripturesOnce 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 earlyLife gets busy fast; without a close, disciplined walk you will be swept into the cares of this lifeDifficult days come, and life passes quickly HEBREWS "Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity." — 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 2 CORINTHIANS Ecclesiastes "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 aroundJOHN Fear GodReverence and awe — because we love Him and understand His power and greatness. Holy fear brings us to a loving submission.Keep His commandmentsGod created life and wrote the manual of instructions. Don't wait until things fail to read them (Proverbs 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 ChambersLive the rest of your days — whether many or few — in joyful reverence before God - - Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth