Bible in a Year Blog

Isaiah 8:1-9:21 + 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 + Psalm 55:1-23 + Proverbs 23:4-5
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – I got chills today when reading Isaiah chapter 9 about the hope in our Messiah, Jesus Christ!  Keep in mind that the book of the prophet Isaiah was written in the 8th century B.C….  800 years before Jesus walked this earth!  Verses 1 & 2 start off this chapter in such a beautiful way:  “Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will soon be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light–a light that will shine on all who live in the land where death casts its shadow.”  Compare these verses to the Gospel of Matthew chapter 4 verses 12 through 17 at this link when Jesus begins his public ministry.  Amazing eh?  Jesus Christ is the great light!  The light of the world!  And indeed, a light to the Gentiles!

Verses 6 & 7 continued the chills for me as I read them – and reminded me of an incredibly beautiful song that is sung at my parent’s church every Christmas: “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David. The passionate commitment of the LORD Almighty will guarantee this!”  Do you believe that these verses were prophesying the coming of Jesus Christ 800 years later?  Do you believe that Jesus is a Wonderful Counselor?  Mighty God?  Prince of Peace?  Do you believe that Jesus rules forever with fairness and justice?  Praise God for this prophecy in Isaiah that a child would be born to us!  Though we are a few months out from Christmas, now feels like a good time for all of us to reflect upon these words below from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2 verses 8-14 (from the King James Version):

^“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Isaiah chapter 9 titled “The Glorious Messiah and the Messianic Age” is at this link.  Below is a great image for Isaiah chapter 9 verse 2 from today’s readings:

New Testament – Paul’s words in Second Corinthians chapter 12 verses 7 through 10 about the thorn in Paul’s flesh are so powerful for each of us to consider for our lives today as well! “But to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  Biblical commentaries can basically all agree that we do not know what Paul’s “thorn” was.  There is some interesting speculation out there.  Some think that the thorn is Paul’s flesh was perhaps something that literally affected his flesh – a health issue of some sort.  Some think it could have been a disease of the eyes, epilepsy, or even malaria.  Whatever the thorn was, it was something that affected him very seriously.  And it kept Paul humble in the midst of his incredible ministry.  Why do you suppose that Paul was given a thorn in his flesh?  Do you suppose you or I might have thorns in our flesh today?  What might those thorns be in your life today?  And why might those thorns be there?  Is there anything you can learn from Paul about your thorns?  Can you learn to live with the thorn in your flesh realizing that God’s power in your life actually works strongest when you are weak?  Do you believe that God’s power can actually work through the thorn in your flesh for God’s glory?  Will you accept where you are weak, so that in that area of your life God will be strong?

Continuing along this point about having a thorn in our flesh.  I do think this is a powerful thing for each of us to really meditate upon.  I believe that all of us have some sort of thorn in our flesh! (or we will…)  All of us are human with various frailties.  None of us are Superman or Wonderwoman.  We will all grow older – God-willing – and will eventually have health issues that will eventually lead to our death.  As Christians we have eternal life after death where all of our thorns will be removed forever!  But this side of heaven we will have thorns in our flesh.  Perhaps many thorns.  But, this is the beauty of the thorns…  if we will accept them and give them over to God, God’s power will work in our weakness!  If we will give all that we have over to God – the good, the bad, and the ugly, God will show up and move through it.  It’s tough I know to really put this into practice – if we lose a loved one, or get diagnosed with a serious illness, or are struggling with an addiction, we can often think “where is God in this??”  Well, yes, where is He?  Have you opened the door to let Him in the room of that weakness?  Will you let his power in?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Second Corinthians titled “Boasting in our Weakness” is at this link.  Below is a great image from Second Corinthians 12 verse 9 from today’s readings:

Psalms – Today we read Psalm 55 verse 22, which is a beautiful reminder to all who believe in the risen Lord! “Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” Please do meditate on this verse a bit.  Do you make it a habit of giving your burdens to the Lord?  Or do you try to carry your burdens on your own strength?  Is there a burden you are carrying today that you can give to the Lord?  Will you?  And do you trust that he will take care of you and not permit you to slip and fall?

Proverbs – Proverbs 23 verses 4 & 5 today are a great teaching on the futility of pursuing worldly wealth – “Don’t weary yourself trying to get rich. Why waste your time? For riches can disappear as though they had the wings of a bird!”  Have you ever tried to get rich?  Did it ever seem like perhaps that goal in and of itself was perhaps a waste of time?  What else in life do you miss out on when you pursue nothing but riches?   Is it possible that you miss out on God when you wholeheartedly pursue riches?  I do want to share with you a personal conversion of heart story here.  When I graduated from college my one goal in life was “to make one million dollars by the age of 30.”  Seriously.  And what a sad goal that turned out to be!  I did go through a period of about 4 years of really pursuing that goal – and it led me into a job that was leading me down the path of being rich, but it was a job that I absolutely hated.  The pursuit of that monetary goal was literally killing my soul.  Fortunately God can redeem dumb goals like this and save us from our self-destructive habits.  During that quest for riches God led me into a homeless shelter for teenagers where I finally had a conversion of heart experience to realize that there are people really struggling in our world – teenagers that have been physically, mentally, and sexually abused by their own parents in this case.  And I realized in that homeless shelter that I was doing absolutely nothing for these hurting teens in my pursuit of cold hard cash.  I was the one becoming cold!  Well, praise God that he led me to eventually quit that high profile job and begin working for jobs that paid much less, but which have given me a great opportunity to have work / life balance.  Jobs that have given me enough breathing room to grow in my relationship with God and others!  So, back to you and your life today.  Have you grown weary pursuing riches yet…?  🙂

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Psalm 55 reminded me of Britt Nicole’s song “Walk on The Water:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wddc8UzNiG8

Do you want to walk on the water? Click here and Walk On!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.” Proverbs 23:4 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are not pursuing riches. Pray that you don’t love money. Pray that you are pursuing God. Pray that you are pursuing righteousness.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up in the “Comments” below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Isaiah 8:1-9:21

Isaiah is in the midst of his people, God’s people, and is given a name to give to his child, a son, yet conceived, much less born. His two son’s names as well as his name, Isaiah, are prophetic reminders of what God will do. Yet despite all the destruction and despite Ahaz’s paying off of Assyria to chase away or stop Rezin, king of Syria and Pekah, king of Samaria—the Northern Kingdom, Judah and Jerusalem will be overtaken like a flood by the empire, Assyria, which she has paid handsomely to be her ally. Instead of turning to God, which Isaiah had previously told Ahaz to do and which was confirmed by a prophetic Word back in chapter seven, Ahaz turned to the Arm of Man, Assyria.

Immanuel, God with us, is something we think about as happening when Jesus was born, but Immanuel was back there when evil king Ahaz was on the throne with Rezin and Pekah breathing down his neck. Immanuel was back there when Moses led the Children of Israel out of Egypt hidden in the Pillar of Fire by night and the Pillar of Cloud by day.

Just like Immanuel was with Israel and Judah even when Assyria was flooding their land, he is with us today through natural disasters and manmade wars. . Are we bold enough to see Him in that Cloud and in the Fire? Are we perceptive to see him in the names of the children God has given to the prophet, as well as in the name of that prophet? We cry out, “Where is God?” when we experience pain, destruction and confusion, yet Immanuel is all around us. Open your spiritual eyes and ears to see and hear Him.

II Corinthians 12:1-10

It is usually preached that Paul’s thorn-in-the-flesh was some kind of illness and disability whether from actual sickness or from the myriad of beatings and stonings that happened to him because of his boldness in spreading the gospel but I’m not a firm believer in that line of thinking. Paul had been beat up a lot, so he probably looked like a train wreck in search of an accident. Even if Paul was funny looking and repulsed people at that time, we humans have this funny thing about us when we are around someone who is exuding love and kindness, we don’t see that “funny looking stuff.”

A pretty face and a “cut” body may first draw our eyes to look upon such a gorgeous vision, but if the person has an “ugly” personality then pretty gets ugly very quick. No, I think, this messenger of Satan was a person, or a person that had a pretty ugly spirit. Maybe it was those folks that followed behind after him trying to undo the freeing work of the Gospel. Again, I repeat, this is my opinion.

It is when I have tried everything to reason with an unreasonable person making sure and checking myself that there was not anything I did to cause animosity that I put that person, and myself, in God’s hands.

Psalm 55:1-23

Not only can we understand when our enemies come against us, well after all they are enemies, but it is our friends, or loved ones that caused the most damage and pain when they come against us. That is the time we need to call on God for our protection. An enemy does because he is our enemy; but when those who are suppose to “have our backs” turn on us that is the unkindest “cut” of all. And just like there are those who turn on us, I’m surer than sure that we have turned on those who we are suppose to be in a loving relationship with.

Proverbs 23:4-5

If we were to make a study of people who acquired wealth by working for it, we will find that the wealth, the wealth that lasts, did not come by way of get-quick-rich schemes. Most wealth earned legitimately was earned by ordinary people doing ordinary things extraordinary well. Besides there are other wisdom Proverbs that speak of wealth earned wrongly,

Proverbs 13:11 NET. Wealth gained quickly will dwindle away, but the one who gathers it little by little will become rich.

Proverbs 10:2 NET. Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from mortal danger.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Sammy:

Isaiah 6:1-7:25 + 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 + Psalm 54:1-7 + Proverbs 23:1-3
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Wonderful readings today in Isaiah chapter 6 as Isaiah is commissioned as a prophet by the Lord!  Great stuff!

The seraphim mentioned in this chapter are not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible by name, though they do seem similar to the “living creatures” described in Revelation 4:6-9.  It is intriguing to note that even the seraphim with two of their wings “covered their faces” (verse 2) before God.  No wonder Isaiah got very scared in verse 5 because he saw the Lord with his own eyes in this vision!  It is thought by some commentaries that this vision of Isaiah’s may have taken place in the Temple in Jerusalem.  Below are two pieces of artwork depicting the seraphim and verse 3: “In a great chorus they sang, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty! The whole earth is filled with his glory!”” Amen…

In Isaiah chapter 7 today we read about the sign of Immanuel in verses 14 through 16!  “All right then, the Lord himself will choose the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel–`God is with us.’ By the time this child is old enough to eat curds and honey, he will know enough to choose what is right and reject what is wrong. But before he knows right from wrong, the two kings you fear so much–the kings of Israel and Aram–will both be dead.”  I don’t know about you, but when I read this today I immediately thought of the virgin Mary and Jesus.  With good reason, as we’ll recall from the gospel of Matthew chapter 1 verse 23: “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.” Commentaries suggest that yes, indeed, these passages in Isaiah are ultimately wholly fulfilled in Jesus, who truly is “God with us.”  But, commentaries also suggest that this prophecy in Isaiah had a double fulfillment – first in a young woman from the house of Ahaz who was not married, but would marry and then have a son – and by the time the son was the age 2, the two invading kings would be destroyed.  Then, the second fulfillment of this prophecy was indeed in the One we now celebrate as the true Immanuel, Jesus Christ, God with us!

New Testament – Amazing words from Paul today in Second Corinthians chapter 11 verse 30! “If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am.”  Why would Paul say he would rather boast about things that show how weak he is?  Why would Paul want to be weak in any way?  Why would you or I want to be weak in any way?  If you must boast, what are you boasting about these days?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Second Corinthians titled “The Reluctant ‘Fool'” is at this link and “Boasting in our Weakness” is at this link.

Psalms –  I like Psalm 54 verse 4 a lot – “But God is my helper. The Lord is the one who keeps me alive!”  Is this true in your life?  Is God the one who keeps you alive?  Or are you trying to lean on other things as your source of life?  I believe it is such a blessing to surrender more and more to God until we get to the point where truly this true for us – God is the one – and only – who keeps us alive.  I am not saying I am there yet – but I’m trying to get there.  I’m trying to surrender more and more each day to God and to Jesus – all that I am – all that I am living for.  I pray that in your life and in mine God will be the one who keeps us alive!

Proverbs – Proverbs 23 verses 1 through 3 today teach us: “When dining with a ruler, pay attention to what is put before you. If you are a big eater, put a knife to your throat, and don’t desire all the delicacies–deception may be involved.”  This is a fascinating Proverb.  I think the key to remember here is that if you are dining with a ruler that you really need to be very well prayed-up!  Seriously.  Rulers don’t just mean presidents or politicians.  I think of rulers as perhaps our bosses or key people in our community who are well known, but whom perhaps we don’t know that well. If one of these people invites you to dinner, very simply put – beware.  Why?  Because… deception may be involved.  It may not be involved – it may be a very innocent invite to dinner – but you should be cautious.  If you are a woman and a well-known man invites you to a one-on-one dinner, and it seems out of context or strange in some way, my first inclination would be to not go.  We all obviously know the risk in a situation like this.  But men being invited to dinner by men, or men being invited to dinner by women, or women being invited to dinner by women all need to be careful too.  One-on-one dinners with someone other than your spouse, someone you are courting, or a good friend could be risky business.  I’ll briefly share with you that I got put into a crazy bad situation once being invited to a dinner by a “ruler” in my community.  I didn’t see at all what was coming.  (I’ll spare you the details…) By the grace of God it all turned out fine in the end – in fact, in some ways I have never felt the Spirit of God rushing through me as powerfully as when I was in that horrible situation over dinner.  But, it was a lesson learned!  When dining with a ruler – pay attention to what is before you!  Not only the food & drink… but the psychological game of deception that may very be before you as well… 

Worship Video: Today’s video was a slam-dunk with Isaiah 6:8 in today’s readings: “Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.””  Here’s Mercy Me’s great song “Here I Am” based on this verse:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfU5ys2O7gA

Are you in a relationship with God such that you could reply like Isaiah did, “Here I Am, Send Me?” Click here and get sent!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will go wherever God calls you to go. Pray that you will serve wherever Jesus asks you to serve. Pray that you will be sent wherever the Holy Spirit sends you!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up in the “Comments” below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Isaiah 3:1-5:30 + 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 + Psalm 53:1-6 + Proverbs 22:28-29
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Powerful readings in Isaiah today… The southern Kingdom of Judah is getting a stern warning from the prophet today!  A scary warning to the people of Judah for their disobedience comes at the end of our readings today in chapter 5 verses 26 through 30: “He will send a signal to the nations far away. He will whistle to those at the ends of the earth, and they will come racing toward Jerusalem. They will not get tired or stumble. They will run without stopping for rest or sleep. Not a belt will be loose, not a sandal thong broken. Their arrows will be sharp and their bows ready for battle. Sparks will fly from their horses’ hooves as the wheels of their chariots spin like the wind. Roaring like lions, they will pounce on their prey. They will seize my people and carry them off into captivity, and no one will be there to rescue them. The enemy nations will growl over their victims like the roaring of the sea. A cloud of darkness and sorrow will hover over Israel. The clouds will blot out the light.”  A random side note here, and definitely an indication of how much I’m swimming in our culture…  (as we all do to some extent – like fish surrounded by water – though, I think the Lord of the Rings has many redeeming values to it)  As I read these verses above, I thought of the orc armies from the Lord of the Rings running amuck over Middle Earth…

This map below gives a good overview of the growth of the Assyrian empire between 824 B.C. and 640 B.C. and how it engulfs Judah during this time period.  The prophet Isaiah was preaching his stern warnings right in the middle of this time period!

Isaiah chapter 5 verse 20 was directed at Judah in the 8th century B.C., but I wonder if this verse can have application to our world today? “Destruction is certain for those who say that evil is good and good is evil; that dark is light and light is dark; that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.”  Can you think of any examples in our modern world where evil is portrayed as good and good is portrayed as evil?  I can think of far too many examples unfortunately.  This twisting of good and evil, light and dark, bitter and sweet did not make God happy back in eighth century B.C.   Think God is happy about this twisting of good and evil today?

New Testament – Paul’s words in Second Corinthians chapter 11 verse 14 are some of the scariest words in Scripture for each of us to take to heart: “Even Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light.”  Do you believe these words of Paul’s are true?  How would you know if something that appears to be good on the surface is not really good at all?  Let us pray for discernment in this regards!  Let us not ever be fooled by Satan and his disguises!  (Okay, I found this scary picture below for this verse… what do you think?  Too scary for this blog?  Or maybe we should get a bit scared by this verse??)

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Second Corinthians titled “The Father of the Bride Exposes the Master of Deceit” is at this link.

Psalms – If you’ve ever asked yourself – or ever been asked – why do we need a Messiah?  What is our need of Jesus?  Well, I think this question is clearly answered in verses 2 & 3 of Psalm 53: “God looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if there is even one with real understanding, one who seeks for God. But no, all have turned away from God; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not even one!”  This is why we need Jesus.  With Jesus, we indeed seek for God.  With Jesus, we are blessed with the Holy Spirit to begin to have some real understanding.  But without Jesus…. well, it reminds me of the old DC Talk song “In the Light” – “What’s going on inside of me?  I despise my own behavior.  This only serves to confirm my suspicions, that I’m still a man in need of a Savior!”  Amen…

Proverbs – Today in Proverbs chapter 22 verse 29 we read: “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.”  The thing I love about this Proverb is that it encourages us to be skilled in our work.  Whether we are teachers, or bus drivers, or accountants, or technicians, or full time moms, I do strongly believe we are called to be skilled in our work!  Do you really focus on your work and make sure you give 100% to your job?  Do you avoid surfing the internet at work or chit-chatting for too long or checking personal emails? Do you work for your employer as if you were literally working for God?  Do you believe that indeed no matter what your job is that you are really working for God?  Do you want to give God your all?  Will you give work your all?  Don’t get me wrong – I’m not encouraging us to be workaholics.  I just think that too often we can slack off a bit at work and think it’s no big deal.  I think it is just the opposite.  I believe if we slack off at work we’ll be more likely to slack off in other areas of our life, including our relationship with God.  Are you skilled in your work? Do you realize that through your work you are not serving before obscure men, but you are indeed serving the King?

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the terrific Josiah Queen song called “My Promised Land:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lwz6dqE511k

Is Jesus your Promised Land? Click here for your Promised Land!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Do you see those who are skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.” Proverbs 22:29 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are skilled in your work. Pray that you continually grow in your skills in your work. Pray that you don’t ever slack off or steal time or anything else from your employer. Pray that you are serving your King Jesus in your work.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up in the “Comments” section below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Isaiah 1:1-2:22 + 2 Corinthians 10:1-18 + Psalm 52:1-9 + Proverbs 22:26-27
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today we begin the book of the prophet Isaiah!  A powerful quote from Bible.org at this link about this book is: “The Book of Isaiah is one of the most important books of the Old Testament. While little is known of the personal life of the prophet, he is considered to be one of the greatest of them all. The book is a collection of oracles, prophecies, and reports; but the common theme is the message of salvation. There was, according to these writings, no hope in anything that was made by people… There would be a purging of the nation because God is holy. Before the nation could inherit the promises made to the fathers, it would have to be made holy.”

~ Isaiah ~
Author: Isaiah
Date: Eighth century B.C.
Content: Isaiah’s long ministry lasted almost sixty years and covered the reigns of four kings, the last one being Hezekiah, the reformer. Isaiah was sent primarily to Judah, although his message concerns the northern kingdom of Israel as well. He lived through the awful days of the civil war between Israel and Judah in 734-732 B.C. and saw the destruction of Israel by Assyria in 722 B.C. the grim lesson taught by Israel’s fall was not lost on Isaiah, and he used it to encourage Hezekiah to trust in the Lord. The Lord delivered Judah from the mighty Assyrian army by sending a plague to destroy the camp. Isaiah also looked beyond his own time to the coming exile of Judah and the deliverance that God would provide.
Theme: Isaiah was one of Jesus’ favorite books and he quoted it frequently, because the central them is salvation. God is seen as the Savior of his people, who redeemed them from Egypt, who will redeem them from their coming captivity, and who will send his beloved Servant to bear the sins of us all (Isaiah 53:6). God freely offers to pardon all who will turn to him in repentance and faith. The future kingdom of God on earth is also described in exquisite detail as a time when men will lay down their swords and, in peace, sing praises to God their King. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 11) More great commentary on the book of Isaiah is at this link.  Below is a portrait of the prophet Isaiah by artist Guy Rowe:

Today in Isaiah chapter 1 verses 2 and 3 we read these words of the prophet Isaiah: “Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the LORD has spoken: “I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. The ox knows his master, the donkey his owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.” These words were spoken to the Israelites in the 8th century B.C., but do you suppose they can apply to our modern world today as well? Do we know God? Do we truly understand God? I do think that sometimes we can forget that God is our Father. We are his children. He has brought us up. And we have rebelled. Is an ox at times smarter than us in terms of knowing who its master is? Do we truly know who our master is? I’m afraid sometimes I live my life as if I am my own master. I am “master of my own destiny!” Well. . . am I really? What about you. Who is your master day in and day out? Do you know your Master? Do you understand?

Bible Project: Here is a great video overview of the book of Isaiah!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0A6Uchb1F8

New Testament – Wow… I love Paul’s words to the church in Second Corinthians chapter 10 verses 3 through 5: “We are human, but we don’t wage war with human plans and methods. We use God’s mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil’s strongholds. With these weapons we break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God. With these weapons we conquer their rebellious ideas, and we teach them to obey Christ.”  This is incredibly powerful for us to realize.  We are human.  God is God.  We are not God.  But, good news is that we have access to God’s “weapons” through our relationship with his son Jesus.  And trust me.  In this fallen world, we need God’s weapons.  We need his strength.  We need his grace.  We need his forgiveness.  We need his miracles.  We need his Son.  These are the only ways that we will knock down the Devil’s strongholds in our lives and in others lives.  How do we access God’s mighty weapons?  My personal opinion is that prayer is one of the best things we can do in this regards.  I don’t know about you, but I do not pray enough.  However, just lately I’ve been praying a bit more, and I’ll tell you, God has moved!  Prayer is such a beautiful mystery.  We need it like the air we breathe.  Please pray.  Other ways to access God’s mighty weapons are certainly reading and studying God’s Word daily, investing in a church community at least weekly (even more is better via small groups, etc.), and confessing and repenting and fleeing from sin.  Then, with God’s weapons we are called to introduce others to who God is and teach them to obey Christ.  How are you accessing God’s mighty weapons these days?  Are you praying?  Are you reading and studying the Bible daily?   Are you investing in a church community weekly?   Are you confessing and repenting and fleeing from sin?  Or are you relying on your human plans and methods to make it through the day?  Are you relying on worldly weapons?  Will you seek instead God’s mighty weapons?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Second Corinthians titled “Contrasting Christian Leaders With the Cultists” is at this link.

Psalms – Verse 9 in Psalm 52 stood out to me today – “”I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will wait for your mercies in the presence of your people.”  Are you looking forward to praising God forever?  Are you willing to wait for God?  If things don’t seem to be moving as quickly as you would like them to in your spiritual life, will you still wait for God?  And will you do so in the presence of God’s people?  Do you believe that being part of a church community can help you during a time of waiting for the Lord?  And do you believe that you can help others in your church to wait as well?  Then, together you can look forward to praising God forever for what he has done and will do! 

Proverbs – We read an interesting Proverb today in chapter 22 verses 26 & 27: “Do not co-sign another person’s note or put up a guarantee for someone else’s loan. If you can’t pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you.”  I’ve always been intrigued by these types of Proverbs / verses in the Bible.  Verses that basically say don’t co-sign or guarantee anybody else’s debt – unless of course we’re talking about your kid!  🙂  I do see the wisdom in this.  If you co-sign / guarantee for somebody else, then be prepared to have to pay back that debt in full…  Wow.  This is pretty heavy to think about.  We hear so much about staying out of debt – and typically think about our own personal debt.  That’s obviously wise.  And well, this Proverb today is saying don’t take on other people’s debt!  That is very wise! Stay out of debt!  Your own and particularly your friends’!

Worship Video: Psalm 52:9 in today’s readings reminded me of Michael W. Smith’s great song “A New Hallelujah!”

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

Do you want to sing a new Hallelujah? Click here and Sing!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: ‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the LORD. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'” Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that your sins have been made white as snow and wool, through a saving faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up in the “Comments” section below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Song of Solomon 5:1-8:14 + 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 + Psalm 51:1-19 + Proverbs 22:24-25
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today we finish up the Song of Solomon! Then – the next book snuck up on me – tomorrow we begin the book of the prophet Isaiah! Get ready for an incredible book. Get ready for many Eighth century B.C. prophecies of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ!  Tomorrow begins our readings of the Major Prophets:  Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel are before us.  Below is a quick re-cap of the 39 books in the Old Testament and their various categories:

Song of Solomon Chapter 8 verse 4 stood out to me today when the young woman says- “I want you to promise, O women of Jerusalem, not to awaken love until the time is right.”  This is an interesting concept I think – of not awakening love until the time is right.  The reason I bring this up is because I know tons of people who are single.  And probably a lot of folks reading this blog are single.  And I’ve come to realize that single people can oftentimes stress out over being single…  as if they are never going to get married.  Which, perhaps for some, may be true.  I do honestly believe that some are called to live a life of singleness.  However, if you are single I think stressing about it does no good.  Trying to “awaken love before the time is right” does no good.  In fact, in can be very bad.  I know of some folks that have gotten themselves in bad dating situations, simply because I think these folks were trying to “awaken love before the time is right.”  My thought here is that the Young Woman from Song of Solomon is absolutely right.  If we are single, we need to remember that everything is in God’s hands.  If God has a plan for us to get married, then we really don’t need to stress about the timing of it all.  It will happen when it should happen.   When the time is right.  And to try to awaken love before the time is right typically does not work out well.  So, that’s my two cents today.  🙂  I just hope that if you are single and feel like you’ve been single for too long, don’t stress out about it!  God’s timing and God’s plans for your life are indeed a mystery – but a beautiful mystery.  He will awaken love when – and if – the time is right.  Let us always remember in all areas of our life to “Let go and Let God”…

New Testament – Today in Second Corinthians chapter 9 verses 6 through 8 we read these words of Paul’s – “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” Great verses! A lot of ground is covered in these verses. Do you believe that we reap what we sow? What are you sowing? What have you decided in your heart to give? Do you give without reluctance? Do you give without compulsion? Are you a cheerful giver? Do you realize that God gracefully gives you all that you need so that you will participate in good works? Are you participating in God’s grace that he is freely giving to you? Related to these verses, I just recently finished reading Randy Alcorn’s wonderful little book, The Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving. Has anyone else read this book? It is a wonderful book about how it truly is more blessed to give than to receive! I highly recommend it!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s (and yesterday’s) readings in Second Corinthians titled “Keeping Your Commitments” is at this link.  Below is a great image for 2 Corinthians 9:10 from our readings today:

Psalms – Today we read one of my favorite Psalms!  Psalm 51. Psalm 51 is David’s humble prayer for forgiveness and cleansing after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband Uriah killed in battle. I believe that this Psalm can continue to be a humble prayer for forgiveness and cleansing for each of us today. This Psalm is read by many liturgical churches during the season of Lent as a penitential Psalm.  A brief quote from this Bible.org about this Psalm is: “The application of the psalm to believers today should be obvious. We, like David, can and must have complete cleansing before we can fully and freely serve God in any capacity. Our eternal destiny may not be in doubt when we sin as believers, and neither was David’s because he appealed to that covenant relationship, but our fellowship and service will be. God will not tolerate unconfessed sin, and so will hold us accountable if we do not confess.” I’ve been trying to figure out my favorite portion or two of this Psalm to share with you. . . but I can’t just pick one portion. It is all so powerful! Tell you what – I’m going to copy the full Psalm below in the NIV translation (my favorite for this Psalm). Please take a few moments to meditate upon this Psalm. My questions for reflection are these – Do you confess your sins to God? Do you confess your sins to others? And ask them to hold you accountable? When was the last time you confessed your sins to God? Do you have sins to confess to God today? Will you do so now? I pray this Psalm opens up your heart to the amazing burden that is lifted when we confess our sins to God!

Psalm 51
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.
Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.
Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.

In your good pleasure make Zion prosper;
build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Then there will be righteous sacrifices,
whole burnt offerings to delight you;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Proverbs – Proverbs 22 verses 24 through 25 are a great reminder to pay attention to who our friends are: “Keep away from angry, short-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.”  I’ve read somewhere that a good way to determine the character of a person is to take a look at who their friends are.  Now, this is a bit tricky I think because none of our friends will ever be perfect.  We should not look for perfect friends.  We won’t be perfect friends to others either.  Jesus is the only one true perfect friend for each of us.  But, there are certainly some “friends” who probably should not be people we spend a good deal of leisure time with.  There may be friends who are into lying or pornography or who are angry or short-tempered (per this Proverb) that we need to be very cautious around, otherwise we may learn to be like them.  Now, I do think we are called to be friends to people who may struggle with various things – including lying, pornography, being angry, etc. – but, we need to be very cautious and clear on our boundaries.  This is a tricky one I know…  Overall, I will say this – there are friends of mine that I have had to let go because I knew that hanging around them was simply not good for me.  How about you?  Are there any friends in your life that you may simply need to let the friendship go?  When might this be the appropriate thing to do?  When might it be the inappropriate thing to do?

Worship Video: Psalm 51 reminded me of the fantastic song “Create in me a Clean Heart” performed here by Donnie McClurkin and a choir:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILRjmPGvVB8

Do you want a clean heart? Click here to be made clean!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this today: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray for a pure heart and a steadfast spirit within you, through the grace and Spirit of God. Pray that you will live a pure life now and forevermore.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Song of Solomon 1:1-4:16 + 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 + Psalm 50:1-23 + Proverbs 22:22-23
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today we begin the Song of Solomon! Now, for those of you that have not read Song of Solomon before, let me say this up front – this is a book for married folks y’all! 🙂 Well, yes, us single folks can read it, but we would do well to know that this book is all about the beauty of love and, yes, sex – within marriage.

~ Song of Solomon ~
Author: Solomon
Date: Tenth century B.C.
Content: This book, about the love of Solomon and a Shulamite woman, consists of a series of lyrics or songs, hence the designation in the text: the Song of Songs. It is a simple but moving piece, describing the longing of two lovers for one another, of the struggles that need to be overcome, of the tender feelings that love awakens, and of the joy that the lovers find in being together. The young women of Jerusalem, who appear with Solomon and his beloved, add to the dramatic effect of the story by adding observations of their own.
Theme: The most obvious meaning of this narrative is that human love, which was ordained by God, is good and holy when enjoyed in obedience to the commands of God. Many interpreters have found a symbolic meaning in the book, however, and point to the love of God for Israel or the love of Christ for his church. Seen in this way it underscores the teaching of the New Testament that God is love (1 John 4:8). (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 10-11) More great commentary on the Song of Solomon is at this link.

Bible Project: Here is a terrific video overview of Song of Songs!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KC7xE4fgOw

New Testament – Second Corinthians chapter 8 verse 23 stood out to me today – “If anyone asks about Titus, say that he is my partner who works with me to help you. And these brothers are representatives of the churches. They are splendid examples of those who bring glory to Christ.”  I like that last sentence a lot.  I believe each of us are called to be splendid examples of those who bring glory to Jesus!  How is your example these days?   Below is an icon painting of Paul ordaining Titus on the island of Crete:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s (and tomorrow’s) readings in Second Corinthians titled “Keeping Your Commitments” is at this link.  Below is a great image for Second Corinthians 8:20-21 today:

Psalms – Psalm 50 verses 14 & 15 are beautiful words from God to Israel – “What I want instead is your true thanks to God; I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High. Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” Do you believe these words can apply to us today as well?  Are you giving true thanks to God each day?  Are you trusting in God in your times of trouble?  Are you giving God glory for all that he has done for you?  How often do you say “thank you” to God? 

Below is a great image for Psalm 50 verse 1 today:

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 22 verses 22 & 23 teach us today: “Do not rob the poor because they are poor or exploit the needy in court. For the LORD is their defender. He will injure anyone who injures them.”  This is a strong warning to not rob or exploit the poor.  I think we would do well to think of this not only in terms of the materially poor, but the spiritually or emotionally poor too.  Let us not rob them or exploit them.  For the Lord is their defender!

Worship Video: Psalm 50 verse 15’s “you will give me glory” reminded me of Third Day’s great song “Show Me Your Glory!”  Here’s a live version:

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

Do you want to see God’s Glory? Click here for Glory!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them.” Proverbs 22:22-23 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will never exploit the poor. Pray that you will bless the poor, know them, love them, and serve them – as you know, love, and serve yourself.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

II Corinthians 8:16-24
20 By traveling together we will guard against any suspicion, for we are anxious that no one should find fault with the way we are handling this generous gift. 21We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to know we are honorable.
Accountability and integrity as practiced by Paul: Never do anything alone that can bring on suspicious talk or rumor. In accounting the hand that takes should never be the hand that gives and there should always be a “Paper-trail.” Too often in ministry and churches across the country ministry does not submit to scrutiny or accountability which can lead to God’s name being Blasphemed when the shepherds abuse the sheep they have been assigned to watch over.
Psalm 50:1-23
13
I don’t need the bulls you sacrifice;
I don’t need the blood of goats.
14
What I want instead is your true thanks to God;
I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High.
Too often, we get caught up in the ritual and not the God who made us. Our worship should point to God. Yet we wind up worshiping the worship instead of the one we have been called to Worship, God.
Proverbs 22:22-23
Exploitation of the poor is almost applauded in this society. Predators seeking out a person’s week spot not to try to build them up but to take advantage and tear them down. Lust desires to benefit self at the expense of others while love desires to benefit others at the expense of self.
Lusting after people’s gifts, talents and abilities makes us enemies of God a position no one who is supposed to be filled Wisdom should ever want to be in.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Caryn:

I can’t help but feel a little cynical as I read Song of Songs, because I know that the author, Solomon, did not have only one wife, but rather several hundred concubines! It makes me wonder if perhaps amongst them he had one true love who should have been his one and only wife. Or perhaps the book describes what he imagined it might be like if he had found that one true love? Ultimately, Solomon’s love of women was part of his downfall.
Caryn

======= Pat:

It has long been debated if the book of Ecclesiastes should have been included in the Bible because of it’s negative approach to seeking God. For me Ecclesiastes contains many great teachings, such as there is a time for everything and the glory of seeking God over folly.
I have personally always wondered why the Songs of Solomon was included in the Bible. It just doesn’t seem to fit as there is no reference to God or God’s teachings in the Songs of Solomon. Maybe some of you can open my eyes as to why you feel it was included in The Word.
God Bless!
Pat

======= Ramona:

Pat,
Sometimes things are written and included in the Bible to give us the BIG PICTURE, sometimes they are written as examples, both positive and negative. Song of Solomon can be seen and is looked at as an Allegory reflecting the relationship of Jesus to His Church, the Bride of Christ, and/or His relationship to Israel, His Beloved.
I do know how you feel. Last year, after having read the Book of Esther hundreds of times, I had a total break-down, not the mental kind, but an emotional break-down (I believe my writing is still in the achieve Mike? You see when I was a child, two different churches I attended used that book and the phrase, “For such a times as this,” as justification for sexual abuse which was rampant in both places—two different denomination and none of them were Catholic.
What God has shown me is that we flock together with like kind when we are not looking for truth and use the Word of God as a cover—wolves in sheep clothing. My family has a history of allowing pedophiles to run rampant—dirty uncles, low-down parents and grandparents, so they went to churches where there was no accountability and predators were rampant in the pews and the pulpit. People don’t check each others behavior when everybody, or at least most, are doing it.
I pray that God shows you how the Song fits into His Purpose.
These things happened as examples for us, so that we will not crave evil things as they did … These things happened to them as examples and were written for our instruction, on whom the ends of the ages have come.
(1 Corinthians 10:6-11 NET.)
The reason I have dedicated myself to reading and studying the Word for myself is to be able to counter in my mind, and often out loud, those who misuse scripture and not allow those folks into my life.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Jan:

Re: Song of Songs
I look at this way – from Genesis (the Beginning), God intended for man & woman to be together & that portrays our relationship with Him/being One. I know that some of us are still single (some by choice & others not) – but I do believe if the Fall had never happened we would all have Godly perfect mates/spouses in Christ. That is just the way He chose to do this world.
Jan

======= Halle:

The Book of Solomon: In reading the Book of Solomon, there are two things that should be noted: (1) Solomon is actually a romantic musical with a chorus made up of friends standing on the back of the stage and Solomon and the Shulamite woman standing to the front of the stage. It is very hard to read from the KJV and much easier to follow when read from a study Bible that breaks out the separate performers. A study Bible makes the script easy to follow along with the interaction between the performers. (2) Even though interpreters compare this book to the love God had for the Israelites or the love Christ has for us, nowhere in the entire Bible in either the OT or the NT is there a reference made to or a quote taken from this book. It is a stand-alone love song. We also need to remember that the Shulamite woman was only one of Solomon’s many wives and concubines. If we do take this book as an interpretation of Christ’s love for us, then the lesson we get from it is that even though we are only one of many Christians, Christ has a special love for each individual one of us.
God Bless!
Halle

======= Jill:

I think one thing we have to remember is that not everything in the Old Testament is what God is telling us to do. Most of it is simply what people did. It is the history of the people on the earth after the fall of man and before redemption provided by Christ. I don’t take this to be wedded bliss; but just an example of how our natures are and how emotional sex is and how volitile it can also be. Not only did the people of the Old Testament live in sin – they also learned the hard way about it. I think we can get into trouble in thinking that Solomon was a true and faithful man to his wife – he had many. I think this is just to show us our raw emotions and how easily we can be beset by them. Many good people have been caught up in the web of emotons which were hormonal and from lust and not love. I don’t think this is just a glimpse of that side of our nature that we must work to control.
Jill

======= Chad:

Would we not all work hard to hear this praise:
“And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel.”
Chad

======= Betty:

In the Song of Solomon passage we see the superiority of genuine love:
like a lily among thorns (2:2), sweet fruit (2:3), being brought to a banqueting hall (2:4), better than wine and more fragrant than the sweetest smelling spices (4:10). The love relationship we have in Christ is superior to anything we could imagine!
In the Corinthians passage we see how to demonstrate love to others–in the care for brethren in need–not just lip service.
Therefore openly before the churches, show them the proof of your love and of our reason for boasting about you. 2 Corinthians 8:24 NASB That is that love is demonstrated and we, who are loved by God are called to demonstrate our love to those in need.
Psalm 50 tells of the sincere sacrifice of love. Verse 8, God is not reproving because they are sacrificing, but, if you’ll excuse the expression, wants them to cut out “the bull.” Sincere sacrifice is one of thanksgiving and not ritual obligation and cannot be accepted when we are being unkind to one another (v. 20).
The Proverbs show us the extreme opposite of love–withholding love by not caring for the poor is actually robbing them; this pits us against the Lord–the source of that genuine love that we recognized back in the Song of Solomon.
Betty

======= Bob:

Psalm 50. I love the tension in these words as we are called to the sacrifice of our own heart.
Bob

======= Dee:

I love Song of Solomon(Songs). True fact..years ago..newly married..my husband and I used to read a chapter of this in bed together. Loved that God’s words, the Bible can be so sensual and unadulterated pure about sex in marriage. Love it
I love how Paul loved the church and loved his understudy Titus. We should love people that much and teach and train them in the admonition of the Lord.
Psalm wants us to trust the Lord and put our faith in Him in all we do! Trust in Him
Proverbs..don’t abuse the poor. Be kind and compassionate. I love the words in the song today..Show me your glory! Yes Lord.
Dee

======= John:

Song of Solomon 1-4:16
I do not believe there is any greater feeling than the love of a man or woman for the person God has raised up for them (to love).
I am a 5 year Christian who met a Christian woman three years ago. We became friends. To my eyes she was nothing special. She would never have beeen my type “back in my secular days”.
She could be likened to the woman in SOS who says:
1:6 Do not stare at me because I am dark,
because I am darkened by the sun.
My mother’s sons were angry with me
and made me take care of the vineyards;
my own vineyard I have neglected.
It was funny, but after getting to know her as a person, then as a friend, and finally looking at her as a woman – God stepped in. We were at lunch and she turned her head into the sunlight and I was struck speechless. She was the most beautiful woman in the world. This went beyond a physical thing – I TRULY BELIEVE I see her as God sees her – and it is beyond description.
Wish I could say there was a happy ending to this love, but there is not – at least at this time on earth. This woman sees me in all my flaws and rejects anything more than a casual friendship.
Why God touched my heart about her is not known by me. There are several life lessons I can think of, and it also provides a way of knowing the Father better. And who knows – maybe our lives will be intermingled in the afterlife – and that would be for all eternity when we are both perfect.
The blessing for me is: the way I see her now (as God sees her aka glorified), and despite the rejection I still love her as Christ loves the Church. It is awesome to love someone unconditionally like that, and I can truly say:
1:15 How beautiful you are, my darling!
Oh, how beautiful!
Your eyes are doves.
John

======= Vance:

Psalm 50
14 & 15
“What I want instead is your true thanks to God; I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High. Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.”
This makes me think of what I heard Chuck Swindoll preach about this morning on the radio from Revelation 2:
1
“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Ephesus. This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands:
2
“I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars.
3
You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.
4
But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!
5
Look how far you have fallen from your first love! Turn back to me again and work as you did at first. If you don’t, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.
************
This really strikes me: We can have the “correct doctrine”, and be right on in defending truth — we can have discernment to discern truth from error and expose liars — and still lose our first love!!
Psalm 50 spaeaks volumes today.
Vance

========== Vance:

Song of Solomon (NKJV)
1
The song of songs, which is Solomon’s.
THE Shulamite [A Palestinian young woman (compare 6:13).]
2
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—for your [Masculine singular, that is, the Beloved] love is better than wine.
NOTE:
It is interesting of the love between Solomon and a Palestinian young woman—especially in light of the tensions and conflicts between Palestine and Israel.
Besides seeing a human love story, I also see God’s love story.
May God’s love be to us “better than wine”—that is better than anything this world could ever give.
2 Corinthians 8 (NKJV)
24
Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.
NOTE:
Faith without works is dead. Works, in worship and love to God from our hearts as prompted by the Holy Spirit, complete and strengthen our faith.
And, our faith demonstrates the grace of God THROUGH us TO others—so they are encouraged, strengthened, and built up.
Psalm 50 (NKJV)
2
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God will shine forth.
3
Our God shall come, and shall not keep silent; a fire shall devour before Him, and it shall be very tempestuous all around Him.
5
“Gather My saints together to Me, those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.”
23
Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; and to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.”
NOTE:
God is “the perfection of beauty” and “the beauty of perfection”. He is holy, and He cannot tolerate sin—“ a fire shall devour before Him”.
May we keep our spirits and minds fixed on Him, and may our beings be purified as we do so.
THANK GOD—that He has taken the initiative and has first “made a covenant with [us] by sacrifice”.
God is worthy of our praise from the heart in worship—no matter how “bad” or “good” we have been.
None of us are worthy in ourselves. Only God in Jesus makes us worthy.
God wants to show us His salvation.
True, worship of praise is good for the soul, and glorifies God.
Proverbs 22 (NKJV)
23
For the LORD will plead their cause, and plunder the soul of those who plunder them.
NOTE:
WOW! Truly, “give and it shall be given to you” (Luke 6:38)—whether good or evil.
May I learn to truly treat all people—even people I do not like—with respect as they (like me) are created in the image of God. All people are poor in some way, not just the physically poor.
May we follow the exhortation of the Holy Spirit in word and deed:
Ephesians 4 (NKJV)
29
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
30
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Vance

Ecclesiastes 10:1-12:14 + 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 + Psalm 49:1-20 + Proverbs 22:20-21
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – We finish up the book of Ecclesiastes today, and what a finish it is!  Song of Solomon begins tomorrow! I love Ecclesiastes chapter 10 today.  It’s basically a series of rapid Proverbs.  Great great stuff. I had forgotten about this gem of a chapter in the Bible.  This chapter is again a great reminder of why Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, wrote many of the Proverbs.  He had godly wisdom no doubt!  I love verse 1 in this chapter today – “Dead flies will cause even a bottle of perfume to stink! Yes, an ounce of foolishness can outweigh a pound of wisdom and honor.”  This is a powerful truth for us to take to heart.  We can so often live our lives with wisdom and honor… and then, we let an ounce of foolishness seep into our lives and it outweighs all of our wisdom and honor!  This is so true…  I think this is particularly true if we are harboring any unchecked sin in our life.  We need to put that sin in check!  We need to repent and flee from that sin.  Otherwise we are harboring an ounce of foolishness in our lives that can outweigh our pounds of wisdom and honor…  and this is just as bad as a dead fly in a bottle of perfume!  What a great analogy by Solomon.  Think of unchecked sin in your life a dead fly in the perfume of your life…  it is a sad but true analogy…  Get that dead fly out of your life!

I love verse 18 as well – “Laziness lets the roof leak, and soon the rafters begin to rot.”  This is so very true, of course.  Are there any areas of laziness in your life where you are letting some “roofs leak?”   Are there “rafters rotting” in your life?  Will you pray to God for freedom from your laziness in those areas of your life and will you simply go and fix the roof?

Ecclesiastes chapter 12 verse 13 is the key verse in this entire book!  “Here is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is the duty of every person.”  Take a moment to meditate on this verse.  Do you agree with this teaching?  Do you fear God?  What does it mean to fear God?  (Bible.org has a good overview of fearing God at this link – scroll down on that page to the commentary on verses 11-22)  Are you obedient to God’s commands?  Do you believe this is your duty?

New Testament – Second Corinthians chapter 8 verse 9 today is one of those verses that can really make you think about how blessed you truly are and why through Jesus: “You know how full of love and kindness our Lord Jesus Christ was. Though he was very rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.”  I imagine that most of us reading this blog right now are living pretty nice lives overall.  In most respects it may be fair to call us “rich.”  Many of us have rich lives in terms of where we live, our spiritual freedoms, and other freedoms.  And why do we have these riches in our lives today?  Because Jesus, the Son of God, came to this earth and made himself poor for our sakes.  Jesus was born in a manger.  He lived his life “homeless” in many ways.  He was sinless, but yet died a criminal’s death by execution on a cross.  Jesus was very rich in heaven.   But yet, because of his love and kindness, he made himself poor and died on a cross for us, so that we would be “rich.”  And now, realizing this, how are we utilizing our riches?  Are we demonstrating love and kindness to others like Jesus did to us?  Are we investing our lives – lives that were given to us by God and saved by Jesus – for Kingdom purposes?  Are you living your life as if you are literally working for God in all that you do?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Second Corinthians today titled “Learning To Be Liberal” (it is a great essay on Paul’s call to give generously to the church in Jerusalem) is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 49 verses 1-3 are a fantastic teaching that the Word of God, the Bible, is for everyone, no matter what our lots in life may be – “Listen to this, all you people! Pay attention, everyone in the world! High and low, rich and poor–listen! For my words are wise, and my thoughts are filled with insight.” Are you listening today?  Are you paying attention to the wise words and insights of the Bible?  Are you truly studying the Bible and then applying the Bible’s teachings to your life?  Then, verse 15 in this Psalm is beautiful: “But as for me, God will redeem my life.  He will snatch me from the power of death.”  How about for you?  Will God redeem your life?  Like the parable of the lost sheep that we read about in Luke 15:3-7, has Jesus saved you from being snatched from the power of death?

Proverbs – Proverbs 22 verses 20-21 today teach us: “I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge. In this way, you may know the truth and bring an accurate report to those who sent you.” These two Proverbs verses today actually tie in quite nicely with Psalm 49 verses 1-3 above.  Let us know the truth of God’s Word and then report it accurately to others!  Actually, this is probably a good point for me to ask you if you are participating in a Bible study at your church?  If not, can I encourage you to consider starting up a One Year Bible study / small group at your church next year?  Seriously.  Please think and pray about this leadership opportunity.  I do realize not everyone is called to something like this.  But – I think many of us are – probably more of us than we think are.  If you have been going through the One Year Bible with us this year, you have learned much!  I think you are in a great position to lead a One Year Bible study / small group at your church next year.  All you need is a One Year Bible, perhaps the One Year Bible Companion book with Q&A teachings for each day’s readings, and a willingness to take this opportunity on. Will you think and pray about this?  Will you talk to your pastor or the appropriate person at your church about this?  You don’t need to know the Bible backwards and forwards to lead a group!  You just need to take the initiative to lead, and invite others to join you on the journey.  You will be amazed by how God moves in a Bible study!  It will bless you and those around you immensely!  Will you lead someone (or a group of someone’s) through the One Year Bible next year?

Worship Video: Our 2nd Corinthians readings and Psalm 49 today reminded me of the MercyMe song “So Long Self,” which has a fun video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJtKdjaH2nY

Have you said So Long to your Self? Click here and say Goodbye!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of every human being.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have a godly fear and an everlasting love of God. Pray that you are able to daily move toward keeping his commandments through grace and a saving faith in His son Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= John:

Ecclesiastes10-12
So live supportively, live generously, live thoughtfully!
Solomon has looked at life from every angle, from every discipline, from every philosophy, and apart from God it is all meaningless. God is HERE, He Contols, He Gives, He Judges, but if you live apart from God it is all Meaningless.
So – how are we to live? In ch 10-11, Solomon says, ‘Live supportively with regard to the government; live generously with regard to the hurts and needs of those around you; and live thoughtfully as you daily make the choices and decisions of life.’
Sounds nice, and quite frankly many atheists (and many people of all faiths) live this way. Again, people can do good here on earth from the view of “mankind”. We are all in the image of God (though corrupted after the fall), and we all have sense of right and wrong, feelings of love, compassion, intellect – to some degree we all have the attributes of God and the Trinity. (It is on a spectrum with some more than others.)
But even if you live the way recommended above – in the end – without God, it is Meaningless. Sure people will have fond memories of you for a while. There may even be a building, statue, or library named after you – but in the grand scope of things it doesn’t mean anything. Pretty soon, people will forget you, what you did, and how you lived. They may recognize your name or may be able to study you in a history book – but they will not know you, the person.
======================================================
So what do we do? We can live the reccomended way, but we should:
“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth,..”
(I wish I had come to Christ when I was younger!)
“The thought is: recall God’s presence daily; live in a relationship with him; seek to discover the greatness and glories of God while you are still young, before it is too late.”
If you don’t discover God when you are young, as old age approaches one becomes set in his ways, resistant to change, perhaps seeking less. The danger? That you end up like the conclusion below:
“The Searcher’s conclusion, then, as we have been seeing all through the book, is that life “under the sun,” life lived without having discovered the reason for living, is vanity, emptiness, futility. The greatest futility of all is a life that has not found the reason for living. What a waste to live your life and never discover why you are here! What a waste, to die without learning the secret of true existence!” – Ray Stedman
Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Everything is meaningless!”
God is the secret of life; He is the answer to the reason for existence.
======================================================
[The end of the matter [the sum of it all]: all has been heard. [Here it is] Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. {Eccl 12:13 RSV}
I hope you will remove the word “duty” from your version. It is not in the Hebrew, although, unfortunately, every version seems to translate it that way. It is really this statement:
Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the wholeness of man.
That is the secret of wholeness. To “Fear God, and keep his commandments” is to learn to be and to discover the secret of being a whole person. Who does not want that? We all want to be whole persons. Not broken, fragmented, easily upset, erratic, going off in all directions at once, but stable, controlled, balanced. whole people. Here is the secret of it. This is what we are to learn when we are young: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth,” before all the pressures come upon you. This is the secret of wholeness: “Fear* God, and keep his commandments.”]
God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. [Eccl 12:14 RSV}
We can’t hide from God. He is evident in all our life. He knows everything that goes on; he knows every thought of the heart, every word of the mouth. He knows the motives that we seek to hide from others. He sees the duplicity, the deception, the lovelessness. He has made provision for it all; nothing can be hid. Everything is going to come out in the open at last. All the illusions by which we seek to convince ourselves that things are not the way the Bible says they are, will be stripped away and we will see ourselves as he sees us; and there will not be a voice lifted to challenge the righteousness of his judgment.
Because of that the Solomon exhorts us and sets before us the wonder and the glory of our God and says, “Fear God.” Have faith in his existence; experience his grace; stand in awe of his Person; and resolve to obey him. That is what fearing God means. That is the secret to life; that is the secret of the wholeness of man. – ibid.
John

======= Teresa:

Hey Mike! I just wanted to send a quick note of encouragement to you – I am always blessed to take time to look over your comments – they have been an encouragement to me all year – Thank you for your ministry! I pray that God wlll minister LIFE to any dry or weary places in your life (or your family) and that today will be a JOY-filled, PEACE-filled, GOD-filled day for you and yours!
Teresa

======= Simon:

I too like this statement: ”Dead flies will cause even a bottle of perfume to stink”! Ecclesiastes 10:1 I believe it is a good reminders that no matter how good something is, if it has been in the wrong atmosphere to long it will adapt. This is something we all can take into account in our own lives. Stay in the right atmosphere!
Simon

======= Ron:

I like the T-shirt. The retirement benefits are definitely great working for God!!
God bless.
Ron

======== Eve:

We basically know and believe that the human body is composed of over 50 trillion cells that work together and reproduce, according to science. It is the same way with the body of Christ. I strongly believe in the importance of bible study/cell group. Every believer should be a part of it, to stay connected, work together, and reproduce.
Eve

======= Tim:

Laziness lets the roof leak, and soon the rafters begin to rot.
Tim

========== Joyce:

Thank you Mike for your blog today!
Thank you John for your comment!
Mike, thank you for encouraging us to start a one year bible study/small group at our church next year.
I feel I have received His grace abundantly through following this blog, and therefore able to systematically read His Word this year.
I read in a sermon, the person who fears the Lord doesn’t ask “How much can I get away with?” Instead, he/she asks, “What more can I do? What more can I offer? How can I become more conformed to His character?”
Yesterday Ramona in her comment brought up John 1:1.
I looked up the EasyEnglish Bible version:
“When the world began, the Word (Jesus) existed already. The Word was with God. And the Word was God himself.” (John 1:1)
Have you all heard the song “People Need the Lord”?
The Word is Jesus.
Sharing His Word with others, is a powerful way to introduce them to our one true God.
May God and His Holy Spirit move the readers in this blog, and enable us to share His Word with others more frequently, more willingly, more whole-heartedly. May His Name be glorified.
And may God continuously encourage you and reward you Mike. Thank you for your faithfulness!
Sincerely,
Joyce

======= Dee:

Woohoo what an ending to Ecclesiastes..such wisdom..even the best looking sin is deadly like flies in a bottle of perfume. Crazy!!
The love of Jesus for the world is so vast that while he stayed humble and came poor we have much and are penthouse through him. Amen!
Insight and enlightenment for Jesus! Are we listening? Are we learning..are we loving?
Proverbs: knowing the truth of Goda word and using it wisely..utilizing like we are in here..living learning applying..meditating on it is huge!!
Dee

======== Imja:

Greetings,
These two scriptures sum up everything for me…
Ecc. 12 13+14
13 Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the duty of all mankind.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil.
I found this so encouraging to read that in the midst of a very severe trial, the Macedonian churches had joy and generosity. May it be like that with all of us in this present climate.
2 Cor.8 1+2
And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
Shalom to all,
Imja

======= Vance:

Ecclesiastes 11 (NKJV)
9
Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these God will bring you into judgment.
10
Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh, for childhood and youth are vanity.
Ecclesiastes 12 (NKJV)
13
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.
14
For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.
NOTE:
How true are these words. I can reflect on my life and see how I walked “in the ways of [my] heart” and “in the sight of my] eyes”—and I am now reaping what I have sown earlier in my life.
Yet, fearing God and keeping His commandments is the way to freedom.
“You shall know the true and the truth shall set you free” (Jesus, John 8)
I once heard a very famous American talk show host (who shall remain unnamed!!) say that the most important thing is to follow your heart.
Is it? The heart, without God’s grace, is hardened against God and separate from fellowship with our Living, Loving Lord.
Without God’s grace believed, received and relied upon through repentance and faith, “know that for all these God will bring you into judgment.”
THE IDEA OF THE TRULY CHRISTIAN LIFE IS VERY SIMPLE: “Fear God and keep His commandments.” That is it. Everything else—being filled with the Holy Spirit, finding the ministry God has for us, prayer and doing God’s will—flows out of that one single thing.
Over Labor Day weekend, my wife and I went to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and to the house of President Dwight David Eisenhower. Truly, very few men have influenced world history as much as President Eisenhower—as commanding general over the allied troops which defeated Nazi Germany or as President of the United States.
Every leader of his or her respective country has had tremendous influence on history.
Yet, I was amazed at the single minded focus that Dwight Eisenhower had his entire life.
Imagine the
myriad of increasing responsibilities that he would have had as commander of all of the allied troops in Europe as he led the troops in defeating Adolph Hitler and Nazi Germany.
Imagine all of the responsibilities as the leader of a nation.
Yet, fis life was focused. His focus which was gained, kept and sharpened enabled Eisenhower an ordinary farm boy, to influence the world.
Think how much you and I could influence the world if we keep our focus on just the one thing from which everything else flows: “Fear God and keep His commandments.”
2 Corinthians 8 (NKJV)
9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.
12
For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.
NOTE:
This is true prosperity. Not just in having—though God does want to bless us richly with all things. But why does God want to bless us? In whatever measure we are blessed—it is for us to be a blessing.
Prosperity clearly is not measured simply by what we have. The worldly mindset outside of Christ and on television tries to convince us that “getting” is success. Yet, the Holy Spirit clearly says this is not true:
Psalm 49 (NKJV)
10
For he sees wise men die; likewise the fool and the senseless person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
11
Their inner thought is that their houses will last forever [or. . . Their graves shall be their houses forever], their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.
12
Nevertheless man, though in honor, does not remain [or. . . does not understand]; he is like the beasts that perish.
13
This is the way of those who are foolish, and of their posterity who approve their sayings. Selah
14
Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall be consumed in the grave, far from their dwelling.
~~~
Christ alone is to be our pattern of living and giving—do not just give “to give because it is the Christian thing to do”.
No, give as an act of worship, and give sacrificially and willingly out of love. Otherwise it is not accepted by God.
THAT IS TRUE PROSPERITY. THAT IS TRUE GIVING. We are given in order that we may use what we have wisely and in order that we may give sacrificially to others as the Spirit of the Lord Jesus guides and equips us.
Only then we can be like the Lord Jesus.
Ephesians 5 (NKJV) – Walk in Love
1
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.
2
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
~~~
Psalm 49 (NKJV)
1
Hear this, all peoples; give ear, all inhabitants of the world,
2
Both low and high, rich and poor together.
3
My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall give understanding.
4
I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will disclose my dark saying on the harp.
5
Why should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity at my heels surrounds me?
15
But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me. Selah
NOTE:
Fear God to be intimately linked with the Father and grace (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense). Then, we will have wisdom and strength to stand and be who God made us to be.
Then, we will be preserved and saved, so we can be set apart to do His will!
Proverbs 22 (NKJV)
20
Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge,
21
That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, that you may answer words of truth to those who send to you?
NOTE:
God has indeed spoken and written excellent things. May we feed on who God is and be filled with the knowledge of him. Then we may truly and from our hearts “answer words of truth to those who” God sends to us.
Vance

======= John:

Ecclesiastes10-12
(“under the weather” so taking some medicine and going to bed. A little more “cut and paste” than usual, but I thought the points relevant and something to consider.)
So live supportively, live generously, live thoughtfully!
Solomon has looked at life from every angle, from every discipline, from every philosophy, and apart from God it is all meaningless. God is HERE, He Contols, He Gives, He Judges, but if you live apart from God it is all Meaningless.
So – how are we to live? In ch 10-11, Solomon says, ‘Live supportively with regard to the government; live generously with regard to the hurts and needs of those around you; and live thoughtfully as you daily make the choices and decisions of life.’
http://www.pbc.org/library/files/html/3815.html
Sounds nice, and quite frankly many atheists (and many people of all faiths) live this way. Again, people can do good here on earth from the view of “mankind”. We are all in the image of God (though corrupted after the fall), and we all have sense of right and wrong, feelings of love, compassion, intellect – to some degree we all have the attributes of God and the Trinity. (It is on a spectrum with some more than others.)
But even if you live the way recommended above – in the end – without God, it is Meaningless. Sure people will have fond memories of you for a while. There may even be a building, statue, or library named after you – but in the grand scope of things it doesn’t mean anything. Pretty soon, people will forget you, what you did, and how you lived. They may recognize your name or may be able to study you in a history book – but they will not know you, the person.
======================================================
So what do we do? We can live the reccomended way, but we should:
“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth,..”
(I wish I had come to Christ when I was younger!)
“The thought is: recall God’s presence daily; live in a relationship with him; seek to discover the greatness and glories of God while you are still young, before it is too late.”
http://www.pbc.org/library/files/html/3816.html
If you don’t discover God when you are young, as old age approaches one becomes set in his ways, resistant to change, perhaps seeking less. The danger? That you end up like the conclusion below:
“The Searcher’s conclusion, then, as we have been seeing all through the book, is that life “under the sun,” life lived without having discovered the reason for living, is vanity, emptiness, futility. The greatest futility of all is a life that has not found the reason for living. What a waste to live your life and never discover why you are here! What a waste, to die without learning the secret of true existence!” – Ray Stedman
Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Everything is meaningless!”
God is the secret of life; He is the answer to the reason for existence.
======================================================
[The end of the matter [the sum of it all]: all has been heard. [Here it is] Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. {Eccl 12:13 RSV}
I hope you will remove the word “duty” from your version. It is not in the Hebrew, although, unfortunately, every version seems to translate it that way. It is really this statement:
Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the wholeness of man.
That is the secret of wholeness. To “Fear God, and keep his commandments” is to learn to be and to discover the secret of being a whole person. Who does not want that? We all want to be whole persons. Not broken, fragmented, easily upset, erratic, going off in all directions at once, but stable, controlled, balanced. whole people. Here is the secret of it. This is what we are to learn when we are young: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth,” before all the pressures come upon you. This is the secret of wholeness: “Fear* God, and keep his commandments.”]
*See Link for explanation of Fear.
http://www.pbc.org/library/files/html/3816.html
God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. [Eccl 12:14 RSV}
We can’t hide from God. He is evident in all our life. He knows everything that goes on; he knows every thought of the heart, every word of the mouth. He knows the motives that we seek to hide from others. He sees the duplicity, the deception, the lovelessness. He has made provision for it all; nothing can be hid. Everything is going to come out in the open at last. All the illusions by which we seek to convince ourselves that things are not the way the Bible says they are, will be stripped away and we will see ourselves as he sees us; and there will not be a voice lifted to challenge the righteousness of his judgment.
Because of that the Solomon exhorts us and sets before us the wonder and the glory of our God and says, “Fear God.” Have faith in his existence; experience his grace; stand in awe of his Person; and resolve to obey him. That is what fearing God means. That is the secret to life; that is the secret of the wholeness of man. – ibid.
[Link to commentaries on whole Book of Ecclesiastes:
http://www.pbc.org/library/series/3767 ]
John

======= John:

2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Giving
I am a firm believer in that – if you cannot give joyfully, then why give?
Remember it is all His!
Give as the Lord directs.
DO NOT belllyache about how it is spent –
If it is spent wrongly that is between God and the spenders. Our job is to be a part of the body of Christ in all forms.
=================================================================================
8:12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
If yopu pledged an amount that you can no longer pay. Give what you can. Do you not think God knows your circumstances, and will honor a person who gives what they can during their own tough economic times? DO NOT go into nhiding and give nothing.
8:13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.
This is not proclaiming socialism as so many in the past have proclaimed. IMO. This is about having the equal opportunity to help a troubled member(s) of the Body of Christ, and them having the same equal opportunity when you are in trouble.
It is about equal opportunities of helping when others are in trouble, NOT EQUALIZING INCOMES ALL THE TIME.
John

Ecclesiastes 7:1-9:18 + 2 Corinthians 7:8-16 + Psalm 48:1-14 + Proverbs 22:17-19
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Old Testament – Our readings in Ecclesiastes today reminded me of Solomon’s writings in Proverbs!  (It was likely the same author of both books – well, most of the Proverbs – hence the connection) It seemed like a series of Proverbs in today’s readings – albeit with a more pessimistic view than the typical Proverbs we read…  but still, overall great teachings and great reminders of how empty and vain life is apart from God.  I love Chapter 7 verse 20, which is something we all probably need to be reminded of: “There is not a single person in all the earth who is always good and never sins.”  And certainly that was true back then and now.  Jesus was the only one ever to walk the earth who never sinned.  Now, to go along with verse 20 we later read verse 28, which I’m thinking probably did not make women too happy to read: “Just one out of every thousand men I interviewed can be said to be upright, but not one woman!”  Now, first and foremost, keep in mind this is the author of Ecclesiastes’ opinion or experience – not God saying this.  Scripture does not declare anywhere that women are morally inferior to men.  The bottom line of this verse is that basically no one is upright – men or women.  The next verse 29 then says: “I discovered that God created people to be upright, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path.” This verse again reminds us that though we were created for righteousness, we are broken.  We are sinners.  We are in need of a Savior.  How about you?  Do you know anyone who is always good and never sins?  Anyone who does not need a Savior to forgive and heal them of their brokenness?  Do you believe God created people to be upright?  Without God and Jesus in our lives, do you think we are in severe danger of following our own downward path…

Now, another verse that says “women” but that I think could just as well say “men” is chapter 7 verse 26 – “I discovered that a seductive woman is more bitter than death. Her passion is a trap, and her soft hands will bind you. Those who please God will escape from her, but sinners will be caught in her snare.”  This verse stood out to me as I read it, for one very modern and very dangerous reason:  internet pornography.  Now, I know I don’t need to tell anyone reading this that internet pornography is an incredibly serious problem affecting far too many people.  Many of whom are Christians.  The reason this verse stood out to me was the reminder that internet pornography is literally a snare that so many people are caught in.  They can’t escape it.  Well, they can, but it’s not easy on their own.  I have a hunch that someone reading this is addicted to internet pornography.  Or, maybe isn’t addicted – yet – but checks it out on occasion.  Let me warn anyone who ever goes to an internet pornography site – it is a snare!  A trap.  Like chapter 9 verse 12 in Ecclesiastes today says:  “Like fish in a net or birds in a snare, people are often caught by sudden tragedy.”  Visiting a pornography website even once is a sudden tragedy that has come to your doorstep.  You will then be like a fish in a net or a bird in a snare.  You will need much prayer and counseling to escape it’s lure.  I write this to warn folks too who have never visited an internet pornography site, but maybe someday in the future will be tempted to do so.  Don’t do it.  Ever.  Run from it.  Flee.  Actually, I’ve had to think about this because I know some of my friends (friends from many years ago – who I still try to witness to) watch pornographic movies on occasion.  I know it happens at bachelor parties, etc.  Honestly, I don’t go to bachelor parties at all these days – unless I know for sure there won’t be any of this nonsense.  But, I have a hunch someday I may be surprised at some gathering where a porn movie will be shown.  And guess what?  I will run.  Literally, I will flee that location of wherever that movie is being shown, and I won’t look back.  Why?  I won’t just sit there and let that stuff pollute my mind.  Pollute my very soul.  Pornography is exactly that – soul pollution.  It pollutes your soul!  I realize I’ve been typing way too long on this issue – but I do so because I know it’s a major issue for our society today.  It is a major issue for the church.  Please let me encourage you in that if you are ever in a situation with friends that pornography or strippers or anything like that appears that you literally run.  Flee.  And don’t look back.  And don’t fret about what your friends think.  Your soul is so much more important.  If anyone reading this is currently struggling with pornography, let me encourage you to talk to someone you trust about it immediately, and get help.  Today.  Go to counseling.  You cannot get out of the snare on your own.  You may succeed for short periods of time, but long-term you are going to need some help.  But, through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and his precious blood poured out on the Cross for our sins, yes, indeed you can be freed of the snare of pornography.  You quickly need to run toward your freedom in Christ now; connect with pastors, friends & counselors who can keep you accountable and give you tools to beat this; and then please don’t ever look back to that which pollutes your very soul.  In Christ, my brothers and sisters, we are forgiven.  And Forgiveness will heal us. If we will let Him.

If you are struggling with pornography or any other sexual sin, Bible.org has some good essays and Q&A related to temptation (scroll down to the bottom of the page for the Q&A) at this link.  If anyone else has helpful resources (books, websites, etc.) that will help others be free of pornography addictions or other sexual sin, please share in the Comments section below? Thanks. 

New Testament – Second Corinthians chapter 7 verses 9 & 10 teaches us a great lesson – “It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. For God can use sorrow in our lives to help us turn away from sin and seek salvation. We will never regret that kind of sorrow.”  Do you believe that God can use sorrow for redemptive purposes?  Do you believe there is such a thing as godly sorrow?  Can sorrow turn us away from sin and toward salvation?  Have you ever experienced such a sorrow?  I know that I have.  There have been times in my life in the past where I was pursuing the false glamour of sin.  And that pursuit of sin delivered great sorrow.  But, thanks be to God for that sorrow!  It was a godly sorrow that turned me away from sin and toward God’s salvation.  So, if you are experiencing sorrow in your life right now, or when you do, please seek God in the midst of the sorrow.  Perhaps the sorrow was not caused by your sin, as it was in my case.  But perhaps God can still use that sorrow ultimately for his redemptive purposes.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Corinthians readings titled “Good Grief” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 48 is a celebratory Psalm of Mount Zion in Jerusalem, as verse 8 reads:  “We had heard of the city’s glory, but now we have seen it ourselves- the city of the LORD Almighty. It is the city of our God; he will make it safe forever.”

I like verse 10 a lot in this Psalm: “As your name deserves, O God, you will be praised to the ends of the earth.”  I have had the good fortune to travel many places on this planet, and I will admit that it always encourages me to no end when I see God being praised and worshiped in other cultures.  I always try to visit churches wherever I travel on Sundays, and I love seeing how different cultures worship God.  One of the most memorable experiences was in the Dominican Republic in a very impoverished community.  I honestly don’t know that I have ever seen a congregation worship God so wholeheartedly than I did that day in the DR.  It was beautiful.  The other thing I am reminded of when traveling is that when we are in relationship with Jesus, God is always with us no matter where we go.  When we’re 35,000 feet above the ground in an airplane, God is with us.  When we’re in the middle of nowhere that has no church – God is with us.  So, no matter where we go, if God is with us, we have the opportunity to praise God’s name to the ends of the earth!  Even if you’re traveling to some far off locale where no one else around you would praise God, will you?

Proverbs – Proverbs 22 verses 17 through 19 today are a great reminder for why we read and study the Bible!  “Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. For it is good to keep these sayings deep within yourself, always ready on your lips. I am teaching you today–yes, you–so you will trust in the LORD.”  Great stuff.  I love the part that says it is good to keep these saying deep within yourself – in your heart!  And to memorize these sayings with your mind so that they are always ready on your lips.  Are you listening to the words of the Bible?  Are you applying your heart to the Bible’s instruction?  Is studying the Bible enhancing your trust in God?  Actually – if anyone out there memorizes Scripture, please post up in the Comments section below?  I would love to know which verses you have found useful in your life?  And – if anyone has advice on how to best go about memorizing Scripture, please post that up too.  Are you memorizing Scripture on a regular basis?  Are you bringing Scripture to mind when faced with temptation or sadness or whatever ails you?

 

Worship Video:  Today’s readings remind me of Matt Redman’s song “The Heart of Worship:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4RUjGsTfks

Do you know the heart of worship?  Click here and worship Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Who is like the wise? Who knows the explanation of things? Wisdom brightens the face and changes its hard appearance.” Ecclesiastes 8:1 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray for godly wisdom in your life today and forevermore.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Ecclesiastes 7:1-9:18
Reminder to myself: Written under the sun; not under the Son.
13 Notice the way God does things; then fall into line. Don’t fight the ways of God, for who can straighten out what he has made crooked? (7:13)
Mike this is a plug for the One-Year-Bible Blog. The way to find out how God does things is to read His Word because God and His Word are One (John 1:1)
26 I discovered that a seductive woman is more bitter than death. Her passion is a trap, and her soft hands will bind you. Those who please God will escape from her, but sinners will be caught in her snare. (7:26).
If our society had a revelation of the truth of this verse, the Pornography industry and the sexualization of women (and men) would dry up and die. This society glorifies the seductive woman with all her curves and make-up, which hides the reflection of the true face of disease, death and destruction.
II Corinthians 7:8-16
Godly sorrow: I’m truly sorry and repentant for what I’ve done and whatever the consequences of my actions, I am willing to face.
Worldly sorrow: I’m sorry that I got caught and why should I have to be punished or make restitution because after all I said I was sorry.
Godly sorrow leads to a changed life, worldly sorry recognizes the wrong done only because it was found out and they cannot talk their way out of it. Worldly sorry fails to accept responsibility for their wrong; it was Mr. or Ms Somebody’s fault. Godly sorrow says, I did it and I accept full responsibility for my actions whatever that may be.
Psalm 48:1-14
3 God himself is in Jerusalem’s towers.
He reveals himself as her defender.
The Lord will be my High Tower and my Defender just like He is, was Jerusalem defense.
Proverbs 22:17-19
The thirty sayings of the Wise, hmmm, I need to study these thirty sayings ‘cause I’m in bad need of Wisdom.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Lisa:

A great way to remember scripture: Recipe: RWSSP (READ it. WRITE it, SING it, SAY it, PRAY it) Choose the desired memory scripture and practice each of these five techniques with it several times. It works!
Lisa

======= Gill:

I have found a good site for learning Bible verses, and enjoy it very much. I got to the actual verse-learning programme in a round-about way (hopeless on the computer!), try http://www.memoryverses.org, the Scripture Memory System (or Connection), and a man called Stephen Simpson runs it. You can choose provided verses, or put your own choices into it. There are various very helpful ways of learning by repetition, by testing yourself in stages, and good information on memorising Scripture.
Gill

======= Ramona:

Ecclesiastes 7:1-9:18
It’s nice to come across my motivation from going through the Bible this year in our readings, “Notice the way God does things; then fall into line. Don’t fight the ways of God, for who can straighten out what he has made crooked?” (7:13).
Being that we are reading from this book that looks at the world through man’s eyes and not God’s this is a good little wake-up call to keep me on track. What I think about God, what anyone else things about God and how He does things really does not matter as we found out in the Book of Job. It’s all about God.
Solomon looks at death outside of the knowledge of a resurrection. Although his father, David, had a revelation of a life other than what is lived upon the earth and resurrection (Psalm 69) it seems because Solomon couldn’t use the wisdom given to him to reason it out, he couldn’t see past the flesh. Revelation, not explanation, is the key to living a vibrant life of faith. You don’t come to Christ by explanation you come to Him by Revelation.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Jan:

Bravo, Ramona – Bravo; I totally agree if it were not for the Holy Spirit’s revelation in us; the mystery(ies) of God would never be revealed.
AMEN & AMEN & SO BE IT!!! : )
AND, I think I just read somewhere in our daily reading that without the Holy Spirit we are not even
“saved!”
Jan

======= Jan:

Regarding the porn problem: We deal with soft porn every day & people don’t think twice about it. I deal with it a work with a woman that dresses so seductive & provocative that is sickening & grieves my spirit so. I don’t watch programs on TV anymore like I used to – got revelation as to what should go in my ear & eye gates also (Desperate Housewives & movies on Demand). I choose not to watch Basic Instincts 2 just the other day & also violent movies too – I’m getting more radical in my pursuit of holiness & keeping myself from defilement.
Here is an excerpt from a great book & explains why I feel the way I do about soft porn preceeding hard/hard core porn. You let a little yeast in & it will take over:
An excerpt from Sex and the Supremacy of Christ by John Piper/Justin Taylor:
Many varieties of flirtation, self-display, foreplay, & entertainment don’t necessarily “go all the way” to orgasm: dressing to attract & tease the lust of others, looking voyeuristically, suggestive remarks, crude humor, erotic kissing, petting, & the like. All these actions suggest an intention toward immoral sexual intercourse, whether the intention is consummated or not. Such behaviors (whether occurring in daily life or portrayed on film or page) cross the line of love. Whether or not our cultural context views such things as acceptable, or even as entertaining, they are evils. Love considers the true welfare of others in “the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Heb. 4:12 &13, NASB).
12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
In reading almost half way through the book I bought for my son, “Every Single Man’s Battle,” I have read something men or women for that matter should be doing – bouncing our eyes/the way we look at others (men or women).
I’m going today to the Christian bookstore in town & getting “Every Young Man’s Battle” for my nephew so he can get a grip on it while he is young & in the throws of hormonal changes.
Jan

======= Luch:

Two suggestions:
The Navigators have produced a solid, biblically balanced scripture memory discipline called The New topical Memory system, available from Navpress
as well, the book When Good Men Are Tempted by Bil Perkins is a very useful book and gracious book in helping men out of ‘the snare of lustful temptation.’
Luch

======= Mary:

I have some memorized, but not their location, and I probably paraphrase most….having said that here is the one God gave me to remember lately: “For I have not given you a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and a sound mind.” AMEN! He always gives me a scripture to cope whenever I am battling something. I pray and woship you Lord, I am yours. Amen and Amen.

======== Samantha:

I am in a very serious relationship with the most wonderful man I’ve ever known, except my Lord and Savior Jesus Chist. He is struggling with a generational curse of porn addiction. He is a born again Christian and I feel that God wants me to help him with this. I found all of this very helpful and I sent it to him, with the prayers that he won’t get angry with me, for trying to help him. If any of you have any comments or advice, I would greatly appreciate it!
Thank You and God Bless
Samantha

======= Ann:

just wanted to say that the blog is a blessing to my life, and reading it refreshes my soul..and fills it with feeling God’s love and Gods grace.
you are very close to God in your life, and this draws the people who read your blog closer to God as well..thanks and wish you many many years of blog writing and bible reading
Ann

======= Susan:

My husband struggles in this area & both he & I have been helped by the Every Man’s Battle series. New Life can be googled & there are many resources there as well as Pure Life Ministries.
Susan

======= Sam:

Thanks for your reminders today. We all need it. I need to preach on such topics, knowing the struggles are immense.
Sam

======= Tabitha:

I make it a point to memorize scripture. Here are a few of the ways that I do that: 1) write it down on an index card or other convient to carry paper. 2) Pull that card out or paper everytime I eat, drink or after washing my hands. I look at it, read it and try to say it without looking. 3) I also have a big glass door in my kitchen that I go in and out of a lot. I use a dry erase maker and write the verse there. I read it when I go out and when I come in. When it is time for a new verse, I just wipe that one off and write a new one. It also works well on the bathroom mirror.
That’s how I do it. 
Tabitha

======= Ray:

I think Bible verse memorization is very important and many verses help live our life in a Godly manner. One of the most important verses I recite prayerfully when I am tempted by something that doesn’t honor God is: 1 Corinthians 10:13, No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Ray

========= Karen:

Just a thought that came to mind. Maybe, because Solomon got so caught up with so many women he allowed himself to be entrapped by them in his weakness and then places the blame on the women???? Also, I have always had difficulty memorizing but have found that the more I read the bible the more I remember what I read. Many verses just come to mind in different situations without having had memorized them per se. Love & Hugs!
Karen

======== Meagan:

I have found View a Verse by Jerry Lucas very useful. You can find it on the Dr. Memory site.
Although, I must say I agree with Karen. Even though I practice memorizing the Bible, verses come to mind when I need them more so than when I purposely try to memorize them.
Meagan

======== Cristina:

An excellent online resource for those struggling with pornography addiction is the website http://www.illbehonest.com, created by a guy (James Jennings) who was set free by God from this horrible addiction. The website is basically a collection of videos, sermons and sermon jams on christian themes like salvation, church life or the battle with sin; there is a whole section titled “Sexual sin/pornography” with 11 videos – testimonies and teaching, including James testimony.
Grace to you all,
Cristina

========= Chris:

“Every Man’s Battle” by Arterburn helped me close my mind (with Our Father to of course) to internet sexual sin. It is an excellent “tool” and “tool” only to help close your mind and heart to lust. But definitely a excellent starting point because it uses “down to earth” methods and examples. All men can relate to the information in this book one way or another.
Chris

======= Jeff:

Thank you for the reading and your comments toady. Personally, I have found the Biblical approach encouraged by John Piper (desiring God) to be most helpful with Internet pornography or any sexual sin. He argues that ultimately, Christ needs to be your central desire and by enlarging our view of God and the central work of Christ (bring taken up more and more with Him) that we can see victory. No programme will work unless Christ and an encouragement to know Him more centrally in our walks will work. Accountability does help. Being honest and perhaps making yourself daily if necessary to a trusted fellow believer will help and I am sure that counselling if Christ focused will be a great benefit but ultimately we need a big view in our life of the completed work of Christ and a closer walk with God, even as we struggle.
The words of a well known hymn may help express this view:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
Jeff

======== Duane:

Pornography polutes our minds. The first and most important step that a person must take, is to stop filling their mind with these images. However, the images that are already planted by this sin will take along time to get rid of. Thats why it is so important to renew our minds everyday in the Lord Jesus Christ.I have fought this battle and I still fight it, but thank God I have never viewed this kind of stuff on the internet.I like the words that MIke has put out, we need to encourage those that are struggleing everyday to stay strong and constantly beware of the temptation that Satan throws at us. I believe that the Lord has delivered me from this sin, however I cannot gloat or be vain enough to think that I can’t fall. This is where I am weak and this is where I know Satan can get me to fall, so I must constantly beware and realized that its not my strenght but God’s. Greater is he that is in me then he that is in the world. I can do all things throught him who gives me strenght.
Duane

======= LaRhonda:

Hello, I am the mother of seven adult children and as a single mother for many years I remember seeking God for wisdom in many areas. At one time before I was divorced, we had been evicted after 10 months of non-payment of the rent. I was raising babies and had no clue the rent was not being paid. I sought God as we moved into the back room of a friends home. I was pregnant with the fifth and already had 4 under 5yrs! I was devastated and began to pray as never before. As in 2Cors the sorrow caused me to seek God. then through the memorization of the word, God delivered my mind even before I was physically delivered from that back room! God gave me 1John 5:14 and 15 and Isiah 55:11 and Is 59:19. I read them to my children daily until l they memorized them, not knowing that the word was changing them and me!
LaRhonda

======= Ginny:

You stress pornography but I would submit that dirty jokes, using foul language and inuendoes are also things to avoid. Perhaps that is how “addiction” to porngraphy begins. As Tom Dooley states in todays reading of Ecclesiastes, “our death can either be fragrent or putrid” depending on how we live our lives.
Ginny

======= Will:

You stress pornography but I would submit that dirty jokes, using foul language and inuendoes are also things to avoid. Perhaps that is how “addiction” to porngraphy begins. As Tom Dooley states in todays reading of Ecclesiastes, “our death can either be fragrent or putrid” depending on how we live our lives.
Will

======= Patricia:

God has given me an amazing love for His word and Bible memory work has been my hobby for many years. I have had the joy of putting together a battle plan of passages based on the three steps in James 4:7, 8a and have used it to fight and win many spiritual battles.
There are many excellent reasons for making God’s word your very own through memorizing it. For one you are always armed with the “Sword of the Spirit” when a challenge presents. Then there is 1 Jn 2:14 which suggests that the very presence of God’s word in us causes the enemy to keep his distance. There is also the matter of controlling wandering thoughts. How better to experience 2 Cor 10:3-5 than to fill your mind with God’s word. I had radiation treatments a couple of years ago. The time of lying perfectly still just sped by as I simply lay there and “read” the pages of scripture I had memorized. Prior to that was the surgery. As the time for the surgery kept getting moved back, I simply lay in my cozy bed “reading” scripture and was so relaxed that I was dozing off as they administered the anaesthetic. One key, I believe is starting off slowly, maybe two verses a week and adding on in a way that you can connect the verses to help remember them in an order that works for you. I have found that very helpful.What may seem slow at first does get faster as you train your mind. To memorize a new passage I start with a single line or statement, then learn a second, then put them together, and so on until I have reached and included that last portion of the passage.
To add to the above I began with a Navigator’s memory plan that included cards with the passages on them, and I am sure such plans are still available.
Patricia

======== Nancy:

In regards to scripture memorization I follow the Bible Project as an email at no cost. They have flash cards of verses that turn over. On the front is a bunch of letters in a row that are the first letter of each word of the verse. You can turn the card over by clicking on it to read the actual verse. I was amazed how much that little help cause me to remember the verse. I hope to use this idea with other scripture verses in the future. I heard many scriptures thru the years from sermons or teachings & can quote them. The only problem is that I never learned their addresses (reference). So I am a concordance cripple. Hopefully with this tool I will do better in the future. To be honest I do better with verses that mean more to me personally. My church used “The Purple Book” as a way to teach the basics of our faith. My pastor added scriptures to memorize. Needless to say I haven’t done that great about memorizing them. Maybe now I can. The other problem is which version you memorized them in when trying to find them in a Bible app. I sometimes used Goggle instead.
In the extra reading the phrase “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times was written by Charles Dickens. It is the first line of his book “The Tale of Two Cities”.
Nancy

======= Dee:

The Ecclesiastes section today was rather sad or seemed negative…but it was saying that instead of focusing the here and now..focus on things eternal and of our time when we go to be with Jesus in eternity.thay is worth praising the Lord about.
The sorrow in those life doesn’t compare to the life we have to look forward to with Jesus. Yes Godly sorrow can bring peace because when we are sad..sadness is but a moment because joy comes in the morning!!
Psalm: A psalm pf Praise! You will be praised to the ends of the earth!!
Proverbs: I’m so glad I study the bible. It keeps me grounded! Amen..what say you!? Does it do the same to you? Be blessed
Dee

======= Margaret:

2nd Cor 7:9&10
For God can use sorrow in our lives to help us turn away from sins and seek salvation.
Seek
god in the midst of sorrow as he sometimes uses sorrow ultimately for his redemptive purposes.
godly sorrow shows that when we do the wrong things we have to fully repent and this will redeem us from all our sins
Margaret

======= Jill:

This is the first time I have posted a comment, but wanted to share something with you. My husband has been a pastor for almost 45 years, & we’ve heard many different teachings in regard to “Where the Dinosaurs came from”. Recently we made a trip to the “Creation Museum” near Cinn. Oh. This museum is one of the best I have ever attended, and I am a museum advocate. Everything presented was scripturally based. It has just been open a short time, yet thousands of people have already gone thru’. One thing that impressed me was a simple statement. “We know that all life was created by God, it has also been proven that dinosaurs did exit, therefore God must have created them when He created all the other animals”. Job 41 refers to “leviathan”, could this be a dragon, or form of a
dinosaur? He’s scaled, fire comes from his mouth etc. It causes you to think and dig a little deeper in the word doesn’t it.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy the Bible Study, especially all the extra info. that you send with it. May God continue to Bless Your Ministry.
Jill

======= John:

[A bit long – but perhaps there is some info that might help someone in the area of “Lust”]
People that know my testimony from earlier in the year know I have an addictive personality. Everything I did “pre-salvation” was done to excess and for my pleasure.
God has performed miracles in my life simply removing most of my addictions in life – before, during, and after my “salvation prayer”. Gambling, drinking, cursing, smoking, gorging on food, and others. I say it is a miracle because they were removed by Him – not by my choice. I simply have no desire to participate in these activities. I did not have to go thru counselling, withdrawls, relapses, etc. – the desire was simply removed in these areas.
I say this, because God did not remove my greatest weakness – Lust. It was primarily manifested in internet surfing – hardcore, softcore, chat rooms, etc. This weakness God left for me to work out through Him.
A year after accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I still struggled with “Lust”. Still occasionally dropped back into the same old areas of internet. Oh, it was better, not as often, I could rationalize that I was “getting better” in this area – but it was just a rationalization.
After a conversation with a “brother” I became convicted and signed up for “covenanteyes.com”. This is not a filter – it just grades and reports every internet site I visit while on-line. The reports go to my accountability partner and my pastor. It worked for me – I have not visited a “bad” site in over 15 months. The biggest complaint I get now is: the covenant eyes report is VERY long – I do a lot of research along with some reading of the news:)
Yes, if you are computer savvy you can get around it. Yes, you can go to the library or office and get around it. Yes, it just eliminated one outlet of my lust. But the reason I think it works for me is – I repented, wanted to change, wanted to please God, and prayed about it. If you are just looking for something to keep you compliant, a report card, and not motivated by true repentance – it may not work for you.
As Jan said there are other areas all around us that are a concern, and it is not just a young man’s battle  I do not watch much TV and only been to a movie theater twice in last two years. satan is not stupid – he knows “Lust” is my greatest weakness. I eliminated internet as a problem, but I constantly get visual stimulation, sometimes offers from women, and constant memories of my past in the “lust” area.
Jan, bouncing eyes is something I learned early on. Also, for me bouncing my eyes and saying softly – “a child of God” under my breath when seeing a woman helps. Praying and saying memorized Scripture passages help – but it is really Andrew that I owe a debt of thanks to in this area.
When I got on my knees and presented (one time) myself to God as a living sacrifice,(Rom12:1-2), the change in me really kicked in. Now I simply lift my eyes when tested in the area of “Lust”, and yield myself to him asking for access and power of the Holy Spirit. It is amazing when I do this how the images, thoughts, or test(s) become laughable.
[NOTE: When I fail, and I do, it is because I forget to go to God, or it all happens so fast. But God forgives and I go on, and much of the problem is under control.]
As Paul said in Romans7:18, “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” (NIV) I have no power in this area of “Lust”, but through God “all things are possible”. The key is : “through God”. When we are pleasing to Him, believe in Him, taking Him at His word and acting on His word – God acts, He provides, and why not, as we are His children. What parent would not lovingly provide for his children if the above was the child’s attitude. How much more so God?
If Andrew had not asked that question back in Romans regarding the abundance of the Holy Spirit – perhaps I might have glossed over Rom12:1-2. I pray that if you are struggling in your life with serving the Lord (in any area), that you take a moment and go back and meditate on those verses.
John

======= John:

Ecclesiastes
Solomon examines life and death from all the lifestyles and disciplines of man in the first nine chapters:
Sciences, Hedonism, fatalism-existentialism-egotism, egotism-capitalism, religion, materialism, stoicism, common-sense view of life, and the value judgments of the world (ex. Ben Franklin)
And all is vanity, emptiness, purposeless. And IT IS when God is left out of the equation.
It is interesting though, that there are 32 references to God in the first nine chapters – not including the section on temple worship and vows. Yes, most of the references seem to indicate that God is there, but in the end – life under the sun is meaningless. But I wonder????
In Job, there were many spiritual truths dropped throughout the text of the speeches of Job and his friends. The dots were not connected, yet the “truths” were there.
Solomon may put a negative spin on these references – yet they are still there. Is this why the book is included in the Bible? That despite the foolishness of Solomon’s examinations – God is still there. God will always be there. God gives, God controls, God is in charge, God is eternal, God is in heaven, God will judge, etc.
Despite what any world view says about life – God is HERE and He is in control. In the midst of both believers and unbelievers. Even in a book that is from the human view – uninspired – there is inspiration. From a book that has a thesis statement – “Everything is Meaningless” there are nuggets of truth that indicate it is NOT meaningless. God cannot be shut out.
-What a heavy burden God has laid on men! (1:13)
-This too, I see, is from the hand of God (2:24)
-To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness,..(2:26)
-to hand it over to the one who pleases God.(2:26)
-the burden God has laid on men(3:10)
-He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; (3:11)
-what God has done from beginning to end.(3:11)
-this is the gift of God(3:13)
-everything God does will endure forever(3:14)
-God does it so that men will revere him.(3:14)
– God will call the past to account(3:15)
-God will bring to judgment
both the righteous and the wicked(3:17)
-God tests them so that they may see (3:18)
-God is in heaven and you are on earth (5:2)
-Therefore stand in awe of God.(5:7)
-days of life God has given him(5:18)
-this is a gift of God(5:19)
-God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart(5:20)
-God gives a man wealth, possessions and honor(6:2)
-God does not enable him to enjoy them(6:2)
-Consider what God has done(7:13)
-God has made the one as well as the other(7:14)
-The man who fears God will avoid all extremes (7:18)
-The man who pleases God will escape her(7:26)
-God made mankind upright(7:29)
-it will go better with God-fearing men, who are reverent before God (8:12)
-the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them(8:13)
-all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.(8:15)
– then I saw all that God has done(8:17)
– what they do are in God’s hands(9:1)
-for it is now that God favors what you do.(9:7)
-God has given you under the sun(9:9)
From the same guy that wrote: ECCLESIASTES: THE INSPIRED BOOK OF ERROR
http://www.pbc.org/library/files/html/0221.html
seven years later wrote a series of commentaries that included this thought regarding Ecc6:2
[The key to all of this is in the words, “God does not give him power to enjoy.” That lesson is pounded home to our hearts over and over again throughout this book. Enjoyment does not reside in increased possessions, it is a gift which God must give. If he withholds it, no amount of effort is going to extract enjoyment from things. That is a difficult lesson for some to learn. We are constantly bombarded with alluring pictures in catalogs and in commercials that shout at us the opposite message. Enjoyment, however, is a gift of God.
The question that immediately comes to mind is, Why would God withhold enjoyment? Why would he not give the power to enjoy if he gives the ability to have? The answer to that question is given in this book, and it is especially clearly stated in Chapter 2, Verses 25-26, where the Searcher says,
… for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? For to the man who pleases him God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy; {Eccl 2:25-26a RSV}
“To the man who pleases him.” Again, I am afraid many people read that as though it means that some level of religious performance, some standard of morality, like joining a church or coming to meetings, is what pleases God. We must understand that the Scriptures never say that. Faith is what pleases God, believing him, taking him at his word and acting upon that word. This is what pleases God: obedience based upon faith. To such a man or woman God gives the gift of enjoying whatever he or she has. How little or how much it may be, is a gift poured out and taken from his hand. That is why gratitude, to be grateful for what you get, is the most important element of our lives.]
John

======= John:

[THIS COMMENT FROM ECCLESIASTES POST IS SO IMPORTANT – IT BEARS SEPARATING OUT – IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE READ THIS SHORT POST AND THE ANSWER TO WHY WOULD GOD WITHHOLD ENJOYMENT?]
The question that immediately comes to mind is, Why would God withhold enjoyment? Why would he not give the power to enjoy if he gives the ability to have? The answer to that question is given in this book, and it is especially clearly stated in Chapter 2, Verses 25-26, where the Searcher says,
… for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? For to the man who pleases him God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy; {Eccl 2:25-26a RSV}
“To the man who pleases him.” Again, I am afraid many people read that as though it means that some level of religious performance, some standard of morality, like joining a church or coming to meetings, is what pleases God. We must understand that the Scriptures never say that. Faith is what pleases God, believing him, taking him at his word and acting upon that word. This is what pleases God: obedience based upon faith. To such a man or woman God gives the gift of enjoying whatever he or she has. How little or how much it may be, is a gift poured out and taken from his hand. That is why gratitude, to be grateful for what you get, is the most important element of our lives.]
John

======= John:

2Cor7:10-11
Titus came to Paul with good news. The Corinthians had received Paul’s letter’s and had acted on them in a positive fashion.
Paul had been saddened, yet firm.
“Paul is willing to endure the personal pain of rebuking saints who are giving in to sin.” – Bob Deffingbaugh
And Paul rejoices and forgives when news of repentance is received.
“…he is ready and willing to receive them back into fellowship when they repent of their sin.” – ibid.
2Cor7:10-11 “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.” NIV
There are three Greek words for repentance – Paul uses “metanoia”, is used of true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and life, to which remission of sin is promised. – see footnote 50 at Bob’s commentary.
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=1229#P1052_417915
Wordly sorry can lead to “wallowing in it” or striking out at the world (or people involved).
“Worldly sorrow does not regret having sinned, because it offends a holy and righteous God. The one who sorrows wrongly is not sorry because of their sin, but because of the suffering their sin causes them. Worldly sorrow regrets having to “pay the fiddler” for the wrong they have done.” – Bob Deffingbaugh
“godly sorrow” leads to a change of mind – repentance – and a desire to get right with God. To take steps, as the Corinthians did, to get back on the “sanctification” path returning to a pleasing state in God’s eyes.
It may not be perfect, there may be much more to work on, but the Corinthians are back on the right path. This brings Paul joy.
Here is a tough question posed by Chuck Missler (and others)to Christians: How spiritual are you? (Pause) How much do you “hate sin”?
John

Ecclesiastes 4:1-6:12 + 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7 + Psalm 47:1-9 + Proverbs 22:16
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – I heard a good chunk of today’s readings in the book of Ecclesiastes at a wedding a few years ago.  And really, these verses work out quite nicely for a wedding if you think about it.  Chapter 4 verses 9 through 12: “Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”   Pretty good stuff for a wedding, eh?  The kicker is that last little bit about the triple-braided cord.  The pastor at the wedding I was at said that God is the third strand in the triple-braided cord in marriage.  I like that!  Two people come together in marriage, and it’s good.  But, throw God into the mix of the marriage, as I’m sure we would all want to do, and you’ve got a very strong triple braided cord!  Great stuff.  If you are married, is there a triple braided cord in your marriage?  Is God always part of your marriage?  Part of your every day life?

New Testament – Second Corinthians chapter 7 verse 1 today is powerful – “Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete purity because we fear God.” How does this verse speak to you?  What promises do we have as followers of Jesus Christ?  In light of these promises, should we cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body?  And cleanse ourselves of everything that can defile our spirit?  Are you living your life in such a way that you are moving toward complete purity?  Do you believe that the Cross of Jesus Christ purifies you?  What does the Cross of Jesus ultimately purify you for?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Second Corinthians titled “Choosing Sides” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 47 is an awesome Psalm!  I can almost hear and feel music and a drum beat as I read this Psalm today!  This Psalm was used in later Jewish synagogue liturgies for Rosh Hashanah, the New Year Festival.  This Psalm has also been used by the Christian church in the Celebration of Jesus’ ascension, in particular with emphases on verse 5 – “God has ascended with a mighty shout. The LORD has ascended with trumpets blaring.”  Do you hear and feel the music as you read this Psalm?  Verse 1 sets the stage so very well for verse 2 in the image below – “Come, everyone, and clap your hands for joy! Shout to God with joyful praise!”

Proverbs – There is an interesting “or” statement in Proverbs chapter 22 verse 16 today – “A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.”  I hadn’t really ever thought that showering gifts on the rich might put one in the same boat as oppressing the poor.  Oppressing the poor seems like the obvious no-no. But showering gifts on the rich… why do you suppose this is a no-no as well?  What’s wrong with showering the gifts on the rich?  I’m wondering if it is because our gifts would be better given elsewhere?  e.g. to the poor?

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Ecclesiastes and Second Corinthians reminded me of Santcus Real’s awesome song “Lead Me:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBdFn4YgxPY

Is God leading you? Click here to be led!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If they fall down, they can help each other up. But pity those who fall and have no one to help them up! “ Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have at least one great friend, and that you in turn are a great friend to someone else. Pray that you will help out your friend if they fall, and that they in turn will help you out if you fall.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Ecclesiastes 4:1-6-12
Clearly, Solomon wrote this book because he was an observer of life and people so there is much meat in these words.
8 If you see a poor person being oppressed by the powerful and justice being miscarried throughout the land, don’t be surprised! For every official is under orders from higher up, and matters of justice only get lost in red tape and bureaucracy. 9 Even the king milks the land for his own profit!
10 Those who love money will never have enough. How absurd to think that wealth brings true happiness! 11 The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what is the advantage of wealth–except perhaps to watch it run through your fingers! (5:8-11)
Verse eight is one I need to get way down in my spirit. I see so many people in leadership oppressing those they are either called to lead or who have been given supervisory positions yet despise, mistreat and totally abuse those they have been given charge over. I see leadership who fail to take responsibility for their departments; homes and businesses playing the Blame Game trying to pass their responsibilities unto those they are suppose to be leading. Justice fails when the attitude or understanding of the word justice is defined by a “just us” attitude, right behavior, actions and outcome are only just for us and not for them.
We were not placed on this earth to self-consume, we will not get a prize for gathering the most “toys.” God gives each and every person gifts, saved and unsaved, so that they will realize that what they have they did not get because they are so great are so talented, no one makes themselves. God’s gifts are given without repentance. (Romans 11:28-30; Acts 17:26-27
In reading this book, I must constantly remind myself that Solomon wrote this book under the sun and not under the Son or hopelessness will take over.
II Corinthians 6:14-7:7
14 Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can goodness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? 15What harmony can there be between Christ and the Devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? 16 And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said:
This admonishment by Paul can be applied to every area of life, not just marriage. Amos 3:3 states, Will two walk together, except they have agreed? (JPS)
I see this violated so many times by Christians single women who are so desirous of getting married at all cost that they marry an unbeliever, and an unbeliever can be someone who goes to church. They scope out a man they want then manipulate them onto their hook. Once they catch them, scale them and fry ‘um up they then complain about the taste.
What you see is what you get, you can’t change people unless they want to be changed and if they want to change they have to change we can’t make them or create them to be into the image we want. God does not even do that. If you can’t live with the man you see standing in front of you with all his flaws, leave it alone, don’t begin a construction project, you will fail. In fact what you really are doing is Practicing Witchcraft!! In reality witchcraft is the practice of trying to control someone else’s will, it aint ‘bout black cats and cauldrons folks it’s about manipulation.
Psalm 47:1-9
When I read the Psalms of Praise that encouragement that instruct people to clap, shout, praise God with tambourines and cymbals and the like, I think Heaven is not going to be a quite place and that sometimes at church we are to make a lot of heavenly noise so we won’t be shocked when we get there. Of course this “noise” should be in a manner that is deceit and in order.
Proverbs 22:16
This Proverb may be dealing with giving actual gifts but there is another Proverb, in the next chapter that warns of receiving gifts from the “rich,” the gift of a meal, or those who have power over you. Mike maybe this is because the writer understands the human nature of our “gift” giving. Are we giving a gift because we want to bless the person or are we giving a “gift” as a disguised bribe hoping we will find favor with the wealthy person who will give bigger gifts in return or at least get the crumbs from the ruler’s table.
WHEN YOU sit down to eat with a ruler, consider who and what are before you; For you will put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to desire. Be not desirous of his dainties, for it is deceitful food [offered with questionable motives]. Weary not yourself to be rich; cease from your own [human] wisdom. [Prov. 28:20; I Tim. 6:9, 10.] Will you set your eyes upon wealth, when [suddenly] it is gone? For riches certainly make themselves wings, like an eagle that flies toward the heavens. Eat not the bread of him who has a hard, grudging, and envious eye, neither desire his dainty foods; For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. As one who reckons, he says to you, eat and drink, yet his heart is not with you [but is grudging the cost]. The morsel which you have eaten you will vomit up, and your complimentary words will be wasted.
(Proverbs 23:1-8 AMP).
In fact this verse, 16 A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty, would not be out of place with today’s reading in Ecclesiastes dealing with the seeking of wealth (Ecc 5:8-20)
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Pat:

A comment on Psalms 47:7 = In my Bible study I am using and comparing the Scripture in two versions, the NIV and the NKJV. I realize that the NIV is today’s most commonly used version of the Bible but I feel in the case of this verse that it omits a very important part of 47:7 that is clearly stated in the KJV and NKJV versions.
NIV gives this verse as: “For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise.”
NKJV gives this verse as: “For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with UNDERSTANDING.”
What the KJV and the NKJV says to me is when you sing praise to the Lord it should be done with meaning and not just lip service. It seems that “Praise the Lord” has become a common phrase today that is kicked about lightly. It’s raining today – PTL! Its sunny today – PTL! The store had my favorite kind of ice cream – PTL!
Before “Praise the Lord” comes from one’s lips, the praise should first be sung in the heart by truly recognizing the greatness of the Lord and His hand in the everyday events of our lives.
God does not take us lightly. He walked on earth and died on the cross for each separate one of us! Therefore, we should never take God lightly or be perceived by others as taking God lightly.
God Bless!
Pat

======= Ramona:

Mike, maybe “…showering gifts on the rich …’ flows from the same motivation as, “oppressing the poor,” the desire for wealth. If someone is rich then what gift can you really give them that they can’t get for themselves, and I’m using “gift” with a tone of sarcasm. If a gift is something you give with no strings attached to someone who supposedly has a need, then what can you really give someone who has more than you do?
The reason why people give a gift to the wealthy is that they want something. They are in reality not giving a “gift” but a bribe, something to smooth the way for a reverse exchange, they are priming the pump. They are looking to get ahead, jump the line a head of everyone else.
Why is the poor oppressed? To keep someone down in an attempt to devalue their self-worth and obscure their true value. If a person sees themselves as valueless, then whatever they have in their hands to do be it raw material, human labor, you can give them less than what their labor value is worth and reap a greater profit on the sale of the finished product.
To God, the one who made everything we value as being priceless and precious, we, the peeps (people) are his treasured possessions. So we worship the one’s who we think have the stuff and we oppress the ones who label is worthless so we can acquire more of the stuff from the profits
What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn’t treat him like God, refusing to worship him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives. They pretended to know it all, but were illiterate regarding life. They traded the glory of God who holds the whole world in his hands for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand. (Romans 1:21-23 MSG)
Ramona

======= Jan:

In regard to this scripture: “Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
It sounds nothing like what Paul preaches about staying single & focused. I do understand the “theory” of this Proverb verse – but it also makes me feel left out at this time in my life cause I don’t have that second person (male or female). I wish I did!!!  : )
But I sure think I may start to remind God of His Word & perhaps He will remedy my situation.
Regarding purity: I just read “The Purity Principal” by Randy Alcorn, a very short little profound book (93 pages) for sure & also bought “Every Single Man’s Battle” guide for personal & group study for my 23 yo son (like to read a book before giving it away). I plan on buying “Every Young Man’s Battle” for my nephew – he is 15 & asking me questions today about sinning & asking forgivness – will he still go to heaven. He attends church regulary, but still has quesitons. I told him a little about the book & said I would get it tomorrow & mail it to him. He said he keeps doing the sin & I think I know what he is talking about – perfect book for him at his age.
Jan

======= Allan:

Mike I just want to tell you that I appreciate all you put into producing this oneyearbibleblog…..THANK YOU!
Allan

======= Dee:

True Ramona about listening the readings of Solomon of Ecclesiastes..I like how the commentary speaks about wanting what we don’t have or being aggravated when others get..we have to or need to be thankful for all we have ..not be considered in something we don’t have.
Eccleciastes 4-6..sounds a little like congress and government..everybody doing what is commanded of them and oppressing the poor and being rule followers instead of walking in peace and giving favor or relieving hardship..history repeats itself..rich get richer and poor get oppressed. God calls us to take care of widows and orphans..
2nd Cor 6:14..don’t be unequally yoked with an unbeliever.. I tell my sweet daughter who has yet to be thrusted into the man God created for her yet..I tell her be careful when she begins dating because being a believer or not believing in any is a big thing and not worth the obstacle to date a non believer.
Psalm 47..I could so be there! Singing loudly and band going..worshipping to the Lord..
Proverbs: taking from poor and giving to boost rich is wrong..our government does it ..politicians do it and corrupt tax offenders who don’t pay like should do it..but also when we see someone poor and we turn a blind eye..we too are being against the poor by our actions. Ouch!
Dee

======= John:

Ecclesiastes 4-6:12
God has purpose for everyone & everything?(3:1-15) – “It doesn’t seem like it,” thinks Solomon!
This is what Solomon sees from a man’s perspective (not God’s perspective):
1)THE OPPRESSED AREN’T COMFORTED!
2)COMPETITION BREEDS ENVY!
3)MAKE IT TO THE TOP AND LIKELY YOU WILL DEAL WITH LONELINESS!
4)POPULARITY IS PASSING!
=================================================================================
Get away from man’s perspective – go to the House of God.
But if you go there – do not go with the wrong heart. do not go there trying to “play” or con God.
Watch yourn step, your mouth, your promises, and keep your heart right and reverant:
Prov 9:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,”
=================================================================================
So what of Riches?
Does Wealth bring happiness, rest, security, solutions to every problem – or just more complex and bigger problems.
From Man’s viewpoint there is no gain from wealth – in the end you muct leave it behind.
“Enjoyment does not come from possessions, or from riches. Nor does it come from companionship, from popularity and fame, from the approval and the admiration of others. Enjoyment comes by knowing the Living God and taking everything from his hand with thanksgiving, whether it be pain or pleasure. That is the gift of God, and that is the lesson of this great book.” – Ray Stedman
=================================================================================
More Problems with life – from man’s perspective:
WEALTH WITHOUT ENJOYMENT!
“Enjoyment w/o God is merely entertainment, & it doesn’t satisfy!” – “Enjoyment w/God is Enrichment, & it brings true Joy & satisfaction!” -“Wiersbe”
WORK WITHOUT SATISFACTION!
It is neither wrong to work or eat, but when our life consists only in working or eating then we are controlled by our appetites, which puts us on par w/the animal’s on Discovery channel.
QUESTIONS WITHOUT EXPLANATION!
Ecc 6:12 For who knows what is good for a man in life, during the few and meaningless days he passes through like a shadow? Who can tell him what will happen under the sun after he is gone?
No man, but God can, and that is why one needs to seek God out – for God can make sense of it all.
John

======= John:

2Cor6:14a “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers…”
I wondered why Paul went to such great lengths up to this point in 2Cor to point out travails of his ministry and the reassurance of what God is doing (or should be doing) in all their lives, and what God will do in their lives. It seems to lead up to 2Cor6:14a.
OK. The yoking reference goes back to Deut22:10 and Deut14:1-8. The ox and the ass should not be yoked together because one is clean (oxen) and the other is unclean (ass). Also, as someone in here (Ramona?) pointed out back in Deut. – they are incongruent with each other – they do not walk in the same step (gait), unequal strength, etc.
The path cleared by the two animals will more than likely be a screwed up path – not the one intended. I think that is the underlying concern for Paul. If you are yoked together, you will walk the same path. Like the unmatched animal pair – it is likely to be a screwed up path. And it will necessitate the believer adopting some (or most/all) of the values and goals of the unbeliever. If for no other reason than to get along, as the unbeliever will see the Christian way as “foolishness”.
Upon initial reading I thought: Got it. Do not marry an unbeliever, do not become inextricably tied up with an unbeliever in fellowship and/or business and politics. Not isolationism from unbelievers, just NO close “bonding” or yoking with them.
[In John 17 Jesus prays: “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (Jn. 17:15). Paul also mentions relations with the world in 1Cor5:9-13. Neither is promoting isolationism.]
Then I read Bob Deffingbaugh’s commentary,and while the above is true,in this specific case Paul may very well be referring to unbelievers (false apostles) in the Corinthian “body of Christ”.
Paul goes to great lengths to re-establish the apostles authority and intent for spreading the Gospel. Re-establishing what God has done for the Corinthians and will do in the future. Perhaps it is not the influence of “Greek” love of man’s wisdom that caused Corinthians to screw up so much in 1COR, but man’s wisdom as taught by “false apostles” (using that strategy as a pinpointed weakness in the Greek culture) within the “assembly”.
Being yoked to or following the teachings of a “false teacher” within the church can have devastating effects – as it has in Corinth. Paul is saying to separate yourself from these people (teachers) – do not follow their (screwed up)path.
John

======= John:

2Cor6:14-18;7:1
This is another time – I think one is better off reading Bob Deffingbaugh’s commentary than my post 

http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=1228
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2Cor6:14a “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers…”
I wondered why Paul went to such great lengths up to this point in 2Cor to point out travails of his ministry and the reassurance of what God is doing (or should be doing) in all their lives, and what God will do in their lives. It seems to lead up to 2Cor6:14a.
OK. The yoking reference goes back to Deut22:10 and Deut14:1-8. The ox and the ass should not be yoked together because one is clean (oxen) and the other is unclean (ass). Also, as someone in here (Ramona?) pointed out back in Deut. – they are incongruent with each other – they do not walk in the same step (gait), unequal strength, etc.
The path cleared by the two animals will more than likely be a screwed up path – not the one intended. I think that is the underlying concern for Paul. If you are yoked together, you will walk the same path. Like the unmatched animal pair – it is likely to be a screwed up path. And it will necessitate the believer adopting some (or most/all) of the values and goals of the unbeliever. If for no other reason than to get along, as the unbeliever will see the Christian way as “foolishness”.
Upon initial reading I thought: Got it. Do not marry an unbeliever, do not become inextricably tied up with an unbeliever in fellowship and/or business and politics. Not isolationism from unbelievers, just NO close “bonding” or yoking with them.
[In John 17 Jesus prays: “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (Jn. 17:15). Paul also mentions relations with the world in 1Cor5:9-13. Neither is promoting isolationism.]
Then I read Bob Deffingbaugh’s commentary,and while the above is true,in this specific case Paul may very well be referring to unbelievers (false apostles) in the Corinthian “body of Christ”.
Paul goes to great lengths to re-establish the apostles authority and intent for spreading the Gospel. Re-establishing what God has done for the Corinthians and will do in the future. Perhaps it is not the influence of “Greek” love of man’s wisdom that caused Corinthians to screw up so much in 1COR, but man’s wisdom as taught by “false apostles” (using that strategy as a pinpointed weakness in the Greek culture) within the “assembly”.
Being yoked to or following the teachings of a “false teacher” within the church can have devastating effects – as it has in Corinth. Paul is saying to separate yourself from these people (teachers) – do not follow their (screwed up)path.
[NOTE: Implications of this for today are in Bob’s commentary – and it may be a tough read for some.]
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WHY?
Paul lists five rhetorical questions to which the answer is “No” or “none”
Can the wicked and righteous be:
-Partners
-In Fellowship (deep bonding type)
-In Harmony
-Personal compatibility – “New creation” with the “flesh”
-In Worship*
[* NOTE: this last is what leads me to believe that Paul may very well be referring to False Apostles in Corinth.]
“For we are the temple of the living God.”
The “assembly” is the temple of God. Again the Gk. word “nous” is used for temple. Meaning the “Holy of Holies” – the innermost part of the temple where God once resided and now resides in you.
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Lastly I find it interesting how Paul used the OT to validate his point.
-Promise mixed with prophecy.
-Prophecy for end times
-Promise.
The promises Paul refers to in 1Cor7:1
“I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
We will be a communal family with the Father and the Son as adopted children of God!
Therefore purify yourselves (*to do a completed act) then pursue (*in an on-going manner) holiness out of reverence for God.
* by the Gk. verb tenses
To those with an interest,
I would be interested to hear via email or a post here, what you think of the linked article.
Does it make sense, do you see a flaw, or do you disagree?
It is a one-pager, relatively short, and an “easy read” 

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What is “Agape” and How Did It Work?
http://www.tektonics.org/whatis/whatlove.html

John

======= Jan:

John, I read the article “BY ANY OTHER NAME?” & totally agree – matter of fact, I just purchased a book this week, “Jesus Mean & Wild/The Unexpected Love of an Untamable God” by Mark Galli & can hardly wait to sink my teeth in to it.
Here is a comment by Lauren F. Winner, author of “Girl Meets God” & “Real Sex:” “In this wonderfully provocative book, Galli recovers a more multifaceted portrait of Jesus, insisting that Jesus’ plan for our lives is demanding & difficult – & in that difficulty we find real love. This is not an easy book to read, because it promises to change you & your relationship with God. And I, for one, am very, very grateful that I read it. I know I will be reading it again.”
It is just what the article on “agape” is about.
Jan

Ecclesiastes 1:1-3:2 + 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 + Psalm 46:1-11 + Proverbs 22:15
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this lnk or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today we begin the book of Ecclesiastes!  We will be reading about the vanity of life apart from God in this book. I think some people may find this to be a depressing book. I find it hopeful!  Yes, indeed life is depressing apart from God. But life with God is an unending beautiful adventure. (certainly with some trials along the journey…)  I pray the book of Ecclesiastes draws you into thanksgiving for the amazing life we can indeed have in relationship with Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit!  Below is an image of King Solomon writing the words of the book of Ecclesiastes.

~ Ecclesiastes ~
Author: Probably Solomon, the son of David
Date: Probably tenth century B.C.
Content: This difficult book displays the dark philosophy of one who sought to find peace apart from God, but in the end realized that only futility is to be found there. The only possible solution to life’s puzzle concludes this book: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13) Leading up to that positive statement is a series of pictures, each one portraying the futility of life without God. Wealth, wisdom, popularity, and pleasure are all put down as so much vanity. Only when a man turns from this world to God will he find true happiness.
Theme: There is a negative lesson to be learned from this book. It is a series of things not to do. It shows the emptiness of trying to live for oneself and to please oneself alone without considering the needs of others or considering God our Maker. There is a positive side, however. If one can see how not to live, perhaps then he will see what he ought to do and be spared the heartaches of living a wasted life. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 10) 

Fantastic commentary on the book of Ecclesiastes titled “On The Wings of Eternity” is at this link and commentary titled “The Theology of Ecclesiastes” is at this link.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Ecclesiastes titled: “Life and Death in Biblical perspective: An Examination of Genesis 5, Ecclesiastes 1, and 1 Corinthians 15:50-58” is at this link.

Bible Project: Here is a terrific video overview of the book of Ecclesiastes!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrsQ1tc-2wk

New Testament – I love Paul’s opening words in Second Corinthians chapter 6 verses 1 and 2 today, as he quotes from the prophet Isaiah – “As God’s partners, we beg you not to reject this marvelous message of God’s great kindness. For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, God is ready to help you right now. Today is the day of salvation.”  How does this verse speak to you?  What does it mean to you?  Do you believe that God is ready to help you right now?  Do you believe that today is the day of salvation?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Second Corinthians titled “Authentic Apostleship” is at this link.

Psalms – Today we read Psalm 46, which is an incredible Psalm! This Psalm represents a song of hope celebrating the certain triumph of God’s kingdom – even in the midst of times of severe trouble. This Psalm served as the inspiration for Martin Luther’s famous Hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” Just after 9/11 I saw emails on the internet floating around with the entirety of Psalm 46. I would encourage you to keep this Psalm in your “back-pocket” as a Psalm to meditate upon whenever you personally might be going through times of severe trouble – or whenever our world might be going through times of severe trouble. Near the end of this Psalm in verse 10 we will read a tiny little verse that I think is the key to this Psalm – “Be still, and know that I am God.” If you are going through a time of trouble in your life right now, will you take some time to meditate upon Psalm 46 and in particular verse 10? What does it mean to you to “Be still, and know that I am God?” Do you believe that being still during times of trouble can draw you closer to God? Will you be still today before God? In this stillness will you seek to know that He is indeed God? Even in the midst of whatever might be troubling you, will you seek to know that I AM is your God?

Proverbs – Today Proverbs 22:15 teaches us: “A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but discipline will drive it away.”  This is a great reminder that loving and godly discipline is of great benefit to a youngster whose heart is filled with foolishness.  Do you suppose that discipline is of great benefit to even us oldsters 🙂 who might have hearts filled with foolishness at times?  Do you appreciate loving and godly discipline in your life today? Do you practice discipline in your life today?  Are you disciplined?  Are you a Disciple?  Speaking of which, has anyone read Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book “The Cost of Discipleship“?  It is a great book! If anyone has read this book, please post up reviews in the Comments section below.  Thanks!

Worship Video: Per the Psalm 46:10 notes above, here is Steven Curtis Chapman singing “Be Still:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jop65i0sZGw

Is God your mighty fortress? Click here and be fortified!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you recognize the seasons of your life that God calls you to. Pray that you recognize your times to plant and times to uproot. Pray you will recognize God’s perfect timing in all things in your life.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

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======= Ramona: