Showing posts with label Ecclesiastes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ecclesiastes. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
September 5
Today's Reading
Ecclesiastes. "11 The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep." This verse near the end of the book seems to be a description of how to use it. Let the wise words poke us and prod us as we learn to walk in God's ways.
2 Corinthians. At this time, the Jewish Christians were in an economic crisis. Therefore, many of the poor, struggling Gentiles churches were sacrificing to help their brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul adds to his plea a request that Corinth, who had much more wealth, give an abundant offering on top of what the poor churches had already given. "4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. " It's hard to believe that people "begged" to give. However, I have seen such a heart among Dominicans who are poor in this world and rich in faith.
Psalms. We must learn to look at life through eternal lenses.
Proverbs today makes me wonder if this is something Solomon told a distinguished guest and which got recorded by a scribe.
What do you notice?
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
September 4
Today's Reading
As I read Ecclesiastes today, I found some verses really speaking to me. I can only imagine some of the questions running through the heads of those who read Climbing Companions. Rather than try to guess, I'm opening it up. What questions do you have?
In 2 Corinthians today, Paul spoke of not being sorry (though he was sorry at first) for sending the harsh earlier letter to them. I went through something like this lately. I prepared a sermon on repentance. I asked some leaders to look at it and I think if felt harsh to some. I was ready to soften in when a very wise leader said it is just the message we need. Repentance is a hard-fought battle, but it must be waged for us to become the people God designed us to be.
Psalms. I'm convinced that Scripture passages like this will make more and more sense when we are with Jesus for eternity. It is about His kingdom. He Himself taught us to pray, "Thy kingdom come..."
Proverbs. "19 I am teaching you today—yes, you—
so you will trust in the Lord." Isn't that the real issue of life?
What speaks to you today? How's it going, Climbing Companion?
Monday, September 3, 2012
September 3
Today's Reading
Part of the challenge (and the enjoyment) of Ecclesiastes is that Solomon keeps going back and forth between words of despair and words of great wisdom for living. We must sift through them and let them speak to us in the right way at the right time.
2 Corinthians. Today, in Chapter 6, Paul warns them against "partnership" with unbelievers. He isn't at all talking against building friendships with unbelievers. Instead, he is warning against a union with unbelievers in which we submit ourselves to their unbelief. The most common interpretation of this is marriage, but it can be more. In Chapter 7, he recalls the instruction found in 1 Corinthians 5 and rejoices that they followed what he had said.
Psalms. "5 God has ascended with a mighty shout.
The Lord has ascended with trumpets blaring." I never noticed that verse before. God "ascended". I tend to think of God "descending", but the picture is of God, the God of Israel, ascending to His rightful throne: Lord of all the earth (and everything else).
Proverbs. I have seen (even among Christians) people who underpay their employees to keep more for themselves. I have heard the justifications. I don't think the "reasons" stand up before God.
What have you noticed?
Sunday, September 2, 2012
September 2
Today's Reading
Today, we begin reading the little book of Ecclesiastes. These writings of Solomon seem to be some of his life observations as he got older. It's important to remember that Solomon was very wise, but he never received the description, "man after God's own heart" like his father did. Solomon also made the mistake of attempting to fill his life with the things of this world; some of his Ecclesiastes statements attest to the futility of that choice. How do these first three chapters affect you? Do they produce enthusiasm in you or do you find them rather depressing?
2 Corinthians. If the only writings of Paul available to you were these thoughts in 2 Corinthians, wouldn't he look like a whiner? Obviously, he wrote about half our New Testament and he was anything but a complainer. Here he is preparing the hearts of his readers for a need he will share with them. He entrusts to them that serving Christ can be difficult and painful. Those sentiments are not for the faint of heart and it says much about his respect for the spiritual maturity that was happening in Corinth.
Psalms. I like to imagine standing at an observation point and watching as a wall of snow and ice begins an avalanche or a tsunami breaks in toward the shore. The awe of such terrible force would remind me of the greatness of God. Be still and know...
Proverbs. I recently read where someone was asking what happened to controlling children when they are in public places like restaurants. The writer, who works in a restaurant, said that it's uncanny how many parents bring their small children in and allow them to run freely throughout the building. We have become a culture of many parents not disciplining their own children.
And, my friend, what speaks to you today?
Monday, June 20, 2011
June 20, Day 171
Ecclesiastes. "I discovered that a seductive woman is a trap more bitter than death. Her passion is a snare, and her soft hands are chains. Those who are pleasing to God will escape her, but sinners will be caught in her snare." (Ecclesiastes 7:26 NLT) Solomon discovered this the hard way. His search for joy throughout this book tells me that he was already ensnared, having lost the joy of his salvation. That doesn't change the value of the powerful messages found here.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
June 19, Day 170
Ecclesiastes. These writings of Solomon seem to be some of his life observations as he got older. It's important to remember that Solomon was very wise, but he never received the description, "man after God's own heart" like his father did. Solomon also made the mistake of attempting to fill his life with the things of this world; some of his Ecclesiastes statements attest to the futility of that choice. How do these first chapters affect you? Do they produce enthusiasm in you or do you find them rather depressing?
Sunday, September 5, 2010
September 5
Today's Reading
Ecclesiastes. "11 The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep." This verse near the end of the book seems to be a description of how to use it. Let the wise words poke us and prod us as we learn to walk in God's ways.
2 Corinthians. At this time, the Jewish Christians were in an economic crisis. Therefore, many of the poor, struggling Gentiles churches were sacrificing to help their brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul adds to his plea a request that Corinth, who had much more wealth, give an abundant offering on top of what the poor churches had already given. "4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. " It's hard to believe that people "begged" to give. However, I have seen such a heart among Dominicans who are poor in this world and rich in faith.
Psalms. We must learn to look at life through eternal lenses.
Proverbs today makes me wonder if this is something Solomon told a distinguished guest and which got recorded by a scribe.
What do you notice?
Ecclesiastes. "11 The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep." This verse near the end of the book seems to be a description of how to use it. Let the wise words poke us and prod us as we learn to walk in God's ways.
2 Corinthians. At this time, the Jewish Christians were in an economic crisis. Therefore, many of the poor, struggling Gentiles churches were sacrificing to help their brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul adds to his plea a request that Corinth, who had much more wealth, give an abundant offering on top of what the poor churches had already given. "4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. " It's hard to believe that people "begged" to give. However, I have seen such a heart among Dominicans who are poor in this world and rich in faith.
Psalms. We must learn to look at life through eternal lenses.
Proverbs today makes me wonder if this is something Solomon told a distinguished guest and which got recorded by a scribe.
What do you notice?
Saturday, September 4, 2010
September 4
Today's Reading
As I read Ecclesiastes today, I found some verses really speaking to me. I can only imagine some of the questions running through the heads of those who read Climbing Companions. Rather than try to guess, I'm opening it up. What questions do you have?
In 2 Corinthians today, Paul again balanced the correction he brought in the first letter. His encouragement included appreciation for their treatment of Titus. Some of you parents know what it is to train your children to do chores. You accomplish at least two things: as they learn, you get more work done. And you are preparing them for work later in life. Paul obviously felt that way when he dispatched younger helpers like Titus and Timothy.
Psalms. I'm convinced that Scripture passages like this will make more and more sense when we are with Jesus for eternity. It is about His kingdom. He Himself taught us to pray, "Thy kingdom come..."
Proverbs. "19 I am teaching you today—yes, you—
so you will trust in the Lord." Isn't that the real issue of life?
What speaks to you today? How's it going, Climbing Companion?
As I read Ecclesiastes today, I found some verses really speaking to me. I can only imagine some of the questions running through the heads of those who read Climbing Companions. Rather than try to guess, I'm opening it up. What questions do you have?
In 2 Corinthians today, Paul again balanced the correction he brought in the first letter. His encouragement included appreciation for their treatment of Titus. Some of you parents know what it is to train your children to do chores. You accomplish at least two things: as they learn, you get more work done. And you are preparing them for work later in life. Paul obviously felt that way when he dispatched younger helpers like Titus and Timothy.
Psalms. I'm convinced that Scripture passages like this will make more and more sense when we are with Jesus for eternity. It is about His kingdom. He Himself taught us to pray, "Thy kingdom come..."
Proverbs. "19 I am teaching you today—yes, you—
so you will trust in the Lord." Isn't that the real issue of life?
What speaks to you today? How's it going, Climbing Companion?
Friday, September 3, 2010
September 3
Today's Reading
Part of the challenge (and the enjoyment) of Ecclesiastes is that Solomon keeps going back and forth between words of despair and words of great wisdom for living. We must sift through them and let them speak to us in the right way at the right time.
2 Corinthians. Today, in Chapter 6, Paul warns them against "partnership" with unbelievers. He isn't at all talking against building friendships with unbelievers. Instead, he is warning against a union with unbelievers in which we submit ourselves to their unbelief. The most common interpretation of this is marriage, but it can be more. In Chapter 7, he recalls the instruction found in 1 Corinthians 5 and rejoices that they followed what he had said.
Psalms. "5 God has ascended with a mighty shout.
The Lord has ascended with trumpets blaring." I never noticed that verse before. God "ascended". I tend to think of God "descending", but the picture is of God, the God of Israel, ascending to His rightful throne: Lord of all the earth (and everything else).
Proverbs. I have seen (even among Christians) people who underpay their employees to keep more for themselves. I have heard the justifications. I don't think the "reasons" stand up before God.
What have you noticed?
Part of the challenge (and the enjoyment) of Ecclesiastes is that Solomon keeps going back and forth between words of despair and words of great wisdom for living. We must sift through them and let them speak to us in the right way at the right time.
2 Corinthians. Today, in Chapter 6, Paul warns them against "partnership" with unbelievers. He isn't at all talking against building friendships with unbelievers. Instead, he is warning against a union with unbelievers in which we submit ourselves to their unbelief. The most common interpretation of this is marriage, but it can be more. In Chapter 7, he recalls the instruction found in 1 Corinthians 5 and rejoices that they followed what he had said.
Psalms. "5 God has ascended with a mighty shout.
The Lord has ascended with trumpets blaring." I never noticed that verse before. God "ascended". I tend to think of God "descending", but the picture is of God, the God of Israel, ascending to His rightful throne: Lord of all the earth (and everything else).
Proverbs. I have seen (even among Christians) people who underpay their employees to keep more for themselves. I have heard the justifications. I don't think the "reasons" stand up before God.
What have you noticed?
Thursday, September 2, 2010
September 2
Today's Reading
Today, we begin reading the little book of Ecclesiastes. These writings of Solomon seem to be some of his life observations as he got older. It's important to remember that Solomon was very wise, but he never received the description, "man after God's own heart" like his father did. Solomon also made the mistake of attempting to fill his life with the things of this world; some of his Ecclesiastes statements attest to the futility of that choice. How do these first three chapters affect you? Do they produce enthusiasm in you or do you find them rather depressing?
2 Corinthians. If the only writings of Paul available to you were these thoughts in 2 Corinthians, wouldn't he look like a whiner? Obviously, he wrote about half our New Testament and he was anything but a complainer. Here he is preparing the hearts of his readers for a need he will share with them. He entrusts to them that serving Christ can be difficult and painful. Those sentiments are not for the faint of heart and it says much about his respect for the spiritual maturity that was happening in Corinth.
Psalms. I like to imagine standing at an observation point and watching as a wall of snow and ice begins an avalanche or a tsunami breaks in toward the shore. The awe of such terrible force would remind me of the greatness of God. Be still and know...
Proverbs. I recently read where someone was asking what happened to controlling children when they are in public places like restaurants. The writer, who works in a restaurant, said that it's uncanny how many parents bring their small children in and allow them to run freely throughout the building. We have become a culture of many parents not disciplining their own children.
And, my friend, what speaks to you today?
Today, we begin reading the little book of Ecclesiastes. These writings of Solomon seem to be some of his life observations as he got older. It's important to remember that Solomon was very wise, but he never received the description, "man after God's own heart" like his father did. Solomon also made the mistake of attempting to fill his life with the things of this world; some of his Ecclesiastes statements attest to the futility of that choice. How do these first three chapters affect you? Do they produce enthusiasm in you or do you find them rather depressing?
2 Corinthians. If the only writings of Paul available to you were these thoughts in 2 Corinthians, wouldn't he look like a whiner? Obviously, he wrote about half our New Testament and he was anything but a complainer. Here he is preparing the hearts of his readers for a need he will share with them. He entrusts to them that serving Christ can be difficult and painful. Those sentiments are not for the faint of heart and it says much about his respect for the spiritual maturity that was happening in Corinth.
Psalms. I like to imagine standing at an observation point and watching as a wall of snow and ice begins an avalanche or a tsunami breaks in toward the shore. The awe of such terrible force would remind me of the greatness of God. Be still and know...
Proverbs. I recently read where someone was asking what happened to controlling children when they are in public places like restaurants. The writer, who works in a restaurant, said that it's uncanny how many parents bring their small children in and allow them to run freely throughout the building. We have become a culture of many parents not disciplining their own children.
And, my friend, what speaks to you today?
Saturday, September 5, 2009
September 5
Today's Reading
Ecclesiastes: "11 The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep." This verse near the end of the book seems to be a description of how to use it. Let the wise words poke us and prod us as we learn to walk in God's ways.
2 Corinthians: at this time, the Jewish Christians were in an economic crisis. Therefore, many of the poor, struggling Gentiles churches were sacrificing to help their brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul adds to his plea a request that Corinth, who had much more wealth, give an abundant offering on top of what the poor churches had already given. "4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. " It's hard to believe that people "begged" to give. However, I have seen such a heart among Dominicans who are poor in this world and rich in faith.
Psalms: we must learn to look at life through eternal lenses.
Proverbs today makes me wonder if this is something Solomon told a distinguished guest and which got recorded by a scribe.
What do you notice?
Ecclesiastes: "11 The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep." This verse near the end of the book seems to be a description of how to use it. Let the wise words poke us and prod us as we learn to walk in God's ways.
2 Corinthians: at this time, the Jewish Christians were in an economic crisis. Therefore, many of the poor, struggling Gentiles churches were sacrificing to help their brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul adds to his plea a request that Corinth, who had much more wealth, give an abundant offering on top of what the poor churches had already given. "4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. " It's hard to believe that people "begged" to give. However, I have seen such a heart among Dominicans who are poor in this world and rich in faith.
Psalms: we must learn to look at life through eternal lenses.
Proverbs today makes me wonder if this is something Solomon told a distinguished guest and which got recorded by a scribe.
What do you notice?
Friday, September 4, 2009
September 4
Today's Reading
As I read Ecclesiastes today, I could only imagine some of the questions running through the heads of those who read Climbing Companions. Rather than try to guess, I'm opening it up. What questions do you have?
In 2 Corinthians today, Paul again balanced the correction he brought in the first letter. His encouragement included appreciation for their treatment of Titus. Some of you parents know what it is to train your children to do chores. You accomplish at least two things: as they learn, you get more work done. And you are preparing them for work later in life. Paul obviously felt that way when he dispatched younger helpers like Titus and Timothy.
Psalms: I'm convinced that Scripture passages like this will make more and more sense when we are with Jesus for eternity. It is about His kingdom. He Himself taught us to pray, "Thy kingdom come..."
Proverbs: "19 I am teaching you today—yes, you—
so you will trust in the Lord." Isn't that the real issue of life?
What speaks to you today?
As I read Ecclesiastes today, I could only imagine some of the questions running through the heads of those who read Climbing Companions. Rather than try to guess, I'm opening it up. What questions do you have?
In 2 Corinthians today, Paul again balanced the correction he brought in the first letter. His encouragement included appreciation for their treatment of Titus. Some of you parents know what it is to train your children to do chores. You accomplish at least two things: as they learn, you get more work done. And you are preparing them for work later in life. Paul obviously felt that way when he dispatched younger helpers like Titus and Timothy.
Psalms: I'm convinced that Scripture passages like this will make more and more sense when we are with Jesus for eternity. It is about His kingdom. He Himself taught us to pray, "Thy kingdom come..."
Proverbs: "19 I am teaching you today—yes, you—
so you will trust in the Lord." Isn't that the real issue of life?
What speaks to you today?
Thursday, September 3, 2009
September 3
Today's Reading
Part of the challenge (and the enjoyment) of Ecclesiastes is that Solomon keeps going back and forth between words of despair and words of great wisdom for living. We must sift through them and let them speak to us in the right way at the right time.
2 Corinthians: today, in Chapter 6, Paul warns them against "partnership" with unbelievers. He isn't at all talking against building friendships with unbelievers. Instead, he is warning against a union with unbelievers in which we submit ourselves to their unbelief. The most common interpretation of this is marriage, but it can be more. In Chapter 7, he recalls the instruction found in 1 Corinthians 5 and rejoices that they followed what he had said.
Psalms: "5 God has ascended with a mighty shout.
The Lord has ascended with trumpets blaring." I never noticed that verse before. God "ascended". I tend to think of God "descending", but the picture is of God, the God of Israel, ascending to His rightful throne: Lord of all the earth (and everything else).
Proverbs: I have seen (even among Christians) people who underpay their employees to keep more for themselves. I have heard the justifications. I don't think the "reasons" stand up before God.
What have you noticed?
Part of the challenge (and the enjoyment) of Ecclesiastes is that Solomon keeps going back and forth between words of despair and words of great wisdom for living. We must sift through them and let them speak to us in the right way at the right time.
2 Corinthians: today, in Chapter 6, Paul warns them against "partnership" with unbelievers. He isn't at all talking against building friendships with unbelievers. Instead, he is warning against a union with unbelievers in which we submit ourselves to their unbelief. The most common interpretation of this is marriage, but it can be more. In Chapter 7, he recalls the instruction found in 1 Corinthians 5 and rejoices that they followed what he had said.
Psalms: "5 God has ascended with a mighty shout.
The Lord has ascended with trumpets blaring." I never noticed that verse before. God "ascended". I tend to think of God "descending", but the picture is of God, the God of Israel, ascending to His rightful throne: Lord of all the earth (and everything else).
Proverbs: I have seen (even among Christians) people who underpay their employees to keep more for themselves. I have heard the justifications. I don't think the "reasons" stand up before God.
What have you noticed?
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
September 2
Today's Reading
Today, we begin reading the little book of Ecclesiastes: These writings of Solomon seem to be some of his life observations as he got older. It's important to remember that Solomon was very wise, but he never received the description, "man after God's own heart" like his father did. Solomon also made the mistake of attempting to fill his life with the things of this world; some of his Ecclesiastes statements attest to the futility of that choice. How do these first three chapters affect you? Do they produce enthusiasm in you or do you find them rather depressing?
2 Corinthians: if the only writings of Paul available to you were these thoughts in 2 Corinthians, wouldn't he look like a whiner? Obviously, he wrote about half our New Testament and he was anything but a complainer. Here he is preparing the hearts of his readers for a need he will share with them. He entrusts to them that serving Christ can be difficult and painful. Those sentiments are not for the faint of heart and it says much about his respect for the spiritual maturity that was happening in Corinth.
Psalms: I like to imagine standing at an observation point and watching as a wall of snow and ice begins an avalanche or a tsunami breaks in toward the shore. The awe of such terrible force would remind me of the greatness of God. Be still and know...
Proverbs: I recently read where someone was asking what happened to controlling children when they are in public places like restaurants. The writer, who works in a restaurant, said that it's uncanny how many parents bring their small children in and allow them to run freely throughout the building. We have become a culture of many parents not disciplining their own children.
And, my friend, what speaks to you today?
Today, we begin reading the little book of Ecclesiastes: These writings of Solomon seem to be some of his life observations as he got older. It's important to remember that Solomon was very wise, but he never received the description, "man after God's own heart" like his father did. Solomon also made the mistake of attempting to fill his life with the things of this world; some of his Ecclesiastes statements attest to the futility of that choice. How do these first three chapters affect you? Do they produce enthusiasm in you or do you find them rather depressing?
2 Corinthians: if the only writings of Paul available to you were these thoughts in 2 Corinthians, wouldn't he look like a whiner? Obviously, he wrote about half our New Testament and he was anything but a complainer. Here he is preparing the hearts of his readers for a need he will share with them. He entrusts to them that serving Christ can be difficult and painful. Those sentiments are not for the faint of heart and it says much about his respect for the spiritual maturity that was happening in Corinth.
Psalms: I like to imagine standing at an observation point and watching as a wall of snow and ice begins an avalanche or a tsunami breaks in toward the shore. The awe of such terrible force would remind me of the greatness of God. Be still and know...
Proverbs: I recently read where someone was asking what happened to controlling children when they are in public places like restaurants. The writer, who works in a restaurant, said that it's uncanny how many parents bring their small children in and allow them to run freely throughout the building. We have become a culture of many parents not disciplining their own children.
And, my friend, what speaks to you today?
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