Ecclesiastes 1-4

 Editor's Note:  Wearied, often pessimistic observations and life lessons shared from an anonymous author who has "been there, done that" - generally believed to be King Solomon, looking back on his journey.

Ecclesiates 1

Life is a vapor, and wears you out

You cannot affect real change, whatever you do, whatever you learn, however you apply it

Ecclesiates 2

The author has explored hedonism and empire building, the pursuit of knowledge and legacy - and found it all empty and frustrating.  Yet he learned that we can enjoy what we do, and this is a good way to live.

Ecclesiates 3

"For everything there is a season"  The LORD has purpose in what he does, and he will evaluate people on what they do, too.  Life is a gift, and we should enjoy the journey.

Ecclesiates 4

The author observed oppression, envy, ambition, and found it all disheartening.  Living in community brings value and meaning, and listening with an intent to obey the LORD is the best way to approach him.

Proverbs 30-31

Editor's Note:  Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings.  There's a lot to consider and apply here...what jumps out at you in these chapters?

Proverbs 30

Life lessons "gathered" by the son of the obedient one.  This son - King Solomon - still doesn't know enough to be one of the set-apart ones of the Most High.

Proverbs 31

Good advice given to the ruler "who belongs to God" by his mother - advice on how to lead and advocate.

He then passes along a description of the eshet chayil / woman of valor / capable wife...possibly a description handed down about his great-great-grandmother.

Proverbs 27-29

Editor's Note:  Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings.  There's a lot to consider and apply here...what jumps out at you in these chapters?

Proverbs 27

There is wisdom in a life spent taking care of what we've been given, and in being loving towards others

Proverbs 28

LIving according to the LORD's instructions is the way to wise living and success. 

Proverbs 29

Humility and Service are the way of wisdom

Proverbs 24-26

Editor's Note:  Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings.  There's a lot to consider and apply here...what jumps out at you in these chapters?

Proverbs 24

If you want to build a life that stands the test of time (and the LORD), do it God's way.  Following His instructions and working hard will bring lasting results.

Proverbs 25

Living wisely before rulers and neighbors

Proverbs 28

On dealing with fools and lazy people

Proverbs 22-23

Editor's Note:  Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings.  There's a lot to consider and apply here...what jumps out at you in these chapters?

Proverbs 22

There is a cause-and-effect reality to this world, and life turns out better when you do things according to the instructions of the Most High, who is the creator and the Sovereign of all things.

Proverbs 23

The way of wisdom is to consider what happens "down the road" and to choose well before moving forward.

Proverbs 19-21

Editor's Note:  Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings.  There's a lot to consider and apply here...what jumps out at you in these chapters?

Proverbs 19

Knowing the difference between good (righteous) and bad character and behavior will matter a great deal, rich or poor, young or old. 

Proverbs 20

The faithful life is rather different than the foolish one, and will produce far different outcomes.

Proverbs 21

The LORD is sovereign over the lives of men, but we still ave the choice to live wisely or foolishly

Proverbs 16-18

Editor's Note:  Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings.  There's a lot to consider and apply here...what jumps out at you in these chapters?

Proverbs 16

The LORD works with and through people.  The wise person will live according to God's ways. 

Proverbs 17

Wise people observe and listen - and act in ways that show love to the LORD and their fellow men.

Proverbs 18

Our words can get us into trouble, and keep us out of it, too.

Proverbs 13-15

Editor's Note:  Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings.  There's a lot to consider and apply here...what jumps out at you in these chapters?

Proverbs 13

Contrasts between those who live the LORD's way and those who don't

Proverbs 14

Wise living is constructive and productive.

Proverbs 15

Our words - and how we use them - matter a great deal.

an update, an apology

 Gents,

First of all, I'd like to say that I'm sorry.  Life has been crazy around our place in the late Spring and thus far in the Summer.  Mostly good, generally headed in the right direction...but crazy, and busy.
Our family devotion time has often taken deep dives into discussion about the Scripture we're reading, and that = along with, you know, life - has slowed down our pace.  (we're just about to finish up 2 Kings)
So slow pace, along with the choice to stay present in (and give priority to) my people, has left me with less time (and certainly less brainpower, lol) to keep up with The Other Guys.

I'm sorry about that.

I will start publishing daily stuff again, and I'll also try to reach "back" and catch up on the reading assignments that I've missed.  (pretty much 2/3 of Psalms, and the first part of Proverbs, too)  There's good stuff in there, and if you have comments/questions, I want to provide the space for you to jump in there.
...it's just gonna take a while to catch up.  Life is just like that, isn't it?  Every so often, we need to take a look at things, assess what's going on, make sure what's important is still getting our attention, and then doing what we can to do well in what we have in front of us.

Let me encourage you to come back to what Yeshua/Jesus said when he was approached about how to make the most of the life we've been given.  His answer, here in Mark 12, was a reminder of what God's spokesman told His called-out, set-apart people:

• Come to the LORD with this mindset: "I'm gonna do whatever you want; just tell me what to do"  This is how we orient ourselves to him in love on his terms.  Making that commitment, and then following through (with his help, power, and provision, of course) is how we love him with all of our heart, soul, mind, strength.
• Next, Jesus told us to act in loving ways to our fellow man, just like we would hope and expect to be treated.  And again, this is not a vague, whatever-seems-like-love-to-me kind of thing.  The people he was addressing already knew, were already familiar with how the LORD defined being loving towards people - they knew what the Scriptures taught on this, and knew that loving each other and loving the LORD according to his instructions were the summary and application - not the replacement - of Scripture (what we have come to know as the "Old Testament".

Anyway, that's why we read the Bible, right?  To "hear" from the LORD about who he is, who we are, how to live with purpose and direction, how to be his set-apart, called-out people.

...and remember, even though we're all busy, and we can all get distracted, we're not alone.  If you belong to Him, if you've been adopted and redeemed by the same Father I have, if you've come out of the slavery of your past and are headed toward the future he's prepared to you, we're brothers, and we're in this together.

Hang in there.  I'm praying for you guys, and for your families.

- jeffrey

Psalm 36 - 39

Editor's Note:  I will attempt to summarize some of the themes and statements presented in the Psalms. Clearly, I will miss a lot, so please feel free to weigh in and give your thoughts and observations.

Psalm 36

For the Leader; by David

the wicked find find joy and contentment in doing wrong; David finds joy and contentment  in knowing and serving the LORD.

Psalm 37

by David

An encouragement to focus not on those who rebel against the LORD, the wickedness they engage in.... even the success they enjoy.  Instead we are to trust in our God, his provision and goodness, and to be faithful to him.  The "bad guys" don't stress the LORD, and we can trust in him; his people will be taken care of, will have a future, will win in the end.

Psalm 38

A Psalm of David, serving as a reminder

David acknowledges his sin and the visceral effect it has on him.  He doesn't care so much about his adversaries' attacks on him, but rather pleads for forgiveness and deliverance from the LORD

Psalm 39

For the Leader; set in the style of Jeduthun. A Psalm of David

David acknowledges that life is short and people are fragile, and seeks the LORD's help and reconciliation.

Psalm 28 - 35

Editor's Note:  I will attempt to summarize some of the themes and statements presented in the Psalms. Clearly, I will miss a lot, so please feel free to weigh in and give your thoughts and observations.

Psalm 26

by David

David embraces accountability and is grateful for the loving involvement of the Most High in his life.  He responds in love, and wants to be with the LORD.

Psalm 27

by David

his relationship with the LORD brings clarity and confidence to David;  the Most High is his source of hope and strength

Psalm 28

by David

David blesses the LORD in whom he trusts, the one who hears his prayers and delivers him 

Psalm 29

A Psalm of David

Bless the LORD and praise him for his power and might.

Psalm 30

A Psalm.  A Song for the dedication of the house of David

David was going to die, and the LORD saved him; he will use his restored life to praise Adonai and bring glory to his name. 

Psalm 31

For the Leader; a Psalm of David

David describes his reliance on the LORD, who doesn't spare him from stress or trouble, but saves him out of it.

Psalm 32

by David a maskil

A meditation on being forgiven.  taking, sobering, surrounding - these actions look a lot different when men do it versus when the LORD does it.

Psalm 33

A call to praise the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth, the savior of those who trust in him.

Psalm 34

by David, when he feigned insanity before Avimelek, who drove him away; so he left

(an Acrostic Psalm) 

Trouble comes to us all; the LORD will get his people out of it.  Those who trust him and put their hope in him will be saved, are blessed, have nothing to be ashamed of. 

Psalm 35

by David

Clearly frustrated, David asks the LORD for help.  While his behavior towards others is right and loving, those who oppose him are mean, petty, and prideful.  David wants the LORD to be praised in the public square, and thus asks for a good judgement/endorsement for living according to His ways, even (especially?) while being poised and mocked by those who don't do it God's way.

Psalm 21 - 25

Editor's Note:  I will attempt to summarize some of the themes and statements presented in the Psalms. Clearly, I will miss a lot, so please feel free to weigh in and give your thoughts and observations.

Psalm 21

For the Leader,, a Psalm of David

the LORD is the savior of the kingdom.  The King is grateful for victory, a peaceful reign, and a good future....but his *joy* is being in the presence of the Most High

Psalm 22

For the Leader, set to "Sunrise",, a Psalm of David

David begins by asking the LORD the purpose of his suffering and abandonment.  Then the LORD answers, everything turns, and David rejoices not only in salvation for himself, but future generations.

Psalm 23

A Psalm of David

A celebration of the gentle care and abundant provision the LORD provides to those in his care

Psalm 24

by David, a Psalm

The King of the Earth is receiving visitors; who can come take part?  Those who accept his rule, who live according to the Kings' instructions.

Psalm 25

by David

(an Acrostic Psalm) 

the LORD is worthy of our trust.  He is kind and gracious to his people.  He teaches his ways to those  who fear him, who hope in him, who take refuge in him.