Day 184 - Let Us Return to the Lord

Daily Reading:  Hosea 5-7

Come, let us return to the Lord.

He has torn us to pieces

but he will heal us;

he has injured us

but he will bind up our wounds.

After two days he will revive us;

on the third day he will restore us,

that we may live in his presence.

Let us acknowledge the Lord;

let us press on to acknowledge him.

As surely as the sun rises,

he will appear;

he will come to us like the winter rains,

like the spring rains that water the earth.

Footnote 6:1-3:  

This is presumption, not genuine repentance.  The people did not understand the depth of their sins.  They did not turn from idols, regret their sins, or pledge to make changes.  They thought that God's wrath would last only a few days; little did they know that their nation would soon be taken into exile.  Israel was interested in God only for the material benefits he provided; they did not value the eternal benefits that come from worshiping him.  Before judging Israel, however, consider your attitude.  What do you hope to gain from your religion?  Do you "repent" easily, without seriously considering what changes need to take place in your life?

What can I do with you Ephraim?

What can I do with you, Judah?

Your love is like the morning mist,

like the early dew that disappears.

Footnote 6:4:  

God answered his people, pointing out that their profession of loyalty, like mist and dew, evaporated easily and had no substance.  Many find it easy and comfortable to maintain the appearance of being committed without deep and sincere loyalty.  If you profess loyalty to God, back it up with your actions.

For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,

and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.

Footnote 6:6:  

Religious rituals can help people understand God and nourish their relationship with him.  That is why God instituted circumcision and the sacrificial system in the Old Testament and baptism and the Lord's Supper in the New Testament.  But a religious ritual is helpful only if it is carried out with an attitude of love for and obedience to God.  If a person's heart is far from God, ritual will become empty mockery.  God didn't want the Israelites' rituals; he wanted their hearts.  Why do you worship?  What is the motive behind your "offerings" and "sacrifices?"

Keep reading -- 181 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 183 - Hosea

Daily Reading:  Hosea 1-4

The Lord said to me, "Go show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress.  Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes. " 3:1

The book of Hosea is a love story - real, tragic and true.  Transcending the tale of young man and wife, it tells of God's love for his people and the response of his "bride."  A covenant had been made and God had been faithful.  His love was steadfast and his commitment unbroken.  But Israel, like Gomer, was adulterous and unfaithful, spurning God's love and turning instead to false gods.  Then after warning of judgment, God reaffirmed his love and offered reconciliation.  His love and mercy were overflowing, but justice would be served.

The book begins with God's marriage instructions to Hosea.  After Hosea's marriage, children were born, and each given a name signifying a divine message (chapter 1).  Then, as predicted, Gomer left Hosea to pursue her lusts (chapter 2).  But Hosea (whose name means "salvation") found her, redeemed her, and brought her home again, fully reconciled (chapter 3).  Images of God's love, judgment, grace and mercy were woven into their relationship.  Next, God outlined his case against the people of Israel -- their sins would ultimately cause their destruction (chapters 4; 6; 7; 12) and would rouse his anger, resulting in punishment (chapters 5; 8-10; 12; 13).  But even in the midst of Israel's immorality, God was merciful and offered hope, expressing his infinite love for his people (chapter 11) and the fact that their repentance would bring about blessing (chapter 14).

The book of Hosea dramatically portrays our God's constant and persistent love.  As you read this book, watch the prophet submit himself willingly to his Lord's direction; grieve with him over the unfaithfulness of his wife and his people; and hear the clear warning of judgment.  Then reaffirm your commitment to being God's person, faithful in your love and true to your vows.

Keep reading -- 182 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 182 - Half Way

Daily Reading:  2 Kings 15-17

HALF WAY THERE!

 

We are half way through the Bible Challenge!  I know our family has really enjoyed reading God's Word.  We hope you are too!  It's a great accomplishment.  Let's see it through to the end!

 

These are a few helpful footnotes from Chapter 17.

 

The people took on the characteristics of the idols and imitated the godless nations around them.  Israel had forgotten the importance and benefits of obeying God's word.  The king and the people were mired in wickedness.  Time and again God had sent prophets to warn them of how far they had turned away from him and to call them to turn back.

 

God's patience and mercy are beyond our ability to understand.  He will pursue us until we either respond to him or, by our own choice and hardness of heart, make ourselves unreachable.  Then God's judgment is swift and sure.  The only safe course is to turn to God before our stubbornness puts us out of his reach.

 

Divination means witchcraft, and sorcery is consulting evil spirits.  Forms of witchcraft, fortunetelling and black magic were forbidden by God (Deuteronomy 18:9-14).  They were wrong because they sought power and guidance totally apart from God, his law, and his Word.  Isaiah echoed this law and prophesied of the complete destruction these occult practices would bring to those who participated in them.

 

Israel was taken into exile just as God's prophets had warned.  Whatever God predicts will come to pass.  This, of course, is good news to those who trust and obey him -- they can be confident of his promises; but it is bad news to those who ignore or disobey him.  Both the promises and warnings God has given in his Word will surely come true.

 

The new settlers in Israel worshiped God without giving up their pagan customs.  They worshiped God to appease him rather than to please him, treating him as a good luck charm or just another idol to add to their collection.  A similar attitude is common today.  Many people claim to believe in God while refusing to give up attitudes and actions that God denounces.  God cannot be added to the values we already have.  He must come first, and his Word must shape all our actions and attitudes.

 

Keep reading -- 183 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 181 - Plumb Line

Daily Reading:  Amos 7-9

Then the Lord said, "Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer."  Amos 7:8

Footnote:

A plumb line is a device used to ensure the straightness of a wall.  A wall that is not straight will eventually collapse.  God wants people to be right with him; he wants the sin that makes us crooked removed immediately.  God's Word is the plumb line that helps us be aware of our sin.  How do you measure up to God's plumb line?

Keep reading -- 184 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 180 - Return to God

Daily Reading:  Amos 4-6

I gave you empty stomachs in every city

and lack of bread in every town,

yet you have not returned to me,

declares the Lord.

Footnote:

No matter how God warned the people -- through famine, drought, blight, locusts, plagues, or war -- they still ignored him.  Because the Israelites didn't get the message, they would have to meet God face to face in judgment.  No longer would they ignore God; they would have to face the One they had rejected, the One they had refused to obey when he commanded them to care for the poor.  One day each of us will meet God face to face to account for what we have done or refused to do.  Are you prepared to meet him?

Keep reading -- 185 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 179 - Fire Upon Judah

Daily Reading:  2 Kings 14:26-29; Amos 1-3

This is what the Lord says:

For three sins of Judah,

even for four, I will not turn back my wrath.

Because they have rejected the law of the Lord

and have not kept his decrees,

because they have been led astray by false gods,

the gods their ancestors followed,

I will send fire upon Judah

that will consume the fortresses of Jerusalem.

Footnote:

After Solomon died, the kingdom divided, and the tribes of Judah and Benjamin became the southern kingdom (Judah) under Solomon's son, Rehoboam.  The other ten tribes became the northern kingdom (Israel) and followed Jeroboam, who had rebelled against Rehoboam.

God had punished other nations harshly for their evil actions and atrocities.  But God also promised to judge both Israel and Judah because they ignored the revealed law of God.  The other nations were ignorant, but Judah and Israel, God's people, knew what God wanted.  Still they ignored him and joined pagan nations in worshiping idols.  If we know God's word and refuse to obey it, like Israel we will carry a greater guilt.

Keep reading -- 186 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 178 - Jonah's Prayer

Daily Reading:  2 Kings 14:21-25; Jonah 1-4

In my distress I called to the Lord,

and he answered me.

From the depths of the grave I called for help,

and you listened to my cry.

You hurried me into the deep,

into the very heart of the seas,

and the currents swirled about me;

all your waves and breakers

swept over me.

I said, "I have been banished

from your sight;

yet I will look again

toward your holy temple.

The engulfing waters threatened me,

the deep surrounded me;

seaweed was wrapped around my head.

To the roots of the mountains I sank down;

the earth beneath barred me in forever.

But you brought my life up from the pit,

O Lord my God.

When my life was ebbing away,

I remembered you, Lord,

and my prayer rose to you,

to your holy temple.

Those who cling to worthless idols 

forget the grace that could be theirs.

But I, with a song of thanksgiving,

will sacrifice to you.

What I have vowed I will make good.

Salvation comes from the Lord.

Keep reading -- 187 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 177 - Joel

Daily Reading:  Joel 1-3

In that day the mountain will drip new wine,

and the hills will flow with milk;

all the ravines of Judah will run with water.

A fountain will flow out of the Lord's house

and will water the valley of acacias.   Joel 3:18

Footnote:

Joel began with a prophecy about the destruction of the land and ended with a prophecy about its restoration.  He began by stressing the need for repentance and ended with the promise of forgiveness that repentance brings.  Joel was trying to convince the people to wake up (1:5), get rid of their complacency, and realize the danger of living apart from God.  His message to us is that there is still time; anyone who calls on God's name can be saved (2:12-14, 32).  Those who turn to God will enjoy the blessings mentioned in Joel's prophecy; those who refuse will face destruction.

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Keep reading -- 188 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 176 - Joash

Daily Reading:  2 Kings 11-14:20

Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years Johiada the priest instructed him.  2 Kings 12:2

Footnote:  

Joash didn't go far enough in removing sin from the nation, but he did much that was good and right.  When we aren't sure if we've gone far enough in correcting our actions, we can ask

1.  Does the Bible expressly prohibit this action? 

2.  Does this action take me away from loving, worshiping, or serving God?

3.  Does it make me its slave?

4.  Is it bringing out the best in me, consistent with God's purpose?

5.  Does it benefit other believers?

Keep reading -- 189 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 175 - Share the Good News

Daily Reading:  2 Kings 7-10

There was a lot of information in this reading!  These are just a couple of interesting footnotes.

2 Kings 7:3-10 Footnote:  

The lepers discovered the deserted camp and realized their lives had been spared.  At first they kept the good news to themselves, forgetting their fellow citizens who were starving in the city.  The Good News about Jesus Christ must be shared too, for no news is more important.  We must not forget those who are dying without it.  We must not become so preoccupied with our own faith that we neglect sharing it with those around us.  Our "good news," like that of the lepers, will not "wait until daylight."

2 Kings 10: 30, 31 Footnote:  

Jehu did much of what the Lord told him to, but he did not obey him with all his heart.  He had become God's instrument for carrying out justice, but he had not become God's servant.  As a result, he gave only lip service to God while permitting the worship of the golden calves.  Check the condition of your heart toward God.  We can be very active in our work for God and still not give the heartfelt obedience he desires.

 Keep reading -- 190 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 174 - The Jars

Daily Reading:  2 Kings 4-6

When all the jars were full, she said to her son, "Bring me another one." 2 Kings 4:6

Footnote:  

The woman and her sons collected jars from their neighbors, pouring oil into them from their one pot.  The oil was probably olive oil and was used for cooking, for lamps, and for fuel.  The oil stopped pouring only when they ran out of containers.  The number of jars they gathered was an indication of their faith.  God's provision was as large as their faith and willingness to obey.  Beware of limiting God's blessings by a lack of faith and obedience.  God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

6:1-7 Footnote:  

The incident of the floating axhead is recorded to show God's care and provision for those who trust him, even in the insignificant events of everyday life.  God is always present.  Placed in the Bible between the healing of an Aramean general and the deliverance of Israel's army, this miracle also shows Elisha's personal contact with the students in the companies of the prophets.  Although he had the respect of kings, Elisha never forgot to care for the faithful.  Don't let the importance of your work drive out your concern for human need.

Keep reading -- 191 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 173 - A Whirlwind

Daily Reading:  2 Kings 1-3

As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.  2 Kings 2:11


Footnote:

Elijah was taken to heaven without dying.  He is the second person mentioned in Scripture to do so. Enoch was the first (Genesis 5:21-24).  The other prophets may not have seen God take Elijah, or they may have had a difficult time believing what they saw.  In either case, they wanted to search for Elijah (2:16-18)  Finding no physical trace of him would confirm what had happened and strengthen their faith.  The only other person taken to heaven in bodily form was Jesus after his resurrection from the dead (Acts 1:9).

Keep reading -- 192 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 172 - Divided Kingdom

Daily Reading:  1 Kings 20-22

1 Kings Footnote:

The book of 1 Kings begins with a nation united under David, the most devout king in Israel's history.  The book ends with a divided kingdom and the death of Ahab, the most wicked king of all. 

What happened? 

The people forgot to acknowledge God as their ultimate leader; they appointed human leaders who ignored God; and then they conformed to the life-styles of these evil leaders. 

Occasional wrongdoing gradually turned into a way of life.  Their blatant wickedness could be met only with judgment from God, who allowed enemy nations to arise and defeat Israel and Judah in battle as punishment for their sins. 

Failing to acknowledge God as our ultimate leader is the first step toward ruin.

Keep reading -- 193 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 171 - Elijah

Daily Reading: 1 Kings 17-19

So he went to Zarephath.  When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, "Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?"  1 Kings 17:10

Footnote:  

In a nation that was required by law to care for its prophets, it is ironic that God turned to ravens (unclean birds) and a widow (a foreigner from Jezebel's home territory) to care for Elijah.  God has help where we least expect it.  He provides for us in ways that go beyond our narrow definitions or expectations.  No matter how bitter our trials or how seemingly hopeless our situation, we should look for God's caring touch.  We may find his providence in some strange places!

17:13-16 Footnote:

When the widow of Zarephath met Elijah, she thought she was preparing her last meal.  But a simple act of faith produced a miracle.  She trusted Elijah and gave all she had to eat to him.  Faith is the step between promise and assurance.  Miracles seem so out of reach for our feeble faith.  But every miracle, large or small, begins with an act of obedience.  We may not see the solution until we take the first step of faith.

Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice.  But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.  1 Kings 18:29

Footnote:  

Although the prophets of Baal raved all afternoon no one answered them.  Their god was silent because it was not real.  The gods we may be tempted to follow are not idols of wood or stone, but thy are just as false and dangerous because they cause us to depend on something other than God.  Power, status, appearance, or material possessions can become our gods if we devote our lives to them.  But when we reach times of crisis and desperately call out to these gods, there will only be silence.  They can offer no true answers, no guidance, and no wisdom.

 Keep reading -- 194 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 170 - Ransacked

Daily Reading:  1 Kings 14-16

In the fifth year of King Rehoboam, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem.  He carried off the treasures of the temple of the Lord and the treasures of the royal palace.  He took everything, including all the gold shields Solomon had made.  1 Kings 14:25,26

Footnote:  

Just five years after Solomon died, the temple and palace were ransacked by foreign invaders.  How quickly the glory, power, and money disappeared!  When the people became spiritually corrupt and immoral, it was just a short time until they lost everything.  Wealth, idol worship, and immorality had become more important to them than God.  When God is gone from our lives, everything else becomes useless, no matter how valuable it seems.

 Keep reading -- 195 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 169 - God's Word - Follow & Apply

Daily Reading:  1 Kings 11-13

Chapter 11 footnotes:

 

Although Solomon had clear instructions from God not to marry women from foreign nations, he chose to disregard God's commands.  He married not one, but many foreign women, who subsequently led him away from God.  God knows our strengths and weakneses, and his commands are always for our good.  When people ignore God's commands, negative consequences inevitably result.  It is not enough to know God's Word or even to believe it; we must follow it and apply it to our daily activities and decisions.  Take God's commands seriously.  Like Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, we are not as strong as we may think.

 

Solomon didn't turn away from God all at once or in a brief moment.  His spiritual coldness started with a minor departure from God's laws.  Over the years, that little sin grew until it resulted in Solomon's downfall.  A little sin can be the first step in turning away from God.  It is not the sins we don't know about, but the sins we excuse, that cause us the greatest trouble.  We must never let any sin go unchallenged.  In your life, is an unchallenged sin spreading like a deadly cancer?  Don't excuse it.  Confess this sin to God and ask him for strength to resist temptation.

 

Keep reading -- 196 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 168 - A Permanent Place

Daily Reading:  1 Kings 8-10

What was the difference between the tabernacle and the temple, and why did the Israelites change from one to the other?   As a tent, the tabernacle was a portable place of worship designed for the people as they were traveling toward the promised land.  The temple was a permanent place to worship God after the Israelites were at peace in their land.  To bring the ark of the Lord's covenant to the temple signified God's actual presence there.

For 480 years after Israel's escape from Egypt, God did not ask them to build a temple for him.  Instead he emphasized the importance of his presence among them and their need for spiritual leaders.  It is easy to think of a building as the focus of God's presence and power, but God chooses and uses people to do his work.  He can use you more than he can use a building of wood and stone.  Building or enlarging our place of worship may be necessary, but it should never take priority over developing spiritual leaders.

"But will God really dwell on earth?  The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you.  How much less this temple I have built!"  8:27

Footnote:  

In his prayer of dedication, Solomon declares that even the highest heaven cannot contain God.  Isn't it amazing that, though the heavens can't contain God, he is willing to live in the hearts of those who love him?  The God of the universe takes up residence in his people!

8:56-60 Footnote:

Solomon praised the Lord and prayed for the people.  His prayer can be a pattern for our prayers.  He had five basic requests: 

1.  for God's presence;

2.  for the desire to do God's will in everything;

3.  for help with each day's need;

4.  for the desire and ability to obey God's decrees and commands;

5.  for the spread of God's kingdom to the entire world.

These prayer requests are just as important today.  When you pray for your church or family, you can make these same requests to God.

Keep reading -- 197 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 167 - Solomon Builds the Temple

Daily Reading:  1 Kings 5-7

Chapter 5 Footnote:  

When David offered to build a temple, God said no through the prophet Nathan.  God wanted a peacemaker, not a warrior to build his house of prayer.

In building the temple, only blocks dressed at the quarry were used, and no hammer, chisel or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built.

1 Kings 6:7

Footnote:  

In honor of God, the temple in Jerusalem was built without the sound of a hammer or any other tool at the building site.  This meant that the stone had to be "dressed" (cut and shaped ) miles away at the quarry.  The people's honor and respect for God extended to every aspect of constructing this house of worship.  This detail is recorded not to teach us how to build a church, but to show us the importance of demonstrating care, concern, honor and respect for God and his sanctuary.

And I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel.

1 Kings 6:13

Footnote:  

This verse summarizes the temple's main purpose.  God promised that his eternal presence would never leave the temple as long as one condition was met:  the Israelites had to obey God's law.  Knowing how many laws they had to follow, we may think this condition was difficult.  But the Israelites' situation was much like ours today:  they were not cut off from God for failing to keep some small subpoint of a law.  Forgiveness was amply provided for all their sins; no matter how large or small.  As you read the history of the kings, you will see that lawbreaking was the result, not the cause, of estrangement from God.  The kings abandoned God in their hearts first and then failed to keep his laws.

When we close our hearts to God, his power and presence soon leave us.

Keep reading -- 198 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 166 - Love is as Strong as Death

Daily Reading:  Song of Solomon 5-8

Place me like a seal over your heart,

like a seal on your arm;

for love is as strong as death,

its jealousy unyielding as the grave.

It burns like blazing fire,

like a mighty flame.

Many waters cannot quench love;

rivers cannot wash it away.

If one were to give

all the wealth of his house for love,

it would be utterly scorned.

8:6-7

Footnote:  

In this final description of their love, the girl includes some of its significant characteristics.  Love is as strong as death; it cannot be killed by time or disaster; and it cannot be bought for any price because it is freely given.  Love is priceless, and even the richest king cannot buy it.  Love must be accepted as a gift from God and then shared within the guidelines God provides.  Accept the love of your spouse as God's gift, and strive to make your love a reflection of the perfect love that comes from God himself.

8:14 footnote:  

The love between Solomon and his bride did not diminish in intensity after their wedding.  The lovers relied on each other and kept no secrets from each other.  Devotion and commitment were the keys to their relationship, just as they are in our relationships to our spouses and to God.  The faithfulness of our marital love should reflect God's perfect faithfulness to us.

Paul shows how marriage represents Christ's relationship to his church (Ephesians 5:22-33), and John pictures the second coming as a great marriage feast for Christ and his bride, his faithful followers (Revelation 19:7, 8; 21:1,2).  Many theologians have thought that Song of Songs is an allegory showing Christ's love for his church.  It makes even better sense to say that it is a love poem about a real human love relationship, and that all loving, committed marriages reflect God's love.

Keep reading -- 199 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 165 - Song of Songs

Daily Reading:  Song of Solomon 1-4

There has been much debate over the meaning of this song.  Some say it is an allegory of God's love for Israel and/or for the church.  Others say it is a literal story about married love.  But in reality, it is both -- an historical story with two layers of meaning.  On one level we learn about love and marriage; and on the other level we see God's overwhelming love for his people.  As you read Song of Songs, remember that you are loved by God, and commit yourself to seeing life, love and marriage from his point of view.

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth --

for your love is more delightful than wine.

Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes;

your name is like perfume poured out.

No wonder the maidens love you!
Take me away with you -- let us hurry!

Let the king bring me into his chambers.

Song of Songs 1:1-4

Footnote:  

Solomon frequently visited the various parts of his kingdom.  One day, as he visited some royal vineyards in the north, his royal entourage came by surprise upon a beautiful peasant woman tending the vines.  Embarrassed, she ran from them.  But Solomon could not forget her.  Later, disguised as a shepherd, he returned to the vineyards and won her love.  Then, he revealed his true identity and asked her to return to Jerusalem with him.  Solomon and his beloved are being married in the palace as this book begins.

The Song of Songs is a series of seven poems, not necessarily in chronological order.  It reflects upon the first meeting of Solomon and the peasant woman, their engagement, their wedding, their wedding night, and the growth of their marriage after the wedding.

This vivid description of a love relationship begins with a picture of love itself.  Love is "more delightful than wine"; it makes the lovers rejoice.  Acts 10:9-16 teaches that what God has created and cleansed we should not misuse or call common.  We can enjoy love.  God created it as a gift to us and a delight for all our senses.

Keep reading -- 200 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV 

Day 164 - The Whole Duty of Man

Daily Reading:  Ecclesiastes 10-12

Now all has been heard;

here is the conclusion of the matter:

Fear God and keep his commandments,

for this is the whole duty of man.

For God will bring every deed into judgment,

including every hidden thing,

whether it is good or evil.

12:13,14

 

Footnote:

We should search for purpose and meaning in life, but they cannot be found in human endeavors. 

We should acknowledge the evil, foolishness, and injustice in life, yet maintain a postivie attitude and strong faith in God.

All people will have to stand before God and be judged for what they did in this life.  We will not be able to use life's inconsistenn his conclusion, Solomon presents his antidotes for the two main ailments presented in this book. 

Those who lack purpose and direction in life should fear God and keep his commandments. 

Those who think life is unfair should remember that God will review every person's life to determine how he or she has responded to him, and he will bring every deed into judgment. 

Have you committed your life to God, both present and future?  Does your life measure up to his standards?

The book of Ecclesiastes cannot be interpreted correctly without reading these final verses.  No matter what the mysteries and apparent contradictions of life are, we must work toward a single purpose of knowing God. 

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon shows us that we should enjoy life, but this does not exempt us from obeying God's commandments. We should search for purpose and meaning in life, but they cannot be found in human endeavors. We should acknowledge the evil, foolishness, and injustice in life, yet maintain a positive attitude and strong faith in God.

All people will have to stand before God and be judged for what they did in this life.  We will not be able to use life's inconsistencies as an excuse for failing to live properly. 

To live properly, we need to:

1.  recognize that human effort apart from God is futile;

2. put God first -- now,

3.  receive everything good as a gift from God,

4.  realize that God will judge both evil and good,

5.  know that God will judge the quality of every person's life.

How strange that people spend their lives striving for the very enjoyment that God gives freely, as a gift.

Keep reading -- 201 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV 

Day 163 - A Good Name

Daily Reading:  Ecclesiastes 7-9

A good name is better than fine perfume,

and the day of death better than the day of birth.

It is better to go to a house of mourning

than to go to a house of feasting,

for death is the destiny of every man;

the living should take this to heart.

Sorrow is better than laughter,

because a sad face is good for the heart.

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,

but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.

7:1-4

Footnote:  

This seems to contradict Solomon's previous advice to eat, drink, and find satisfaction in one's work -- to enjoy what God has given.  We are to enjoy what we have while we can, but realize that adversity also strikes.  Adversity reminds us that life is short, teaches us to live wisely, and refines our character.  Christianity and Judaism see value in suffering and sorrow.  The Greeks and Romans despised it; Eastern religions seek to live above it; but Christians and Jews see it as a refining fire.  Most would agree that we learn more about God from difficult times than from happy times.  Do you try to avoid sorrow and suffering at all costs?  See your struggles as great opportunities to learn from God.

Keep reading -- 202 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV 

Day 162 - Happy in His Work

Daily Reading:  Ecclesiastes 4-6

"Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work -- this is a gift of God.  He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart."  5:19,20

Footnote:  

God wants us to view what we have (whether it is much or little) with the right perspective -- our possessions are a gift from God.  Although they are not the source of joy, they are a reason to rejoice because every good thing comes from God.  We should focus more on the Giver than the gift.  We can be content with what we have when we realize that with God we have everything we need.

 Keep reading -- 203 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV 

Day 161 - Chasing After the Wind

Daily Reading:  Ecclesiastes 1-3

Meaningless! Meaningless!

says the Teacher.

Utterly meaningless!

Everything is meaningless.

1:2

Footnote:  

Solomon had a purpose for writing skeptically and pessimistically.  Near the end of his life, he looked back over everything he had done, and most of it seemed meaningless.  A common belief was that only good people prospered and that only the wicked suffered, but that hadn't proven true in his experience.  Solomon wrote this book after he had tried everything and achieved much, only to find that nothing apart from God made him happy.  He wanted his readers to avoid these same senseless pursuits.  If we try to find meaning in our accomplishments rather than in God, we will never be satisfied, and everything we pursue will become wearisome.

Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.  For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.  1:17-18

Footnote:  

The more you understand, the more pain and difficulty you experience.  For example, the more you know, the more imperfection you see around you; and the more you observe, the more evil becomes evident.  As you set out with Solomon to find the meaning of life, you must be ready to feel more, think more, question more, hurt more, and do more.  Are you ready to pay the price for wisdom?

Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done

and what I had toiled to achieve,

everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;

nothing was gained under the sun.  2:11

Footnote:  

Solomon summarized all his attempts at finding life's meaning as "chasing after the wind."  We feel the wind as it passes, but we can't catch hold of it or keep it.  In all our accomplishments, even the big ones, our good feelings are only temporary.  Security and self-worth are not found in these accomplishments, but far beyond them in the love of God.  Think about what you consider worthwhile in your life -- where you place your time, energy, and money.  Will you one day look back and decide that these, too, were a "chasing after the wind?"

Keep reading -- 204 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV 

Day 160 - Praise at the City Gate

Daily Reading:  Proverbs 29-31

Give her the reward she has earned,

and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31:31

Footnote:

The book of Proverbs begins with the command to fear the Lord (1:7) and ends with the picture of a woman who fulfills this command.  Her qualities are mentioned throughout the book: hard work, fear of God, respect for spouse, foresight, encouragement, care for others, concern for the poor, wisdom in handling money.  These qualities when coupled with fear of God, lead to enjoyment, success, honor, and worth.  Proverbs is very practical for our day because it shows us how to become wise, make good decisions, and live according to God's ideal.

Keep reading -- 205 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV 

Day 159 - Receive Wisdom

Daily Reading:  Proverbs 25-28

Like a lame man's legs that hang limp

is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

Proverbs 26:7

Footnote:

In the mouth of a fool, a proverb becomes as useless as a paralyzed leg.  Some people are so blind that they won't get much wisdom from reading these proverbs.  Only those who want to be wise have the receptive attitude needed to make the most of them.  If we want to learn from God, he will respond and pour out his heart to us. (1:23).

Keep reading -- 206 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV 

Day 158 - Choose Your Companions

Daily Reading:  Proverbs 22-24

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man,

do not associate with one easily angered,

or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.

Proverbs 22:24,25

Footnote:

People tend to become like those with whom they spend a lot of time.  Even the negative characteristics sometimes rub off.  The Bible exhorts us to be cautious in our choice of companions.  Choose people with characteristics you would like to develop in your own life.

Apply your heart to instruction

and your ears to words of knowledge.

Proverbs 23:12

Footnote:

The people most likely to gain knowledge are those who are willing to listen.  It is a sign of strength, not weakness, to pay attention to what others have to say.  People who are eager to listen continue to learn and grow throughout their lives.  If we refuse to become set in our ways, we can always expand the limits of our knowledge.

Keep reading -- 207 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV 

Day 157 - Understanding

Daily Reading: Proverbs 19-21

A man's steps are directed by the Lord.

How then can anyone understand his own way?
Proverbs 20:24

Footnote:  

We are often confused by the events around us.  Many things we will never understand; others will fall into place in years to come as we look back and see how God was working.  This proverb counsels us not to worry if we don't understand everything as it happens.  Instead, we should trust that God knows what he's doing, even if his timing or design is not clear to us.  See Psalm 37:23 for a reassuring promise of God's direction in your life.

Keep reading -- 208 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 156 - A Gentle Answer

Daily Reading:  Proverbs 15-18

A gentle answer turns away wrath,

but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

Footnote:

Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper?  It is equally hard to argue with someone who insists on answering gently.  On the other hand, a rising voice and harsh words almost always trigger an angry response.  To turn away wrath and seek peace, choose gentle words.

The discerning heart seeks knowledge,

but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

Proverbs 15:14

Footnote:

What we feed our minds is just as important as what we feed our bodies.  The kinds of books we read, the people we talk with, the music we listen to, and the films we watch are all part of our mental diet.  Be discerning because what you feed your mind influences your total health and well-being.  Thus, a strong desire to discover knowledge is a mark of wisdom.

A Baby Changes Everything........

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Jesus changes everything!  Let him change you this season!!

Keep reading -- 209 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 155 - Truthful Lips

Daily Reading:  Proverbs 12-14

A fool shows his annoyance at once,

but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

Proverbs 12:16

Footnote:

When someone annoys or insults you, it is natural to retaliate.  But this solves nothing and only encourages trouble.  Instead, answer slowly and quietly.  Your positive response will achieve positive results.  Proverbs 15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath."

Truthful lips endure forever,

but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

Proverbs 12:19

Footnote:

Truth is always timely; it applies today and in the future.  Because it is connected with God's changeless character, it is also changeless.  Think for a moment about the centuries that have passed since these proverbs were written.  Consider the countless hours that have been spent carefully studying every sentence of Scripture.  The Bible has withstood the test of time.  Because God is truth, you can trust his Word to guide you.

Keep reading -- 210 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 154 - Wisdom v. Folly

Daily Reading: Proverbs 8-11

Chapter 8 and 9 footnotes:

Wisdom's call is contrasted to the call of the adulteress in Chapter 7.  Wisdom is portrayed as a woman who guides us and makes us succeed.  Wisdom was present at the creation and works with the Creator.  God approves of those who listen to wisdom's counsel.  Those who hate wisdom love death.  Wisdom should affect every aspect of our entire life, from beginning to end.  Be sure to open all corners of your life to God's direction and guidance.

Wisdom and Folly (foolishness) are portrayed in this chapter as rival young women, each preparing a feast and inviting people to it.  But Wisdom is a responsible woman of character, while Folly is a prostitute serving stolen food.  Wisdom appeals first to the mind; Folly to the senses.  It is easier to excite the senses, but the pleasures of Folly are temporary.  By contrast, the satisfaction that wisdom brings lasts forever.

With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor,

but through knowledge the righteous escape.

Proverbs 11:9

Footnote:

The mouth can be used either as a weapon or a tool, hurting relationships or building them up.  Sadly, it is often easier to destroy than to build, and most people have received more destructive comments than those that build up.  Every person you meet today is either a demolition site or a construction opportunity.  Your words will make a difference.  Will they be weapons for destruction or tools for construction?

Like a gold ring in a pig's snout

is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.

Proverbs 11:22

Footnote:

Physical attractiveness without discretion soon wears thin.  We are to seek those character strengths that help us make wise decisions, not just those that make us look good.  Not everyone who looks good is pleasant to live or work with.  While taking good care of our body and appearance is not wrong, we also need to develop our ability to think.

Keep reading -- 211 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV