Passage of the Day - June 30, 2011

James 1:9-11

9 But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; 10 and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.

I thought we were done with Ecclesiastes. Anyways, as has been said many times in Ecclesiastes, nothing lasts forever, so be wise about what you pursue and are defined by.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 29, 2011

James 1:6-7

6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

The thing to remember here is what is being prayed for. Verse 5 states that wisdom is what is being prayed for. If you asked for wisdom, but were unsure if God would give it to you, what good will it be to you if you actually receive it? Will you even know for sure that you did? You will be right back where you started, depressed, stagnant, and thoroughly indecisive.

If you really want wisdom, ask it with purpose. You want to solve problems? Ask for, and expect to receive, the wisdom necessary to solve them. Stop beating around the bush and go the Fountain of wisdom and drink.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 28, 2011

James 1:5

5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Notice how this verse uses the word “wisdom” as opposed to “answers”. God provides us with wisdom, not answers. God will not lay out step-by-step instructions for us to follow. For the sake of your sanity and usefulness, stop waiting and asking for them. They ain’t comin’! The good news is, God will provide wisdom to those who faithfully ask Him. God will provide the wisdom to weigh the options, count the costs, examine the motives, anticipate the pitfalls, and project the benefits. God will also help us to make a wise choice during a time of trial that adheres to His Word.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 27, 2011

Apologies for the hiatus.

James 1:1-4

1 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Many of my posts in the old days used to be about being an authentic Christian. Too much, I would say, so I tried to change by drumbeat. However, the book of James forces us to examine what it means to really have faith.

These first four verses must be at the forefront of our mind if we are to fully understand what James is writing about in the rest of the book. We face trials and testing of our faith to produce endurance and we are to let endurance to get us to perfection (holiness) and completion. Does this not sound like sports training, musical training, educational training, vocational training, etc. There is not a single world-renown talent that stood the test of time on pure talent. Yes there are the instant sensations of Susan Boyle and William Hung, but to stand the test of time testing, stretching of one’s range and complexity is needed to truly be productive in any craft. The same is true for our walk with Christ. Sure, we can be a “Christian” with the fire insurance, the same as a lawyer could have passed the bar exam. Even though the lawyer passed the exam and is legal to practice law, resting on those laurels alone will not bring in business and will lead a dismal life in the legal profession and will likely leave the profession for greener pastures. If we simply count on some decision we made twenty years ago, are we saved? We may be Christians and profess faith, but do we really have faith? A lawyer seeks to practice law and will do what is necessary to gain clients. A musician seeks to perform and will do what is necessary to go from being known as musically talented to a talented musician. We are called to be disciples. A disciple is someone who is becoming like their master. This is impossible to do doing nothing. Being a Cub fan doesn’t put you on the mound with the bases loaded with two out in the ninth inning up 4-2. Many Christians are merely Christ fans. Many “Christians” think what the Bible has to say is good, right, and correct, and is the path to heaven, but don’t actually do anything it says. Election season is coming up and you may find a candidate you may agree with, may even donate to, but until you are willing to work for their campaign and be a part of their team, do you really believe in that candidate?

All this said, faith is to bring us, through endurance, to holiness, which is what God wants and has commanded us to be. Let us not fool ourselves any longer that God expects or deserves any less.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 22, 2011

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

13 The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. 14 For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.

We have come to the close of Ecclesiastes and are faced with the simple truth that we already had when we began our journey. Or did we? We can get so focused on the meaning of life and our ultimate purpose and how to live a more robust life that we lose focus of the simple truths of life. We can never be truly happy unless we live out these two verses. How can we have a full life unless we have a deep relationship with God? How can we have a deep relationship with God if we don’t obey His commandments? Meaning and purpose start with obedience!

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 21, 2011

Ecclesiastes 12:9-12

9 In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs. 10 The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly.
11 The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. 12 But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.

Studying God’s word and wisdom of other godly people is essential in building a strong foundation into the rock. However, the foundation can only be a foundation. Eventually, we will need to begin building our testament to God. We cannot allow ourselves to become so focused on gaining knowledge that we do nothing with it. God loves knowledge and wisdom, but hates inaction and uselessness. A tree firmly rooted, yet provides no fruit is of no use to God.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 20, 2011

Ecclesiastes 12:1-8

1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no delight in them”; 2 before the sun and the light, the moon and the stars are darkened, and clouds return after the rain; 3 in the day that the watchmen of the house tremble, and mighty men stoop, the grinding ones stand idle because they are few, and those who look through windows grow dim; 4 and the doors on the street are shut as the sound of the grinding mill is low, and one will arise at the sound of the bird, and all the daughters of song will sing softly. 5 Furthermore, men are afraid of a high place and of terrors on the road; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags himself along, and the caperberry is ineffective. For man goes to his eternal home while mourners go about in the street. 6 Remember Him before the silver cord is broken and the golden bowl is crushed, the pitcher by the well is shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed; 7 then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. 8 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “all is vanity!”

It is fairly common knowledge that most Christians became Christians when they were younger. To put it bluntly (and somewhat crassly), it is easier to get someone to convert to Christ in their youth before they become an old curmudgeon. Most times older people are too set in their ways and ready for the fate they believe awaits them. As much as this is true in conversions, the same is true in other walks of life, such as marriage. The older you are, the more set you are in your ways, and the harder it is change. Of course, that doesn’t get us off the hook if we are older when we get married. God doesn’t allow excuses. We all, in all areas of life, at all times, must be willing to change and not have our way in order to make relationships and such work. The same is true with our relationship with God. God has so much to teach us, and it is best to learn as a youth, but we can’t become complacent or too self-assured when we get older. God is unchanging, his principles are unchanging, but the application of His principles may change in His Church, and we must be ready.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 19, 2011

Ecclesiastes 11:7-10

7 The light is pleasant, and it is good for the eyes to see the sun. 8 Indeed, if a man should live many years, let him rejoice in them all, and let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Everything that is to come will be futility.
9 Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things. 10 So, remove grief and anger from your heart and put away pain from your body, because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting.
Enjoy the stage of life you are in. Enjoy every aspect, but be mindful of God’s judgement. Don’t look forward or back, because it really doesn’t serve a purpose other than to teach about/inspire the present.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 18, 2011

Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

1 Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days. 2 Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth. 3 If the clouds are full, they pour out rain upon the earth; and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies. 4 He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap. 5 Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things.
6 Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good.

The great thing about God is that he will make our obedience fruitful. When we obey for God’s glory, God will be glorified. We are to be wise stewards of the money, talents, and time God has entrusted to us. This does not mean that we wait for the perfect opportunity to invest what God has given to us in some form of ministry. It means that we are to invest in good ministries when they come. It is easy to fall into the trap of looking at your skills and background and think I really need to serve in the high school ministry, when the nursery needs someone to change diapers. Or, to fall into the trap of waiting for that perfect time to witness to someone when little seeds can be planted in her heart now.
Take advantage of every opportunity God grants you to spread the seed of Christ’s kingdom.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 17, 2011

Ecclesiastes 10:16-20

16 Woe to you, O land, whose king is a lad and whose princes feast in the morning. 17 Blessed are you, O land, whose king is of nobility and whose princes eat at the appropriate time—for strength and not for drunkenness. 18 Through indolence the rafters sag, and through slackness the house leaks. 19 Men prepare a meal for enjoyment, and wine makes life merry, and money is the answer to everything. 20 Furthermore, in your bedchamber do not curse a king, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich man, for a bird of the heavens will carry the sound and the winged creature will make the matter known.
Eating a hearty breakfast is fine. Eating a Thanksgiving feast at nine in the morning is something else entirely. Verse 19 is very odd unless read in context of verses 16-18. If one seeks mere enjoyment, money is the answer to everything. However, if a ruler wishes to lead well and keep his house in order, then it takes work and wisdom (much more so than money).

Finally, unkind words have a way of finding their unintended defamed audience.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 16, 2011

Ecclesiastes 10:12-15

12 Words from the mouth of a wise man are gracious, while the lips of a fool consume him; 13 the beginning of his talking is folly and the end of it is wicked madness. 14 Yet the fool multiplies words. No man knows what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after him? 15 The toil of a fool so wearies him that he does not even know how to go to a city.

Here is how it works:

A foolish person comes up with an idea.
A foolish person imagines how the idea will have an impact.
A foolish person devises a foolish plan to implement the idea.
A foolish person finds advisors who will implement the plan.
A foolish person doubles efforts when results are poor.
A foolish person becomes tyrannical in order to have his way.
A foolish person takes many down with him.

A wise person comes up with an idea.
A wise person imagines how the idea will have an impact.
A wise person seeks wise advisors to study plausibility and report findings.
A wise person heeds the advice of wise council after studying assumptions, facts, and conclusions.
A wise person abandons bad ideas.
A wise person, in conjunction with wise advisors, ascertains financial costs of implementing the plan and weighs benefits against the costs.
A wise person, after counting the costs and adding up the benefits, will, with the help of wise council, devise a plan of implementation.
A wise person tweaks and adjusts plans that have less than expected results and abandons plans that have poor results.
A wise person seeks wise people to implement and see plan to fruition.
A wise person, along with those on his team of advisors and implementers, enjoy the fruits of the endeavor.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 15, 2011

Ecclesiastes 10:8-11

8 He who digs a pit may fall into it, and a serpent may bite him who breaks through a wall. 9 He who quarries stones may be hurt by them, and he who splits logs may be endangered by them. 10 If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success. 11 If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.

Life can be so dangerous, you may end up dead trying to live it. God’s hand of protection keeps us from harm, but the wisdom he grants can prevent harm and frustration. Here are some words of wisdom:

Measure twice; cut once.
When all else fails, read the directions.
The theory of “When a piece doesn’t fit, get a bigger hammer” doesn’t always work.
You can’t put a square peg into a round hole.

The Bible and other sources are full of simple words of wisdom. They don’t just sound good, they are good. Install them into your life and be wise.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 14, 2011

Ecclesiastes 10:5-7

5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, like an error which goes forth from the ruler— 6 folly is set in many exalted places while rich men sit in humble places. 7 I have seen slaves riding on horses and princes walking like slaves on the land.
What is meant here is that often times people who have greatness within them are in lowly positions while those with no greatness within them are found in high positions. This flip-flop often causes countries to rot from within, uprisings to occur, and persecutions to run rampant. Very bad things occur when someone who can’t lead is leading. Let us make a concerted effort to pray that God will raise up strong, godly leaders for our future.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - Ecclesiastes 10:4

Ecclesiastes 10:4

4 If the ruler’s temper rises against you, do not abandon your position, because composure allays great offenses.

I think this applies when anyone’s temper rises against you. The quickest way to lose an argument, your reputation, your friends, and your self-esteem and self-respect is to lose your composure under pressure. Also, we need to be willing to stand our ground for worthy causes. Second guessing ourselves in the heat of battle is a sure-fire way for your principles to be trampled. If something is that important, stand strong; ask for the Holy Spirit’s assistance. Do not waver.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 12, 2011

Ecclesiastes 10:3

3 Even when the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking and he demonstrates to everyone that he is a fool.

Adapting what my old basketball coach used to say “You can always tell a fool, you just can’t tell him much.” How are we viewed? Do we look like fools walking down the street? Do we look like someone who is living a life of purpose? Do we look like someone who is on top of things? Do we look like someone who is a good steward of God’s blessings? Or do we look like a sucker? Do we look like a time waster? Do we look like someone who could help, or someone who will only make things worse? Something to ponder.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 11, 2011

Ecclesiastes 10:2

² A wise man’s heart directs him toward the right, but the foolish man’s heart directs him toward the left.

Yep, it is the Conservatives/Republicans favorite verse.  Joking aside, right and left in the Bible is a metaphor for right and wrong, wise and foolish, strong and weak, action and inaction.  A wise man will do the wise right thing with strong action.  The foolish man will often fail to act, act weakly if he does, and foolishly be on the wrong side.  How do you want to be defined?  Do you want to be someone who foolishly does the wrong thing or wisely does the right thing?  Do you want to be a man or woman of action, or be on the sidelines?  If you are going to act, do so with purpose.  If you keep dancing in the backfield, waiting for something to develop, BAM! you’ll get developed!

Of course, doing what is wise in God’s eyes is often the exact opposite of what the world and safe Christians consider to be wise.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 10, 2011

Ecclesiastes 10:1

¹ Dead flies make a perfumer’s oil stink, so a little foolishness is weightier than wisdom and honor.

Don’t worry, you can still screw up your entire life and throw everything you have built away in the matter of seconds.  We must guard our hearts and minds from foolishness.  Don't throw away your legacy and God's glory through an act of foolish self-seeking.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 9, 2011

Ecclesiastes 9:13-18

¹³ Also this I came to see as wisdom under the sun, and it impressed me. ¹⁴ There was a small city with few men in it and a great king came to it, surrounded it and constructed large siegeworks against it. ¹⁵ But there was found in it a poor wise man and he delivered the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. ¹⁶ So I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” But the wisdom of the poor man is despised and his words are not heeded. ¹⁷ The words of the wise heard in quietness are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. ¹⁸ Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.

Wise words are only as good as the ears that listen.  We often associate great plans with great speakers, when often the opposite is true.  We must listen to the actual messages and plans.  Read them.  Dissect them.  Listen to others who are wise and knowledgeable about the subject, just with smaller egos and not as bombastic.  You might be amazed at the richness and beauty of the jewels and pearls of wisdom in their possession.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 8, 2011

Ecclesiastes 9:12

¹² Moreover, man does not know his time: like fish caught in a treacherous net and birds trapped in a snare, so the sons of men are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them.

Live life to the fullest NOW because in a couple of minutes you may be dead.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 7, 2011

Ecclesiastes 9:11

¹¹ I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the warriors, and neither is bread to the wise nor wealth to the discerning nor favor to men of ability; for time and chance overtake them all.

What is being said here is that we are not entitled to anything.  No matter our talents or hard work, we are entitled to nothing.  Time and chance controls all (but who controls time and chance)?  Therefore, we should be thankful for everything we receive no matter who we are.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 6, 2011

Ecclesiastes 9:10

¹⁰ Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.

Live life to the fullest.  Do nothing half-way.  Do or do not, there is no try.  Carpe diem.  We have heard it all before, but now it comes from God!

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 5, 2011

Ecclesiastes 9:1-9

 ¹ For I have taken all this to my heart and explain it that righteous men, wise men, and their deeds are in the hand of God. Man does not know whether it will be love or hatred; anything awaits him.

 ² It is the same for all. There is one fate for the righteous and for the wicked; for the good, for the clean and for the unclean; for the man who offers a sacrifice and for the one who does not sacrifice. As the good man is, so is the sinner; as the swearer is, so is the one who is afraid to swear. ³ This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one fate for all men. Furthermore, the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives. Afterwards they go to the dead. ⁴ For whoever is joined with all the living, there is hope; surely a live dog is better than a dead lion. ⁵ For the living know they will die; but the dead do not know anything, nor have they any longer a reward, for their memory is forgotten. ⁶ Indeed their love, their hate and their zeal have already perished, and they will no longer have a share in all that is done under the sun.
 ⁷ Go then, eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works. ⁸ Let your clothes be white all the time, and let not oil be lacking on your head. ⁹ Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun.

We are all gonna die.  No matter what we do, no matter what we say, the same fate awaits us all.  We have absolutely no choice about our ultimate fate on this earth.  Although we have no real power over our death, we do have power over our life.  Will we be gripped by jealousy, despondency, and depression, or will we enjoy the fruits that God has granted us like food, clothing, and family?

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 4, 2011

Ecclesiastes 8:16-17

 ¹⁶ When I gave my heart to know wisdom and to see the task which has been done on the earth (even though one should never sleep day or night), ¹⁷ and I saw every work of God, I concluded that man cannot discover the work which has been done under the sun. Even though man should seek laboriously, he will not discover; and though the wise man should say, “I know,” he cannot discover.

The problem with the battle between the Atheist Big Bang Evolutionary Science vs. God Spoke and Created Science debate is the question of how did either one actually happen.  As we see here, no one will ever know.  We may have faith that God spoke the universe into existence, but the details as to how it came to be will never be known.  We are incapable of ever figuring that out.  We can never prove the atheist Big Bangers wrong because we will never have the knowledge to do so.  Of course, the same can be said for them.  The origins of the space in which the universe Big Banged into is a complete mystery to them.  They simply cannot explain it at all.  They adhere to the Big Bang, but will never know the exact details.  They may adhere to life coming from primordial ooze, but, again, they will never know the details.  Although they wish to speak scientifically, this is a question of faith.  The science isn’t there, nor will it ever be.  Do not get trapped into that argument; it is a waste of time.  Much of Ecclesiastes is about not wasting time.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 3, 2011

Ecclesiastes 8:14-15

 ¹⁴ There is futility which is done on the earth, that is, there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked. On the other hand, there are evil men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I say that this too is futility. ¹⁵ So I commended pleasure, for there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry, and this will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.

The comparison game is the most joyless game there is.  When you start to compare yourself, your lot, your spouse, your parents, your job, your…. to others, you realize that life ain’t fair, you ain’t as good or got it as good as other people, someone else’s spouse is so much better than your own and so on.  What good is that?  Why would we want live a life of constant utter disappointment?  Instead of focusing on what we don’t have, let us enjoy to the fullest what we do have.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 2, 2011

Ecclesiastes 8:10-13

 ¹⁰ So then, I have seen the wicked buried, those who used to go in and out from the holy place, and they are soon forgotten in the city where they did thus. This too is futility. ¹¹ Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil. ¹² Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and may lengthen his life, still I know that it will be well for those who fear God, who fear Him openly. ¹³ But it will not be well for the evil man and he will not lengthen his days like a shadow, because he does not fear God.

Interesting.  An evil man may be able to live longer by his evil deeds, but will not be able to lengthen his days.  This probably means mortal versus eternal life.  We must always remember the end of the story when justice doesn’t seem to be happening.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - June 1, 2011

Ecclesiastes 8:5-9

 ⁵ He who keeps a royal command experiences no trouble, for a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure. ⁶ For there is a proper time and procedure for every delight, though a man’s trouble is heavy upon him. ⁷ If no one knows what will happen, who can tell him when it will happen? ⁸ No man has authority to restrain the wind with the wind, or authority over the day of death; and there is no discharge in the time of war, and evil will not deliver those who practice it. ⁹ All this I have seen and applied my mind to every deed that has been done under the sun wherein a man has exercised authority over another man to his hurt.

The end of verse 8 is a real kick in the pants.  How often do you try to use evil to deliver us from evil, a pit, or justice?

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - May 31, 2011

Ecclesiastes 8:4

⁴ Since the word of the king is authoritative, who will say to him, “What are you doing?”

Where do I even begin with this one?  This is difficult to understand as an American, but it is perfectly applicable to our other authority structures.  It is our civic duty to question the government, but it is not wise to question our parents, husbands, or bosses.  Stick with me here.  It is fine to clarify and provide different perspectives, but when the declaration is made, do not question.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - May 30, 2011

Ecclesiastes 8:3

³ Do not be in a hurry to leave him. Do not join in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases.”

Rebellion, typically, does not turn out well.  Usually they are squashed severely.  America is built upon revolution and power to the people, but our revolutionary culture cannot seep into our hearts and make our hearts rebellious.  If you rebel against your parents, it will turn out bad.  If you rebel against your husband, the destruction will be immense.  If you rebel against your boss, be prepared for lines at the unemployment office.  If you rebel against your government, be prepared for imprisonment, death, or worse. 

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - May 29, 2011

Ecclesiastes 8:2

² I say, “Keep the command of the king because of the oath before God.

Do not rebel against those God put in authority over you, bet it parents, husbands, bosses, or governments.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - May 28, 2011

Ecclesiastes 8:1

¹ Who is like the wise man and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom illumines him and causes his stern face to beam.

Wise people aren’t rattled by the storms of life.  Wise people do not fear the future, nor long for the past.  Wise people do not get heartsick for the grass on the other side of the fence.  Wisdom is finding satisfaction and purpose in God through faith.  They understand that God will see them through any trouble or call them home.  Why do we fear so if we know that?

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)

Passage of the Day - May 27, 2011

Ecclesiastes 7:23-29

 ²³ I tested all this with wisdom, and I said, “I will be wise,” but it was far from me. ²⁴ What has been is remote and exceedingly mysterious. Who can discover it? ²⁵ I directed my mind to know, to investigate and to seek wisdom and an explanation, and to know the evil of folly and the foolishness of madness. ²⁶ And I discovered more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, whose hands are chains. One who is pleasing to God will escape from her, but the sinner will be captured by her.

 ²⁷ “Behold, I have discovered this,” says the Preacher, “adding one thing to another to find an explanation, ²⁸ which I am still seeking but have not found. I have found one man among a thousand, but I have not found a woman among all these. ²⁹ Behold, I have found only this, that God made men upright, but they have sought out many devices.”

Alert!  Rebellion against conservative teaching!  Verse 29 strikes me with a thought!  Calvinism teaches that we are desperately wicked and incapable of finding God.  However, verse 29 points to another thought.  We are created good (because God cannot create something bad).  We are created upright, but born under a curse, enslaved, and in chains.  We are sinless when we are born, but we, by nature, seek out our own way and sin very quickly (before we know any better).  How can someone not joined to Christ do anything else?  We teach that little children are born with original sin, somehow inferring that God created us flawed.  In my opinion, that is absolute blasphemy and should be stricken from our theology.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)