Ecclesiastes 10-12

“However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all” (11:8). The “Teacher” reminds us that much of life is outside our control. The wisest path is neither to live in fear (we are to “banish anxiety"), nor to live with unrealistic expectations; after all, “youth and vigor” are fleeting (11:10). Instead, we are called to live with clear-eyed understanding and planning, not foolish impulsivity (11:8-11). We have courage to act in a risky world (11:1-2). 

Similarly, th

Ecclesiastes 8-9

“I know that it will go better with those who fear God” (8:12). The “Teacher” knew that humans seek justice, but “time and chance” interfere (9:11). Wisdom includes recognizing that our fallen world doesn’t always make sense. But rather than giving in to apathy or despair, we still work hard for good: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” (9:10). We can invest our efforts with hope, leaving the results in God’s hands. With humility and thanks, we enj

Philippians 1

“I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (4). Just as Paul’s situation (prison) gave him the opportunity to “advance” the gospel (12), he prayed that the Philippians would have the wisdom to live out their love for Christ in their own circumstances: “that your love would abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight”. More than just believing, they were called to “conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the g

Ephesians 6

“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (18). Paul concludes this letter with a call to cover everything in prayer. We “stand firm” (14) together in a spiritual battle by putting on spiritual armor, including the truth, righteousness, the Word, and faith (10-17), and staying “alert” in prayer for one another. Paul’s personal prayer request is that he would “fearlessly” declare and make known the mystery of the gospel (19-20). 

Paul’s pas

Psalm 105

“Sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts” (2). The Psalmist recounts the history of God’s faithfulness, from his covenant with Abraham (9,42) to Israel’s entrance into the promised land (11,44). Because God kept his promises by “wonders, miracles and judgments” (5), his people respond by making him known among the nations (1). When we “remember the wonders he has done” (5), we have a firm foundation for obedient, worship-filled lives (45).

The greatest “work” of

Ecclesiastes 5-7

“Who can tell them what will happen under the sun after they are gone?” (6:12). The “Teacher” was frustrated with the uncertainty of life; people can work hard and lose everything (5:14-15). Or, they have “wealth, possessions, and honor” (6:2), but no ability to enjoy these gifts and no one to inherit them. In fact, making wealth the goal leads to dissatisfaction: “whoever loves money never has enough ... is never satisfied” (5:10). 

“To find satisfaction ... this is a gift

Ecclesiastes 3-4

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” (3:1). The Teacher knew that humans struggle with time; we want to “plant” when it may be time to “uproot” (3:2); we want to achieve our goals on our own schedule. Yet the world thwarts our plans; sickness, oppression (4:1), loneliness (4:8), and our sins get in the way. We are mortal like animals (3:18), yet God has put “eternity” in our hearts; we hope for much more (3:11).

“He has made everyth

Ecclesiastes 1-2

“Meaningless! Meaningless! ... What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?” (1:1-3). The “Teacher,” king in Jerusalem, set himself to study “all that is done under the heavens” (1:13) - the human pursuit of life, happiness, and significance. He “undertook great projects” (2:4) and experienced all kinds of “pleasure” (2:10), but he realized that these were fleeting. Humans ultimately have no control over their fate (2:19); all our “anxious st

Ephesians 5

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (15-16). The Ephesians faced influences tempting them to return to a ‘normal’ life of sexual immorality, coarse joking, greed, and family conflict (3-5). Instead, Paul urged them to cultivate a different kind of community. “Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from y

Ephesians 4

“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (1). Knowing Christ’s love, Paul wrote, our whole way of life should be different. We are called to treat one another with the compassion and forgiveness we receive from Christ (32). Working together, we “put off” our old selves (greed, impurity, darkness, 17-19) so that we can “be made new” in the attitude of our minds (23).

“Pu

Ephesians 3

 “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence” (12). Paul wanted to reassure the Ephesian believers (mostly Gentiles) that they were not second-class citizens; together with Israel, they were “members of one body” and “sharers together in the promise of Christ Jesus” (6). Through faith in Jesus, they were completely accepted by the Father and could approach Him with full confidence. 

The enemy of our souls wants us to think we are spiritu

Psalm 104

“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures” (24). The psalmist found satisfaction and joy in contemplating God’s vast and beautiful universe. The sun and moon (19), the water (8), trees (16), wild goats (18), lions (21) and people (23) are part of the orderly world God created. He is the giver of gifts - wine, oil, and bread (15); “He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate” (14). 

“When You o

Psalm 103

“The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all” (19). David can praise the Lord from the depth of his soul, his “inmost being” (1), because he has experienced all the good “benefits” of God. Through hard times and good times, he has learned that the Lord is “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (8), and God’s kingdom is secure (19).

“Forget not all his benefits” (2). Our heavenly Father is worthy of our praise, love,

Proverbs 30-31

“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him” (30:5). The wise man Agur admitted the limits of his understanding (30:1). God has true wisdom; God alone has “gone up to heaven and gone down” (30:4). Knowing this, he asked the Lord to keep him from poverty (he might be tempted to steal) and to keep him from wealth (he might be tempted to think he did not need God, 9). He prayed for the integrity necessary to be true to the Lord and satisfied

Proverbs 27-29

“The righteous care about justice for the poor” (29:7). The Proverbs repeatedly measure leadership (29:14) and righteousness not just by good values, but by how people with resources and power treat the poor. Ungodly leaders devastate the poor like a “driving rain that leaves no crops” (28:3). Building success on the backs of the poor is foolish because God may turn those profits over to someone who is “kind to the poor” (28:8). For the wise person knows that “those who gi