It has been quite some time since I have updated my prayer and Bible reading blog. After posting on the first hour of my Bible reading journey through 70 (supposed) hours, I wondered if I was really doing this for the right reasons. Not on reading the Bible per-say, but on posting on what God has been teaching me for all the world to read. I don't want to come across as some holier-than-thou student who is learning things from God and showing off some sort of knowledge and wisdom to the digital world.
So after some pondering time on this matter, while journaling by pen and pencil for some time, I came to the conclusion that posting on such a thing as Scripture reading can only be beneficial...as long as those who read it are reading it with the intent of being encouraged on what I am being taught. Or maybe if those who read this (if any) are merely 'checking up' on me to see what God has been teaching me. Why not share what God has been doing through my reading - especially if the sole purpose is to give glory to our Saviour and Lord for all things: knowledge, wisdom, and the ability to apply them to our lives.
That being said, I will begin transferring some of what I have been reading back to my digital posts. I pray this also helps me stay in a consistent reading pattern as well - especially as the new year begins, and I hope to draw even closer to my Lord through His Word!
- Micah
Friday, January 11, 2008
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Promises!
Day 1
Genesis 1-21
Genesis 1-21
After reading the Bible for an hour (out loud) yesterday - I was able to finish 21 chapters in Genesis. I'm wondering if 70 hours is all it will take? :)
The theme that I found running through these 21 chapters was quite easy for me to discover. God makes several promises in these first 21 chapters of the Old Testament. He starts by promising Adam and Eve a redemptive Saviour. He later promises Noah that He will never again flood the entire earth (using the Rainbow as His symbol of His word). He then promises Abram that He will make the descendants of this man as numerous as the stars in the sky, and as countless as the grains of sand on the earth! Finally, God promises Abraham a child to bring about the fulfillment to His earlier promise.
The other theme that I found to connect the stories together is the act of trust. Adam and Eve needed to trust God when He told them His plans for their lives. They didn't listen all the time. Noah needed to trust God when He was told that the earth would be flooded. Fortunately he listened and his life (and his family's life) was spared from death.
Abram/Abraham didn't fully trust God about having a child - and instead had a child through Hagar, a servant. God still blessed this child as well, but it brought about enmity...a clash so strong between Ishmael and Issac (Hagar's kid and Sarah's respectively) that the fights continue to this day in Israel...
Genesis 18:18-19 (NIV): "Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him."
Praise God for His word, His promises, and the ability to trust in Him, knowing that He will never let us down!
1168 chapters left!
Shalom,
<><
The theme that I found running through these 21 chapters was quite easy for me to discover. God makes several promises in these first 21 chapters of the Old Testament. He starts by promising Adam and Eve a redemptive Saviour. He later promises Noah that He will never again flood the entire earth (using the Rainbow as His symbol of His word). He then promises Abram that He will make the descendants of this man as numerous as the stars in the sky, and as countless as the grains of sand on the earth! Finally, God promises Abraham a child to bring about the fulfillment to His earlier promise.
The other theme that I found to connect the stories together is the act of trust. Adam and Eve needed to trust God when He told them His plans for their lives. They didn't listen all the time. Noah needed to trust God when He was told that the earth would be flooded. Fortunately he listened and his life (and his family's life) was spared from death.
Abram/Abraham didn't fully trust God about having a child - and instead had a child through Hagar, a servant. God still blessed this child as well, but it brought about enmity...a clash so strong between Ishmael and Issac (Hagar's kid and Sarah's respectively) that the fights continue to this day in Israel...
Genesis 18:18-19 (NIV): "Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him."
Praise God for His word, His promises, and the ability to trust in Him, knowing that He will never let us down!
1168 chapters left!
Shalom,
<><
It's Bible Reading Time!
Journey Through the Bible in 70 Days!
So I read somewhere online that it takes just over 70 hours to read the Bible in its entirety! So...I've decided to take up that challenge! One hour, everyday for 70 days (give or take a couple days maybe)! So...we'll see how that goes!
Friday, May 18, 2007
Ecclesiastes 12
"Remember and Fear Our CREATOR"
Ecclesiastes 12
5/18/07
Ecclesiastes 12
5/18/07
Summary:
The final chapter in Solomon's book of Ecclesiastes - his main message begins with the title of this blog: "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come..." (1). Wise Solomon ends his thoughts with a repeat of the first verse in the book (poetic style I would say), then gives probably the most important message in the whole book - I would even say the climax of the book (ironic that it's at the end - but maybe not).
Key Verse(s):
12:1 - "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come" (NIV)
12:11 - "The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails - given by one Shepherd." (NIV)
12:13 "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.
Lesson:
This last chapter contains 14 verses:
In the first half of these verses, Solomon implores his readers to remember the Creator - who is God. When all is said and done, when we're old and gray, we should still remember who are Creator is, and who we've been living our lives for!
Verse eight - Solomon repeats the lines from 1:1 - "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Everything is meaningless!" This is poetic in style but ties the book together. So why did Solomon continue to write six more verses after this? It seems the next six verses should purposely stick out as a special conclusion or special advice if not tied in to the rest of his wisdom.
The rest of the verses are written in the third person. the "Teacher" was wise, but ALSO imparted knowledge to the people (9). He looked to find "the just right words, and what he wrote was upright and true" (10).
Then Solomon gives this crazy awesome analogy - comparing these collected words of wisdom to embedded nails given by one "Shepherd"! Now there are no capital letters in Hebrew, but my Bible used a capital "S" to point out this possible reference to Jesus. Interesting stuff huh?
Solomon quotes the college students' favorite verse next "much study wearies the body" (12b)!
Finally, Solomon wraps his thoughts together by saying that his conclusion to the WHOLE MATTER is this: "Fear God and keep His commandment, for this is the whole duty of man" (13). God will bring to judgment every deed, good and bad (14) - so we need to be careful what we do here on earth!
Insight/application:
I think the insight and application to this chapter is very straight forward. Remember who we're living for. Are we living for ourselves or for God? If we live for ourselves, we're going to have to answer to this at the end of our lives. If we live for God, we're also going to have to give account for this as well!! So - be careful what you do and who you're doing it for!
Secondly, seek wisdom, but also knowledge so your wisdom can be applied properly.
Third - don't kill yourself over studying too much. Solomon said that much studying wearies the body, but he didn't say to stop studying! Running hard and lifting weights wearies the body! That doesn't mean you should stop! But be cautious what you're doing to your body. Don't overdo it!
Finally, and most importantly, Fear God and keep His commandments! This is the whole duty of man! How do we do this? train yourself to read the Word on a daily basis, spend time talking to God, and spend time listening to Him as well! Listen to your parents and their wisdom, and respect those who are older and wiser than you.
The final chapter in Solomon's book of Ecclesiastes - his main message begins with the title of this blog: "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come..." (1). Wise Solomon ends his thoughts with a repeat of the first verse in the book (poetic style I would say), then gives probably the most important message in the whole book - I would even say the climax of the book (ironic that it's at the end - but maybe not).
Key Verse(s):
12:1 - "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come" (NIV)
12:11 - "The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails - given by one Shepherd." (NIV)
12:13 "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.
Lesson:
This last chapter contains 14 verses:
In the first half of these verses, Solomon implores his readers to remember the Creator - who is God. When all is said and done, when we're old and gray, we should still remember who are Creator is, and who we've been living our lives for!
Verse eight - Solomon repeats the lines from 1:1 - "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Everything is meaningless!" This is poetic in style but ties the book together. So why did Solomon continue to write six more verses after this? It seems the next six verses should purposely stick out as a special conclusion or special advice if not tied in to the rest of his wisdom.
The rest of the verses are written in the third person. the "Teacher" was wise, but ALSO imparted knowledge to the people (9). He looked to find "the just right words, and what he wrote was upright and true" (10).
Then Solomon gives this crazy awesome analogy - comparing these collected words of wisdom to embedded nails given by one "Shepherd"! Now there are no capital letters in Hebrew, but my Bible used a capital "S" to point out this possible reference to Jesus. Interesting stuff huh?
Solomon quotes the college students' favorite verse next "much study wearies the body" (12b)!
Finally, Solomon wraps his thoughts together by saying that his conclusion to the WHOLE MATTER is this: "Fear God and keep His commandment, for this is the whole duty of man" (13). God will bring to judgment every deed, good and bad (14) - so we need to be careful what we do here on earth!
Insight/application:
I think the insight and application to this chapter is very straight forward. Remember who we're living for. Are we living for ourselves or for God? If we live for ourselves, we're going to have to answer to this at the end of our lives. If we live for God, we're also going to have to give account for this as well!! So - be careful what you do and who you're doing it for!
Secondly, seek wisdom, but also knowledge so your wisdom can be applied properly.
Third - don't kill yourself over studying too much. Solomon said that much studying wearies the body, but he didn't say to stop studying! Running hard and lifting weights wearies the body! That doesn't mean you should stop! But be cautious what you're doing to your body. Don't overdo it!
Finally, and most importantly, Fear God and keep His commandments! This is the whole duty of man! How do we do this? train yourself to read the Word on a daily basis, spend time talking to God, and spend time listening to Him as well! Listen to your parents and their wisdom, and respect those who are older and wiser than you.
My Shepherd,
Thank you so much for this embedded wisdom. May it never leave my heart, and may I always remember to apply what I've learned in Your Word to my life. Help me to keep serving you in everything that I do!
Help me to NEVER stop fearing You or keeping Your commandments!
I love you Father,
Amen.
Ecclesiastes 11
"Cast Your Bread"
Ecclesiastes 11
5/17/07
Ecclesiastes 11
5/17/07
Summary:
Almost the last chapter in this book, Solomon continues to emphasis the message of working with diligence, and honoring God with our lives - as long as we live here on earth. As these chapters begin to come to a close, Solomon's writings seem to become a little more vague, but more poetic as well.
Key Verse(s):
11:1 - "Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again." (NIV)
11:9 - "Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth."
19 - "...banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless." (NIV)
Lesson:
At the beginning of the chapter, Solomon says to cast your bread upon the water because you will find it again. In essence he may be comparing the water to the great ocean of business and people, and bread to wealth. If this analogy follows through, Solomon is encouraging others to risk investing their wealth (or maybe time) in other people and business. We can only profit if we take risks, and even though the profits may not be physical wealth, they may also be simple internal satisfaction of what you have done! God is pleased with us when we do things selflessly, not expecting anything in return! :->
Solomon goes on to encourage us to always work, for we don't know when we'll run into troublesome times (6). Finally, Solomon takes the last part of the chapter to encourage us to be happy, to follow the ways of our heart (sounds like Disney), but also reminds us that we WILL be judged by God Himself in the end (9)! But he also tells us to cast off our troubles and anxieties (10). We just need to trust in God! He'll take care of us!
Insight/application:
Goodness! Where do I start?! Two things come to mind when reading this chapter today. First of all, this "cast your bread upon the waters" analogy - I like it! I admit, I was confused at first until I thought it through. You know, the Hebrews were never great merchants at sea, compared to other cultures. I doubt if Solomon was using this analogy as a simple "grain and profit" analogy, but rather what I mentioned before - an investment, with self gratification and joy, knowing that you did something for someone else.
Verse two goes on to say to give portions to seven and even eight people - encouraging charity perhaps!
The last part of this chapter also spoke to me in a 'loud' way. The idea where God WANTS us to be happy! He WANTS us to enjoy life, to cast off our troubles and anxiety, and to follow our heart - as long as we know that we'll be judged in the end. So our hearts should in essence, reflect the heart of our Saviour - King Jesus!
Almost the last chapter in this book, Solomon continues to emphasis the message of working with diligence, and honoring God with our lives - as long as we live here on earth. As these chapters begin to come to a close, Solomon's writings seem to become a little more vague, but more poetic as well.
Key Verse(s):
11:1 - "Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again." (NIV)
11:9 - "Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth."
19 - "...banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless." (NIV)
Lesson:
At the beginning of the chapter, Solomon says to cast your bread upon the water because you will find it again. In essence he may be comparing the water to the great ocean of business and people, and bread to wealth. If this analogy follows through, Solomon is encouraging others to risk investing their wealth (or maybe time) in other people and business. We can only profit if we take risks, and even though the profits may not be physical wealth, they may also be simple internal satisfaction of what you have done! God is pleased with us when we do things selflessly, not expecting anything in return! :->
Solomon goes on to encourage us to always work, for we don't know when we'll run into troublesome times (6). Finally, Solomon takes the last part of the chapter to encourage us to be happy, to follow the ways of our heart (sounds like Disney), but also reminds us that we WILL be judged by God Himself in the end (9)! But he also tells us to cast off our troubles and anxieties (10). We just need to trust in God! He'll take care of us!
Insight/application:
Goodness! Where do I start?! Two things come to mind when reading this chapter today. First of all, this "cast your bread upon the waters" analogy - I like it! I admit, I was confused at first until I thought it through. You know, the Hebrews were never great merchants at sea, compared to other cultures. I doubt if Solomon was using this analogy as a simple "grain and profit" analogy, but rather what I mentioned before - an investment, with self gratification and joy, knowing that you did something for someone else.
Verse two goes on to say to give portions to seven and even eight people - encouraging charity perhaps!
The last part of this chapter also spoke to me in a 'loud' way. The idea where God WANTS us to be happy! He WANTS us to enjoy life, to cast off our troubles and anxiety, and to follow our heart - as long as we know that we'll be judged in the end. So our hearts should in essence, reflect the heart of our Saviour - King Jesus!
Lord,
Forgive me for sinning against You again today. My thoughts and actions prove I'm a sinner and no where close to being perfect. Thank you for Your Son Jesus and for the fact that You look at me as if I'm totally clean and set apart for You!
Lord I cast off my burdens, anxieties, and worries! Thanks for Your promise to take care of Your children and to provide for their every needs. I'm thankful and joyful for the life You've given me! May I live my life here on Earth glorifying You in everything that I do! Keep my thoughts and actions pure.
Make my actions to be honoring to You alone. May my mind never wander into darkness and may You be my ever constant light.
In Jesus name I pray these things (with love and adoration),
Amen!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Ecclesiastes 10
"A Little Birdie Told Me"
Ecclesiastes 10
5/14/07
Ecclesiastes 10
5/14/07
Summary:
The continuation to chapter 9, this short chapter expounds upon more characteristics of wisdom versus foolishness. There are a few verses that stand out to me in the midst of this chapter, as I will elaborate on momentarily! :)
Key Verse(s):
10:4b - "...calmness can lay great errors to rest." (NIV)
18 - "If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks." (NIV)
20 - "Do not revile the kind even in your thoughts; or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say." (NIV)
Lesson:
Solomon continues his lesson on wisdom in this chapter. There isn't really a break between this chapter and its prior companion. But I guess Mr. Langton thought it was necessary. Embedded within the analogies of wisdom versus folly (foolishness) lies some other words of wisdom that I find especially relevant to my life. Solomon tells of the importance of remaining clam, even when someone as powerful as a king gets angry at you (4). As was talked about during one of the last CSF Get Togethers of Spring 2007, laziness is an issue that needs special addressing in our culture. Solomon talked about the same problem in verse 18. Finally, the last verse in the chapter talks about not reviling (bad mouthing) the king in our thoughts or words. According to Solomon, a little birdie might tell someone what you just said! Now you know where that term comes from! Isn't the Bible great?!
Insight/application:
Ok - as always, there is much to be learned and applied from reading God's Word! Here is what the Holy Spirit taught me when reading this chapter a few days ago. As I mentioned before, calmness is KEY when others are upset. I could have saved a LOT of trouble in relationships if I would have just remained calm when someone else got mad at me. But I always seem (or seemed) to have fallen into the trap of getting mad back! That doesn't mean that you can't argue or explain your point of view. But there are certainly tactical ways of accomplishing that!
I was riding in the car with Caleb, and he was telling me that he really wanted to get a manual transmission car again, because it's not good to have idle hands! How true that is! Verse 18 proves that point! There is another place in this book where other consequences are given for idle hands as well (11:6).
The last verse (20) really "spoke" to me. I realized that the term "a little birdie told me" probably came from here, when Solomon denounced using negative thoughts and words against the king (probably thinking of himself as well). This can really be applied to our life today as well:
People constantly bash our government, our president, but we even talk against our own friends, our own family, and even our King, Jesus! A little birdie might not tell President Bush what we just said about him, but our King knows even our thoughts! Solomon said not to revile the king EVEN in our thoughts! Who else knows our thoughts but the Great King? As the late Matthew Henry (1662-1714) said once: "Your curses cannot affect Him [Jesus]; but His curse, coming down upon you, will sink you to the lowest hell."
The continuation to chapter 9, this short chapter expounds upon more characteristics of wisdom versus foolishness. There are a few verses that stand out to me in the midst of this chapter, as I will elaborate on momentarily! :)
Key Verse(s):
10:4b - "...calmness can lay great errors to rest." (NIV)
18 - "If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks." (NIV)
20 - "Do not revile the kind even in your thoughts; or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say." (NIV)
Lesson:
Solomon continues his lesson on wisdom in this chapter. There isn't really a break between this chapter and its prior companion. But I guess Mr. Langton thought it was necessary. Embedded within the analogies of wisdom versus folly (foolishness) lies some other words of wisdom that I find especially relevant to my life. Solomon tells of the importance of remaining clam, even when someone as powerful as a king gets angry at you (4). As was talked about during one of the last CSF Get Togethers of Spring 2007, laziness is an issue that needs special addressing in our culture. Solomon talked about the same problem in verse 18. Finally, the last verse in the chapter talks about not reviling (bad mouthing) the king in our thoughts or words. According to Solomon, a little birdie might tell someone what you just said! Now you know where that term comes from! Isn't the Bible great?!
Insight/application:
Ok - as always, there is much to be learned and applied from reading God's Word! Here is what the Holy Spirit taught me when reading this chapter a few days ago. As I mentioned before, calmness is KEY when others are upset. I could have saved a LOT of trouble in relationships if I would have just remained calm when someone else got mad at me. But I always seem (or seemed) to have fallen into the trap of getting mad back! That doesn't mean that you can't argue or explain your point of view. But there are certainly tactical ways of accomplishing that!
I was riding in the car with Caleb, and he was telling me that he really wanted to get a manual transmission car again, because it's not good to have idle hands! How true that is! Verse 18 proves that point! There is another place in this book where other consequences are given for idle hands as well (11:6).
The last verse (20) really "spoke" to me. I realized that the term "a little birdie told me" probably came from here, when Solomon denounced using negative thoughts and words against the king (probably thinking of himself as well). This can really be applied to our life today as well:
People constantly bash our government, our president, but we even talk against our own friends, our own family, and even our King, Jesus! A little birdie might not tell President Bush what we just said about him, but our King knows even our thoughts! Solomon said not to revile the king EVEN in our thoughts! Who else knows our thoughts but the Great King? As the late Matthew Henry (1662-1714) said once: "Your curses cannot affect Him [Jesus]; but His curse, coming down upon you, will sink you to the lowest hell."
My King,
Again I bring to you my sins and lay them at Your feet. Forgive me of my evil deeds and open your ears to my requests.
Thank you Lord for loving me, despite my sin. Thank you for forgiving me, even when I stumble.
Lord, help me to control my thoughts and words. May my thoughts, words, and even actions bring only glory to Your Name and Kingdom. Help me to become righteous and upright in Your eyes while I live on this sinful earth. May my actions reflect Your Name as bright as the brightest Light.
Calm my heart in times of trouble and anguish, and may my hands never find the time to be idle.
Thank you again for your Son Jesus the Messiah, the Christ.
In Your Name,
Amen
Friday, May 11, 2007
Ecclesiastes 9
"God's Favor"
Ecclesiastes 9
5/11/07
Ecclesiastes 9
5/11/07
Summary:
The first part of the chapter talks about the fact that we all have the same destiny in common: death. Whether we're foolish or wise, we're both going to die. But God favors what we do while we're alive - so we should be happy, and honor God. The last part of the chapter focuses on the benefit of wisdom over strength and power.
Key Verse(s):
9:7 - "Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do." (NIV)
17-18 - "The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war." (NIV)
Lesson:
Our wise king Solomon seemed to be depressed in the first part of this chapter - saying that all people have the same destiny with death (3). All of their love, hatred, and jealousy will be forgotten, and memory of them will vanish with time (5-6).
But, God favors what we do with our lives while we're still alive! We should be happy therefore, while enjoying time with our wife whom we love, being clothed in white, and therefore pleasing God (7-9). Later in the chapter, Solomon went on to explain how he saw a powerful king come against a small city, but how a poor, wise man saved the city from destruction by using his wisdom. Therefore, Solomon said that the words of the wise are better than weapons of war (13-18).
Insight/application:
A few thoughts come to mind when reading this chapter. I'll start with the small things. Solomon had many wives...I believe 700 wives and 300 concubines? (what's the difference though? I think it has to do with royalty - see 1 Kings 11:3.) BUT Solomon talked in 9 to enjoy life with your wife - singular! I don't see him advocating the fact that many wives make a man happier (or even pleasing to God). He also talks about being clothed in white. Is this literal or figurative? Does the color white symbolize something like purity or wisdom here, or does he think the color white is more attractive?! :) As a child (and even today at times) I thought of this verse every time I was about to put on a white shirt.
As a matter of fact - for graduation this year, I'm wearing white - partially to be different than everyone else, but also, I want to give God the respect that He deserves for bringing me through these four years of college. Most people won't understand what I'm doing - but then, most people don't ask or read my blog :) But who cares? It's for God, not for them.
Finally, Solomon gave that short story at the end of this chapter, about a poor wise man who saved the small city he lived in from the destruction of a powerful king. YET, no one remembered this man after the fact (15)! How sad is that? I was thinking though - do you think this man really cared if people remembered him or not? As a human he may have, but he was wise, and therefore I think he knew that it was only God that mattered - and He had not forgotten him!
The first part of the chapter talks about the fact that we all have the same destiny in common: death. Whether we're foolish or wise, we're both going to die. But God favors what we do while we're alive - so we should be happy, and honor God. The last part of the chapter focuses on the benefit of wisdom over strength and power.
Key Verse(s):
9:7 - "Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do." (NIV)
17-18 - "The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war." (NIV)
Lesson:
Our wise king Solomon seemed to be depressed in the first part of this chapter - saying that all people have the same destiny with death (3). All of their love, hatred, and jealousy will be forgotten, and memory of them will vanish with time (5-6).
But, God favors what we do with our lives while we're still alive! We should be happy therefore, while enjoying time with our wife whom we love, being clothed in white, and therefore pleasing God (7-9). Later in the chapter, Solomon went on to explain how he saw a powerful king come against a small city, but how a poor, wise man saved the city from destruction by using his wisdom. Therefore, Solomon said that the words of the wise are better than weapons of war (13-18).
Insight/application:
A few thoughts come to mind when reading this chapter. I'll start with the small things. Solomon had many wives...I believe 700 wives and 300 concubines? (what's the difference though? I think it has to do with royalty - see 1 Kings 11:3.) BUT Solomon talked in 9 to enjoy life with your wife - singular! I don't see him advocating the fact that many wives make a man happier (or even pleasing to God). He also talks about being clothed in white. Is this literal or figurative? Does the color white symbolize something like purity or wisdom here, or does he think the color white is more attractive?! :) As a child (and even today at times) I thought of this verse every time I was about to put on a white shirt.
As a matter of fact - for graduation this year, I'm wearing white - partially to be different than everyone else, but also, I want to give God the respect that He deserves for bringing me through these four years of college. Most people won't understand what I'm doing - but then, most people don't ask or read my blog :) But who cares? It's for God, not for them.
Finally, Solomon gave that short story at the end of this chapter, about a poor wise man who saved the small city he lived in from the destruction of a powerful king. YET, no one remembered this man after the fact (15)! How sad is that? I was thinking though - do you think this man really cared if people remembered him or not? As a human he may have, but he was wise, and therefore I think he knew that it was only God that mattered - and He had not forgotten him!
Jesus,
I bring my anguish and sorrow at Your feet and ask you to take that away. May my heart be forever joyful, for You favor what I do with my life. May my words bring wisdom and not foolishness. Fill my mind with Your thoughts, knowledge, and wisdom, and may I become more and more like You!
May my mind and my life be clothed in white, and may I glorify You for the rest of my days.
Thank you for your never-ending love,
Amen
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Ecclesiastes 8
"Obedience to Wisdom!"
Ecclesiastes 8
5/08/07
Summary:Ecclesiastes 8
5/08/07
To briefly summarize this chapter, I would say that Solomon mainly talks about the vast difference between wisdom and foolishness, while also seeding a few proverbs in-between!
Key Verse(s):
8:1b - "Wisdom brightens a man's face and changes its hard appearance."
16-17 - "When I applied my mind to know widsom and to observe man's labor on earth--his eyes not seeing sleep day or night - then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it." (NIV)
Lesson:
Solomon tells us in this chapter that there is a proper time and procedure to everything (v6), and that if we obey 'the king' (or whoever is in control), our wise heart will know the proper time and procedure.
Solomon also tells us that we can't know our future, and, even though the wicked deserve a short life and the righteous deserve a long life, this may not always come true, and is thus meaningless. But God wants us to enjoy the life He has given us, and to be glad (v15)!
Finally, Solomon notes that no one can understand meaning of everything - even if a great wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it (v17).
Insight/application:
I wonder how many times we have neglected to listen to those who are older and wiser (like 'the king') and did not heed their advice. If we could learn to do that, our hearts would know the proper time and procedure for everything. This would include any time of decision regarding life, work, relationships (which is applicable to me right now), and much more. Wisdom is the key to everything isn't it? And wisdom comes through obedience to the 'king' in this chapter - but we could say obedience to the King of Kings will bring about the greatest wisdom of all.
Though we may not know our future, God still wants us to be happy and glad with the life He has given us. Therefore it is our job to glorify our Lord for blessing us with the life we have! Even when things don't always go as planned, remember chapter 7 when Solomon reminded us that God puts both the good and bad in our lives!
My King,
Again I bring to you my sins and ask for forgiveness. Make me more like you everyday, so that my life will become blameless and upright in your eyes, even though it already is because of Your Son Jesus. Thank you for your Son, and for the sacrifice He made for me and for the world.
Lord, help my heart to know the right time and procedure for things here on earth. You know my heart and where I'm trying hard to trust in You regarding my relationships. Please reveal your will for my life, and allow me to be more patient while I wait for your answer! May I glorify you in all that I do!
Also Lord, thank you for the change in my appearance - that I am no longer hard, but rather broken and brightened with Your wisdom!
I love You,
Micah - Amen
Ecclesiastes 7
"Practice makes Patience!"
Wisdom is Sweet
Ecclesiastes 7
5/07/07
Summary:Wisdom is Sweet
Ecclesiastes 7
5/07/07
To briefly summarize this chapter, I would say that Solomon mainly talks about the vast difference between wisdom and foolishness, while also seeding a few proverbs in-between!
Key Verse(s):
7:3 - "Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad." (ESV)
7:8b - "...the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit." (ESV)
7:12b - "...wisdom preserves the life of him who has it." (ESV)
7:19 - "Wisdom gives strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city."(ESV)
Lesson:
This chapter spoke volumes to me. I read it a couple times this week and both times there were things that the Holy Spirit brought to my attention. The main lesson in this chapter is the importance of gaining wisdom. Without wisdom, we are foolish, and the foolish perish with a meaningless life. 7:8 tells us that patience is better than pride. I can't BEGIN to tell how true that statement is! Being patient is not an easy thing to do. It might be easy to wait for chocolate cookies to come out of the oven (or maybe it's not), but try waiting for the Lord to direct your path, whether in the job-related field or the relationship field. Try waiting before you get married before you become physically involved with your spouse (that will REALLY test your patience). BELIEVE ME, if you're PATIENT, God will see you through and it will be worth it!
The Bible says that we shouldn't look back to the past and think of those days as "better" (v10). I've done that before and it has never been productive.
v12 says that wisdom preserves the LIFE of its possessor! How amazing is that?!
v19 says that Wisdom gives strength to the wise man more than ten rulers in a city! Solomon doesn't take wisdom lightly. This is an essential and key component of a strong and healthy Christian.
Solomon also noted toward the end of the chapter that it was hard for him to find an upright man - only one in a thousand! But not even ONE upright woman in them all! wow! When I find one that IS upright, I will be truly blessed :)
Insight/application:
I read verses 13-14 where the word "consider" was used. This to me seems like a really deep and powerful word. Consider. "Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked? When times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other."
God made both the good and bad times. We are to glorify Him in both. These verses could never speak truer to me, as I've been letting God handle a relationship that I've been holding on to by myself. If it is His will, I may still regain what I once have lost. If it is His will though, I may also gain something that I have never had before. The point is, I want what His will is and not mine. This is what makes this relationship so hard, because I already know what I want. Does this mean that God has laid the truth on my heart, or am I still listening to my own selfish desires? If I'm spending most of my time now with God, does that mean that I still feel the same way about this relationship, that it is God's will?
Ok - that was a rabbit trail of thought!
vs 18b says that the wise man who FEARS GOD will avoid the extremes of foolishness and wickedness. Another amazing promise for those who fear God.
My Best Friend and Comforter, I bring my sins before you and ask you to forgive me for displeasing You in them. Make me more like you: holy, blameless, and righteous. There is none like you Lord.
Thank you for your comfort and wisdom. Please continue to bring wisdom into my life, as I move forward in life, as I get ready to graduate, move back to Andover, and begin another chapter of my life. You know my needs and desires O Lord. Help me to be persevere and to be patient for what I desire. And may my desires delight you O Lord. May they be pleasing in Your eyes.
Your servant and friend,
Micah
Amen
Monday, May 7, 2007
Psalm 4
Psalm 4 (1-8)
...and now in peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you ALONE, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
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