Reflect on Eccl 3:1-17.  Spiritually speaking, what do each of these mean?  For example, spiritually, what does a time to be born and a time to die mean?

Eccl 3:11
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Rom 1:20-21
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-- his eternal power and divine nature-- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.  For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.

God has “set eternity in the hearts of men” so that “men are without excuse”. There will be no excuses at the judgment.

Eccl 3:14
I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.
Nothing added.  Nothing taken away. A scientific principle is that matter and energy can neither be created nor destroyed.  Energy changes to mass and mass to energy.  Pure science points to the Creator.  As an example, consider the Big Bang theory.  Spiritually speaking, the unapproachable light of God (energy) is changed into the components of the universe (mass).  One day everything will return to energy.

Eccl 3:15
Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account.

This verse is great confirmation of foreshadows in Scripture. God “calls back the past” to play out in the future.

Eccl 12:14
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
All Believers' sins will be forgiven.  God does forgive and forget but someone has to pay the penalty for before the sins are forgotten and atoned for.

As we look at the end of Solomon's reign, we have to reflect on his life.  Solomon started out well.  Then he began to slip away.  At first he resisted the idols of his wives, then tolerated them, and finally rationalized away the potential danger.  He didn't turn away from God all at once.  Little sins grew until they resulted in his downfall. That's why we as Believers in Jesus need to watch our step so that we do not slip away.

It seems as if Solomon was given everything, but it was meaningless to him.  However, at the end of  Ecclesiastes, he writes, "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." 
Way to go Solomon.  You finally "got it"!

Proverbs 12:9-10
Not only was the Teacher wise, but also he imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.
Sounds as if Solomon had the spiritual gift of teaching.

Eccl 7:9
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
It is not easily done, being calm when provoked.  And yet we are told that calmness can lay great errors to rest. Eccl 10:4b

Eccl 7:20
There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins.
Paul said a similar thing.
Rom 3:12
All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."
Wise as he was, there was wisdom beyond Solomon’s grasp. He investigated and turned his mind to understand.  He understood the need to keep his "pencil sharp."

Eccl 11:1-2
Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.
As we contemplated these verses this morning it seemed as if it was contained within the frame of evangelistic urgency that we discussed last week.  Let's look at a couple of words and phrases in these verses. Cast your bread.  The bread is the Bread of Life - spiritual nourishment that can only come through Jesus.  The word "cast" implies that we are spreading something.  In this case we are spreading spiritual seeds, spiritual nourishment of Jesus, the Bread of Life.  We as Believers cast this spiritual nourishment upon the waters.  If we look at this verse in a literal way it makes no sense to cast bread upon water.  I know what happens when we toss bread into the pond at our back yard.  If the fish don't come and eat it right away, it gets very soggy and breaks apart and eventually disintegrates. So that image doesn't make sense with the rest of the verse for after many days you will find it again.  We won't find any bread after many days.  It won't be there.  The word "waters" figuratively means people as stated in Revelation 17:15.
Then the angel said to me, "The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.

The Hebrew word for water in this verse however is "mayim" and figuratively means "sewage water".  We cast this Bread of Life, these spiritual seeds, the gospel message upon all people, especially unbelievers.  Many unbelievers are languishing in the sewage of sin. But what happens when seed is planted in fertilized soil.  It flourishes.  Someone who has been languishing in the sewage of sin can flourish and bear luscious fruit for the kingdom.

We may never know what seeds we've planted or how those seeds have grown or who has watered those seeds after they've been planted or who's coming along to fertilize and feed the soil around those seeds.  As we have stated many times, that's God's call.  We do what He calls us to do, it will accomplish what He desires. What we say and do will not return to us empty. There is this promise from the Ecclesiastes verse, for after many days you will find it again. Maybe not in this lifetime, but certainly in the next.

Going back to the verses in Ecclesiastes, let's look at the word seven.  The number seven signifies completeness.  So when the verse says Give portions to seven, yes to eight it speaks to us of going above and beyond what's expected of us.  Seven is complete.  That would be fulfilling our calling. By using the number eight, we are encouraged to do more. The verse, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land implies an urgency to spread the gospel. There will come a time when it is too late for us to spread the gospel.  It's either too late because it's the end of the world or it's too late because it's the end of that person's life or the end of our lives.  There are many lost souls out there who are languishing in the sewage of sin. We need to be prepared at all times to cast the spiritual seeds, to share the gospel, the bread of Life to everyone we meet.

“The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails-- given by one Shepherd.
The words of the wise are collected sayings, the books of the Bible.  Of course, the Shepherd is Jesus. A goad is a rod about eight feet long, brought to a sharp point and sometimes cased with iron at the bigger end.  The sharpened end of the goad was used to guide oxen in plowing a field.  The blunt end of the goad was used to clear the plow of clay or dirt, like a spade fastened at the end of the goad. God’s Word is like a goad. The truth can prick us into going in the direction that the shepherd wants us to go.  We may begin to stray from the path He’s laid out for us, it is the truth of Scripture that pricks us into getting back on the right path. The blunt end of the goad helps us to clear the dirt, the clay, the muddy misconceptions of churchianity and religiosity and reveal the pure undiluted truth of Scripture, so that our plow will be unencumbered.

Look at the context for the use of the word goad. It mentions “The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails-- given by one Shepherd.

My, my, did Solomon know about THE Shepherd? Did he know about THE Shepherd’s nails on the cross? Did he know about the collected sayings (God’s Word) and why they were written? WOW!

How often do we “kick against the goads” and rebel against God’s authority in our lives? If so...Ouch!

oops, an email was posted by mistake today.  It is out of sequence.   So sorry.

Follow the Leader – a game probably all of us have played as children. There are so many instances in Scripture concerning leaders and the people they lead. God calls into judgment the leaders for the sins of the people.  However, His people are still held to account as well.

How about today? Are the spiritual leaders of today following the clear teachings set forth in Scripture? Do they even bother to study Scripture deeply enough to find out what those teachings are? Most people just follow the leaders and accept their teachings without really studying Scripture for themselves. 

When Jehoshaphat set in place the justice system for Judah, he gave them orders. Among them is this order.
2 Chr 19:10b
you are to warn them not to sin against the LORD; otherwise his wrath will come on you and your brothers. 
Look at the first four commandments.(Exodus 20)  These are sins against the Lord. The people were warned then as we are warned now.  Consequences ensue when we don't obey His commandments.

Part of Jehoshaphat's prayer is this.
2 Chr 20:12b
For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."
We as humans don't have the power to face our spiritual enemy so our eyes must be on Him!

When the army of the Moabites came to make war, Jehoshaphat didn’t rely on himself or even his advisers. He inquired of the Lord. And look what the Lord did for him.

2 Chr 20:17
You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'"

Wow! They didn’t even have to fight the battle. They had faith in what the Lord promised them. And notice they began to worship, sing and praise God even before He began to work. They trusted Him. Do we trust Him to keep His promises to us?

1 Cor 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

Eph 6:11-13
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

As believers in Jesus Christ we need to stand firm in our faith. We need to be on our guard against Satan’s schemes. When we play the game Follow the Leader we need to be cautious about the leaders or teachers we follow. We need to study Scripture for ourselves led by the greatest teacher of them all...the Holy Spirit.

John 14:26
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

When Solomon wrote of the emptiness of pleasure and achievement, was he making excuses for all the  “pleasures” in which he had indulged?

One of Solomon's bits of wisdom is that there are some questions that cannot be answered.  Wisdom is knowing that.

"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief."

The more we know about God and His Word the more we are able to understand what has happened with churchianity and religiosity, therefore the more sorrow and grief we feel for those who are deceived and for those who don't know.

In all of Solomon's wisdom he sees that everything here on earth is meaningless so there must be something more.

In Chapter 4 he writes, "I saw the tears of the oppressed - and they have no comforter." How very blessed we are as Believers in Jesus!  We have the Great Comforter in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

John 14:16  

And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, so that He may be with you forever, 

 As Solomon comments of the meaninglessness of false worship, these words stand out.  "Therefore stand in awe of God."  What wonderful words of wisdom for us today - to stand in awe of our Creator, Savior, and Lord! 

In chapter 5, he writes about the emptiness of wealth.  He seems to come to an understanding that it is God who enables us to enjoy what He gives us.  "He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart."

We should focus on the Giver.  With God we have everything we need.

In his wisdom it seems that Solomon was seeing that everything on earth is meaningless so he must be thinking "There must be something more".

Praise God, we know there is something more – life everlasting.

One of the themes in the book of Ecclesiastes is that "without God, life is meaningless and empty".  Keep in mind the book of Ecclesiastes was written by a man who had it all - wisdom, power, wealth.

Some thoughts:

"Like the fool, the wise man too must die!"

Death is the great equalizer.

Everything in life is meaningless in the whole scope of things.  The only thing that really matters is salvation in Jesus.

"Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil."

Be righteous and live an anointed life.  After all we are anointed with the Holy Spirit.

Happiness is dependent on circumstances. True joy comes from God and brings contentment no matter what the circumstances. (see the website for Walking in the Word - Joy Parts 1 and 2.)

We don’t find meaning in life through money, pleasure, work, or popularity. Meaning in life comes from doing things that are part of God’s purpose for us. 

To be in His will is the greatest place to be.

How do we know how to be in His will?

Simple - talk to Him, listen to Him, and read His Word!

Interesting that immediately after that marriage masterpiece of Song of Songs we have the entry for today of 1 Kings 11 which relates how far Solomon strayed for the commands of the Lord. His heart was not fully devoted to God because of his foreign wives. He built high places for three major gods. When in Jerusalem in the summer of 2005 we saw the place east of the city where Solomon built those high places – not very far from the Mount of Olives. 

There are three major gods listed in the 1 Kings 11 passage, Molech, Chemosh, and Ashtoreth. The worship of Molech was accompanied by the burning of children offered as sacrifice by their own parents. It's referred to in Scripture as "passing children through the fire."

Jeremiah 32:35
And they built the high places of Baal, in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire to Molech; which I did not command them, nor did it come into My mind that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin. 

Chemosh was thought to be a pagan god associated with the heavenly bodies and also was worshiped by the sacrifice of children as burnt offerings. 

Ashtoreth was the ancient Syrian and Phoenician goddess of the moon, sexuality, sensual love, and fertility using sex as an act of worship. In the Old Testament Ashtoreth is often associated with the worship of Baal.

We can relate this to today's culture with a common attitude of being able to "coexist" with multiple religions. While we must share the same space with other godless religions, we must not embrace them.  We must witness to our faith in front of them.  We must walk in God's ways, do what is right in His eyes, keep His statues and laws. Be "winsome" in our daily walk and so be able to win some.

Solomon was warned about foreign gods. No wonder “the LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel,”
And so God raised up adversaries against Solomon.

How is it with all of us? Are our hearts fully devoted to God?

Song of Songs – oh what poem – a masterpiece illustrating romance in marriage and passion in holiness. It is a wedding song written by King Solomon which features a love dialogue between a simple maiden and her husband. Interestingly, many Jewish boys are not allowed to read this poem.

One of the several warnings is found in Chapter 2 concerning becoming sexually stimulated too soon.
Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.
This should be done within the bounds of true love in marriage.

A lengthy book could be written on the practical applications of this poem. Here are a few insights.

Even though some of the words used in the poem may seem strange to us, it is the romance of words that can enhance any marriage.

When you love someone you are concerned for that person’s health, comfort, and safety.

Unresolved conflicts can ruin a relationship. Little problems (little foxes) can disturb or even destroy a relationship.

Partners in marriage should continually refresh each other (encouraging words, unexpected gifts, surprise phone calls, e-mails, or cards, etc.) Marriage should be a haven of refreshment because the rest of the world  isn’t.

Romance keeps a marriage interesting. Maintain marriage daily.

Marriage grows and matures but not without problems. As time passes passion looses its spark. Conflicts and pressures creep in causing tenderness to wane. Intimacy can be renewed and regenerated if we take time to remember and talk about those first thrills.

In a healthy marriage spouses are also good friends.

Strive to make love of spouse a reflection of the perfect love that comes from God.

Tall order? Maybe so, but with two working together...and God in the center...

While this poem can be full of words that enhance marriage, they can also be applied to Jesus and His bride (as we applied Proverbs 31 earlier).

Whatever others may think of us as the Bride of Christ, we are beautiful in His eyes, not in external beauty but in the beauty of holiness,as seen through the blood of Christ. His covenant continues firm, and true believers may always say, “I am His and He is mine.” As Believers in Jesus, the Bride of Christ, we should desire constant intimacy with Him. Amen???

Prov 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
To be cheerful is to be ready to greet others with an upbeat welcome, a word of encouragement, enthusiastic, and with a positive attitude.  We have plenty of reason to be cheerful and what a witness we can be through that cheerfulness.

What a jewel hidden away in these little verses!!!

Prov 30:1-4
The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh-- an oracle: This man declared to Ithiel, to Ithiel and to Ucal: "I am the most ignorant of men; I do not have a man's understanding. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!

How wise Agur was! Even though he said he was the most ignorant of men. Yet he knew that the Holy One (God the Father) had a son (Jesus). AMAZING!

Proverbs 30: 7-9 reminds us that when things go well for us, we should not fall into the trap of thinking we don't need God in our lives.

Proverbs 30 is quite a contrast to Proverbs 31. Proverbs 30 warns of the dangers of spiritual adultery.  Verse 20 says, This is the way of an adulteress; She eats and wipes her mouth and says, "I've done nothing wrong."
Compromise, justification, rationalization are just a few of the words that come to mind in response to this verse.  We can't justify and rationalize our actions by saying, "That's not what it means to me."   The question is, "What does it mean to God?"

Prov 31:8a
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
The unborn, perhaps?

The Wife of Noble Character

Prov 31:31
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
We shouldn’t seek praise, but when it comes accept it gracefully, but give God the glory.

Did you notice what’s missing from her description?  Does it mention anything about her outward appearance?  Not only can we compare this proverb to women, but we can compare the characteristics listed there to all Believers in Jesus.  We are the bride of Christ.  Now go back and substitute Jesus for the husband and your name for the wife.
Here are just a few examples of the substitution from this proverb in the form of questions:
Am I worth more than rubies?  Does Jesus have full confidence in me?  Do I bring Jesus good and not harm?  Do I go about my work vigorously?  Is Jesus respected at my "city gate"?  Am I clothed with strength and dignity?  Do I speak with wisdom?  Is faithful instruction on my tongue.  Does Jesus arise and call me blessed?  Makes all the difference in the world when we personalize it, doesn't it???

Prov 17:6a
Children's children are a crown to the aged,
For those of us who are grandparents, doesn’t this ring true?

Prov 16:31
Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.
Guess we can put away our hair coloring lotions and wear our gray hair with pride.

Prov 27:15
A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day;
What an image that is! I much prefer this one:
 Prov 18:22

He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.

Prov 16:17
The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life.
Prov 22:5
In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them.

If we stay on the straight and narrow, the highway of the Lord, we will avoid the thorns and snares that would seek to entangle us when we are off the highway and all wound up in the ways of the world. Kinda reminds us about walking in the "good way".

Prov 28:2-3
When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.
Prov 29:12
If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.
Sound familiar and applicable today?

Prov 3:25-26
Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.
What great comfort in this verse.  And also in this one.
Prov 14:32b
but even in death the righteous have a refuge.
No matter what sudden disaster or ruin may happen, we have the Lord as our refuge.  We have eternal life.

Prov 28:1
The wicked man flees though no one pursues but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
We can stand firm in our convictions and our refuge.  Those who are not Believers are paranoid (and for a very good reason - they don't have eternal life.)

Prov 23:17-18
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.  There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
Oh, to be zealous for the Lord!!!

Prov 3:9-10
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

What a great promise for us. If we honor God with our wealth we will benefit from His good promises. He doesn’t want our leftovers.

He wants our best.

After all He gave us His best!

Prov 3:27
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.
Our wealth involves so much more than our monetary or material possessions.  As Believers in Jesus we are wealthy beyond belief!  We should not withhold physical food from those who are hungry.  Likewise we should not withhold spiritual food from those who are starving.

Prov 18:16
A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.
As we contemplate our spiritual gifts and how to use them for kingdom work, let's remember this verse.  We have been gifted with spiritual gifts to give to others.  The gift of giving certainly applies here in this verse but so do all of the other gifts.

Prov 6:9-11
How long will you lie there, you sluggard?  When will you get up from your sleep?  A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. 
These verses can be applied to our lives literally, figuratively and spiritually.  Literally speaking, of course we all need some kind of income to pay the bills. Spiritually speaking, we as Believers in Jesus need to use our spiritual gifts in kingdom work.  Otherwise, we run the risk of becoming spiritually poor.

Prov 24:30-34
I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment, thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins.
Whew!  What a picture!  If we as Believers are not using our spiritual gifts for kingdom work, our "fields" will not be productive, we won't be bearing fruit for the kingdom.  Our lives will be full of thorns and weeds that choke out our fruitfulness.  Picture the opposite.  If we are working for the kingdom, there will be no thorns or weeds.  Our vineyards will be lush with fruit!

Proverbs 24:28-29 let us know that God is not happy with the phrase, "I don't get back, I get even."  Revenge is not a good thing.

Prov 16:11
Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.

God judges according to His standard. When we stand before the throne at the judgment, He will balance the scales. It will make no difference how much or how little our sins may be on our side of the scales; Jesus balances them by His shed blood. What an amazing Savior we have!

Prov 22:28
Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers.

Ps 16:6
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.

Praise God, He has set boundaries for us. To know where those boundaries are, we only need to go to the "ancient paths"

Jer 6:16
This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'If only we would learn to walk in the "good way" and ask for the ancient paths.

Proverbs 24:11-12
Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.  If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?  Does not he who guards your life know it?  Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?
We couldn't help but think of the Holocaust victims being led away to death or the abortion clinics, doctors, and technicians.  But also think about those people who do not know Jesus.  They are being led away toward eventual slaughter, to eternal death.  We can't plead ignorance.  We must be willing to share our faith at all times to all people.

Wise sayings today concerning our speaking.
Prov 16;23
A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.
Prov 18:7
A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

Matt 12:36
But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.

We must be careful, not only in what we do but also in what we say. When we squeeze out toothpaste from the tube, it is almost impossible to put it back, so are our careless words. We may be able to apologize for those careless words, but we can’t put them back in our mouth.

Prov 10:21
The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.
Are the lips of Believers nourishing many?

Prov 15:28
The heart of the righteous weighs his answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
We should think before we speak.

Prov 17:28
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.” Mark Twain.

Ponder this verse for the day.

Prov 16:24
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

As we take to heart the words from Proverbs today, let's make an effort to think before we speak, to instruct and nourish many.

Prov  25:28
Like a city whose wall are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.
When there are no boundaries, sin runs rampant.

Prov 20:25
It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.
Too bad Jephthah didn’t have knowledge of this proverb when he made his rash promise as recorded in the book of Judges.

Judg 11:31-32
whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the LORD's, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering." Then Jephthah went over to fight the Ammonites, and the LORD gave them into his hands.

Judg 11:34-35
When Jephthah returned to his home in Mizpah, who should come out to meet him but his daughter, dancing to the sound of tambourines! She was an only child. Except for her he had neither son nor daughter. When he saw her, he tore his clothes and cried, "Oh! My daughter! You have made me miserable and wretched, because I have made a vow to the LORD that I cannot break."

Proverbs 5:1-6 describes the adulteress (representing false gods).  Spiritual adultery is committed by God's people when they turn to other gods.  We as Believers have a marriage relationship with Jesus.  Anything that takes the place of our worship of Him is spiritual adultery.

The following proverb is a great companion piece to the admonition for parents in Deuteronomy.
Prov 6:20-23
My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life,

Deut 6:6-9
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Do we take to heart these Scriptures? Do we impress them on our children? Do we bind them on our heart? Do His words guide us? Are His words so much a part of our lives that they guide us even when we sleep?

Prov 20:11
Even an child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.
How much more are we as adults known by our actions?  And what example do we set before the children?

Proverbs 24:17-18 warns us to not gloat and rejoice when our enemies fall.  The Lord does not approve.

Prov 12:25
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.

Often carrying a burden will weigh down a person. We have an obligation as Believers in Jesus to cheer up that person. We can do this in many ways; a kind word, a telephone call, a card in the mail, an  email message, a hug, a pat on the back, a favorite Bible verse, etc.

Is there someone you need to cheer up today?

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
The first sin, pride, was committed by Lucifer. That led to his destruction.

Prov 3:9-10
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

What a great promise for us. If we honor God with our wealth we will benefit from His good promises.  He doesn’t want our leftovers.

He wants our best.

After all He gave us His best!

Prov 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

What a great plan God has for us. We learn from each other. Two strong believers together get better. Can't think of a better reason to be in Bible study with fellow believers.

What great promises for the righteous! Their roots are deep. They can weather the storms of life. In addition, our salvation secures our eternal home forever.

Prov 10:30a
The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land.

Prov 12:3
A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.

Prov 12:7
Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm.

Prov 12:12
The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.

Prov 10:25
When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.

The Hebrew word for stand is "amad" and means "to remain, endure, be secure". The Hebrew word for firm is "kuwn" and it means "established, unmoving, steadfast, enduring". It seems as if the two words mean nearly the same thing. And then when you add the word forever to it, it's very clear that the righteous will remain and endure for all eternity. What a great promise!

Prov 22:17-18
Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.
If only we would have words of wisdom ready to witness to everyone we meet.

Prov 1:5-6
let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance--for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
Even though we are wise (which means we have salvation through Jesus - see yesterday's blog entry) we must continue to keep seeking after our understanding and knowledge of Him. We can do this through His Word.

Prov 10:27
The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
If we live our lives in awe of the Lord, we want to obey His commands. When we obey His commands, we are living wisely. As a result we will not abuse our bodies; we will eat properly, stay away from harmful substances, and get plenty of exercise and rest. This can result in living a longer and healthier life - not to mention, our eternal life which has no end.

Prov 16:3
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
How about starting each day with these words, "Lord, here's today. What would you have me do?"

Prov 17:24
A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
Substitute "salvation through Jesus" in place of "wisdom". We keep Jesus in view. We keep our eyes on the prize. (1 Cor 9:24) We don't let our eyes wander to the left or to the right, but keep our focus on Him. (Deut 28:14)

Prov 24:3-4
By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
Again substitute "salvation through Jesus" in place of "wisdom".

1 Cor 3:11
For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 

Jesus is the foundation. We build on that foundation. We fill the rooms with rare and beautiful treasures by what kingdom work we do for Him.

1 Cor 3:12-15
If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
What rare and beautiful treasures have we, as Believers, filled the rooms with lately???

Oh Boy! Where to begin??? Proverbs 8 - even if you’ve read it before, we urge you to read it again! 

Wisdom – “where the paths meet, she takes her stand.”

Many paths meet; truth and falsehood, evolution and creation, moral and immoral, righteousness and foolishness, godly living and worldly living, prudence and folly, bad decisions and good decisions, etc.

Wisdom is the distinguishing factor as to which path we take. Only wisdom that comes from God gives us the ability to judge which is the right path. 

Wisdom is the first of God’s creation. It is with wisdom that everything was created. Seems as if wisdom and Jesus go hand in hand.

Prov 8:22-23
"The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old; I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began.

Prov 8:30-31
Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.

Prov 3:19
By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place;

Read Proverbs 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 9 substituting the following for wisdom.
Wisdom is "knowledge of Jesus as personal Lord and Savior (salvation, redemption)".  We could also include the Holy Spirit in our understanding of what wisdom is.

Here is our summary of those verses in Proverbs, substituting Jesus for wisdom: Jesus calls out. Jesus takes a stand. Jesus is more precious than rubies. Nothing can compare to Jesus. Jesus is the craftsman.Jesus will enter your heart. Jesus will save you from the ways of wicked men. Blessed is the man who finds Jesus. Jesus is a tree of life. By Jesus the Lord laid the earth’s foundations. Jesus calls aloud in the street.  Get Jesus. Do not forsake Jesus. Jesus is supreme. AMEN and AMEN! 

Now contrast wisdom and folly using Jesus in place of wisdom and Satan in place of folly from Proverbs 9:13-18.
Satan is loud, undisciplined and without knowledge.  Satan sits at the door, at the highest point of the city, calling out to all who pass by.  Satan tries to get the simple minded to come to him, luring them with the possibility of gaining wisdom.  He makes them think that anything stolen or done in secret is to be desired. Relate these things to what is said by wisdom in Proverbs 8:32-36.  Satan tries to copy wisdom by saying the same things, but misquoting enough for it to be wrong.
Paints quite a picture doesn't it?

Proverbs 4:11
I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.
The Holy Spirit guides us to the ways of Jesus.

Proverbs 4:18
The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
Wow!  What a description of the life of a Believer.  Once we make that decision for Jesus, we begin our life with the first gleam of dawn.  As we continue our life's journey, things get brighter as our understanding grows.  The closer we get to understanding God and closer to our eternal life with Him, the brighter things are until we reach our final destination in the full light of day.

When God appeared to Solomon in a dream, He spoke some very specific prophetic announcements.  As we noticed in yesterday's reading (from 2 Chronicles 6:22-39), there are more of the "whens" and "ifs" and "thens" and "buts" in the readings for today (2 Chronicles 7:11-22).  Solomon had prayed some very specific prayers concerning the defeats, droughts, famines and plagues, battles and captivity.  He used lots of "whens" implying that all these things would happen, which they did.  God responds in like manner to Solomon telling him that droughts and plagues would take place.  But God gives His people an escape route.  All they had to do to prevent all the calamities from happening was to humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways.  He warned them very specifically to turn away from false gods.  This is something He had done repeatedly in the past. He warns us against false gods too. 

King Solomon's wife (the daughter of Pharaoh) could not live in the palace in the City of David.  She couldn't enter into the holy places because she was not a descendant of Jacob.

Solomon had a fleet of trading ships and brought back to Solomon such things as apes and baboons.  Why apes and baboons?  A person's worth was measured by the animals he owned.  Exotic animals would be a symbol of wealth.  Solomon also began acquiring a multitude of chariots and horses.

Solomon was given much more than just a discerning heart. He was very familiar with a multitude of scientific information. He knew lots of "stuff".

Notice how many daily provisions were required for Solomon and his table. 30 head of cattle among many other things. 

Many believe that the Queen of Sheba took back much more than just monetary gifts from King Solomon. A few months after her return to her home she gave birth to a son.

2 Chr 9:12
King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired and asked for; he gave her more than she had brought to him. Then she left and returned with her retinue to her own country.

Psalm 72 ends today's reading very well with:
Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Amen and Amen.

Imagine what our earth would be like if it were filled with His glory! It begins with the Believers being filled with His glory - His Holy Spirit.

When Solomon summoned the leaders to come together in Jerusalem, it was at the time of the festival in the seventh month.  This would be Feast of Tabernacles.  Interestingly, it just so happens that whenever something spiritually significant happens, it most always occurs during one of the festival days, either Feast of Unleavened Bread or Pentecost or Feast of Tabernacles.  It seems that whenever people honor the festival days God blesses them.  We (Phil and Patti) can personally attest to that!

When the ark of the covenant is moved to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the only things in it are the two tablets that Moses placed there. What happened to the jar of manna and Aaron’s staff?  Is there any significance to the missing manna and staff, examples of His miracles in Egypt and in the desert?  Could it be that God wanted the people to focus on the law and not on the miracles performed?

The glory of the Lord filled the temple just as His glory filled the tabernacle earlier.  This is when He came to "tabernacle" among His people, which has happened in the past and happens whenever we become Believers in Jesus.  He "tabernacles" within us in the form of the Holy Spirit.  He will once again "tabernacle" in person among His people in the millennium.

When reading about the oaths made by King Solomon in 2 Chronicles 6:22-39, notice all the "whens" and "thens".  The word "when" means it WILL happen.  Later on we will read about the "ifs" and the "thens".  The word "if" means it may or may not happen.  The "thens" are filled with blessings and consequences.

2 Chr 6:18
"But will God really dwell on earth with men? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!

Solomon had to ask if God will really tabernacle (dwell) on earth with men. Indeed will He?

This great God of the universe can’t be contained in the highest heavens, and yet He chooses to tabernacle within our hearts....Amazing!

When Solomon summoned the leaders to come together in Jerusalem, it was at the time of the festival in the seventh month.  This would be Feast of Tabernacles.  Interestingly, it just so happens that whenever something spiritually significant happens, it most always occurs during one of the festival days, either Feast of Unleavened Bread or Pentecost or Feast of Tabernacles.  It seems that whenever people honor the festival days God blesses them.  We (Phil and Patti) can personally attest to that!

When the ark of the covenant is moved to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the only things in it are the two tablets that Moses placed there. What happened to the jar of manna and Aaron’s staff?  Is there any significance to the missing manna and staff, examples of His miracles in Egypt and in the desert?  Could it be that God wanted the people to focus on the law and not on the miracles performed? 

The glory of the Lord filled the temple just as His glory filled the tabernacle earlier.  This is when He came to "tabernacle" among His people, which has happened in the past and happens whenever we become Believers in Jesus.  He "tabernacles" within us in the form of the Holy Spirit.  He will once again "tabernacle" among His people in the millennium.

When reading about the oaths made by King Solomon in 2 Chronicles 6:22-39, notice all the "whens" and "thens".  The word "when" means it WILL happen.  Later on we will read about the "ifs" and the "thens".  The word "if" means it may or may not happen.  The "thens" are filled with blessings and consequences.

2 Chr 6:18
"But will God really dwell on earth with men? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!

Solomon had to ask if God will really tabernacle (dwell) on earth with men. Indeed will He?

This great God of the universe can’t be contained in the highest heavens, and yet He chooses to tabernacle within our hearts....Amazing!

King Solomon begins the building of the temple by gathering in the materials for the construction.  He speaks these words to Hiram, King of Tyre.
1Ki 5:3
You know that because of the wars waged against my father David from all sides, he could not build a temple for the Name of the Lord his God until the Lord put his enemies under his feet.

There are other references in Scripture to putting enemies under feet. In the following psalm, David relates a "conversation" between God the Father and God the Son.
Psa 110:1
A Psalm of David. Jehovah said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand until I place Your enemies as Your footstool.
God, the Father is telling us that Jesus will be sitting at his right hand until all His enemies are gone.  And when will that happen you may ask?
1Co 15:24-26
then is the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God, even the Father; when He makes to cease all rule and all authority and power  for it is right for Him to reign until He has put all the enemies under His feet.  The last enemy made to cease is death. 
All enemies are under the feet of Jesus at the end of the millennium when the last enemy to be destroyed is death itself.   And as in the case of King David, when the enemies are gone, then the temple will be built.  In the case of Jesus, the eternal "temple" will be in the New Heaven.
Rev 21:22  
And I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty is its temple, even the Lamb.
 
When arranging for the building of the temple, Solomon conscripted laborers. He drafted three times the amount of labor he needed so that he could send them off to Lebanon in shifts. They would spend one month away and two months at home. Does this tell us the value Solomon placed on the family? It seems that Solomon wanted his workers happy and with their families as much as possible. I believe Solomon valued families. I heard this quote from Focus on the Family once, “The strength of a nation is in direct proportion to the strength of the family.”

How very true that is! Look what’s happening in our nation today. Is our family structure strong? Is our nation loosing face with the rest of the world? Hmmm…can we connect the dots here???

No hammer, chisel, or other tool was used at the temple site. No sound was to disturb the House of Prayer.

What about our places of worship now? Are there "sounds" within them that disturb God’s House of Prayer?

It seems rather confusing about Solomon ordering the death of Adonijah.  All Adonijah wanted was Abishag, the Shunammite, who was the young virgin chosen to attend King David in his final days.  What was wrong with that?  Again, our cultural mindset is on modern day customs and traditions.  When Adonijah asked for Abishag, it was essentially a plot to try to overtake the throne from King Solomon.  By claiming Abishag, Adonijah was claiming part of David's harem, the same thing as trying to claim the throne.  Solomon knew this and that is why, in order to secure his throne, he had Adonijah executed.

King Solomon also ordered the deaths of Joab and Shimei.  By executing these enemies of David, Solomon insured stability for his reign.  Also, marriages between royal families was common for forming alliances between nations, insuring peaceful relations. Taking of foreign wives would be Solomon's undoing in the latter years of his reign.  Even though Solomon had the wisdom from God to make the right choices, he succumbed to worshiping the gods of his foreign wives.

God’s Tent of Meeting…is this the original tent that Moses made in the desert? If so it is 400+ years old. Did the people replace the worn out parts or did God take care of the tent pieces like He took care of their clothes and sandals so that they didn’t wear out?

The tent of meeting was still at Gibeon but the ark of the covenant was in Jerusalem in a tent David had prepared for it.

Isn’t it amazing that Solomon could have asked for anything and yet he only asked for discernment in order to govern the people?  The fruits of Solomon's wisdom were peace, security, and prosperity for his nation. And equally amazing that God gave him riches and honor in addition to the wisdom, even though Solomon didn’t ask for that.

BUT…even MORE amazing than that, He has promised to give us this wisdom as well.

James 1:5-6
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

There is a caveat attached however to this wisdom. We must believe and not doubt!

We may be given wisdom but we must apply that wisdom to everyday life situations.

Asked God for wisdom lately?

We now leave the collection of psalms and return to the life of David. Here is a record of David's family.

DAVID’S FAMILY 

WIVES                                                SONS- the first 6 born in Hebron, the last 13 born in Jerusalem

1. Michal-------------------------had no children
2. Ahinoam---------------------Amnon
3. Abigal------------------------Kileab
4. Maacah-----------------------Absolom - Tamar is his sister
5. Haggith-----------------------Adonijah
6. Abital-------------------------Shephatiah
7. Elgah-------------------------Ithream
8. Bathsheba--------------------Shammua

Shobab

                                                            Nathan

                                                            Solomon

      Born to unknown wives---------   Ibhar

                                                            Elishua

                                                            Eliphelet

                                                            Nogah

                                                            Nepheg

                                                            Japhia

                                                            Elishama

                                                            Eliada

                                                            Eliphelet

CONCUBINES         

David had at least 10 concubines.  (2 Samuel 15:16) Sons were born to them as well, but there is no record of those sons.  2 Samuel 5:13 records that there were sons and daughters born to David in Jerusalem but scripture only records the name of Tamar, probably only because of what happened to her and the consequences that ensued.   

As David's health fails, a young beautiful virgin is brought to him to wait on him and keep him warm.  The reason the girl was a virgin is to prove later on that David had no sexual relations with her.  This way, she would be free to marry later having maintained her virginity.

                                         

David’s son Adonijah (one of the sons born to him in Hebron) attempts to take over as king. When his attempted coup is thwarted and Adonijah’s supporters leave him, Adonijah “took hold of the horns of the altar”. Was he seeking the Lord’s protection by holding on to the corners of the altar?

Zadok is a prominent player.  Pay careful attention to this very important person as we continue to read about him.

Solomon is anointed king at a place called Gihon.  This is a spring near Jerusalem.

In David’s last words to his son Solomon, he tells him to destroy his enemies in order to secure peace for Solomon’s kingdom. He also mentions a man named Barzillia who was faithful to him. While he may have mentioned others that are not recorded here, it seems as if this man is highly rewarded for his  faithfulness to the king.

Will we be highly rewarded for our faithfulness to THE King?

There is mention made in 1 Chronicles 29:29-30 of other written records; from Samuel the seer, Nathan the prophet, and Gad the seer.  Samuel's records are found in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel. The records of Nathan the prophet and Gad the seer are not so easily found.  The last known copy of Gad the seer was done in the  400s AD.

As we end the entry for today, we will again make the pronouncement, "Always amazed, never surprised!"  God continues to amaze us at how He highlights verses for us - verses that we have read numerous times before as we have skimmed over some very significant ones.  Here is what was highlighted for us today.

In 2 Samuel 23 there is a great prayer for nation's leaders. (verses 3-5).  If only our leaders today would rule in righteousness and fear of God.  Verse 3 contains the words, "...the rock of Israel said to me..."  The rock of Israel is none other than Jesus Christ.
1Co 10:4
and all drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank of the spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.

Verses 6 and 7 are prophetic of what will happen to David's enemies and also to our enemies.  Enemies are those evil people who do not know the one true God.  They follow after Baal, Asherah, Moleck, Dagon, and many others in David's day.  They follow after Buddah, Allah, etc. today.  David is very clear what will happen to those people - they will be burned up.  He also warns us not to touch them, have no fellowship with them.

Ephesians 5:11

Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead let your lives be so in contrast as to expose and reprove and convict them. 

And then right in the middle is this verse.
2 Samuel 23:5
Is not my house right with God?  Has he not made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part?  Will he not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire?

As we have discovered throughout the reading of the psalms, David spoke both literally and prophetically.  This verse certainly speaks to the immediate and literal details in the life of David, his kingdom, and his family.  However, it goes much deeper than that.  This speaks to the everlasting covenant WE have concerning our salvation and our future existence with God.  In eternity, we will definitely be granted our EVERY desire.  How could we not be granted our every desire - it's heaven!!!

Psalm 45
This psalm is a wedding song and gives us a glimpse of the bride of Christ in the millennial kingdom and the eternal kingdom.  We can relate this entire psalm to the marriage relationship between Believers and Jesus.  The word daughter can be prophetic of the tribes, the sons of Jacob and the virgin companions who follow her can be prophetic of the Gentiles.   It also is a prophetic look at the King of Kings as he rides victoriously.

Psalm 47
Psalm 47 is rather noisy with lots of clapping, shouting with cries of joy, trumpets, singing praises, etc. The prospect of the universal reign of Jesus as king of kings is certainly worthy of that much noise!

Psalm 87
It is obvious in this psalm that God has expressed a particular affection for Jerusalem because there He met and conversed with His people and showed them the great tokens of His favor.
Rahab is mentioned in this psalm and is a poetic name for Egypt.  However, it means so much more than that.  The root word means pride and is often used as another name for Lucifer or Satan.

Psalm 110
The Messiah, Jesus was promised to the people of the Old Testament.  They expected His coming.
Ps 110:1
The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."
In this verse we again have two different words for Lord. LORD refers to God the Father while Lord refers to God the Son. Substituting God and Jesus, the verse would read this way.
"God says to Jesus: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.""
Jesus Himself quoted this verse in Matt 22:42-45 where He was speaking to the Pharisees. They acknowledged that the Messiah would be the son of David (Jesus was from the lineage of David). Jesus quoted this verse to show them that He was a son of David and also the Son of God as Messiah. Mark records that the crowd listened to Him with delight. It seems that the crowd understood what the Pharisees refused to understand. Could it be that they accepted Jesus' words with the faith of little children and the Pharisees carried around too much theological "baggage"?

How is it with us as Believers, do we carry around too much theological baggage or do we accept Jesus' words with the faith of little children?

Psalm 2
Jesus has all power both in heaven and in earth, and is head over all things, no matter what kings and rulers on earth may say or think. 
"Blessed are all who take refuge in him."

Friends, take a good look at Psalm 22!

Ps 22:1
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?These same words were spoken by Jesus from the cross.

Mark 15:34
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"-- which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

Jesus is telling us to look at Psalm 22! It reads like an eyewitness account of the crucifixion. Look at what is being said in the Old Testament psalm and what is recorded in the New Testament gospel accounts. Quite a match!

“All who see me mock me; they hurl insults…”They mocked and insulted Jesus.

Mark 15:29-32
Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!" In the  same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

Luke 23:36-37
The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."

Ps 22:14-15
14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.

John 19:28
28 Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty."

Ps 22:16
16 Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.

John 19:24
24 "Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it." This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, "They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing." So this is what the soldiers did.

Ps 22:17-18
17 I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.
18 They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.

John 19:36-37
36 These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken,"
37 and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."

Ps 22:24
For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.God may have turned His back on the sin that Jesus bore, but He did not forsake Jesus.

Ps 22:30-31
Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn-- for he has done it.

What an encouragement to us! Tell future generations about the Lord, proclaim His righteousness! Have we, as believers in Jesus, done that today?

Psalm 27
"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
Waiting is often difficult for us, isn't it?  God can use our waiting time to refresh us, renew us, and teach us.  To wait is to look eagerly for something with hopeful expectation.  Do we eagerly expect Him to refresh, renew, and teach us?

Psalm 111
This psalm, like a repeating melody begins and ends on the same note, praising the Lord, as does the reading for today.
In praising the Lord the writer uses such words as great, glorious, majestic, gracious, compassionate, faithful, just, trustworthy, steadfast, upright, holy, awesome.  So whenever we may be at a loss for words concerning praising Him, ponder these words.

Psalm 130
There is only one solution to the sin question since all our transgressions and trespasses are recorded. God has provided a sacrifice—Jesus, through whom there is redemption for all.
Ps 130:1-7
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.

The Hebrew word for the word LORD (all caps) is Yehovah (God, the Father) and the word Lord (only capital L) is Adonai (God, the Son). The writer is calling to God the Father, but it is God the Son who interacts. The soul waits for redemption through God the Son. Read this again and place the Father  and Son where they belong in place of the words LORD or Lord and see if it gives a deeper meaning. Also remember God the Son is the “word”.  Here's how it would read.
Out of the depths I cry to you, Father; O Jesus, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, Father kept a record of sins, O Jesus, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the Father, my soul waits, and in his word (Jesus) I put my hope. My soul waits for Jesus more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Psalm 131
What a beautiful picture of resting totally in His presence, stilled and quieted as a weaned child cuddled up with its mother.

Psalm 141
“Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
Boy are we getting hammered lately concerning our careless words.

We have a responsibility to fellow believers and they to us for accountability.  We must welcome as well as give godly council - easy to do when encouraging others and being encouraged ourselves, but not so easy when rebuking others or hearing rebuke from others.  However we are told, "Let a righteous man strike me - it is a kindness; let him rebuke me - it is oil on my head."

Psalm 146
There should be no exemption from the service of praising God. So long as He lets us breathe, we should bless Him for His love and goodness and mercy and grace and faithfulness. So...let's use some of those words listed at the beginning of the reading today from Psalm 111, cuddle up with Him and praise the Lord!

Psalm 42 
“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.”
Oh that we would truly have a real thirst for the living God. It seems as if Amos gave us a prophecy for our world today – a world where there is a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.

Amos 8:11
"The days are coming," declares the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine through the land-- not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD.
Does this sound like our world today?

As the psalmist laments his downcast spirit he records the words of his enemies, "Where is your God?".  Then he answers the question of his foes with, "Why are you downcast O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God."

Psalm 53
This psalm is all about the foolishness and iniquity of atheism. "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'".
A fool is one who does not believe in God, he is foolish. Any time the word foolish appears in Scripture, look at the context.  Most often it will be obvious that the person called foolish does not believe in God.

David records this plea, "Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!"
Salvation has come for Israel in the form of Jesus.

Psalm 58
However wicked people may prosper, they will eventually learn that there is a God who judges the earth.  It is the righteous people who will prosper in the way it truly matters most - eternal life.

Psalm 81
God rebukes His people for their ingratitude and their disobedience and reminds them of their blessings if  they but obeyed Him. 
 
"You shall have no foreign god among you..."
This is a great verse to quote when people may ask if Christians can coexist with Muslims and embrace the Islamic faith.  Contrary to what many people may think, Allah and God are NOT the same!

Psalm 101
All believers should resolve to live their lives enjoying the blessings of obedience.

“I will set before my eyes no vile thing.”
This would help keep us pure in a sinful world. Remember we can’t unsee, unhear, or unsay anything.

What is our responsibility as believers in Jesus to stop the famine of hearing the word of the Lord? Might it start with having a real thirst for the living God?  And then, shouldn't our next step be to quench that thirst by drinking in His Word and telling others about it?

Psalm 4
This psalm probably dates from David’s flight before Absalom, 2Sa 16:1-23.  Even though David had reason to lament in this psalm, he ended it well with these words, "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord make we dwell in safety."   
Great way for us to drift off to sleep each night.

Psalm 12
David says that the words of the Lord are "purified seven times".   The word “seven” in the Scriptures denotes a complete or perfect number.  The words of the Lord are “perfectly pure” or flawless.

Psalm 20
David reminds us again in this psalm about the "saving power of his right hand."
And who sits at the right hand of God, the Father?  Who has "saving power"?

Psalm 25
“Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord.”
Great response to those who say that during their youth they strayed from God. David is asking that God not remember his sins and rebellious ways, but to remember him. He is asking for a separation of himself from his sins. Hate the sin. Love the sinner.

Psalm 32
“Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.”
In the Old Testament times sins were only covered by the sacrifices they offered. Jesus removes sin and cleanses the conscience
Heb 9:13-14
For if the blood of bulls and of goats and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the unclean sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ (who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God) purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 

Psalm 38
It sounds as if David is tormented by his sins and is suffering physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  And he knows what to do to remedy that torment.  He tells us in a previous psalm - 25.
"For the sake of your name, O Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great."  
“I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’ – and you forgave the guilt of my sin.”

But even better than knowing that he needs to confess his sins, David knows that he is blessed because his sins are forgiven. (see Psalm 32)  and we as Believers in Jesus know that too. (see Hebrews 9:13-14).  He purses our consciences and enables us to serve the living God.  Halleluiah!

Since beginning this electronic Bible study in 2008, this has been our only comment on this day's reading.

"Have I (Patti) ever told you that my very favorite psalm is Psalm 139?
Take time out of your day today to read it. If you’ve read it already, read it again…slowly and out loud.
No other comments from us are necessary."

We would urge you to read Psalm 139 again, just as we've stated earlier.  However, we have been given some additional insights into this day's reading.

Psalm 139
There is great comfort from this psalm knowing that we are NEVER away from His presence!

Ps 139:13-16

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

When we look at the original Hebrew words, an even deeper meaning emerges.  He “created my inmost being”. These are the inner parts, the organs and systems of our bodies.  He wove our “frame” our skeleton and bones, as master embroiderer. He “knit” the human body together.  He linked together all the pieces.

 He “fearfully” made us.  When He made us, He did it with reverence, honor, and respect. He held us in awe.  Imagine this creator of the universe is in awe of His human creations.  We are “wonderfully made” He made us distinct and separate.  He set us apart. If ever anyone had a doubt as to when life begins, this psalm clears it up!  Life begins at conception, when the two cells are knit together.  Life is life!  No matter how small.

All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.  Before we were born, He knew whether or not we would believe.  That's how He knew whose names to put into the book of life. 
Psalm 145
"Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom." 
Kinda sums things up, doesn't it? 

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth."
John 4:24 tells us we should worship Him in spirit and truth. 

Psalm 148
Check out who the psalmist says should praise Him.  It's more than just breathing creatures.  It's angels (messenger angels) and heavenly host (warrior angels), sun, moon, stars, sea creatures, lightning, hail, snow, clouds, winds, mountains, hills, trees, animals, kings, men, women, children.  In other words, everything that exists should praise Him! 

Psalm 150 
This psalm tells us that we should praise Him with trumpet, harp, lyre, tambourine, strings, flute, cymbals, and with dancing. Can you imagine all the things listed in Psalm 148 praising Him with all the instruments listed in this psalm?  And then add to that the dancing!!!  WOW! 

Did we mention we have been given additional insights into this day's reading???