OT: The Book of Isaiah, Chapter 15

Isaiah 15:1-9

15:1-4 A proclamation against Moab; God promised destruction of the corrupt city.

15:5-9 Sin and corruption cause desolation. Unrighteousness ruins people and places that could have been verdant and thriving.

OT: The Book of Isaiah, Chapter 14

Isaiah 14:1-32

14:1 Despite our tendency to disobey and even disregard God, He still chooses us. He chooses us and He takes care of us. And such was the plan for Israel, even when they opposed Him. After a period of discipline to realign them with righteousness and their God, He planned to settle them once again.

14:2 Obedience to God, faith in Him, brings complete reversal to our desolate situations. We are freed by faith, literally and figuratively. Captives of no man, as children of God. God's presence provides the prosperity of peace.

14:3-8 Israel would receive rest and relief from their captive, Babylon.

14:9-11 They would witness the complete destruction of Babylon by God's hand. And in a prophetic sense, so will we. The whole earth will rest and praise God for His removal of the wicked.

14:12-15 These verses correspond with Revelation 12 and Ezekiel 28; Satan's pride and lust for power culminated in the biggest ever act of rebellion against God. It also resulted in God sentencing him to death for his corrupt plan for power.

14:16-17 God will put Satan and his acts on display so that humanity will know that Satan was never actually powerful at all.

14:18-21 Because of his unrepentant, consistently evil work, Satan will be removed from existence.

14:22-23 God will thoroughly remove the house of the wicked and those who uphold it. 

14:24-27 Isaiah prophesied for the house of Israel as well as for the future, all wicked enemies destroyed. No man or nation can escape from the plan God has established.

14:28-32 Isaiah delivered a message to several corrupt nations, and also to the corruption at the end of times: destruction is scheduled for release.

OT: The Book of Isaiah, Chapter 13

Isaiah 13:1-22

13:1-3 God's prophet was instructed to get the Babylonian nation's attention: God has a message for them. Their corrupt behavior caused God to allow an enemy into their land to take it over. Evil cannot retain its land, its power or possessions. It cannot retain its life. 

13:4-5 A massive army approached to bring destruction to the entire land. 

13:6-8 The wicked will be made to lament because of their unrighteous lifestyle. They will witness the loss of all of their corruptly-obtained power and possession.

13:9-10 Isaiah prophesied for an ancient Babylonian people but he also prophesies for the ultimate arrival of God. God will arrive with judgement for the unrighteous and His presence will be enough to rewrite the laws of nature as we know them.

13:11-16 The system of the world will be punished and humbled because of its corruption. God's wrath is ignited when unrighteous harms the well-bring of His children and therefore He arrives with a firm and fierce plan of judgement. 

13:17-22 The corrupt kingdom/system of the world turned to a wasteland. A wasteland to reflect what their own corruption had done to it.

OT: The Book of Isaiah, Chapter 12

Isaiah 12:1-6

12:1 The Psalmist chooses to praise God, understanding that God's discipline is an act of vehement love. God provides us with discipline as well as comfort; our journey of instruction from Him is a rewarding one.

12:2 After all, God's loving discipline is meant to rescue us. He is always leading us toward something better, or a more mature version of ourselves. Those who love Him, trust without fear, because He has promised blessing to those who obey His righteous will.

God is our Lord, the compassionate, capable, powerful authority in our lives. God is our strength, He supplements every weakness we have and helps us to develop those figurative muscles to avoid weakness in future. God is our song, He is the hope playing steadfastly in the background of our every moment. He is the sweet joy we have, as His presence always secures us in purpose and love and safety.

12:3 Therefore it is with joy that we listen to Him, follow Him, obey Him. It is with joy that we study His word, because from it we derive the wisdom of life and heart and spirit. To draw from God is to draw from a well of salvation, constantly renewing and restoring.

12:4 We praise His name among our family, friends, community, region, nation, and world. We praise because we love Him; we praise because others' deserve to know that they can have a relationship with Him, indeed we praise as a testimony. We praise because He deserves praise for all of the plans of justice, righteousness and compassion He has for humanity and us as individuals. We praise because He is good and honest and kind and fair and beautiful and creative... we praise everyday for more and new reasons. We praise about the hope He ensures we are right to believe in.

OT: The Book of Isaiah, Chapter 11

Isaiah 11:1-16

11:1-2 This chapter prophesies the life and majesty of Jesus. Jesus who is the embodiment of the word of God, with the Spirit of God, wisdom,understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and reverence of the Lord. Jesus would be born through David's, the son of Jesse, lineage.

11:3-5 Jesus' delight is the revere the Lord. Without partiality or subjectivity, Jesus judges with righteousness. He powerfully delivers justice to the poor and meek. He powerfully destroys the wicked, corrupt, and cruel of the world. He is faithful to and righteous in the will of God.

11:6-9 When the Kingdom of God comes to earth, there will no longer be contentious spirits between anyone, even animals. The knowledge of God will subdue the wickedness from the whole earth.

11:10 And the whole earth will have Jesus... and will seek Him and find rest in His glorious presence.

11:11 The Lord will remember and recover His lost and scattered peoples.

11:12 He will gather His child and be a banner to them, beckoning them home.

11:13-16 Envy and dispersion will desist. Adversaries will lose their power and their voice. God will restore power to the righteous and the righteous, by God's power, will overcome the evil. It will be a clear and lighted path for those who, of their own volition, wholeheartedly choose to walk into the Kingdom of God... according to the will of the kingdom of God.

OT: The Book of Isaiah, Chapter 10

Isaiah 10:1-34

10:1-4 God assured punishment for the people who had corrupted society. They participated in deceit and theft, neglect and injustices. In the day of punishment, God knew that they would be caused to realize that their behavior could not save them... the wealth and power they had accumulated would not be enough. Then they would realize that their actions were ruthlessly nonsensical.

10:5-12 God was angry and indignant. He loves His children very much, therefore when someone harms them or corrupts the system of justice they are supposed to have, His anger is fierce. Though mighty nations arrogantly believed they were all-powerful, God promised to humble all who needed it.

10:13-14 God reads the hearts of the arrogant, corrupted ones and knows that they believe their own cleverness and strength is sufficient evade God's judgement and ensure their power and possession. 

10:15-19 But such arrogance is ridiculous because no one can be mightier than their creator, God. God teaches that lesson to humanity in that ultimately, He humbles the proud and exalts the humble. God intended then (and intends now) to send a consuming and thorough fire on corrupt and evil souls.

10:20-23 God will separate the righteous from the unrighteous. And while the unrighteous disappear, the righteous will live with glorious dependence on God.

10:24-26 We are told not to fear; God wants us to understand that His anger is directly at the evil. The destruction that takes place will not harm or dismember in any way the people who live with righteousness and love for God.

10:27 God will release His innocently-imprisoned children; the heavy burden of ramifications of others' corrupt actions will be lifted.

10:28-32 But God warned the corrupt then, and warns the corrupt now, that their destruction was approaching, inevitable.

10:33-34  God's plan is to restore order, to take power from the corrupt and hand it to the righteous.

OT: The Book of Isaiah, Chapter 9

Isaiah 9:1-21

9:1 Although God does discipline His children with tough-love, His ultimate plan is a restorative end to it. Jesus the Messiah is prophesied of in this ninth chapter; He is the light that shines through the dimness.

9:2 The people who have walked in darkness, that is, the people who have sinned or grieved or feared or fallen have been presented with the light of Jesus, the love and word of God. 

9:3 Through Jesus, God's love and word come into the world and multiply the joy of the people. The number of people with good, restorative faith increases. Jesus' life brings joy because He teaches of the path and hope of God that have led so many to blessing. 

9:4 God's word instructs us and leads us out of the chains that bind us; His love lifts our burdens from our shoulders. He guides us out of darkness, out from under heaviness, and straight through lethargy. He provides clear instructions on how to live righteously, productively, compassionately and His way revives our souls, changes the atmosphere around us, and leads us to new heights, new blessings, new places of opportunity.

9:5 Ultimately, there will be no need for war. God will bring everlasting peace to the earth. Jesus once told us that war and rumors of war must be for now, Matthew 24:6, while humanity exercises its free will. But those who freely, willingly decide here to live in God's kingdom, will experience war no more... and the instruments of war will become obsolete, good only as fuel for fire.

9:6 For Jesus came as a child and become the authority of humanity. And not only a righteous authority but also a "wonderful, counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 

9:7 There will be no boundaries to the peace of God's kingdom, no end to its length. God will establish justice forever.

9:8-12 But at this point in Isaiah's story, God's children had gone rogue and caused much harm to each other. They arrogantly believed that they were not subject to repercussion or even the will of God. God promised, therefore, to ensure that they would be humbled, overtaken and thus stopped from their wicked behavior. 

9:13-17 Even the leaders of the faith were corrupt, and there wicked-work caused the rest of the people to become worse. God promised to destroy from top to bottom, the entire corrupt system. He knew the wrongdoing of each man and woman and caused them to answer for it.

Indeed it angers God to witness His children cause harm to one another.

9:18-21 Their own in-fighting and cruel lifestyles would burn the children of Israel up from the inside. Unrighteous behavior always results in desperation, chaos, and destruction.

OT: The Book of Isaiah, Chapter 8

Isaiah 8:1-22

8:1-2 God wanted His prophesy to be written down; the name He used in the prophesy meant that His people were swift to sin and therefore swift to become prey.

8:3 To further illustrate His point, God named the child of a prophetess the same.

8:4-10 There would be a complete takeover of the kingdom. God promised the enemy would be strong, swift and thorough because of Judah's corruption.

8:11 God taught Isaiah to remain committed to righteousness.

8:12 He taught Isaiah not to behave deceptively, not to be afraid. Basically God pointed out the many ways Judah had turned to corruption and thus instructed Isaiah and us how not to follow their path. 

8:13 The best thing we can do against corruption is to listen to the Lord, and to let His discipline be our driving force rather than fear or lust or greed.

8:14-15 God is a sanctuary to His faithful children, but those who oppose Him will stumble and fall and be broken and taken. Evil behavior leads to such outcomes.

8:16-18 Isaiah instructed to prophesy to bound up. It was official and would undergo no changes. In the meantime, Isaiah vowed to wait patiently on the Lord, for His will to unfold. He vowed to have hope in God; and as any child of God knows, hope is an essential element of our faith.

Though Isaiah described God's face to be 'hidden' from the house of Jacob, God had actually removed Himself because they rejected Him. But God was (and is) very much present with His righteous children and is working signs and wonders in their lives at all times.

8:19-20 The people had stopped consulting God. We want to be careful never to rely on any other thing for hope, counsel or strength. Judah's downfall began when they stopped consulting, trusting, hoping in God.

8:21-22 The difficult circumstances, caused by their abandonment of righteousness, would cause them to be hungry and angry and desperate. God hoped that in such a place of desolation, they would again seek their God, repent and change their wicked ways.

OT: The Book of Isaiah, Chapter 7

Isaiah 7:1-25

7:1-2 The kingdom of Israel and Syria joined together to take Jerusalem. They did not prevail in their attempt; but it was deeply hurtful that Israel would attack its brother-kingdom, Judah with another, non-family member.

7:3-6 Judah was afraid of the threat but the Lord spoke through Isaiah. God would cause their efforts against Judah to fail.

7:7-9 In fact, God continued and explained that Israel would be taken into captivity by their enemies. (They, like Judah, had become a corrupt kingdom).

7:10-12 God told Ahaz that he could ask for a sign, but Ahaz knew better. We are supposed to have faith in God without requiring proof or signs. Our strength is in our faith.

7:13-16 Unfortunately, the house of Judah had turned corrupt and it wearied God. In fact, God is wearied by corrupt actions done by humanity which is why, in this next verse, He promises the coming of Emmanuel, Jesus, God with us. Indeed Jesus' life was prophesied of in the Old Testament. God had a plan to save humanity since long ago! 

7:17 But before that, Judah would go into captivity.

7:18-20 God promised to allow their enemies into their land to completely take over their kingdom.

7:21-22 Those who would remain in the land would subsist on very little, just enough to live on.

7:23-24 Indeed their enemies would take over easily, through politics rather than war, and the land would become desolate. For the land was a beautiful vineyard under the authority of God, but because of corruption it would become desolate.

OT: The Book of Isaiah, Chapter 6

Isaiah 6:1-13

6:1-4 Isaiah had a vision of the Lord sitting on His throne. In the vision, God wore a long robe and was surrounded by angels. An angel declared God as the holy authority over the whole earth. The voice was bold and strong and shook the House of God Isaiah found himself to be in.

6:5 Isaiah was shaken with awe by the glorious vision. He declared himself to be unclean, unworthy of seeing God, the true King.

6:6-7 One of the angels flew to Isaiah and cleansed him, his mouth specifically, for Isaiah was chosen by God to be a prophet.

6:8 The Lord spoke: Whom shall I send? And who will go for Us? And Isaiah elected to be the one! Isaiah wanted to be a prophet for God; he wanted to dedicate his life to God's mission.

6:9 The Lord told Isaiah to visit His people and explain to them that though the word of the Lord is among them, they are not learning it. Though it is within their sight, they are neglecting it, turning their gaze to fruitless things.

6:10 God even had a plan to dull the understanding of some of the people, for He knew that if they paid and attention and learned to do better... but did not actually do it, they would be doubly guilty.

6:11-12 God wanted Isaiah to move and speak as His prophet until His plan was finished. God's plan was to make the corrupt city desolate. He was sending Judah into captivity where they would be humbled from their evil ways and once again seek the Lord and His righteousness.

6:13 Though God planned to clear the city, a remnant would remain: those who remained faithful.

OT: The Book of Isaiah, Chapter 5

Isaiah 5:1-30

5:1 This chapter is an analogy of God's children and their stewardship of His kingdom of earth.

5:2 God loves us deeply; His plan has continually been to protect us and to provide for us. He made the earth to support us, nourish us and inspire us. The laws and commandments of His kingdom are meant to protect us and guide us into blessing. With attention to the finest detail, He created us... but humanity went rogue. 

5:3-6 We are invited to consider our situation: hasn't God loved us well and faithfully? He has given life and free will, He has provided the Holy Spirit to those who will claim it. And then humanity rejected Him with their behavior. Unrighteous behavior has made the earth an almost spiritually-desolate place. 

5:7 The analogy explained by Isaiah himself: For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are His pleasant plant. He looked for justice, but behold, oppression; for righteousness, but behold, a cry for help.

5:8-10 God warns against over-crowding as it causes emptiness and desolation.

5:11 God warns against alcoholism, of putting substances as the priority of the day.

5:12 He also warns against a party-lifestyle in which a person's commitment to God is made defunct. It is crucial that each individual remain aware of the Lord and the work of His hands; we must reflect on life and the nature of it in order to remain spiritually connected. 

5:13-14 To neglect faith is to cause oneself to become unwise, spiritual famished and thirsty. Without their connection to God, Judah walked steadily into depravity. No one upheld justice, no one behaved righteously... and therefore people suffered. Judah became prideful and rambunctious.

5:15-17 God promised to humble them. God always restores justice; He always returns to take care of His righteous flock,. though they may be few; they are few in the midst of a cruel majority and God is indignant on their behalf.

5:18-19 The evil and cruel and unjust will be forced to face their actions; those who mock God's vengeance against actions they thought they were free to make, must then face it.

5:20 Woe to those who oppress and deceive and harm and justify their actions.

5:21 Woe to those who are stubborn and selfish in their power and wealth.

5:22-23 Woe to those who abuse substances and subsequently harm others. We are called to be sober and vigilant, 1 Peter 5:8, in order to care for God's children and combat evil.

5:24-25 God will thoroughly destroy the evil.

5:26-30 God will return to rescue and strengthen and restore His children. God will bring His judgement to the earth; it will be a beautiful time for the righteous, and a dark time for the wicked.

OT: The Book of Isaiah, Chapter 4

Isaiah 4:1-6

4:1 All elect of God (those righteous ones who love Him steadfastly) will cling to Him if only to be called His.

4:2 God plans to renew the earth and humanity with the coming of His kingdom. Once again, the earth with thrive because of His complete authority and provision.

4:3 Those who comprise the kingdom of God will be called holy because they will reside in the Holy Spirit and kingdom of God.

4:4-5 God will cleanse and purify the land and hearts of humanity; He will be a light, a warming and also refining fire. He will be protection and guidance. As He was for the tribes of Israel, He will be our covering cloud in the day and our fire at night.

4:6 As the Holy Spirit protects us now, the presence of God will be our shelter.

OT: The Book of Isaiah, Chapter 3

Isaiah 3:1-26

3:1-3 Depraved behavior causes the blessings of God to recede. As a form of discipline, God allows us to walk away from our blessings in order to learn that life lived without righteousness is not worthwhile.

3:4-5 In exchange for blessings, the corrupt nation of Judah (and all other corrupt nations, peoples and institutions) find themselves to be comprised of and led by oppressive men and ideologies. Leaders so focused on selfish gains are subsequently deficient of the wisdom and selflessness which arranges the well-being of the people within their jurisdiction. 

3:6-7 No ruler or party within a nation will take accountability for their actions which damaged the nation; much time spent on blame rather than correction.

3:8-9 If only Judah, and any nation or individual who behaves shamefully, would admit their mistake and endeavor to rectify (rather than repeat) it, so much progress would be made by man and humanity. God is incredulous to observe, however, that people do not feel remorse for their actions, and continue instead, in their selfish behavior... purposely, neglectfully ignorant of the harm their actions cause.

3:10 The righteous are always protected by God, always provided for by Him. Even in the midst of a damaged and corrupt nation, the love, support and provision of God ensures that righteous behavior is blessed.

3:11-12 The wicked also receive that they sow. God calls us to awake to corrupt behavior in order that we can separate ourselves from it. He warned the people of Judah and simultaneously, He warns us. We need to be very wise and selected about who we decide to trust and follow and learn from. Only our God is qualified for those tasks.

3:13-15 As God's children, we should be grateful that He is angry and indignant on behalf of the righteous. God's anger is a reflection of His deep love and commitment to righteousness; those who harm or cause discord ignite His wrath. He watches as corrupt and selfish behavior damages the world and well-being of humanity and here in Isaiah, He asks: "what do you mean by crushing My people and grinding the faces of the poor?" What is the point of destruction of others for personal gain?

3:16-17 God rejects the stubborn, the haughty, the lustful, the destructive. He has promised to reveal all corruption and dismantle it, strike it and eliminate it. 

3:18-23 The haughty will be humbled. Their "impressive" things and lifestyles will crumble. For God judges a person based on the quality of their soul and thus the fine things of the world will not count for anything.

3:24-26 All of the gain of corrupt and selfish behavior will become a snare their possessors. Reduced, humbled, exposed by the righteous judgement of God.

OT: The Book of Isaiah, Chapter 2

Isaiah 2:1-22

2:1-2 An opening chapter of the book of Isaiah, chapter 2 promises the hope of God's kingdom to come.

2:3 People will flock to the kingdom of God to receive instruction from Him, for instruction from God will have been proved to produce blessing.

2:4 Within the kingdom, all will be judged for their actions on earth, and the evil extracted (eliminating the need for war). Weapons will be transformed into implements of peace.

2:5 The promise of God's kingdom and judgement is a blessing, a light like no other, that we are encouraged to walk toward.

2:6-9 Humanity is encouraged to walk not just into the light... but specifically out of the darkness. The Lord observed much cruelty among His people and the harm it caused. They had exchanged their faith for greed and pagan practices and it ruined the peace and equality within their kingdom. God wants us to remove the idols from our lives and hearts and recommit to servitude to His righteous plan for humanity. 

2:10-11 A promise to the evil, the selfish, the negligent... the Lord is angry. His anger is fierce enough to humble the haughty. 

2:12-19 God's judgement will be comprehensive... all souls subject to His discerning gaze and watchful heart. For righteous and compassionate souls, it will be a blessed reunion with God. But for the evil, it will be a destructive one. God has planned complete removal of idols, arrogance, cruelty, deception. 

Many people read the books of the major prophets and think we have an angry God... we have a kind God who is indignant and fierce against the evil because of how they hurt the ones He loves. 

2:20-21 Indeed, the day of the return of the Lord will be the day of the removal of idols which cause greed and lust and disloyalty.

2:22 We are encouraged here to not regard the opinion of humans above the opinion of God. We should endeavor to please God not lust, not another person, not any other thing.

OT: The Book of Isaiah, Chapter 1

Isaiah 1:1-31

1:1 The kingdom of Judah was failing; it was weak and its people were corrupt. It had once been a strong and righteous place, established, reinforced and blessed by God Himself. It had been a kingdom build by divine intervention for the children of God; that is: the twelve tribes which had committed themselves to Him. They followed God and He led them directly into blessing.

Then they began to falter in their commitment to God. They began to neglect their relationship with Him and consequently reject His commandments, choosing instead the lifestyle of the corrupt nations around them. They were immoral and cruel, stubborn and arrogant. Steadily their values changed and descended until they were unrecognizable to the people they once were. 

But God still recognized them; He still claimed them as His own. He still accepted responsibility of them. Knowing that the people had blocked out His voice, God decided to try to reach them through another's: Isaiah. 

1:2-3 Judah and the inhabitants of the earth were called to listen to a message sent from God. We were told in 1 Corinthians 10:11, that former things occurred as an example to people in future generations, therefore we listen to the message God had for Judah as instruction for ourselves.

Indeed God raises and nourishes His children. Yet generation after generation, we rebel against Him. We reject the nourishment of God in favor of worldly pleasures. It's ironic, and astounding to God that even simple animals know their master but God's children refuse to recognize their own.

1:4 Judah was called out for its sin. Their behavior was evil and corrupt. They neglected all of God's commandments. They made him angry with their cruel and fruitless behavior. They left their faith and walked opposite of righteousness. Their behavior was not only wrong but also regressive. All progress made by God for them they wasted to live corrupt lifestyles.

1:5-6 God determined that their whole system was corrupt: from head to toe they were sick with corruption. 

1:7-9 Their corrupt lifestyle caused their country to become desolate. They did not take care of their blessings. It was desolate in that there was no justice, no righteousness, no compassion within. They had allowed fake, foreign gods into their mindsets.  And yet there were a few in the country who remained loyal to God, and for their sake, He sent a warning to this nation. 

1:10-11 People were sacrificing animals to God but their heart was not committed to Him. Their depraved behavior was not connected to any spirituality. They were going through the motions, killing animals in rituals not connected at all to God. God stated plainly that He did not enjoy their burnt offerings.

1:12-15 God explained that He would not acknowledge their strange, futile sacrifices. The corrupt and brutal rituals Judah had brought into the region were rejected by God; He hated them and was weary of them. He wanted His children to return to acts of righteousness.

1:16-17 Therefore God called them to cleanse themselves of the iniquity. He called them to cease evil and to do good. To seek justice and reject oppression. He called them to have compassion on the weak and humble and alone among them.

1:18-20 God provided them an opportunity for redemption. He had acknowledge and called out their corruption and sin... yet He promised that if they were willing to change and obedient to the instruction of God, they could be restored to blessing. But if they would not stop rebelling against justice, they would not be allowed to continue as they were.

1:21-23 God compared their disloyalty to their faith to adultery. He called them harlots. They had been just and righteous once... and then became murderers. They were weak and rusted and diluted. They were rebellious, thieves and deceivers. They acted to fulfill selfish desires, even at the expense of justice. They neglected the needy among them. 

1:24-26 We have a gentle God... and yet He is also stern. He has to be, in order to guide us, protect us, and keep order. Therefore God determined vengeance against His enemies; He promised to remove His enemies. Once His children, they became enemies and adversaries as they rejected His word and neglected to live with righteousness. God promised to cleanse and bring order.

1:27-31 God's plan is always to restore justice and righteousness; He promises destruction to those who oppose it. Corrupt behavior will face its shame and its end. Desolation is the result of corrupt behavior, God ensures it. 

OT: Song of Solomon, Chapter 8

Song of Solomon 8:1-13

8:1-4 The Shulamite woman wanted to be as close with her love as she was with her family; her separation from him was excruciating. We do not thrive when we are separated from God for He is our family.

8:5 Their love was fascinating to observers. Our relationship with God is a testimony to the world, usually when we do not even realize it. 

8:6-7 The young woman wished to be known and remembered always by her love. She wished for a loyal and steadfast relationship. God wishes for us to be loyal and steadfast with Him, also. He wants to be known and remembered by us as He knows and remembers us. Love is an indescribable strength... but broken or betrayed loved, jealousy, is also fierce. It is better that our relationship remain true and wholesome and loyal.

8:8-9 The young woman was kept from her love... they tried to put up walls between her and him.

8:10-14 But Shulamite was a garden enclosed. Her walls were up to ensure loyalty to her love. Likewise we must not allow any thing or person to come between us and God. The world might try to compete or tempt us but ultimately, what the world offers falls far short of what our relationship with God offers.

OT: Song of Solomon, Chapter 7

Song of Solomon 7:1-13

7:1-9 The young man loves the woman. Our loyalty and steadfast faith to God is beautiful to Him. He appreciates our righteousness and compassion; Song of Solomon makes poetic the love God has for those who enter into a spiritual relationship with Him.

7:10-13 The Shulamite dreams of life with her love. We also long to be within the eternal kingdom of God.

OT: Song of Solomon, Chapter 6

Song of Solomon 6:1-13

6:1 The Shulamite's intense love for this man caused others to be interested in him.

6:2-3 When they asked her where he was, she answered that he was in his garden. Jesus is the in the eternal kingdom of God, and it is indeed as a garden... lush with the Living water and provisional fruit.

6:4-10 The Shulamite's love and faith in their relationship warmed the man. He loved her and described her as beautiful and graceful. God sees all of us, and still finds us to be beautiful.

6:11-12 The Shulamite was homesick in the king's house; she visited the gardens but they were not like the the garden where she fell in love. Indeed nothing can compare to the haven, love and beauty of God.

6:13 The king, the ways of the world, clung to the Shulamite. She did not understand why they would not let her go to her love. Do not let the ways of the secular world cling to you and hinder you or persuade you away from your relationship with God.

OT: Song of Solomon, Chapter 5

Song of Solomon 5:1-16

5:1 Just as this young man had done, Jesus has prepared a garden for His family.

5:2-8 The Shulamite was anxious to be with her beloved. She searched for him, most particularly when she felt separated by him because of the secular world. Similarly must we cling to our relationship with Jesus as the way of the world works quietly to disengage us from our faith.

5:9 The king was confused. He did not understand why the Shulamite chose the other man instead of him, who offered her jewels and fame. 

5:10-16 The Shulamite described her love as "altogether lovely" and her friend. Though the rest of the world may not understand, our love and awe for our Father and Friend is fierce. We worship and revere Him for the beauty of His love and character.

OT: Song of Solomon, Chapter 4

Song of Solomon 4:1-15

4:1-5 In chapter four, the male speaks to the Shulamite. He finds her to be beauty. God sees you as beautiful also. Your righteous acts and faithful relationship with Him are just part of the reason why He loves you so completely.

4:6-11 The male calls the woman his family, his spouse. When we are loyally committed to God, He is our spiritual husband. Our partner in eternal life.

4:12-15 Be a "garden enclosed", that is: loyal to God. For when we are loyal to God, no "serpents" can enter our life or heart. We have the provision and protection from God which enable us to live quite differently than the secular world. When we are loyal to God and His scripture, we become like a garden... lush with blessing and wisdom and the colorful joys of life. The Living Water flows through our garden.

4:16 Naturally, the Shulamite was excited to be reunited with her beloved, to be within his garden. A faithful child of God is also excited to be with God and within His glorious kingdom.

OT: Song of Solomon, Chapter 3

Song of Solomon 3:1-11

3:1-3 As the Shulamite was separated by society from her love, so are we sometimes distracted by the secular world from our love: God. But like her, we must steadfastly search, with out whole heart, for God. We must work and want to maintain our relationship with Him.

3:4 When she found him, she kept him close and brought him to her family to solidify their relationship. We must hold onto our relationship with God and allow it to permeate through out entire lives.

3:5 Of course we have a relationship with God and Jesus through the Holy Spirit here on earth, but upon the second advent, our relationship will be even more tangible. The Shulamite reminds us to be patient and obedient during the intermission. 

3:6-11 Solomon offered the Shulamite everything the world could offer but none of it compared to her relationship with the humble man. Likewise the secular world might often tempting or shiny or many things but an authentic relationship is permanent and valuable beyond any of those temporary things. And a relationship with God offers better blessings than money can buy.

OT: Song of Solomon, Chapter 2

Song of Solomon 2:1-17

2:1-2 The Shulamite woman continued to feel very different from the ladies of society.

2:3 Her beloved was different also, his love was natural and sweet. Their time together was simple and humble.

2:4-7 He was kind and gentle and supportive to her. The Shulamite's request for her love not to be stirred up or awakened is a reference to waiting patiently for Jesus' return.

2:8-14 The Shulamite awaits the voice of her beloved, to call her into a time of light and harvest. We also wait for the voice of God to call us forth into the next stage of His eternal plans.

2:15 As she grew up in the wilderness, she understood the importance of "catching out" the deceivers and the destroyers.

2:16 We belong to our Shepherd Jesus and He has proclaimed Himself ours.

2:17 Spirit and secular world remain separate until the Day of the Lord breaks.

OT: Song of Solomon, Chapter 1

Song of Solomon 1:1-17

The book of Song of Solomon is a metaphor of the love between Jesus and children of God.

1:1-4 A young women speaks of her first true love and how it is sweeter than anything else she has experienced. She is in love with a good and humble man, and serves as a metaphor of our love for Jesus. However, this girl's brothers did not understand her relationship, and wanted to separate her from this man. They wanted to remove her from the family land, where she worked as a shepherd, and place her somewhere she could not interact with the young man. 

But this young woman captured the attention of the king, and he brought her into his household. 

1:5-6 The young woman (called the Shulamite) felt very different from the women in the king's household. She was more like a wildflower, different, unique because she was not born in society. She was tanned and lovely from working in the sun all of her life.

1:7 She longed to join the young man she had fallen in love with.

1:8-10 The king was enthralled by her, he compared her beauty to his chariots of war.

1:11-16 The king planned to array her in his finest ornaments.

1:16 Despite the attention of the king, the Shulamite woman only wanted her first love.

OT: The Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 12

Ecclesiastes 12:1-14

12:1 A lifelong relationship with God allows us to steadily build into it strength and complexity. As we grow older and life becomes more nuanced, we are able to rely on the strong foundation we have built. Our relationship with God should be built and nourished in our youth and in the light, so that as we get older and go through darkness, we have him as our source of life and light.

12:2-5 It is more prudent to seek God early than late; for if we have God, we never found ourselves to be in a desolate place or desperate situation. When we love God, we allow Him to lead, protect and provide for us through any shadows.

12:7-8 The most important thing we can do is to know and love and follow God before we leave earth. It makes such a difference to arrive at the kingdom of God as a declared child. 

12:9-12 To live productively is to seek wisdom and truth, all of which is found in God's word and in the act of loving Him and others. The wisdom of God secures our foundation in life.

12:13 Solomon sums up the entire book of Ecclesiastes and life with his next piece of advice: Fear/revere God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.

OT: The Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 11

Ecclesiastes 11:1-10

11:1-2 To live as a righteous child of God is to be an example of His word (philosophy) in the world. Generous, compassionate behavior serves the world the "bread" of life, that is, the wisdom of living accordance with God's will. The world is in desperate need of righteous, generous, compassionate people.

11:3-4 We are encouraged to live productively. God has build each of us with gifts and has also built opportunity in our lives for those gifts to impact the world. 

11:5-6 There is so much about life that we do not understand, but we know enough to put good things into motion. We know enough to use our lives for important work. We do not always understand the full scope but God promises us that to live each day righteously is contribute importantly to that big picture.

11:7-8 Seasons of darkness and light in our life serve as catalysts for personal growth and increase in strength, depth in relationship with God. 

11:9-10 Live and enjoy life but never forget that God is present in each moment. Each action is seen and judged by Him. He is merciful and compassionate but also disciplines His children as He expects us to live righteously... and not according to our own desires (which can cause us to be selfish and subsequently corrupt). 

Solomon tells us to enjoy our youth knowing that we will not retain it on earth, and it would be vain to live as though we can. Growth in character is even more important than youth of the body. We are here for a purpose, a reason, a mission and we should be be distracted from that by vain and temporary things.

OT: The Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 10

Ecclesiastes 10:1-20

10:1 Wholehearted effort is necessary for any genuine endeavor. We cannot commit to the word of God and still participate in behavior that He has rejected.

10:2 A wise person's heart is aligned with their righteous behavior. They endeavor to do good but they also foster the processes of personal betterment within themselves.

10:3 Foolish behavior is apparent to everyone around them.

10:4 If you stand for a good cause, no matter what power is against you, stand firm.

10:5-7 Solomon observed the chaos that ensues when a powerful person is low in wisdom.

10:8-10 Corrupt actions brings corruption back upon a person. However, living with the wisdom taught by God causes one to live with success.

10:11-15 Gossip and deception and slander are destructive, cruel and unproductive. 

10:16-19 A nation is woeful when its leader is foolish, lazy and corrupt. As children of God, we have Him as our noble king. He is our wise leader and strong defender.

10:20 We should be wise about the expression of our opinions. It is prudent only to speak in productive manners which inspire change rather than own destruction.

OT: The Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 9

Ecclesiastes 9:1-18

9:1-2 The nature of life is the same for everyone, but the people who submit themselves to God's will are safe within His hands. To live in accordance with God's will is to claim His promises of protection and provision, strength and other blessings. God provides the blessings that change and/or help us to the good outcome of impossible situations. 

9:3-4 Life on earth culminates in death for every person, but children of God have the hope of eternal life. It truly makes a difference in life to have an eternal perspective; our God has a master plan, complex and deep and wide. A humble life lived in submission to God's will is better than a wicked life, lived as a powerful leader.

9:5-6 Life is a beautiful thing to retain, but the wicked do not retain it. They no longer learn and seek and inquire, they no longer have reward or enjoyment, even their memory is erased. Their relationships and friendships and partnerships perish. Life is an inheritance for the righteous. All of the precious aspects of life are continued for the people who live with compassion and justice.

9:7-8 There is added enjoyment in life to live in a way that is acceptable to God. We are blessed as we live and please Him with our good works. We are provided for and protected by our Father. 

9:9 Solomon advised that one should live joyfully with their spouse. To love them throughout life. Love is the method of life that God encourages and Jesus exemplified.

9:10 It is beneficial to the condition of our spirit to do things with our whole-heart and attention and effort. Right now, this life, is our opportunity to make a meaningful impact. 

9:11 There is no perfect formula for life which causes what we want to happen to happen. We do not have enough wisdom or power to avoid or ensure certain situations. Scripture, however, has enabled us to have access to blessings of strength and provision that only God is able to provide. Therefore even we are not swift or strong or wise enough, we still have incredible opportunity in life.

9:12 We have limited time here; Solomon wanted us to understand how precious this time is... how important it is to listen and learn from God and live righteously here while we have the chance.

9:13-18 Solomon made several profound realizations: wisdom is more powerful than brute strength. He also noted that humanity did not value quiet wisdom. Instead, humanity celebrates power, even though it often leads to folly and destruction and oppression. 

If you wish to be valued, cultivate a relationship with God. Humanity may not appreciate the humble or quietly wise but God deeply loves His children, His patient, conscientious students who are learning about life and what to value directly from Him.

OT: The Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 8

Ecclesiastes 8:1-17

8:1 Wisdom is a light in a person. The willingness to learn and the inspiration of curiosity sparks life in the mind and the heart. Wisdom brings clarity and illumination to a situation. 

8:2-3 Therefore listen to and retain the instruction given from God. Make an oath to follow His commandments and remain near to Him; to stand for righteousness is to be secure and productive.

8:4 God is our king and His power is mighty enough not to be challenged by any man.

8:5 Living under the commandments of God ensures that we navigate away from harmful situations. We receive the wisdom from God to discern what the righteous choice or reaction is.

8:6 God is present in the details and has a plan for them; though for us, unknown moments and situations cause misery. 

8:7 Humans find the unknown very distressing; for peace, we must rely on the will of God.

8:8 We have little control in our lives, we certainly have no say in life or death, but when we commit ourselves to God, His power retains us in life and peace.

8:9 God will never abuse His authority but sometimes men do. Solomon observed that not all leadership is beneficial to the leader or the led.

8:10-13 Sometimes the world does not learn from evil done by certain humans; and sometimes the wicked do not, on earth, face judgement for the cruelty. But God remembers everything and holds each person accountable for their actions.

8:14 Solomon observed injustice on the earth, and without God, life would be quite meaningless because of it. We need Him to establish order and balance.

8:15 It seemed to Solomon that the only purpose a person could find in life was to try to enjoy it the best that they could. However, with God, life becomes much deeper and sweeter. Through God we are given purpose and love and hope.

8:16-17 A human cannot exist on the same intellectual level as God. We have to accept His wisdom and creation to the best of our ability; that is to follow His instruction and find the beauty of life in Him.

OT: The Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 7

Ecclesiastes 7:1-29

7:1 Strive for and value an honorable, respectful reputation. There are a lot of luxurious things we could strive for in life but spiritual fulfillment comes from a righteous lifestyle.

In Philippians 1:23 Paul confessed that he wished to depart from earth to be with Christ, but understood how important it was that he was alive on earth preaching the gospel. He valued his time and his purpose here; in this second verse of chapter 7, a similar mindset is implied. The day of one's return to Christ is a greater celebration even than birth here, which is a celebration indeed.

7:2 We learn more through humility and moderation than we do from popularity and feasting. The quality of our character suffers if we are ignorant of reality, we become arrogant and detached. 

7:3-4 Sorrow can teach us very much about what to value and how to obtain happiness; through a relationship with God, often commenced in a time of sadness, helps us to achieve true peace and joy in our hearts. A wise person mourns because they are aware of disparity and hardship but a fool rejoices in ignorance. 

7:5-7 Constructive criticism is better than flattery. A wise person loses their wisdom when they use their abilities to oppress others; and a deceitful act debases the quality of one's heart. 

7:8 We can find peace, if not joy, in the end of a thing if we have submitted our lives to God's will. He decides what should be in our lives and until when, though His reasoning is not always clear (usually it eventually becomes evident).

It is better to be patient than proud. Humility will reward itself in its own time, though circumstances can sometimes cause one to believe they must boast themselves.

7:9 Do not resort to anger, anger is the device of the foolish. We cannot communicate ourselves or our point from such a distracted, chaotic state. 

7:10 Move forward, as Paul advised in Philippians 3:13-14:

... but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Lingering on the past prevents us from learning, growing, changing and fulfilling new purpose.

7:11-12 Righteous wisdom inherits eternal life from God: compassion, discernment, justice... these are elements of wisdom that God hopes we we will learn and cultivate throughout our lives. Divine wisdom becomes our defense while the rest of the world relies on money.

7:13-14 Consider the work of God in your life, throughout life... everything He has done has order and purpose. Solomon encourages us to enjoy the prosperous blessings of God but also to learn from times of adversity. Adversity teaches us to level up in character and trust in God.

7:15 Solomon had seen much. He saw righteous men die and wicked men prolong their life. But life on earth is temporary for everyone. Eternal life comes after this one... and the righteous man who died seemingly too soon, would live forever, while the elder wicked man would be done living for good. Our character, our behavior, our beliefs here on earth matter now and beyond on our present circumstances.

7:16-18 Live with moderation. It would be foolish to act overly righteous and wise; remember always that you and others are imperfect. We always have something else to learn, something else to improve. To believe oneself overly righteous would cause one to be self-righteous, haughty, and a bother to everyone around. 

And though you keep in mind that you are imperfect, do not use it as an excuse to behave evilly. Do not die spiritually while living on earth by behaving unjustly. Solomon's advise to us on how to balance our behavior is the revere God, to listen to Him and be receptive to His instruction and sometimes discipline. 

7:19 A wise person uses their wisdom to strengthen others, even inadvertently. A wise person does not strive to lord over others or to instruct them but to make them stronger. For God's wisdom makes us stronger and we are meant to proliferate blessings, to share them and allow God's love and blessings to abound among humanity.

7:20 An iteration of Romans 3:23... we all fall short of the glory of God. We must be humble enough to accept that truth and remember it when we are about to too-harshly or hastily judge another person. We can judge behavior... God has taught us right and wrong, but we cannot right off another person... it is God's job to serve as judge in that department. 

7:21-22 People vent and overreact and react badly because of misunderstandings or hormones or circumstances in their lives... we must not take it personally. True, sometimes people have good constructive criticism about our behavior and we should listen to that as well as God's instruction. But sometimes people just talk and they do not mean what they say or they have not put much thought or care into what they say. In times like those, we must remember that we are guilty of the same... and often we really care about the people we momentarily bashed.

7:23-26 Solomon sought wisdom and explored and contemplated and he felt the worst thing was for a person to be enslaved to sin and foolishness and futility. We are released into freedom when we live to please God. The chains of desire and shame and depression fall of when we commit our lives to the will and purposes of God.

7:27-29 Solomon sought many things but one thing he was sure he found was that God made humanity to be righteous. He intended us to be kind and fair and honest. The fact that our behavior is often opposite of that is something we need to correct while we are here.

OT: The Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 6

Ecclesiastes 6:1-12

6:1-2 Solomon noticed that is common for people to work and procure wealth but lose their gratitude and appreciation for God. An ungracious lifestyle does not result in joy or contentment. They are so consumed by greed that they do not enjoy any of their blessings.

6:3-6 Likewise is it wasteful to live without joy. A long and wealthy life does not equate with happiness. We need to create and cultivate family, and a relationship with God in order to have and use our blessings for joy throughout life.

6:7 We cannot live to serve our body, for it is our soul which requires nourishment. We will not have fulfillment in anything we do unless it is good and productive to our soul.

6:8 The wise person has love for God and the love of God; they have the wisdom and guidance of God. But someone poor in faith live in the world only desiring but never finding fulfillment or joy.

6:9 We have to learn to be appreciative for what we have otherwise we waste our entire lives pursuing everything else, never enjoying what was already in our hands.

6:10-11 Our flesh lives are temporary, they cannot contend for more life. But our spirit connects with God to obtain eternal life.

6:12 The only place we are able to find fulfilling purpose, permanent contentment and answers to our existential questions is God.

OT: The Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 5

Ecclesiastes 5:1-20

5:1 Act with care and thought going into the future (the actual definition of prudent) as we walk toward the house of God. As we near Him, we should do so as students receptive to His word. We cannot approach God with the stubborn refusal to learn. Our journey with God is instructional and requires our conscientiousness.

5:2 We only cause harm and chaos when we speak rashly and act hastily. We need to observe and practice patience in order to learn wise behavior. Especially in conversation with God, what we have to say is much less important than what we can learn. We have so much to learn from Him, we should be eager to hear His wisdom and to experience His will.

5:3 It is fruitful to work hard as hard work results in dreams realized. But the empty chatter of a foolish person does not produce or procure anything useful.

5:4-5 When you make a promise to God, endeavor to fulfill that promise the moment it is made. Do not make a promise you do not intent to commit to. If you do not plan to follow-through against any odds, do not make the vow.

5:6 Be careful not to speak unjustly, unkindly, or untruthfully; your words can cause harm and you must be accountable for them. We cannot gain God's support or assistance when with our words we build harmful things.

5:7 Do not get lost in multitudes of dreams and words, ultimately a fulfilling purpose and blessed life comes from reverence of God.

5:8 If you witness an injustice or oppression do not merely marvel, act. We have a responsibility while on earth to love others and to be vigilant for evil. To confront it and dismantle it in order to ensure righteousness reigns. God watches humanity and notices when there is neglect.

5:9 The earth produces to support all of humanity; therefore it is an injustice to deny any person their natural rights to be sustained by the planet.

5:10 Greed cannot be satisfied. It never achieves happiness. It always wants more.

5:11 Material wealth does not profit its owner.

5:12 A hard-working person is able to sleep soundly with contentment... but a corrupt and overly-rich person has a guilty conscious. We are supposed to share our blessings, especially if to ensure that our fellow humans have food and water and basic necessities.

5:13-15 Extravagant wealth corruptly gained drains away or is lost or taken. It does not transfer productively to posterity.

5:16-17 We exit life of earth with nothing but our soul. To live a fruitless lifestyle, acquiring and never sharing or developing relationships, is to labor for the wind. To gain nothing of substance. A selfish lifestyle is dark and sorrowful and sick and angry. Health and light come from meaningful connections and abounding blessings.

5:18-20 Solomon observed that humans should work hard and enjoy the fruits of their hard work within God's will. Humans benefit to learn that each day and its opportunity and produce is a gift from God. Joy is found in a relationship with God and gratitude toward him. God will keep you busy with the joy of your heart... and your days will be fulfilled.

OT: The Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 4

Ecclesiastes 4:1-16

4:1-3 Solomon had an extreme existential crisis; he observed the amount and organization of disparity in the world and it bothered him so much that he envied the dead. When he considered the condition of the earth separate from God, he experienced extreme despair and hopelessness. 

4:4 Solomon continued to observe and noticed that the labor and effort of humanity results as envy in the people around them. He thought it a very pointless thing to spend one's life trying to impress others. Likewise it is foolish to live with stagnant jealousy of others.

4:5-6 A foolish person is lazy and does not labor. Their laziness consumes them. Solomon observed that it is better to have a modest amount, well earned, than two handfuls obtained by selfish or corrupt toil. Work hard and honestly.

4:7-8 It is extremely unhealthy to cut oneself off from others, pursuing wealth exclusively and never trying to make connections with others or a family for oneself. Solomon described such selfishness, such self caused loneliness as a grave misfortune. Life is quite empty without friends and family and even pleasant acquaintances. And such a reclusive life destroys not only the reclusive person but also their chance at sharing with and assisting others. 

4:9-12 Solomon explains the value of a friend. Not only can friends help each other in good times and bad, friendships help us to grow in character. Friendship teaches us patience and comradery and selflessness.

4:13-16 It is better to be humble and wise in youth than arrogant and foolish... which would lead one to become an old and stubborn person. And even in a position of leadership, if one is not beloved or even liked, that popularity is empty.

OT: The Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22

3:1 "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven..." Everything has its time and season, even if it seems untimely and out of season to us. As children of God, we submit even the details of our lives to His will. Having done so, we can trust that when something does or does not happen to us, its nature and timing has been chosen and sanctioned by Him. That level of trust in God is a balm, a peace that we can carry throughout a life of learning ever to trust in Him. 

So varied and progressive are the seasons of life that within it...

3:2 There is a time for birth and death. A time for planting and harvest. 

3:3 There is a time to kill and a time to heal. A time to deconstruct and a time to construct.

3:4 A time of sadness and a time of laughter. A time of grief and a time of celebration.

3:5 A time to get rid of of things and a time to gather them. A time to hug and to refrain from doing so.

3:6 A time of gain and a time of loss. A time to retain and a time to let go.

3:7 A time to rip up and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.

3:8 A time to love and a time to hate. A time of war and a time of peace.

While we are here on earth, in these bodies, there is so much to experience with our soul. We will go through and around and beside many emotions but God wants us to have faith in Him throughout all of them. As long as we commit our lives to the will of God, everything will have purpose and meaning and lesson. Everything we learn and experience and lose and keep will, by His will, assist us in moving forward.

3:9-11 Solomon's advice is for us not to be preoccupied by laboring for worldly wealth: money, power, fame. We do not need to strive to fulfill earthly desires hastily; God has perfect provision and perfect timing for the delivery of that provision. It was Solomon's observation that we need not rush, God makes everything beautiful in its time: steadily and definitely. We cannot quite comprehend the nature of eternity but God is very comfortable with it and assures that we have time to receive all of His blessings in His time.

3:12-13 Solomon learned that the most important thing we can do is to be happy; to rejoice... to live with gratitude and joy in God's creation and love. The best thing we can do is good. Do good, we are charged by God throughout scripture, and our own actions will bless us. Good will return to us. A good life is a life spent working diligently but enjoying what our good work produces. We shouldn't become greedy or robotic, never sharing or experiencing what hard work makes possible.

3:14-15 Solomon had the faith and confidence to know that what God does is permanent. He is the sole creator of this universe; no one can change the track or nature of life. He has determined life to be everlasting and good and therefore life always will be. Like Solomon, we should come to believe that reverence of God is nourishment for our souls. 

We can trust in the fact that God is consistent. The law of the universe, the laws of nature, have been written and established by Him. They will be upheld by Him; and He has so much experience with life that we can trust our own life in His hands.

3:16-17 So often, the world has it backward. Injustice and iniquity where there should be righteousness and peace. It would drive us crazy if not for our faith that God will restore order. 

3:18-22 Solomon observed that life serves to humble humanity. In a humble state, we are able to submit to God's will, trust Him and do good. Such is the formula for a good and purposeful, faith-driven life.

OT: The Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 2

Ecclesiastes 2:1-26

2:1-3 In pursuit of meaning, King Solomon dedicated himself to enjoyment but he found that it was an empty lifestyle. Solomon tried to center his life on all of the things humans think are the best parts of life but did not find fulfillment. 

2:4-9 Solomon then tried to use his money to find fulfillment. He had houses, vineyards, gardens and orchards built. He had pools and intricate garden designs, various trees in his groves. He had multitudes of servants and possessions and herds and flocks, more than anyone else in his city. He had treasures and jewels, dancers, singers, musicians. His wealth distinguished him.

2:10-11 Whatever he wanted, he acquired. Whatever he wanted to do, he did. And for a little while, he thought he was happy. But when Solomon reflected on the condition of his spirit, he realized that none of it filled him. His life still lacked meaning. He felt that everything he had done, even though it made him popular and envied, was vain. None of it was any actual gain to him... it was all just stuff.

2:12 Without the promise of the kingdom of God after this life, Solomon realized that all works and accomplishments on the earth are redundant. He had done it all yet he would pass from the earth, and someone would come along after him and live a very similar life.

2:13-14 Solomon realized it was prudent to pursue wisdom and light rather than foolishness and darkness during his time on earth. Both the wise person and the fool have limited time here, but it is much more enjoyable to spend time here alert and responsible.

2:15 The same mundane laws of life affect everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status on earth. We give life meaning and purpose and divine opportunity when we unite our body with spirit. 

2:16 Arrogance and pride are temporary and come to nothing when a person passes from earth. We are only made permanent when we commit ourselves to God.

2:17 Solomon became very discouraged. Life without God had no meaning. He was distressed and empty. As adrift as so many people are in this present day.

2:18-23 It depressed Solomon to think that everything he procured would pass to some unknown person. It occurred to him that a lifestyle of acquisition of material, wealth and even fame was pointless. He could not keep or claim any of it permanently. Moreover, a life spent working tirelessly to have things made a person weary and despondent. 

2:24-26 Quality of life comes from a relationship with God. Even a simple life, with God, is joyful, fulfilling and good. God provides our for our needs but also for our hopes. He also provides peace and purpose. Solomon realized that enjoyment of life comes from the hand of God. 

He tried other methods... they failed to make him happy and fulfilled. Life without God is busy and chaotic, wearisome and bothersome. And fruitless... because all good things flow back to God's good children.

OT: The Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 1

Ecclesiastes 1:1-18

The book of Ecclesiastes is scripture that helps us to live a fulfilling life on earth. It helps us to recognize the separation between body and spirit and then to link them in productive purpose in faith. King Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes; he used his position and resources to investigate the purpose of life. Everything was within his grasp, so he was able to test and weigh all things and lifestyles.

1:1-2 Solomon's first observation was that... all is vanity. Solomon found that all earthly goods and pleasures were vain and vapid pursuits. None of them gave him fulfillment or lasting joy.

1:3 It is unwise to live life to procure. At the end of the day (and life), the acquisition of material things does not change the fact that all humans pass on from the earth and require meaning before they do so.

1:4-7 Generations of people live and pass, but as time continues, humans continue to experience the same seasons and emotions. Without a connection to spirit, life would be mundane. The laws of nature are firmly established; subtle things change but ultimately humans do not.

1:8 Solomon realized that desire cannot be satisfied, and the effort to try to satisfy desire is labor wearisome beyond expression. 

1:9-11 Time passes, generations change, but humans remain the same. Solomon realized that without a spiritual connection in life, neither past nor future hold anything new or of value to present humans.

1:12-14 Solomon made it his mission to discover the purpose of life, to find meaning. From an existentialist standpoint, he felt that life was a burdensome task given to humans. An exercise... but for what? From everything he has observed as a rich, powerful man, all seemed quite meaningless. Without God, life does seem burdensome and meaningless. Without God, it is frustrating and fruitless, wearisome and even disheartening. 

1:15 Without God there is no order or correction, no possible, purposeful change.

1:16-17 Solomon, because of his great status, was able to realize that wealth and power and satisfaction of desire were not enough to give a person fulfillment. He endeavored to understand more, the deeper meaning. Something authentic that lasts. He did not want to live a purposeless existence and he helps us to avoid that fate as well. He was unable to find happiness in worldly things, we will be unable as well. 

1:18 All of the wisdom in the world does not help us to solve the despair of disparity, or loneliness or fear. Humans require a relationship with God in order to truly fulfill their spirits.

OT: The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 31

Proverbs 31:1-31

31:1 King Lemuel is speculated to be King Solomon. Lemuel may have been a "pet name" Solomon's mother used when speaking to her son. Here she contemplates what important counsel she can give her son as he reigns. She grew him, she promised to raise him well. 

31:2-3 She warned Solomon not to have a marriage which distracted him from his faith. Romantic or not, the partnerships we have on earth should be founded in faith. It is so easy for us to "go astray", to forget the commandments of God and the vows we make to him. Therefore, we must ensure that we surround ourselves (and attach ourselves) to people who make us better and help us to live in accordance with God's will.

31:4-7 The king is cautioned only to reign soberly. The consumption of alcohol impairs judgement and subsequently perverts justice.

31:8-9 His mother advises him to be a voice for the people who have none. We have a responsibility as humans (and especially when we are in positions of power or leadership) to advocate for natural human rights.

31:10 And then his mother begins to speak about the blessing of having a faithful wife (a wife faithful in marriage but also in her relationship with God). A virtuous marriage is worth more than wealth.

31:11 When two people are faithful and trustworthy to each other, their partnership prospers.

31:12 A virtuous relationship provides goodness to each person's heart and life; in addition to what our relationship with God provides, a loyal marriage provides the support and companionship, love and compassion, patience and encouragement that we all need to thrive.

31:13-14 A good spouse is productive and resourceful. 

31:15 A good spouse is alert and active in caring for the family.

31:16 A good spouse looks for and recognizes good spaces and opportunities for their family. And when they are blessed with those spaces and opportunities they are productive within them, creating a nourishing environment for their family. They abound the blessings given by God, perpetuating His goodness to bring further joy to the family.

31:17 A good spouse is strong in faith and courage.

31:18 A good spouse is a light in the darkness; a beacon, and guide along the path of God's will.

31:19 A good spouse is ready and willing to reach out and work for the family's well-being.

31:20 A good spouse is gracious and generous, especially to those in need. The empathy of a good spouse influences and blesses the family while supporting God's children in need.

31:21 A good spouse plans and prepares to keep the family safe and warm. Their relationship with God allows them to perceive widely and prepare well for upcoming circumstances and possible events.

31:22 A good spouse is clothed in good faith and well cared for by the blessings of the Lord.

31:23-24 A spouse who supports their partner (in any way they can) ensures that their partner succeeds in their endeavors.

31:25 A good spouse is arrayed in strength and honor; joy is along their path.

31:26 A good spouse is wise and kind.

31:27 A good spouse is vigilant and productive.

31:28-29 Children raised by virtuous parents recognize their parents as blessed. So also is a virtuous spouse recognized by the other.

31:30 Choose a spouse who is faithful and kind and wise; it is more important to choose a virtuous spouse than a charming or vain person.

31:31 Each spouse should be recognized and appreciated by the other for their efforts.

OT: The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 30

Proverbs 30:1-33

30:1-3 The writer of this proverb introduces themselves with humility; they do not feel particularly wise. However, they at least have enough self-awareness to recognize their own human limitations.

30:4 The writer began with these questions concerning the wonder of God. For many people, the journey of faith begins with a few existential questions.

30:5 Through out time and study with God and scripture, we come to understand that the words of God are pure. They are honest, objective, compassionate, orderly advice. The writer was able to make confident proclamations through his own experience: God is a shield to the people who put their trust in Him.

30:6 We should never add to the word or law of God; we must stick to the doctrine God established.

30:7-9 As we grow in wisdom we realize we only have time and energy for truths. We learn that the word of God is the actual sustenance of our lives; for a starved soul cannot thrive, even with riches. We learn that when we depart from God's word we find ourselves in the midst of a famine, and in that famine, we give into base emotions and temptations.

The writer of this proverb realized that he needed to spend time with God in order to remain on track.

30:10 Do not mistreat people.

30:11-14 God is displeased with the generation of people who have no respect for others but too much pride in themselves. Their actions are harmful and oppressive.

30:15 Desire is like a leech; it is never satisfied.

30:16 The writer observed that there are things in life that are never satisfied: the grave, the infertile womb, a desert land and a fire. We must understand that temptations cannot be satisfied. They only way to satisfy our souls is through a relationship with God and everything He has to teach.

30:17 Disrespect and mockery, especially to parents, is scavenger behavior.

30:18-19 Yet the design of the earth is beautiful to the point of incomprehensibility: the flight of an eagle, the path of the serpent, the ship in the sea, and new love.

30:20 An unrepentant adulterer feels no accountability for their actions. God wants us to be loyal in faith.

30:21-23 It is dangerous and difficult to bear when someone without responsibility suddenly gains power, when someone unqualified finds themselves in a position which requires skill and character.

30:24-28 Scripture teaches us to learn from nature and to appreciate seemingly humble things: the comradery even of ants, the skill of badgers, the order of locusts, the artistry of spiders. Humble things are capable of greatness.

30:29-31 We can observe solemnity in lions, greyhounds and goats. They have their own order and system. We have examples of strength and leadership and humility in nature.

30:32-33 We are asked not to be foolish or arrogant. It is a decision we must make in every action that we do. We must strive toward humility and wisdom, and God teaches us how to do that. Before bad behavior inevitably causes strife, we must learn.