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Date Posted: 07:33:08 09/07/24 Sat
Author: c
Subject: Ecclesiastes and Helpful Reminders continued (UPDATED)

Today in the Word Devotional September 2024

Practical Theology

Two Views of Life

by Dr. John Koessler

p 4

(edited)


"The occasionally grim realism of Ecclesiastes is understandable when we realize that it tells only one part of the story."

I've heard people say that "seeing is believing." However, for the author of the book of Ecclesiastes, what he saw caused him to say that life is meaningless (Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:1,11,15,17,19,21,23,26). Based on what happens "under the sun," life can seem empty and absurd. This may come as a shock. Not only because we find it in the Bible but also because it seems to be the conclusion of someone known to be wise (Ecclesiastes 12:9) What are we to make of the writer's repeated observation that the world is a place where the righteous appear to be no better off the the wicked (Ecclesiastes 7:15; 8:14; 9:2)?

The book of Ecclesiastes highlights the difference between a life lived by faith and a life based on sight alone. Many of the author's most troubling assertions begin with the phrase, "I have seen..." (Ecclesiastes 1:14; 3:10; 5:13; 6:1; 7:15; 9:11; 10:5,7). After surveying the evidence for life's emptiness, he realizes what he sees does not tell the whole story. A truly biblical view of life must also consider the unseen God and those aspects of His plan that we cannot see. Ultimately, God will have the final say. He will "bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing" (Eccl. 12:14).

Like the author, we often have certain expectations about how things should work. We believe life should be fair. Shouldn't God punish those who do bad things and reward those who do what is right? So when this does not happen, we may question whether God is truly in control or whether righteousness is worthwhile. But to grasp the whole story, we must not limit ourselves to appearances alone. There is more to life than what the eye has seen (1 Cor. 2:9). Second Corinthians 5:7 reminds us that "we life by faith, not by sight." The occasionally grim realism of Ecclesiastes is understandable when we realize that it tells only one part of the story. To find life's true meaning, we must look for it in God, Who has revealed Himself through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). He is both our righteousness and our true reward.

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Today in the Word 9/1/24

Who is this teacher?

1 Kings 10:1-11:13

(edited)


The words of the teacher, son of David, king of Jerusalem - Ecclesiastes 1:1


...The author of Kings calls him "wiser than anyone else" (1 Kings 3:12), and credits him with writing 3,000 proverbs and over a thousand songs.

Yet, this same Solomon amassed enormous amounts of gold and silver, imported horses from Egypt, and married 700 women (in addition to 300 concubines) - thus defying the Lord's mandate for kings in Deuteronomy 17. Solomon's sexual sin led to his downfall - his wives "turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God" (1 Kings 11:4). Because of this, the Lord said, "I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you" (1 Kings 11:11).

Solomon's history complicates our reading of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. You may wonder: Should these books be ignored based on his reputation? Or should we just overlook his sin? Neither is appealing! But there is another way: Knowing Solomon's story helps us appreciate more fully the divine authorship of Scripture and reminds us that all of us - except our Lord Himself - have the propensity toward great sin.

Russell L. Meek

--=

Today in the Word

9/2/24

Is everything meaningless?

Ecclesiastes 1:1-2

"Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless!" - Ecclesiastes 1:2

(edited)


The word translated "meaningless" is hebel in Hebrew; It appears nearly 40 times in Ecclesiastes. It's been translated negatively since Jerome used vanitas ("vanity") in his Latin Vulgate. But in Hebrew it means "breath" or "vapor" and is used metaphorically to refer to things that do not produce their intended results. Interestingly, the name "Abel" is also derived from the word hebel. In Genesis 4, we see an early example of the "upside-down world" in which we now live. Righteous Abel received the curse of wickedness - a short life, no family, no land, no wealth. While his brother Cain, acting with wickedness, received the blessing of righteousness - a long life, a large family, and wealth.

This upside-down world is what the Teacher refers to when he calls something hebel. Life has been turned upside down by sin....

Every time you see the world "meaningless" in Ecclesiastes, try inserting the phrase "like Abel." Ecclesiastes is an honest assessment of life "under the sun." It is also a robust theological reflection on how to navigate this world - through living in right relationship with God and enjoying His gifts.

Russell L. Meek

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Today in the Word 9/17/24

Happy and sad

Ecclesiastes 7:1-14

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. - Ecclesiastes 7:14

(edited)

In Ecclesiastes 7, we learn that God did not create life to be the same day after day - an eternal state of happiness. Verse 14 says: "When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other." It is during bad times that we need to remember that everything in life is under God's control. Reading that "God has made the one as well as the other" can be a pretty uncomfortable truth...The Teacher wants us not to put our faith in our circumstances, since even the best day can change in an instant. Rather, we are to place our trust in our unchanging God (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8).

Russell L. Meek

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Today in the Word 9/18/24

None are righteous

Ecclesiastes 7:15-22

Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins. - Ecclesiastes 7:20

(edited)

...First, the Teacher points out the unfairness of the long life of the wicked and short life of the righteous, then just a few verses later he tells us that none of us is actually righteous. None of us does what is right and never sins.

We would all agree that there are degrees of wickedness. Adultery in objectively different from the sin of lust, yet Jesus tells us, "Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:27)....Sin dwells in our hearts, and unseen, private sin is just as devastating to our souls as the outward acts that evil thoughts give birth to. None of us is righteous.

Russell L. Meek

--=

Today in the Word 9/19/24

God's original intent

Ecclesiastes 7:23-8:1

This only have I found: God created mankind upright, but they have gone in search of many schemes. - Ecclesiastes 7:29

(edited)


...Throughout the book of Ecclesiastes, the author points to the very beginning of the Bible, the book of Genesis. By reading this foundational first book, we understand God's gifts to us, what it looked like to live in relationship with God, and how sin entered the world. Unfortunately, we also learn about that great equalizer, death.


Just like Adam and Eve in the Garden, all of us want to blame someone else when we sin, and often we shift the blame to God Himself. The Teacher nips that thinking in the bud. It is not God Who created us to do evil. Rather, "God created mankind upright, but they have gone in search of many schemes" (Ecclesiastes 7:29). The Good News in Genesis 3 is that even though humans are responsible for sin, God promised a way out. The woman's Descendant (Jesus!) would crush the serpent's head (Genesis 3:15).

Russell L. Meek

----=

Today in the Word 9/23/24

The Great Equalizer

Ecclesiastes 9:1-6

All share a common destiny - the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad. - Ecclesiastes 9:2)

(edited)

In Ecclesiastes 9:1-6 the Teacher gives voice to what many of us may have thought before: "This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all" (Eccl. 9:3). This passage is difficult to understand, particularly since Christians today have the benefit of the New Testament, which clearly teaches the resurrection of the dead and eternal life for those who trust in Jesus (John 11:25; Acts 24:15; 1 Cor. 15:12, 42).

Does Ecclesiastes contradict the New Testament? I don't think so, for a few reasons. First, even though the Teacher expresses his frustration that death is the great equalizer, he has repeatedly expressed his faith in God and highlighted the importance of living in relationship with Him.

Second, the concept of progressive revelation teaches that as time progressed, God more fully revealed Himself in Scripture. Thus, Ecclesiastes does not contradict the resurrection of the dead, because God had not yet fully revealed that truth. Now that we have the fuller revelation of Scripture, we can affirm even more fully the Teacher's reflection on the "evil" of death as the great equalizer. In fact, death is so abhorrent to the Lord of life, that the Son died on the cross in order to conquer death and atone for sin. So we can agree with the Teacher, while also rejoicing that death has been defeated! "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? (1 Cor. 15:55).

Russell L. Meek

---=

Today in the Word 9/25/24

The Value of Wisdom

Ecclesiastes 9:13-10:7

Wisdom is better than strength. - Ecclesiastes 9:16

(edited)

He extols the virtue of a calm reaction to accusations: "If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest" (Eccl. 10:4). Similar advice is found in the book of Proverbs: "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1)....How would it look if we followed this advice in the ordinary situations of life?

Russell L. Meek

----=

Today in the Word 9/28/24

Life within God's boundaries

Ecclesiastes 11:7-10

You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. - Ecclesiastes 11:9

(edited)


...The Teacher is clear that God has given us gifts to enjoy - food, work, wine, and a spouse. And he's clear that the ability to enjoy such things is itself a gift. And he is clear here - and especially so is chapter 12 - that true joy, fulfillment, hope, happiness, life occur only within the context of a flourishing relationship with our Creator. Outside of fearing God, His good and perfect gifts twist into the grotesque and idolatrous: drunkenness, gluttony, workaholism, and sexual deviance.

The Teacher is no hedonist or modern advertiser who wants us to believe that consumption fulfills us. Rather, he is a faithful guide who calls us to enjoy God's gifts within the boundaries God has established - for our good and God's glory.

Russell L. Meek

---=

Today in the Word 9/29/24

Young and Old

Ecclesiastes 12:1-8

Remember your Creator in the days of your youth. - Ecclesiastes 12:1

(edited)

When I was a kid my mom told me stories about my uncle who, she said, did all sorts of wild and crazy things before he accepted Christ. It was not her intent, and my uncle would be horrified to learn this, but I took these stories to mean that I should do whatever I wanted to when I was young, and when I got older, I could follow Jesus.

Ecclesiastes 12 highlights the folly of my thinking. Rather than wait until we are old to follow Jesus, the Teacher tells us that the "days of your youth" is when we should "remember your Creator" (Eccl. 12;1)....Before the "days of trouble come," before the years in which we find no pleasure, before our bodies begin to break down, that is when we should seek the Lord.

The Teacher doesn't mean that we should not remember our Creator at life's end; of course we should! The plea, rather, is to remember the Lord - that is, to live in right relationship with Him - during all those days when we are tempted to think we have no need of God because life is so good. We find it easy to turn to the Lord in times of crisis, and that is good and right. But we must seek Him in the good times as well, for true life is found only in a relationship with God. Indeed, even the good gifts God gives us can only be fully enjoyed in the context of a relationship with Him. What's more, none of us know when death will come; therefore, we must not, we cannot, wait until the end to turn our hearts toward the Lord.

Russell L. Meek

---=

Today in the Word 9/30/24

Don't miss the message

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His Commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. - Ecclesiastes 12:13

(edited)


In Ecclesiastes, the Teacher has emphasized a few key points in his Genesis-shaped discussion of life. First, this life is marked by vanity or futility; it has been turned upside down because of sin. Sometimes there is wickedness in the place of righteousness; sometimes the fastest runner doesn't win the race; sometimes the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer. This "upside-downness" may tempt us to despair, but the Teacher tells us how to thrive in this sin-riddled world. Second, God has given us many things to enjoy. These gifts point us back toward the garden of Eden and forward to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Enjoying God's gifts brings a small taste of life before sin and life when sin no longer reigns.

Third, our lives must be lived in relationship with God. In verse 13 we read that fearing God and keeping His Commandments is the "whole duty of all mankind." The word "duty" is absent in the original Hebrew text. Translators have supplied that word to try to make sense of what the Teacher is saying. In Hebrew he says that "the whole" or "the all of humanity" is fearing God and keeping His Commandments. It is not our duty to be in relationship with God; it is our whole. It's what it means to be human.

....He inaugurated the New Covenant in the Blood of His Son, Jesus - the only Way to have forgiveness of sins and restored relationship with God.

Go Deeper

Are you living as a whole human being? Or is something crucial missing in your life? If you haven't trusted in Jesus, do it today!

Russell L. Meek

----=

Today in the Word

8/12/24

Job: I've been humiliated

(edited)

The beautiful thing about Job, which is often missed in the back-and-forth dialogue, is his hope in God in the midst of his loss. Three wonderful verses are placed in the center of his response. He exclaims, "Even now my Witness is in Heaven; my Advocate is on high. My Intercessor is my Friend as my eyes pour out tears to God, on behalf of a man He pleads with God as one pleads for his friend" (Job 16:19-21).

Earlier in the book, we read that Job was looking for an arbitrator. Now, he declares that he has an advocate in Heaven that is pleading on his behalf. Job is certain that even if men and women falsely accuse him, he has an advocate in Heaven. We know that Advocate to be Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1);

In the crucible of his conflict, one of two things is happening. Either Job is progressively sharing more of the truth he knows, or Job is realizing more about God in the midst of his turmoil. Either way, it is a reminder to us that often we walk closer to God during times of pain and are more open to His truth when we hurt.

Eric W. Moore

---=


The Wisdom Books: Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes - A translation and commentary

(Translator and Commentator - Robert Alter)

Ecclesiastes (Qohelet)


p 378 - 379

Ecclesiastes 9:11

I returned to see under the sun that not to the swift is the race and not to the mighty, the battle, nor to the wise, bread, nor to the discerning wealth, nor to those who know, favor, for a time of mishap will befall them all.

Ecclesiastes 9:11

11. for a time of mishap. The Hebrew 'et upega', literally 'time and mishap," is in all likelihood a hendiadys, hence the translation. The phrase is probably an oblique reference to death. Qohelet is not saying that the fastest runner will lose the race or the mighty warrior will be defeated in battle but rather that all human triumphs are temporary and therefore illusory, for death obliterates everything.

(Hendiadys - the expression of a single idea by two words connected with “and,” e.g., nice and warm, when one could be used to modify the other, as in nicely warm.)

---=


Ecclesiastes 9:11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.


The words “time” and “chance” in this verse have been translated that way in several different translations. You can find several commentaries about this verse that claim that “time and chance” are different from the Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ’s control or providence.

Before you agree with those interpretations, you should note that there are many commentaries that do analyze “time and chance” as being under the Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ’s control or providence:


http://biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/9.htm

Pulpit commentary

Everything has its proper season appointed by God, and man is powerless to control these arrangements. Our English word "chance" conveys an erroneous impression. What is meant is rather "incident," such as a calamity, disappointment, unforeseen occurrence. All human purposes are liable to be changed or controlled by circumstances beyond man's power, and incapable of explanation. A hand higher than man's disposes events, and success is conditioned by superior laws which work unexpected results.


---=

http://biblehub.com/commentaries/poole/ecclesiastes/9.htm

Matthew Poole’s commentary


Time and chance happeneth to them all; there are some times or seasons unknown and casual to men, but certain and determined by God, in which alone He will give men success.


---=

http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Ecc/Ecc_009.cfm?a=668011


Matthew Henry Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9

2. He resolves all these disappointments into an over-ruling power and providence, the disposals of which to us seem casual, and we call them chance, but really they are according to the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, here called time, in the language of this book, ch. 3:1; Ps 31:15. Time and chance happen to them all. A sovereign Providence breaks men's measures, and blasts their hopes, and teaches them that the way of man is not in himself, but subject to the divine will. We must use means, but not trust to them; if we succeed, we must give God the praise (Ps. 44:3) if we be crossed, we must acquiesce in His will and take our lot.

---=

http://biblehub.com/commentaries/kad/ecclesiastes/9.htm

Keil and Delitzsch OT Commentary

God alone gives the victory (Psalm 33:16). Even so the gaining of bread, riches, favour (i.e., influence, reputation), does not lie in wisdom, prudence, knowledge of themselves, as an indispensable means thereto; but the obtaining of them, or the not obtaining of them, depends on times and circumstances which lie beyond the control of man, and is thus, in the final result, conditioned by God (cf. Romans 9:16);

---=

http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/jfb/Ecc/Ecc_009.cfm?a=668011

Ecclesiastes; or the Preacher

Commentary by A.R. Fausset

chance - seemingly, really Providence. But as man cannot "find it out" (Ecc 3:11), he needs "with all might" to use opportunities. Duties are ours; events, God's.

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http://biblehub.com/commentaries/homiletics/ecclesiastes/9.htm

Pulpit Commentary Homiletics

2. God's intervening wisdom. It may often happen that God sees that human strength or wisdom has outlived its modesty, its beauty, and its worth, and that it needs to be checked and broken. So He sends defeat where victory has been assured, poverty where wealth has been confidently reckoned upon, discomfiture and rejection where men have been holding out their hand for favor and reward.

III. THE PRACTICAL CONCLUSIONS?

1. Do not count too confidently on outward good. Work for it faithfully, hope for it with a well-moderated expectation, but do not set your heart upon it as an indispensable blessing. Be prepared to do without it. Have those inner, deeper, diviner resources which will fill the heart with grace and the life with an admirable contentment, even if the goal is not gained and the prize is not secured. Be supplied with those treasures which the thief cannot steal, and which will leave the soul rich though the bank be broken and the purse be emptied.

2. Guard carefully against the worst evils. Be so fortified with Divine truth and sacred principles within, and secure so much of God's favor and protection from above, that no snares of sin will be able to mislead and to betray - that the feet will never be found entangled in the nets of the enemy.

3. Anticipate the Divine discipline. Live in such conscious and in such acknowledged dependence upon God for every stroke that is struck, for all strength and wisdom that are gained, for all bounties and all honors that are reaped, that there will be no need for the intervening hand of Heaven to break your schemes or to remove your treasures. - C.

---=


It is wise to realize that Ecclesiastes is a complex book and that other well-known and “controversial” verses that promote the activity “eat, drink and be merry” (Ecclesiastes 8:15, 9:7 verses so controversial that Time magazine in the Sunday, Jan. 09, 2005 issue in an article written by David Van Biema claimed that Jesus Christ in Luke 12:19,20 “seems to take a slap at Ecclesiastes”) have been analyzed by some Jewish scholars as actually promoting “studying the Scriptures and being merry” (Jesus may have been slapping at wrong interpretations of the book Ecclesiastes in Luke 12:19,20).

That claim seems to be mirrored in the Gospel of John chapter 6:

John 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.

So, in conclusion, be very careful about accepting negative interpretations of the book Ecclesiastes because there seems to be a lot going on under the surface of the book Ecclesiastes.


---=

intouch.org Daily devoton 8/1/24

Handling Difficult Circumstances

Focus on Jesus instead of your difficulties—He will provide deliverance, comfort, and peace.

Philippians 3:8-11

The apostle Paul understood how to handle tough situations. Even while he was in prison, he kept his eyes on Christ. Therefore, despite being in chains, he was able to celebrate the Lord’s work in his life. In fact, the epistle he wrote from jail to the Philippians was filled with rejoicing and praise (Phil. 1:18; Phil. 2:18; Phil. 3:1).

Focusing on Christ is neither a natural reaction nor an easy one. Our instinct is to dwell on the circumstance at hand, searching for solutions or stewing over the pain and difficulty. As a result, troubles can look scary and overwhelming.

However, fear and defeat can’t live long in a heart that trusts the Lord. That’s not to say you’ll forget what you’re going through, but you can choose to dwell on God’s provision and care instead. He is our Deliverer (2 Cor. 1:10), Healer (Jer. 17:14), and Guide (Ps. 23:3). The believer who lays claim to divine promises discovers that God pushes back negative emotions and replaces them with hope, confidence, and contentment. This doesn’t mean you’ll be happy about a difficult situation, but you can be satisfied that God is in control and working things for your good.

Focus on Christ instead of your circumstances—God will give comfort and bring you through the trial. Then you’ll be ready to answer Paul’s call to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4).

--=

PowerPoint by Pastor Jack Graham 8/7/24

satan's a liar

(edited)

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. he said to the woman, “Did God actually say…?”

-- Genesis 3:1

One of satan’s favorite strategies is to try to make you and me doubt God’s word. And this is exactly the tack he took with Eve in the Garden of Eden. Remember the story?

satan told Eve, "God knows if you take of this fruit and you eat, you will be as God. God's holding out on you, Eve. He says He loves you, but He’s really jealous. Take and eat, enjoy, fulfill yourself and you'll be happy!"

Can you see how satan distorted and twisted what God told Eve and caused her to doubt the love of God. And that’s what he does with us today. he comes to us with half truths and innuendos and tries to plant questions in our mind concerning God.

he especially likes to do this when we’re facing trials and struggles. he comes when you’re weak and says, "Does God really care about you?" That’s because if he can get you to doubt God’s word and love, then it’s a slippery slope into the sin of unbelief. This is exactly how sin entered the human race through Adam and Eve.

Don’t be deceived by the enemy. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

DON’T BE DECEIVED BY the enemy!

----=

Turning Points Devotional September 2024

Trust: Stay Alert. Stay the Course. Stay Tuned.

by Dr.David Jeremiah

(edited)


p 16 - 17

...God allowed satan to afflict Job and take him into a time of suffering. Though Job never cursed God, he did doubt God. He couldn't understand why God was allowing him to suffer in spite of having done nothing wrong. Being "sober" and "vigilant" - being alert and self-controlled - means that we should recognize the potential for doubt to creep in whenever we enter into a time of hardship. As soon as something "bad" happens - whether it is a small thing or a catastrophic event - an alarm bell should go off in our head and heart: satan may use the event to suggest that we cannot have confidence (trust) in God.

As soon as the dark clouds appear, put on your spiritual armor, pray, and meditate on God's promises. Do not let doubt creep in!


...The darker the clouds, the more we should ask God for wisdom to understand and navigate the situation. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6). Both James and Solomon warn against a doubting heart; instead, they say trust in the Lord with all your heart. Doubting means being tossed about by the winds of trouble (James 1:6).

Trust grows in times of trouble. Don't resist those times in your life. Embrace them, and let God show you what He will do for those who trust in Him. "Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" (Psalm 34:8)

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intouch.org Daily devotion 9/10/24

The Purpose of our trials

1 Peter 4:12-13

(edited)

Some believers like to portray their life as ideal and carefree. But in reality, being a Christian isn't easy. In fact, sometimes we'll experience trials that truly test our faith and ability to trust in God.

In today's passage, Peter refers to times of testing as a "fiery ordeal." He says we shouldn't be surprised when adversity comes. It's important to remember that God has a purpose for our difficulties and will see us through them (Romans 5:3-5). Here are some of the goals He may have for painful experiences:

- At times the Lord uses hardship to cleanse us. Trials drive us to Him. And as we focus on God, we're increasingly able to see things from His perspective.

- A difficulty in our life may be the Lord's way of testing us. He could be trying our faith, endurance, or devotion to Him.

- God uses suffering to demonstrate His power to sustain us When He brings us through challenging times, He glorifies Himself. In turn, this encourages others, because they have witnessed God's sustaining power in our life.

Ultimately, hardships strengthen our testimony. In the midst of our struggles, we might feel overwhelmed and discouraged. But once the storm has passed, we can often look back and see the Lord's providential hand carrying us through.

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intouch.org Daily devotion 9/22/24

God's provision in adversity

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

(edited)

Yesterday, we looked at three provisions believers can count on during adversity: God's presence, a pathway through trouble, and potential to grow. Today, let's explore two more.

1. Protection. God doesn't necessarily keep believers from distress or disappointment. Stopping the storms may be our goal, but from His point of view, the adversity may be necessary to mature us spiritually. However, the Father offers protection by staying with us in the struggle. What's more, we have assurance that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). So our ever-present God walks with us through the hardships, providing guidance and speaking truth into the situation.

2. Peace. While difficulties cause many people anxiety, God's peace is available to us. This serenity does not depend on whether circumstances improve. Rather, it's a result of our relationship with Him. Our main focus shouldn't be on fixing the problem; rather, we should seek and trust in the Lord.

As we recognize the Lord's provision during trials, we genuinely express gratitude. Doing so will enable us to fix our eyes on Him rather than on our circumstance. While we often aren't aware of the purpose for each trial facing us, we do know that God is trustworthy and good - and He won't waste our suffering.

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Beside the Still Waters 9/24/24

Even your best friend

Faithful are the wounds of a friend - Proverbs 27:6

(edited)

"Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8). Receiving criticism charitably is just as important as giving it in a spirit that will strengthen a relationship instead of impairing it. All of us have blind spots, but if we are truly open to receiving and giving honest counsel among yourselves, we will grow in spirit both as individuals and as entire congregations.

Pete Lewis

He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue. - Proverbs 28:23

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Beside the Still Waters 10/31/24

What kind of fire?

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I...He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost,and with fire. - Matthew 3:11

(edited)

...We need to hate sin and take immediate action against it. That includes acknowledgement, repentance, confession, restitution, and a real change in behavior. Unrepentant sinners can take some of these steps. But only the truly humble, repentant sinners can experience and demonstrate the beauty of a new life in Jesus Christ. Their hearts are aglow with holy fire, the fire of love.

What kind of fire is aglow in our heart? May we take quick, active steps to help fuel the great fire of love in God's Kingdom.

Levi Jay Beechy


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intouch.org Radio 8/19/24

The Valley Experiences in Our Life - Part 2

(excerpts)


12:55

I learned something about the valley: it can be painful - totally beyond anything we can do. But if He's doing something good within us, it's worth the trip. But I have to be willing to respond right. And recognize that He has a purpose for it all. Maybe something's not bad, but He wants it to be better. And remember this, that whatever valley you're in - God's up to something. And that is why it is so important for you and I to profit from it.


17:31

But I can just tell you this: the worst valley I've ever walked through, I walked through it for a long time. I wouldn't wish that valley on anybody. But I can tell you this: nor would I take anything for the lessons that I have learned and am still learning. I wouldn't take anything for the way God has worked in me personally - what He's cleansed me of and the joy He's given to my heart that I would never have believed in the midst of the valley when it was the most painful - I would never be able to see. And when I see how God works in our life, and what He's willing and able to do, I realize that valleys make us more useful to God.


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intouch.org Daily devotion 8/23/24

How to Listen to God

Spend time regularly in God's Word, and you'll learn to hear His voice.


Isaiah 50:4-5

Most of us are better at talking than listening, but communicating with God involves both. The Lord intends for His children to hear His voice.

Scripture is one of the main instruments our Father uses to speak to us. For this reason, studying the Bible is incredibly important. When we regularly spend time in God’s Word, we’ll develop a discerning spirit.

Regardless of how loudly God speaks, we won’t hear unless listening is a priority. We must ask the Lord to teach us to hear and then practice having a quiet attitude. An internal “receiver” tuned to the Father develops only through committed prayer, meditation, and practice at listening. In addition, we need a spirit of submission to obey His commands.

God’s goal for us is a lifestyle of sensitivity so we can hear Him in both noisy and calm situations. Listening is a critical skill for ensuring that our hearts are open to divine guidance in every circumstance. Regularly spending time reading and meditating on Scripture has many blessings, including that we more readily recognize our Father’s voice (John 10:27).

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From the Pastor's Heart by Dr. Charles Stanley

September 2024

(edited)

...Christ's peace is nothing like the world's peace because it prevails over our circumstances. It's entirely based on our relationship with Him. The Greek word for peace means to bind together. In Christ, our brokenness is made whole again. We experience His divine healing within our emotions. As a result, we obtain stillness, steadfastness, and stability for any situation. Once you now this kind of peace, you will never exchange it for what the world offers.

Sure, there will be moments when you feel overwhelmed with sudden fear or anxiety, but you don't have to stay in that condition. Pray. Focus on Christ and on encouraging words from Scripture, until His peace floods into your heart and your mind (Philippians 4:6-7).

There have been times in my own life when I've walked through some very difficult situations. On one occasion, after going through a particularly hard time, I remember thinking, God, how faithful You are. When humanly speaking, everything in me wanted to run away, You gave me inner peace that was anchored to what would not move - the Lord Jesus Christ.

In your greatest struggles, most heartbreaking experiences, and deepest sorrows, Christ offers you peace. Acquiring it isn't a one-time event but an ongoing process. With each stressful situation, come to Christ once again in complete trust and receive His peace anew. The more you do this, the more His peace will take root and characterize your whole life.

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Our Daily Bread 10/4/24

A Christlike Response

1 Peter 2:23

When they hurled their insults at [Jesus],

He did not retaliate, when He suffered,

He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted

Himself to Him Who judges justly.


(edited)

George was working on a construction job in the heat of the Carolina summer sun when someone living nearby walked into the yard where he was working. Clearly angry, the neighbor began to curse and criticize everything about the project and how it was being done. George received the verbal blows without response until the angry neighbor stopped yelling. Then he gently responded, "You've had a really bad day, haven't you?" Suddenly, the angry neighbor's face softened, his head dipped, and he said, "I'm sorry for the way I spoke to you." George's kindness had defused the neighbor's wrath.

There are times when we want to strike back. To give abuse for abuse and insult for insult. What George modeled instead was a kindness seen most perfectly in the way Jesus bore the consequences of our sins: "When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate, when He suffered,He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him Who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23).

All of us will face moments when we're misunderstood, misrepresented, or attacked. We may want to respond in kind, but the heart of Jesus calls us to be kind, to pursue peace and display understanding. As He enables us today, perhaps God could use us to bless someone enduring a hard day.

Bill Crowder

What makes it so easy to strike back at others for their unkind words? How can you be more intentional about showing kindness to those who are unkind to you?

Caring Father, please help me to find in You the strength, grace, and wisdom to display the heart of Jesus.

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Today in the Word

10/30/24

Clothing Ourselves

Colossians 3:1-14

Clothes yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience - Colossians 3:12

(edited)


We have been raised from death to life, made alive with Christ (Colossians 3:1-4)! Our life is hidden in Him, meaning not only that it comes from Him but also that it's also with Him. As a result, our hearts - our affections and desires - should be set on things above.  Our minds - our thoughts and choices - in the same way should be focused on eternal priorities.

In the life we now live, we should be putting to death sin, including immortality, greed, and idolatry, as well as sins of the tongue such as anger, slander, and lies (vv. 5-11). Such behaviors are who we were, not who we are. In Christ, we have just put on a "new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator."

We are to clothe ourselves with virtues including compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love (vv. 12-14). We are also to forgive as Christ forgave us, freely and without limits (Matthew 18:21-22). These are not qualities we can develop or put into practice on our own. They can only be done through our life in Christ.

To clothe ourselves in this way is to live out our transformed identity as believer's "raised with Christ." Just as clothing can imply social status, the metaphor of clothing here reflects our spiritual status, the reality of our life in Him.

Go Deeper

Of all the virtues listed in Colossians 3, on which one do you need to focus the most at this time? If you're not sure, choose love, "which binds them all together in perfect unity" (v. 14).

Bradley Baurain

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Helpful Reminders (continued)

Most of the time, when a Christian is strongly considering responding and reacting or sending some kind of message about his or her own character, purpose, or level of ability, a Christian should thoroughly draw all the way back from verbally saying some kind of spoken message and rather become very focused on embodying that character trait or level of ability as much as possible in the clearest way possible also in the calmest and most controlled and careful way possible.

Putting the focus on clearly embodying a character trait or level of ability rather than telling someone verbally about those things can make a Christian effective for concrete clear results developed the right way carefully over time in a less-pressurized atmosphere, rather than spoken claims that might slip from a Christian's awareness.

If an attempt to embody a character trait slips from awareness when a Christian has not verbally claimed to have this character trait, then a Christian can recognize this situation and correct this appropriately without the high-wire/tight-rope pressure situation of an enemy looking for the slip up. But an enemy will definitely be looking at all times for a slip up if a Christian verbally claims to have a character trait or a level of ability and it will be stressful for a Christian to realize that an enemy is in position to use a Christian's spoken words to scrutinize the Christian's results (or a Christian's scrutinized attempts to get results).

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