Ecclesiastes 9: An Equal End
I was reminded the last few days of how "I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate" (Romans 7:15). My flesh is so weak. In case you weren't aware, just because I write Bible studies doesn't mean I don't struggle. I am not exempt from temptations or warring between my sinful flesh and the Spirit. Some days are harder than others, and I wrestle with temptation like every other believer (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Ecclesiastes 8: This World Is Broken
If you're not following along on Instagram or Facebook, be sure to do so. We've been working through Proverbs 3 lately, which contains six sets of instructions. Each section includes a call to act in wisdom. It's an appeal for living in the Light, fearing the Lord in all respects, and it ties closely to both Ecclesiastes 7 and 8.
Ecclesiastes 7: Why Do The Righteous Suffer?
Ecclesiastes 6: The Weakness of Wealth
There have been seasons where I wanted “the answer.” I tried to understand the past. I wanted to see pieces of the puzzle I couldn't see. I craved to know what I couldn't figure out. However, through the years, I have learned to rest in the work of the Cross. It was all seen — and paid for — on Calvary.
Ecclesiastes 5: Robbing God
One day, we'll read our own stories. The ups and downs. The ebbs and flows. We’ll read the paragraphs where life smeared the ink and the pages stuck together with pain. I'm confident that when we read our story — cover to cover — we'll finish it knowing God was magnificently at work. He is the author and finisher of our faith.
Ecclesiastes 4: Learning Contentment In An Unfair World
I have to be careful about what magazines and books I buy to peruse, the shows and movies I watch, and other "intakes" of life. When I fail to guard my heart (Proverbs 4:23), it causes my heart to have "the wants." I begin desire or daydreaming of something else instead of practicing contentment in the present moment.
For Such A Time As This
Ecclesiastes 2: Frustrated With Life
In chapters 1 and 2, the skeptical and pessimistic Solomon presents four arguments that seem to prove how life is not worth living. Those four arguments are the monotony of life (which we talked about some last week), the vanity of wisdom (1:12-18, 2:12-17), the futility of wealth (2:1-11), and the certainty of death (2:12-23).
Ecclesiastes 1: Hebel and Hope
I mentioned in the intro and the YouTube video about Solomon's posture in writing this book: it was from a broken and carnal state. We must remember this as we study Ecclesiastes. It has a disappointing perspective because this was toward the end of Solomon's life when he was living contrary to God's Word. We’re going to talk this week about the difference between hebel (a vapor) and hope (the absolute expectation of coming good).
5 Tips For Studying Your Bible
Where's God in a Broken World?
Connecting To God's Mission
I’m currently working at home (I’m in the tech and payments industry) and the boys are doing their studies with the help of me and my husband. So, for those of you who are adjusting to new routines and learning how to work remotely (and actually get work done)—while managing childcare and studies—I get you! Let’s choose to use this season—that can be a bit chaotic—to create memorable memories for the next generation.
Wayward No Longer: The Finality of Hosea
Why Am I Here? Hosea 13
“Let us specially beware of one great mistake. Many Christians think their own salvation is the first thing; their temporal life and prosperity, with the care of their family, the second; and what of time and interest is left may be devoted to fruit-bearing, to the saving of men. No wonder that in most cases very little time or interest can be found. No, Christian, the one object with which you have been made a member of Christ's Body is that …”
Godly Parental Discipline: Hosea 12
A Loving Father: Hosea 11
Plow Your Ground: Hosea 10
This week, we finish up God's sentence on sinful Israel. Don't be discouraged—His tender mercies and pronunciation of love are coming! His unfailing love for us is at the ready, but we cannot receive God's love when we're unwilling to turn from our sin. Let’s learn this week how we can tend to the soil of our heart and reap His blessing.
Modern-Day Idols: Hosea 9
We must ask God to reveal to us whether we're sacrificing to false gods of the modern-day culture we live in. Food, sex, money, entertainment, success, social media, and even our own families can take the place of God. We can begin to ascribe worth to these activities, and they can slowly creep onto the throne of our hearts and displace God.
