Encounter the Bible

Welcome to Ecclesiastes.  In a book that begins with the word, "Meaningless," you have to wonder where it's all going to go.  The Teacher questions everything we read in Proverbs.  Is it really true that those who live wisely experience blessing?  The Teacher is quick to say that that hasn't been his experience.  So if the blessings of this life aren't guaranteed, why live?  What is the true purpose of living? Eventually the Teacher comes to the conclusion that the purpose in life has nothing to do with the things of this world and everything to do with our relationship with God.  If you are searching for meaning, stop looking to the things of this world (which are beautiful and given to us by God), and look to God himself and enter into that relationship by obeying his commandments.   As you read each day, take some time to reflect on what you've read.  Does it line up with your experience?  Have you asked the same questions? ...

Welcome to Week 3 of Proverbs.  This week, in addition to the proverbs attributed to Solomon, we are introduced to proverbs by Agur and King Lemuel.  We don't know much about either of them, but trust that God used them to provide words of wisdom to us several millennia later.  Our reading this week ends with the well-known epilogue about a wife of noble character.  It's interesting that the book ends with so many female references (King Lemuel's mother; wife of noble character) after the many father/son references in the beginning chapters. What the book of Proverbs offers us is an invitation to wise living: male/female, young/old.  Ultimately, Jesus Christ is our wisdom (see Proverbs 8:22ff) who rescues us from the foolishness of sin and leads us into salvation by grace through faith.  In response to this wonderful gift we've received, we are invited into wise living. As you read each day, pick out 2-3 proverbs to reflect on.  As you reflect on those...

Welcome to Week 2 of Proverbs.  Last week's readings included two types of proverbs: one that focused on wisdom and another that presented short sayings that applied to life.  This week's reading is exclusively the latter. As you read each day, pick out 2-3 proverbs to reflect on.  As you reflect on those proverbs, with the Holy Spirit's help, discern the meaning and then come up with an application that fits your life situation.  What is God speaking to you through these proverbs? Enjoy your reading!  Please share your reflections and questions.  Be sure to use the guiding questions as you read. Our guiding questions are these:  What stood out to you in the reading? Was there anything confusing or troubling? Did  anything make you think differently about God? How might what you read change the way you live?