September 4th One Year Bible Readings

Ecclesiastes 7:1-9:18 ~ 2 Corinthians 7:8-16 ~ Psalm 48:1-14 ~ Proverbs 22:17-19
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Old Testament - Our readings in Ecclesiastes today reminded me of Solomon's writings in Proverbs!  (It was likely the same author of both books - well, most of the Proverbs - hence the connection) It seemed like a series of Proverbs in today's readings - albeit with a more pessimistic view than the typical Proverbs we read...  but still, overall great teachings and great reminders of how empty and vain life is apart from God.  I love Chapter 7 verse 20, which is something we all probably need to be reminded of: "There is not a single person in all the earth who is always good and never sins."  And certainly that was true back then and now.  Jesus was the only one ever to walk the earth who never sinned.  Now, to go along with verse 20 we later read verse 28, which I'm thinking probably did not make women too happy to read: "Just one out of every thousand men I interviewed can be said to be upright, but not one woman!"  Now, first and foremost, keep in mind this is the author of Ecclesiastes' opinion or experience - not God saying this.  Scripture does not declare anywhere that women are morally inferior to men.  The bottom line of this verse is that basically no one is upright - men or women.  The next verse 29 then says: "I discovered that God created people to be upright, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path." This verse again reminds us that though we were created for righteousness, we are broken.  We are sinners.  We are in need of a Savior.  How about you?  Do you know anyone who is always good and never sins?  Anyone who does not need a Savior to forgive and heal them of their brokenness?  Do you believe God created people to be upright?  Without God and Jesus in our lives, do you think we are in severe danger of following our own downward path...

Now, another verse that says "women" but that I think could just as well say "men" is chapter 7 verse 26 - "I discovered that a seductive woman is more bitter than death. Her passion is a trap, and her soft hands will bind you. Those who please God will escape from her, but sinners will be caught in her snare."  This verse stood out to me as I read it, for one very modern and very dangerous reason:  internet pornography.  Now, I know I don't need to tell anyone reading this that internet pornography is an incredibly serious problem affecting far too many people.  Many of whom are Christians.  The reason this verse stood out to me was the reminder that internet pornography is literally a snare that so many people are caught in.  They can't escape it.  Well, they can, but it's not easy on their own.  I have a hunch that someone reading this is addicted to internet pornography.  Or, maybe isn't addicted - yet - but checks it out on occasion.  Let me warn anyone who ever goes to an internet pornography site - it is a snare!  A trap.  Like chapter 9 verse 12 in Ecclesiastes today says:  "Like fish in a net or birds in a snare, people are often caught by sudden tragedy."  Visiting a pornography website even once is a sudden tragedy that has come to your doorstep.  You will then be like a fish in a net or a bird in a snare.  You will need much prayer and counseling to escape it's lure.  I write this to warn folks too who have never visited an internet pornography site, but maybe someday in the future will be tempted to do so.  Don't do it.  Ever.  Run from it.  Flee.  Actually, I've had to think about this because I know some of my friends (friends from many years ago - who I still try to witness to) watch pornographic movies on occasion.  I know it happens at bachelor parties, etc.  Honestly, I don't go to bachelor parties at all these days - unless I know for sure there won't be any of this nonsense.  But, I have a hunch someday I may be surprised at some gathering where a porn movie will be shown.  And guess what?  I will run.  Literally, I will flee that location of wherever that movie is being shown, and I won't look back.  Why?  I won't just sit there and let that stuff pollute my mind.  Pollute my very soul.  Pornography is exactly that - soul pollution.  It pollutes your soul!  I realize I've been typing way too long on this issue - but I do so because I know it's a major issue for our society today.  It is a major issue for the church.  Please let me encourage you in that if you are ever in a situation with friends that pornography or strippers or anything like that appears that you literally run.  Flee.  And don't look back.  And don't fret about what your friends think.  Your soul is so much more important.  If anyone reading this is currently struggling with pornography, let me encourage you to talk to someone you trust about it immediately, and get help.  Today.  Go to counseling.  You cannot get out of the snare on your own.  You may succeed for short periods of time, but long-term you are going to need some help.  But, through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and his precious blood poured out on the Cross for our sins, yes, indeed you can be freed of the snare of pornography.  You quickly need to run toward your freedom in Christ now; connect with pastors, friends & counselors who can keep you accountable and give you tools to beat this; and then please don't ever look back to that which pollutes your very soul.  In Christ, my brothers and sisters, we are forgiven.  And Forgiveness will heal us. If we will let Him.

If you are struggling with pornography or any other sexual sin, Bible.org has some good essays and Q&A related to temptation (scroll down to the bottom of the page for the Q&A) at this link.  If anyone else has helpful resources (books, websites, etc.) that will help others be free of pornography addictions or other sexual sin, please share in the Comments section below? Thanks.  Also, near the bottom of this post is a 28 minute GodTube video about the severe issue of pornography in our society today.

New Testament - Second Corinthians chapter 7 verses 9 & 10 teaches us a great lesson - "It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. For God can use sorrow in our lives to help us turn away from sin and seek salvation. We will never regret that kind of sorrow."  Do you believe that God can use sorrow for redemptive purposes?  Do you believe there is such a thing as godly sorrow?  Can sorrow turn us away from sin and toward salvation?  Have you ever experienced such a sorrow?  I know that I have.  There have been times in my life in the past where I was pursuing the false glamour of sin.  And that pursuit of sin delivered great sorrow.  But, thanks be to God for that sorrow!  It was a godly sorrow that turned me away from sin and toward God's salvation.  So, if you are experiencing sorrow in your life right now, or when you do, please seek God in the midst of the sorrow.  Perhaps the sorrow was not caused by your sin, as it was in my case.  But perhaps God can still use that sorrow ultimately for his redemptive purposes.

Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Corinthians readings titled "Good Grief" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 48 is a celebratory Psalm of Mount Zion in Jerusalem, as verse 8 reads:  "We had heard of the city's glory, but now we have seen it ourselves- the city of the LORD Almighty. It is the city of our God; he will make it safe forever."

I like verse 10 a lot in this Psalm: "As your name deserves, O God, you will be praised to the ends of the earth."  I have had the good fortune to travel many places on this planet, and I will admit that it always encourages me to no end when I see God being praised and worshiped in other cultures.  I always try to visit churches wherever I travel on Sundays, and I love seeing how different cultures worship God.  One of the most memorable experiences was in the Dominican Republic in a very impoverished community.  I honestly don't know that I have ever seen a congregation worship God so wholeheartedly than I did that day in the DR.  It was beautiful.  The other thing I am reminded of when traveling is that when we are in relationship with Jesus, God is always with us no matter where we go.  When we're 35,000 feet above the ground in an airplane, God is with us.  When we're in the middle of nowhere that has no church - God is with us.  So, no matter where we go, if God is with us, we have the opportunity to praise God's name to the ends of the earth!  Even if you're traveling to some far off locale where no one else around you would praise God, will you?

Proverbs - Proverbs 22 verses 17 through 19 today are a great reminder for why we read and study the Bible!  "Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. For it is good to keep these sayings deep within yourself, always ready on your lips. I am teaching you today--yes, you--so you will trust in the LORD."  Great stuff.  I love the part that says it is good to keep these saying deep within yourself - in your heart!  And to memorize these sayings with your mind so that they are always ready on your lips.  Are you listening to the words of the Bible?  Are you applying your heart to the Bible's instruction?  Is studying the Bible enhancing your trust in God?  Actually - if anyone out there memorizes Scripture, please post up in the Comments section below?  I would love to know which verses you have found useful in your life?  And - if anyone has advice on how to best go about memorizing Scripture, please post that up too.  Are you memorizing Scripture on a regular basis?  Are you bringing Scripture to mind when faced with temptation or sadness or whatever ails you?

 

GodTube #1: Speaking of pornography in the Old Testament comments above today, below is a very informative 28 minute GodTube video about pornography produced by Beyond Today, a Christian TV show.  Gary Antion, a licensed Christian marriage family counselor, is interviewed in this video.  It's just an interview with Gary, so no worries about any images that might make you struggle or anything like that. If you do struggle with pornography, make sure you get to the 25 minute mark of this video for some specific advice from Gary.

GodTube #2: Speaking of memorizing Scripture in Proverbs, below is a great video of recording artist Todd Agnew speaking about how he was encouraged to memorize Scripture throughout his life. During a particularly difficult time in Todd's life, he turned to Scripture and memorized the entire book of Philippians! Todd seems a bit convicted to me by the end of this video in that he hasn't really memorized Scripture lately. Any conviction for you as you watch this video...?

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

Comments

[Lisa]

A great way to remember scripture: Recipe: RWSSP (READ it. WRITE it, SING it, SAY it, PRAY it) Choose the desired memory scripture and practice each of these five techniques with it several times. It works!

[Jan]

Regarding the porn problem: We deal with soft porn every day & people don't think twice about it. I deal with it a work with a woman that dresses so seductive & provocative that is sickening & grieves my spirit so. I don't watch programs on TV anymore like I used to - got revelation as to what should go in my ear & eye gates also (Desperate Housewives & movies on Demand). I choose not to watch Basic Instincts 2 just the other day & also violent movies too - I'm getting more radical in my pursuit of holiness & keeping myself from defilement.

Here is an excerpt from a great book & explains why I feel the way I do about soft porn preceeding hard/hard core porn. You let a little yeast in & it will take over:

An excerpt from Sex and the Supremacy of Christ by John Piper/Justin Taylor:

Many varieties of flirtation, self-display, foreplay, & entertainment don’t necessarily “go all the way” to orgasm: dressing to attract & tease the lust of others, looking voyeuristically, suggestive remarks, crude humor, erotic kissing, petting, & the like. All these actions suggest an intention toward immoral sexual intercourse, whether the intention is consummated or not. Such behaviors (whether occurring in daily life or portrayed on film or page) cross the line of love. Whether or not our cultural context views such things as acceptable, or even as entertaining, they are evils. Love considers the true welfare of others in “the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Heb. 4:12 &13, NASB).

12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

In reading almost half way through the book I bought for my son, "Every Single Man's Battle," I have read something men or women for that matter should be doing - bouncing our eyes/the way we look at others (men or women).

I'm going today to the Christian bookstore in town & getting "Every Young Man's Battle" for my nephew so he can get a grip on it while he is young & in the throws of hormonal changes.

jan

[Gill]

I have found a good site for learning Bible verses, and enjoy it very much. I got to the actual verse-learning programme in a round-about way (hopeless on the computer!), try www.memoryverses.org, the Scripture Memory System (or Connection), and a man called Stephen Simpson runs it. You can choose provided verses, or put your own choices into it. There are various very helpful ways of learning by repetition, by testing yourself in stages, and good information on memorising Scripture.

[John]

INTERNET PORNOGRAPHY (OR JUST PLAIN LUST)
[A bit long - but perhaps there is some info that might help someone in the area of "Lust"]

People that know my testimony from earlier in the year know I have an addictive personality. Everything I did "pre-salvation" was done to excess and for my pleasure.

God has performed miracles in my life simply removing most of my addictions in life - before, during, and after my "salvation prayer". Gambling, drinking, cursing, smoking, gorging on food, and others. I say it is a miracle because they were removed by Him - not by my choice. I simply have no desire to participate in these activities. I did not have to go thru counselling, withdrawls, relapses, etc. - the desire was simply removed in these areas.

I say this, because God did not remove my greatest weakness - Lust. It was primarily manifested in internet surfing - hardcore, softcore, chat rooms, etc. This weakness God left for me to work out through Him.

A year after accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I still struggled with "Lust". Still occasionally dropped back into the same old areas of internet. Oh, it was better, not as often, I could rationalize that I was "getting better" in this area - but it was just a rationalization.

After a conversation with a "brother" I became convicted and signed up for "covenanteyes.com". This is not a filter - it just grades and reports every internet site I visit while on-line. The reports go to my accountability partner and my pastor. It worked for me - I have not visited a "bad" site in over 15 months. The biggest complaint I get now is: the covenant eyes report is VERY long - I do a lot of research along with some reading of the news:)

Yes, if you are computer savvy you can get around it. Yes, you can go to the library or office and get around it. Yes, it just eliminated one outlet of my lust. But the reason I think it works for me is - I repented, wanted to change, wanted to please God, and prayed about it. If you are just looking for something to keep you compliant, a report card, and not motivated by true repentance - it may not work for you.

As Jan said there are other areas all around us that are a concern, and it is not just a young man's battle :) I do not watch much TV and only been to a movie theater twice in last two years. satan is not stupid - he knows "Lust" is my greatest weakness. I eliminated internet as a problem, but I constantly get visual stimulation, sometimes offers from women, and constant memories of my past in the "lust" area.

Jan, bouncing eyes is something I learned early on. Also, for me bouncing my eyes and saying softly - "a child of God" under my breath when seeing a woman helps. Praying and saying memorized Scripture passages help - but it is really Andrew that I owe a debt of thanks to in this area.

When I got on my knees and presented (one time) myself to God as a living sacrifice,(Rom12:1-2), the change in me really kicked in. Now I simply lift my eyes when tested in the area of "Lust", and yield myself to him asking for access and power of the Holy Spirit. It is amazing when I do this how the images, thoughts, or test(s) become laughable.

[NOTE: When I fail, and I do, it is because I forget to go to God, or it all happens so fast. But God forgives and I go on, and much of the problem is under control.]

As Paul said in Romans7:18, "For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." (NIV) I have no power in this area of "Lust", but through God "all things are possible". The key is : "through God". When we are pleasing to Him, believe in Him, taking Him at His word and acting on His word - God acts, He provides, and why not, as we are His children. What parent would not lovingly provide for his children if the above was the child's attitude. How much more so God?

If Andrew had not asked that question back in Romans regarding the abundance of the Holy Spirit - perhaps I might have glossed over Rom12:1-2. I pray that if you are struggling in your life with serving the Lord (in any area), that you take a moment and go back and meditate on those verses.

[John]

Ecclesiastes

An older Christian friend after "worship" yesterday challenged me to look at Ecclesiastes from a different standpoint. Frankly, I thought he was "off-base", but I thought about his comments a lot last night.

Sure, Solomon examines life and death from all the lifestyles and disciplines of man in the first nine chapters:

Sciences, Hedonism, fatalism-existentialism-egotism, egotism-capitalism, religion, materialism, stoicism, common-sense view of life, and the value judgments of the world (ex. Ben Franklin)

And all is vanity, emptiness, purposeless. And IT IS when God is left out of the equation.

It is interesting though, that there are 32 references to God in the first nine chapters - not including the section on temple worship and vows. Yes, most of the references seem to indicate that God is there, but in the end - life under the sun is meaningless. But I wonder????

In Job, there were many spiritual truths dropped throughout the text of the speeches of Job and his friends. The dots were not connected, yet the "truths" were there.

Solomon may put a negative spin on these references - yet they are still there. Is this why the book is included in the Bible? That despite the foolishness of Solomon's examinations - God is still there. God will always be there. God gives, God controls, God is in charge, God is eternal, God is in heaven, God will judge, etc.

Despite what any world view says about life - God is HERE and He is in control. In the midst of both believers and unbelievers. Even in a book that is from the human view - uninspired - there is inspiration. From a book that has a thesis statement - "Everything is Meaningless" there are nuggets of truth that indicate it is NOT meaningless. God cannot be shut out.

-What a heavy burden God has laid on men! (1:13)
-This too, I see, is from the hand of God (2:24)
-To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness,..(2:26)
-to hand it over to the one who pleases God.(2:26)
-the burden God has laid on men(3:10)
-He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; (3:11)
-what God has done from beginning to end.(3:11)
-this is the gift of God(3:13)
-everything God does will endure forever(3:14)
-God does it so that men will revere him.(3:14)
- God will call the past to account(3:15)
-God will bring to judgment
both the righteous and the wicked(3:17)
-God tests them so that they may see (3:18)
-God is in heaven and you are on earth (5:2)
-Therefore stand in awe of God.(5:7)
-days of life God has given him(5:18)
-this is a gift of God(5:19)
-God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart(5:20)
-God gives a man wealth, possessions and honor(6:2)
-God does not enable him to enjoy them(6:2)
-Consider what God has done(7:13)
-God has made the one as well as the other(7:14)
-The man who fears God will avoid all extremes (7:18)
-The man who pleases God will escape her(7:26)
-God made mankind upright(7:29)
-it will go better with God-fearing men, who are reverent before God (8:12)
-the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them(8:13)
-all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.(8:15)
- then I saw all that God has done(8:17)
- what they do are in God's hands(9:1)
-for it is now that God favors what you do.(9:7)
-God has given you under the sun(9:9)

From the same guy that wrote: ECCLESIASTES: THE INSPIRED BOOK OF ERROR
http://www.pbc.org/library/files/html/0221.html

seven years later wrote a series of commentaries that included this thought regarding Ecc6:2

[The key to all of this is in the words, "God does not give him power to enjoy." That lesson is pounded home to our hearts over and over again throughout this book. Enjoyment does not reside in increased possessions, it is a gift which God must give. If he withholds it, no amount of effort is going to extract enjoyment from things. That is a difficult lesson for some to learn. We are constantly bombarded with alluring pictures in catalogs and in commercials that shout at us the opposite message. Enjoyment, however, is a gift of God.

The question that immediately comes to mind is, Why would God withhold enjoyment? Why would he not give the power to enjoy if he gives the ability to have? The answer to that question is given in this book, and it is especially clearly stated in Chapter 2, Verses 25-26, where the Searcher says,

... for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? For to the man who pleases him God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy; {Eccl 2:25-26a RSV}

"To the man who pleases him." Again, I am afraid many people read that as though it means that some level of religious performance, some standard of morality, like joining a church or coming to meetings, is what pleases God. We must understand that the Scriptures never say that. Faith is what pleases God, believing him, taking him at his word and acting upon that word. This is what pleases God: obedience based upon faith. To such a man or woman God gives the gift of enjoying whatever he or she has. How little or how much it may be, is a gift poured out and taken from his hand. That is why gratitude, to be grateful for what you get, is the most important element of our lives.]

http://www.pbc.org/library/series/3767

[John]

2Cor7:10-11

Titus came to Paul with good news. The Corinthians had received Paul's letter's and had acted on them in a positive fashion.

Paul had been saddened, yet firm.

"Paul is willing to endure the personal pain of rebuking saints who are giving in to sin." - Bob Deffingbaugh

And Paul rejoices and forgives when news of repentance is received.

"...he is ready and willing to receive them back into fellowship when they repent of their sin." - ibid.

2Cor7:10-11 "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter." NIV

There are three Greek words for repentance - Paul uses "metanoia", is used of true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and life, to which remission of sin is promised. - see footnote 50 at Bob's commentary.
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=1229#P1052_417915

Wordly sorry can lead to "wallowing in it" or striking out at the world (or people involved).

"Worldly sorrow does not regret having sinned, because it offends a holy and righteous God. The one who sorrows wrongly is not sorry because of their sin, but because of the suffering their sin causes them. Worldly sorrow regrets having to “pay the fiddler” for the wrong they have done." - Bob Deffingbaugh

"godly sorrow" leads to a change of mind - repentance - and a desire to get right with God. To take steps, as the Corinthians did, to get back on the "sanctification" path returning to a pleasing state in God's eyes.

It may not be perfect, there may be much more to work on, but the Corinthians are back on the right path. This brings Paul joy.

Here is a tough question posed by Chuck Missler (and others)to Christians: How spiritual are you? (Pause) How much do you "hate sin"?

[R]

Ecclesiastes 7:1-9:18

It’s nice to come across my motivation from going through the Bible this year in our readings, “Notice the way God does things; then fall into line. Don't fight the ways of God, for who can straighten out what he has made crooked?” (7:13).

Being that we are reading from this book that looks at the world through man’s eyes and not God’s this is a good little wake-up call to keep me on track. What I think about God, what anyone else things about God and how He does things really does not matter as we found out in the Book of Job. It’s all about God.

Solomon looks at death outside of the knowledge of a resurrection. Although his father, David, had a revelation of a life other than what is lived upon the earth and resurrection (Psalm 69) it seems because Solomon couldn’t use the wisdom given to him to reason it out, he couldn’t see past the flesh. Revelation, not explanation, is the key to living a vibrant life of faith. You don’t come to Christ by explanation you come to Him by Revelation.

[R]

II Corinthians 7:8-16
Godly sorrow: I’m truly sorry and repentant for what I’ve done and whatever the consequences of my actions, I am willing to face.

Worldly sorrow: I’m sorry that I got caught and why should I have to be punished or make restitution because after all I said I was sorry.

Godly sorrow leads to a changed life, worldly sorry recognizes the wrong done only because it was found out and they cannot talk their way out of it. Worldly sorry fails to accept responsibility for their wrong; it was Mr. or Ms Somebody’s fault. Godly sorrow says, I did it and I accept full responsibility for my actions whatever that may be.

Psalm 48:1-14

3 God himself is in Jerusalem's towers.
He reveals himself as her defender.

The Lord will be my High Tower and my Defender just like He is, was Jerusalem defense.

Proverbs 22:17-19

The thirty sayings of the Wise, hmmm, I need to study these thirty sayings ‘cause I’m in bad need of Wisdom.

[luciano Del Monte]

Two suggestions:

The Navigators have produced a solid, biblically balanced scripture memory discipline called The New topical Memory system, available from Navpress

as well, the book When Good Men Are Tempted by Bil Perkins is a very useful book and gracious book in helping men out of 'the snare of lustful temptation.'

[Jan Leek]

This is the first time I have posted a comment, but wanted to share something with you. My husband has been a pastor for almost 45 years, & we've heard many different teachings in regard to "Where the Dinosaurs came from". Recently we made a trip to the "Creation Museum" near Cinn. Oh. This museum is one of the best I have ever attended, and I am a museum advocate. Everything presented was scripturally based. It has just been open a short time, yet thousands of people have already gone thru'. One thing that impressed me was a simple statement. "We know that all life was created by God, it has also been proven that dinosaurs did exit, therefore God must have created them when He created all the other animals". Job 41 refers to "leviathan", could this be a dragon, or form of a
dinosaur? He's scaled, fire comes from his mouth etc. It causes you to think and dig a little deeper in the word doesn't it.
I can't tell you how much I enjoy the Bible Study, especially all the extra info. that you send with it. May God continue to Bless Your Ministry.

[Mary]

I have some memorized, but not their location, and I probably paraphrase most....having said that here is the one God gave me to remember lately: "For I have not given you a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and a sound mind." AMEN! He always gives me a scripture to cope whenever I am battling something. I pray and woship you Lord, I am yours. Amen and Amen.

just wanted to say that the blog is a blessing to my life, and reading it refreshes my soul..and fills it with feeling God's love and Gods grace.
you are very close to God in your life, and this draws the people who read your blog closer to God as well..thanks and wish you many many years of blog writing and bible reading

[Samantha]

I am in a very serious relationship with the most wonderful man I've ever known, except my Lord and Savior Jesus Chist. He is struggling with a generational curse of porn addiction. He is a born again Christian and I feel that God wants me to help him with this. I found all of this very helpful and I sent it to him, with the prayers that he won't get angry with me, for trying to help him. If any of you have any comments or advice, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thank You and God Bless