Is.3-6 [The Message]

Probably the most we use the term “holy” is when we say someone is “holier than thou.” We are greatly missing the importance and value of this word that we occasionally sing in a hymn.

When you get close to God’s inner presence as the prophet did, this word is the only one that can describe the fullness and quality of God. For us to “draw near to God,” we MUST take a greater interest in understanding what it is and how it is achieved.

Is. 2 [The Message]

Please read this chapter TODAY! (May I recommend reading it in The Message) It is surely a keen insight into the moral and carnal climate in the earth today.

In the Day of the Lord (His Judgement, His revealing), all the values and life lessons we learned of in His Word will be more than worth it. Those who have been deceived by the idolatry and materialism of our society will be sorry they didn’t buy into the Bible’s message.

It’s easy to fall asleep to the lullaby of worldliness and overlook the harmfulness of sin.

God, help us begin to understand what it is to hate sin like You do.

Is. 2 [The Message]

Our bodies were not made for sin. They were made to be “Instruments of righteousness.” We are the commanders of our bodies and with the brain God gave us, we should use them to serve the Lord and His purposes.

Your body is the house you live in. It’s the car you drive. Take care of it.

My wife’s Lexus is not suited to go “mudding.” It prefers a warm garage (although all my junk is cluttered in there). It runs best on the p roper fuel (not junk food). I am forbidden to apply any of my artwork or stickers to it. It looks the best when it’s just cleaned up. It’s greatest value is when it is “all original.”

Isaiah 1 [The Message]

Isaiah was a no-nonsense prophet who didn’t beat around the bush. In this, the first chapter of his prophecy, he identifies sin as God’s big displeasure with Israel despite their ambitious religious exercises and attempt toe be godly.

This is why Christ means so much to us. He took our sins upon Himself and gave true meaning to living a holy life.

Simultaneous sin with a religious life?!? Let’s let the Holy Spirit identify and purge our sin and trespasses so we can focus on doing God’s work.

1-9 [The Message]

The Song of Songs (or Song of Solomon, Third king of Israel who was known for wisdom and building the first Temple More) is a unified collection of poetry on the theme of human love, following the relationship of a man and a woman from courtship and onward. This book has frequently been read as an allegory of God’s love for Israel (in Jewish communities) or of Christ’s love for the church and for individual believers (in Christian communities).

–Fred Gaiser, Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Luther Seminary

Ecc. 10, 11 [The Message]

Who doesn’t like to rest? Rest is your reward after work. God rested. He gave us a day of rest … Sunday.

Heaven will be an eternal rest. Why do people fight the thought of going there? Makes no sense. We should exist to be of some value here on earth. It’s sad to be of no value to anyone. Solution: be of value, serve, complement others, give, enjoy your loved ones, show unconditional love especially to your family, work hard and accomplish significant tasks.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. [1 Cor. 2:9]

Ecc. 10 [The Message]

Solomon says, “Don’t badmouth your leaders.” [v. 20]

Sad to say, I’m guilty of this one. It doesn’t help one bit if I talk down about the man in the White House. It also makes it more difficult for him to do his job when there is so much backtalk.

Instead, I commit to praying for him instead. If I thinks he’s wrong on an issue, my prayer has a much better chance of helping than my criticism.

Ecc. 8, 9 [The Message]

How many days have you wasted? Me, plenty.

When we stop and think about the opportunities each day brings, we are wise to make the most of it.

Since I have retired and with the limited energy I have because of my age and the side-effects of my blood cancer, I can’t do in a day what I used to. In fact, if I get one significant thing done each day, I don’t consider it a wash. Nevertheless, it was a gift and I value it.

If our lives can have some meaningful impact on someone else in the day, It’s profitable. If fact, if we start each day with the prayer, “Lord, let me be a blessing and help to someone today,” we are on the way to having a fruitful day.

Let’s all do it right now!

Ecc. 4-7 [The Message]

“A good reputation is better than a fat bank account.”

Are you concerned about how many will attend your funeral? I sort of am.

Being wealthy will not bring more admirers. In fact, if a person is stingy and self-centered, I can guarantee that their later days will be lonely. But, if they are noted for being friendly and generous, there will be a crowd.

I must hereby tell the story of my Grandma Harris. She had six kids and hardly ever left the kitchen of her very modest home. Her cooking, coffee, and loving conversation were irresistible. She was NEVER down on you. In the dictionary, her picture is next to “Unconditional love.” In the procession traveling from the funeral home to the cemetery, I counted over a hundred vehicles. Next month I will attend a Harris family cousin’s reunion. I can guarantee that many conversations will be about her. Although her outward appearance was very modest, she was one of the most Godly, beautiful women in the world to me.

Ecc. 3 [The Message]

Solomon points up that timing is critical. There is a right time, so there must also be a wrong time or a so-so time. In sports, good timing is everything. In investing, timing can make or break you. How do we hope to hit it right in life?

First of all, God’s timing is never wrong. He sits King over all time and sees it as a continuum. It’s as if He has a book in front of Him and He can turn to any page He’d like. If so, we should take our cues from Him. Being led of the Spirit, acting according to the faith He has allotted, responding in obedience to His Voice and His Word … these are keys to functioning with good timing.

When in doubt, we should ask Him for His wisdom about our timing.

If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it. [James 1:5 TLB]