Isaiah 9 - 10

Even though there would be great calamity, God would still protect and provide for those who looked to Him for guidance and protection.  The government of this future promised Son (the Jewish Messiah) is described as one of prosperity, peace and longevity.  Those who sought to rebuild in their own strength would be brought to nothing; such is the price to those who seek to operate without God's leadership and blessing.  Indeed, God will come and bring destruction to those nations who seek to not only undermine His authority, but also eliminate His people.  Those who come to attack and plunder need not be feared for one day they, too, will be conquered and God's people will still remain.

Isaiah 7 - 8

Isaiah speaks to the king, who is distressed at the approaching invading armies.  God desires to comfort the king, and invites him to ask for signal proof of his security.  The king, in an act of false piety, arrogantly declines to ask God to display His glory; so God designs His own sign - a baby born that will prove God's ability to perform on HIs own time schedule.  This promise also foreshadows the birth of Christ.  The baby born in Isaiah's day would see - in his lifetime, before he could even develop to maturity - God fulfilling His promises of deliverance.  God keeps His word in His time.

Isaiah 5 - 6

The highlight of Isaiah's lifetime was seeing a vision of God at the low point of the nation's history.  A beloved king had died; and during the time of mourning and transition, Isaiah's vision was focused on God and His sovereignty and His purposes for Isaiah's life.  This strikes particularly close to me.  In the last 10 days, I have walked through the valley of the shadow of death.  A dear friend - one I've known and worked with for 8 years - passed into eternity.  For the last 10 days, my focus has been on the loss suffered and the grief of the situation.  My focus needs to be kept on The Sovereign; and His call on my life needs to be paramount.  God, in the midst of grief, keep my focus on You!

Isaiah 3 - 4

Isaiah continues to describe the desolation that will befall Judah.  The poverty will be so great that anyone with a garment will be seen as a man of great wealth and give them the qualifications to be a leader.  Others will do whatever it takes to be able to have a standing in society.  The economic crisis will be vast and far-spread.

Isaiah 1 - 2

Isaiah, a prophet of God during the reign of four kings, delivers a message to the nation of Judah (the two tribes in South Israel) concerning her future.  Because the people had turned away from following God and keeping His commands, punishment would come.  The nation would be turned upside down and severely chastened for their sin.  Those who still listened to God's word were invited to take cover and prepare for the coming punishment.  How well do you listen to God's voice today?  Are you able to see God's hand moving and take appropriate action?  Listen for His voice today.

Song of Solomon 6 - 8

This love story concludes with the couple reuniting and reaffirming their love for one another.  Although kept apart for a period of time, they had not lost their desire for one another; and it was evident to others around them.  Even their friends and neighbors rejoiced at the great love displayed by this couple.  They only had eyes for each other; and made no secret of hiding or withholding their love.

Song of Solomon 4 - 5

In this passage, the lovers describe the joy they take in one another's presence.  They praise each other in creative and richly descriptive terms.  Their love is unbounded and a joy to them.  However, not everything is as would be desired.  The bridegroom approaches his bride, and she turns him away, then seeks out after him; but he has been called away.  Will they reunite or is the relationship damaged almost as soon as it is established?

Song of Solomon 1 - 3

This portion of Scripture has received much attention from commentators.  Some see it as an allegory of Christ's love for the church; others see it as a picture of consumate love; while others see it as love opera written by, produced for and starring King Solomon.  While there may be parallels between the characters in this passage and the love that Christ has for the Church, I believe it was exactly what it claimed to be - the pinnacle of Solomon's songs.

The main characters are Solomon and his love, the Shulamite woman.  In the opening chapters their love is described and displayed in wonderfully creative and personal terms.  Solomon, the Shulamite and the "chorus" who comment on the action are all preoccupied with the magnitude of love shown by these two individuals.  They long for the time when they will be united, and towards the end of the passage, we learn that Solomon has indeed come to claim his bride in marriage.

Ecclesiastes 10 - 12

Solomon concludes his entire study of life and its meaning and implications.  His summary statement is this:  fear God and keep His commandments.  A proper reverence for God will motivate an individual to keep His commands.  Apart from this, life is pointless.  When God is revered and His commands followed, life takes on incredible meaning and purpose.

Ecclesiastes 7 - 9

Solomon develops a theme:  Man does not know his time.  He spends several paragraphs describing the works and attitudes of the wise and foolish, and yet all of them one day come to the end of their life.  There are some good men who die early and some wicked men who live long lives; yet none of them escape death.  The point of wisdom, says Solomon, is preparation for death - and that date cannot be presumed by any factor.

So, are you prepared?

Ecclesiastes 4 - 6

Solomon continues to lay out the futility of life lived without acknowledgment of God.  It makes no difference if life is long or short; without God it is meaningless.

Along those lines, the author of this blog is greatly missing a dear friend.  This friend's time on earth was short yet they left an impact on many.  Pray for a hurting family and a host of hurting friends as we all process this loss.  This dear friend lived life acknowledging God's presence; and for that I can truly be thankful.

Ecclesiastes 1 - 3

"Life is empty."  That is the conclusion to which the preacher of Ecclesiastes came (Ecclesiastes is a term that means "preacher").  This man (also known as Solomon) set out to know the wisdom of all; and he continually came to the conclusion that life is empty.  No one ever learns from the past, folks keep making the same mistakes; and the earth keeps on spinning.

His search led him to experience with pleasure, but it proved empty.  He attempted to find meaning in activity - building, acquiring, excelling, enjoying - and it proved meaningless to him.  He states that he came to the point where he hated life for nothing brought real satisfaction - not even hard labor.

Certainly, there is a time and place for every activity.  God gives each person a task to accomplish, and these tasks are designed to instill in each one a yearning that only God can fill.  The expected result is that man will turn to God; but many do not.

Proverbs 30 - 31

Nestled in the closing chapters of Proverbs is one little verse with a great message.  Proverbs 30:5 states that "every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him."  The word 'pure' indicates a substance that has been tested, refined and found to be without error or imperfection.  As one approaches God's Word, they will find it to be without error; it stands, has stood and will stand the test of time and criticism.  No wonder the author can state that God is a protector for those who trust Him.  One Whose words are found to be true, accurate and without error CAN be trusted in any situation.

Proverbs 27 - 29

Solomon tells us that the citizenry will rejoice at the leadership of a righteous one; but that they groan under the leadership of a wicked authority.  The reason for this is due to the standards they each keep.  The righteous measure themselves by a fixed standard outside of themselves.  The wicked, on the other hand, measures everything by themselves - using themself as the standard.  Thus, what might be appropriate today would be in appropriate tomorrow.  The standard would change on the whim of the leader.

As we face a political season unlike any other in (at least recent) history, perhaps it is a good reminder to look for the candidate in every race who most closely follows a standard that does not vary, one that holds true despite the passing of time.  At election times, many rejoice over the outcome; but what is the lasting impression - rejoicing or groaning?

Proverbs 25 - 26

Solomon tells us that the best way to avoid arguments and disagreements is to remove gossip and whispering from the situation.  He describes it as removing wood from a fire.  What fire can burn without fuel?  How damaging gossip and whispering are to relationships; they fuel the fires of disagreement, contempt and arguments.  Today, be on "fire patrol."  Remove all the flammable materials - gossip and whispering - so that your relationships don't go up in smoke.

Proverbs 22 - 24

Proverbs speaks much about the discipline of children.  In these chapters, the sage outlines several guidelines for discipline.  Discipline, he argues, will not destroy a child; rather, it will allow the child to be fully prepared for life in the future.  Another maxim stated by the writer is the invitation to his children to follow along beside him and copy his words and actions.  How often do I set this truism aside in favor of "Do as I say, not as I do."  That is NOT the way of wisdom - for my, or my children.

Proverbs 19 - 21

Proverbs 21 reminds us of the Lord's omniscience (His attribute of knowing all that is and can be known).  Because of this, no wisdom , counsel or understanding can be used against Him.  All that man can think, say or do is pointless and futile unless the Lord intervenes.

Proverbs 16 - 18

The power of the tongue is described in these chapters.  The one who uses their tongue wisely will find their enemies at peace with them, will find their ways pleasing the Lord, will enjoy the blessing of happy, peaceful relationships, and will not destroy themselves with careless, thoughtless words.

How has your tongue been used today?

Proverbs 13 - 15

A phrase common in Christian circles is "Little is much when God is in it."  This axiom is based on Proverbs 15:17 which tells the reader that it is better to have a dinner of only herbs with one you love than to have a full-blown gourmet-prepared meal in the presence of one that is hated.  The emphasis is not on the food; the emphasis is on the attitude.  Am I able to see the benefit of a healthy relationship?  Am I looking at the loving relationships I have as far exceeding the extravagance and wealth of others that I might be tempted to envy?  Who cares what is on my plate, if I am sharing it with someone I love!

Proverbs 10 - 12

Many themes could be pulled and elaborated from this text.  One theme that stood out to my mind this morning was "INTEGRITY".  We live in a world that is, by and large, devoid of integrity.  That curious blend of faith, honor and discipline melding into a life of unquestionable character and action is needed in so many lives today.  What does Proverbs say about integrity?

Proverbs 10:9 tells us that the one who walks with integrity walks securely; conversely, the one who perverts his ways will become known.  It is soon (enough) apparent when a person's words and walk do not align.  The person of integrity, however, does not fear being 'found out' for all that will be known has already been demonstrated.  They, like that Dr. Seuss elephant, say what they mean and mean what they say.

Proverbs 11:3 informs us that a person's integrity will lead them in the right direction.  The one seeking the honorable solution will always find and end - and the means to get there - that are consistent and uncompromisingly true to their core values.  Their life is stable, though the situations they face may be anything but!  On the other hand, the one who is unfaithful to themselves and their core values will find nothing but destruction and ruins where they expected gain and prosperity.

Proverbs 8 - 9

Quick, make a list of all the things you would like to have.  Money is no object, so don't worry about the financing of such a list.  No limits - for what would you ask?  Oil futures?  Precious metals?  Property?

Proverbs 8:11 tells us that wisdom is better than precious gems; and that wisdom is so superior to anything one can desire that a fair comparision cannot be made.  This is the truth of Scripture, but is it lived out in your life?  Take another look at that list, is wisdom on it?  We have such perverted value systems, don't we?

Proverbs 6 - 7

Of the many teachings in this passage, one theme is returned to several times:  the folly of ignoring wisdom and going after an illicit relationship.  The relationship is pictured as deadly and capable of bringing down the strongest of participants.  The remedy is outlined clearly, as well.  The commands and laws taught at an early age lead the adult when they roam, keep the adult while they sleep and commune with one while awake.  These commands are light and life - they are ignored at great risk.  The summary statement is made that folks will forgive a thief who steals in time of need; but an adulterous person demonstrates their lack of true understanding and destroys their soul in the process.

Proverbs 3 - 5

In this passage, Solomon gives us insight into his childhood home.  Chapter 4 passes along the instruction he received from his father (King David).  David's passion for his son was that he gain understanding and wisdom.  Above anthing else, David wanted his son to possess insight into matters.  Knowing that his son would succeed him on the nation's throne, it was imperative that Solomon learn to approach every situation with a singular quest for truth and propriety.  What a great lesson to learn and pass along to our own children.

Proverbs 1 - 2

The book of Proverbs is a compilation of teaching from the wisest man who ever lived, Solomon, as well as of other writers.  In the opening lines, we learn that the secret of wisdom is fear of God.  A healthy relationship with God will set the table for all learning and application of knowledge.  Wisdom from God will be a gracious ornament on any life.  To scoff at such wisdom is not only ill-advised, it is dangerous.

Psalm 148 - 150

The book of Psalms ends with 3 songs inviting praise to God.  First, God is to be praised for His creative powers and His wisdom over creation.  All are invited to join in this celebration of God's person.   Secondly, God is to be praised for His interaction with His creation.  Finally, God is to be praised with every means possible.  If you have breath, the psalmist opines, you ought to be praising God.

Psalm 146 - 147

Psalm 146 highlights the need to have one's trust in the God of heaven.  Others will disappoint and fail; God never does.  His rule is forever.

Psalm 148 praises God for his provisions to the whole planet.  Snow, rain, sun, seasons, wind - all that is needed - comes from God's hand.  He has dealt uniquely with Israel; and they are called to rejoice and praise God for his favor.

Psalm 143 - 145

David sings about God's hearing and answering prayer.  As he sings, he asks God to forgive sin and not punish his wrongdoing.  He lays out a case for the situation he faces:  an enemy is pursuing him, hounding him from place to place and crushing his spirit.  Yet in all this, David remembers God's good treatment of him and asks God to show him that kind of favor yet again.  He pleads for deliverance and renewal of energy.

David then sings about the Lord as his Rock - the one who provides strength, stability and power.  For someone as strong, impenetrable and mighty as God, David is amazed that He would even consider interaction with mankind.  He outlines the course of praise he is ready to take in thankfulness for God's response.  He wants the joy that comes from God's presence among His people to be renewed.

David also extols the greatness of God to his generation.  The theme of this psalm is to pass along the reminders and tokens of God's blessing to the next generation.  We benefit from the past as we are reminded about all that has been done on our behalf.  This encourages and excites us about the present and the future.  Hearing what God has done makes one long to see God at work today and tomorrow.

Psalm 140 - 142

David prays for God's protection from those that would harm him.  He bases his request on his long-standing trust in God for safety, salvation and security.  He asks that those without such a relationship with God be given the end results of such a lack.

After requesting protection from evil doers, David then requests deliverance from evilness.  He asks God to give him the words to say to others, and to God Himself.  He asks God to keep his heart tuned to God's own thoughts and desires.  He states that, if punishment should come, he would rather it come from those who love the Lord instead of those who love wickedness.

David also asks God to provide relief from those that seek after his life.  Even in times when he is completely overwhelmed by life's situations, he acknowledges that the only place where he can turn for safety is to God.  He states "these circumstances are stronger than I; but You are stronger than all."  What a statement of faith and trust!

Psalm 137 - 139

Psalm 137, written after the exile of Judah to Babylon, recounts the lack of joy experienced by the nation; and their longing to return to the land of God's favor. Apart from God's presence, there is no joy. Their captors tried to persuade a joyful song from the Jews, but their source of strength and joy was removed from them. How they longed for the full experience of God's presence.

David expresses the joy found in God's goodness in Psalm 138. God demonstrates His sustaining ability and His strengthening presence to His people. These displays cause other nations to take note, and eventually these nations will turn their voices to praise of the God of Israel.

In the 139th Psalm, David makes a hymn of praise concerning God's knowledge of His creation. God knows man better than man knows himself. God knows our thoughts, intentions, words and actions even before they are formed. His presence is everywhere; and no one can escape His watchful eye. His power forms the unborn in a manner that is wonderful to consider. Not one characteristic is misplaced with God as the Designer. David ends this song with a plea for God to direct His presence, knowledge and power toward his heart. David submits to an honest evaluation at the hands of his Creator; so that he will follow God lovingly and correctly throughout his life.

Psalm 135 - 136

The psalmist invites praise to God for His manifold and prolonged blessing. While other gods are made with hands out of elements that are precious, God alone is unique for He is uncreated and the Source of those precious elements. The psalmist then engages in a prolonged statement concerning God's steadfast love - His merciful nature - which is permanent. No matter the situation, regardless of the circumstance, God's mercy endures forever. This statement is repeated over 20 times to remind the reader, the singer, the hearer of God's unfailing and steadfast love.