Psalm 107

“He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle” (7). God’s unfailing love reaches out to rescue us when we are lost and wandering, according to the psalmist. God sees those who are in lonely “desert wastelands” (spiritually or physically), hungry and thirsty, and His desire is to guide them home (4-9). He sees those suffering and trapped because of sin (11), and He desires to break away their chains (14). When storms are causing chaos, God guides us to a “haven” of safety and peace (30).

“There he brought the hungry to live, and they founded a city ...” (36-37). More than temporary help, God offers us salvation: a lasting home with Him and His people.

Psalm 106

“Save us, LORD our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise” (47). In Psalm 105, the psalmist recounts God’s faithfulness through Israel’s exodus from Egypt, but here he recalls Israel’s unfaithfulness. They were “bent on rebellion” and “wasted away in sin” (43). But by God’s “great love” (45), divine faithfulness triumphs over our betrayal.

Our unfaithfulness is no match for God’s great love. When we humbly pray “save us,” He answers our distress call (44). We become God’s people, His “special possession,” by His mercy. We can “declare the praises of the God” (1 Peter 2:9-11), for His love endures forever (1).

Song of Songs 1-3

“My beloved is mine and I am his” (2:16). This wedding song celebrates the fact that even in a troubled world, love is a beautiful gift when we handle it in God’s time and His way (3:5). Love (friendship and family, not just marriage) is a treasure “like a lily among thorns” and “like an apple tree among the forest” (2:2-3). Deep affection helps us through dark times: “The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come” (2:11-12).

The Song of Songs reminds us that God is the source of all love, and human bonds point us to Him. We can love, “because He first loved us” (1 John 4).

Ecclesiastes 10-12

“However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all” (11:8). The “Teacher” reminds us that much of life is outside our control. The wisest path is neither to live in fear (we are to “banish anxiety”), nor to live with unrealistic expectations; after all, “youth and vigor” are fleeting (11:10). Instead, we are called to live with clear-eyed understanding and planning, not foolish impulsivity (11:8-11). We have courage to act in a risky world (11:1-2).

Similarly, the apostle Peter urges us to live purposefully and with joy, pursuing “holy and godly lives” free from desperate worry because we are “looking forward to a new heaven and earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:11-13).

Ecclesiastes 8-9

“I know that it will go better with those who fear God” (8:12). The “Teacher” knew that humans seek justice, but “time and chance” interfere (9:11). Wisdom includes recognizing that our fallen world doesn’t always make sense. But rather than giving in to apathy or despair, we still work hard for good: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” (9:10). We can invest our efforts with hope, leaving the results in God’s hands. With humility and thanks, we enjoy His good gifts and “eat food with gladness” (9:7).

We wait eagerly for the day when God makes all things right (Rom 8:18-25). Until then, we trust that God is working “all things for our good” (Rom 8:28).

Philippians 1

“I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (4). Just as Paul’s situation (prison) gave him the opportunity to “advance” the gospel (12), he prayed that the Philippians would have the wisdom to live out their love for Christ in their own circumstances: “that your love would abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight”. More than just believing, they were called to “conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel” – standing firm in both belief and behavior (27).

Paul modeled what it looked like to “live as Christ” (21) “proclaim the gospel without fear” (14). As we grow as disciples and witnesses, we experience “joy in the faith” (25).

Ephesians 6

“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (18). Paul concludes this letter with a call to cover everything in prayer. We “stand firm” (14) together in a spiritual battle by putting on spiritual armor, including the truth, righteousness, the Word, and faith (10-17), and staying “alert” in prayer for one another. Paul’s personal prayer request is that he would “fearlessly” declare and make known the mystery of the gospel (19-20).

Paul’s passion and prayer for the gospel reminds us that the primary “goal” in spiritual warfare is to make Christ known. If we are to be faithful ambassadors of Jesus through our words and deeds (20), prayer must dominate our lives.

Psalm 105

“Sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts” (2). The Psalmist recounts the history of God’s faithfulness, from his covenant with Abraham (9,42) to Israel’s entrance into the promised land (11,44). Because God kept his promises by “wonders, miracles and judgments” (5), his people respond by making him known among the nations (1). When we “remember the wonders he has done” (5), we have a firm foundation for obedient, worship- filled lives (45).

The greatest “work” of our promise-keeping God that he sent his Son. “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘YES” in Christ” (2 Cor 1:20). May we make Jesus known to the world by our praise and obedience.

Ecclesiastes 5-7

“Who can tell them what will happen under the sun after they are gone?” (6:12). The “Teacher” was frustrated with the uncertainty of life; people can work hard and lose everything (5:14-15). Or, they have “wealth, possessions, and honor” (6:2), but no ability to enjoy these gifts and no one to inherit them. In fact, making wealth the goal leads to dissatisfaction: “whoever loves money never has enough ... is never satisfied” (5:10).

“To find satisfaction ... this is a gift from God” (5:19). Paul said that rather than worrying, we can take our burdens to the God who cares for us. “Whatever the circumstance,” we can discover contentment and peace as Christ guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-13).

Ecclesiastes 3-4

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” (3:1). The Teacher knew that humans struggle with time; we want to “plant” when it may be time to “uproot” (3:2); we want to achieve our goals on our own schedule. Yet the world thwarts our plans; sickness, oppression (4:1), loneliness (4:8), and our sins get in the way. We are mortal like animals (3:18), yet God has put “eternity” in our hearts; we hope for much more (3:11).

“He has made everything beautiful in its time” (3:11). We can accept what comes today because God Himself has entered our world. He understands our struggles, bears our pain, and He has power to redeem and make things beautiful.

Ecclesiastes 1-2

“Meaningless! Meaningless! ... What do people gain from all their labors a which they toil under the sun?” (1:1-3). The “Teacher,” king in Jerusalem, set himself to study “all that is done under the heavens” (1:13) - the human pursuit of life, happiness, and significance. He “undertook great projects” (2:4) and experienced all kinds of “pleasure” (2:10), but he realized that these were fleeting. Humans ultimately have no control over their fate (2:19); all our “anxious striving” cannot keep us from death (2:16).

“For without Him, who can eat or find enjoyment?” (2:25). We are not in control. However, peace and joy are possible when we submit our hopes, work, and relationships to God and His good purposes (2:24-26).

Ephesians 5

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (15-16). The Ephesians faced influences tempting them to return to a ‘normal’ life of sexual immorality, coarse joking, greed, and family conflict (3-5). Instead, Paul urged them to cultivate a different kind of community. “Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord” (19).

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord” (8). Through Christ, God rescues us so we can live differently, as “children of light” (8), shining brightly in a dark world.

Ephesians 4

“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (1). Knowing Christ’s love, Paul wrote, our whole way of life should be different. We are called to treat one another with the compassion and forgiveness we receive from Christ (32). Working together, we “put off” our old selves (greed, impurity, darkness, 17-19) so that we can “be made new” in the attitude of our minds (23).

“Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (23). Using our gifts, we support each other as God works to transform us “until we all reach unity in the faith” (12-13).

Ephesians 3

“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence” (12). Paul wanted to reassure the Ephesian believers (mostly Gentiles) that they were not second-class citizens; together with Israel, they were “members of one body” and “sharers together in the promise of Christ Jesus” (6). Through faith in Jesus, they were completely accepted by the Father and could approach Him with full confidence.

The enemy of our souls wants us to think we are spiritual outsiders, needing to earn our position or beg for our prayers to be heard. Instead, God wants to give us power to grasp “how wide and long and high and deep” is Christ’s love for us (18-19).

Psalm 104

“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures” (24). The psalmist found satisfaction and joy in contemplating God’s vast and beautiful universe. The sun and moon (19), the water (8), trees (16), wild goats (18), lions (21) and people (23) are part of the orderly world God created. He is the giver of gifts - wine, oil, and bread (15);

“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate” (14). “When You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good things” (29). Life comes from God (30), and He knows what we need. His desire is to satisfy us with “good things” from His own hand (28).

Psalm 103

“The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all” (19). David can praise the Lord from the depth of his soul, his “inmost being” (1), because he has experienced all the good “benefits” of God. Through hard times and good times, he has learned that the Lord is “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (8), and God’s kingdom is secure (19).

“Forget not all his benefits” (2). Our heavenly Father is worthy of our praise, love, and allegiance. We are secure knowing that He is for us, He is good, and His rule encompasses all of life (19,22). Worship from our hearts is the natural outflow of our trust in Him.

Proverbs 30-31

“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him” (30:5). The wise man Agur admitted the limits of his understanding (30:1). God has true wisdom; God alone has “gone up to heaven and gone down” (30:4). Knowing this, he asked the Lord to keep him from poverty (he might be tempted to steal) and to keep him from wealth (he might be tempted to think he did not need God, 9). He prayed for the integrity necessary to be true to the Lord and satisfied with “my daily bread” (30:8).

Thinking we can live without God or others leads to an insecure life. The only true refuge is in the wise arms of Jesus.

Proverbs 27-29

“The righteous care about justice for the poor” (29:7). The Proverbs repeatedly measure leadership (29:14) and righteousness not just by good values, but by how people with resources and power treat the poor. Ungodly leaders devastate the poor like a “driving rain that leaves no crops” (28:3). Building success on the backs of the poor is foolish because God may turn those profits over to someone who is “kind to the poor” (28:8). For the wise person knows that “those who give to the poor will lack nothing” (28:27).

God’s people flourish when we actively bless the poor. As Jesus the perfect King has taught us, “be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you” (Luke 14:41).

Proverbs 25-26

“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control” (25:28). The Proverbs tell us that the undisciplined person never learns life’s lessons but is a “fool who repeats their folly” (26:11). This person gives no effort to wisdom (“too lazy,” 26:15-16), or he may deceive others and self by lies that cover over sin like “silver dross on earthenware” (26:23). These shortcuts lead to a life in ruins.

God calls us to reject the temptation to be “wise in our own eyes” (26:12, Gen 3) and to humbly reach out for the help He offers. By the Holy Spirit’s power, the fruit of our lives is love, joy, peace, and self-control (Gal 5:23).

Ephesians 2

“His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace” (15). God’s plan of salvation is more than an escape from punishment; He is creating a new people of God. In Jesus, there are no longer outsiders, strangers or “foreigners of the promise” (12), but instead by Jesus’ blood all people can be “fellow citizens” and “household members” (19).

Only Jesus can destroy “the dividing wall of hostility” (14). The cross reconciles us to God and to one another, so that people of different ethnicities, cultures, and statuses can become a worthy temple “being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit” (22).