11/3 – 11/9

This week we will continue reading and conclude our study of Ecclesiastes. According to the Bible Project video The Disturbing But Surprising Wisdom of Ecclesiastes, this Old Testament book of wisdom focuses on “the march of time,” the truth that no matter how wise or foolish, rich or poor, old or young a person may be “we are all going to die,” and that “life’s random nature” means that things don’t always turn out as portions of the book of Proverbs claim in regards to cause and effect. This random nature of life is described by a Hebrew word that is often translated in English versions of the Bible as “meaningless” or “vanity.” A better understanding of the Hebrew word used by the author of Ecclesiastes more than thirty times might be to think of it as “smoke,” “mist,” or “fog.” Although life is deeply meaningful, the author of Ecclesiastes wants us to know that fully grasping the complexity of life is like holding onto smoke, mist, or fog. It can be seen, but not fully grasped. Perhaps that is why we are reminded by “the Teacher” to enjoy the simple gifts God provides during our lifetime (Ecclesiastes 1:1; 2:24). God is our Creator, Provider, and Sustainer, so it is helpful to remember that whatever we have been given or will be given, including food to eat, liquids to drink, meaningful relationships, and satisfying work to do, are gifts from the One who is the source of life, faith, hope, love, and joy.

 

The format of this plan is designed for you to use as much or little as you have time to use each day. Below is a guide for the daily use of this devotional:

Each Day

• Read the Psalm
• Spend a few minutes in silence as you wait in the presence of the Lord
• Listen to and/or Sing a worship song or hymn
• Watch the videos before or on Thursday
• Read The Bible verses for the day
• Pray
• Live according to your faith in Christ Jesus

 

 

DAILY PSALM:

READ PSALM 116 to begin your time set apart to be with and encounter the living God. Consider using the psalmist’s words as an opening prayer.

 

 

SILENCE & SOLITUDE:

You are encouraged to spend a few minutes quietly alone with God after reading the Psalm. You may find it helpful to sit, kneel, lay down, or walk as the message rolls around in your heart and mind.

 

 

LISTEN to and/or SING a worship song or hymn to help you respond to God. You may find it helpful to use the same song each day, or a different one on some, or all, of the days because of what the Bible verses bring to mind.

 

 

VIDEO TO WATCH:

If you did not watch them last week, you are invited to watch the videos about Ecclesiastes using the links provided before reading verses from Ecclesiastes this week:

The Disturbing But Surprising Wisdom of Ecclesiastes by The Bible Project: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeUiuSK81-0&t=8s

 

Book of Ecclesiastes Summary by The Bible Project

 

 

DAILY BIBLE VERSES:

All Saints Sunday – Matthew 27:45-53

 

Monday – Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:16

 

Tuesday – Ecclesiastes 5-6

 

Wednesday – Ecclesiastes 7

 

Thursday – Ecclesiastes 8-9

 

Friday – Ecclesiastes 10:1-11:6

 

Saturday – Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:14

 

 

PRAY:

You are encouraged to let the Bible verses you read guide your prayer. You may find it helpful to use the daily suggestions as well:

 

Sunday – Pray to receive the grace, love, and fellowship God is offering us. Offer thanks and praises to our God. Thank the Lord for the men and women of faith you have known who are no longer with us on this side of eternity, as well as for the people of Jesus’ Church throughout history that are referred to in various verses of the Bible as “saints.”

 

Monday – Thank and praise the Lord. Pray for those who are closest to you, including family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

 

Tuesday – Thank and praise our God. Lift up leaders and those who point others towards God.

 

Wednesday – Thank and praise the Lord. Lift up the worries and concerns you have for the world, people in need, as well as for yourself.

 

Thursday – Offer thanks to God for the many blessings you have been given and continue to receive. You may find it helpful to write them in a journal or somewhere you can read through the list again later.

 

Friday – Thank and praise the Lord our God. Confess your sins and failures and ask for forgiveness as you forgive those who have sinned against you.

 

Saturday – Offer thanks and prayers of praise. You may find it helpful to kneel, lay on the floor, sit with your hands on your legs with palms facing up, or stand raising your arms as an expression of worship as you pray.

 

*If you do not have a Bible, consider downloading the YouVersion Bible App for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play for your smartphone or tablet. You can also use www.BibleGateway.com to look up and read various translations of Bible verses online.