Sunday (10/30)

As we continue reading the wisdom literature portion of the Old Testament of the Bible, this week we will read portions of the book of Ecclesiastes. Although the first verse makes it seem like the book was written by King Solomon, the notes from the Introduction of Ecclesiastes in The New Interpreter’s Study Bible claim that “the socioeconomic dimensions of its language seem to fit” the time of the Person Empire when the Israelites were in exile, which would have been hundreds of years after the death of Solomon. Biblical scholar Tim Mackie reminds us in The Bible Project Overview: Ecclesiastes video that “the Teacher” identified in verse 1 of Chapter 1, “is a character in the book and is different than the author of the book who remains anonymous.” Whoever wrote this book of the Bible wants the reader and hearer of it to know that meaning and purpose are found in and through God, not in wealth, career, status, pleasure, or elsewhere.

 

If you did not read the previous books of Genesis through Proverbs, you are encouraged to watch the Bible Project video about the Old Testament to have a clearer understanding of the full story within the text of the Hebrew Bible. The video summarizes the scriptures of the ancient Jewish people that became the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. It is available on YouTube.

TaNaK/Old Testament by the Bible Project:

 

Below are some suggestions and questions to help you as you read scripture this week:

1. Approach scripture with humility. Seek to receive what the Bible reveals without trying to make it say what you want it to say.

2. Invite the Holy Spirit to speak a message to you through the verses you read.

3. What do these verses reveal about God?

4. What do these verses reveal about humanity?

5. What do these verses teach me about myself?

6. How do you see yourself in the story when reading biblical narratives?

Which of these characters would I be?

In what ways is their story similar to my story?

7. Read, study, and discuss the verses with another person or small group.

8. Use a Study Bible. The NIV, NRSV, ESV, and NLT Study Bibles are worth considering if you do not own one. There are a few available from the AUMC Library in the back of the Chapel. You can also purchase a Study Bible from ChristianBook.com, Cokesbury.com, or Amazon.com.

 

*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 for free.

 

 

Monday (10/31)

Read the verses from Proverbs 31 that are below to begin your devotional time:

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;

ensure justice for those being crushed.

Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,

and see that they get justice.” – Proverbs 31:8-9 NLT

 

You are encouraged to watch the Overview: Ecclesiastes video by the Bible Project that is available on Youtube before reading the verses for this week:

Overview: Ecclesiastes by the Bible Project

 

Read Ecclesiastes 1. Keep in mind that the Hebrew word that is translated as “vanity” or “meaningless” in some English translations of the Bible means “vapor,” “smoke,” and “breath.” When you come across the word “vanity” or “meaningless” in Ecclesiastes think of the meaning of the Hebrew word instead of the English word. As you read the chapter, invite the Holy Spirit to reveal a word, phrase, or verse from the biblical text that is specifically for you for today.

 

Pray that God will guide you to use your time and life in ways that please him today.

 

 

Tuesday (11/1)

Read Proverbs 31:8-9 to center yourself in the God of justice.

 

Solitude and Silence. You are encouraged to spend a few minutes or more alone with God silently listening for the internal whisper of the Holy Spirit. If you struggle to listen, focus on the physical sounds you hear. The Spirit of the Lord can use the noises you hear to help you set your thoughts on the One who enables you to hear and perceive.

 

Read Ecclesiastes 2. Continue to remember that the Hebrew word that is translated as “vanity” or “meaningless” in some English translations of the Bible means “vapor,” “smoke,” and “breath.” Choose questions from the Sunday list of this devotional to wrestle with as part of your study time.

 

Pray that you will see and appreciate the simple gifts of food, beverages, work, and relationships as good gifts from our generous God.

 

 

Wednesday (11/2)

Read Proverbs 31:8-9.

 

Read Ecclesiastes 3. As you read the bible verses, invite the Holy Spirit to reveal a word, phrase, or verse from the biblical text that is specifically for you for today.

 

Pray through your day, including for the people you will be with or have been with, as well as what you will do or what you have done.

 

 

Thursday (11/3)

Read Proverbs 31:8-9 to begin your time with the God of justice and mercy.

 

Solitude and Silence. You are encouraged to spend a few minutes or more alone with God silently listening. Be still physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritual, knowing that God is in charge and in control (Psalm 46:10). Don’t let your mind drift towards to-do-lists or tasks, but stop long enough to let your thoughts cease so that your only focus is being with the Lord.

 

Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Choose questions from the Sunday list of this devotional to wrestle with as part of your study time.

 

Thank God for your family members, friends, co-workers, and other Christians who enable you to have others to walk with in life. Lift up the needs of people you know who have been knocked down by hardships. Ask God to reveal how he wants you to help them to get back up again.

 

 

Friday (11/4)

Read Proverbs 31:8-9 to center your mind and life in the Lord and his will.

 

Read Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:14, which is the conclusion of this biblical book of wisdom. Invite the Lord to speak to you through the words of scripture.

 

Pray however the Bible verses and Holy Spirit guide you to pray.

 

 

Saturday (11/5)

How are you going to remember and observe the Sabbath this weekend? The Sabbath is a day each week that is set apart from the others to worship God, rest, and enjoy life-giving recreation to experience restoration. Are you setting aside an hour, part of a day, or an entire day as a way to observe the Sabbath? You may need to incrementally observe the Sabbath until you are eventually able to worship, rest, and engage in living-giving recreation for an entire day each week.

 

Read Proverbs 1:7. What does this verse reveal about wisdom? Throughout The Bible “fear of the Lord” includes obedience, respect, awe, and terror. Which of these four words (terror, awe, respect, obedience) describes your attitude towards God? Why?

 

Solitude and Silence. You are encouraged to spend ten, twenty, or thirty minutes alone with God seeking to rest in the peace that can only be found in and from the Lord. If you struggle to stop and rest, consider laying down, kneeling, or sitting on a very comfortable chair or seat. If you need a nap, then sleep so that your mind and body receive the rest that you need.

 

Read Psalm 1:1-3. You may find it helpful to write your responses to the questions below in a journal or talk about them with a family member or friend:

 

What do these verses reveal about those who delight themselves in the Lord and meditate on his laws/commandments?

 

What is the focus of the thoughts that roll around in your mind?

 

Do you feel like a tree that is bearing fruit season after season without leaves that wither because you are planted by the stream of living water? Why or why not?

 

Pray and live in response to our God. You may find it helpful to use the words of the psalm as a guide for your prayer.