Wisdom at a Cost Eccl. 7 Trade-off #1 – Wise people will mourn more. Trade-off #2 – Wrong decisions will drive wise people crazy.Trade-off #3 – Wise people will have to yield to wisdom. About the work of God: God is sovereign.God's ways are paradoxical.God allows man to have free will.God will preserve those who love Him. Returning to the theme of wisdom, Solomon says: Wisdom will help you, but you will never be perfect.Sometimes it's wise not to know something.Some wisdo...
May 17
22 min
More Observations Eccl 4 and 5 Four more observations Oppression is a certainty. (4:1-3)Both work and laziness can ruin us. (4:4-6)Relationships are beneficial. (4:7-12)Positions of authority are temporary. (4:13-16) Three more areas vanity can show up. Routine worship (5:1-7)Disconnected position (5:8-9)Unused wealth (5:10-20) Application: Let's chase things that actually benefit our relationships.Let's fulfill our kingdom responsibilities responsibly.Let's manage relat...
May 10
22 min
Stick to the Plan Eccl 3. The blessings of living for God God gives us purpose. (10)What God gives us to do is perfect when done at the right time. (11a)God knows what will last. (11b) Four Perceptions There is nothing better than finding joy in good works. (12)God wants us to enjoy life. (13)Everything God purposes will come about. (14)God will ensure this. (15) Two Realities Some godly acts have been replaced with wickedness. (16)God will judge everyone for how well they liv...
May 7
22 min
The Search for Purpose Eccl. 1:12-2:26 You can find happiness in that new jet ski this summer. But it won't last. You can find happiness in that beach trip, too, but I promise you that joy will evaporate when you're coming home and stuck in traffic. Any new toy, new date, new hobby, or new knowledge will only bring your happiness for so long. The joy of the Lord, however, can last forever. Solomon is right. Things, worldly knowledge, and wealth will bless you for a little wh...
Apr 26
18 min
Did you know that according to the ADAA, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 1/5 adults and 1/3 teenagers in our country have an anxiety disorder? I read this on their website. "…the repercussions of depression and anxiety extend beyond individuals, significantly impacting businesses and the global economy, with over $1 trillion per year in lost productivity due to depression and anxiety, and it's projected to reach $6 trillion." You might be thinking, "Why in the world a...
Apr 5
20 min
4 Reactions to the Resurrection Matthew 28:1-15; John 20:24-29, ESV Reactions: Reaction 1: Some accepted and shared the truth. (Matthew 28:8-11) Reaction 2: Some were offered the truth and covered it up. (Matthew 28:11-15) Reaction 3: Thomas doubted the truth but was open to it. (John 20:25) Reaction 4: Deny and ignore the truth.
Apr 5
16 min
He showed up! John 12:12-19 He showed up! Jesus shows up even when we have the wrong expectations. (12-13)Jesus shows up to do what the scriptures say. (14-15)Jesus shows up even before we get it. (16)Jesus shows up when we tell the truth about Him. (17-18)Jesus shows up even when people talk junk about Him. (19)
Mar 30
22 min
35 Giving Principles - Part 4 2 Cor. 9:6-15, ESV. Principles 28-35. Our giving amounts are important. (6, 8) Our giving amounts are a personal choice. (7) Our giving is eternally rewarded. (9) Our giving is regenerative. (10-11a) Our giving increases thankfulness. (11b-12) Our giving increases God's glory. (13) Our giving builds relationships. (14) Our giving points to salvation. (15) Application: Take Paul's advice. Agree to be a giver.Decide how...
Mar 15
25 min
35 Giving Principles - Part 3 2 Cor. 8:8-15, ESV. 9 more Giving Principles: 19. Our giving proves God's love is in us. (8) 20. Our giving mirrors Jesus. (9) 21. Our giving benefits us. (10) 22. Our giving requires follow-through. (11) 23. Our giving affects our reputations. (11-12) 24. Our giving-willingness is measured by God . (12) 25. Our giving promotes fairness. (13-14) 26. Our giving can be reciprocated. (14) 27. Giving ensures everyone has enough. (15) &nb...
Mar 8
26 min
35 Giving Principles – Part 2 2 Cor. 8:1-7 Giving Principles 9-18: 9. Our giving is cooperative. (1) 10. Our giving is generous. (2) 11. Our giving can counter our pain. (2) 12. Our giving gives us joy. (2) 13. Our giving is an accountable act. (3) 14. Our giving is contagious. (4) 15. Our giving is two-fold. (5) 16. Our giving is obedience. (5) 17. Our giving is gracious. (6) 18. O...
Mar 1
24 min
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