Bonus Reading, Psalms

The Exodus, in Song  

Today's reading is a dramatic retelling of the story of Exodus.  It has a prologue, giving an overview of God's relationship with the people of faith.  Then, poetically, the people become enslaved, endure slavery, and then witness the powerful salvation of God through plagues and miracles in the wilderness.  It is appropriate to remember this story of salvation during Holy Week -- it is one story that is traditionally read at the Great Vigil of Easter on Saturday evening.

Read Psalm 105  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Bonus Reading, Job

Where Is Wisdom Found?  

Today's reading is a brief meditation on the search for wisdom in the middle of Job's longer meditation about the nature of human suffering.  Where is wisdom to be found?  One cannot merely go to a specific spot on earth and find it.  No amount of money can buy it.  Only God, the one who created the universe, is the source of wisdom.  Wisdom can only be found through fear of the Lord and attention to God's teaching.

Read Job 28:12-28  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Rest Stop Continues

During this Holy Week, the Godsway 66 rest stop continues.  The overview for the next book will be posted on Sunday, April 5.

There are bonus readings from Job and the Psalms posted that will be posted this week.    In the meantime, please take some time this week to remember Jesus' final days in Jerusalem, his trial and crucifixion, and his resurrection.

Bonus Reading, Psalms

Celebrating God's Protection  

Today's reading is a song of ascents, one of the psalms that was sung as people approached the Temple in Jerusalem.  It is one of the happiest psalms, speaking of God's ultimate control over events and God's complete protection -- today, tomorrow, and always.

Read Psalm 121  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Like many of the psalms, Psalm 121 has been set to music by composers through the centuries.  One of the grandest of these musical pieces is an angelic trio that Felix Mendelssohn wrote as part of his great oratorio, Elijah.  Here is a lovely performance of "Lift Thine Eyes":

Bonus Reading, Psalms

God Alone is Source of Salvation  

Today's reading is a song recognizes all salvation comes from God alone.  It begins intimately - "For God alone my soul waits in silence, from him comes my salvation."  Then, it recognizes life's challenges, including those from people who threaten to undermine security and faith.  Through adversity, though, it recognizes that the only wise course is to rely fully on God, trusting in God's protection and confident in God's ultimate judgment that will right all wrongs.

Read Psalm 62  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Sermon - "The Wonder of Love" (Song of Solomon)

On Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached about the Song of Solomon, a lengthy and elaborate love poem which concludes the section of wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible.  The poem is challenging due to its changing perspectives (from the man's view, then the woman's, with occasional interjections from other bystanders).  It also seems non-religious, given that the love seems mostly romantic and even sensual.

Over the centuries, most theologians and preachers have interpreted the Song of Solomon as an allegory about the relationship between Christ and the church (which is described as the "bride of Christ" at points in the New Testament).  Frequently, they have suggested that the emotional closeness in the Song of Solomon is meant to be the closeness Christians are to have with God.

However, it can also be interesting to consider that the Song of Solomon celebrates loving human relationships.  So often, we focus -- religiously speaking -- on a relationships with God without remembering that God created a world with many people.  Presumably, God wanted us to have relationships with other people too.  Even more, if we are created in the image of God, and if God is essentially love, then we must have a deep capacity for love implanted in us (which the stain of sin cannot completely cover up).

The Song of Solomon's inclusion in the Bible suggests that this may be so.  Indeed, pursuing such logic then, we might be able to understand some of God's love for us -- unabashed and forgiving -- by considering how we love other people.

Click here to listen to the sermon.

You can also listen to the communion meditation and the closing benediction.

Bonus Reading, Psalms

The Dedication of God's Temple  

Today's reading is a song that is identified as begin sung at the dedication of the Temple.  After thanking God for deliverance, it is mostly a song of praise.  Ultimately, it recognizes that God has taken bad things and turned them into good things -- "turned mourning into dancing" and "sackcloth...into joy."

Read Psalm 30  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Bonus Reading, Psalms

Let the Evil End  

Today's reading is a song that cries out for protection from enemies.  In addition to God as a safe haven, though, it foremost recognizes God as the perfect judge of all actions (even the actions of those who cry out to God for protection).  Eventually, God will defeat the evil and protect the righteous, especially from those who are try to entrap others in their wickedness and those who are unrepentant in their wrongdoing.

Read Psalm 7  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Bonus Reading, Job

Elihu's Defense of Youth  

Today's reading offers the introduction of the first surprise speaker in the book of Job.  Before God speaks out of the whirlwind, a younger man named Elihu arrives to chastise Job's three friends.  Evidently, Elihu was a younger man.  After deferring to his elders, he suggests their arguments for why Job has sinned against God are unproven.  First, though, he argues that older does not always mean wiser.  Sometimes the younger ones can understand and see the truth clearer than older people.

Read Job 32:1-14  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

A Rest Stop

For the next two weeks, Godsway 66 will take a break as we again approach the holiest of weeks in the Christian calendar, the days from Palm Sunday through Easter.  The resources for Isaiah, the first of a series of Jewish prophets, will be posted beginning on April 5.

These weeks offer an opportunity to catch a breath and focus on the important celebration of Holy Week.  There also will be some bonus readings from Job and Psalms published during these two weeks.

Song of Solomon, Day 6

A Day to Catch Up  

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of the Song of Solomon you might have missed.  Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday
Friday

Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

• If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
• Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
• Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on the Song of Solomon tomorrow at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.

Song of Solomon, Day 5 Readings

Together, Together  

Today's reading concludes the poetic conversation between a man and a woman who are attracted to each other.  The man expresses his profound love for the woman.  The woman responds by committing herself to him, perhaps despite the attempts at some in her family to stop the relationship.  So deeply in love, the man and the woman unite in the end.  The man commits to this one woman, and the woman begs him to hurry and live out his commitment.

Note: The Hebrew text does not identify the speakers, but some Biblical translations suggest speakers in the Song of Solomon.  The Common English Bible (CEB) translation presents Song of Solomon as a dialogue between a man and a woman, with occasional group comments, and it identifies the speakers.  The New International Version (NIV) believes that the man and woman are more frequently interrupted by group comments, and it identifies all of the speakers.  The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) does not identify the speakers.

Read Song of Solomon 7:1-8:14  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Song of Solomon, Day 4 Readings

Perfect in His Eyes  

Today's reading continues the poetic conversation between a man and a woman who are attracted to each other.  The woman ends her reverie and confirms her commitment to the relationship.  The man then speaks, ecstatically, of how perfect the woman is, truly "one of a kind."

Note: The Hebrew text does not identify the speakers, but some Biblical translations suggest speakers in the Song of Solomon.  The Common English Bible (CEB) translation presents Song of Solomon as a dialogue between a man and a woman, with occasional group comments, and it identifies the speakers.  The New International Version (NIV) believes that the man and woman are more frequently interrupted by group comments, and it identifies all of the speakers.  The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) does not identify the speakers.

Read Song of Solomon 6:1-13  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Song of Solomon, Day 3 Readings

A Man Excited about Marriage and a Woman Fearful to Lose Him  

Today's reading continues the poetic conversation between a man and a woman who are attracted to each other.  The first long section is spoken by the man who takes up the wedding imagery and rhapsodizes about how wonderful it would be to be married to this woman.  She is so desirable, and she has so conquered his heart, that he dreams of nothing except spending time with her.

The woman, hearing this, is delighted and invites the man to make good on his suggestion -- that is, to marry her.  Then, though, she has doubts and worries that he might somehow leave her.  She dreams of him calling to her one night, and that when she opens the door, she finds him gone.  The loss devastates her because she finds him to be the most wonderful man.

Note: The Hebrew text does not identify the speakers, but some Biblical translations suggest speakers in the Song of Solomon.  The Common English Bible (CEB) translation presents Song of Solomon as a dialogue between a man and a woman, with occasional group comments, and it identifies the speakers.  The New International Version (NIV) believes that the man and woman are more frequently interrupted by group comments, and it identifies all of the speakers.  The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) does not identify the speakers.

Read Song of Solomon 4:1-5:16  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Sermon - "The Meaning of Life" (Ecclesiastes)

On Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty considered Ecclesiastes, essentially an essay (with some related proverbs) that considers nothing less than the meaning of life.  At first glance, it can be a terribly depressing book because the author, Qoheleth (usually in English called "Preacher" or "Teacher"), starts with two facts of life.  First, everyone dies -- no one, no matter how wise or powerful, has figured out how outlive death.  Second, everyone and their work is eventually forgotten -- despite our dreams of legacies, they too do not last forever.

Given these unavoidable facts, but guided by the unspoken belief that human life matters, Qoheleth considers the typical answers for life's purpose, but he finds them all lacking: wealth, power, wisdom, youth.  All are fleeting.  Ultimately, he decides that the best thing to do is to "eat, drink, and find pleasure in one's toil."  In the most famous passage (set to music by Pete Seeger as "Turn, Turn, Turn"), he suggests that there are many good things to do at various points of life -- times to laugh, cry, dance, fight, embrace, avoid, love, and many more.  Our challenge, it seems, is to figure out what we should be doing at various points in our lives.

Rev. Patty noted that Christians often see more hope in life through the gospel teaching of Jesus Christ, who offered hope alongside the challenges and frustrations of this life.  However, Jesus' own example of how to live seems rooted in the wisdom of doing the right thing at the right time.  More than that, people -- even Christians -- seem to forget Qoheleth's third point: joy.  So often, we look for reasons to complain and moan, instead of looking for the joy in our experiences -- even in our challenges.  We would do well to embrace the joy in life that Qoheleth (who clearly was no Pollyanna) insisted was a key part of a well-lived life.

You can listen to the sermon here.

You can also listen to the related Communion meditation and the extended benediction about prayer, ministry, purpose, and joy.

Song of Solomon, Day 2 Readings

A Woman's Joy in the Presence of Her Love  

Today's reading continues the poetic conversation between a man and a woman who are attracted to each other, mostly in the words and expectations of the woman.  After identifying herself as a particular flower -- a lovely flower, the man adds -- she gushes over how exciting it is to see the man she loves, to touch him, and to hear him invite her to be with him.

Here love for the man is so deep that when they are separated, she thinks of him, lying awake at night and going out to look for him.  And, having found him, she imagines a grand wedding day for them both, when their love will be recognized and celebrated by many.

Note: The Hebrew text does not identify the speakers, but some Biblical translations suggest speakers in the Song of Solomon.  The Common English Bible (CEB) translation presents Song of Solomon as a dialogue between a man and a woman, with occasional group comments, and it identifies the speakers.  The New International Version (NIV) believes that the man and woman are more frequently interrupted by group comments, and it identifies all of the speakers.  The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) does not identify the speakers.

Read Song of Solomon 2:1-3:11  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Song of Solomon, Day 1 Readings

The Initial Attraction of Love  

Today's reading is a poetic conversation between a man and a woman who are attracted to each other.  (Some believe there are groups of friends supporting the man and woman who occasionally speak too.)
First the woman speaks of her excitement in learning of the man's interest in here.  She asks for an invitation to see the man, to which he responds -- telling her to find him in the pasture with the shepherds and their tents.  The man and woman then exchange compliments about each other's physical appearance.  At the end, they decide that the "house" which contains their love is all of nature.

Note: The Hebrew text does not identify the speakers, but some Biblical translations suggest speakers in the Song of Solomon.  The Common English Bible (CEB) translation presents Song of Solomon as a dialogue between a man and a woman, with occasional group comments, and it identifies the speakers.  The New International Version (NIV) believes that the man and woman are more frequently interrupted by group comments, and it identifies all of the speakers.  The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) does not identify the speakers.

Read Song of Solomon 1:1-17  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Song of Solomon, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 22 - Song of Solomon  

The Song of Solomon is a love poem that explores the depth of emotions between a man and woman in ancient Israel.  It is a conversation between the couple -- with occasional lines from groups of friends or observers -- that can be difficult to follow because there are times when it is unclear who is speaking certain lines.  (Some Bibles have allowed translators to suggest who is speaking throughout the poem, but this is a matter of interpretation.  Such notes make the poem a little easier to read, however.)

There is very little overt religious material in the Song of Solomon, which has led many to ask why it is included in the Hebrew Bible.  Many theologians -- both Jewish and Christians -- have suggested through the centuries that the Song of Solomon should be read and understood allegorically.  The passionate relationship between the man and woman are metaphorical of the passions that should be in the relationship between God and God's people or between Christ and the church.

These metaphorical readings make for interesting theological discussions and raise a host of interesting possibilities about our relationship with God -- so if they intrigue you, feel free to explore such a reading this week.  However, there is value in accepting the Song of Solomon at face value. So much of the Bible focuses on the relationship between God and humans, but there is plenty of evidence in the Bible that God also wants humans to have significant relationships with each other.  Here is a poem in which both the man and the woman both speak for themselves and have desires for themselves and for their own lives.  (This is unusual in ancient literature, which is overwhelmingly male-dominated.)

While not all human relationships are romantic, the depth of a romance can offer clues to the ways humans love others too.    The Song of Solomon explores love between people that isn't based on wealth or the arrangements of others -- in fact, it seems to exist despite some opposition.  In language filled with a variety of natural imagery, including a fair amount of innuendo, it tells how the eyes of love see others differently, how absence makes the heart grow fonder, how love can make people feel as honored and special as royalty.

Ecclesiastes, Day 6

A Day to Catch Up  

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of Ecclesiastes you might have missed.  Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday
Friday

Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

• If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
• Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
• Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on Ecclesiastes tomorrow at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.

Ecclesiastes, Day 5 Readings

In Praise of Preparation and Anxiety-Free Living  

Today's reading is the conclusion of Qoheleth's exploration of the meaning of life.  Having concluded that it is best to eat, drink, and find joy in one's labors, he now imagines how one should best approach the hard times that will come in life.  One the one hand, he encourages diligence and preparation, so that one can withstand certain changes in life.  On the other hand, he also encourages people to approach life with a certain youthful ignorance -- looking for joy and not being anxious or afraid of the challenges or injustices of life.

Read Ecclesiastes 11:1-12:14  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ecclesiastes 11-12 today.

Ecclesiastes, Day 4 Readings

Justice is Slow and Justice is Imperfect  

Today's first reading is a meditation on justice.  It seems that good actions should produce good results and bad actions should produce bad results.  However, this does not usually happen immediately.  So sometimes the good are punished and the bad are rewarded (or at least they seem to be).  Then again, every human must sleep and thus cannot possibly know all that God knows (so perhaps God's justice is perfect, but imperceptibly so).

Read Ecclesiastes 8:1-17  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading continues Qoheleth's meditation on justice, recognizing that chance is as important in how people live as the consequences of how they live.  Still, it is better to accept this and live life fully; after all, there is nothing productive that comes after it.

This attitude, that death is the end of life, frequently troubles Christians.  Through the centuries, some have even suggested that Ecclesiastes should be removed from the Bible as heretical and atheistic.  This seems far too harsh.  The possibility of an afterlife is unimportant to Qoheleth (though the existence and power of God is consistent and explicit) because the afterlife doesn't occur on earth.  Qoheleth wants to know what makes this life meaningful, in this place, using the best wisdom and knowledge that a human being can attain.  In some ways, it seems that Jesus -- in his earthly life and ministry -- exhibited Qoheleth's approach to life, though with a strong belief in a better life in the forthcoming Kingdom of God.

Read Ecclesiastes 9:1-18  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ecclesiastes 8-10 today.

Ecclesiastes, Day 3 Readings

Enjoying Life and Accepting Life's Limits  

Today's first reading is Qoheleth's brief justification that enjoyment of life is essential to living well.  If one is rich, lives long, or has many kids, but does not enjoy any of these things, all this person has had is work -- an endless to-do list with no reward.

Read Ecclesiastes 6:1-12  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading continues Qoheleth's exploration by suggesting that awareness of human limitations and accepting them is also important in living a good life.  Lest some think that being oblivious to death is better (the ultimate "ignorance is bliss" proposition), there are a list of proverbs pointing to the importance and value of accepting death as the final part of life.  This is true even in hard times, filled with challenges and adversity.

Read Ecclesiastes 7:1-29  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ecclesiastes 6-7 today.

Sermon - "Unusual, Practical Wisdom" (Proverbs)

On Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached about Proverbs, the collection of short, wise sayings in the Hebrew Bible.  Together with some essays about the nature of wisdom in the opening chapters, this collection emphasizes that God is the source of all wisdom.  Thus, for people "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" -- meaning the appreciation of God as the source of all wisdom is the basis for any true wisdom a person may attain in this life.

The sermon was framed by the recent death of noted preacher Rev. Dr. Fred Craddock, who was famous for his unique style and his storytelling.  Craddock's style offered an interesting contrast to Proverbs -- where Craddock's stories are curious and offer many possible lessons, the proverbs are to the point and offer explicit teaching.  Much of this teaching is practical, pointing out all of the behaviors that can damage human life (because that which does not help you, hurts you).  Even some behavior which we might understand and tolerate, like happiness at the suffering or defeat of enemies, is a no-no because this attitude of vengeance is corrosive for the person who feels it.

Essentially, the Proverbs can be summed up in two basic lessons: 1) God is the source of wisdom and 2) don't be evil.

Click here to listen to the sermon.

You can also listen to the related Communion meditation, which reflects on how Jesus expands the teaching of Proverbs in his Sermon on the Mount.

Ecclesiastes, Day 2 Readings

A Time for Everything and the Limits of Oppression, Money, and Youth  

Today's first reading is the explanation of Qoheleth's primary answer to the question, "What is the meaning of life?"  There is a right time and place for many worthwhile human activities, so there are a lot of ways that people can spend their time and energy in life.  However, a life well-lived is one in which different activities are done in the correct times.

The beginning of this passage was made famous in the song "Turn, Turn, Turn."  That song, which was meant to be an anti-war folk song, though, seemed to find hope that eventually a time of war would become a time of peace.  Rather, Biblical point seems to be deeper than war and peace -- doing the right things in the right moments is the way to a good and meaningful life.

Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-22  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading continues Qoheleth's exploration of other possible answers.  Is meaning and purpose to be found in having power over others?  No, even those with the most power die with no guarantee that their work will last.  Worse, these people are most likely to try to become the wealthiest, and all wealthy people seem to do is want to claim even more money.

Qoheleth briefly considers that youth might be better than old age -- after all, the younger are further from death.  However, they tend to be poorer.  Even if they can gain influence, they cannot stop growing older.  Others who are younger will then take their places.

Read Ecclesiastes 4:1-16  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ecclesiastes 3-5 today.

Ecclesiastes, Day 1 Readings

Seeking for Life's Meaning and Rejecting Pleasure  

Today's first reading is the opening of Qoheleth's exploration of the meaning of life.  From the start, the wise teacher cannot avoid two overwhelming facts.  First, all human efforts are eventually wiped away and invisible on the earth.  Second, every human dies.  Given this, it seems that every human attempt to do anything -- knowing that each person will die and their work will eventually crumble -- is nothing.  Often translated "vanity" the recurring word used is "vapor" or "breath" -- everything in
life is merely a 'chasing after wind.'

Read Ecclesiastes 1:1-18  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading offers Qoheleth's main line of inquiry in his search for the meaning of life.  Having recognized the futility of human effort, he considers what the best use of time and energy it is for people.  First he considers pleasure, which also includes wealth, but he finds that unsatisfying.  And while wisdom is better than foolishness, the wise cannot prevent their own death.  So the conclusion is that humans should simply eat, drink, and find fulfillment in how they spend their time.

Read Ecclesiastes 2:1-26  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ecclesiastes 1-2 today.

Ecclesiastes, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 21 - Ecclesiastes  

Ecclesiastes is a provocative meditation on the meaning of life.  Written by Qoheleth (often translated "Teacher" or "Preacher"), it is sometimes attributed to King Solomon.

The opening poem lays out the essential fact -- no human being can greatly affect the earth.  Human lives are short, compared with the earth's history.  And nobody can leave a permanent mark on that history -- eventually the winds and waves of time smooth out everything.  (Consider an old gravestone -- usually it is difficult to read because the wind has gradually smoothed the letters, whether they were etched or raised.)

In light of this, Qoheleth wonders what should be the purpose of life, seeing how no human achievement can last forever.  He considers some possibilities -- to pursue wealth, power, wisdom, justice -- but finds them all problematic.  None can be perfectly achieved; none can prevent death.

So, Qoheleth argues that the best humans can do in life is "to eat, drink and find enjoyment in their toil."  He expands on this in the best known part of the book, a poem that was set to music in the 1960s: "To everything there is a season."  If one can figure out what season it is, one can do and say the right things.  This is the best life one can live -- to find joy and fulfillment in one's day-to-day life.

Still, in this meditation, Qoheleth is not afraid to ask tough questions and challenge some conventional wisdom.  So Ecclesiastes is a book that can be depressing, confusing, and provocative to the reader.  Underneath it, though, is a persistent faith that human life is not meaningless and the human experience is not meant to be one only of suffering -- the faith that is explicitly expressed in Genesis 1 that God created people and called them good.

Proverbs, Day 6

A Day to Catch Up  

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of Proverbs you might have missed.  Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday
Friday

Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

• If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
• Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
• Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on Proverbs tomorrow at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.

Proverbs, Day 5 Readings

Looking Ahead and an Ode to the Exemplary Wife  

Today's first reading comes from some of the concluding collections of proverbs from people other than Solomon.  Here are a collection of sometimes funny wise sayings about the future, marriage, and the merits of the heart.

Read Proverbs 27:1-22  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading is the concluding ode in Proverbs, a well-known poem about a godly wife.  Such a woman is of great value to her husband and family, one who works hard over long hours, demonstrating (in her own way) strength and wisdom.

Read Proverbs 31:10-31  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Proverbs 25-31 today.

Proverbs, Day 4 Readings

Punishments for Injustice and the Best of Life from Wise Living  

Today's first reading continues the brief wise sayings of King Solomon.  There are several in these verses about the dangers of people who who treat others badly by lying to them (in some form or other).  Those who spread injustice will be punished.

Read Proverbs 20:1-25  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading is the concluding section from among the short wise sayings of King Solomon.  Most of these seem to highlight the stark difference between wise/good living and foolish/evil living.  Those who live with wisdom live "the good life" with wealth and comfort.  Those who live foolishly, trying to con and scam their way through life, will eventually meet unexpected disaster and lose everything.

Read Proverbs 24:1-22  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Proverbs 19-24 today.

Proverbs, Day 3 Readings

The Different Outcomes of Good and Evil and the Limits of Human Wisdom  

Today's first reading begins the lengthy section of Proverbs which collects the brief wise sayings of King Solomon.  Usually, each proverb is a single verse, strung together like pearls on a necklace.  The underlying theme of these wise teachings is that the wise lead good lives, while the foolish and evil do not.

Read Proverbs 10:1-23  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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The second reading is another selection from among the short wise sayings of King Solomon.  Here is a group reminding people of the limitations of humans, particularly the limits of human wisdom.  People who forget these limits -- or try to live beyond them -- usually fail in spectacular ways.  In the memorable phrase among these verses: "pride goes before the fall."

Read Proverbs 16:1-26  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Proverbs 13-18 today.

Proverbs, Day 2 Readings

Avoiding Common Traps and Wisdom as the First Part of God's Creation  

Today's first reading advises people against common traps that people fall into.  Wisdom is not making such obvious mistakes, like being lazy or falling for the silky promises of a lying shyster.  Also (and this is a reminder that much wisdom literature assumes that men are the only audience), you should not fall into an adulterous affair with a scheming woman.

Read Proverbs 6:6-28  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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The second reading is an ode spoken from the viewpoint of wisdom, calling people to follow this wisdom.  First, it is useful and leads to a good life.  Why?  Because wisdom was the first thing created by God when God created the heavens and the earth.  Such an argument means that wisdom is the most important thing in creation, and should be prized and cherished by the rest of creation.

Read Proverbs 8:1-36  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Proverbs 7-12 today.

Sermon - "Singing God's Songs" (Psalms)

On Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached about the Psalms, the collection of music in the middle of the Hebrew Bible.  These 150 songs were written over centuries for a variety of contexts.  Many were written to be sung as part of worship, especially around the Temple, but others are adapted from more personal poems.  Many could be sung in most situations, but a few were for unique circumstances, like a coronation.

While there are many themes explored in the Psalms, the most pronounced is the identity and nature of God.  What is God like?  What does God do?  (Or sometimes, what does God not do?)  Closely related to this: how are human beings related to God?  After all, God is many things that humans simply are not -- omniscient, omnipresent, wise, steadfast, perfectly merciful.  In recognizing these differences, and by embracing God's direction and purposes, people can live full and meaningful lives.  The Psalms frequently celebrate this.

Sometimes, though, people in tough situations do not always put their best foot forward.  Frequently, God's people face opponents and enemies who mean harm, not good; occasionally, these people even get the upper hand for a while.  So, while the Jewish leaders were exiled into Babylon, they grew angry and depressed -- a dual emotional state at the heart of Psalm 137.  In such places, God's people often asked for uncharitable things -- vengeance and suffering (sometimes described in exacting detail).  While such emotions are not god-like, they are truly felt sometimes.  The good in the psalms is not these emotions themselves, but the openness with which they are shared with God.  Only through such intimacy and trust can God work positive changes in peoples lives.

Click here to listen to the sermon.

You can also listen to the related Communion meditation.

Proverbs, Day 1 Readings

The Value of Wisdom and Trusting God's Instruction  

Today's first reading emphasizes the value of wisdom.  It stresses that true wisdom comes from God and the highest knowledge humans can attain begins by seeking God's wisdom.  Such godly wisdom points toward a good life, free from unnecessary distractions and false steps.

Read Proverbs 2:1-22  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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The second reading reminds the student that it is not only important to recognize that God has wisdom, but that God teaches people that wisdom.  And like any teacher or parent, God praises good behavior and scolds mistakes.  So it is important to trust God, even when being punished or corrected by God -- for following God's teaching is the way to true happiness.

Read Proverbs 3:1-35  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Proverbs 1-6 today.

Proverbs, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 20 - Proverbs  

Proverbs is a collection of wisdom, mostly in the form of short sayings.  The central chapters of the collection are attributed to King Solomon, who is supposed to have been the smartest single person in human history.  (The great wisdom is a gift from God for Solomon refusing to ask God for power or wealth, but for wisdom as a ruler.)

The opening nine chapters offer longer poems or odes about the nature of wisdom or the value of wisdom.  Some speak directly to the "child" or student who is supposed to learn.  One of the most interesting is a poem allowing wisdom to speak for herself, where wisdom is presented as the first creation of God in the universe.

After these chapters, the remainder of the book is a collection of loosely organized pithy sayings, usually only a sentence (or verse) each.  Some offer a twist or something unexpected.  Some are humorous.  Several have become part of conventional wisdom -- so much so that many do not realize they originally were written in Proverbs.

While it is impossible to encapsulate all 31 chapters of Proverbs, there are certain recurring themes that deserve attention.  Foremost, true wisdom comes from God.  Left to our own devices, humans are limited; if we are to become wise, we must humbly and persistently seek God's wisdom through God's teaching.  Sometimes this is challenging, but it is ultimately rewarding.  Wisdom leads to the good life and protection for the hardships that people who are foolish, unjust, or evil eventually face.  While good living/action/speaking is a source of light, joy, and hope, bad living/action/speaking is a corrosive force in the world, corrupting the things it comes into contact with, including the one lives/acts/speaks badly or foolishly.