Ecclesiastes 3:9-22 (ESV)

The God-Given Task

“9 What gain has the worker from his toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; 13 also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.

14 I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. 15 That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.[m]

From Dust to Dust

16 Moreover, I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, even there was wickedness, and in the place of righteousness, even there was wickedness. 17 I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work. 18 I said in my heart with regard to the children of man that God is testing them that they may see that they themselves are but beasts. 19 For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity.[n] 20 All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return. 21 Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth? 22 So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for that is his lot. Who can bring him to see what will be after him?”

The words of this passage remind us of how fleeting our time on earth is. In the midst of knowing our lives are short- lived, we also have a sense that eternity will endure forever. When Jesus prayed to the he Father in John 17, He describes eternal life as this: “…that they know you the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” Knowing God means experiencing God’s fellowship. This is only possible through His provision to redeem mankind from the curse of sin (death, aka being eternally separated from God’s fellowship). – Teresa

I learned to bake pie from my husbands’s grandma (Bapoo). When we walked into Bapoo’s home, we were readily engulfed in the aroma of fresh baked apricot or marionberry pie. Her warm greeting was part of this pleasant atmosphere. In this passage, Paul emphasized his commission to spread the fragrance of Christ everywhere. It was the personal “knowing” of his Savior that equipped Paul for the task. He understood that to those being saved, he was as welcome as fresh baked pie. He also understood that to those who were perishing (rejecting the Savior), he was as undesirable as a rotting corpse. Since he was not into “sales” but spoke sincerely as one being “in” Christ, his message was not accepted or rejected based on charisma but based on the personal, eternal choices of his hearers. – Teresa

2 Cor 2:14-17 (ESV)

14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

When David was terrified by the presence of the angel of the Lord, he repented at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite and God had mercy on the people. This was the same place where many years earlier, Abraham willingly offered up in obedience his son, Isaac, who was then a young man. God saw Abraham’s heart of faith and stopped Him, by “providing a lamb” for the sacrifice (see Genesis 22:8). Even so, this place of extreme repentance became the site of Solomon’s ornate temple, built for worshiping the God above all gods. Solomon had the wisdom and skills to make a profoundly intricate work, majestic enough to cause the glory of God to descend on it in a cloud (see 2 Chronicles 5:14). Even today, we repent and worship at this site as it is also the mountain where Jesus, the lamb of God, gave himself up for the sins of the world.  What a place of repentance, as we picture our sin being dripped on by the blood of Christ Jesus our Lord and being substituted by His righteous atonement in God’s sight. Lord, you terrify us with your presence because you are so holy. Purify us by the blood of your Son and our Savior so that we may worship You in Spirit and in truth. We rejoice because of your provision for us. -Teresa

2 Chronicles 3: 1-3 (NLT)
3 So Solomon began to build the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the Lord had appeared to David, his father. The Temple was built on the threshing floor of Araunah[s] the Jebusite, the site that David had selected. 2 The construction began in midspring,[t] during the fourth year of Solomon’s reign.

As we end our summer vacations, we are encouraged by memories around the fire where our families opened up to share. Being thoughtful with our faces (aka body language) and open with our hearing (no air pods) we can enjoy these precious days of communication with the next generation. This is a life path of wisdom that endures. In our bold culture of intimidation, many faces communicate a disregard for others in general. We can take on the “love dare” and first and foremost let the love in. – Teresa

Proverbs 21:28-29 English Standard Version (ESV)

28

A false witness will perish,

but the word of a man who hears will endure.

29

A wicked man puts on a bold face,

but the upright gives thought to[a] his ways.

After eating the first granny smith apple from my new tree, I was impressed with how fresh it tasted. It was not like the several months old apple at the local produce department. Instead, I recognized it as the real deal, a superior piece of fruit freshness. Wisdom and justice keep us in a growth pattern that is not a fast flurry to fame but it is the real deal. By hiding God’s word in our hearts we can avoid sinful paths that may present options that are too tempting to resist. In the Israelite culture, those who inherited land had a way to support their family, tribe or clan. Those who were cut off from the inheritance were doomed to blow away like chaff in tbe wind. God has provided an inheritance for all who trust in Him for refuge. He establishes the path of those who trust in the substitutional atonement* of His Son for their sin. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). – Teresa #Heisable #gloriousinheritance #Ephesians1:18

*Pastor Tim Lane, Union Gospel Mission

Psalm 37:30-40 English Standard Version (ESV)

30

The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,

and his tongue speaks justice.

31

The law of his God is in his heart;

his steps do not slip.

32

The wicked watches for the righteous

and seeks to put him to death.

33

The Lord will not abandon him to his power

or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial.

34

Wait for the Lord and keep his way,

and he will exalt you to inherit the land;

you will look on when the wicked are cut off.

35

I have seen a wicked, ruthless man,

spreading himself like a green laurel tree.[a]

36

But he passed away,[b] and behold, he was no more;

though I sought him, he could not be found.

37

Mark the blameless and behold the upright,

for there is a future for the man of peace.

38

But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed;

the future of the wicked shall be cut off.

39

The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;

he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.

40

The Lord helps them and delivers them;

he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,

because they take refuge in him.

Footnotes:

a Psalm 37:35 The identity of this tree is uncertain

b Psalm 37:36 Or But one passed by

When surrounded by political scheming, we must leave vengeance to God. Queen Esther was put in such and such a place at such and such a time to call upon Israel’s God. She was a voice for those who were not allowed to speak and who were being persecuted (God’s people). Rather than jumping in to the rescue, she allowed God to do the rescuing. He will outperform anything our minds could ever ask or think. – Teresa

Esther 7:1-10 (ESV)

7 So the king and Haman went in to feast with Queen Esther. 2 And on the second day, as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king again said to Esther, “What is your wish, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” 3 Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request. 4 For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have been silent, for our affliction is not to be compared with the loss to the king.” 5 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has dared[l] to do this?” 6 And Esther said, “A foe and enemy! This wicked Haman!” Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen.

Haman Is Hanged

7 And the king arose in his wrath from the wine-drinking and went into the palace garden, but Haman stayed to beg for his life from Queen Esther, for he saw that harm was determined against him by the king. 8 And the king returned from the palace garden to the place where they were drinking wine, as Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was. And the king said, “Will he even assault the queen in my presence, in my own house?” As the word left the mouth of the king, they covered Haman’s face. 9 Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, “Moreover, the gallows[m] that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, is standing at Haman’s house, fifty cubits[n] high.” And the king said, “Hang him on that.” 10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the wrath of the king abated.

After breathing smoky air for weeks, we were refreshed when the cool breezes and marine layer moved in yesterday. The rays of sunlight speak of God’s glory and deliverance. Whether or not we have been delivered from a life threatening ordeal (as I was at age 15 when our greyhound bus escaped collision with a semi, while I watched God’s miracle of widening the road), His presence around us equates His love. Living our life mindful of the truth of His presence brings Him glory. In Daniel Coyle’s book, The Culture Code, the author writes about a student who invented short stories of “Johnny McTough”. All the writers in the group enjoyed these stories immensely as they spoke to a cultural phenomenon of superheroes who feel they can operate as independent agents without a need for anyone else. The truth is that by working together we are more effective and fulfilled- even attaining to feats of greatness that defy all odds. God answers when we seek Him, He changes our faces to radiant and with all the saints we remember His deliverance. – Teresa #atasteofthingstocome

Psalm 34: 4-10 (ESV)

I sought the Lord, and he answered me

and delivered me from all my fears.

5

Those who look to him are radiant,

and their faces shall never be ashamed.

6

This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him

and saved him out of all his troubles.

7

The angel of the Lord encamps

around those who fear him, and delivers them.

8

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!

Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

9

Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,

for those who fear him have no lack!

10

The young lions suffer want and hunger;

but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

The stream of water which nourishes this tree is metaphorical but equated to knowing God’s laws. In turn, God knows the way of the righteous. The path that is straight or righteous keeps those who are seeking God from drying up and blowing away. Knowledge puffs up but love builds up. It is not just knowledge that makes the difference but the relationship that nourishes our soul. – Teresa #SaultoPaul

#zealotfortruthbecomesprisonerforChrist

Psalm 1 (ESV)

1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;

6 for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. – Psalms 1

Corinthians 8 English Standard Version (ESV)

Food Offered to Idols

8 Now concerning[a] food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.[b]

A bit or bridle is used on a horse to keep it close by. When we have a true understanding of God’s love, we will not stray far from Him. His eye is upon us as He instructs and counsels on the narrow way. At times, we may feel that we don’t have enough strength, skill or passion to move forward but as we cast our cares upon Him, He provides a glimpse of His love. The joy we see in His eye is our strength. – Teresa #puredelight

Psalm 32:8-11 (ESV)

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

9

Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,

which must be curbed with bit and bridle,

or it will not stay near you.

10

Many are the sorrows of the wicked,

but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.

11

Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous,

and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Setting our hearts toward the entreaty of God, some may choose to fast or abstain from food, frivolous activity, or anything that would compete with devotion to God. For those who choose a liquid fast, the body may feel discomfort, craving the usual routine of three solid meals. In those times of “hunger” our hearts and desires can focus more intensely on God receiving that which satisfies more completely than food. A praise chorus “Hungry for You” by Bonnie Low- says it well… “needing your touch, just the touch of your hand…shower down Your sweet, sweet rain on my thirsty land.” Ezra was from the priestly line of Aaron. God chose him to lead the people in restoring the temple at Jerusalem. He first assembled the people (about 1500 men) to return with him. Upon discovering that there were no Levites to assist the priests, he recruited Levitical support to be part of this huge undertaking. Proclaiming a fast, they humbled themselves before God. Best of all, God listened to their entreaty for protection. When we see God’s hand at work, our lives are a witness to Him. – Teresa #Hisgreatwork #Ourgreatneed #recognizingthestrengthofcommunity

Ezra 8:21-9:15 and vv.31-34 English Standard Version (ESV)

Fasting and Prayer for Protection

21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. 22 For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” 23 So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.

31 Then we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes by the way. 32 We came to Jerusalem, and there we remained three days. 33 On the fourth day, within the house of our God, the silver and the gold and the vessels were weighed into the hands of Meremoth the priest, son of Uriah, and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas, and with them were the Levites, Jozabad the son of Jeshua and Noadiah the son of Binnui. 34 The whole was counted and weighed, and the weight of everything was recorded.