Ecclesiastes 3 (Amplified Bible)

Ecclesiastes 3
1TO EVERYTHING there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven:

2A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted,(A)

3A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build up,

4A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

6A time to get and a time to lose, a time to keep and a time to cast away,

7A time to rend and a time to sew, a time to keep silence and a time to speak,(B)

8A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.(C)

9What profit remains for the worker from his toil?

10I have seen the painful labor and exertion and miserable business which God has given to the sons of men with which to exercise and busy themselves.

11He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men's hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

12I know that there is nothing better for them than to be glad and to get and do good as long as they live;

13And also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor--it is the gift of God.

14I know that whatever God does, it endures forever; nothing can be added to it nor anything taken from it. And God does it so that men will [reverently] fear Him [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is].(D)

15That which is now already has been, and that which is to be already has been; and God seeks that which has passed by [so that history repeats itself ].

16Moreover, I saw under the sun that in the place of justice there was wickedness, and that in the place of righteousness wickedness was there also.

17I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time [appointed] for every matter and purpose and for every work.

18I said in my heart regarding the subject of the sons of men, God is trying (separating and sifting) them, that they may see that by themselves [under the sun, without God] they are but like beasts.

19For that which befalls the sons of men befalls beasts; even [in the end] one thing befalls them both. As the one dies, so dies the other. Yes, they all have one breath and spirit, so that a [a]man has no preeminence over a beast; for all is vanity (emptiness, falsity, and futility)!

20All go to one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.

21Who knows the spirit of man, whether it goes upward, and the spirit of the beast, whether it goes downward to the earth?

22So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his own works, for that is his portion. For who shall bring him back to see what will happen after he is gone?



Footnotes:

1. Ecclesiastes 3:19 Does the Bible really teach that "a man has no preeminence over a beast"? No! The Bible only records that the book of Ecclesiastes says it. Then why is this book in the Bible? Can it possibly be called inspired by God when it makes such "under the sun" pronouncements, some only partially true, others entirely false? Here is the tested answer: "Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching ... reproof... correction, for instruction... in righteousness." (II Tim. 3:16 ASV.) The divine purpose in including Ecclesiastes in the Bible is obvious. It gives a startling picture of how fatal it is for even the wisest of men to substitute man's "wisdom" for God's wisdom, and to attempt to live by it. Solomon's reign began with God, gold, and glory. It ended with bafflement, brass, and bewildered acceptance of man's having "no preeminence over a beast"!--man, who was made "in the image and likeness of God" (Gen. 1:27) and "but little lower than God [or heavenly beings]"! (Ps. 8:5.)

Cross references:

1. Ecclesiastes 3:2 : Heb 9:27
2. Ecclesiastes 3:7 : Amos 5:13
3. Ecclesiastes 3:8 : Luke 14:26
4. Ecclesiastes 3:14 : Ps 19:9; James 1:17

Isaiah 43 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Isaiah 43 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Isaiah 43

Restoration of Israel

1 Now this is what the LORD says—
the One who created you, Jacob,
and the One who formed you, Israel (A) —
"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; (B)
I have called you by your name; you are Mine. (C)
2 I will be with you (D)
when you pass through the waters, (E)
and [when you pass] through the rivers,
they will not overwhelm you.
You will not be scorched
when you walk through the fire, (F)
and the flame will not burn you.

3 For I the LORD your God, (G)
the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior, (H)
give Egypt as a ransom for you,
Cush and Seba in your place.

4 Because you are precious in My sight (I)
and honored, and I love you, (J)
I will give human beings in your place,
and peoples in place of your life.

5 Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your descendants from the east, (K)
and gather you from the west. (L)

6 I will say to the north: Give [them] up!
and to the south: Do not hold [them] back!
Bring My sons from far away, (M)
and My daughters from the ends of the earth (N) —

7 everyone called by My name
and created for My glory.
I have formed him; indeed, I have made him."

8 Bring out a people who are blind, yet have eyes, (O)
and are deaf, yet have ears.

9 All the nations are gathered together,
and the peoples are assembled. (P)
Who among them can declare this, (Q)
and tell us the former things?
Let them present their witnesses
to vindicate [themselves],
so that people may hear and say, "It is true."

10 "You are My witnesses" (R) —
the LORD's declaration—
"and My servant whom I have chosen, (S)
so that you may know and believe Me
and understand that I am He. (T)
No god was formed before Me,
and there will be none after Me. (U)

11 I, I am the LORD,
and there is no other Savior but Me. (V)

12 I alone declared, saved, and proclaimed—
and not some foreign god [a] among you.
So you are My witnesses"—
the LORD's declaration—
"and [b] I am God. (W)

13 Also, from today on I am He [alone],
and no one can take [anything] from My hand. (X)
I act, and who can reverse it?" (Y)



God's Deliverance of Rebellious Israel

14 This is what the LORD, your Redeemer, (Z) the Holy One of Israel (AA) says:
Because of you, I will send to Babylon
and bring all of them as fugitives, [c]
even the Chaldeans (AB) in the ships in which they rejoice. [d]
15 I am the LORD, your Holy One,
the Creator of Israel, your King.

16 This is what the LORD says—
who makes a way in the sea,
and a path through surging waters, (AC)

17 who brings out the chariot and horse, (AD)
the army and the mighty one together
(they lie down, they do not rise again;
they are extinguished, quenched like a wick (AE) )—

18 "Do not remember the past events,
pay no attention to things of old. (AF)

19 Look, I am about to do something new; (AG)
even now it is coming. Do you not see it?
Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, (AH)
rivers [e] in the desert.

20 The animals of the field will honor Me,
jackals and ostriches,
because I provide water in the wilderness,
and rivers in the desert, (AI)
to give drink to My chosen people.

21 The people I formed for Myself
will declare My praise. (AJ)

22 "But Jacob, you have not called on Me,
because, Israel, you have become weary of Me. (AK)

23 You have not brought Me your sheep for burnt offerings
or honored Me with your sacrifices. (AL)
I have not burdened you with offerings
or wearied you with incense. [f]

24 You have not bought Me aromatic cane with silver,
or satisfied Me with the fat of your sacrifices.
But you have burdened Me with your sins;
you have wearied Me (AM) with your iniquities. (AN)

25 "It is I who sweep away your transgressions (AO)
for My own sake (AP)
and remember your sins no more. (AQ)

26 Take Me to court; let us argue our case together. (AR)
State your [case], so that you may be vindicated.

27 Your first father sinned, (AS)
and your mediators have rebelled against Me. (AT)

28 So I defiled the officers of the sanctuary,
and gave Jacob over to total destruction (AU)
and Israel to abuse.

Todays Message 3/15/09
Date: Mar 15th, 2009 12:30:57 am - Edit
Mood: alive


Todays Message 3/15/09
2 Timothy 1: 7-9 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
8, Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
9, Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
10, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

Guide us Lord and give us into your teachings,
Pour your word on us,
Shower us with your divine knowledge Oh Lord,
YOU are our Lord our God,
Jesus your only son to that which your teachings reach us and our sins are forgiven with his blood.

Please feel free to email me anytime with questions about Jesus or if you have any prayer concerns.happy.gif

PrayerPsalm91@aol.com

Psalm 135 (New International Version)

Psalm 135

1 Praise the LORD. [a]
Praise the name of the LORD;
praise him, you servants of the LORD,

2 you who minister in the house of the LORD,
in the courts of the house of our God.

3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;
sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.

4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob to be his own,
Israel to be his treasured possession.

5 I know that the LORD is great,
that our Lord is greater than all gods.

6 The LORD does whatever pleases him,
in the heavens and on the earth,
in the seas and all their depths.

7 He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth;
he sends lightning with the rain
and brings out the wind from his storehouses.

8 He struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
the firstborn of men and animals.

9 He sent his signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt,
against Pharaoh and all his servants.

10 He struck down many nations
and killed mighty kings-

11 Sihon king of the Amorites,
Og king of Bashan
and all the kings of Canaan-

12 and he gave their land as an inheritance,
an inheritance to his people Israel.

13 Your name, O LORD, endures forever,
your renown, O LORD, through all generations.

14 For the LORD will vindicate his people
and have compassion on his servants.

15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
made by the hands of men.

16 They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but they cannot see;

17 they have ears, but cannot hear,
nor is there breath in their mouths.

18 Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.

19 O house of Israel, praise the LORD;
O house of Aaron, praise the LORD;

20 O house of Levi, praise the LORD;
you who fear him, praise the LORD.

21 Praise be to the LORD from Zion,
to him who dwells in Jerusalem.
Praise the LORD.

Footnotes:
Psalm 135:1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah ; also in verses 3 and 21

Lord Lift me Up

Lord Lift me up and Lord set me on the path of righteousness,
YOU are my LORD,
YOU are my CREATOR,
None other compares,
YOU ARE THE ONLY GOD that lives in our hearts,
May your blessings and love shine in us,
May we lead others to know you,
AMEN

2 Chronicles 6 (New International Version)

2 Chronicles 6 (New International Version)

2 Chronicles 6

1 Then Solomon said, "The LORD has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud; 2 I have built a magnificent temple for you, a place for you to dwell forever."

3 While the whole assembly of Israel was standing there, the king turned around and blessed them. 4 Then he said:
"Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who with his hands has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to my father David. For he said, 5 'Since the day I brought my people out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city in any tribe of Israel to have a temple built for my Name to be there, nor have I chosen anyone to be the leader over my people Israel. 6 But now I have chosen Jerusalem for my Name to be there, and I have chosen David to rule my people Israel.'

7 "My father David had it in his heart to build a temple for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. 8 But the LORD said to my father David, 'Because it was in your heart to build a temple for my Name, you did well to have this in your heart. 9 Nevertheless, you are not the one to build the temple, but your son, who is your own flesh and blood—he is the one who will build the temple for my Name.'

10 "The LORD has kept the promise he made. I have succeeded David my father and now I sit on the throne of Israel, just as the LORD promised, and I have built the temple for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. 11 There I have placed the ark, in which is the covenant of the LORD that he made with the people of Israel."
Solomon's Prayer of Dedication
12 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel and spread out his hands. 13 Now he had made a bronze platform, five cubits [a] long, five cubits wide and three cubits [b] high, and had placed it in the center of the outer court. He stood on the platform and then knelt down before the whole assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven. 14 He said:
"O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or on earth—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. 15 You have kept your promise to your servant David my father; with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it—as it is today.

16 "Now LORD, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father the promises you made to him when you said, 'You shall never fail to have a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your sons are careful in all they do to walk before me according to my law, as you have done.' 17 And now, O LORD, God of Israel, let your word that you promised your servant David come true.

18 "But will God really dwell on earth with men? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! 19 Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence. 20 May your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, this place of which you said you would put your Name there. May you hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. 21 Hear the supplications of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive.

22 "When a man wrongs his neighbor and is required to take an oath and he comes and swears the oath before your altar in this temple, 23 then hear from heaven and act. Judge between your servants, repaying the guilty by bringing down on his own head what he has done. Declare the innocent not guilty and so establish his innocence.

24 "When your people Israel have been defeated by an enemy because they have sinned against you and when they turn back and confess your name, praying and making supplication before you in this temple, 25 then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel and bring them back to the land you gave to them and their fathers.

26 "When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you, and when they pray toward this place and confess your name and turn from their sin because you have afflicted them, 27 then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel. Teach them the right way to live, and send rain on the land you gave your people for an inheritance.

28 "When famine or plague comes to the land, or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, or when enemies besiege them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come, 29 and when a prayer or plea is made by any of your people Israel—each one aware of his afflictions and pains, and spreading out his hands toward this temple- 30 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive, and deal with each man according to all he does, since you know his heart (for you alone know the hearts of men), 31 so that they will fear you and walk in your ways all the time they live in the land you gave our fathers.

32 "As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm—when he comes and prays toward this temple, 33 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name.

34 "When your people go to war against their enemies, wherever you send them, and when they pray to you toward this city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name, 35 then hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause.

36 "When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you become angry with them and give them over to the enemy, who takes them captive to a land far away or near; 37 and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captivity and say, 'We have sinned, we have done wrong and acted wickedly'; 38 and if they turn back to you with all their heart and soul in the land of their captivity where they were taken, and pray toward the land you gave their fathers, toward the city you have chosen and toward the temple I have built for your Name; 39 then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their pleas, and uphold their cause. And forgive your people, who have sinned against you.

40 "Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

41 "Now arise, O LORD God, and come to your resting place,
you and the ark of your might.
May your priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation,
may your saints rejoice in your goodness.

42 O LORD God, do not reject your anointed one.
Remember the great love promised to David your servant."

Footnotes:

1. 2 Chronicles 6:13 That is, about 7 1/2 feet (about 2.3 meters)
2. 2 Chronicles 6:13 That is, about 4 1/2 feet (about 1.3 meters)

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”- Ephesians 2:8-9

Today when you think of your own spiritual journey with Jesus,
You may come upon the knowledge that as part of his bridegroom,
To that which you have sought you know he is part of your walk now,
All the times you spent turning to and from his guidance,
Seeking to learn on your own a bit,
Stumbling back to his own care,
Jesus loves us all,
Isn't amazing that he does?

Numbers 6:24-26 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.


24 The LORD bless you and protect you; (A)

25 the LORD make His face shine on you,
and be gracious to you; (B)

26 the LORD look with favor on you [a]
and give you peace. (C) [b]

Philippians 4:6-9 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society


6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.