October 19, 2018

Trust by Gary Rose



For those of you who don’t know me all that well, one of my interests is astronomy. From childhood I have enjoyed viewing the heavens and marveling at their vastness. Since the Bible teaches that God exists in heaven, and is attended by angels, I have often thought about angels. At some point time, one of the angels (Satan) rebelled against the rule of God and with him a myriad of followers. His pride and hatred of man have shown that he cannot be trusted. He deceived Adam and Eve and will try to trick anyone and everyone into believing falsehood.
His efforts to destroy the human race continue. The apostle Paul encountered Satan’s deceptions in the most important of all truths, the Good News (or Gospel).


Galatians 1 (World English Bible)
  6  I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different “good news”;  7 and there isn’t another “good news.” Only there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the Good News of Christ.  8 But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any “good news” other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed.  9 As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any “good news” other than that which you received, let him be cursed. (emphasis added)  10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? For if I were still pleasing men, I wouldn’t be a servant of Christ.  11 But I make known to you, brothers, concerning the Good News which was preached by me, that it is not according to man.  12 For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ.


Trust in the word of God and only the word of God. Never put your confidence in some “very religious” person, who replaces BIBLICAL TRUTH with a religion of works or philosophy. Be careful not to add to or subtract from the faith that was once for all delivered in the first century. Trust in God, not in the fanciful ideas of human beings!

And, as far as angels are concerned…

Hebrews 1 (WEB)
  1 God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,  2 has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds.  3 His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;  4 having become so much better than the angels, as he has inherited a more excellent name than they have.  5 For to which of the angels did he say at any time, 
You are my Son.
Today have I become your father?”
and again, 
I will be to him a Father,
and he will be to me a Son?”
  6  When he again brings in the firstborn into the world he says, “Let all the angels of God worship him.”  7 Of the angels he says, 
Who makes his angels winds,
and his servants a flame of fire.”

  8  But of the Son he says, 
Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom.
  9 You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.”
  10  And, 
You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth.
The heavens are the works of your hands.
  11 They will perish, but you continue.
They all will grow old like a garment does.
  12 You will roll them up like a mantle,
and they will be changed;
but you are the same.
Your years will not fail.”
  13  But which of the angels has he told at any time, 
Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet?”
  14  Aren’t they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation? 

Trust. Without it, heaven is unattainable!!! Like the hymn says:

When we walk with the Lord
  In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
  While we do His good will,
  He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.


Trust and obey,
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
  But to trust and obey.


https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/582

Bible Reading October 19-21 by Gary Rose


Bible Reading October 19-21

World English Bible

Oct. 19
Proverbs 30-31

Pro 30:1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle: the man says to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:
Pro 30:2 "Surely I am the most ignorant man, and don't have a man's understanding.
Pro 30:3 I have not learned wisdom, neither do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.
Pro 30:4 Who has ascended up into heaven, and descended? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has bound the waters in his garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name, if you know?
Pro 30:5 "Every word of God is flawless. He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Pro 30:6 Don't you add to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar.
Pro 30:7 "Two things I have asked of you; don't deny me before I die:
Pro 30:8 Remove far from me falsehood and lies. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food that is needful for me;
Pro 30:9 lest I be full, deny you, and say, 'Who is Yahweh?' or lest I be poor, and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
Pro 30:10 "Don't slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be held guilty.
Pro 30:11 There is a generation that curses their father, and doesn't bless their mother.
Pro 30:12 There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes, yet are not washed from their filthiness.
Pro 30:13 There is a generation, oh how lofty are their eyes! Their eyelids are lifted up.
Pro 30:14 There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, and their jaws like knives, to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among men.
Pro 30:15 "The leach has two daughters: 'Give, give.' "There are three things that are never satisfied; four that don't say, 'Enough:'
Pro 30:16 Sheol, the barren womb; the earth that is not satisfied with water; and the fire that doesn't say, 'Enough.'
Pro 30:17 "The eye that mocks at his father, and scorns obedience to his mother: the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, the young eagles shall eat it.
Pro 30:18 "There are three things which are too amazing for me, four which I don't understand:
Pro 30:19 The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent on a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maiden.
Pro 30:20 "So is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth, and says, 'I have done nothing wrong.'
Pro 30:21 "For three things the earth tremble, and under four, it can't bear up:
Pro 30:22 For a servant when he is king; a fool when he is filled with food;
Pro 30:23 for an unloved woman when she is married; and a handmaid who is heir to her mistress.
Pro 30:24 "There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise:
Pro 30:25 the ants are not a strong people, yet they provide their food in the summer.
Pro 30:26 The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks.
Pro 30:27 The locusts have no king, yet they advance in ranks.
Pro 30:28 You can catch a lizard with your hands, yet it is in kings' palaces.
Pro 30:29 "There are three things which are stately in their march, four which are stately in going:
Pro 30:30 The lion, which is mightiest among animals, and doesn't turn away for any;
Pro 30:31 the greyhound, the male goat also; and the king against whom there is no rising up.
Pro 30:32 "If you have done foolishly in lifting up yourself, or if you have thought evil, put your hand over your mouth.
Pro 30:33 For as the churning of milk brings forth butter, and the wringing of the nose brings forth blood; so the forcing of wrath brings forth strife."

Pro 31:1 The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.
Pro 31:2 "Oh, my son! Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows!
Pro 31:3 Don't give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
Pro 31:4 It is not for kings, Lemuel; it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to say, 'Where is strong drink?'
Pro 31:5 lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted.
Pro 31:6 Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; and wine to the bitter in soul:
Pro 31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
Pro 31:8 Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate.
Pro 31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy."
Pro 31:10 Who can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies.
Pro 31:11 The heart of her husband trusts in her. He shall have no lack of gain.
Pro 31:12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
Pro 31:13 She seeks wool and flax, and works eagerly with her hands.
Pro 31:14 She is like the merchant ships. She brings her bread from afar.
Pro 31:15 She rises also while it is yet night, gives food to her household, and portions for her servant girls.
Pro 31:16 She considers a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard.
Pro 31:17 She girds her waist with strength, and makes her arms strong.
Pro 31:18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn't go out by night.
Pro 31:19 She lays her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
Pro 31:20 She opens her arms to the poor; yes, she extends her hands to the needy.
Pro 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
Pro 31:22 She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Pro 31:23 Her husband is respected in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
Pro 31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers sashes to the merchant.
Pro 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come.
Pro 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom. Faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Pro 31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and doesn't eat the bread of idleness.
Pro 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her:
Pro 31:29 "Many women do noble things, but you excel them all."
Pro 31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised.
Pro 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands! Let her works praise her in the gates!

Oct. 20
Ecclesiastes 1-4

Ecc 1:1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem:
Ecc 1:2 "Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher; "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity."
Ecc 1:3 What does man gain from all his labor in which he labors under the sun?
Ecc 1:4 One generation goes, and another generation comes; but the earth remains forever.
Ecc 1:5 The sun also rises, and the sun goes down, and hurries to its place where it rises.
Ecc 1:6 The wind goes toward the south, and turns around to the north. It turns around continually as it goes, and the wind returns again to its courses.
Ecc 1:7 All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full. To the place where the rivers flow, there they flow again.
Ecc 1:8 All things are full of weariness beyond uttering. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
Ecc 1:9 That which has been is that which shall be; and that which has been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
Ecc 1:10 Is there a thing of which it may be said, "Behold, this is new?" It has been long ago, in the ages which were before us.
Ecc 1:11 There is no memory of the former; neither shall there be any memory of the latter that are to come, among those that shall come after.
Ecc 1:12 I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
Ecc 1:13 I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the sky. It is a heavy burden that God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.
Ecc 1:14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.
Ecc 1:15 That which is crooked can't be made straight; and that which is lacking can't be counted.
Ecc 1:16 I said to myself, "Behold, I have obtained for myself great wisdom above all who were before me in Jerusalem. Yes, my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge."
Ecc 1:17 I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind.
Ecc 1:18 For in much wisdom is much grief; and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

Ecc 2:1 I said in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with mirth: therefore enjoy pleasure;" and behold, this also was vanity.
Ecc 2:2 I said of laughter, "It is foolishness;" and of mirth, "What does it accomplish?"
Ecc 2:3 I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives.
Ecc 2:4 I made myself great works. I built myself houses. I planted myself vineyards.
Ecc 2:5 I made myself gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit.
Ecc 2:6 I made myself pools of water, to water from it the forest where trees were reared.
Ecc 2:7 I bought male servants and female servants, and had servants born in my house. I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all who were before me in Jerusalem;
Ecc 2:8 I also gathered silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces. I got myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men--musical instruments, and that of all sorts.
Ecc 2:9 So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.
Ecc 2:10 Whatever my eyes desired, I didn't keep from them. I didn't withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor, and this was my portion from all my labor.
Ecc 2:11 Then I looked at all the works that my hands had worked, and at the labor that I had labored to do; and behold, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was no profit under the sun.
Ecc 2:12 I turned myself to consider wisdom, madness, and folly: for what can the king's successor do? Just that which has been done long ago.
Ecc 2:13 Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness.
Ecc 2:14 The wise man's eyes are in his head, and the fool walks in darkness--and yet I perceived that one event happens to them all.
Ecc 2:15 Then said I in my heart, "As it happens to the fool, so will it happen even to me; and why was I then more wise?" Then said I in my heart that this also is vanity.
Ecc 2:16 For of the wise man, even as of the fool, there is no memory for ever, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. Indeed, the wise man must die just like the fool!
Ecc 2:17 So I hated life, because the work that is worked under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and a chasing after wind.
Ecc 2:18 I hated all my labor in which I labored under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who comes after me.
Ecc 2:19 Who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have rule over all of my labor in which I have labored, and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity.
Ecc 2:20 Therefore I began to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor in which I had labored under the sun.
Ecc 2:21 For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, with knowledge, and with skillfulness; yet he shall leave it for his portion to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil.
Ecc 2:22 For what has a man of all his labor, and of the striving of his heart, in which he labors under the sun?
Ecc 2:23 For all his days are sorrows, and his travail is grief; yes, even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity.
Ecc 2:24 There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it is from the hand of God.
Ecc 2:25 For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment, more than I?
Ecc 2:26 For to the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner he gives travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him who pleases God. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

Ecc 3:1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:
Ecc 3:2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
Ecc 3:3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
Ecc 3:4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
Ecc 3:5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
Ecc 3:6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
Ecc 3:7 a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
Ecc 3:8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
Ecc 3:9 What profit has he who works in that in which he labors?
Ecc 3:10 I have seen the burden which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.
Ecc 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can't find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end.
Ecc 3:12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice, and to do good as long as they live.
Ecc 3:13 Also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God.
Ecc 3:14 I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; and God has done it, that men should fear before him.
Ecc 3:15 That which is has been long ago, and that which is to be has been long ago: and God seeks again that which is passed away.
Ecc 3:16 Moreover I saw under the sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there.
Ecc 3:17 I said in my heart, "God will judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work."
Ecc 3:18 I said in my heart, "As for the sons of men, God tests them, so that they may see that they themselves are like animals.
Ecc 3:19 For that which happens to the sons of men happens to animals. Even one thing happens to them. As the one dies, so the other dies. Yes, they have all one breath; and man has no advantage over the animals: for all is vanity.
Ecc 3:20 All go to one place. All are from the dust, and all turn to dust again.
Ecc 3:21 Who knows the spirit of man, whether it goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, whether it goes downward to the earth?"
Ecc 3:22 Therefore I saw that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his works; for that is his portion: for who can bring him to see what will be after him?

Ecc 4:1 Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold, the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.
Ecc 4:2 Therefore I praised the dead who have been long dead more than the living who are yet alive.
Ecc 4:3 Yes, better than them both is him who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
Ecc 4:4 Then I saw all the labor and achievement that is the envy of a man's neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
Ecc 4:5 The fool folds his hands together and ruins himself.
Ecc 4:6 Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind.
Ecc 4:7 Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.
Ecc 4:8 There is one who is alone, and he has neither son nor brother. There is no end to all of his labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with wealth. For whom then, do I labor, and deprive my soul of enjoyment? This also is vanity, yes, it is a miserable business.
Ecc 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.
Ecc 4:10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn't have another to lift him up.
Ecc 4:11 Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone?
Ecc 4:12 If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Ecc 4:13 Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn't know how to receive admonition any more.
Ecc 4:14 For out of prison he came forth to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor.
Ecc 4:15 I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him.
Ecc 4:16 There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was--yet those who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

Oct. 21
Ecclesiastes 5-7

Ecc 5:1 Guard your steps when you go to God's house; for to draw near to listen is better than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they don't know that they do evil.
Ecc 5:2 Don't be rash with your mouth, and don't let your heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and you on earth. Therefore let your words be few.
Ecc 5:3 For as a dream comes with a multitude of cares, so a fool's speech with a multitude of words.
Ecc 5:4 When you vow a vow to God, don't defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow.
Ecc 5:5 It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay.
Ecc 5:6 Don't allow your mouth to lead you into sin. Don't protest before the messenger that this was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands?
Ecc 5:7 For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, as well as in many words: but you must fear God.
Ecc 5:8 If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent taking away of justice and righteousness in a district, don't marvel at the matter: for one official is eyed by a higher one; and there are officials over them.
Ecc 5:9 Moreover the profit of the earth is for all. The king profits from the field.
Ecc 5:10 He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase: this also is vanity.
Ecc 5:11 When goods increase, those who eat them are increased; and what advantage is there to its owner, except to feast on them with his eyes?
Ecc 5:12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not allow him to sleep.
Ecc 5:13 There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: wealth kept by its owner to his harm.
Ecc 5:14 Those riches perish by misfortune, and if he has fathered a son, there is nothing in his hand.
Ecc 5:15 As he came forth from his mother's womb, naked shall he go again as he came, and shall take nothing for his labor, which he may carry away in his hand.
Ecc 5:16 This also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go. And what profit does he have who labors for the wind?
Ecc 5:17 All his days he also eats in darkness, he is frustrated, and has sickness and wrath.
Ecc 5:18 Behold, that which I have seen to be good and proper is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, in which he labors under the sun, all the days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion.
Ecc 5:19 Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat of it, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor--this is the gift of God.
Ecc 5:20 For he shall not often reflect on the days of his life; because God occupies him with the joy of his heart.

Ecc 6:1 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is heavy on men:
Ecc 6:2 a man to whom God gives riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing for his soul of all that he desires, yet God gives him no power to eat of it, but an alien eats it. This is vanity, and it is an evil disease.
Ecc 6:3 If a man fathers a hundred children, and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not filled with good, and moreover he has no burial; I say, that a stillborn child is better than he:
Ecc 6:4 for it comes in vanity, and departs in darkness, and its name is covered with darkness.
Ecc 6:5 Moreover it has not seen the sun nor known it. This has rest rather than the other.
Ecc 6:6 Yes, though he live a thousand years twice told, and yet fails to enjoy good, don't all go to one place?
Ecc 6:7 All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.
Ecc 6:8 For what advantage has the wise more than the fool? What has the poor man, that knows how to walk before the living?
Ecc 6:9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.
Ecc 6:10 Whatever has been, its name was given long ago; and it is known what man is; neither can he contend with him who is mightier than he.
Ecc 6:11 For there are many words that create vanity. What does that profit man?
Ecc 6:12 For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends like a shadow? For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?

Ecc 7:1 A good name is better than fine perfume; and the day of death better than the day of one's birth.
Ecc 7:2 It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men, and the living should take this to heart.
Ecc 7:3 Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good.
Ecc 7:4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
Ecc 7:5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
Ecc 7:6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.
Ecc 7:7 Surely extortion makes the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroys the understanding.
Ecc 7:8 Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
Ecc 7:9 Don't be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.
Ecc 7:10 Don't say, "Why were the former days better than these?" For you do not ask wisely about this.
Ecc 7:11 Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. Yes, it is more excellent for those who see the sun.
Ecc 7:12 For wisdom is a defense, even as money is a defense; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.
Ecc 7:13 Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight, which he has made crooked?
Ecc 7:14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; yes, God has made the one side by side with the other, to the end that man should not find out anything after him.
Ecc 7:15 All this have I seen in my days of vanity: there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who lives long in his evildoing.
Ecc 7:16 Don't be overly righteous, neither make yourself overly wise. Why should you destroy yourself?
Ecc 7:17 Don't be too wicked, neither be foolish. Why should you die before your time?
Ecc 7:18 It is good that you should take hold of this. Yes, also from that don't withdraw your hand; for he who fears God will come forth from them all.
Ecc 7:19 Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.
Ecc 7:20 Surely there is not a righteous man on earth, who does good and doesn't sin.
Ecc 7:21 Also don't take heed to all words that are spoken, lest you hear your servant curse you;
Ecc 7:22 for often your own heart knows that you yourself have likewise cursed others.
Ecc 7:23 All this have I proved in wisdom. I said, "I will be wise;" but it was far from me.
Ecc 7:24 That which is, is far off and exceedingly deep. Who can find it out?
Ecc 7:25 I turned around, and my heart sought to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things, and to know that wickedness is stupidity, and that foolishness is madness.
Ecc 7:26 I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and traps, whose hands are chains. Whoever pleases God shall escape from her; but the sinner will be ensnared by her.
Ecc 7:27 Behold, this have I found, says the Preacher, one to another, to find out the scheme;
Ecc 7:28 which my soul still seeks; but I have not found: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.
Ecc 7:29 Behold, this only have I found: that God made man upright; but they search for many schemes.

Oct. 19

Philippians 4

Php 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
Php 4:2 I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in the Lord.
Php 4:3 Yes, I beg you also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Php 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, Rejoice!
Php 4:5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Php 4:6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
Php 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.
Php 4:9 The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Php 4:10 But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity.
Php 4:11 Not that I speak in respect to lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it.
Php 4:12 I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.
Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
Php 4:14 However you did well that you shared in my affliction.
Php 4:15 You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only.
Php 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need.
Php 4:17 Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account.
Php 4:18 But I have all things, and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God.
Php 4:19 My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Php 4:20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
Php 4:21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.
Php 4:22 All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar's household.
Php 4:23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Oct. 20
Colossians 1

Col 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
Col 1:2 to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Col 1:3 We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
Col 1:4 having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have toward all the saints,
Col 1:5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the Good News,
Col 1:6 which has come to you; even as it is in all the world and is bearing fruit and growing, as it does in you also, since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;
Col 1:7 even as you learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf,
Col 1:8 who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.
Col 1:9 For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don't cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
Col 1:10 that you may walk worthily of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Col 1:11 strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy;
Col 1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;
Col 1:13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love;
Col 1:14 in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins;
Col 1:15 who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
Col 1:16 For by him all things were created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him.
Col 1:17 He is before all things, and in him all things are held together.
Col 1:18 He is the head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Col 1:19 For all the fullness was pleased to dwell in him;
Col 1:20 and through him to reconcile all things to himself, by him, whether things on the earth, or things in the heavens, having made peace through the blood of his cross.
Col 1:21 You, being in past times alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works,
Col 1:22 yet now he has reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and blameless before him,
Col 1:23 if it is so that you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Good News which you heard, which is being proclaimed in all creation under heaven; of which I, Paul, was made a servant.
Col 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the assembly;
Col 1:25 of which I was made a servant, according to the stewardship of God which was given me toward you, to fulfill the word of God,
Col 1:26 the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to his saints,
Col 1:27 to whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory;
Col 1:28 whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus;
Col 1:29 for which I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.

Oct. 21
Colossians 2

Col 2:1 For I desire to have you know how greatly I struggle for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
Col 2:2 that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,
Col 2:3 in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden.
Col 2:4 Now this I say that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech.
Col 2:5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
Col 2:6 As therefore you received Christ Jesus, the Lord, walk in him,
Col 2:7 rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving.
Col 2:8 Be careful that you don't let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ.
Col 2:9 For in him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily,
Col 2:10 and in him you are made full, who is the head of all principality and power;
Col 2:11 in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ;
Col 2:12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Col 2:13 You were dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,
Col 2:14 wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us; and he has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross;
Col 2:15 having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in eating, or in drinking, or with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day,
Col 2:17 which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ's.
Col 2:18 Let no one rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshipping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Col 2:19 and not holding firmly to the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and ligaments, grows with God's growth.
Col 2:20 If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances,
Col 2:21 "Don't handle, nor taste, nor touch"
Col 2:22 (all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men?
Col 2:23 Which things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imposed worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but aren't of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.