October 18, 2019

Tough life by Gary Rose



Small dog; I am guessing Bichon Frise? But whatever breed he is, my second guess is that he is NOT HAPPY. Who knows what happened to him this week to cause him to feel this way (except, of course that little matter of a BATH). What does it take to may YOU feel like this? Family problems, boss giving you a hard time, money problems – well it could be almost anything (or a combination of problems).

When you feel like this, remember, other people have had worse weeks than you. Here is the example of the Apostle Paul’s life as a missionary


2 Corinthians 11 ( World English Bible )
[1] I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness, but indeed you do bear with me. [2] For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy. For I married you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ. [3] But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. [4] For if he who comes preaches another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or if you receive a different spirit, which you did not receive, or a different “good news”, which you did not accept, you put up with that well enough. [5] For I reckon that I am not at all behind the very best apostles. [6] But though I am unskilled in speech, yet I am not unskilled in knowledge. No, in every way we have been revealed to you in all things.
[7] Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached to you God’s Good News free of charge? [8] I robbed other assemblies, taking wages from them that I might serve you. [9] When I was present with you and was in need, I wasn’t a burden on anyone, for the brothers, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my need. In everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and I will continue to do so. [10] As the truth of Christ is in me, no one will stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. [11] Why? Because I don’t love you? God knows.
[12] But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion, that in which they boast, they may be found even as we. [13] For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as Christ’s apostles. [14] And no wonder, for even Satan masquerades as an angel of light. [15] It is no great thing therefore if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
[16] I say again, let no one think me foolish. But if so, yet receive me as foolish, that I also may boast a little. [17] That which I speak, I don’t speak according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting. [18] Seeing that many boast after the flesh, I will also boast. [19] For you bear with the foolish gladly, being wise. [20] For you bear with a man, if he brings you into bondage, if he devours you, if he takes you captive, if he exalts himself, if he strikes you on the face.
[21] I speak by way of disparagement, as though we had been weak. Yet however any is bold (I speak in foolishness), I am bold also. [22] Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. [23] Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I am more so; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths often. [24] Five times from the Jews I received forty stripes minus one. [25] Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I suffered shipwreck. I have been a night and a day in the deep. [26] I have been in travels often, perils of rivers, perils of robbers, perils from my countrymen, perils from the Gentiles, perils in the city, perils in the wilderness, perils in the sea, perils among false brothers; [27] in labor and travail, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, and in cold and nakedness. [28] Besides those things that are outside, there is that which presses on me daily, anxiety for all the assemblies. [29] Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is caused to stumble, and I don’t burn with indignation?
[30] If I must boast, I will boast of the things that concern my weakness. [31] The God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, he who is blessed forevermore, knows that I don’t lie.


Think you had a bad week; consider Paul. In this passage, he is “boasting”. To me, it sounds like a Torturer's bucket list. Worst of all, is his intense concern and mental anguish for the Corinthians Christians. Now, THEY had real PROBLEMS!

Through all his sufferings, Paul endured and even excelled. How? He dedicated his life to God’s service and knew that God was with him in everything that happened to him. So can we; if God is with us!

Bible Reading October 18 - 20 by Gary Rose



Bible Reading October 18 - 20

World  English  Bible


Oct. 18
Proverbs 27-29

Pro 27:1 Don't boast about tomorrow; for you don't know what a day may bring forth.
Pro 27:2 Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.
Pro 27:3 A stone is heavy, and sand is a burden; but a fool's provocation is heavier than both.
Pro 27:4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; but who is able to stand before jealousy?
Pro 27:5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.
Pro 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; although the kisses of an enemy are profuse.
Pro 27:7 A full soul loathes a honeycomb; but to a hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet.
Pro 27:8 As a bird that wanders from her nest, so is a man who wanders from his home.
Pro 27:9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; so does earnest counsel from a man's friend.
Pro 27:10 Don't forsake your friend and your father's friend. Don't go to your brother's house in the day of your disaster: better is a neighbor who is near than a distant brother.
Pro 27:11 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, then I can answer my tormentor.
Pro 27:12 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
Pro 27:13 Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger. Hold it for a wayward woman!
Pro 27:14 He who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse by him.
Pro 27:15 A continual dropping on a rainy day and a contentious wife are alike:
Pro 27:16 restraining her is like restraining the wind, or like grasping oil in his right hand.
Pro 27:17 Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend's countenance.
Pro 27:18 Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit. He who looks after his master shall be honored.
Pro 27:19 As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.
Pro 27:20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; and a man's eyes are never satisfied.
Pro 27:21 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace for gold; but man is refined by his praise.
Pro 27:22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain, yet his foolishness will not be removed from him.
Pro 27:23 Know well the state of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds:
Pro 27:24 for riches are not forever, nor does even the crown endure to all generations.
Pro 27:25 The hay is removed, and the new growth appears, the grasses of the hills are gathered in.
Pro 27:26 The lambs are for your clothing, and the goats are the price of a field.
Pro 27:27 There will be plenty of goats' milk for your food, for your family's food, and for the nourishment of your servant girls.

Pro 28:1 The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
Pro 28:2 In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.
Pro 28:3 A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.
Pro 28:4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law contend with them.
Pro 28:5 Evil men don't understand justice; but those who seek Yahweh understand it fully.
Pro 28:6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.
Pro 28:7 Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
Pro 28:8 He who increases his wealth by excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.
Pro 28:9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
Pro 28:10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he will fall into his own trap; but the blameless will inherit good.
Pro 28:11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding sees through him.
Pro 28:12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
Pro 28:13 He who conceals his sins doesn't prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Pro 28:14 Blessed is the man who always fears; but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
Pro 28:15 As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.
Pro 28:16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.
Pro 28:17 A man who is tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until death; no one will support him.
Pro 28:18 Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.
Pro 28:19 One who works his land will have an abundance of food; but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
Pro 28:20 A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
Pro 28:21 To show partiality is not good; yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
Pro 28:22 A stingy man hurries after riches, and doesn't know that poverty waits for him.
Pro 28:23 One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue.
Pro 28:24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, "It's not wrong." He is a partner with a destroyer.
Pro 28:25 One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in Yahweh will prosper.
Pro 28:26 One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
Pro 28:27 One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.
Pro 28:28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous thrive.

Pro 29:1 He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.
Pro 29:2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
Pro 29:3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
Pro 29:4 The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down.
Pro 29:5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
Pro 29:6 An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad.
Pro 29:7 The righteous care about justice for the poor. The wicked aren't concerned about knowledge.
Pro 29:8 Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.
Pro 29:9 If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.
Pro 29:10 The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright.
Pro 29:11 A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.
Pro 29:12 If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked.
Pro 29:13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: Yahweh gives sight to the eyes of both.
Pro 29:14 The king who fairly judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever.
Pro 29:15 The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
Pro 29:16 When the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.
Pro 29:17 Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring delight to your soul.
Pro 29:18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but one who keeps the law is blessed.
Pro 29:19 A servant can't be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond.
Pro 29:20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Pro 29:21 He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son in the end.
Pro 29:22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.
Pro 29:23 A man's pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
Pro 29:24 Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify.
Pro 29:25 The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.
Pro 29:26 Many seek the ruler's favor, but a man's justice comes from Yahweh.
Pro 29:27 A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.

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. 18
Philippians 3

Php 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe.
Php 3:2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision.
Php 3:3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh;
Php 3:4 though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more:
Php 3:5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;
Php 3:6 concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.
Php 3:7 However, what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.
Php 3:8 Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ
Php 3:9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
Php 3:10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death;
Php 3:11 if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Php 3:12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
Php 3:13 Brothers, I don't regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before,
Php 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Php 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way. If in anything you think otherwise, God will also reveal that to you.
Php 3:16 Nevertheless, to the extent that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule. Let us be of the same mind.
Php 3:17 Brothers, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example.
Php 3:18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ,
Php 3:19 whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who think about earthly things.
Php 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;
Php 3:21 who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself.

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.