Here are some good posts for pastors:
6 Marks of a Faithful Ministry – Tim Challies
12 Pastoral Commitments (Or, How to Pray for Your Pastor) – Kevin DeYoung
48 Scattered Thoughts about Pastoral Ministry and Being a Pastor – Scott Slayton
Tag: Christianity
Reflections on Ecclesiastes 7-9
The writer compares wisdom and folly.
- Listening – It is good to hear the rebuke of the wise (7:5). Yet we should not take to heart all that people say of us (7:21-22). When has a rebuke been helpful to you? What has a criticism hurt you? What is the difference between the two? How do you need to apply these verses today?
- Sin – God created us upright, but we have left wisdom to chase after many schemes (7:29). There are none who always do good and never sin (7:20). How do you see these truths in your life? Are you daily looking to Jesus for forgiveness?
Ecclesiastes 7-12: Life’s Limitations and Purpose
(7, 9, 12) What is the first limitation that we find recurring in verses: 9:2-5, 9:10, 12:1-7?
Why then is it better to go to a house of mourning than a house of feasting (7:2)? Why is this so important?
How does our culture try to hide this limitation, and what are the results?
(7-12) Based on this first limitation, how then should we live?
8:15, 9:7-9, 11:8-9 –
7:14, 11:8 –
7:11-12, 10:2, 10:12, 11:9, 12:11 –
How do you need to apply these principles to your life?
(7-8, 10-11) What is the second limitation that we find recurring in verses: 7:23-24, 8:16-17, 10:14, 11:5?
(7, 9) What is the third limitation that we find recurring in verses: 7:20, 7:29, 9:3?
What do these verses teach us about creation, and the extent of the Fall?
(7-8, 12) How then should we live according to Ecclesiastes (7:18, 8:12-13, 12:13)?
How might the truth in 12:14 encourage us to live this way?
How might recognizing our limitations help us to live this way?
How does this duty, mixed with the truth of the third limitation, call us to seek One who is greater than Solomon (Matthew 12:42)?
Passion Points
Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:
Can I Sing ‘Amazing Grace’ If I Was Saved at Six? – John Piper (DG)
There are six reasons that Christians like me can feel the greatness of our sinfulness, and the wonder of grace, even if we have no recollection of ever being an unbeliever….
Envision the End of Your Sin – Garrett Kell (TGC)
Gracious Lord, we need help. Make us sober-minded. Keep us vigilant. Help us see the end of our sin.
Reflections on the 50th Anniversary of My Diving Accident – Joni Eareckson Tada (TGC)
Grace softens the edges of past pains, helping to highlight the eternal. What you are left with is peace that’s profound, joy that’s unshakable, faith that’s ironclad.
7 Reasons God Commands Us To Sing To Him – Mark Altrogge (TBC)
Our God is so great, and so good and so glorious, he’s worthy of all of our praise. And one of the easiest ways to praise him is by singing. Let’s “sing the glory of his name!”
Hope you have a great Lord’s Day with your local church singing praises to our gracious and glorious God!
Reflections on Ecclesiastes 4-6
The writer continues his discussion of vanity and calls us to fear God.
- Fear God – Fearing God means we come before him to listen to him, rather than to make rash promises that we will not keep. Do you come into his presence on Sundays to listen? Are you prone to make rash promises?
- God’s gift of enjoyment – Again the writer reminds us that enjoyment of what God gives us comes from God (5:18-20). What are some reasons people might not enjoy what they have? Are any of these reasons true in your life? In what ways has God given you the ability to enjoy what you have?
Reflections on Ecclesiastes 1-3
The writer speaks of vanity, and the true source of enjoyment.
- Vanity – The writer sought wisdom and knowledge (1:16-18), pleasure (2:1-3), great works (2:4-6), and great possessions (2:7-8). Yet his conclusion is that in and of themselves, these things are meaningless, a striving after the wind (1:17-18, 2:11). In what ways are you seeking meaning and satisfaction in these areas?
- God’s gift of enjoyment – While work and food on their own cannot bring satisfaction, we can enjoy these things. This enjoyment comes from the hand of God as a gift to us (2:24-25, 3:13). How has God enabled you to find enjoyment in daily life?
Ecclesiastes 1-6: Life With or Without God
(1) Life Without God: Why does the writer say all is vanity in v2-11?
(1-6) What pursuits of life does the writer explore in the following passages and conclude are only vanity?
1:16-18 –
2:1-11 –
2:12-23 –
4:1-8, 13-16 –
5:10-17 –
6:1-12 –
How does the writer’s assessment strike at the heart of our culture?
(3) Life With God: What phrases remind us that God is in control of time in v1-11?
What is God’s gift to mankind (v13 & 22, see also 2:24-25, 5:18-20)?
How does the writer describe God’s work in v14? How does his work compare to ours?
How do v1-14 point to the only place to find meaning in life?
(3, 5) How should we respond to God in 3:14? Why (see v1-13)?
How should we approach God according to v1-7? Why?
(4) Other than God, what is the one thing in life that the writer does not proclaim to be vanity (9-12)? Why?
How should the writer’s assessment adjust our priorities in life?
Sermon Songs: Revelation 3:14-22
Dear church neither ice cold nor hot
But lukewarm and so deceived
Let true riches from Christ be sought
And white garments be received
Anoint your eyes, Heed His counsel
Draw near to the Lord again
Those He loves He will discipline
So be zealous – from sin turn
Jesus knocks now – go let Him in
True fellowship with Him learn
And we will be, Always with Him
Draw near to the Lord again
To the tune of “Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending”
Reflections on Proverbs 30-31
Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today? How should you respond?
- God’s Word – God’s Word is true. We can trust in it, find refuge in it. If we try to add to his Word or change it, we will be rebuked; our words are false (30:5-6). In what ways are you trusting in the truth of God’s Word? When are you tempted to try to adjust his Word to fit your desires?
- Virtuous Wife – A virtuous wife is one who works diligently, minister to others, cares for her household, and fears the Lord. Wife: How do these verses challenge you to grow? Husband: How is your wife like this? Do you praise her as you should?
Reflections on Proverbs 28-29
Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today? How should you respond?
- Justice – God ultimately brings justice (29:26). Leaders should seek justice (29:4, 14). All people should live justly (28:5-7). Are you striving to live justly? Pray that your leaders would rule justly. Look for justice ultimately from the Lord.
- Fear and Trust – We ought to fear the Lord rather than men (28:14, 29:25). We ought to trust in the Lord rather than ourselves (28:25-26). Who do you fear? When are you tempted to fear people? Who do you trust? When are you tempted to trust in yourself?
Brian J. Mikul 