Devoted to Scripture

Devoted to Scripture

By Devoted to ScriptureReligion & Spirituality
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Devoted to Scripture episodes

  • #204 Song of Solomon 5-8

    Day 204 of the podcast, reading Song of Solomon 5-8 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Song+of+Solomon+5-8/

    This is day 204 of our journey.

    Song of Solomon continues with the two lovers praising and seeking each other. In one instance, the beloved initially rejects her lover's advances, but when he leaves, she changes her mind and seeks for him throughout town. When they come back together there is great joy at the sight of one other.

    Chapter 8 gives a closing refrain about the power and strength of love.  "Love is as strong as death... Surging waters cannot quench love; floodwaters cannot overflow it."

    Join my wife and I in Song of Solomon 5-8 and drink deeply of love!

    Key verses:

    Song of Solomon 5:10

    The Beloved to the Maidens: My beloved is dazzling and ruddy; he stands out in comparison to all other men.

    Song of Solomon 6:10

     “Who is this who appears like the dawn? Beautiful as the moon, bright as the sun, awe-inspiring as the stars in procession?”  

    Song of Solomon 7:5

    Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel. The locks of your hair are like royal tapestries – the king is held captive in its tresses!  

    Song of Solomon 8:7

    Surging waters cannot quench love; floodwaters cannot overflow it.If someone were to offer all his possessions to buy love, the offer would be utterly despised.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    12 min
  • #203 Song of Solomon 1-4

    Day 203 of the podcast, reading Song of Solomon 1-4 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Song+of+Solomon+1-4/

    This is day 203 of our journey.

    Song of Solomon is a collection of love poetry between a young woman and her lover.  These poems vividly express their desire for each other physically.  They progress through the stages of the relationship, from courtship and dating to marriage and consummation.  Watch the Bible Project summary video linked in the description for a good introduction and overview.

    In this first half of the book, we hear the lovers longing to make love, but recognizing the need to wait until their wedding night.  We also read many comparisons and descriptions that may sound strange to our modern ears, but were used to express love and desire.  Finally, we read of their wedding day and the joy of consummating that union.

    Join my wife and I in Song of Solomon 1-4 and embrace the joy and power found within God's gift of the marriage relationship.

    Key verses:

    Song of Solomon 1:2

    The Beloved to Her Lover:  Oh, how I wish you would kiss me passionately! For your lovemaking is more delightful than wine.  

    Song of Solomon 2:10

    The Lover to His Beloved: My lover spoke to me, saying:“Arise, my darling;My beautiful one, come away with me!

    Song of Solomon 3:5

    The Beloved to the Maidens: I admonish you, O maidens of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and by the young does of the open fields:“Do not awake or arouse love until it pleases!”  

    Song of Solomon 4:16

    The Beloved to Her Lover: Awake, O north wind; come, O south wind!Blow on my garden so that its fragrant spices may send out their sweet smell. May my beloved come into his garden and eat its delightful fruit!  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    Check out these links for more thoughts on the topic:

    https://thebibleproject.com/explore/song-of-songs/

    13 min
  • #202 Ecclesiastes 9-12

    Day 202 of the podcast, reading Ecclesiastes 9-12 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Ecclesiastes+9-12/

    This is day 202 of our journey.

    As we conclude the book of Ecclesiastes we read many little proverbs about wisdom and folly.  While wisdom is better than weapons of war, it can be easily undone by one sinner.  Wisdom is much greater than folly and can help to avert dangers in everyday life.  The teacher concludes with a restatement of his thesis: "Absolutely futile! All of these things are futile!"  Then, finally, the author of the book evaluates and comments on the teacher's statements: "The teacher was wise.  He sought out truth and wrote many proverbs." In the end, the conclusion to be made is that the only thing that really matters is to fear God and keep his commandments. God will evaluate every deed and judge it as good or evil.

    Join me in Ecclesiastes 9-12 and fear God.

    Key verses:

    Ecclesiastes 9:18

    Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner can destroy much that is good.  

    Ecclesiastes 10:2

    A wise person’s good sense protects him, but a fool’s lack of sense leaves him vulnerable.  

    Ecclesiastes 11:4

    He who watches the wind will not sow, and he who observes the clouds will not reap.  

    Ecclesiastes 12:13

    Having heard everything, I have reached this conclusion: Fear God and keep his commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    13 min
  • #201 Ecclesiastes 5-8

    Day 201 of the podcast, reading Ecclesiastes 5-8 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Ecclesiastes+5-8/

    This is day 201 of our journey.

    In today's reading we are continually reminded that, in the end, all men die.  While we may have vastly different experiences here on earth, in the grand scheme of things, rich and poor, rulers and peasants, wise and foolish will all meet the same end.  God's ways are greater than ours and we cannot, through wisdom or any earthly means, determine what will happen.  The best we can do in this life is to be thankful for what we have and to avoid the endless worry and stress that comes with trying to gain wealth or power.  Be content with what God has provided and enjoy life!

    Join me in Ecclesiastes 5-8 and enjoy your gifts!

    Key verses:

    Ecclesiastes 5:2

     Do not be rash with your mouth or hasty in your heart to bring up a matter before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth!Therefore, let your words be few.  

    Ecclesiastes 6:9

    It is better to be content with what the eyes can see than for one’s heart always to crave more. This continual longing is futile – like chasing the wind.  

    Ecclesiastes 7:12

    For wisdom provides protection, just as money provides protection. But the advantage of knowledge is this:Wisdom preserves the life of its owner.  

    Ecclesiastes 8:12

    Even though a sinner might commit a hundred crimes and still live a long time, yet I know that it will go well with God-fearing people – for they stand in fear before him.

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    15 min
  • #200 Ecclesiastes 1-4

    Day 200 of the podcast, reading Ecclesiastes 1-4 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Ecclesiastes+1-4/

    This is day 200 of our journey.

    Over the next 3 days, we will read through the book of Ecclesiastes.  This is one of my favorite books, I think because it seems so contrary to the things that we expect to find in Scripture.  In some ways, it is a bit depressing: "Futile! Futile! Absolutely futile! Everything is futile!" Step by step, the teacher will talk about all aspects of life and discuss their meaninglessness.  All of this is done to help us have a better understanding and appreciation for who God is and his role in our lives.  The book puts an emphasis on the fact that everything we do in our short lives here on earth is like a vapor, a mist that vanishes in the vastness of eternity.

    While the tone seems negative, stick with me until the end, because God is good, and he does have a purpose for it all!

    Join me in Ecclesiastes 1-4 and contemplate the value of your deeds.

    Key verses:

    Ecclesiastes 1:9

    What exists now is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing truly new on earth.  

    Ecclesiastes 2:11

    Yet when I reflected on everything I had accomplished and on all the effort that I had expended to accomplish it, I concluded: “All these achievements and possessions are ultimately profitless – like chasing the wind!There is nothing gained from them on earth.”  

    Ecclesiastes 3:1

    For everything there is an appointed time, and an appropriate time for every activity on earth:  

    Ecclesiastes 4:9

    Two people are better than one, because they can reap more benefit from their labor.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    Check out these links for more thoughts on the topic:

    https://thebibleproject.com/explore/ecclesiastes/

    15 min
  • #199 Proverbs 30-31

    Day 199 of the podcast, reading Proverbs 30-31 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Proverbs+30-31/

    This is day 199 of our journey.

    The final two chapters of Proverbs are oracles written by Agur and Lemuel.

    Proverbs 30 discusses the many ways that God's creation is beyond comprehension.  Repeatedly Agur points the reader to four things he has observed in nature.  Each one of these things causes us to marvel at the creativity of God or at the brokenness of man.

    Proverbs 31 is advice given to Lemuel by his mother.  It is best known for the description of an honorable wife.  It is an admonition for Lemuel not to settle for simple beauty, but to look for a woman who has godly wisdom, character, and integrity.  She will raise him up within the community as she supports and encourages him throughout their lives.

    Join me in Proverbs 30-31 for two final speeches regarding wisdom!

    Key verses:

    Proverbs 30:5

    Every word of God is purified; he is like a shield for those who take refuge in him.

    Proverbs 31:10

    Who can find a wife of noble character? For her value is far more than rubies.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    10 min
  • #198 Proverbs 27-29

    Day 198 of the podcast, reading Proverbs 27-29 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Proverbs+27-29/

    This is day 198 of our journey.

    Today we read three more chapters.  In these chapters we are challenged to speak and live the truth.  Speak what is in your heart.  Be confident and not timid.  Don't hide from discipline, and don't shy away from allowing God to use you to dicipline others.  Wisdom comes from doing discipline God's way.

    Join me in Proverbs 27-29 and open your heart to the discipline of God to gain His wisdom!

    Key verses:

    Proverbs 27:2

    Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.  

    Proverbs 28:13

    The one who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses them and forsakes them will find mercy.  

    Proverbs 29:15

    A rod and reproof impart wisdom, but a child who is unrestrained brings shame to his mother.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    12 min
  • #197 Proverbs 24-26

    Day 197 of the podcast, reading Proverbs 24-26 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Proverbs+24-26/

    This is day 197 of our journey.

    Today we read another three chapters.  These proverbs call us to consider our speech.  How do we speak to and about a person?  How do we receive correction spoken to us? As you listen to the words of these proverbs today, reflect on your words.  How do you talk about others?  Do you speak truly, or do you pander to your audience?  Do you encourage and lift up, or are your words dripping with sarcasm and hurtful teasing?  Do you accept reproof from others, or do you insist that you are never wrong?

    Join me in Proverbs 24-26 and consider the wisdom of your words.

    Key verses:

    Proverbs 24:3

    By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;  

    Proverbs 25:12

    Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to the ear of the one who listens.  

    Proverbs 26:18-19

    Like a madman who shoots firebrands and deadly arrows,  19 so is a person who has deceived his neighbor, and said, “Was I not only joking?”  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    13 min
  • #196 Proverbs 22-23

    Day 196 of the podcast, reading Proverbs 22-23 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Proverbs+22-23/

    This is day 196 of our journey.

    Today's proverbs are the wise words of a father addressing his son. The father gives insight into the types of people to interact with and the proper things to focus upon.  The wealth and delicacies of the rich are tempting, but striving for them only leads to ruin. Lazily making excuses to not work will equally lead to ruin.  Carry yourself with wisdom, prudence, and balance.

    Join me in Proverbs 22-23 and heed the wise advice of the Lord.

    Key verses:

    Proverbs 22:9

    A generous person will be blessed, for he has given some of his food to the poor.  

    Proverbs 23:4

    Do not wear yourself out to become rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself.

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    9 min
  • #195 Proverbs 19-21

    Day 195 of the podcast, reading Proverbs 19-21 NET, read along at:

    https://netbible.org/bible/Proverbs+19-21/

    This is day 195 of our journey.

    Today we read 90 proverbs.  The way we interact with others is guided by our wise or foolish nature.  A wise man is a peacemaker while a fool quarrels ceaselessly.  A fool fails and is subverted by his ways, but grumbles and complains against God, rather than taking responsibility for his actions.  Which of these proverbs hits the deepest?  Which reproof do you need to respond to in order to be wise?

    Join me in Proverbs 19-21, listen and gain wisdom!

    Key verses:

    Proverbs 19:20

    Listen to advice and receive discipline, that you may become wise by the end of your life.

    Proverbs 20:29

    The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is gray hair.  

    Proverbs 21:5

    The plans of the diligent lead only to plenty, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.  

    All Scriptures are from the NET.

    14 min

About Devoted to Scripture

From the publisher's feed

This will be a daily posting of my trip through the Bible. I will be reading the NET aloud. Each day I will introduce the passage with a brief commentary. But mostly I will simply be reading the Word of God for you.