This chapter consists of a prayer Jonah uttered while in the belly of the fish. ” ‘I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice. For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the…
Author: Conqueror in Training
Jonah 1
This chapter informs us that Jonah is called by God to prophesy in the city of Nineveh, but he tries to flee God’s presence by taking a ship in the opposite direction. As a consequence God send a terrible storm upon the ship. “Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god……
A prayer for Healing
Today I offer a prayer for healing. This is a broken world, with much suffering and sickness. Illnesses run rampant, emotional distress abounds, mourning is a daily practice, and spirits are shattered. We need God’s compassionate healing hand upon us more than ever. Father God, our Compassionate and Loving Lord, You are abundant in mercy…
Ecclesiastes 12
This chapter concludes the book in a powerful way as the author concludes their “under the sun” premise. “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; …because man is going to his…
Ecclesiastes 11
This broad chapter touches on several topics in its proverb-like verses. “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the…
Ecclesiastes 10
This chapter changes tone from a lament to a series of adages – it reads like a chapter of Proverbs. “If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed. The words of a wise man’s mouth win him favor, but the…
Ecclesiastes 9
This chapter continues the “under the sun” premise and laments – at least the author is consistent. “Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head. Enjoy life…
Ecclesiastes 8
This chapter continues the “under the sun” premise (there is only the here and now, no eternity) and contains further laments along the theme. “There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to…
A Prayer for Guarding Our Tongues
Today I offer a prayer for wise speech and holding one’s tongue. We looked at this concept the other day, and it’s something I consistently struggle with. I need help with controlling my tongue, so why not pray about it? Father God, our Abundantly Wise and Discerning Sovereign Lord, You are magnificent beyond imagination. If…
Ecclesiastes 7
This chapter contains much wisdom regarding behavior. Again, we’ll only look at a snippet. “In my vain life I have seen everything. There is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his evildoing. Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too…