Jeremiah Bible Sketches

Jeremiah was a bullfrog, says the 70s song.

Do you recall two versions of Joy to the World?

Three Dog Night’s 1970 hit Joy to the World—“Jeremiah was a bullfrog, was a good friend of mine…these nonsense placeholder lyrics became part of rock history…” (Song facts).

Christians sing about the King of the universe in Joy to the world! the Lord is come! written over 300 years ago and published in 1,762 hymnals (hymnary.org). He rules the world with truth and grace…and wonders of his love! Believers strive to be with the King now and at the end of the world.

Jeremiah 1:5


I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born. I appointed you a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5 HCSB

No matter how well you know someone, there is One who knows him or her better.

God knew our name before His miracle of conception and development in our mothers’ wombs. Birth, also His miraculous event, drastically changed the habitat for our growth. God’s provision and spiritual gifts positively shape each of us mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Each one of us is His beloved work-in-progress, uniquely created. He allows us to participate in life’s process with free will to think and act upon what fills our hearts and souls. 


“What would you do with a brain if you had one?” said Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz

The brain is designed to do awesome, wonderful and helpful things! 

Then sin happened, corruption and death entered the picture; now, all human minds have capacity to…

• forget to pray
• pridefully think one can manage without Jesus
• experience sadness and other unpleasant emotions
• minimize own failings and maximize others’ failings
• blame-shift
• have arrogant self-centered focus
  
• resent
• envy
• disrespect
  
• have apathy toward others’ needs and desires
  
• make unhealthy choices for self and others
  
• shirk responsibilities
• lie to self, others and God
• fall for Satan’s lies and the world’s temptations
• make choices that have negative consequences
• misunderstand and be misunderstood
• be confused
• form manipulative schemes
• presume
• ponder ways to meddle
• forget manners
• hide, deny, or revel in errors of self and others
  
• hold to self-righteousness
• become rigid
• crave power and control
• think unjustly
• dishonor feedback
• demand unrealistic perfectionism of self or upon others
  
• stubbornly refuse to receive or offer grace
• dig up the past—someone else’s and own
• forget past confessions are absolved
• be afraid to live by faith
• avoid being filled with God’s gifts
  

Deeds, experiences, thoughts, decisions, emotions, human relationships or memberships cannot rescue spiritually, nor can science or government. Christ, the final authority, is the only One who gives righteousness and life. Sadly deceived are those who think it is okay to make a choice to willfully cause death. Opposing this idea of so-called choice are citizens who, by inspiration of Scripture, respect God’s creation and timing actions about life. Standing for faithful principles, praying every life would be protected and nourished from conception to natural death, pro-life voters abhor the platform which endorses abortion and immoral behaviors.


The complex human brain is evidence for creation. Research, education, decisions, physical functionality, memories and emotions arise from brain activity. It is heartwarming to reminisce pleasant experiences shared with people parted (deceased or still living). Death or difficult experiences surrounding the point of separation may involve harsh memories as well as sorrow over weaknesses and failures. 


God Almighty sees deeply into every heart and knows exactly what motivates each of us; we don’t always see or admit it ourselves. Help in this fallen world comes only in Jesus. God brings good out of evil. Good happens in relationships within family, church, and community as the Holy Spirit awakens and motivates us to humbly look up to His Son on the cross where, in retrospect, we see a glimpse of what perfect love is. Jesus took our punishment upon Himself to redeem us. Mercifully, God sees us through His Son who took away our sin. God is for us now and, soon, in His New Creation, sin will no longer exist—believers’ pain and tears will graciously cease because of Him! Trusting His righteousness supplies relief. Faith provides repentance to prepare humble believers for Judgement Day. In both good and hard times, the Holy Spirit generates gratitude for the certain hope, forgiveness, and help that is in Christ. God’s Word teaches us how to live forgiven.

Consistent training in and remembering God’s Word is vital for all sinful men, women and children. It is especially helpful during times of doubt, trouble, oppression, abuse and being violated on personal or national levels.


“We never know when persecution may come, when technology or even access to Bibles and churches may go away. We’re getting a taste of that now in the quarantine time. So, it drives home the point that we need to have Scripture … on our hearts and our minds.” —Chaplain Rev. Sean Daenzer

Try the Memory Verse Challenge.

Jeremiah—God’s messenger of justice and grace. 


Thousands of years ago, hundreds before Jesus, Jeremiah, a priest, warned people about idolatry, urging that they would repent and receive God’s mercy and grace. God-the-Word told Jeremiah what to say and gave him confidence.

Jeremiah 6:16a


This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16a NIV

Prayer is God’s gift to all who are willing to receive it. Faith offers repentance, stirs gratitude for His mercies, and encourages the humble to strive to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

Jesus told us to pray or meditate on His excellent Lord’s Prayer. He also provides the Psalms, plus, reflective, Scripture-focused prayers authored by Christians. By His grace, we may send up prayers in our own words about many specific things in relation to what we know about Scripture, spontaneously throughout each day. We ask friends to pray for us and ask what type of prayers they want. We pray for enemies because Jesus loves, wants to save, forgive and care for them. The Holy Spirit goes so far as interceding when we don’t know what to pray, helps us pray, and conforms the heart with confidence in our loving God. We pray that all of our prayers would be within His will, fruitful for people around us, and bring Him glory.

The Church is for sinners. If you’re like me, we know we are sinners. 


Christ only saves sinners who repent, believe, and are baptized. Satan works hard to fool us about our total dependence on Christ. The devil’s goal is to deceive us with lies that spending time in God’s Word and attending church are unnecessary. When we fall for those lies, we neglect opportunities worship supplies to keep faith alive. To reject receiving God’s gifts by one’s own choice leads to loss of nourishment and power needed to live within the Holy Spirit’s saving faith. The Bible warns about depending on activity, things, or people, rather than God. Some will not be saved and they want to take others with them. That is a sobering thought. Misery follows the death of an unbeliever when, apart from God, they will suffer forever in hell.

Christians pray for those who

• haven’t heard, don’t believe, or doubt Jesus is the one and only Way to salvation—to receive knowledge and gifts of the faith
• choose absence after formerly being active in the Church—to return for the gifts that they once received and still need
• believe—for strength to cling to gifts of the faith, thanking God for love, rest, protection, and for guidance to joyfully be a light to others

 

Jeremiah 17:7-8


 

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 ESV

The Creator is in control.


“The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: ‘Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.’ So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.” Jeremiah 18:1-4 ESV

God knows everyone is broken and spoiled. 


Our own sinfulness and the sin all around us cause damage and consequences. Water of Baptism makes the pill of discipline possible to swallow. It’s a lifetime prescription with written instructions and always refillable. As we hear God’s Word (actually listen and rest in it) we are healed and molded into Christ’s image to serve and reflect Him in what we think, say, and do. No one can reflect Him perfectly. The Lord patiently keeps on shaping us by His Word of Law and Gospel, as well as forgiveness and strength to live in peace and unity which comes to us in The Lord’s Supper. Solace, security, and genuine love come from Almighty God who gives us eyes to recognize idols in our lives. He offers repentance in His perfect masterpiece, Christ. 

Grace is resistible.

It is possible for humans to forfeit God’s mercy by


1. unbelief (antagonism toward God—Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior)

2. trying to get to heaven by one’s own works (this is same as unbelief)


Only by grace in Christ, we let go of pride. His blessing moves us to pray for those who hurt us. Perhaps not all will, yet, some people do receive the love of God we share. God equips us to joyfully move forward, thrive, and treat others kindly.

Jeremiah 23:29

Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:29 ESV

 

God sees into the heart and knows all.

The devil tempts us with lies of the world which approve sin (go with it) or lies about earning grace by what you do; these mean despising Truth of God’s Word which is living, active, and trustworthy. We train by the loving Word which…

• teaches how to live in preparation for the next life
  
  • trust and give God the glory
  • flee evil and expose darkness
  • live honestly and ambitiously
  • blush over wrongs and repent
  • gladly receive and offer reconciliation
  • suffer by the grace of God
  • thankfully and gladly work
  • heal in the balm of Christ’s work
  • forgive and pray for others in Jesus Name
  • listen compassionately
  • share truth in love
    

• warns unbelievers of eternal hell

• promises victory in Jesus who rescues sinners and will return and take believers to live in paradise forever with Him 

 

Jeremiah 29:11

 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

 

God’s plan required punishment and correction for our sin. 

Compassion, plans and promises are tied together in Jesus Christ whose death and resurrection saves believers. He faithfully sustains people in an imperfect world with forgiveness, healing, restoration, wholeness, protection, and wisdom. God wants us to participate.

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 ESV

Thankfully, Christian discipline is for God’s good purpose. Sometimes God uses sickness, enemies, wars and difficulties to draw us to His Word. Suffering can be one part of God’s plan to intend growth. Christ knows your pain. He faithfully soothes wounds of those who trust Him. All things will be made right at the time God’s loving plan continues at the exact moment of His choosing. Until then, repentant Christians contently persevere, think eternally, and pray that God would forgive, protect, provide, comfort, inspire and bring more people to faith in Jesus. 


“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:11). God shows His love even in trials and disciplines that encircle us. Through them He…

• exposes our frailty and need of Him
• teaches lessons He knows will benefit us
• freely offers victory by establishing, sustaining and strengthening the faith
• brings us even closer to Him, turning trust into gratitude
• ignites desire to share His love 


“It has been said there are two ways to open a flower bud. You can force the petals apart and, in doing so, destroy the flower or you can leave it alone until slowly but surely, God unfolds it.” LWML




Jeremiah 31:25

 

For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.” Jeremiah 31:25 ESV

 

Pray

Lord Jesus, thank you for Your mercy, patience, and reminding us You are where our help comes from. It is You who picks us up when we fall. Your extreme love covers our insufficiency, humbles arrogance, breaks down walls of isolation, thaws ice, softens hardness, tenderizes rudeness and forgives cruelty. Help us to see and admit faults. Mend and shape me and each person with repentance and eagerness to love You and pray for others. You desire all people would believe. You were brought low to redeem us. You refine us in unexpected ways far beyond our comprehension. We know You did not create us to be robots and it is a mystery that You allow people to reject Your invitation of faith; we ask that You remember and work in them so they do not put You off until it is too late for them to turn around. Protect and preserve the faith in all who rely on You to restore all things. Stand by and comfort all who fear, love, and trust You above all things. Thank you for rest in Your brilliant love and honorable grace. Amen.

Check out more about the book of Jeremiah

• Overview Video
• Introduction
• Conversations, Studies, Sermons
• Bible Study Comfort and Hope
• Mustard Seed Devotions
  

Thanks for reading my long post inspired by the longest book in the Bible, Jeremiah. By Truth, Grace, Word—Jesus alone—are blessings of contentment and confidence to look forward to eternity. To Him be all glory!

Isaiah Bible Sketches

Good news of redemption

 

God, the Creator of the universe comes to us—a promise of hope and comfort!

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. …his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 7:14, 9:6b

A holy Zygote, then Embryo, then Fetus miraculously grew in Mary who was chosen by God’s grace to become the virgin mother of Jesus Immanuel, born human infant yet remaining fully God! 

Immanuel means God is with us! He bore the sins of the world—took our griefs and sorrows—suffered torment in our place so we can have God’s peace and eternal life. We don’t deserve it. His gift of love covers insufficiency, errors, and delivers from evil. 

1. Together with others in church we confess our sinfulness out loud. Sometimes we take opportunity for counsel and privately confess a specific sin to a pastor. 
2. We are absolved according God’s Word. 

Consequences of our brokenness (emotional pain of neglect, mistreatment, misunderstanding, as well as physical ailments and disease) aren’t guaranteed to disappear in this life which ends in death. However, brokenness may result in

• negative impact fading
• healing
  
• growth in ourselves or others
  
• joy looking forward to eternity with Christ, void of pain and tears

I pray, reader, do not deny this merciful gift the Holy Spirit offers everyone; rather, take hold of true faith which receives Christ wholeheartedly.

Isaiah 1:18b

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. Isaiah 1:18

…no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow.… Isaiah 1:18 TLB

Let us reason together in the light of the blessing of God’s forgiveness!

God demands purity. He knew we could not justify ourselves. He takes away sin and gives righteousness—perfection in Christ—to pardon and empower people who trust this Word.

Isaiah 5:20

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20

“Sin brings the ultimate confusion. God’s counsel condemns human folly and wickedness. • Lord, snap the tethers that hold me back and rob me of genuine freedom in Christ.” The Lutheran Study Bible

Isaiah 6:2a-3

Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: … And one called to another and said:  “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” Isaiah 6:2a-3

At church, the divine service provides a glimpse of heaven as we sing, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth, heaven and earth are full of your glory.” Learn more about the Sanctus and other parts of the Liturgy

Isaiah 30:18

Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. Isaiah 30:18

Trust God’s perfect timing. He doesn’t ignore or forget about our needs and prayers. His mercy and grace are for those who seek Him. He works good for those who love and wait for Him to return.

Isaiah 46:4

…I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4b NIV

even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. Isaiah 46:4 ESV

God has carried us from the very beginning, like a mother carrying her child in the womb. He fills and guides us in life’s experiences and relationships; we mature in the frequent study of His Word. The Holy Spirit gives faith, Jesus, the Source of Light to joyfully live, in truth, now until He carries all who believe into eternal life.

Isaiah 40:31

but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

We should turn away from putting people and things above God. Unreasonable expectations, resentful attitudes of the heart, controlling actions, heavy worries and griefs over things that need to be set right—the weighty load is lifted only when we trust in God’s power to save, protect and sustain His people. Each detail of the commandments matter. We fall, struggle, and suffer; yet, penitently, we are purified in Christ alone—He is our hope and anticipation. Praise our Savior Jesus!

Isaiah 41:10

fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

After confession and absolution at church, we are reminded we need not be afraid—we don’t carry guilt out those doors when we leave. God has turned on the power of his Light and we are forgiven. Joy and blessings go with us and make us shine! God strengthens and helps all who seek Him. Christ’s righteous faithfulness protectively holds, frees from evil, and tenderly fills our empty hearts with His peace. He grows faith by the Word we hear, speak and sing alongside other believers.

Isaiah 54:8

In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord, your Redeemer. Isaiah 54:8

We may still grieve or suffer, yet, we need not fear, be ashamed or disgraced. Christ satisfies the Father’s wrath over sin. In mercy, He forgives and always wants to shower us with blessings. May we be open to boldly share His compassionate love story.

Isaiah 54:10

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10

Unfailing is a word that describes the love the Lord has for the people He created. Human love pales by comparison and miserably fails more often than most people like to admit.

Isaiah 55:8–9

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8–9

We have thoughts of helplessness, pain, frustration, resentment or anger. Our feeble plans fall through. God’s Word prospers and He accomplishes the tasks which He pleases—kindness, mercy and redemption.

Helpful links on Brokenness to Restoration and the book of Isaiah in the Bible

• Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration
  
• Isaiah archives at KFUO
• Introduction to Isaiah at Issues Etc
• Isaiah at BibleProject
  

Pray

Lord Jesus, I don’t deserve a thing. Thank you for having mercy on me. Your dependable forgiveness, generous care and gentle love are exactly what I need. When I don’t understand changes You allow in my life, You stay with me, strengthen, guide, give patience and generate joy in me through the Light of Scripture. You surround me with faithful dear ones who, glowing in the power of Your Spirit, freely speak honestly of brokenness that can only be healed by Your peace, loving kindness and grace. All glory be to You! Amen

Song of Solomon Bible Sketch

God loves passionately.

The Lord offers genuine relationship sealed with the promise of the Gospel.

Christ has intimate affections for the Church of all believers. 

The imperfect Bride [Church of all believers] is drawn to the perfect Bridegroom [Christ]. She receives the Holy Spirit and is filled with an undeserved gift of faith in the Bridegroom. Christ not only completely loves and wants His Bride, He treats her as a friend—smiles and sings over her! She honors Him, rejoicing in His reciprocate love which flows into and from her as He provides for Her while she serves and worships Him. 

He does not neglect, tyrannize, frighten, contemptuously reject, or condemn His imperfect Bride who loves Him. He protects His Bride from harmful evil snares, quiets her with His calming love, pursues, and fights for her. He gave her breath and gently embraces her for who she is—His created, beloved, fallen creature. He sacrificially gave Himself up in order to cleanse and heal wounds resulting from her own sins as well as from sins committed against her. In their mutual love, she is seen by her Creator through His Own splendidly beautiful Holy perfection which has purified her. 

She respectfully desires to please her merciful Lord as she seeks Him for wisdom and refuge. He cherishes communication with her, eager to listen to her every praise and prayer. He nourishes her hunger for His strength and satisfies her thirst for His forgiveness. Revealing to her His peace and pleasure, He graciously refreshes, comforts and encourages her within His deeply caring community. He is her only Way. His Word is enriching her Life now and promising her hope of Paradise with Him forever. He guides her to sow His seed—the living and active Word of God which builds up all who believe His Truth.

Song of Solomon 8:6a,7a

Set me as a seal upon your heart…Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. Song of Solomon 8:6a,7a

Unquenchable love Christ has for the Church 

The power of the Holy Spirit is poured upon each individual within the Church of all believers. The generous Gift of Holy Baptism provides saving Faith in Christ Jesus. Faith is

• received by water with the Word
• drawing those who receive it to nourishment, growth
• maintaining itself through regular, frequent, study of the Bible and hearing it preached
  
• constantly desiring to bring back ones who neglect, stray from, and reject it
  
• teaching the proper way to live by treasuring the loving fullness of the commandments
  
• encouraging humility which confesses failure, prays for mercy, and asks other believers to pray, also, for positive change
  
• revealing God’s sovereign will
• protecting believers—keeping them safe from being destroyed by threats, trials, tests of faith, even death
• stirring the faithful to live life to the fullest by sharing the love and peace of Jesus
  
• reminding the devoted of strength and contentment that comes with being in the Word rather than conforming to the patterns of this world
• guiding followers to remain set apart in the promise of Grace
• inspiring the congregations to actively worship together in Truth
• answering Frequently Asked Questions about Doctrine
• preserving those who hold onto Faith until the end
• assuring certain hope of everlasting life in Heaven with the risen Savior

The Bible talks about the feast to come in the Old Testament—like an engagement. The feast that has come, mentioned in the New Testament, is in the bleeding dying Christ on the cross and the resurrection on Easter morning. The sacrifice points forward to the Last Day, pictured like the glory of the Church dressed in the righteousness of Christ—two become one—Christ and the Church!

God never changes

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds (listen) 

1. How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
   In a believer’s ear!
   It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds,
   And drives away our fear.
   
2. It makes the wounded spirit whole
   And calms the heart’s unrest;
   ’Tis manna to the hungry soul
   And to the weary, rest.
   
3. Dear name! The rock on which I build,
   My shield and hiding place;
   My never-failing treasury filled
   With boundless stores of grace.
   
4. O Jesus, shepherd, guardian, friend,
   My Prophet, Priest, and King,
   My Lord, my life, my way, my end,
   Accept the praise I bring.
   
5. How weak the effort of my heart,
   How cold my warmest thought!
   But when I see Thee as Thou art,
   I’ll praise Thee as I ought.
   
6. Till then I would Thy love proclaim
   With ev’ry fleeting breath;
   And may the music of Thy name
   Refresh my soul in death!

John Newton, 1725-1807, Lutheran Service Book ‎524

Helpful links to listen, read and study the book Song of Solomon

• Audio introduction of the Book of the Bible: Song of Solomon
• Videos and workbook for 8-week journey through the Song of Songs

Ecclesiastes Bible Sketches

Living life backwards

Preparing to die will teach you how to live

In the brevity of life, ignorance is not bliss—it only fools us for a time. Ecclesiastes is God’s Word keeping it real. We learn life is not to be lived as for gain but as for the gift of God. Life in Christ is our wisdom which gives life and suffering meaning. The Christian experience understands the vastness of love. The more intensely you love, the more you hurt in loss. The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know. 

Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? —Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

Toil for gain leads to becoming a slave to it—controlled by meaningless vanity, we see weariness, broken mind, discontent, always wanting more—even human wisdom is futile; ambition can be a vice if not in Christ. 

God is the giver of life who provides meaning to it and ability to work for a living. Glory and gratitude to His mercies! Holy Spirit-given faith in Jesus’ work, finished for us on the cross—descent to hell, bodily resurrection and ascension—means grace and victory for repentant sinners.

Ecclesiastes 3:1,6b

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to keep, and a time to cast away —Ecclesiastes 3:1,6b

Cycles of life, from peace and building up to war and destruction, can’t be changed.

Often bad times follow good times; also, often good times follow the bad! Nothing a person does changes these revolving cycles. We know there is more to existence. We try, yet we cannot figure out God’s plans and purposes. By faith given to us, we receive humility to seek Him and ask Him to bless us.

Being caught up in cycles of oppression, envy-fueled labor, worry over wealth, and loneliness add to meaningless of life without God. 

Life is hard and messy; however, this does not mean suffering has no value and meaning. Pain and trouble help give perspective to joy, hope, and solace. Wisdom is gained in getting through it. There are abundant opportunities to grow in wisdom for life when we are confident it is in the Lord’s control through Christ. Christian prayer—giving expression to the fullness of emotion and repentance—gets at the completeness of who we are as creatures of God, brings healing, hope, forgiveness and consolation.

Life is not fair, it is corrupted by sin. Don’t set out to search the answer to “why?”—you’ll be disappointed and frustrated. Sin and the devil tries to suck joy from us by tempting us with power. How is it fair that One Man should have to take on the sin of everyone else? 

God has drowned sin to death in Christ. The communion of saints connects us to loved ones here and beyond. Repentance is the way to be satisfied and content, remembering the authority of Jesus never goes away. People who trust Christ crave His Word for cleansing, healing, and release. Christ suffered for us. He goes into death and explodes it. Repentant believers have present joy and certain hope of eternal life with Him.

We shouldn’t live in isolation (inward focus), but in relationship with other people who are in Christ (outward focus). 

It is not always what you speak but how you speak. You are not what you think you are, but what you think, you are. Take self-diagnosis—ask yourself whom you spend most of your time thinking about.

We look for relief from fear, angst, sadness. Feelings aren’t our sole source of identity. 

“…Our value is determined by the God who created us and His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, who redeemed us. Our Heavenly Father is the Master Craftsman Who designed each minute part of us! Whether our hands are strong and firm or arthritic and weak, they can be folded to thank the God who created them. Whether our feet are long or short, narrow or wide, strong or no longer able to support us, they are able to walk in His ways…” Mustard Seed Devotions, August 07, 2021, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

We find joy in faith; Christ’s obedience—love He has for us—let it settle in you. Knowledge about God is not the same as fear, love and trust in God. 

“…if it is peace you seek—true, everlasting peace, then look to Him who has broken down the ‘dividing wall of hostility,’ separating us from God. If it is new life you’re looking for, then believe in Jesus Christ and you will find it…” Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

Honesty in the name of love and truth is good.

God knows. Think deeply, speak kindly. Be careful of using many words that don’t say much. Tune in to disordered passions, desires, pride, and spiritual laziness. Realize even wisdom can never attain the control over life we desire. Spiritual arrogance, haughtiness, legalism and demeaning actions leave others feeling damaged, hurt and frustrated. Satan wants us to be in despair when things aren’t going well.

Humility is helpful in all things—especially acknowledging your own sinful weaknesses while using wisdom to help others. We can plant seed, yet only God, the Master over everything we do can make it grow. Look at failure through the lens of Grace which has been given to support what God has given us in life.

Repentance calls us to put away selfish and bad thoughts; it brings us to fill time with prayers—specific petitions in a constructive way. When praying for others

• Focus on thanksgiving for them
• For faith—communion with them
• For wisdom in discernment and reaching out

Worship our Creator and King without letting personal dreams dictate how we approach Him.

• Do not rationalize sins.
• Don’t try to tell God how things should be.
• Remember bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit given in Baptism.
• Don’t go through religious motions without taking it to heart (hypocrisy).
• Don’t bargain with God—this is foolish talk.
• Exercise faith—meditate and pray out loud (there’s something powerful in hearing).
• If we don’t know what to say; pray, read and listen to God’s Word, Psalms, devotional materials, hymns, creeds and prayers written by faithful people, available in person at church, in bookstores and online by streaming radio and podcasts.
• Flow thoughts into prayers which shape the doing and being.
• Reflect the fact we don’t know how to do or understand that which only God knows. Many things are beyond our scope. We don’t know how to predict the future, the weather, or trees falling; exactly how the Holy Spirit works; or, how to guarantee success or avoid failure. 
• Think about the undeserved reward in Christ’s victory

Faith keeps us mindful of who we are and Who is the Giver of all things. 

Experience teaches the difficulties of time where we are situated. God will bring judgement and we live shrouded by death. We have two choices

1. be grumpy about it—as a curse, trying to push it away
2. live in Baptism—in hope, we live in Christ and He lives in us
   

Seeing consequences for the reality of our sinful condition, even in the midst of it all, God’s grace is mightily alive. God preserves the heart of those who trust Him. Confession and absolution cleanses, fills with peace and patience. His Spirit brings contentment even in sadness—helps us hold pain and suffering tenderly and see brief moments of joy. 

He restores our soul. As we put trust in Jesus, we respond with thanksgiving and praise for

• gifts of happiness
• enjoyment of blessings
• the promise of eternity with Him

Deeper into Ecclesiastes

Listen to conversations about Ecclesiastes: KFUO Radio—Christ for you. Anytime. Anywhere.

Bible studies series including Ecclesiastes: Life by His Word: Psalms and Wisdom Set

Proverbs Bible Sketches

Wisdom in Proverbs

God gives wisdom to remind me I can be absolutely sure Christ straightens my path which leads to Him

Life is like a road trip over an unknown number of days from hospital to home, church, work, shop, recreation, celebrations to funerals and many experiences in between. We go uphill, downhill, flat earth straight ways, curves, slow over speed bumps, slippery slopes, broken ice—bypass dangers of getting stuck in sand, snow, mud, roadblocks—on detours for times of repair and building up construction. Thankfully, we may give heavy baggage to the Lord and travel light!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 3:5-6

I am not required to understand every detail of every turn on the road trip, nor is it in my power to control traffic or timing

God’s humble wisdom provides everything good and needed—direction, forgiveness, safety, healing, and assurance in His Word. No one will be lost unless they reject the power of the Holy Spirit. God’s Peace Source (GPS) points to Jesus—the way, truth and life. In my weakness, I’m perfectly strengthened to live with protection of angels commanded to guard my ways until the Last Day. The Comforter mercifully reminds me when I am empty, steers me to repentance, fuels me with forgiveness, navigates to wayside rest. My Savior washes me clean, renews by grace and restores confidence to go forward. God provides faithful friends who are praying God-speed for me. Sermons and various audio snacks feed me reminders that, in the death of Jesus, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Jesus rose to life, lives within me, gives Himself for me to taste and digest in The Lord’s Supper. Trusting Christ’s work, my final eternal destination will be with Him, eternally rescued from from sin and its torturous consequences. 

“And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Proverbs 8:32-33

Proverbs 8:32-33

My Creator gave me ears and an amazing sense to listen, hear His instruction, not neglect His wisdom 

Isn’t it wonderful that the God of the universe wants to communicate?! Praying out loud with others, group Bible studies, singing hymns, listening to sermons in person or video with my congregation as well as radio internet streaming and audio bible formats are designed to bless me habitually and actively encourage me to keep God’s ways. Along with other believers, I confess sin, meditate, pray—with thanksgiving—that the Holy Spirit will come upon me and give me desire to be faithful in the works that Christ has done in perfection for me.

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

Proverbs 15:1

I pray

Oh Lord, harshness coming from another person does make me angry and sad, especially when it is spoken from an unmerciful, ungracious, ungrateful and confused heart. Thank You for understanding me even when my communication with another falls on deaf ears, is ignored and interpretation is twisted or responded to with degradation. Keep giving me kind, soft answers and fill me with Your patience. Protect my heart when others abuse me with bitterly cold words and actions. I wait for charitable, mutual understanding during each opportunity for conversation You provide. Encourage me during difficult times when others tempt, reject, threaten, blame and shame me. Thank You that You know truth and help me grow and shine among darkness and doubt in this world. Help me love and forgive others, in Jesus Name—just as You assure me of forgiveness, good purposes and promises. Amen.

A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.

Proverbs 15:13

Proverbs 15:13a

My spirit is crushed; yet, I have hope!

Life is hard. Others express disappointment regarding their expectations of me. I can’t please them as I wanted and expected that I would. Everyone, including myself, falls short of the perfect people God designed and created us to be. I am sorry and sad when I see my own faults and inadequacies. The Bible teaches me that I’ve sinned, even in ways which I don’t even recognize in myself. I am thankful for the promise of hope in Jesus. This makes my heart glad—my face smiles, knowing Christ is near with His cheer, never will he leave me! Why should Cross and Trial Grieve me? (lyrics), (audio)

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24

Proverbs 16:24

I pray

Dear Heavenly Father, I want to treat others with healthy, sweet, gracious words, thoughts and deeds. Thank you for sweetness for my soul and health for my body which You provide though Your Son and by placing me among gracious brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.

The intelligent person restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:27

Proverbs 17:27

I pray

Sovereign King, thank You for my brain, tact, insight, compassion and empathy for others going through challenging times. Increase patience for every process of Your plan for me. I am happy to be here sharing Good News. Amen.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Proverbs 22:6

Trusting Jesus Christ is the way to the heavenly places He rules

I’m equipped in baptism. Mom lead prayers, devotions, read the Bible. Teachers filled me with knowledge and skills. Pastors and Christian friends encourage me in spiritual matters. By grace, I have been pulled back from straying, grown in faith to maturity; forever guided and sustained until my time in this broken world ends. Out of gratitude I seek opportunities God provides to share!

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Proverbs 25:11

Proverbs 25:11

I pray

Lord, thank you for every person who communicates the authentic language of Your nourishing love. I appreciate the gifts of artistic talent You give Your dear ones to portray Your genuine mercy at the cross. Because You forknew fallen darkness in me and every person, You planned and carried out Your suffering, death and resurrection to save all who believe. Thank You for cleansing me from all sin—my own and those committed against me. Help me live in Your light to share the mercy and grace You have shown me. Amen.

One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. Proverbs 29:23

Proverbs 29:23

Fallen human nature’s blind spot of arrogance, pride, and know-it-all attitude hides the truth that only God is omniscient, omnipotent and completely honorable.

Often, people blindly think salvation is accomplished by something good they do or by virtues they have. Such prideful attitudes as well as rude, grudge-holding behaviors and tendencies of entitlement, all lean on selfish power trips to domineer someone or manipulate a situation. Degrading ways infect and spread skepticism, sorrow, chaos, and confusion.

Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 26:12

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye. Luke 6:41-42

Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin. Proverbs 21:4

We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. Isaiah 64:6

Honestly, we cannot save ourselves no matter how much we think we can or how hard we try. Only Jesus saves us from our messes. He is worthy of our praise for His saving work! The Holy Spirit helps us show gratitude by leading us to use His gifts.

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Proverbs 30:5

Proverbs 30:5

Beautiful Truth for all people! 

God wants us to be consistently humble and gracious in all we think, say and do—with complete trust—giving all glory and honor to our Savior who died for the sin of the world. He provides faith and growth in the Word.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:30-31 

God cares! We may trust that Jesus took all sins upon Himself in His perfect holiness to save mankind from hell. Christ hears prayers of humble repentance and intercedes to rescue and shield all who believe Scripture is entirely true. Healing, peace, joy and praise belong to those who fear God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. In thanksgiving for His blessings and promises, we strive to love our neighbor as ourselves as we look forward to the endless day with Jesus in perfection beyond imagination!

More on Proverbs of the Bible

Go deeper into the gift of God’s Proverbs

• Listen to or read 31 chapters in the Bible, book of Proverbs
• Listen to Issues Etc podcasts on The book of Proverbs with Pastor Jonathan Fisk
• Listen to Thy Strong Word hosted by Rev. William Weedon – Proverbs 16
  
• Listen to Thy Strong Word hosted by Rev. William Weedon – Proverbs 1 “The Beginning of Knowledge”
• Listen to KFUO various program archives on Proverbs
  
• Listen or read book Demystifying the Proverbs 31 Woman
• Listen or read book Provoking Proverbs: Wisdom and the Ten Commandments