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Why will you still be struck down? Why will you continue to rebel? Isaiah 1:5 All summer, my son and I have been training for a distance race this fall. Every time we run, I’m frustrated that I haven’t lost the 10 pounds I’ve been meaning to lose. So, every time, I swear that I’ll…
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I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine . . . Song of Solomon 6:3 I have never been comfortable with The Song of Solomon’s inclusion in the Bible. In a work that is about God and man’s relationship with him, a book about romance and sexuality just seems out of place. It makes me…
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The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13 Yesterday, for me, wrapped up three days of a local athletic competition, which was an amazing display of strength, endurance and skill – none of which belonged to me. It was…
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Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil. Ecclesiastes 8:11 Though he used different language than we might, King Solomon seemed to know a great deal about, and must have had some personal experience with, addiction. He may not have…
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No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. Ecclesiastes 8:8 As I began my routine yesterday morning, I could feel the butterflies in my stomach starting. Today was the start of a three-day team athletic competition, in which I am participating for the first time. I began to…
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Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others. Ecclesiastes 7:21 Most of us have been there. We’ve said something nasty about a friend or coworker and they either overheard it or someone told them. Our…
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Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Ecclesiastes 5:1 When I came home from treatment, I was desperately aware of my need for God. Though it was uncomfortable…
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Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice. Ecclesiastes 4:13 Occasionally, while driving in town near dusk, I fail to turn on my headlights as it gets dark. Because there is enough ambient streetlight, I don’t notice this until some approaching car flashes…
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Two are better than one . . . For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 I go to a gym where I have a group of guys who continually spur me on to…
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I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked . . . Ecclesiastes 3:17 I clearly remember the first time I engaged in evil behavior to acquire pills. Because it was an appalling line I’d not previously crossed, I was immediately terrified that I’d be caught. Then . . . nothing. I…
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