Its obvious!!!

OK, this one makes me nervous! Why? Because I started Weight Watchers Tuesday, that's why!!!  In all fairness to the lady on the bus... the shocks on the right side MUST BE BAD because no one person could make a bus do that!!!  Still, the picture does send a message... its obvious.  So is the one from this passage of Scripture....

WEB: Luke Chapter 19

[29] It happened, when he drew near to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the mountain that is called Olivet, he sent two of his disciples, [30] saying, "“Go your way into the village on the other side, in which, as you enter, you will find a colt tied, whereon no man ever yet sat. Untie it, and bring it. [31] If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say to him: ‘The Lord needs it.’”"

[32] Those who were sent went away, and found things just as he had told them. [33] As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” [34] They said, “The Lord needs it.” [35] They brought it to Jesus. They threw their cloaks on the colt, and set Jesus on them. [36] As he went, they spread their cloaks in the way. [37] As he was now getting near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works which they had seen, [38] saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest!”

[39] Some of the Pharisees from the multitude said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

[40] He answered them, "“I tell you that if these were silent, the stones would cry out.”"

Jesus is a king!!!  Simple message, yet profound!!!  Yet today there are many people like the Pharisees who don't want that message proclaimed.  Those who would silence the mere hint of Christianity and violently persecute its possible followers.  If you think this is exaggeration then turn on the TV and begin following the news in the middle east.  Christian churches are being burned and those who follow Christ are being killed.  There is a war brewing and its much, much bigger than just Israel, its about Christianity as well.  You don't have to be hit by a bus to see it; its obvious!!!

Mar. 21 Exodus 36, 37

Mar. 21

Exodus 36, 37

Exo 36:1 "Bezalel and Oholiab shall work with every wise-hearted man, in whom Yahweh has put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all the work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that Yahweh has commanded."

Exo 36:2 Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab, and every wise-hearted man, in whose heart Yahweh had put wisdom, even everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to the work to do it:

Exo 36:3 and they received from Moses all the offering which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, with which to make it. They brought yet to him freewill offerings every morning.

Exo 36:4 All the wise men, who performed all the work of the sanctuary, each came from his work which they did.

Exo 36:5 They spoke to Moses, saying, "The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which Yahweh commanded to make."

Exo 36:6 Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, "Let neither man nor woman make anything else for the offering for the sanctuary." So the people were restrained from bringing.

Exo 36:7 For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.

Exo 36:8 All the wise-hearted men among those who did the work made the tabernacle with ten curtains; of fine twined linen, blue, purple, and scarlet, with cherubim, the work of the skillful workman, they made them.

Exo 36:9 The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits. All the curtains had one measure.

Exo 36:10 He coupled five curtains to one another, and the other five curtains he coupled one to another.

Exo 36:11 He made loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the edge in the coupling. Likewise he made in the edge of the curtain that was outmost in the second coupling.

Exo 36:12 He made fifty loops in the one curtain, and he made fifty loops in the edge of the curtain that was in the second coupling. The loops were opposite one to another.

Exo 36:13 He made fifty clasps of gold, and coupled the curtains one to another with the clasps: so the tabernacle was a unit.

Exo 36:14 He made curtains of goats' hair for a covering over the tabernacle. He made them eleven curtains.

Exo 36:15 The length of each curtain was thirty cubits, and four cubits the breadth of each curtain. The eleven curtains had one measure.

Exo 36:16 He coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves.

Exo 36:17 He made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that was outmost in the coupling, and he made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain which was outmost in the second coupling.

Exo 36:18 He made fifty clasps of brass to couple the tent together, that it might be a unit.

Exo 36:19 He made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of sea cow hides above.

Exo 36:20 He made the boards for the tabernacle of acacia wood, standing up.

Exo 36:21 Ten cubits was the length of a board, and a cubit and a half the breadth of each board.

Exo 36:22 Each board had two tenons, joined one to another. He made all the boards of the tabernacle this way.

Exo 36:23 He made the boards for the tabernacle: twenty boards for the south side southward.

Exo 36:24 He made forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for its two tenons, and two sockets under another board for its two tenons.

Exo 36:25 For the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side, he made twenty boards,

Exo 36:26 and their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

Exo 36:27 For the far part of the tabernacle westward he made six boards.

Exo 36:28 He made two boards for the corners of the tabernacle in the far part.

Exo 36:29 They were double beneath, and in like manner they were all the way to its top to one ring. He did thus to both of them in the two corners.

Exo 36:30 There were eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; under every board two sockets.

Exo 36:31 He made bars of acacia wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,

Exo 36:32 and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the tabernacle for the hinder part westward.

Exo 36:33 He made the middle bar to pass through in the midst of the boards from the one end to the other.

Exo 36:34 He overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings of gold for places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.

Exo 36:35 He made the veil of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubim. He made it the work of a skillful workman.

Exo 36:36 He made four pillars of acacia for it, and overlaid them with gold. Their hooks were of gold. He cast four sockets of silver for them.

Exo 36:37 He made a screen for the door of the tent, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of an embroiderer;

Exo 36:38 and the five pillars of it with their hooks. He overlaid their capitals and their fillets with gold, and their five sockets were of brass.

Exo 37:1 Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood. Its length was two and a half cubits, and its breadth a cubit and a half, and a cubit and a half its height.

Exo 37:2 He overlaid it with pure gold inside and outside, and made a molding of gold for it around it.

Exo 37:3 He cast four rings of gold for it, in its four feet; even two rings on its one side, and two rings on its other side.

Exo 37:4 He made poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold.

Exo 37:5 He put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.

Exo 37:6 He made a mercy seat of pure gold. Its length was two and a half cubits, and a cubit and a half its breadth.

Exo 37:7 He made two cherubim of gold. He made them of beaten work, at the two ends of the mercy seat;

Exo 37:8 one cherub at the one end, and one cherub at the other end. He made the cherubim of one piece with the mercy seat at its two ends.

Exo 37:9 The cherubim spread out their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces toward one another. The faces of the cherubim were toward the mercy seat.

Exo 37:10 He made the table of acacia wood. Its length was two cubits, and its breadth was a cubit, and its height was a cubit and a half.

Exo 37:11 He overlaid it with pure gold, and made a gold molding around it.

Exo 37:12 He made a border of a handbreadth around it, and made a golden molding on its border around it.

Exo 37:13 He cast four rings of gold for it, and put the rings in the four corners that were on its four feet.

Exo 37:14 The rings were close by the border, the places for the poles to carry the table.

Exo 37:15 He made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold, to carry the table.

Exo 37:16 He made the vessels which were on the table, its dishes, its spoons, its bowls, and its pitchers with which to pour out, of pure gold.

Exo 37:17 He made the lampstand of pure gold. He made the lampstand of beaten work. Its base, its shaft, its cups, its buds, and its flowers were of one piece with it.

Exo 37:18 There were six branches going out of its sides: three branches of the lampstand out of its one side, and three branches of the lampstand out of its other side:

Exo 37:19 three cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a bud and a flower, and three cups made like almond blossoms in the other branch, a bud and a flower: so for the six branches going out of the lampstand.

Exo 37:20 In the lampstand were four cups made like almond blossoms, its buds and its flowers;

Exo 37:21 and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, for the six branches going out of it.

Exo 37:22 Their buds and their branches were of one piece with it. The whole thing was one beaten work of pure gold.

Exo 37:23 He made its seven lamps, and its snuffers, and its snuff dishes, of pure gold.

Exo 37:24 He made it of a talent of pure gold, with all its vessels.

Exo 37:25 He made the altar of incense of acacia wood. It was square: its length was a cubit, and its breadth a cubit. Its height was two cubits. Its horns were of one piece with it.

Exo 37:26 He overlaid it with pure gold, its top, its sides around it, and its horns. He made a gold molding around it.

Exo 37:27 He made two golden rings for it under its molding crown, on its two ribs, on its two sides, for places for poles with which to carry it.

Exo 37:28 He made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold.

Exo 37:29 He made the holy anointing oil and the pure incense of sweet spices, after the art of the perfumer.

Mar. 21, 22 Mark 13

Mar. 21, 22

Mark 13

Mar 13:1 As he went out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Teacher, see what kind of stones and what kind of buildings!"

Mar 13:2 Jesus said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone on another, which will not be thrown down."

Mar 13:3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately,

Mar 13:4 "Tell us, when will these things be? What is the sign that these things are all about to be fulfilled?"

Mar 13:5 Jesus, answering, began to tell them, "Be careful that no one leads you astray.

Mar 13:6 For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' and will lead many astray.

Mar 13:7 "When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don't be troubled. For those must happen, but the end is not yet.

Mar 13:8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be famines and troubles. These things are the beginning of birth pains.

Mar 13:9 But watch yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils. You will be beaten in synagogues. You will stand before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them.

Mar 13:10 The Good News must first be preached to all the nations.

Mar 13:11 When they lead you away and deliver you up, don't be anxious beforehand, or premeditate what you will say, but say whatever will be given you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.

Mar 13:12 "Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death.

Mar 13:13 You will be hated by all men for my name's sake, but he who endures to the end, the same will be saved.

Mar 13:14 But when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains,

Mar 13:15 and let him who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter in, to take anything out of his house.

Mar 13:16 Let him who is in the field not return back to take his cloak.

Mar 13:17 But woe to those who are with child and to those who nurse babies in those days!

Mar 13:18 Pray that your flight won't be in the winter.

Mar 13:19 For in those days there will be oppression, such as there has not been the like from the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will be.

Mar 13:20 Unless the Lord had shortened the days, no flesh would have been saved; but for the sake of the chosen ones, whom he picked out, he shortened the days.

Mar 13:21 Then if anyone tells you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'Look, there!' don't believe it.

Mar 13:22 For there will arise false christs and false prophets, and will show signs and wonders, that they may lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones.

Mar 13:23 But you watch. "Behold, I have told you all things beforehand.

Mar 13:24 But in those days, after that oppression, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light,

Mar 13:25 the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken.

Mar 13:26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.

Mar 13:27 Then he will send out his angels, and will gather together his chosen ones from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the sky.

Mar 13:28 "Now from the fig tree, learn this parable. When the branch has now become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you know that the summer is near;

Mar 13:29 even so you also, when you see these things coming to pass, know that it is near, at the doors.

Mar 13:30 Most certainly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things happen.

Mar 13:31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Mar 13:32 But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

Mar 13:33 Watch, keep alert, and pray; for you don't know when the time is.

Mar 13:34 "It is like a man, traveling to another country, having left his house, and given authority to his servants, and to each one his work, and also commanded the doorkeeper to keep watch.

Mar 13:35 Watch therefore, for you don't know when the lord of the house is coming, whether at evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning;

Mar 13:36 lest coming suddenly he might find you sleeping.

Mar 13:37 What I tell you, I tell all: Watch."

"THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES" Chapter Ten by Mark Copeland

"THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES"

                              Chapter Ten

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To compare the harm of folly and the value of wisdom

2) To see the impact of folly on one's reputation, the government, and
in business

SUMMARY

The Preacher continues to share wisdom that can help endure the many
vanities in life.   This chapter is filled with proverbial statements,
in which he first deplores folly and the affect it can have on one's
reputation (1-3). 

The Preacher also describes how folly is often manifested in government,
and in one's life and labors.  The land suffers when governed by foolish
men, and labor is made even more difficult.  Yet wisdom can bring
success to one's endeavors, and blessings to the land when found in the
conduct of those who lead (4-20).

OUTLINE

I. FOLLY DEPLORED (10:1-3)

   A. IT MARS THE FINEST OF REPUTATIONS (1)
      1. Like dead flies putrefy the perfumer's ointment
      2. So folly is to one respected for wisdom and honor

   B. IT SERVES AS AN UNSAFE GUIDE (2)
      1. The wise man's heart is at his right hand
      2. The fool's heart is at his left hand (in the wrong place)

   C. IT BETRAYS ITS OWN STUPIDITY (3)
      1. A fool walks along the way without wisdom
      2. He shows everyone that he is a fool

II. FOLLY MANIFESTED (10:4-20)

   A. WHEN THE SPIRIT OF THE RULER RISES AGAINST YOU (4)
      1. Do not leave your post
      2. Allow conciliation to pacify great offense

   B. WHEN FOLLY IS MANIFESTED IN GOVERNMENT AND LABOR (5-20)
      1. An evil observed by the Preacher (5-7)
         a. Error proceeding from the ruler
         b. Folly exalted while the rich are debased
         c. Servants in power while true princes are humbled
      2. Those who labor with foolishness hurt and hinder themselves
         (8-10)
         a. As illustrated through several examples given by the
            Preacher
         b. The wisdom of the wise will know how to expedite his labors
      3. The foolish seldom know how to restrain themselves (11-15)
         a. They do not know how to hold their tongues
         b. They do not know how to direct their labor
      4. How folly and wisdom affect the condition of the country
         (16-19)
         a. Woe to the land whose leaders...
            1) Are childish and feast in the morning
            2) Are lazy, resulting in broken down buildings
         b. Blessed is the land whose leaders...
            1) Feast at the proper time
            2) Successfully rule, providing for true happiness and
               meeting every need
      5. Be careful what you say (20)
         a. Do not curse the king
         b. Do not curse the rich
         c. For what you say will likely reach their ears

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Folly deplored (1-3)
   - Folly manifested (4-20)

2) What comparison is used to illustrate how folly ruins the reputation
   of the wise? (1)
   - As dead flies cause the perfumer's ointment to give off a foul odor

3) Where is the heart of a wise man?  The heart of the foolish man? (2)
   - At his right hand; at his left hand

4) When does the fool display his folly to everyone? (3)
   - Even when he walks along the way

5) How should one respond when the spirit of the ruler rises against
   them? (4)
   - By remaining at their post (i.e., maintaining their faithfulness)
   - By seeking conciliation

6) What evil had the Preacher seen under the sun pertaining to
   government? (5-7)
   - Error proceeding from the ruler
   - Folly set in great dignity while the rich are set in a lowly place
   - Servants on horses while princes walk on the ground

7) What four illustrations appear to depict the lack of wisdom in
   business? (8-9)
   - Digging a pit, then falling into it
   - Breaking through a wall, only to be bit by a serpent
   - Being hurt by the stone one quarries
   - Endangered by the wood one splits

8) When the ax is dull, what is required?  What will bring success? (10)
   - More strength; wisdom

9) To what is a babbler compared? (11)
   - A serpent that may bite when not charmed

10) How are the words of the wise?  What will the lips of a fool do to
    him? (12)
   - Gracious
   - Swallow him up

11) What do the words of a fool begin with?  How do they end? (13)
   - Foolishness; with raving madness

12) What else is said about a fool? (14-15)
   - He multiplies his words
   - His labor wearies him

13) When is there woe upon the land? (16)
   - When the king is a child, and the princes feast in the morning

14) When is a land blessed? (17)
   - When the king is the son of nobles, and princes feast at the proper
     time

15) What is evidence of laziness and idleness? (18)
   - Decaying buildings and leaking houses

16) What observations are made about feasting, wine and money? (19)
   - Feasting is made for laughter
   - Wine makes merry
   - Money answers everything

17) Why should one not curse the king nor the rich? (20)
   - What you say (even in private) may eventually get back to them

Its not the "how", but rather the doing!!!

I confess: I have been a star trek fan since the original series.  And, of all the various TV shows, I think I like the "...Next Generation" the best.  Frankly, it seems the most realistic to me (if you will allow me to actually use those two concepts together).  This picture caught my attention because I have been thinking a lot about computer "tablets" lately.  My wife has a new one and a good friend at church actually bought an Ipad.  Tablets are marvelous gadgets and I think what I like the most about mine is that it replaces a standard paper Bible(s).  Because of the true portability factor, it is a vast improvement over the laptop, which is itself an improvement over the desktop.  How things have changed over the past forty years!!!  But, no matter how you read it, the word of God stays the same and has true value...

WEB: II Timothy Chapter 3

[14] But you remain in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them. [15] From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. [16] Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness,

The day you actually learn that you can't know everything, can't do everything is a tough day indeed!!!  However, its a great day as well, because knowing your limitations is a very healthy step towards accurate self knowledge.  This in turn leads to a proper perspective of life and ultimately to God.  Whether you learn God's word from a parchment, a codex (bound book) an e-mail, twitter or tablet, its power to mold human beings remains omnipotent, just like its author.  Personally, I like the Kindle fire, but hey, that's just me.  Choose whatever you want, but make sure you use it.... you will be glad you did!!!!

Mar. 20 Exodus 34, 35

Mar. 20

Exodus 34, 35

Exo 34:1 Yahweh said to Moses, "Chisel two stone tablets like the first: and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke.

Exo 34:2 Be ready by the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself there to me on the top of the mountain.

Exo 34:3 No one shall come up with you; neither let anyone be seen throughout all the mountain; neither let the flocks nor herds feed before that mountain."

Exo 34:4 He chiseled two tablets of stone like the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up to Mount Sinai, as Yahweh had commanded him, and took in his hand two stone tablets.

Exo 34:5 Yahweh descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of Yahweh.

Exo 34:6 Yahweh passed by before him, and proclaimed, "Yahweh! Yahweh, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth,

Exo 34:7 keeping loving kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and disobedience and sin; and that will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and on the children's children, on the third and on the fourth generation."

Exo 34:8 Moses hurried and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped.

Exo 34:9 He said, "If now I have found favor in your sight, Lord, please let the Lord go in the midst of us; although this is a stiff-necked people; pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance."

Exo 34:10 He said, "Behold, I make a covenant: before all your people I will do marvels, such as have not been worked in all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the people among which you are shall see the work of Yahweh; for it is an awesome thing that I do with you.

Exo 34:11 Observe that which I command you this day. Behold, I drive out before you the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite.

Exo 34:12 Be careful, lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land where you are going, lest it be for a snare in the midst of you:

Exo 34:13 but you shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and you shall cut down their Asherim;

Exo 34:14 for you shall worship no other god: for Yahweh, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

Exo 34:15 Don't make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, lest they play the prostitute after their gods, and sacrifice to their gods, and one call you and you eat of his sacrifice;

Exo 34:16 and you take of their daughters to your sons, and their daughters play the prostitute after their gods, and make your sons play the prostitute after their gods.

Exo 34:17 You shall make no cast idols for yourselves.

Exo 34:18 "You shall keep the feast of unleavened bread. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month Abib; for in the month Abib you came out from Egypt.

Exo 34:19 All that opens the womb is mine; and all your livestock that is male, the firstborn of cow and sheep.

Exo 34:20 The firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb: and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. All the firstborn of your sons you shall redeem. No one shall appear before me empty.

Exo 34:21 "Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest: in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest.

Exo 34:22 You shall observe the feast of weeks with the first fruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of harvest at the year's end.

Exo 34:23 Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord Yahweh, the God of Israel.

Exo 34:24 For I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your borders; neither shall any man desire your land when you go up to appear before Yahweh, your God, three times in the year.

Exo 34:25 "You shall not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread; neither shall the sacrifice of the feast of the Passover be left to the morning.

Exo 34:26 You shall bring the first of the first fruits of your ground to the house of Yahweh your God. You shall not boil a young goat in its mother's milk."

Exo 34:27 Yahweh said to Moses, "Write you these words: for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel."

Exo 34:28 He was there with Yahweh forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread, nor drank water. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

Exo 34:29 It happened, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mountain, that Moses didn't know that the skin of his face shone by reason of his speaking with him.

Exo 34:30 When Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come near him.

Exo 34:31 Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned to him; and Moses spoke to them.

Exo 34:32 Afterward all the children of Israel came near, and he gave them all of the commandments that Yahweh had spoken with him on Mount Sinai.

Exo 34:33 When Moses was done speaking with them, he put a veil on his face.

Exo 34:34 But when Moses went in before Yahweh to speak with him, he took the veil off, until he came out; and he came out, and spoke to the children of Israel that which he was commanded.

Exo 34:35 The children of Israel saw Moses' face, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

Exo 35:1 Moses assembled all the congregation of the children of Israel, and said to them, "These are the words which Yahweh has commanded, that you should do them.

Exo 35:2 'Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of solemn rest to Yahweh: whoever does any work in it shall be put to death.

Exo 35:3 You shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations on the Sabbath day.' "

Exo 35:4 Moses spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, "This is the thing which Yahweh commanded, saying,

Exo 35:5 'Take from among you an offering to Yahweh. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, Yahweh's offering: gold, silver, brass,

Exo 35:6 blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats' hair,

Exo 35:7 rams' skins dyed red, sea cow hides, acacia wood,

Exo 35:8 oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense,

Exo 35:9 onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod and for the breastplate.

Exo 35:10 " 'Let every wise-hearted man among you come, and make all that Yahweh has commanded:

Exo 35:11 the tabernacle, its outer covering, its roof, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets;

Exo 35:12 the ark, and its poles, the mercy seat, the veil of the screen;

Exo 35:13 the table with its poles and all its vessels, and the show bread;

Exo 35:14 the lampstand also for the light, with its vessels, its lamps, and the oil for the light;

Exo 35:15 and the altar of incense with its poles, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, the screen for the door, at the door of the tabernacle;

Exo 35:16 the altar of burnt offering, with its grating of brass, it poles, and all its vessels, the basin and its base;

Exo 35:17 the hangings of the court, its pillars, their sockets, and the screen for the gate of the court;

Exo 35:18 the pins of the tabernacle, the pins of the court, and their cords;

Exo 35:19 the finely worked garments, for ministering in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office.' "

Exo 35:20 All the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.

Exo 35:21 They came, everyone whose heart stirred him up, and everyone whom his spirit made willing, and brought Yahweh's offering, for the work of the Tent of Meeting, and for all of its service, and for the holy garments.

Exo 35:22 They came, both men and women, as many as were willing-hearted, and brought brooches, earrings, signet rings, and armlets, all jewels of gold; even every man who offered an offering of gold to Yahweh.

Exo 35:23 Everyone, with whom was found blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats' hair, rams' skins dyed red, and sea cow hides, brought them.

Exo 35:24 Everyone who did offer an offering of silver and brass brought Yahweh's offering; and everyone, with whom was found acacia wood for any work of the service, brought it.

Exo 35:25 All the women who were wise-hearted spun with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, the blue, the purple, the scarlet, and the fine linen.

Exo 35:26 All the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun the goats' hair.

Exo 35:27 The rulers brought the onyx stones, and the stones to be set, for the ephod and for the breastplate;

Exo 35:28 and the spice, and the oil for the light, for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense.

Exo 35:29 The children of Israel brought a freewill offering to Yahweh; every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all the work, which Yahweh had commanded to be made by Moses.

Exo 35:30 Moses said to the children of Israel, "Behold, Yahweh has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.

Exo 35:31 He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;

Exo 35:32 and to make skillful works, to work in gold, in silver, in brass,

Exo 35:33 in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all kinds of skillful workmanship.

Exo 35:34 He has put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.

Exo 35:35 He has filled them with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of workmanship, of the engraver, of the skillful workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of those who do any workmanship, and of those who make skillful works.

"THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES" Chapter Nine by Mark Copeland

"THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES"

                              Chapter Nine

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To reflect upon the inevitability of death, and the uncertainty of
   life

2) To consider how time and chance happens to all

3) To appreciate the importance of a joyful, diligent life, and heeding
   the words of the wise

SUMMARY

The Preacher continues to share counsel gleaned from observations on
life made during his search for meaning.  He noted that all things come
alike to all, it matters not that you are righteous or wicked.  One
thing that certainly happens to all is death, after which one is soon
forgotten and has no share in this life (things done "under the sun"). 
Should one therefore despair?  No, the Preacher again encourages us to
live joyfully, especially with the wife of our youth, and to work
diligently in what time we have in this life.  Once you die, you won't
be able to continue your efforts in the grave.  This is our portion in
life, and God has already accepted our works (1-10).

The Preacher also observed that time and chance happens to all, and that
evil times come suddenly.  The uncertainty of life can be softened with
the aid of wisdom, which the Preacher praises as better than strength
and the weapons of war.  Thus the words of the wise should be heard,
even when spoken softly, or coming from a poor man (11-18).

OUTLINE

I. ENDURING THE INEVITABILITY OF DEATH (9:1-10)

   A. DEATH HAPPENS TO ALL (1-6)
      1. It happens to both the righteous and the wicked
         a. While the righteous are in God's hands
         b. And the sons of men are full of evil
      2. While we live, there is hope; when we die...
         a. We know nothing of what goes on here on earth
         b. Others' memory of us soon fades

   B. ENJOY LIFE (7-10)
      1. While death is inevitable, we should still enjoy life
      2. Live joyfully with the wife God has given you
      3. Work diligently while you are here; you won't be able to do
         anymore after you die

II. ENDURING THE UNCERTAINTY OF LIFE (9:11-18)

   A. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED (11-12)
      1. Time and chance happens to all
         a. Being swift and strong does not mean you will always win
         b. Being wise, understanding, and skillful does not always
            ensure food, riches, or favor
      2. Sometimes death will come unexpectedly, like animals caught in
         a trap

   B. ESTEEM WISDOM (13-18)
      1. The Preacher saw how wisdom saved a city
         a. Even though found in a poor man
         b. Even though the man was soon forgotten
      2. Therefore he praises the value of wisdom
         a. As better than strength, though a poor man's wisdom is often
            despised
         b. As better than weapons of war, though spoken quietly by the
            wise

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Enduring the inevitability of death (1-10)
   - Enduring the uncertainty of life (11-18)

2) What did the Preacher consider about the righteous and the wise? (1)
   - They and their works are in the hand of God

3) What two observations did he make regarding the righteous and the
   wicked? (2-3)
   - All things come alike to all
   - One thing happens to all

4) What one event does he discuss that happens to everyone? (3-5)
   - Death

5) What two things does he see in the hearts of men? What happens to
   them? (3)
   - Evil, madness; they die

6) Who still has hope?  Why? (4-5)
   - Those who are living
   - For they know they will die

7) What is said of the dead? (5-6)
   - They know nothing, they have no more reward
   - The memory of them is forgotten
   - Their love, hatred, and envy have perished
   - They no longer have a share in things done "under the sun"

8) What does the Preacher counsel the living to do? (7-10)
   - Eat and drink your food with joy
   - Adorn yourself with good apparel
   - Live joyfully with the wife of your youth
   - Work diligently

9) What reasons does he give for such counsel? (7-10)
   - God has already accepted your works
   - That is your portion in life
   - There is no work, device, knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave

10) What other observations did the Preacher make about life? (11-12)
   - Time and chance happen to all men, despite their strength, wisdom,
     or skill
   - Evil times often come suddenly upon men

11) What observations did he make about the value of wisdom? (13-18)
   - Wisdom is better than strength
   - A poor man's wisdom is often despised
   - Quiet words of the wise should be heard rather than the shout of a
     ruler of fools
   - Wisdom is better than weapons of war