Love God, love neighbor, make disciples. doug@pastordougolson.com
Our scripture today is Isaiah 9:2 (ESV). The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. In Isaiah we find many prophetic references to the coming of Jesus. It’s no surprise that 18th century composer George Handel used several …
Our scripture today is Isaiah 6:1 (ESV). In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Isaiah is one of a select few who have been allowed to see the Lord. This was intended to inspire …
Our scripture today is Isaiah 1:2 (ESV). Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord has spoken: Children have I reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me. In the opening verses of Isaiah God brings His case against humanity. He accuses us of rebellion, but the Lord never speaks …
Our scripture today is Song of Songs 1:1 (NRSVUE). The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s. I thought a lot about this book. I thought about skipping it, but I knew one of you would say “uh, what about Song of Songs (or Song of Solomon in some translations). I remember reading this book for …
Our scripture today is Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV). Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. The Teacher brings his lesson to a close with a simple summary: “Fear God and keep His commandments”. God created us for …
Our scripture today is Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NIV). The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Much of Ecclesiastes sounds like Proverbs. While this verse may stand on its own, it is essential that we not merely pick verses that agree with our opinion. Verses form chapters and …
Our scripture today is Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV). There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: The Teacher alternates between dry, almost bleak commentary and wisdom so obvious we should see it ourselves. This is likely the most well known verse from this book. Some of us from the …
Our scripture today is Ecclesiastes 1:1-2 (NIV). The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem: “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” While this may not seem like a very hopeful opening for a book of spiritual instruction, Ecclesiastes teaches us that without a connection to God, everything is …
Our scripture today is Proverbs 27:17 (NIV). As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. “Wisdom comes through interaction with others” according to the Filament Study Bible. When we gather with other believers to study and worship, we encourage one another in faith. This “sharpens” our discipleship as we go back into the world …
Our scripture today is Proverbs 22:6 (NIV). Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. From the beginning, God intended that we “Be fruitful and increase in number” (Genesis 1:28). Later in Genesis God promises Abraham “Look up at the sky and …