Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Ecclesiastes 8:10-17.

“10 So then, I have seen the wicked buried, those who used to go in and out from the holy place, and they are soon forgotten in the city where they did thus.  This too is futility. 11 Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.  12 Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and may lengthen his life, still I know that it will be well for those who fear God, who fear Him openly.  13 But it will not be well for the evil man and he will not lengthen his days like a shadow, because he does not fear God.

14 There is futility which is done on the earth, that is, there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked.  On the other hand, there are evil men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I say that this too is futility.  15 So I commended pleasure, for there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry, and this will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.

16 When I gave my heart to know wisdom and to see the task which has been done on the earth (even though one should never sleep day or night), 17 and I saw every work of God, I concluded that man cannot discover the work which has been done under the sun.  Even though man should seek laboriously, he will not discover;  and though the wise man should say, “I know,” he cannot discover.”  Ecclesiastes 8:10-17.

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Although it may seem for a while that the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer, Solomon concludes:  “… still I know that it will be well for those who fear God, who fear Him openly.  But it will not be well for the evil man and he will not lengthen his days like a shadow, because he does not fear God.”  Verses 12-13.

For the Psalmist, it also seemed to him for a while that the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer, but he likewise came to his senses and the same conclusion.

“2 But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling,
My steps had almost slipped.
3 For I was envious of the arrogant
As I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no pains in their death,
And their body is fat.
5 They are not in trouble as other men,
Nor are they plagued like mankind.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
The garment of violence covers them.
7 Their eye bulges from fatness;
The imaginations of their heart run riot.
8 They mock and wickedly speak of oppression;
They speak from on high.
9 They have set their mouth against the heavens,
And their tongue parades through the earth.

10 Therefore his people return to this place,
And waters of abundance are drunk by them.
11 They say, “How does God know?
And is there knowledge with the Most High?”
12 Behold, these are the wicked;
And always at ease, they have increased in wealth.
13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure
And washed my hands in innocence;
14 For I have been stricken all day long
And chastened every morning.

15 If I had said, “I will speak thus,”
Behold, I would have betrayed the generation of Your children.
16 When I pondered to understand this,
It was troublesome in my sight
17 Until I came into the sanctuary of God;
Then I perceived their end.
18 Surely You set them in slippery places;
You cast them down to destruction.
19 How they are destroyed in a moment!
They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors!
20 Like a dream when one awakes,
O Lord, when aroused, You will despise their form.

21 When my heart was embittered
And I was pierced within,
22 Then I was senseless and ignorant;
I was like a beast before You.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You have taken hold of my right hand.
24 With Your counsel You will guide me,
And afterward receive me to glory.”  Psalm 73:2-24.

So, let us trust the LORD and rest in the LORD.

“7 Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.
8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath;
Do not fret;  it leads only to evildoing.
9 For evildoers will be cut off,
But those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land.
10 Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more;
And you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there.
11 But the humble will inherit the land
And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.”  Psalm 37:7-11.

Today’s devotion comes from Ecclesiastes 8:1-9.

“Who is like the wise man and who knows the interpretation of a matter?  A man’s wisdom illumines him and causes his stern face to beam.

2 I say, “Keep the command of the king because of the oath before God.  3 Do not be in a hurry to leave him.  Do not join in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases.”  4 Since the word of the king is authoritative, who will say to him, “What are you doing?”

5 He who keeps a royal command experiences no trouble, for a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure.  6 For there is a proper time and procedure for every delight, though a man’s trouble is heavy upon him.  7 If no one knows what will happen, who can tell him when it will happen?  8 No man has authority to restrain the wind with the wind, or authority over the day of death;  and there is no discharge in the time of war, and evil will not deliver those who practice it.  9 All this I have seen and applied my mind to every deed that has been done under the sun wherein a man has exercised authority over another man to his hurt.”  Ecclesiastes 8:1-9.

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“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.  Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God;  and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.  For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil.  Do you want to have no fear of authority?  Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;  for it is a minister of God to you for good.  But if you do what is evil, be afraid;  for it does not bear the sword for nothing;  for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.  Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.  For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.  Render to all what is due them:  tax to whom tax is due;  custom to whom custom;  fear to whom fear;  honor to whom honor.”  Romans 13:1-7.

Pray “for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”  1 Timothy 2:2.

Today’s devotion comes from Ecclesiastes 7:19-29.

“19 Wisdom strengthens a wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.  20 Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins.  21 Also, do not take seriously all words which are spoken, so that you will not hear your servant cursing you.  22 For you also have realized that you likewise have many times cursed others.

23 I tested all this with wisdom, and I said, “I will be wise,” but it was far from me.  24 What has been is remote and exceedingly mysterious.  Who can discover it?  25 I directed my mind to know, to investigate and to seek wisdom and an explanation, and to know the evil of folly and the foolishness of madness.  26 And I discovered more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, whose hands are chains.  One who is pleasing to God will escape from her, but the sinner will be captured by her.

27 “Behold, I have discovered this,” says the Preacher, “adding one thing to another to find an explanation, 28 which I am still seeking but have not found. I have found one man among a thousand, but I have not found a woman among all these.  29 Behold, I have found only this, that God made men upright, but they have sought out many devices.”  Ecclesiastes 7:19-29.

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We may seek wisdom, as Solomon intended and said:  “I will be wise,” but it was far from me.  What has been is remote and exceedingly mysterious.  Who can discover it?”  Verses 23-24.

Likewise, Scripture states:  “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!”  Romans 8:33.

But, there is hope!

“The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him,
And He will make them know His covenant.”  Psalm 25:14.

“4 If you seek her (wisdom) as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 Then you will discern the fear of the Lord
And discover the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”  Proverbs 2:3-6.

“O sing to the Lord a new song,
For He has done wonderful things,
His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.
2 The Lord has made known His salvation;
He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations.
3 He has remembered His lovingkindness and His faithfulness to the house of Israel;
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.”  Psalm 98:1-3.

Today’s devotion comes from Ecclesiastes 7:9-18.

“9 Do not be eager in your heart to be angry,
For anger resides in the bosom of fools.
10 Do not say, “Why is it that the former days were better than these?”
For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.
11 Wisdom along with an inheritance is good
And an advantage to those who see the sun.
12 For wisdom is protection just as money is protection,
But the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors.
13 Consider the work of God,
For who is able to straighten what He has bent?
14 In the day of prosperity be happy,
But in the day of adversity consider—
God has made the one as well as the other
So that man will not discover anything that will be after him.

15 I have seen everything during my lifetime of futility;  there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his wickedness. 16 Do not be excessively righteous and do not be overly wise.  Why should you ruin yourself?  17 Do not be excessively wicked and do not be a fool.  Why should you die before your time?  18 It is good that you grasp one thing and also not let go of the other;  for the one who fears God comes forth with both of them.”   Ecclesiastes 7:9-18.

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“13 Consider the work of God,
For who is able to straighten what He has bent?
14 In the day of prosperity be happy,
But in the day of adversity consider—
God has made the one as well as the other
So that man will not discover anything that will be after him.”  Verses 13-14.

When we consider the work of God, we learn about God’s providence.  And, when we understand God’s providence, we become more patient in the day of adversity and more happy in the day of prosperity.  And, we become more thankful for all the days that God has given us.

Here is how the Heidelberg Catechism states it.

“Q. 27.  What dost thou mean by the providence of God?

A.  The almighty and everywhere present power of God, whereby, as it were by His hand, He upholds and governs heaven, earth, and all creatures;  so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, and all things come, not by chance, but by His fatherly hand. 

Q. 28.  What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by His providence doth still uphold all things?

 A.  That we may be patient in adversity;  thankful in prosperity;  and that in all things which may hereafter befall us, we place our firm trust in our faithful God and Father, that nothing shall separate us from His love;  since all creatures are so in His hand, that without His will they cannot so much as move.

But, we should not live out our lives “waiting for the other shoe to drop”, that is, expect something bad to happen after something good happens to us as if God were some Greek god amused to just mess with us.

Rather, we should expect that the day of adversity comes to us because God, our Heavenly Father, caused it for our good.  “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28.

Yes, we get sick.  But, how many days did we have that were in good health?  Moreover, God caused that sickness to be for our good.  (As a personal example, I remember getting sick with a bad flu about six years ago which diminished my appetite causing me to lose about 10 pounds because I only wanted to eat chicken soup, and that experience motivated me to stay with chicken soup and lose another 20 pounds.)

Yes, we experienced financial troubles.  But, how many days did we have food and clothing and shelter?

Q. 26.  What believest thou when thou sayest, “I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth”?

A.  That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (who of nothing made heaven and earth, with all that is in them;  who likewise upholds and governs the same by His eternal counsel and providence is, for the sake of Christ His Son, my God and my Father;  on whom I rely so entirely, that I have no doubt but He will provide me with all things necessary for soul and body;  and further, that He will make whatever evils He sends upon me, in this valley of tears, turn out to my advantage;  for He is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing, being a faithful Father.

“Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’  For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things;  for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”  Matthew 6:31-33.

Today’s devotion comes from Ecclesiastes 7:1-8.

“A good name is better than a good ointment,
And the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.
2 It is better to go to a house of mourning
Than to go to a house of feasting,
Because that is the end of every man,
And the living takes it to heart.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter,
For when a face is sad a heart may be happy.
4 The mind of the wise is in the house of mourning,
While the mind of fools is in the house of pleasure.
5 It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man
Than for one to listen to the song of fools.
6 For as the crackling of thorn bushes under a pot,
So is the laughter of the fool;
And this too is futility.
7 For oppression makes a wise man mad,
And a bribe corrupts the heart.
8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning;
Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit.”   Ecclesiastes 7:1-8.

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We all have lost family and friends, some younger and some older, and we were confronted by their death.  No matter how glowing the eulogy, the person remained dead, and we were confronted with the shortness of life.  For me most recently and most striking, I lost an attorney friend with whom I shared office space for seventeen years.  This man was very successful in the practice of law and very well-liked by all.  He could immediately draw the attention of a conference room of people and make them laugh together in the midst of a difficult legal problem.  He was “larger than life”.  And yet, he died at the relatively young age of 65, and like all who died he remained dead.

“10 As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years,
Or if due to strength, eighty years,
Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow;
For soon it is gone and we fly away.
11 Who understands the power of Your anger
And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You?
12 So teach us to number our days,
That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”  Psalm 90:10-12.

When the wise go to a funeral or memorial service (“a house of mourning” in the language of today’s Scripture), the wise meditate on the shortness of life, what they have done or could do during their own life, and the destination of their own soul after death.  Such thoughts drive the wise to number their days so that they use them more wisely.  Such thoughts drive the wise to fear the LORD and to seek refuge in Him.

“And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive.  And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’  Then he said, ‘This is what I will do:  I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.  And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come;  take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”’  But God said to him, ‘You fool!  This very night your soul is required of you;  and now who will own what you have prepared?’  So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”  Luke 12:16-21.

“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?  For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”  Mark 8:36-37.

But, there is hope for my attorney friend and all others who have faith in Christ!

Although their body remains dead, their soul remains alive and goes to God in heaven.

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 4:13-14.

“And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  He who has the Son has the life;  he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.”  1 John 5:11-12.

Today’s devotion comes from Ecclesiastes chapter 6.

“There is an evil which I have seen under the sun and it is prevalent among men— 2 a man to whom God has given riches and wealth and honor so that his soul lacks nothing of all that he desires;  yet God has not empowered him to eat from them, for a foreigner enjoys them.  This is vanity and a severe affliction.  3 If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, however many they be, but his soul is not satisfied with good things and he does not even have a proper burial, then I say, “Better the miscarriage than he, 4 for it comes in futility and goes into obscurity;  and its name is covered in obscurity.  5 It never sees the sun and it never knows anything;  it is better off than he.  6 Even if the other man lives a thousand years twice and does not enjoy good things—do not all go to one place?”

7 All a man’s labor is for his mouth and yet the appetite is not satisfied.  8 For what advantage does the wise man have over the fool?  What advantage does the poor man have, knowing how to walk before the living?  9 What the eyes see is better than what the soul desires.  This too is futility and a striving after wind.

10 Whatever exists has already been named, and it is known what man is;  for he cannot dispute with him who is stronger than he is.  11 For there are many words which increase futility. What then is the advantage to a man?  12 For who knows what is good for a man during his lifetime, during the few years of his futile life?  He will spend them like a shadow.  For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?”  Ecclesiastes chapter 6.

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Life is short.  Life is futile.  So says the “Preacher” Solomon in today’s Scripture.

We see similar expressions in the following Scripture but with advice at the conclusion.

“9 For all our days have declined in Your fury;
We have finished our years like a sigh.
10 As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years,
Or if due to strength, eighty years,
Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow;
For soon it is gone and we fly away.
11 Who understands the power of Your anger
And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You?
12 So teach us to number our days,
That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”  Psalm 90:9-12.

And, how do we get this heart of wisdom?

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”  Proverbs 9:10.

True wisdom fears the LORD and seeks knowledge of God, understanding that man and his works are transitory but that God and His works are eternal.

“15 As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16 When the wind has passed over it, it is no more,
And its place acknowledges it no longer.
17 But the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him,”  Psalm 103:15-17.

And yet, other doctrine is proud, focuses on man, and teaches man’s wisdom, man’s alleged free-will, and man’s works.

But, Reformed Doctrine is humble, focuses on God, and teaches God’s wisdom, God’s will, and God’s works.

“Thus says the Lord, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;  but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the Lord.”  Jeremiah 9:23-24.

Today’s devotion comes from Ecclesiastes 5:8-20.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+5&version=NASB

I quote only the following Scriptures.

“13 There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun:  riches being hoarded by their owner to his hurt.  14 When those riches were lost through a bad investment and he had fathered a son, then there was nothing to support him.  15 As he had come naked from his mother’s womb, so will he return as he came.  He will take nothing from the fruit of his labor that he can carry in his hand.  16 This also is a grievous evil—exactly as a man is born, thus will he die.  So what is the advantage to him who toils for the wind?  17 Throughout his life he also eats in darkness with great vexation, sickness and anger.

18 Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting:  to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him;  for this is his reward.  19 Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor;  this is the gift of God.  20 For he will not often consider the years of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart.”  Ecclesiastes 5:13-20.

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“This also is a grievous evil—exactly as a man is born, thus will he die.  So what is the advantage to him who toils for the wind?  Throughout his life he also eats in darkness with great vexation, sickness and anger.”  Verses 16-17.

But, there is hope!

God blesses His beloved, those who fear him, those who trust in Him.

“…  God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart.”  Verse 20.

“It is vain for you to rise up early,
To retire late,
To eat the bread of painful labors;
For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.”  Psalm 127:2.

“How blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,
Who walks in His ways.
2 When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands,
You will be happy and it will be well with you.
3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
Within your house,
Your children like olive plants
Around your table.
4 Behold, for thus shall the man be blessed
Who fears the Lord.”  Psalm 128:1-4.

“11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
12 O Lord of hosts,
How blessed is the man who trusts in You!”  Psalm 84:11-12.

“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”  Romans 8:32.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace …”  Galatians 5:22.

“… But he who trusts in the Lord, lovingkindness shall surround him.
11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.”  Psalm 32:10-11.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
3 Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
4 Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
5 Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.”  Psalm 103:1-5.

Today’s devotion comes from Ecclesiastes 5:1-7.

“Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools;  for they do not know they are doing evil.  Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God.  For God is in heaven and you are on the earth;  therefore let your words be few.  For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words.

When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools.  Pay what you vow!  It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.  Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake.  Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands?  For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness.  Rather, fear God.”  Ecclesiastes 5:1-7.

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In a recent prior devotion, we discussed one aspect of this truth that in many words there is emptiness and that instead we should fear God.

In brief review, Solomon had observed:  “I said to myself, “Behold, I have magnified and increased wisdom more than all who were over Jerusalem before me;  and my mind has observed a wealth of wisdom and knowledge.”  And I set my mind to know wisdom and to know madness and folly;  I realized that this also is striving after wind.  Because in much wisdom there is much grief, and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain.”  Ecclesiastes 1:16-18.

And, I commented:  “There are those who are “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  2 Timothy 3:7.

But, there is another aspect to this truth that in many words there is emptiness and that instead we should fear God.  Scripture shows that there is a childlike quietness and composure in trusting God.

“O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty;
Nor do I involve myself in great matters,
Or in things too difficult for me.
2 Surely I have composed and quieted my soul;
Like a weaned child rests against his mother,
My soul is like a weaned child within me.
3 O Israel, hope in the Lord
From this time forth and forever.”  Psalm chapter 131.

“… May the beloved of the Lord dwell in security by Him,
Who shields him all the day,
And he dwells between His shoulders.”  Deuteronomy 33:12.

Other doctrine preaches and teaches as if there is salvation through man’s many actions and man’s many words.

But, Reformed Doctrine preaches and teaches that there is salvation through trust in God’s work and God’s words.

“Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?”  Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”  John 6:28-29.

“And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.  So do not be like them;  for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”  Matthew 6:7-8.

“Then Job answered the Lord and said,

2 “I know that You can do all things,
And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
3 ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand,
Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.”
4 ‘Hear, now, and I will speak;
I will ask You, and You instruct me.’
5 “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear;
But now my eye sees You;
6 Therefore I retract,
And I repent in dust and ashes.”  Job 42:1-5.

“I know that everything God does will remain forever;  there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him.”  Ecclesiastes 3:14.

“16 The king is not saved by a mighty army;
A warrior is not delivered by great strength.
17 A horse is a false hope for victory;
Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.

18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope for His lovingkindness,
19 To deliver their soul from death
And to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.”  Psalm 33:17-18.

“8 But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God;
I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.
9 I will give You thanks forever, because You have done it,
And I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones.”  Psalm 52:8-9.