I am trying something different. Previously, I have always placed my comments on the passage in the order Old Testament passage, New Testament passage, Psalm, Proverb. For the near future I am going to post them in the order in which I prepare the comments. This is likely to be the reverse of how I was doing it, but I foresee changing it up depending on what strikes me first. Please let me know what you think of this change.
I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. In order to make that possible I read the passages and write my thoughts a day, or more. in advance. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.
The proverb writer finishes his warning against seeking out a partner in adultery. Getting involved in an adulterous relationship will lead to disaster. I had not thought of this earlier, but one need only look at the news over the last few years to realize the truth of this.
What a wonderful psalm of joy. It is a reminder that our sorrows are temporary, but the joy which God gives us is eternal. God will turn our mourning into joyful dancing.
Jesus continued to talk about His return. He pointed out that no one, not even Himself, knows when that will happen. Only the Father knows. We do not know what day Jesus will return, so we must remain alert and doing His will. Jesus taught us to live as if He will return at any moment. My father taught me that, as a Christian, I should plan to be around for another hundred years, but live as if my next moment may be my last. I think that this is consistent with what Jesus was teaching here.
God instituted three festivals throughout the year for the people of Israel. This reminds us of the importance of rituals and ceremonies in worshiping God and in creating a community. If we faithfully serve God, and form a community which faithfully serves God, He will bless us with health and well-being.