Proverbs 3: 5-6

Summer Reading 3: Old Testament Poetry

Biblical Wisdom “Skill in the art of godly living— that orientation which allows one to live in harmonious accord with God’s ordering of the world.” - ESV Study Bible “Skill in the art of godly living— that orientation which allows one to live in harmonious accord with God’s ordering of the world.” - ESV Study Bible

Hebrew Wisdom Literature Proverbial Wisdom: PROVERBS Proverbial Wisdom: PROVERBS Philosophical Wisdom: JOB; ECCLESIASTES Philosophical Wisdom: JOB; ECCLESIASTES Lyric Wisdom: PSALMS; SONG of SONGS Lyric Wisdom: PSALMS; SONG of SONGS

Hebrew Poetry’s “seconding sequence” The second line is SYNONYMOUS. The second line is SYNONYMOUS. The second line is ANTITHETICAL. The second line is ANTITHETICAL. The second line is SYNTHETIC. The second line is SYNTHETIC.

In the tables that follow for each book, the first table is from The Life Application Bible (Tyndale, 1996) and the second table is from Bruce Wilkinson, Your Daily Walk (Zondervan, 1991).

Job: the Bible’s oldest book The Problem of Evil & Suffering The Problem of Evil & Suffering

JOB AUTHORAnonymous, but well-traveled and worldly-wise WHATWhy do bad things happen to good people? WHEREThe land of Uz, probably in modern Syria WHENc B.C., recording events about 500 years earlier WHY To demonstrate God’s omnipotence and sovereignty and to reveal the character of true faith KEY PEOPLE Job, Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar, Elihu

JOB: The Adversary shows his hand Job 1:6-7 6 One day the angels came to present themselves before the, and Satan also came with them. 7 The said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.” Job 1:6-7 6 One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. 7 The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.”

JOB: Job stands fast Job 1:21 21 “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The gave and the has taken away; may the name of the be praised.” Job 1:21 21 “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”

JOB: Job’s friends arrive Job 2: When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. 12 When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. 13 Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was. Job 2: When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. 12 When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. 13 Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.

JOB: Job affirms his faith Job 19:25 25 I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. Job 19:25 25 I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.

JOB: Job sees God Job 42:5-6 5 “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. 6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:5-6 5 “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. 6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”

Job’s Denouement “There can be little doubt that a resolution is achieved in the presence of the Creator, the only place where the meaning of human suffering can be understood.” - ESV Study Bible “There can be little doubt that a resolution is achieved in the presence of the Creator, the only place where the meaning of human suffering can be understood.” - ESV Study Bible

Psalms: The Bible’s Hymnal

PSALMS AUTHORDavid (75), the Sons of Korah (11), Asaph (12), Solomon (2), Moses (1), Anonymous (49) WHATLaments, Hymns of Praise, Hymns of Thanksgiving, Hymns Celebrating God’s Law, Wisdom Psalms, Songs of Confidence, Royal Psalms, Historical Psalms, Prophetic Hymns WHEREThe Temple in Jerusalem WHEN1450 – 586 B.C. WHY To provide poetry for the expression of praise, worship, and confession to God KEY PEOPLE David, the Sons of Korah, Asaph, Solomon, Moses

The Books of Psalms Book 1 (1-41)  Genesis Book 1 (1-41)  Genesis Book 2 (42-72)  Exodus Book 2 (42-72)  Exodus Book 3 (73-89)  Leviticus Book 3 (73-89)  Leviticus Book 4 (90-106)  Numbers Book 4 (90-106)  Numbers Book 5 ( )  Deuteronomy Book 5 ( )  Deuteronomy

Occasions for some Psalms Psalm Incident References Psalm Incident References 3 David flees from and battles Absalom 2 Samuel 15–17 3 David flees from and battles Absalom 2 Samuel 15–17 7 The words of Cush, a Benjaminite (persecution by Saul?) Unknown 7 The words of Cush, a Benjaminite (persecution by Saul?) Unknown 18 David delivered from enemies and from Saul 2 Samuel David delivered from enemies and from Saul 2 Samuel Dedication of the temple Nothing in David’s lifetime; cf. 1 Kings 8:63 30 Dedication of the temple Nothing in David’s lifetime; cf. 1 Kings 8:63 34 David delivered from danger by feigning madness in the presence of King Achish of Gath 1 Sam. 21:12–22:1 34 David delivered from danger by feigning madness in the presence of King Achish of Gath 1 Sam. 21:12–22:1 51 Nathan confronts David about his adultery with Bathsheba 2 Samuel 11–12 51 Nathan confronts David about his adultery with Bathsheba 2 Samuel 11–12 52 Doeg the Edomite tells Saul that David went to the house of Ahimelech 1 Sam. 22:9–19 52 Doeg the Edomite tells Saul that David went to the house of Ahimelech 1 Sam. 22:9–19 54 The Ziphites tell Saul that David is hiding among them 1 Sam. 23:19 54 The Ziphites tell Saul that David is hiding among them 1 Sam. 23:19 56 The Philistines seize David in Gath 1 Sam. 21:10–11 56 The Philistines seize David in Gath 1 Sam. 21:10–11 57 David flees from Saul into a cave 1 Sam. 22:1 or 24:3 57 David flees from Saul into a cave 1 Sam. 22:1 or 24:3 59 Saul sends men to watch David’s house in order to kill him 1 Sam. 19:11 59 Saul sends men to watch David’s house in order to kill him 1 Sam. 19:11 60 David’s victory over Transjordan 2 Sam. 8:1–14 60 David’s victory over Transjordan 2 Sam. 8:1–14 63 David in the desert of Judah 2 Samuel 15–17?; 1 Sam. 23:14–15? 63 David in the desert of Judah 2 Samuel 15–17?; 1 Sam. 23:14–15? 142 David flees from Saul into a cave Same as Psalm David flees from Saul into a cave Same as Psalm 57

Some of the Themes in Psalms Scripture Scripture Lament Lament Faith Faith Forgiveness Forgiveness Thanksgiving & Praise Thanksgiving & Praise (also Imprecation) (also Imprecation) Psalms are intensely personal poems adapted for congregational use. Psalms are intensely personal poems adapted for congregational use.

PSALMS: SCRIPTURE Psalm 19: The law of the is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the are firm, and all of them are righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. 11 By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Psalm 19: The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. 11 By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

PSALMS: SCRIPTURE Psalm 119:11 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119: Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:11 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119: Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

PSALMS: LAMENT Psalm 22:1, 7, 14, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? Psalm 22:1, 7, 14, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? 7 All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. 7 All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. 14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. 14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. 16 Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. 17 All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. 18 They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment. 16 Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. 17 All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. 18 They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.

PSALMS: FAITH Psalm 9: The is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you,, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9: The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

PSALMS: FAITH Psalm 23:1-6 Psalm 23:1-6 1 The is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the forever. 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

PSALMS: FAITH Psalm 37:4 4 Take delight in the, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

PSALMS: FAITH Psalm 56:3-4 3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:3-4 3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

PSALMS: FAITH Psalm 103: As a father has compassion on his children, so the has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103: As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.

PSALMS: FORGIVENESS Psalm 51:1-2 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Psalm 32:5 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Psalm 51:1-2 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Psalm 32:5 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

PSALMS: PRAISE Psalm 95:1-2 1 Come, let us sing for joy to the ; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Psalm 96:1-2 1 Sing to the a new song; sing to the, all the earth. 2 Sing to the, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Psalm 95:1-2 1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Psalm 96:1-2 1 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.

PSALMS: PRAISE Psalm 100:1-5 1 Shout for joy to the, all the earth. 2 Worship the with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:1-5 1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

PSALMS: PRAISE Psalm 150:1-6 1 Praise the. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 4 praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, 5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the. Praise the. Psalm 150:1-6 1 Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 4 praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, 5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

PROVERBS

PROVERBS AUTHORSolomon, Hezekiah’s Men, “the wise,” Agur, Lemuel WHATEveryday Wisdom WHEREThe Royal Court in Jerusalem WHENc. 950 B.C. WHY To teach people how to attain wisdom, discipline, and a prudent life, and how to do what is right and just and fair— in short, to apply divine wisdom to everyday life KEY PEOPLE The Wise, The Fool, The Simple

Themes in Proverbs God’s will is intensely practical. God’s will is intensely practical. A life lived in God’s will is a happy life. A life lived in God’s will is a happy life. A life lived in God’s will is a useful life. A life lived in God’s will is a useful life. A life lived in God’s will is achieved by diligence and discipline. A life lived in God’s will is achieved by diligence and discipline. Such a life is available to those to seek it. Such a life is available to those to seek it. Comparisons, Contradictions, Consequences Comparisons, Contradictions, Consequences

PROVERBS: The Way of Wisdom Proverbs 3:5-6 5 Trust in the with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

PROVERBS: The Way of Wisdom Proverbs 3: Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, 14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. Proverbs 3: Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, 14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.

PROVERBS: The Way of Wisdom Proverbs 9:10 10 The fear of the is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 4:23 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 9:10 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 4:23 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

PROVERBS: Deception & Discernment Proverbs 16:2 2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the. Proverbs 16:25 25 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 21:2 2 A person may think their own ways are right, but the weighs the heart. Proverbs 16:2 2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Proverbs 16:25 25 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 21:2 2 A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart.

PROVERBS: Parenting Proverbs 22:6 6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 23:13 13 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die. Proverbs 22:6 6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 23:13 13 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.

PROVERBS: Everyday Wisdom Proverbs 14:23 23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:31 31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. Proverbs 31:10 10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Proverbs 14:23 23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:31 31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. Proverbs 31:10 10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

PROVERBS: for Independence Day Proverbs 14:34 34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people. Proverbs 14:34 34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.

ECCLESIASTES AUTHORQoheleth, “The Preacher”; Solomon? WHATReflections on the Meaning of Life WHEREJerusalem WHENc. 935 B.C. WHY To spare future generations the bitterness of learning through their own experience that life is meaningless apart from God KEY PEOPLE Qoheleth

Ecclesiastes Qoheleth Qoheleth “The Preacher” “The Preacher” “The Speaker” “The Speaker” “The Teacher” “The Teacher”

Themes in Ecclesiastes The tragic reality of the Fall The tragic reality of the Fall The “vanity” of life The “vanity” of life Sin and death Sin and death The joy and frustration of work The joy and frustration of work The grateful enjoyment of God’s good gifts The grateful enjoyment of God’s good gifts The fear of God The fear of God

ECCLESIASTES: Cynicism Enshrined Ecclesiastes 1:2 2 “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” Ecclesiastes 1:18 18 For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief. Ecclesiastes 1:2 2 “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” Ecclesiastes 1:18 18 For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.

ECCLESIASTES: Cycles of Life Ecclesiastes 3:1 1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: Ecclesiastes 3:11 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:1 1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: Ecclesiastes 3:11 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

ECCLESIASTES: A Wise Conclusion Ecclesiastes 12: 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. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12: 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. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

SONG OF SONGS AUTHORSolomon? WHATA Steamy Love Story WHEREJerusalem, Shunem WHENc. 960 B.C. WHY To tell of the love between a bridegroom and his bride, and to picture God’s love for His people KEY PEOPLE The Shepherd, the Shepherdess, the Chorus of Friends, perhaps Solomon

Understanding the Song of Songs Allegorical Interpretation God’s love for Israel Christ’s love for the church Christ’s love for the individual More Literal Interpretation Love between Solomon and his Shulammite bride Love between a simple shepherd and shepherdess A love triangle between the shepherd, the shepherdess, and Solomon A collection of unrelated sensuous love poems

The story of two betrothed Israelites who look forward to their marriage and the pleasure of their union....

SONG OF SONGS: Scandalous Sensuality Song of Songs 2:2-5 2 Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women. Song of Songs 2:2-5 2 Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women. 3 Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. 4 Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love. 5 Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love. 3 Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. 4 Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love. 5 Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

SIMPLE SIMPLE IMPOSSIBLE IMPOSSIBLE “Never determine the truth of a situation by looking at the circumstances.” “Never determine the truth of a situation by looking at the circumstances.” PERSISTENT PERSISTENT (Simple, Impossible and Persistent can also be irrational and insane. That’s what the other 3 markers protect against.) (Simple, Impossible and Persistent can also be irrational and insane. That’s what the other 3 markers protect against.)

Is this consistent with the Bible? Is this consistent with the Bible? With the Teaching of Jesus? With the Teaching of Jesus? God will never ask you to do anything inconsistent with the Word. God will never ask you to do anything inconsistent with the Word. But you have to KNOW the Word in order to apply this test. But you have to KNOW the Word in order to apply this test.

Does this help God’s Kingdom “to come on earth as it is in heaven?” or is this something that honesty would have to call selfishness and self-interest? Does this help God’s Kingdom “to come on earth as it is in heaven?” or is this something that honesty would have to call selfishness and self-interest?

Life is not about stuff. Neither is it about you. All of creation is moving toward the fulfillment of God’s eternal purposes, and, while following God’s guidance calls out the best that we have to give and brings great adventure and satisfaction, God’s guidance never leads us to magnify ourselves. All of creation is moving toward the fulfillment of God’s eternal purposes, and, while following God’s guidance calls out the best that we have to give and brings great adventure and satisfaction, God’s guidance never leads us to magnify ourselves. Following God’s guidance is not an ego-trip. Following God’s guidance is not an ego-trip.

If God is in an opportunity, you’ll have spiritual peace about pursuing it, even if you have to move forward with unanswered questions. If God is in an opportunity, you’ll have spiritual peace about pursuing it, even if you have to move forward with unanswered questions. You’ll miss most of the adventure God plans for you if you choose safety over obedience. You’ll miss most of the adventure God plans for you if you choose safety over obedience.

Jesus said, “If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life” (Luke 9:24).

“I don’t like my assignment.” “The world’s a better place because Michelangelo didn’t say, ‘I don’t do ceilings.’” “The world’s a better place because Michelangelo didn’t say, ‘I don’t do ceilings.’”

The world’s a better place because... Noah didn’t say, ‘I don’t do arks.” Noah didn’t say, ‘I don’t do arks.” Abraham didn’t say, ‘I don’t do destinations unknown.” Abraham didn’t say, ‘I don’t do destinations unknown.” Moses didn’t say, ‘I don’t do Pharaohs.” Moses didn’t say, ‘I don’t do Pharaohs.” Ruth didn’t say, ‘I don’t do mothers-in- law.” Ruth didn’t say, ‘I don’t do mothers-in- law.” David didn’t say, ‘I don’t do giants.” David didn’t say, ‘I don’t do giants.”

Mary didn’t say, ‘I don’t do virgin births.” Mary didn’t say, ‘I don’t do virgin births.” Peter didn’t say, ‘I don’t do Gentiles.” Peter didn’t say, ‘I don’t do Gentiles.” Paul didn’t say, ‘I don’t do letters.” Paul didn’t say, ‘I don’t do letters.” Jesus didn’t say, ‘I don’t do crosses.” Jesus didn’t say, ‘I don’t do crosses.” The world’s a better place because...

All of these got orders that were simple, impossible, and persistent. They were tempted to say, as we are, “I’m sorry. I’m not going to do that.” They were tempted to say, as we are, “I’m sorry. I’m not going to do that.”

Henry Blackaby “Anytime God leads you to do something that has God-sized dimensions, you will face a crisis of belief. “Anytime God leads you to do something that has God-sized dimensions, you will face a crisis of belief. “When you face a crisis of belief, what you do next reveals what you really believe about God. “When you face a crisis of belief, what you do next reveals what you really believe about God. “When God invites you to join Him in His work, He has a God-sized assignment for you. “When God invites you to join Him in His work, He has a God-sized assignment for you.

Henry Blackaby “You’ll realize that you cannot do it on your own. If God doesn’t help you, you’ll fail. “You’ll realize that you cannot do it on your own. If God doesn’t help you, you’ll fail. “This is the crisis point where many decide not to follow what they sense God is leading them to do.” “This is the crisis point where many decide not to follow what they sense God is leading them to do.”

Steven Curtis Chapman: “The Dive” “The long-awaited rains have fallen hard upon the thirsty ground and carved their way to where the wild and rushing river can be found. And like the rains, I have been carried here to where the river flows. “The long-awaited rains have fallen hard upon the thirsty ground and carved their way to where the wild and rushing river can be found. And like the rains, I have been carried here to where the river flows. “My heart is racing and my knees are weak as I walk to the edge. I know there is no turning back once my feet have left the ledge, and in the rush I hear a Voice that’s telling me it’s time to take the leap of faith.... “My heart is racing and my knees are weak as I walk to the edge. I know there is no turning back once my feet have left the ledge, and in the rush I hear a Voice that’s telling me it’s time to take the leap of faith....

Steven Curtis Chapman: “The Dive” “There is a supernatural power in this mighty river’s flow. It can bring the dead to life and it can fill and empty soul and give a heart the only thing worth living and dying for.... “There is a supernatural power in this mighty river’s flow. It can bring the dead to life and it can fill and empty soul and give a heart the only thing worth living and dying for.... “We will never know the awesome power of the grace of God until we let ourselves get swept away into this holy flood....” “We will never know the awesome power of the grace of God until we let ourselves get swept away into this holy flood....”

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Trusting Jesus #578

Simply trusting every day, trusting through a stormy way; even when my faith is small, trusting Jesus – that is all. Trusting as the moments fly, trusting as the days go by: trusting Him whatever befall, trusting Jesus – that is all.

Brightly doth His Spirit shine into this poor heart of mine; while He leads I cannot fall, trusting Jesus – that is all. Trusting as the moments fly, trusting as the days go by: trusting Him whatever befall, trusting Jesus – that is all.

Singing if my way is clear, praying if the path be drear; if in danger, for Him call, trusting Jesus – that is all. Trusting as the moments fly, trusting as the days go by: trusting Him whatever befall, trusting Jesus – that is all.

Trusting Him while life shall last, trusting Him till earth be past; till within the jasper wall, trusting Jesus – that is all. Trusting as the moments fly, trusting as the days go by: trusting Him whatever befall, trusting Jesus – that is all.