The Power of His Presence
Daily Devotions
From the Writings of Ray Stedman
Daily Devotions for the Month of February
Highly Recommended
1st The
Search (Ecclesiastes 1:1-3) Has
our pursuit of knowledge and worldly pleasure left us sated and
cynical? Do we need to redirect our pursuit from a wholly different
perspective?
2nd The
Endless Cycle (Ecclesiastes 1:4-7) Solomon
sagely ponders why we strive, often desperately, to prolong our
lives forever? Is something backwards in our human existence?
3rd The
Restless Life (Ecclesiastes 1:8-18) Do
we shop until we drop, always hoping to buy into the ultimate
satisfaction? Is life simply an empty pursuit after things that
never fully satisfy our deepest desires?
4th The
Pursuit Of Pleasure (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11) Do
we live as consumers, using every resource & person in our quest for
fulfillment? Has the well of hedonistic pleasures gone dry? Where do
we go after burn out?
5th A
Note Of Joy (Ecclesiastes 2:12-26) Shall
we choose to live each day as grateful receivers, acknowledging
every good gift as God's provision? Have we seen His intent for joy
in everything we experience?
6th A
Time For Everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) Are
we learning to see God's wise direction and providence in the
contrasting experiences of our lives? If we were in charge would the
result be wholeness & joy?
7th Eternity
On My Mind (Ecclesiastes 3:9-11) What
is it that clearly differentiates us humans from animals? Are we
living in denial of that basic element, yet wondering why life seems
meaningless?
8th Let
God Be God (Ecclesiastes 3:12-22) God
has sovereignly, independently, set up the plan of life in a way
with which we cannot interfere. Why has He done this and what is the
secret of life?
9th Ambition (Ecclesiastes
4:1-8) To what
degree are admiration and ambition a driving force behind our
activity in life? Do we need to redirect our motivation & resources
to invest in things that matter?
10th Two
Are Better Than One (Ecclesiastes 4:9-16) Companionship
and fellowship are certainly advantageous in life. Does teamwork
play an important role in our ministry or do we tend to go it alone?
11th Watch
Your Step (Ecclesiastes 5:1-17) What
is the first thought that pops into our mind when we ask: Who is in
charge? Have we learned to let God be God and to humbly inquire and
listen to His wisdom?
12th How
To Enjoy Life (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20) True
enjoyment in life comes from a specific knowledge which results in
constant thanksgiving. What is a great lesson and gift of God that
enables us to enjoy life?
13th The
Power To Enjoy (Ecclesiastes 6:1-12) Experiencing
joy certainly pleases us. Faith and obedience based on faith is what
pleases God. Have we assimilated where the enabling power to enjoy
originates?
14th Who
Is In Charge? (Ecclesiastes 7:1-14) Life
is full of the adversity. Does this make us anxious or fearful? Have
we discovered and trusted God's wisdom and love or do we try to
control our future?
15th Fearing
God (Ecclesiastes 7:15-22) Are
we waiting to acknowledge God's presence at the end of our life
someday, or do we know His presence now? What are some components of
fearing God?
16th Looking
For Love (Ecclesiastes 7:23-28) The
billion dollar industry of internet pornography is a snare today for
many. Devoid of any relationship, it takes one away from the only
relationship that truly satisfies.
17th The
Benefits Of Wisdom (Ecclesiastes 7:29-8:1) Media
bombardment encourages us to always imitate and copy somebody else,
but God made us individually unique. Have we discovered the benefits
of godly wisdom?
18th Can
We Trust The Government? (Ecclesiastes 8:2-15) Obedience
is sometimes difficult and produces uncertainty. Does God want us to
struggle & puzzle over what we should do? What about trusting the
government?
19th Ah,
Sweet Mystery Of Life (Ecclesiastes 8:16-9:6) We
soon run out of brain power when trying to find answers to the
mystery of life. Is understanding everything in Scripture necessary
before accepting it as truth?
20th The
Gift Of God's Approval (Ecclesiastes 9:7-10) God's
approval is always received and not earned. How many of us struggle
to please God? Why is this always a vain attempt on our part?
21st Who
Wins The Race? (Ecclesiastes 9:11-12) The
sovereignty of God is an important attribute of God to realize and
trust. Our own efforts will never trump God's sovereignty. Have we
rested in that knowledge?
22nd The
Wisdom That Frees (Ecclesiastes 9:13-18) Real
wisdom is the application of the knowledge & freedom contained in
God's word. Do we lean on our own understanding or simply seek to
know the Reality revealed?
23rd The
Dangers Of Digging Pits (Ecclesiastes 10:1-15) Without
thinking we follow the secular wisdom around us, wisdom that looks
good and feels right, but nevertheless is foolishness. What about
the wisdom of the Word?
24th A
Little Bird Told Me (Ecclesiastes 10:16-20) When
supportive talk seems out of vogue, how easy it is to passionately
complain about the government. Do our conversations betray a lack of
trust in the Godhead?
25th Live
Generously (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6) Giving
is a way of relieving need, but oftentimes needs are not expressed
because people in their pride hide their needs. Do we have a
sensitive spirit of generosity?
26th What
To Do While You're Young (Ecclesiastes 11:7-10) Youth
with all its glory and energy is full of opportunity. While still
young are we increasingly thoughtful and mindful of our relationship
with the living Lord? How so?
27th Before
Its Too Late (Ecclesiastes 12:1-8) Have
we experienced the joy of learning the Scriptures while young? As we
get older it is more difficult to change, yet it's never too late to
willingly root and grow in Christ.
28th The
Need For The Truth (Ecclesiastes 12:9-12) The
truth is always attacked by a multiplicity of lies. Have we been
guided by the Word of God? Have we discovered the simple, powerful,
and restful truth in Christ?
29th The
Secret Of Wholeness (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) We
all desire to be complete and whole in all areas of our lives. But
what is the secret of this wholeness? What does it mean to fear God
and how are we to do it?