Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to Ecclesiastes 1:12

Spend four days with Dr. Ramesh Richard, president of RREACH (a Global Proclamation Ministry) and professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, as he offers pastoral insights on how to have a purposeful, meaningful and useful life. You have an immediate and astounding opportunity to build a worthwhile future, beginning now. You may also enjoy the companion plan, “Jesus: Your Soul’s Sole Passion.”

In the book of Ecclesiastes, we discover a world as disconcerting as it is familiar - where control is an illusion and confusion is common. We and our friends, colleagues, and neighbours live in this world. Journey through this bleakest of books and learn how to live wisely in our dark, difficult world.

In Ecclesiastes, the author attempts to find meaning and purpose in life. As we read, we see anguish and regret over failed attempts at happiness through wealth, fame, and achievement. Ultimately, he realizes that the purpose of humanity is to know God and enjoy what God has given us. Only God can provide the fulfillment for which our hearts and souls long.

Ecclesiastes is frequently described as pessimistic, but after these 5 days, you’ll see it as one of the most encouraging books of the Bible. Solomon basically takes the filter off the world, exposing its relentless cycle of empty promises, compared to the eternal hope God freely gives us.

Conventional wisdom tells us that freedom means gaining control. But Biblical Wisdom tells us that there’s freedom in the most unlikely circumstances—in losing ourselves, in letting go, in following rules, in slowing down, and in serving others. How can there be freedom in those? Discover the answer here.

In a world that can seem meaningless at times—especially in midlife—God offers perspective that anchors us, renews us, and propels us into fulfillment, mission, and service. Drawing on the wisdom of Ecclesiastes, HOPE International President Peter Greer and Willowdale Chapel Senior Pastor Greg Lafferty offer insight for fresh clarity and purpose.  This plan is based on 40/40 Vision by Peter Greer and Greg Lafferty. Learn more at www.ivpress.com/40-40-vision.

The Bible's all about the meaning of life. But in the middle of it is a book about the apparent meaninglessness of life. Did Solomon really think that life was completely meaningless? In the midst of everything that Solomon describes as meaningless in life, find out what true meaning is in life, even in these first two chapters in Ecclesiastes.

God created us to find meaning in our lives. But we live in a broken world where we’re continually frustrated in our search. So, what’s the point of living life? This is the question the Teacher in Ecclesiastes is asking. At first, the message of this wisdom book seems to lead to despair, but in fact points to the hope of life found in God alone.

Written by an elderly King Solomon, Ecclesiastes reflects on a life of meaningless pursuits. Solomon writes that the world's pursuits, from wealth to self-indulgence, are vain and unfulfilling. Ecclesiastes determines that God and his presence make life fulfilling, and true wisdom is to fear God and keep his commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

The book of Ecclesiastes is not an easy part of the Bible – largely because it plumbs depths to our souls and experience that are not easy either. Strap in for an unflinching, possibly uncomfortable, but ultimately hopeful encounter with a very ancient and also very contemporary anguish about what it’s like to be human in God’s marvellous, broken world.

Ecclesiastes is tough to read! The author, Solomon, is deeply reflective and concludes that everything is meaningless. Interestingly, these words are still relatable three thousand years later. Is everything meaningless? Why is this book in the Bible? Study the book of Ecclesiastes with the Story Bible guide, exploring what it meant when it was first written and what it means to us today.

By the end of this study, we pray that you will know God’s voice better, that you will know when and how he speaks, and feel compelled to obey. As we study Scripture, we will discover that God’s plan cannot be thwarted regardless of who is in power. The point of the original monarchy found in 1 and 2 Samuel, illustrates that from the beginning.

Daily Bible Reading is designed to facilitate consistent interaction with Scripture. It includes background information on each day’s Scripture passage, a key verse for meditation, reflection questions to help you dive deeper into Scripture, a prayer and prayer concern to help you connect to God and be of spiritual support to others. Journey with us this month as we explore the theme “God’s Word of Wisdom.”

Join author and professor K.A. Ellis on this 30-day meditation on wisdom. Immerse yourself in the wisdom found in scripture through video reflections, audio narrated by the author, and daily readings. "Wisdom has called us, Friend. Come on into this house and come to stay...adventure awaits."