Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to Ecclesiastes 7:2

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.

When Jonathan Pitts took his wife of 15 years into his arms for their anniversary dance, he had no idea that within a month he would be on a completely different journey, navigating life after Wynter's sudden death at the age of 38. In this plan, Jonathan’s story of losing the most wonderful gift he had ever been given and his journey toward understanding life without her.

Americans have always turned to the Bible for wisdom to live together. We argue over how to read and use it, but the Bible has helped shape our values and institutions. In this plan, you will read the Bible as a freedom text alongside five voices from our past, focused on the value of Hope. Discover fresh takes on the Bible, and inspiration for facing today’s challenges.

Though the book of Ecclesiastes was written long ago, the author’s message couldn’t be more relevant. His ancient voice of despair is echoed by countless intellectual and cultural elites in our era. Yet into this darkness, the beauty of truth shines. In this five-day study, you will learn that while life “under the sun” is meaningless, life under God is truly and deeply meaningful.

Our world tells us that we can find meaning and satisfaction in our work, relationships, success, and more. But in reality, all of those things ultimately fail us and let us down. Only Jesus can give our lives true purpose and provide us with the lasting joy, life, and satisfaction we so desperately crave.

We all have a common denominator. We will die. I will die. You will die. Death will defeat you. You won’t be able to dodge it, sidestep it, trick it or make it disappear. But then there is Jesus, the man who defeated the grave. Jesus stood toe to toe with the grave and defeated death. When Jesus talks, the grave speaks.

The season of Lent is an opportunity to marinate in the truths of Psalm 90: “So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom” (v. 12). In the days leading up to Easter Sunday, we rehearse the reality of our ashes-to-ashes existence—and our need for resurrection.

As a Christian, what do you think about when Africa comes up in conversation? Africa is a diverse continent with amazing people, cultures, and natural resources. It is also a continent that has struggled through famine, wars, disease, and instability. The good and bad have much to teach us. So let’s learn from our African brothers and sisters in Christ. Here are some examples: Can you quote any African proverbs? Do you know what African Christians are reading? How long has it been since you thought about AIDS or Ebola? Have you prayed for the leadership of Africa? Adventure into Africa the next 7 days with your eyes and heart open, ready to consider the challenges and opportunities that God might place before you.

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.

We all have our little morning habits. We could also call them routines, the first things we do in the morning. Throughout these seven days, I’d like to propose a series about these first moments, these first actions, these first thoughts of our days. We will discover how we can create habits to develop our spiritual growth.

Salvation is at the heart of the entire Bible. What should we do, as believers who have received salvation, so that other people can receive the same salvation? Through this "Walking with Jesus" devotional series, we will learn how to grow the fruit of salvation and fulfill our calling as followers of Christ.

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.

We all go through seasons of life, some bring us joy, some bring us sorrow, but each one teaches us something of God's heart for us. Join us as we explore some of these seasons and navigate how to journey them well!

Every journey requires supplies. On the journey of life, some of the best supplies are God’s Word and a bit of encouragement from friends. This Our Daily Journey reading plan features 30 days of writing from trusted authors whose insights speak into your life. Each short devotional contains a story supported by multiple Scripture references as well as a “Next” section to help you think more deeply. Make the most of your devotional time with truth and encouragement from Our Daily Journey.

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.”