TAKE TIME: Dec 30, 2013 - Jan. 4, 2014 Reading Schedule

Introduction: Solomon was a prolific writer (I Kings 4:32, 33). Not only did he author most of the wisdom literature found in the book of Proverbs but he also wrote the books we will be reading this week. The Song of Solomon is a love story between a bride and bridegroom. By the time of the writing the bridegroom, Solomon, already had 60 queens and 80 concubines but these arranged marriages could not compare with his marriage undertaken purely out of love for the lovely Shulamite. Some speculate that she was the virgin Shunammite, Abishag, that ministered to David in his old age. In comparison, Ecclesiastes was written when Solomon was older, more mature, and somewhat disenchanted with life. Wisdom had taught him that many of things of this world are vanity. But even within this volume one can find a love story! The mature man knows that a relationship with the Lord provides all of the heart's desires. As such, Solomon identified himself as The Preacher in that volume.

 Assignment:

• Monday - Song of Solomon 1:1-3:5
• Tuesday - Song of Solomon 3:6-5:16
• Wednesday - Song of Solomon 6:1-8:14
• Thursday - Ecclesiastes 1:1-2:26
• Friday - Ecclesiastes 3:1-4:16
• Saturday - Ecclesiastes 5:1-6:12

Memory Verse

Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned. Song of Solomon 8:7


Prayer Journal (ACTS)

• Adoration - Praise God for loving you before you ever knew about Him! Many waters cannot quench love because nothing can separate you from the love of God!
• Confession - Ask God to reveal hidden sin in your life and then confess it.
• Thanksgiving - Thank God for any answers to your prayers.
• Supplication - What are your prayer requests this week? List them for future reference so that you can see how God answers.

Search the Scriptures

Look for references for each of the following:

• Promises that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?
• References that either refer to or infer something about future events.
• What does this passage teach about Jesus?
• Commandments that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?

Putting the Word into Action

King Solomon wrote a song assuring his beloved bride of his undying love. He later wrote Ecclesiastes detailing God's undying love for him in spite of his sinful nature. Write out your testimony telling of God's pursuit of you and share it with another.

* It was 40 years ago this weekend that I submitted to the love of God and accepted His beloved Son, Jesus, as my savior.