Ecclesiastes 1-2

According to Wesley, Solomon, "was not only a king, but also a teacher of God's people; who having sinned grievously in the eyes of all the world, thought himself obliged to publish his repentance, and give publick [sic] warning to all, to avoid those rocks upon which he had split." (Note: Guys who write stuff in the 1750's and which are still read in the 2000's can spell "public" any way they want).

Keep the idea of "public repentance as a warning to future readers" in your mind as you begin your journey through this book.

Read it here.

Job 40-42

You must read this finale.  The only appropriate response when coming face-to-face with God is the one Job gives us here. Let it guide you.

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Job 38-39

God speaks for Himself.  And the first thing He asks (rhetorically) is, "Who dares speak when standing in my presence?" I cannot imagine hearing this voice boom from heaven and directed at ME!  Read it in that way.

Read it here.

Job 35-37

Elihu continues to speak "on God's behalf" (36:2). God will ultimately speak for Himself. But, again, these are men who are seeking to vindicate the character and actions of God even if that means throwing their friend, Job, under the bus to do so.

Here is what Elihu believes about God: "The Almighty-we cannot reach Him-He is exalted in power!" He could do worse in the way he thinks about God.

But brace yourself, Elihu, God is about to talk back.

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Job 32-34

Elihu makes the finale appeal by the "friends" for Job to repent.  His speech goes on for six chapters. And then God steps in and speaks for the first time.

Even though God will ultimately rebuke Elihu and his friends, there are moments of truth and clarity along the way. Remember that these are godly men who are trying to figure out why God has allowed Job to go through such a crisis. They are very accusing of Job - unnecessarily and unjustifiably. But they do consider some godly points of wisdom along the way.

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Job 29-31

Job is on a roll. Listening to Job remember the days of God's blessing is really touching and sad. He is stunned at how quickly things have turned and cannot figure out why.

Along the way, this righteous man has some great advice for those who would follow him.  "I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I look at a young woman?" (31:1).

I hope if I ever go through this level of crisis that I keep a God-centered attitude as Job does here.

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Job 25-28

"These are but the fringes of His ways; how faint is the word we hear from Him" (26:14). Job recognizes that we barely catch a glimpse of the infinite, unfathomable God!

And look how Job (many generations before Solomon penned the Proverbs) states this: "The fear of the Lord is this: WISDOM. And to turn from evil is understanding." (see Prov. 1:7).

Read it here.