Date:
August 16-20, 2013Journal of a Desperate Journey
Ecclesiastes is not only the story of one man's experience but of all who attempt to live their lives apart from God.
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Living on the Ragged Edge: Coming to Terms with Reality
In the never-ending quest for fulfilment, we sometimes convince ourselves that life would be better if we just had a different career…more education…a new spouse…a fresh start in another location. The good life is always just out of reach.
Do you want to know the secret to living the good life—a life of meaning and satisfaction? The wisest man in the ancient world searched for fulfilment by experiencing everything the world had to offer. In Living on the Ragged Edge: Coming to Terms with Reality, Chuck Swindoll explores the personal journal of King Solomon, the book of Ecclesiastes. If you struggle to find contentment and joy in life, then join Chuck as he shares wisdom for living at its best.
Chasing the Wind
Life to many people is nothing more than chasing excitement to combat monotony. Such is the bold, dreary message of Ecclesiastes 1.
Eat, Drink,...and Be What?
Solomon fell for the sensual lure of self-gratification. He landed in the pit of emptiness.
More Miles of Bad Road
With disillusionment and despair casting ever-enlarging shadows across his path, Solomon begins to intensify his reactions in Ecclesiastes 2:12-26.
Do You Know What Time It Is?
While we are always on the brink of change, Ecclesiastes 3 draws out two questions that must be addressed.
Interlude of Rare Insight
The interlude in Ecclesiastes 3:11-15, though brief, brings into perspective several things Solomon had missed in his search for purpose and direction.
Confessions of a Cynic
In the final paragraph of Chapter 3, Solomon is alone with his thoughts. He admits his disillusionment and confusion.
The Lonely Whine of the Top Dog
It's lonely at the top. The dream of climbing the ladder to success is more often than not a distress-ridden nightmare.
One Plus One Equals Survival
If we take Solomon's counsel to heart, two are better than one, we learn how to survive lonely, desolate days.
What Every Worshipper Should Remember
When we come into the Lord's presence to worship Him, what's to be remembered? How how are we to think and respond?
Straight Talk to the Money-Mad
Solomon comes to some conclusions about financial frustrations worth hearing and heeding. But beware! This is not your typical “think and grow rich” advice.
The Few Years of a Futile Life
Ecclesiastes 6 is the tragic picture of a man, old and weary, who has come to the sunset years of his life.
Wise Words for Busy People
Solomon shares wise counsel about certain things being better than others.
Putting Wisdom to Work
The verses in Ecclesiastes 7:15-29 help us see the practical usefulness of wisdom and how to fit it into everyday life.
The Qualities of a Good Boss
In Ecclesiastes 8, wisdom is personified in the life of “the wise man.” These principles can be applied to today's leaders.
Mysteries That Defy Explanation
In this paragraph out of Solomon's journal (Ecclesiastes 8:10-17) we find the wise man, hoping to balance idealism with realism.
Have a Blast While You Last!
This section of Ecclesiastes, though direct and bold, is very much in tune with life today.
An Objective View of the Rat Race
Ecclesiastes 9:11-18 is a section of Scripture that invites you to pull out of the rat race and take an honest, studied look at life.
Be Sensible!
In Ecclesiastes 9:11-18, each verse is a maxim, loosely connected to the next, comprising a whole chapter of contrasts: wisdom versus folly.
A Fool’s Portrait
In Ecclesiastes 10:12-20 Solomon goes further into detail, supplying additional information about the characteristics of a fool.
Be Bullish!
Perhaps the best way to paraphrase Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 would be the five-word command, “Stop existing and start living!”
Enjoying Life Now, Not Later
Enjoying life is inseparably linked to the life and plan of our Creator.
Grey Hairs, Fewer Teeth, Yet a Big Smile
Since all of us will “return to the earth” and since our spirit “will return to God who gave it,” now is the time to remember Him in all our ways.
Wrapping Up a Ragged-Edge Journey
The book of Ecclesiastes ends with the rebel back in the pulpit, now that his heart and soul are above the sun.
