JOYFUL GIVING

JOYFUL GIVING

   Oma has been out of work like so many others have been.  Oma's Significant Other (S.O.) came in and said, "here is an amount of money.  Take this and buy groceries to cook at your house for Christmas and enjoy some time with your family.  Your parents aren't getting any younger."  So, she took the money with gratitude, never asking for anything unless she had to.  She prayed that God would bless him for his generous heart.  He was always offering help.

   So, the first thing she did was buy gasoline for her truck to pick up her mother in.  They spent the first night together.  It was fun.  In the past, Mother had spent a lot of time with Oma, helping raise her children.  It was good to hear her snore once more.

   The next thing the money went for was to purchase two Christmas gifts for her S.O.  Not because he expected anything.  He meant it when he told her to spend the money on her and her family.  She bought the unexpected gifts because she wanted to.  It made her happy.  She anticipated his reaction, because she knew what gifts would put a smile on his face.

   As she purchased the second gift, she paused and smiled.  God had taught her another lesson.  She was learning a lot lately.  God said, "This is how you are to give back to me.  I give you work to make money.  I give you good health so you can work.  I expect you to JOYFULLY give Me the first fruits of your labor.  Think of Me.  Honor Me.  Love Me.  Anticipate the smile on My face when you tithe.  Is that too much to ask?  TEST ME IN THIS," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."

   Thank you, Lord.  You first loved me and You first gave to me.  How can I not thank you for Your generosity. 

   If you don't regularly attend a church, please take advantage of the opportunity to tithe to this ministry, as you search for a church home.

You can also follow Oma at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com/, where she will soon endorse a candidate for President of the United States of America,  http://omaslife.blogspot.com/, where she will correct that horrible sugar cookie recipe and http://omashealth.blogspot.com/, where we will be posting a diet to loose weight soon. 



JESUS IS BORN IN BETHLEHEM Luke 2:1-7

JESUS IS BORN IN BETHLEHEM
LUKE 2: 1 - 7

photo courtesy of Bible Study Tools

   1) In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  2) (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  3) And everyone went to his own town to register.

   4) So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  5) He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  6) While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7) and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.  Luke 2:1-7  Life Application Study Bible  (NIV)

LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE COMMENTARY

   Luke is the only Gospel writer who related the events he recorded to world history.  His account was addressed to a predominantly Greek audience that would have been interested in and familiar with the political situation.  Palestine was under the rule of the Roman empire;  Emperor Caesar Augustus, the first Roman emperor, was in charge.  The Roman rulers, considered to be like gods, stood in contrast to the tiny baby in a manger who was truly God in the flesh.

   A Roman census (registration) was taken to  aid military conscription or tax collection.  The Jews didn't have to serve in the Roman army, but they could not avoid paying taxes.  Augustus's decree went out in God's perfect timing and according to God's perfect plan to bring His Son into the world.

   The government forced Joseph to make a long trip just to pay his taxes.  His fiancee, who had to go with him, was going to have a baby any moment.  But when they arrived in Bethlehem, they couldn't even find a place to stay.  WHEN WE DO GOD'S WILL, WE ARE NOT GUARANTEED A COMFORTABLE LIFE.  But we are PROMISED THAT EVERYTHING, EVEN OUR DISCOMFORT, HAS MEANING IN GOD'S PLAN. 

   I can stop here and be more than satisfied with this reading of God's word.

   God controls all history.  By the decree of Emperor Augustus, Jesus was born in the very town prophesied for His birth, even though His parents did not live there
.

   Joseph and Mary were both descendants of David.  The Old Testament is filled with prophecies that the Messiah would be born in David's royal line.

   Bands of cloth were used to keep a baby warm and give it a sense of security.  These cloths were believed to protect its internal organs.  The custom of wrapping infants this way is still practiced in many Mideastern countries.

   This mention of the manger is the basics for the traditional belief that Jesus was born in a stable.  Stables were often caves with feeding troughs (mangers) carved into the rock walls.  Despite popular Christmas card pictures, the surroundings were dark and dirty.  This was not the atmosphere the Jews expected as the birthplace of the Messiah King.  They thought their promised Messiah would be born in royal surroundings.  We should not limit God by our expectations.  He is at work whenever He is needed in our sin-darkened and dirty world.

   Although our first picture of Jesus is as a baby in a manger, it must not be our last.  The Christ-child in the manger has been made into a beautiful Christmas scene, but we cannot leave Him there.  This tiny, helpless baby lived an amazing life, died for us, ascended to heaven, and will come back to this earth as King of kings.  Christ will rule the world and judge all people according to their decisions about Him.  Do you still picture Jesus as a baby in a manger---or is He your Lord?  Make sure you don't underestimate Jesus.  Let him grow up in your life.

   Learn more about His gift of salvation by clicking this link:     http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html. 

MY THOUGHTS

   It is understood that God gave this world to us through Adam.  Rather than us inheriting it, Adam gave the deed over to Satan.  We lost our inheritance through a man.

   Jesus was born of a woman, because the only way for us to regain what was lost by a man, is through a man.  Jesus was a man, 100%.  Jesus was also God, 100%.  He gave up Paradise to be born as our perfect sacrifice, knowing anything we did would fall short because we were imperfect, due to Adam.

   This was God's ONLY BEGOTTEN son for eternity!  He would not have stood by and sacrificed His Son if there had been ANY OTHER WAY!

   I praise You, Lord for Your sacrificial love!   Amen.


   If this ministry is a blessing to you, you are encouraged to leave a comment with your thoughts.  You are also encouraged to share this post on your favorite social media.  Thank you.

You can also follow me at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com/, http://omaslife.blogspot.com/, and http://omashealth.blogspot.com/.

Merry Christmas.

JOHN THE BAPTIST IS BORN LUKE 1: 57-80

JOHN THE BAPTIST IS BORN
LUKE 1: 57 - 80

   57) When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son.  58) Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.

 59) On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60) but his mother spoke up and said, "No!  He is to be called John."

   61) They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who has that name."

   62) Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child.  63) He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, "His name is John."  64) Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God.  65) The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things.  66) Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, "What then is this child going to be?"  For the Lord's hand was with him.

   67) His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

68) "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,

   because He has come and has redeemed His people.

69)He has raised up a horn of salvation for us

   in the house of His servant David.

70) (as He said through His holy prophets of long ago),

71) salvation from our enemies

   and from the hand of all who hate us--

72) to show mercy to our fathers

   and remember His holy covenant,

  73)  the oath He swore to our father Abraham:

74) to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,

   and to enable us to serve Him without fear

   75) in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.

76) And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most

   High;

for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way

   for Him,

77) to give His people the knowledge of salvation

   through the forgiveness of their sins,

78) because of the tender mercy of our God,

   by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven

79) to shine on those living in darkness

   and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the path of peace."

80) And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.    Luke 1: 57-80   The Life Application Study Bible   (NIV)

COMMENTARY

   The circumcision ceremony was an important event to the family of a Jewish baby boy.  God commanded circumcision when He was beginning to form His holy nation, and He reaffirmed it through Moses.  This ceremony was a time of joy when friends and family members celebrated the baby's becoming part of God's covenant nation.

   Zechariah's relatives talked to him by gestures, because he was apparently deaf as well as speechless and had not heard what his wife had said.

   Zechariah praised God with his first words after months of silence.  In a song that is often called the Benedictus after the first words in the Latin translation of this passage.  Zechariah prophesied the coming of a Savior who would redeem His people, and he predicted that his son John would prepare the Messiah's way.  All the Old Testament prophecies were coming true--no wonder Zechariah praised God!  The Messiah would come in Zechariah's lifetime, and his son had been chosen to pave the way.  

   The Jews were eagerly awaiting the Messiah, but they thought He would come to save them from the powerful Roman empire.  They were ready for a military Savior, but not for a peaceful Messiah who would conquer sin.

   This was God's promise to Abraham to bless all peoples through him.  It would be fulfilled through the Messiah, Abraham's descendant.

   Zechariah had just recalled hundreds of years of God's sovereign work in history, beginning with Abraham and going on into eternity.  Then, in tender contrast, he personalized the story.  His son had been chosen for a key role in the drama of the ages.  Although God has unlimited power, He chooses to work through those who are faithful to Him.

   Why did John live out in the desert?  Prophets used the isolation of the uninhabited desert to enhance their spiritual growth and to focus their message of God.  By being in the desert, John remained separate from the economic and political powers so that he could aim his message against them.  He also remained separate from the hypocritical religious leaders of his day.  His message was different from theirs, and his life proved it.

   MY THOUGHTS

   What an awesome time!  The message had been told for generations, now Zechariah's son was to play a part in the most important event ever in history.  What an honor! 

   I praise God for those who chose God in the past, and I pray for us today, that God might find "50 righteous".  (This phrase comes from Abraham asking God to spare Sodom and Gomorrah). Amen? 

   Do you know my Jesus?  Click this link to know more about His gift of salvation:  http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html. 




If this ministry is a blessing to you, you are encouraged to leave us a comment and to share this post on your favorite social media.  

You can also follow me at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com/, http://omaslife.blogspot.com/, and http://omashealth.blogspot.com/.  Just click the links.

MARY VISITS ELIZABETH LUKE 1:39-56

MARY VISITS ELIZABETH
LUKE 1: 39 - 56

   39) At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40) where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth.  41) When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.  42) In a loud voice she exclaimed:  "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is The Child you will bear!  43) But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?  44) As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.  45) Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

   46) And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord

   47) and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48) for He has been mindful

   of the humble state of His servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,

   49) for the Mighty One has done great things for me--
   Holy is His name.

50) His mercy extends to those who fear Him,
   from generation to generation.

51) He has performed mighty deeds with His arm;
   He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost
      thoughts

52) He has brought down rulers from their thrones
   but has lifted up the humble.

53) He has filled the hungry with good things
   but has sent the rich away  empty.

54) He has helped His servant Israel,
   remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
   even as He said to our fathers."

   56) Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.  Luke 1:39-56       (NIV)

COMMENTARY

   Note verse 41, where Elizabeth's baby leaped in the womb at the sound of Mary's voice.  He was filled with the Holy Spirit, even in the womb.  This will be significant later in his life, when he is in prison and sends word to Jesus.

   The contrast between Elizabeth's baby announcement and Mary's is striking.  Gabriel came to Zachariah in the midst of a public event.  He came to Mary in the country, without fanfare.  Zachariah was a known servant of God, in the service of Him.  Mary was a teenager, betrothed to be wed.  The experienced, seasoned man of God couldn't quite grasp what he was hearing.  The teenager accepted and believed.

   Oh, that we might all have the faith of babes!

   Do you know this baby of Mary?  God gave Him to us out of love for us that we could spend eternity with Him.  To learn more, please click this link:   http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html. 

   If this ministry is a blessing to you, you are encouraged to leave us a comment and share this post on your favorite social media.  Thank you

JESUS' BIRTH PROMISED LUKE 1:26-38

JESUS' BIRTH PROMISED

photo courtesy of Wikipedia

   26) In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27) to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David.  The virgin's name was Mary.  28) The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

   29) Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  30) But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.  31) You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus.  32) He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.  The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, 33) and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end."

  34)  "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

   35) The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.  So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.  36) Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month.  37) For nothing is impossible with God."

   38) "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered, May it be to me as you have said."  Then the angel left her.   Luke 1:  26-38  The Application Study Bible  (NIV)

COMMENTARY

      Mary was young, poor, female--all characteristics that, to the people of the day, would make her seem unusable by God for any major task.  But God chose Mary for one of the most important acts of obedience He has ever demanded of anyone.  You may feel that your ability, experience, or education makes you an unlikely candidate for God's service.  Don't limit God's choices.  He can draft you for service if you trust Him.

   God's favor does not automatically bring instant success or fame.  His blessing on Mary, the honor of being the mother of The Messiah, would lead to much pain:  her peers would ridicule her; her fiance' would come close to leaving her; her Son would be rejected and murdered.  But through her Son would come the world's only Hope, and this is why Mary has been praised by countless generations as the young girl who "found favor with God."  Her submission was part of God's plan to bring about our salvation. If sorrow weighs you down and dims your hope, think of Mary and wait patiently for God to finish working out His plan.

   CENTURIES earlier, God had promised King David that his kingdom would last forever.  This promise was fulfilled in the coming of Jesus, a direct descendant of David, Whose reign will continue throughout eternity.

   The birth of Jesus to a virgin is a miracle that many people find hard to believe.  These three facts can aid our faith:  (1) Luke was a medical doctor, and he knew perfectly well how babies are made.  It would have been just as hard for him to believe in a virgin birth as it is for us, and yet he reports it as fact.  (2)  Luke was a painstaking researcher who based his Gospel on eyewitness accounts.  Tradition holds that he talked with Mary about the events he recorded in the first two chapters.  This is Mary's story, not a fictional invention.  (3) Christians and Jews, who worship God as the creator of the universe, should believe that God has the power to create a child in a virgin's womb.

   Jesus was born without the sin that entered the world through Adam.  He was born holy, just as Adam was created sinless.  In contrast to Adam, who disobeyed God, Jesus obeyed God and was thus able to face sin's consequences in our place and make us acceptable to God.

   A young unmarried girl who became pregnant risked disaster.  Unless the father of the child agreed to marry her, she would probably remain unmarried for life.  If her own father rejected her, she could be forced into begging or prostitution in order to earn her living.  And Mary, with her story about being made pregnant by the Holy Spirit, risked being considered crazy as well.  Still Mary said, despite the possible risks, "May it be to me as you have said."

  When Mary said that, she didn't know about the tremendous opportunity she would have.  SHE ONLY KNEW THAT GOD WAS ASKING HER TO SERVE HIM, AND SHE WILLINGLY OBEYED.  Don't wait to see the bottom line before offering your life to God.  Offer yourself willingly, even when the outcome seems disastrous.


Do you know this Most Powerful God?  He is reaching out to you today!  Please click this link for more information about His priceless gift of salvation:    http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html. 

MY THOUGHTS

   There are so many these days who watch vampire and zombie movies.  Some even confess to believe in these creatures.  Which is more believable to you....Jesus or zombies?

   I have had an experience with a "spirit" years ago.  It scared the stuffing out of me.  I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST. 

What about you?  What are your thoughts about this post?  You are encouraged to share your thoughts in a comment.  Also, if this ministry is a blessing to you, please feel free to share this post on your favorite social media.

You can also follow me at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com/, http://omashealth.blogspot.com/, and http://omaslife.blogspot.com/.  Just click the links.

ZECHARIAH TO HAVE A SON LUKE 1:5-25

ZECHARIAH TO HAVE A SON   Luke 1:5-25

photo courtesy of Iconograns

   5) In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.  6) Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly.  7) But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.

   8) Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9) he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.  10) And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.

   11) Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.  12) When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear.  13) But the angel said to him:  "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard.  Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.  14) He will be a joy and a delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15) for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.  He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.  16) Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God.  17) And he will go on before the Lord, in spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

   18) Zechariah asked the angel,"How can I be sure of this?  I am an old man and my wife is well along in years."

   19) The angel answered, "I am Gabriel.  I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.  20) And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time."

   21) Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple.  22) When he came out, he could not speak to them.  23) They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

   23) When his time of service was completed, he returned home.  24) After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.  25) "The Lord has done this for me," she said.  "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people."   Life Application Study Bible  (NIV)

COMMENTARY

   This was Herod the Great, confirmed by the Roman Senate as king of the Jews.  Only half Jewish himself and eager to please his Roman superiors, Herod expanded and beautified the Jerusalem temple--but he placed a Roman eagle over the entrance.  When he helped the Jews, it was for political purposes and not because he cared about their God.  Herod the Great later ordered a massacre of infants in a futile attempt to kill the infant Jesus, whom some were calling the new "king of the Jews."

   Zechariah was a member of the Abijah division, on duty this particular week.  Each morning a priest was to enter the Holy Place in the temple and burn incense.  Lots were cast to decide who would enter the sacred room, and one day the lot fell to Zechariah.  But it was not by chance that Zechariah was on duty and that he was chosen that day to enter the Holy Place--perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  God was guiding the events of history to prepare the way for Jesus to come to earth.

  Zechariah and Elizabeth didn't merely go through the motions in following God's laws; they backed up their outward compliance with inward obedience.  Unlike the religious leaders whom Jesus called hypocrites, Zechariah and Elizabeth did not stop with the letter of the law.  Their obedience was from the heart, and that is why they are called "upright in the sight of God."

   Incense was burned in the temple twice daily.  When the people saw the smoke from the burning incense, they prayed.  The smoke drifting heavenward symbolized their prayers ascending to God's throne.

   John means "the Lord is gracioous," and Jesus means "the Lord saves."  Both names were prescribed by God, not chosen by human parents.

   Throughout the Gospels, God acts graciously and saves his people.  He will not withhold salvation from anyone who sincerely comes to him.

   We continue to see how God communicates with His creation, mankind.  He gave us His written word for all to read and know Him.  He also communicates through visions and angelic messengers.  Do you know Him?   We have a "pathway to salvation" page.  Click here:   http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html. 



You are encouraged to leave a comment on this site with your thoughts about this message.  You are also encouraged to share this post on your favorite social media if we have been a blessing to you.  Thank you.

You can also follow me at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com/, http://omaslife.blogspot.com/, and http://omashealth.blogspot.com/.  Just click the links.

LUKE'S PURPOSE IN WRITING LUKE 1:1-4

LUKE'S PURPOSE IN WRITING    LUKE 1:1-4

clip art courtesy of colourbox

  (1)  Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, (2) just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of The Word.  (3)Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, (4) so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.  Life Application Study Bible  (NIV)

COMMENTARY

   Luke tells Jesus' story from Luke's unique perspective of a Gentile, a physician, and the first historian of the early church.   Though not an eyewitness of Jesus' ministry, Luke nevertheless is concerned that eyewitness accounts be preserved accurately and that the foundations of Christian belief be transmitted intact to the next generation.  In Luke's Gospel are many of Jesus' parables.  In addition, more than any other Gospel, it gives specific instances of Jesus' concern for women.

   There was a lot of interest in Jesus, and many people had written firsthand accounts about Him.  Luke may have used these accounts and all other available resources as material for an accurate and complete account of Jesus' life, teachings, and ministry.  Because truth was important to Luke, he relied heavily on eyewitness accounts.  Christianity doesn't say, "Close your eyes and believe," but rather, "Check it out for yourself."  The Bible encourages you to investigate its claims thoroughly (John 1:46; 21:24; Acts 17:11,12), BECAUSE YOUR CONCLUSION ABOUT JESUS IS A LIFE-AND-DEATH MATTER.

   Theophilus means "one who loves God." This preface may be a general dedication to all Christian readers.  Theophilus may have been Luke's patron who helped to finance the book's writing.  More likely, Theophilus was a Roman acquaintance of Luke's with a strong interest in the new Christian religion.

   As a medical doctor, Luke knew the importance of being thorough.  He used his skills in observation and analysis to thoroughly investigate the stories about Jesus.  His diagnosis?  The Gospel of Jesus is true!  You can read Luke's account of Jesus' life with confidence that it was written by a clear thinker and a thoughtful researcher.

MY THOUGHTS

  It is good to get back to the beginning.  Jesus.  Merry Christmas.

   If this ministry is a blessing to you, please share this post on your favorite social media.  You are also encouraged to leave your thoughts in a comment here.  Thank you.

You can also follow me at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com/, http://omashealth.blogspot.com/, and http://omaslife.blogspot.com/.  Just click the links.

DR LUKE'S ACCOUNT OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS

DR LUKE'S ACCOUNT OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS

birth announcement by Artifact Uprising

   Every birth is a miracle, and every child is a gift from God.  But nearly 20 centuries ago, there was the miracle of miracles.  A baby was born, but He was the Son of God.  The Gospels tell of this birth, but Dr. Luke, as though he were the attending physician, provides most of the details surrounding this awesome occasion.  With divine Father and human mother, Jesus entered history--God in the flesh
.

   Luke affirms Jesus' divinity, but the real emphasis of his book is to show Jesus' humanity--Jesus, the Son of God, is also the Son of Man.  As a doctor, Luke was a man of science, and as a Greek, he was a man of detail.  It is not surprising then, that he begins by outlining his extensive research and explaining that he is reporting the facts.  Luke also was a close friend and traveling companion of Paul, so he could interview the other disciples, had access to other historical accounts, and was an eyewitness to the birth and growth of the early church.  His Gospel and book of Acts are reliable, historical documents.

   Luke's story begins with angels appearing to Zechariah and then to Mary, telling them of the upcoming births of their sons.  From Zechariah and Elizabeth would come John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for Christ.  And Mary would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear Jesus, the Son of God.

  Soon after John's birth, Caesar Augustus declared a census, and so Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, the town of David, their ancient ancestor.  There The Child was born.  Angels announced the joyous event to shepherds, who rushed to the manger.  When the shepherds left, they were praising God and spreading the news.  Eight days later, Jesus was circumcised and then dedicated to God in the temple, where Simeon and Anna confirmed Jesus' identity as the Savior, their Messiah.  The Life Application Study Bible  (NIV)

MY THOUGHTS

   We will leave the Book of Job at this time to review the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  At this time of the year, we have an increased opportunity to share our faith with our family, friends, and neighbors.  During the Christmas season, some are more open to the idea of God than at other times of the year.  Now more than ever, America needs Jesus.

You can also follow me at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com/, http://omashealth.blogspot.com/, and http://omaslife.blogspot.com/.  Just click the links.

  

JOB'S CLOSING REMARKS JOB 14

JOB'S CLOSING REMARKS  

JOB 14

 

   Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.  He springs up like a flower and withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure.  Do You fix Your eye on such a one?  Will You bring him before You for judgment?  Who can bring what is pure from the impure?  No one!  Man's days are determined; You have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.  So look away from him and let him alone, 'til he has put in his time like a hired man.

   At least there is hope for a tree; If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail.  Its roots may grow old in the ground and its stump die in the soil, yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth shoots like a plant.  But man dies and is laid low he breathes his last and is no more.  As water disappears from the sea or a riverbed becomes parched and dry, so man lies down and does not rise; 'til the heavens are no more, men will not awake or be roused from their sleep. 

   If only You would hide me in the grave and conceal me till Your anger has passed!  If only You would set me a time and then remember me!  If a man dies, will he live again?  All the days of my hard service I will wait for my renewal to come.  You will call and I will answer You, You will long for the creature Your hands have made.  Surely then You will count my steps but not keep track of my sin.  My offenses will be sealed up in a bag; You will cover over my sin.

   But as a mountain erodes and crumbles and as a rock is moved from it's place, as water wears away stones and torrents wash away the soil, so You destroy man's hope.  You overpower him once for all, and he is gone; You change his countenance and send him away.  If his sons are honored, he does not know it; if they are brought low, he does not see it.  He feels but the pain of his own body and mourns only for himself.   Job 14  (NIV)

COMMENTARY

   Life is brief and full of trouble, Job laments in his closing remarks.  Sickness, loneliness, disappointment, and death cause Job to say that life is not fair..... God's solution to believers who live in an unfair world is to guarantee life with Him forever.  No matter how unfair your present world seems, God offers the hope of being in His presence eternally.  Have you accepted this offer?  click here to learn how:  'https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html'

    Job's pessimism about death is understandable.  What is remarkable is his budding hope.  If Only God would hide him with the dead and then bring him out again!  When we must endure suffering, we have an advantage over Job because of his faithfulness to God.  We know that we are not necessarily punished in this life, but we sign up to be used by God for His purposes.  Job was not being punished, he was actually being rewarded for living a righteous life!

   Job's profound speech in this chapter illustrates a great truth:  to have a right set of doctrines is not enough.  To know WHAT to believe is not all that is required to please God.  Truth untested by life's experiences may become static and stagnant.  Suffering can bring a dynamic quality to life.  Just as drought drives the roots of a tree deeper to find water, so suffering can drive us beyond superficial acceptance of truth to dependence of God for hope and life.

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JOB CONTINUES HIS DISCOURSE JOB 13

JOB CONTINUES HIS DISCOURSE 

   "My eyes have seen all this, my ears have heard and understood it.  What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.  But I desire to speak to the Almighty and to argue my case with God.  You, however, smear me with lies; you are worthless physicians, all of you!  If only you would be altogether silent!  For you, that would be wisdom.  Hear now my argument; listen to the plea of my lips. 

   Will you speak wickedly on God's behalf?  Will you speak deceitfully for Him?  Will you show him partiality?  Will you argue the case for God?  Would it turn out well if He examined you?  Could you deceive Him as you might deceive men?  He would surely rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality.  Would not His splendor terrify you?  Would not the dread of Him fall on you?  Your maxims are proverbs of ashes;  your defenses are defenses of clay.

   Keep silent and let me speak; then let come to me what may.  Why do I put myself in jeopardy and take my life in my hands?  THOUGH HE SLAY ME, YET WILL I HOPE IN HIM; I will surely defend my ways to His face.  Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless man would dare come before Him!  Listen carefully to my words; let your ears take in what I say.  Now that I have prepared my case, I know I will be vindicated.  Can anyone bring charges against me?  If so, I will be silent and die.

   Only grant me these two things, O God, and then I will not hide from You:  Withdraw Your hand far from me, and stop frightening me with Your terrors.  Then summon me and I will answer, or let me speak, and You reply.  How many wrongs and sins have I committed?  Show me my offense and my sin.  Why do You hide Your face and consider me Your enemy?  Will You torment a windblown leaf?  Will You chase after dry chaff?  For You write down bitter things against me and make me inherit the sins of my youth.  You fasten my feet in shackles; You keep close watch on all my paths by putting marks on the soles of my feet. 

   So man wastes away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by moths."

Job 13  Life Application Study Bible

COMMENTARY

   Job compared his three friends to physicians who did not know what they were doing.  They were like eye surgeons trying to perform open-heart surgery.  Many of their ideas about God were true, but they did not apply to Job's situation.  They were right to say that God is just.  They were right to say that Job's suffering was a just punishment for his sin.  They took a true principle and applied it wrongly, ignoring the vast differences in human circumstances.  We must be careful and compassionate in how we apply Biblical condemnations to others; we must be slow to judge.

MY THOUGHTS

   You may find me often condemning the act of homosexuality or other sexual deviations.  You will never find me condemning the perpetrator.  I do not condemn any man.  I do not agree with many men's actions.  I believe every man has the opportunity to change.

  I am a murderer.  I have never killed anyone.  I believe people who claim to be homosexuals "from birth" should also never act on that impulse.  However, I am not God.  I will pray for the person.  In fact I have had two very close friends who were into an alternative lifestyle.  One of them has died.  I still mourn for her today.  I loved the person, not the sin. 

   What are your thoughts?

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JOB REPLIES TO ZOPHAR JOB 12

JOB 12
JOB REPLIES TO ZOPHAR

   Doubtless you are the people, and wisdom will die with you!  But I have a mind as well as you;  I am not inferior to you.  Who does not know all these things?

   I have become a laughingstock to my friends, though I called upon God and He answered--a mere laughingstock, though righteous and blameless!  Men at ease have contempt for misfortune as the fate of those whose feet are slipping.  The tents of marauders are undisturbed, and those who provoke God are secure--those who carry their god in their hands.

   But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you, or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you.  Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.  Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food?  Is not wisdom found among the aged?  Does not long life bring understanding?

   To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His.  What He tears down cannot be rebuilt; the man He imprisons cannot be released.  If He holds back the waters, there is drought; if He lets them loose, they devastate the land.  To Him belong strength and victory, both deceived and deceiver are His.  He leads counselors away stripped and makes fool of judges.  He takes off the shackles put on by kings and ties a loincloth around their waist.  He leads priests away stripped and overthrows men long established.  He silences the lips of trusted advisers and takes away the discernment of elders.  He pours contempt on nobles and disarms the mighty.  He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light.  He makes nations great, and destroys them; He enlarges nations, and disperses them.  He deprives the leaders of the earth of their reason.  He sends them wandering through a trackless waste.  They grope in darkness with no light; He makes them stagger like drunkards.  Job 12   (NIV)

LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE COMMENTARY   (NIV)

   Job answered Zophar's argument with great sarcasm:  "Wisdom will die with you."  He went on to say that his three friends didn't need to explain God to him--they were saying nothing he didn't already know.  Job continued to maintain that his friends had completely misunderstood the reason for his suffering.  Job did not know it either, but he was certain that his friends' reasons were both narrow-minded and incorrect.  Once again Job appealed to God to give him and answer.

   Job affirmed that no leader has any real wisdom apart from God.  No research or report can outweigh God's opinion.  No scientific discovery or medical advance takes Him by surprise.  When we look for guidance for our decisions, we must recognize that God's wisdom is superior to any the world has to offer.  Don't let earthly advisers dampen your desire to know God better.

MY THOUGHTS

   The verse 12:10:  "IN HIS HAND IS THE LIFE OF EVERY CREATURE AND THE BREATH OF ALL MANKIND."  Thank you, Lord for Job.  Thank you for your loving kindness and your wisdom.  I love you, Lord. Amen!

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ZOPHAR THE NAAMATHITE REPLIES JOB 11

ZOPHAR THE NAAMATHITE REPLIES
JOB 11

1) The third friend of Job's, who came to offer comfort, speaks:

  2)  "Are all these words to go unanswered?  Is this talker to be vindicated?  3) Will your idle talk reduce men to silence?  Will no one rebuke you when you mock?  4) You say to God, 'My beliefs are flawless and I am pure in Your sight.' 5) Oh, how I wish that God would speak, that He would open His lips against you 6) and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides.  Know this:  God has even forgotten some of your sin.

  7)  Can you fathom the mysteries of God?  Can you probe the limits of The Almighty?  8) They are higher than the heavens--what can you do?  They are deeper than the depths of the grave--what can you know?  9) Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.

   10) If He comes along and confines you in prison and convenes a court, who can oppose Him?  11) Surely He recognizes deceitful men; and when He sees evil, does He not take note?  12) But a witless man can no more become wise than a wild donkey's colt can be born a man.

   13) Yet if you devote your heart to Him and stretch out your hands to Him,14)  if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, 15) then you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and without shame; 16) you will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by.  17) Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning.  18) You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.  19) You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor.  20) But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and escape will elude them; their hope will become a dying gasp."  Job 11  Life Application Study Bible   NIV

COMMENTARY

   Zophar is the third of Job's friends to speak, and the least courteous.  Full of anger, he lashed out at Job, saying that Job deserved more punishment, not less.  Zophar took the same position as Eliphaz and Bildad--that Job was suffering because of sin--but his speech was by far the most arrogant.  Zophar was the kind of person who has an answer for everything; he was totally insensitive to Job's unique situation.

   By calling Job "deceitful," Zophar was accusing Job of hiding secret faults and sins.  Although Zophar's assumption was wrong, he explained quite accurately that God knows and sees everything.  We are often tempted by the thought, "No one will ever know!"  Perhaps we can hide some sin from others, but we can do nothing without God knowing about it.  Because our very thoughts are known to God, of course He will notice our sins.  Job understood this as well as Zophar did, but it didn't apply to his current dilemma.



MY THOUGHTS

   It looks like time for Job to find different friends.  Remember that Job has lost his children, his wealth, and his health.  He is half an inch away from dying, at this point.  One would think his friends would keep their mouths shut if they have nothing kind to say and let him die.  Instead they figuratively rub salt in his woulds...good intentions.
   But look closer:  if Job was your friend, would you not want him to confess his sin and be redeemed?  Since he was so close to dying, would you not prod him into confessing his sin and repenting from it so that when he did see God that he would truly be blameless?  Maybe Zophar believed that if Job would repent of his sin that his health, at least, would be restored.


   How far would you go for a dear friend of yours to help them "get their affairs in order" so that when they die, they would be at peace  (or at least you would be at peace knowing that they had repented)?  You are encouraged to leave a comment here with your thoughts.


   Do you know The God Zophar spoke of?  If you want that peace that surpasses all understanding, we encourage you to visit our "Pathway to Salvation" page here:   http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html).

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JOB'S PAIN TURNS TO SELF-PITY JOB 10

JOB'S PAIN TURNS TO SELF-PITY    

Job continues to talk as if he could be given audience from God:



   "I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.  I will say to God:  Do not condemn me, but tell me what charges You have against me.  Does it please You to oppress me, to spurn the work of Your hands, while You smile on the schemes of the wicked?  Do You have eyes of flesh?  Do You see as a mortal sees?  Are Your days like those of a mortal or Your years like those of a man, that You must search out my faults and probe after my sin--though You know that I am not guilty and that no one can rescue me from Your hand?

   Your hands shaped me and made me.  Will You now turn and destroy me?  Remember that You molded me like clay.  Will You now turn me to dust again?  Did You not pour me out like milk and curdle me like cheese, clothe me with skin and flesh and knit me together with bones and sinews?  YOU GAVE ME LIFE AND SHOWED ME KINDNESS, AND IN YOUR PROVIDENCE WATCHED OVER MY SPIRIT.

   But this is what You concealed in Your heart, and I know that this was in Your mind:  If I sinned, You would be watching me and would not let my offense go unpunished.  If I am guilty--woe to me!  Even if I am innocent, I cannot lift my head, for I am full of shame and drowned in my affliction.  If I hold my head high, You stalk me like a lion and again display Your awesome power against me.  You bring new witnesses against me and increase Your anger toward me; Your forces come against me wave upon wave.

   Why then did You bring me out of the womb?  I wish I had died before any eye saw me.  If only I had never come into being, or had been carried straight from the womb to the grave!  Are not my few days almost over?  Turn away from me so I can have a moment's joy before I go to the place of no return, to the land of gloom and deep shadow, to the land of deepest night, of deep shadow and disorder, where even the light is like darkness."



LIVE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE COMMENTARY

   Job began to wallow in self-pity.  When we face baffling affliction, our pain lures us toward feeling sorry for ourselves.  At this point we are only one step from self-righteousness, where we keep track of life's injustices and say, "Look what happened to me; how unfair it is!"  We may feel like blaming God.  Remember that life's trials, whether allowed by God or sent by God, can be the means for development and refinement.  When facing trials, ask, "What can I learn and how can I grow?"  rather than "Who did this to me and how can I get out of it?"

   In frustration, Job jumped to the false conclusion that God was out to get him.  Wrong assumptions lead to wrong conclusions.  We dare not take our limited experiences and jump to conclusion about life in general.  If you find yourself doubting God, remember that you don't have all the facts.  God wants only the very best for your life.  Many people endure great pain, but ultimately they find some greater good came from it.  When you're struggling, don't assume the worst.

   Job was expressing the view of death common in Old Testament times, that the dead went to a joyless, dark place.  There was no punishment or reward there, and no escape from it.

MY THOUGHTS

   Raising children, you never wait to punish them for wrong doing.  If you do, they have difficulty connecting the offense to the punishment.  Imagine if you waited ten or fifteen years and then one day, just came in and punished them without telling them why.  Sometimes, we feel God is doing something like that.  Instead of a "lightening bolt" when we offend, we experience loss at a later time.  "Well, what did I do to deserve this?"  Right? 

   The problem is that we cannot see what is going on in Heaven.  We have to trust God and continue to live in a way that we hope positively reflects Jesus.

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JOB REPLIES TO BILDAD JOB 9

JOB 9
JOB REPLIES TO BILDAD

photo courtesy of Wikimedia

1) Then Job replied:

   2) "Indeed, I know that this is true.  But how can a mortal be righteous before God? 3) Though one wished to dispute with Him, he could not answer Him one time out of a thousand.  4) His wisdom is profound, His power is vast.  Who has resisted Him and come out unscathed?  5) He moves mountains without their knowing it and overturns them in His anger.  6) He shakes the earth from its place and makes its pillars tremble.  7) He speaks to the sun and it does not shine, He seals off the light of the stars.  8) He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.  9) He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.  10) He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.  11) When He passes me, I cannot see Him; When He goes by, I cannot perceive Him.  12) If He snatches away, who can stop Him?  Who can say to Him, 'What are You doing?' 13) God does not restrain His anger; even the cohorts of Rahab cowered at His feet.

   14) Who then can I dispute with Him?  How can I find words to argue with Him?  15) Though I were innocent, I could not answer Him; I could only plead with my Judge for mercy. 16)  Even if I summoned Him and He responded, I do not believe He would give me a hearing.  17) He would crush me with a storm and multiply my wounds for no reason.  18) He would not let me regain my breath but would overwhelm me with misery.  19) If it is a matter of strength, He is mighty!  And if it is a matter of justice, who will summon Him?  20) Even if I were innocent, my mouth would condemn me;  If I were blameless, it would pronounce me guilty.

    21) Although I am blameless, I have no concern for myself; I despise my own life.  22) It is all the same; that is why I say, 'He destroys both the blameless and the wicked.  23) When a scourge brings sudden death, He mocks the despair of the innocent.  24) When a land falls into the hands of the wicked, He blindfolds its judges.  If it is not He, then who is it?

   25) My days are swifter than a runner; they fly away without a glimpse of joy.  26) They skim past like boats of papyrus, like eagles swooping down on their prey.  27) If I say, 'I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression, and smile, 28) I still dread all my sufferings, for I know you will not hold me innocent.  29) Since I am already found guilty, why should I struggle in vain?  30) Even if I washed myself with soap and my hands with washing soda, 31) You would plunge me into a slime pit so that even my clothes would detest me.

  32) He is not a man like me that I might answer Him, that we might confront each other in court.  33) If only there were someone to arbitrate between us, to lay his hand upon us both, 34) someone to remove God's rod from me so that His terror would frighten me no more, 35)Then I would speak up without fear of Him, but as it now stands with me, I cannot."

  

The study notes in the Study Bible says this about verse 21:  I despise my own life.  words of despairing resignation that would be partially echoed in Job's final outpouring of repentance.  "Been there...no t-shirt.

LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE COMMENTARY    NIV

   Bildad said nothing new to Job.  Job knew that the wicked ultimately perish, but his situation confused him.  Why, then was he perishing? Job didn't think his life warranted such suffering, so he wanted his case presented before God.  He recognized, however, that arguing with God would be futile and unproductive.  Job didn't claim to be perfect, but he did claim to be good and faithful.  While Job showed impatience toward God, he did not reject or curse God.

   Look at verse 33 and 34.  In Job's day, there was no one to intercede for him. Today, we have Jesus at the right hand of God who intercedes on our behalf.  We can go boldly before the very throne of God with our petitions and Jesus will plead our case!

   The Bear, Orion, and Pleiades are constellations of stars.

   Rahab is the name of a legendary sea monster.  According to a Babylonian creation myth, Marduk defeated Rahab, then captured her helpers.  Job's friends would have known this myth and understood Job's meaning.  God is sovereign over all the forces. 

   "Even if I were innocent, my mouth would condemn me."  Job was saying, "In spite of my good life, God is determined to condemn me."  As his suffering continued, he became more impatient.  Although Job remained loyal to God, he made statements he would later regret.  In times of extended sickness or prolonged pain, it is natural for people to doubt, to despair, or to become impatient.  During those times,  we need someone to listen to us, to help us work through our feelings and frustrations.  Displaying patience with our impatience will help.        JOB 9  LASB    (NIV)

MY THOUGHTS

I am pleased that we are studying this Book.  As Job discovered that everyone is subject to suffering, we also understand that everyone will die.  We are living in a "drive through" society.  We tend to be quite impatient.  It is hard to be patient.  But in reality, WE DON'T DESERVE ANYTHING we are given in this life.  We should practice gratefulness toward God.  In these last days, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus, not on our circumstances.

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BILDAD ALSO ACCUSES JOB JOB 8 (NIV)

BILDAD ALSO ACCUSES JOB
JOB 8

photo courtesy of Wikimedia

1) Then Bildad the Shuhite replied:

  2) "How long will you say such things?  Your words are a blustering wind.  3) Does God pervert justice?  Does the Almighty pervert what is right?  4) When your children sinned against Him, He gave them over to the penalty of their sin.  5) But if you will look to God and plead with the Almighty, 6) if you are pure and upright, even now He will rouse Himself on your behalf and restore you to your rightful place.  7) Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be.

   8) Ask the former generations and find out what their fathers learned, 9) for we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow.  10) Will they not instruct you and tell you?  Will they not bring forth words from their understanding?  11) Can papyrus grow tall where there is no marsh?  Can reeds thrive without water?  12) While still growing and uncut, they wither more quickly than grass.  13) Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless. 

   14) What he trusts in is fragile; what he relies on is a spiders web.  15) He leans on his own web, but it gives way; he clings to it, but it does not hold.  16) He is like a well-watered plant in the sunshine, spreading its shoots over the garden;  17) it entwines its roots around a pile of rocks and looks for a place among the stones.  18) But when it is torn from its spot, that place disowns it and says, 'I never saw you.'  19) Surely its life withers away, and from the soil other plants grow.

   20) Surely God does not reject a blameless man or strengthen the hands of evildoers.  21) He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.  22) Your enemies will be clothed in shame, and the tents of the wicked will be no more."     Job 8   (NIV)

LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE COMMENTARY    NIV

   Bildad was upset that Job still claimed innocence while questioning God's justice.  The basis of Bildad's argument (the justice of God) was correct, but his idea of God's justice was not.  Bildad's argument went like this:  God could not be unjust, and God would not punish a just man; therefore Job must be unjust.  Bildad felt there were no exceptions to his theory.  Like Eliphaz, Bildad wrongly assumed that people suffer only as a result of their sins.  Bildad was even less sensitive and compassionate, saying that Job's children died because of their wickedness. 

   Bildad wrongly assumed that Job was trusting in something other than God for security, so he pointed out that such supports will collapse ("what he trusts in is fragile").  One of man's basic needs is security, and people will do almost anything to feel secure.  Eventually, however, our money, possessions, knowledge, and relationships will fail or be gone.  Only God can give lasting security.  What have you trusted  for your security?  How lasting is it?  If you have a secure foundation with God, feelings of insecurity will not undermine you.

MY THOUGHTS

   I know some people who judge others based on their own experiences or their own ideas of how things should be, don't you?  I drive people crazy when I ask where they got their information on topics they want to inform me about.  What I find most of the time is that their information comes from the television!  In other words, what they believe is not based in facts!  I like to research topics before I open my mouth.  What about you?

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JOB ADDRESSES GOD JOB 7 (NIV)

JOB 7
JOB ADDRESSES GOD

   1) Does not man have hard service on earth?  Are not his days like those of a hired man?  2) Like a slave longing for the evening shadows, or a hired man waiting eagerly for his wages, 3) so I have been allotted months of futility, and nights of misery have been assigned to me.  4) When I lie down I think, "How long before I get up?  The night drags on, and I toss till dawn.  5) My body is clothed with worms and scabs, my skin is broken and festering.

   6) My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and they come to an end without hope.  7) Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath;  my eyes will never see happiness again.  8) The eye that now sees me will see me no longer;  you will look for me, but I will be no more.  9) As a cloud vanishes and is gone, so he who goes down to the grave does not return.  10) He will never come to his house again; his place will know him no more.

   11) Therefore I will not keep silent;  I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit, I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.  12) Am I the sea, or the monster of the deep, that You put me under guard?  13) When I think my bed will comfort me and my couch will ease my complaint, 14) even then You frighten me with dreams and terrify me with visions, 15) so that I prefer strangling and death, rather than this body of mine.  I despise my life; I would not live forever.  16) Let me alone;  my days have no meaning. 

   17) What is man that You make so much of him, that You give him so much attention, 18) that You examine him every morning and test him every moment?  19) Will You never look away from me, or let me alone even for an instant?  20) If I have sinned, what have I done to You, O Watcher of men?  Why have You made me Your target?  Have I become a burden to You?  21) Why do You not pardon my offenses and forgive my sins?  For I will soon lie down in the dust; You will search for me, but I will be no more."  Job 7  (NIV)

LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE COMMENTARY   NIV

  Job felt deep anguish and bitterness, and he spoke honestly to God about his feelings to let out his frustrations.  If we express our feelings to God, we can deal with them without exploding in harsh words and actions, possibly hurting ourselves and others.  The next time strong emotions threaten to overwhelm you, express them openly to God in prayer.  This will help you gain an eternal perspective on the situation and give you greater ability to deal with it constructively. 

   Job stopped talking to Eliphaz and spoke directly to God.  Although Job had lived a blameless life, he was beginning to doubt the value of living in such a way.  By doing this, he was coming dangerously close to suggesting that God didn't care about him and was not being fair.  Later God reproved Job for this attitude.  Satan always exploits these thoughts to get us to forsake God.  Our suffering, like Job's, may not be the result of our sin, but we must be careful not to sin as a result of our suffering.

   Job referred to God as a watcher or observer of humanity.  He was expressing his feeling that God seemed like an enemy to him--someone who mercilessly watched him squirm in his misery.  We know that God does watch over everything that happens to us.  We must never forget that He sees us with compassion, not merely with critical scrutiny.  His eyes are eyes of love.

MY THOUGHTS

   As I read this chapter, I feel the pain in Job's soul.  I have felt the same pain and anguish.  I have felt abandoned by God.  That was just my feelings, not the fact.  I could not see God's face.  I thought He had turned His face from me.  I cried day after day for Him to let me see His face.  My pain and sorrow was so great, that my sight was clouded.  God never left me.  He knew years before that I would be in the situation I had found myself in and He had a life-line for me.  On the other side, I gave Him the praise and glory.  But, while I was swimming in grief, all I could do was cry to Him when I came up for air.  My faith is stronger today. 

   I have been able to offer others peace and comfort as they go through tough times.  In my nursing career, I have held many hands and spoke the Truth of God's love.  I just pray that something I was able to do helped further God's Kingdom.

  What do you do?  Reading God's Word will give you the foundation of strength and wisdom.  I praise God that we are able to read His Word together.


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JOB REPLIES TO ELIPHAZ JOB 6

JOB 6
JOB REPLIES TO ELIPHAZ

  1) Then Job replied,   2) "If only my anguish could be weighed and all my misery be placed on the scales!  3) It would surely outweigh the sand of the seas--no wonder my words have been impetuous.  4) The arrows of the Almighty are in me, my spirit drinks in their poison, God's terrors are marshaled against me.

   5) Does a wild donkey bray when it has grass, or an ox bellow when it has fodder?  Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg? 7) I refuse to touch it; such food makes me ill.

  8)  Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant what I hope for, 9) that God would be willing to crush me, to let loose His hand and cut me off!  10) Then I would still have this consolation-- my joy in unrelenting pain--that I had not denied the words of the Holy One.
  

   11) What strength do I have, that I should still hope?  What prospects, that I should be patient?  12) Do I have the strength of stone?  Is my flesh bronze? 13)  Do I have any power to help myself, now that success has been driven from me?

   14) A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.  15) But my brothers are as undependable as intermittent streams, as the streams that overflow 16) when darkened by thawing ice and swollen with melting snow, 17) but that cease to flow in the dry season, and in the heat vanish from their channels.

   18) Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go up into the wasteland and perish.  19) The caravans of Tema look for water, the traveling merchants of Sheba look in hope.  20)They are distressed, because they had been confident; they arrive there, only to be disappointed. 

   21) Now you too have proved to be of no help; you see something dreadful and are afraid.  22) Have I ever said, "Give something on my behalf, pay a ransom for me from your wealth, 23) deliver me from the hand of the enemy, ransom me from the clutches of the ruthless?"

   24) "Teach me, and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong.  25) How painful are honest words!  But what do your arguments prove?  26) Do you mean to correct what I say, and treat the words of a despairing man as wind?  27) You would even cast lots for the fatherless and barter away your friend. 

   28) But now be so kind as to look at me.  Would I lie to your face?  29) Relent, do not be unjust; reconsider, for my integrity is at stake.  30) Is there any wickedness on my lips?  Can my mouth not discern malice?    Job 6    (NIV)

LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE COMMENTARY   NIV

   Job said that Eliphaz's advice was like eating the tasteless white of an egg.  When people are going through severe trials, ill-advised counsel is distasteful.  They may listen politely, but inside they are upset.  Be slow to give advice to those who are hurting.  They often need compassion more than they need advice.

  In his grief, Job wanted to give in, to be freed from his discomfort, and to die.  But God did not grant Job's request.  He had a greater plan for him.  Our tendency, like Job's, is to give up and get out when the going gets rough.  To trust God in the good times is commendable, but to trust Him during the difficult times tests us to our limits and exercises our faith.  In your struggles, large or small, trust that God is in control and that He will take care of you (Romans 8:28).

   Job referred to his own integrity, not because he was sinless, but because he had a right relationship with God.  He was not guilty of the sins his friends accused him of.  Another rendering of this verse could read, "My righteousness still stands."  Righteousness is not the same as sinlessness.  No one but Jesus Christ has ever been sinless--free from all wrong thoughts and actions.  Even Job needed to make some changes in his attitude toward God, as we will see by the end of the book.  Nevertheless, Job was righteous.  He carefully obeyed God to the best of his ability in all aspects of his life.

MY THOUGHTS

   I have to say again, I love the Book of Job.  Did you catch the part where he thought the whites of eggs are tasteless?  How healthy is that!  Seriously, though, he wanted God to end his life.  His flesh was rotting off his bones and he was covered in oozing sores.  This also talks to me about suicide, although Job was not discussing suicide.  He wanted his suffering to end.  I have seen many people in my career who was in this situation.  Please understand that God can reverse your circumstances.  He loves you.  He was extremely proud of Job and look what Job was having to endure.  Oh, that He would tell me, "Well done my good and faithful servant."!


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