JOB 3; 1 - 26 JOB CRIES OUT IN AGONY

JOB CRIES OUT IN AGONY

    Job had lost his wealth and all of his grown children, who he had invested time and love in raising.  Now, he was afflicted with an incurable disease where his skin and muscles were falling off of his bones.  He was in agony emotionally and physically.

 
After Job and his friends have sat for 7 days and 7 nights, 1) "Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. 2) He said: 

   3) May the day of my birth perish, and the night that said, 'A boy is conceived!'

   4) That day--may it turn to darkness; may God above not care about it; may no light shine upon it,

   5) May darkness and deep shadows claim it once more;  may a cloud settle over it; may blackness overwhelm it.

   6) That night--may thick darkness seize it;  may it not be included among the days of the year nor be entered in any of the months.

   7) May that night be barren; may no shout of joy be heard in it.

   8) May those who curse days curse that day, those who are ready to rouse Leviathan.

   9) May its morning stars become dark; may it wait for daylight in vain and not see the first rays of dawn, 10) for it did not shut the doors of the womb on me to hide trouble from my eyes."  Job 3:1-10 NIV

The problem was that the day was, the night was.  It cannot be erased.  Since the day he was born cannot be erased, the next possibility would have been a stillbirth:

   11) "Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?

   12) Why were there knees to receive me and breasts that I might be nursed?

   13) For now I would be lying down in peace; I would be asleep and at rest 14) with kings and counselors of the earth who built for themselves places now lying in ruins, 15) with rulers who had gold, who filled their houses with silver.

   16) Or why was I not hidden in the ground like a stillborn child, like an infant who never saw the light of day? 

   17) There the wicked cease from turmoil, and there the weary are at rest.  18) Captives also enjoy their ease; they no longer hear the slave driver's shout.  19) The small and the great are there and the slave is freed from his master."   Job 3:10-19  (NIV)

   20) "Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, 21) to those who long for death that does not come, 22) who search for it more than for hidden treasure, who are filled with gladness and rejoice when they reach the grave?
   23) Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in?  24) For sighing comes to me instead of food; my groans pour out like water. 
   25) What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me, 26) I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil."  Job 3:20-26  (NIV)

   Have you ever asked why people were born if all they have is suffering?  Job had known joy, but now has sorrow.  He is crying out from the very core of his soul.  Note that he does not say he wants to kill himself.  Life comes from God and God has His plans for each of us.  Job was not privy to what God's plan was or what God was doing.  He could only cry out to God and trust Him and His goodness.   In all of this, Job does not curse God.
   How do we handle our trials?  Praise God for Job.

  

JOB 2; 11 - 13 JOB'S THREE FRIENDS

JOB 2:  11 - 13
JOB'S THREE FRIENDS

photo courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org

   11) When Job's three firends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him.  12) When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him;  they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads.  13) Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights.  No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.  Job 2:  11-13  (NIV)

COMMENTS ON TEXT

   First of all, three is one of the symbols of completeness.  So, upon learning of Job's difficulties, Job's three friends came to sympathize with him and to comfort him.  Why did Job's three friends arrive and then just sit quietly?  Have you ever known someone who was hurting so badly, whether emotionally, or physically, and all you could do was just cry with them?  Sometimes there are no words to convey that you understand they are hurting; no words to comfort them.  Sometimes, just being with them speaks louder than words.

COMMENTARY FROM LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE  NIV

   According to Jewish tradition, people who come to comfort someone in mourning should not speak until the mourner speaks.  Often the best response to another persons suffering is silence.  Job's three friends realized that his pain was too deep to be healed with mere words, so they said nothing.  Often we feel we must say something spiritual and insightful to a hurting friend.  Perhaps what he or she needs most is just our presence, showing that we care.  Pat answers and trite quotations say much less than empathetic silence and loving companionship.

   In the end, what broke Job's patience was not the suffering, but not knowing why he suffered.  Job and his three friends all had the same view of life:  good things happen to good people, and bad things happen to bad people.  What he couldn't understand was why he was suffering so much when he was sure he had done nothing to deserve such punishment.

   Often we suffer consequences for bad decisions and actions.  Job's willingness to repent and confess known wrongs is a good guideline for us.  Sometimes suffering shapes us for special service to others.  Sometimes suffering is an attack by Satan on our lives.  And sometimes we don't know why we suffer.  At those times, are we willing to trust God in spite of unanswered questions?   As I've said before, "If not God, then what?"
 

TRY ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE

   What if bad things happened to everyone all the time?  We don't DESERVE anything good from God.  We receive good from Him because of His mercy, not because we deserve it.  It is like I had a million dollars and gave you a hundred thousand of it because I wanted to, not because you deserved it.  I have known people in my life who were totally dependent upon others for their everyday care...some were born that way, others suffered physical harm that left them that way.  Some of the greatest people I have known are those who depend upon others for their daily care but are still some of the biggest warriors for His Kingdom!

    Most of us can pray.  And it doesn't cost a penny.  Prayer is heavy artillery in our spiritual combat.  Think about that.



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WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM JOB

WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM JOB

    Looking at Job's life, studying his life, there is so much to talk about and contemplate.  How do we conduct our daily lives?  Job began every morning with sacrifices for his children in case they might have cursed God in their hearts.  I have been raising kids for years.  I have to say that I don't normally start my day with prayers for the kids, but at least by the time I lay down at night they have been prayed for.  This latest look at the Book of Job has prompted me to pray for my children in the morning.  When I get out of bed, I realize God has given me another day.  I don't want to waste it and I don't want to take it for granted.  My 82 year old Dad also has this outlook on life.  God love him.  We have had a couple of years of health struggles now.  Still, he goes to work every weekday.

   Then, there is Job's response to all of the tragedy that fell on him.  We have all been affected financially with this latest recession.  Whether we have lost money in our 401K's or found ourselves without a job, we have  all suffered in one degree or another.  Seeing that God is in control of what happens to us gives me hope for the future.  Knowing that ours is the generation that will see the return of The Lord, we pray for guidance that we may fulfill His will in our lives.  We need to take our eyes off of our own suffering, and focus on what God's purpose is in each of our situations.  Also, knowing that Jesus Himself is at God's right hand interceeding on our behalf, gives us peace.  We continue to help one another and praise God for who He is.

   Especially, the Book of Job gives us an insight of what is really happening as we go through every day.  We see that angels present themselves to God, and probably report all that is going on with His people.  We also see that Satan prowls the earth looking to create mayhem for all the saints.  I was not with God when He created the earth (this will be seen later in Job), so He doesn't need me as His adviser now.  I make my requests, but mostly, I give thanks in all things.

   What about you?  Today is the first day in the rest of your life.  What can you do today?  What do you want to change?  While there is still time,.......

JOB 2: 4 - 10 HOLD ON TO YOUR INTEGRITY

GOD CHANGES HIS MIND

(The conversation between Satan and God continues.)

photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

   4) "Skin for skin!: Satan replied.  "A man willl give all he has for his own life.  5) But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face."

   6) The Lord said to Satan, "Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life."  Job 2: 4-6

   The study notes in the Life Application Study Bible  NIV reads, "Can Satan persuade God to change his plans?  At first God said He did not want Job harmed physically, but then He decided to allow it.  Satan is unable to persuade God to go against His character:  God is completely and eternally good.  But God was willing to go along with Satan's plan because God knew the eventual outcome of Job's story.  God cannot be fooled by Satan.  Job's suffering was a test for Job, Satan, and us--not God."  And, like I have said, we continue to "consider Job" today. 

   The Bible tells of other times it appears that God has changed His mind.  One of those times was recorded in 1 Kings 21: 28, 29.  We studied 1Kings 22 earlier this month.

   ARE YOU STILL HOLDING ON TO YOUR INTEGRITY?

   7) So, Satan went out from the presen ce of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.  8)Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes.

  9)  His wife said to him, "Are you still holding on to your integrity?  Curse God and die!"

   10) He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman.  Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"

   In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.  Job 2:  7-10

   We understand that Mrs. Job also experienced all the calamity that Job experienced up till now.  She was not afflicted with the physical plague that Job is now faced with.  But she, too, has lost everything, including her grown children. God blessed her with a husband who leaned on God.  Had Job listened to his wife as Adam listened to Eve, this story surely would have ended differently.  Praise God for upright husbands!

    Have you accepted the gift that Jesus so freely gave of salvation?  The dispensation of grace is about to close, and then the tribulation will occur.  If you want to know more about salvation, click this link to our "Pathway to Salvation" page:  (click here:  https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html).  There are so many blessings when you are in God's will.  Thank you so much for allowing us to share this post with you.

JOB 2: 1-3

HE IS BLAMELESS AND UPRIGHT

   On another day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them to present himself before Him.  And the Lord said to Satan, "Where have you come from?"

   Satan answered the Lord, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."

   Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job?  There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.  And still he maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason."  Job 2:1-3  (NIV)

   To fear God and shun evil means "loving God for all that He is and all that He has done by joyfully giving Him our total allegiance, submission, and obedience."  Crosswalk.com  Sept. 28, 2007

MEDITATE ON THIS

   Just meditate on this for a minute.  At every stage of my children's lives, I would look at them and smile.  They would do something ordinary and I would see it as something phenomenal.  I love my sons so much.  I can imagine God like that in regards to Job.

   At this point, Job has lost all of his wealth and all of his children had been killed at the same time.

    I can see God on His throne discussing Job with Satan.  God with so much love for Job that no matter what, Job responded to all the tragedy as God had already seen he would.  Satan didn't know it, because Satan cannot see into the future.  God can. Satan cannot read our minds.  God can.

   Job's response underscored that people can love God for who He is, not for what He gives.  If we were rewarded for loving God by never having anything bad happen to us, if we all received riches for loving God, everyone would say they loved God for what ever rewards He might decide to pass out.  As for me, He has written my name in The Lamb's Book of Life.  If He takes my breath from me right now, knowing I will spend eternity with Him is more than enough.  Amen.

   Now look at this: It has been around 4000 years since Job was tested and still we continue to "consider Job" and try to emulate him.  He is definitely in God's Hall of Fame.

   We all want God to look at us and say, "well done My good and faithful servant".  How have we responded to difficult events in our lives?   What have we done for Him today?

   If you don't know my God, you are encouraged to click the "Pathway to Salvation" page and learn more:   http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html.  



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JOB 1: 13-17

JOB 1:  13 -17

HAVING A BAD DAY

13) One day when Job's sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house, 14) a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, 15) and the Sabeans attacked and carried them off.  They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

16) While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

17) While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and caried them off.  They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"   Job 1:  13-17  (NIV)

ARE YOU HAVING A BAD DAY?

Have you ever had a day when you wished you had stayed in bed with the pillow over your head?  Imagine the day Job was having!  Examining these verses, we see the extent of the power God gave Satan. When we study the Word of God, we know that evil spirits whisper to people, tempt them, convince them to do the will of Satan; even those of us who are filled with The Holy Spirit are tempted by Satan and his legion.  We choose to act upon what Satan wants or to obey our Heavenly Father.  So it was with the Sabeans and Chaldeans.  The Bible does not disclosed how long it took Satan to work on the Sabeans and the Chaldeans before they carried out these attacks.  What about the servants who were killed, did they know my Lord?  What about the servants who escaped?  Were they chosen by God or by Satan to escape?  Satan first attacked Job's finances.  Does that sound familiar?

But try to imagine the scene from an angelic prospective...maybe like we watch a baseball or football game.  Can you hear the, "Oooooohhh"s as Satan strikes Job's possessions and sends a messenger to inform him?  Can you hear one of the angels yell, "Get him, Job!  Be strong!"?

THE LORD IS WITH US


2 Kings, Chapter 6 talks about the how the king of Aram had the prophet Elisha surrounded because he was mad that the prophet was advising the king of Israel on Aram's every move, every intent.  When Elisha's servant went out early one morning, he saw Aram's army with horses and chariots surrounding the city.  He was afraid, but Elisha had peace and  prayed to God to show the servant that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire from the Lord. 

We don't have to see God to know He is with His people.  We trust Him and pray for His will to be done.  If you have not accepted God's gift of salvation, today is a great day to do so.

Dear friend, none of us are promised tomorrow.  If God is speaking to you through these messages, please don't make Him wait.  Just follow the Roman Road, click here:  http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html.  Please accept His priceless gift of salvation today and let us know (in a comment).  We want to encourage you in your walk.

SEPTEMBER 11

WHERE WERE YOU?

photo courtesy gdcritter.blogspot.com

I was about an hour away from home on my way to a friend's funeral.  My son was in school by the house.  I heard the news on the truck radio.  Should I turn around and gather up my children, be there to do my best to protect them, or should I continue to the funeral?  What could I do to protect them?  I had invested my time all their lives to instill in them my moral values.  Just as important, I prayed for them daily.  Physically, I was powerless, but spiritually, they were protected.  I trusted Jesus.  What ever happens, they were taken care of.  I continued to the funeral.  It was a known crisis vs a possible crisis.  I continued to the funeral to minister to her family, not by preaching, but to minister to their physical and emotional needs.

WE ARE AT WAR

Jesus is coming back soon.  We are at war and have been since Adam and Eve sinned against God.  "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."  Ephesians 6: 12 (NIV)  When you read my previous posts, you see that God is in control

.  You have seen snapshots of what is taking place in Heaven in relation to what takes place on Earth.  Whether you see Him or not, He has you in His hands.  Whether you believe in Jesus or not, God has you in His hands.  You may not end up where He would like for you to be (in Heaven), but He knows you and has you in his hands. 

GO INTO ALL THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL

A nurse teaches her patients to follow the medical regimen the doctor prescribes.  She cannot force the patient to comply, but stresses the importance of compliance.  The mechanic can advise you to change the oil in your vehicle.  He can supply the oil, the filter, and a youtube video with step by step instruction.  He can stress the importance of compliance, but cannot force you to change the oil.  A parent can teach the children to eat their vegetables, brush their teeth, and clean their ears but as the child ages, the parent cannot force the child to comply.  We can stress the importance, but we cannot force them to care for themselves.  We teach each other out of love and/or out of responsibility and we know what should be done.

WHILE THERE IS STILL TIME

Ten years after our national "wake up call", where are we?  Are we prepared for the return of Jesus?  It will happen just as September 11, 2001 did, just as in the days of Noah. "For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the  flood came and took them all away."  (Of course, they all knew Noah was building the ark.)  "That is  how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.  Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.  Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left."  Matthew 24: 38-40 (NIV)   When Jesus walked on this earth, He told us He will return.  When He returns, the whole world will be as the twin towers in New York City, U.S.A.  Believers will be taken away en masse.  We need to witness about Jesus while there is still time.  We need to teach and preach with love, without being overpowering.  We need to do all in our power to be sure that our family is taken care of.  May God be with you and increase your harvest.  Amen

Click here to learn about how YOU can be saved from the destruction and chaos which is to come:   https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html

JOB 1: 8 - 12

JOB 1: 8 - 12

A MODEL OF TRUST AND OBEDIENCE


The study notes in the Life Application Study Bible--New international Version states:  "Job was a model of trust and obedience to God, yet God PERMITTED SATAN to attack him in an especially harsh manner.  Although God loves us, believing and obeying him do not shelter us from life's calamities.  Setbacks, tragedies, and sorrows strike Christians and non-Christians alike.  But in our tests and trials, God expects us to express our faith to the world.  How do you respond to your troubles?  Do you ask God, "why me?" or do you say, 'Use me.' "


JOB 1: 8 - 12

   :8)  Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job?  There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."

   9) "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied.

   10)"Have You not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has?  You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land.

   11) But stretch out Your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face."

   12) The Lord said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger."

   Then Satan went out from the presence of The Lord.

COMMENTARY

The Life Application Study Bible states, "Satan attacked Job's motives, saying that Job was blameless and upright only because he had no reason to turn against God.  Ever since he started following God, everything had gone well for Job.  Satan wanted to prove that Job worshiped God, not out of love, but because God had given him so much....

Adversity strengthens real faith by causing believers to dig their roots deeper into God in order to withstand the storms."

 PERSONAL TESTIMONY


There was a time when I, too, was caught up in the storm of adversity.  I could not see God's face.  I cried day and night for Him to show His face to me, not to leave me alone.  He saw me, but through the storm, I could not see Him.  On the other side of the storm, I saw Him and praised Him for carrying me through.  I reasoned, even at my lowest point, that if I did not have God, what else was there?  There IS ONLY God, creator of all.  Everything else is a lie.  Amen.

It is my prayer, that all who read this post will accept the gift of salvation and have his name written in The Lamb's Book of Life.

   You are encouraged to visit our "Pathway to Salvation" page on this blog  (click here:  https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html).

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BEWARE OF THE LYING SPIRIT-1KINGS 1-23

MAN'S WILL
 

   For three years there was no war between Aram and Israel.  But in the third year Jehoshaphat king of Judah (northern Israel) went down to see the king of Israel (Ahab).  The king of Israel had said to his officials, "Don't you know that Ramoth Gilead belongs to us and yet we are doing nothing to retake it from the king of Aram?"  In other words,the king of Israel was looking for a fight.

 

   So he asked Jehoshaphat, "Will you go with me to fight against Ramoth Gilead?"
Jehoshaphat replied to the king of Israel, "I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses."  But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, "First seek the counsel of the Lord."  *WE SHOULD ALWAYS "FIRST SEEK THE COUNSEL OF THE LORD IN ALL THAT WE DO.*
   So the king of Israel brought together the prophets--about four hundred men--and asked them, "Shall I go to war against Ramouth Gilead, or shall I refrain?"
"Go," they answered, "for the Lord will give it into the king's hand."
   But Jehoshaphat asked, "Is there not a prophet of the Lord here whom we can inquire of?" *BEWARE OF WHOM YOU INQUIRE--TEST THE SPIRITS.*
   The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, "There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the Lord, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad.  He is Micaiah son of Imiah."
   "The king should not say that," Jehoshaphat replied.
    So the king of Israel called one of his officials and said, "Bring Micaiah son of Imiah at once."
   Dressed in their royal robes, the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah were sitting on their thrones at the threshing floor by the entrance of the gate of Samaria, with all the prophets prophesying before them.  "This is what the Lord says:  'With these you will gore the Arameans until they are destroyed.'"
   All the other prophets were prophesying the same thing.  Attack Ramoth Gilead and be victorious," they said, "for the Lord will give it into the king's hand."
   The messenger who had gone to summon Micaiah said to him, "Look, as one man the other prophets are predicting success for the king, Let your word agree with theirs, and speak favorably."
   But Micaiah said, "as surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him only what the Lord tells me."
   When he arrived, the king asked him, "Micaiah, shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?"
   "Attack and be victorious," he answered, "for the Lord will give it into the king's hand." * CAN YOU BELIEVE HE SEEMED TO GO ALONG WITH THE POPULAR POLL?*
   The king said to him, "How many times must I make you swear to tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?"  *MICAIAH MUST HAVE SAID IT SARCASTICALLY.*

GOD'S WILL

   Then Micaiah answered, "I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd, and the Lord said, 'These people have no master.  Let each one go home in peace.'"
   The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "Didn't I tell you that he never prophesies anything good about me, but only bad?"
   Micaiah continued, "Therefore hear the word of the Lord:  I saw the Lord sitting on his throne with all the host of heaven standing around him on his right and on his left.  And the Lord said, 'Who will entice Ahab into attacking Ramoth Gilead and going to his death there?" *THE PENALTY FOR SIN IS DEATH.*
   "One" (spirit) "suggested this, and another that..  Finally, a spirit came forward, stood before the Lord and said, 'I will entice him.'  *SATAN ALSO PRESENTS HIMSELF TO THE LORD ALONG WITH THE HEAVENLY HOST, SO THIS MUST HAVE BEEN ONE OF SATAN'S MINIONS.*
   "'I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets', he said.
" 'You will succeed in enticing him,' said the Lord, 'Go and do it.'
   "So now the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours.  The Lord has decreed disaster for you." 1Kings 22: 1-23  (NIV)  *MY THOUGHTS*

LESSON FOR TODAY

   The same lying spirit is with us today.  Our government listens to him and gets very angry when we, the people, listen to the prophet of  The Lord.  Our President ridicules us for "clinging to our guns and religion".  Our Congresswomen say that the Tea Party can "go straight to Hell".  The union boss calls the Republican members of Congress "sons of bitches" and vowed to "go to war" and "take them out" in November at the ballot box.  Let us not be as the Church in Laodicea...neither hot nor cold.  Let us be on fire and seek The Lord's will in all things.

What are your thoughts?  Leave a comment.  No comment is published until it has been reviewed.

JOB 1: 6, 7

JOB 1: 6,7
SATAN PRESENTS HIMSELF TO GOD

image courtesy of Calvary Chapel, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida



One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them.  The Lord said to Satan, "Where have you come from?"

Satan answered the Lord, "From roaming through the Earth and going back and forth in it." (Job 1: 6,7 NIV)

DISCUSSION

   The Holy Bible speaks of other heavenly councils where God and the angels plan their activities on earth and where angels are required to give account of themselves (i.e., 1 Kings 22: 19-23).  Because God is Creator of all angels--both of those who serve Him and of those who rebelled--He has complete power and authority over them.

Satan, originally an angel of God, became corrupt through his own pride.  He has been evil since his rebellion against God (1 John 3:8).  Satan considers God as his enemy.  He tries to hinder God's work in people, but he is limited by God's power and can do only what he is permitted. (Luke 22:31,32; 1 Timothy 1:19,20; 2 Timothy 2:23-26).  Satan is called the enemy because he ACTIVELY looks for people to attack with temptation (1Peter 5:8,9) and because he wants to make people HATE God.  He does this through lies and deception (Genesis 3:1-6).  Job, a blameless and upright man who had been greatly blessed, was a perfect target for Satan.  ANY person who is committed to God should expect Satan's attacks. Satan, who hates God, also hates God's people."  Application Study Bible New International Version

MEDITATE ON THIS


Because of the Book of Job, we can meditate on how things happen here on Earth:  Nothing happens here without being monitored, assessed, and controlled in Heaven.  What is going on in your personal life?  Consider that the writings from the Old Testament give us insight to KNOW that NOTHING happens without God's knowledge.  In the New Testament, we have Jesus interceding for those who have accepted God's gift of salvation.  How powerful are your prayers to God?  Consider that Jesus is also praying for you. 
That is powerful!


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HEAVENLY OPPORTUNITIES

PRAISE REPORT

I am so amped to share with you about a phone call I received last night.  A friend of mine phoned to talk with me about something I had done in 1980.  That was a long time ago.  Love does not keep a record.  Needless to say, I did not remember.  It is not that I do not love this man, it is just that I do what I can, when I can, and I expect nothing in return.  He told me that in 1980 his Mother had phoned me and asked for me to help him.  She had already invested in my life years before, so we had a RELATIONSHIP.  When she called, I answered.  I was able to bring her son to me.  But he went on to say that I had discussed the situation with my sister and she also gave.  She opened her home to not only this son, but also his buddy.  So, the two stayed with her and found a job.  This son stated that our actions were critical in redirecting his life.  He had been in a bad place in his life.  His Mother placed the call, he followed her direction, my sister and I acted on the call.  Today, he is in ministry.  I just raised my hands to my Lord and gave Him praise that He would include me in His plan for this young man.  As I listened to him on the phone, I knew that my God had worked all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28  NIV) (who have a RELATIONSHIP with Him). 

HEAVENLY OPPORTUNITIES

Do not misunderstand.  I have had missed opportunities in my life, this is just an opportunity that I acted on.  What a blessing that I did, that my sister did.  How many lives have been positively impacted from the little action that was taken.  Today, I ask God to open my eyes to opportunities He sends my way.  Sometimes I see them, sometimes I don't.  I recently learned of a missed opportunity.  A young lady shared with me a time in her life that she came to me and I turned her away.  At this point, I pray for this young lady that I did not help.  My God will also work this situation out to His glory.  At the time, I did what I thought I could do.  Pray with me for her, that my Father will give her peace and joy; that He will chase the demons from her.  Her name is not required.  God KNOWS her.

PRAISE GOD

When we have a RELATIONSHIP with our Heavenly Father, we can boldly go before His throne and ask WHATEVER we will.  He is ABLE.  Praise God for His love.  In these last days, God is moving like never before.  Let us keep our hearts open for His call.  In the name of Jesus, I give you praise Father and I give you thanks for your immeasurable grace.  I am here, Lord, use me.

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JOB 1: 1 - 5

JOB 1: 1 - 5
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED MY SERVANT JOB?

I love reading the Book of Job.  Job probably lived in the second millennium B.C., according to experts. That alone is incredible, don't you think?  That all these years later, we still consider God's servant, Job.  Has your life touched any other that you are considered for even a year?  Thousands of years later, we still consider Job.  Wow!  What did Job do that he should be considered for thousands of years?  He did not have a hospital named after him, no museum, school, or even street.  He stored up treasures for himself in Heaven. What did he do? 

BLAMELESS AND UPRIGHT

In Job1:1, we are told what he did:  "This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil."  (NIV)  Do you know people like that today?  I contend to you that there are people today, of every skin color, who fears God and shuns evil.  Through the course of my life, I have met them, known them, worked with them.  These are servants of God who listen to The Holy Spirit and obey.  Often their obedience requires sacrifice.  To do what is right and just (obedience) is more acceptable to The Lord than sacrifice."  Proverbs 21:3  (NIV)  Also, know this:  "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance, but The Lord looks at the heart."  I Samuel 16:7  NIV  That means that even if you can only DO a very little, God sees what is in your heart when you do it.  So, DO something.

TAKE CARE OF FAMILY FIRST

Page 2 of what we learn from Job is that he took care of his family first.  Job 1: 4-5:  "His sons" (obviously grown) "used to take turns holding feasts in their homes, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them.  When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would send and have them purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, THINKING, "Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts."  This was Job's regular custom. (NIV)   Job accepted responsibility for his family.  Where are the fathers today?  Whether you have little or much, your family is your blessings.  Honor God by taking care of them.


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