May 2020 – Page 2 of 3 – Sonshine's Journal

May 22, 2020

What one word describes you?

Job 32-34 Elihu speaks. We wonder what God thinks of Elihu and in turn about us when we speak many words?

There is a little verse stuck in Ecclesiastes that reads: “Do not be rash with your mouth or hasty in your heart to bring up a matter before God, for God is in heaven, and you are on earth! Therefore, let your words be few.” [Eccl 5:2] It seems that Elihu, who has been silent for 31 chapters, is just bursting at the seams to share his thoughts about Job’s condition, but he doesn’t know the last part of that verse. Much of what he says is true, but it is his attitude that grinds at us because we find that he is feeling frustrated because the other three men can’t find the answer to Job’s problems. In some way of a put-down, Elihu says that he is young, but they are elderly, and age should speak, not youth. But Elihu says he is full of words, and as we read, we can see that that is an accurate picture of him. He is like a tightened spring, and once released, it goes into orbit until it winds down.

So what is our life lesson we can glean from him? What is God saying to us? First, we find he has “me –first-I-tis” disease, it is “me, me, me” and little grace for Job and his three friends. His monologue is long and rambles, but the essence of it is this: beneath his words, we find that he although he understands much about God; we are left to wonder; does he know God?

May 19, 2020

TheTruth of the Matter

Job is in isolation just as we are in quarantine. We can relate to his isolation because of coronavirus isolation. Are you frustrated? Do you want to see an end to this pandemic? Imagine yourself as Job sitting in dust and ashes. What is your view of God? But Job rises to the occasion and tells his “so-called friends,” I know God, do you?

Job 21 to 24 The Truth of the Matter

Are you confounded by the responses of those who are asked; do you believe the Bible? Some answers come back like the Ethiopian’s question; how can I unless someone guides me? [Acts 8] Or, the Bible is too hard for me to understand; Or, I am too busy to read the Bible and on and on and on go the answers to our question. Yet, Job centuries before even a word was written, he could say: “I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my allotted portion; he is unchangeable; whatever he desired, he does.” [Jpb 23]

Did you catch that? Job had no Bible, no missionary came to tell him about God, yet he treasured the words of God. How did he know? Romans 1:20 answers that question: “For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, because they are understood through what has been made. So people are without excuse.”

God has been silent with Job not because he didn’t want to interact with him but to prove to our arch-enemy the truth of what he knew about Job: There is no one like him. He is blameless and upright and fears Me. [Job 1] God knew that Satan was frustrated because Job did not curse him, yet He remained silent because just as Job knew God’s character, God knew Job’s character: if tested, he would come forth as gold. [Job 23]

What does God say about you?

God knows who you are and how you will respond. Trust Him.

May 18, 2020

“Where is the Compassion?”

Job 18 to 20 Are you feeling that God has abandoned you? Do you call and heaven is silent? Do others blame you for where you are spiritually or physically or emotionally? Then you will relate to Job.

When we are suffering, we need compassion; do we not? But, Job’s three comforters are anything but! He asks them, “how long will you torment me and crush me with your words.” We should take this as a lesson. Do we respond as these three men? Job’s heart is crushed. He is in pain. The last thing he wants to hear is that he is suffering because of some sin he is unaware of. Job says ten times you have reproached me. Where is your compassion?

While all of this is happening, heaven is silent. Have you ever thought heaven had shut its doors? Have you ever asked like Job; where are you, God? That has to be the hardest road to travel. When God is silent, we find it hard to be faithfully waiting and at peace, and it doesn’t help when others share harsh words. If there is one truth we can cling to at this juncture, it is what Job shared next:

“I know that my Redeemer lives and that at the last he will stand upon the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh, I shall see God Whom I shall behold, and whom my eyes will see and not another.”

We all need that reminder. If you are facing a hard time like Job, underline that verse, memorize it, and cling to it. God may be silent, but He is still where He was yesterday and is today and will be tomorrow.

May 17, 2020

Where will you spend eternity? Is there an answer?

Job 14 “Is There Life After Death?”

Job asks the age-old question: “man dies and is powerless, he expires – and where is he?” Then he continues asking, “if a man dies, will he live again?”

Research has shown that down through the centuries, no matter where you go and with whom you talk, you find that all religions believe in some form of an afterlife, but the real question is what Job asked: “will he live again?” Science has proved that the body dies, but it cannot answer the question about the soul, for it cannot be measured. To answer this question, we need to have a witness that can affirm and answer this question. That witness is Jesus Christ. He “died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures and that he appeared.” [1 Cor 15] He appeared to not just Peter but to the many that went forth to tell the world: yes, there is life after death.

From Jesus, we can know that yes, we will live again, but the better question is, where will you spend eternity? The two thieves on the cross and the story Jesus told in Luke 16 tell us that man must choose NOW for once death comes; there is no return ticket to this earthly life. What will you choose? Jesus said, “I have come that they might have life.” [Jn 10].

May 16, 2020

“Zophar and Job dialogue.”

Do you assume something without concrete evidence? How would others label you? Zophar is what we call a “know-it-all.” He presumes without evidence and is an example for all of us.

Job 11 – 13 Have you ever met someone who is what we call a “know-it-all?” That would be a fitting description of Zophar. First, he denigrates Job. You said your teaching is flawless and pure in God’s sight, but if you are so wise, you must know that behind this circumstance, you stand convicted of sin. Remember, there are two sides to the wisdom coin; earthly and true. [James 3] Job reminds Zophar that God is key to understanding which wisdom is revealed. Is Zophar only looking at the earthly side of that coin? Zophar claims that God has only forgiven only some of Job’s sins, so he needs to relinquish his pride and seek God’s face for forgiveness.

Job tells Zophar: you are just like the so-called experts who extol their wisdom while alive, but when they die, so goes their wisdom. What God determines will come to pass regardless if we are wise or not. Instead we ought to pray: “keep me back from presumptive sins.” [Ps 19:13] Zophar would be prudent to heed those words.

Job says this has not happened because of my sin. Instead, God is orchestrating it for His purpose. “And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. [Romans 8:28] Job will continue to trust God.

There are two life principles here: (1) don’t presume you understand God’s ways for some are revealed and some are hidden; [Deut 29:29] (2) remain faithful to God even in the hard times.

May 15, 2020

“Speeches Reveal the Heart”

Job 8 to 10 Job is facing a severe trial, and at his initiative, he has chosen to quarantine from his home and wife. His friends come to visit and sit six feet apart for seven days without a word for the sight of Job in his distress is so severe. Then, one by one, they begin to dialogue with him about his trial, but instead of gentleness, their words are harsh and full of criticism.

As Job listens, he begins to think of the wonders of creation and the God he has served for many a year. He wonders why this is happening, but his faith remains steadfast, although he asks how a human can be just before God? He shares his understanding of the God he knows, one who is wise in heart and might in strength. His ability to remove mountains shows his power, and he alone spreads out the heavens and treads on the sea waves. Jesus did just that as he walked on the waves on the Sea of Galilee to prove He was God. Job asks if he passes by me, I cannot see him, and that is precisely the scene the disciples describe. [Mark 6] Zechariah and the Psalmist also describes Him as the one who crosses the sea of storms and will calm its turbulence. [Zechariah 10:11/Ps 107:29]

Faithful one, do you see Jesus as Job speaks? Do we come to God to plead for His mercy for those who are suffering? Do we stop and ask God to understand this dilemma? Do we have the same measure of faith as he; Even if he slays me, I will hope in him.”

May 14, 2020

“Which Voice Do You Listen To?”

Job 5-7 When we get discouraged, it helps to remember that we know how this story will turn out, but as we walk with Job, we begin to experience his pain, anguish, and questions. Satan had accused and challenged God that if Job’s body were touched “skin for skin,” he would curse God to His face. His wife added to that mantra with “curse God and die!” As Job sat in dust and ashes with a body that was wasting away with sores and in bodily pain, he did not succumb, for he “feared God and turned away from evil.”

Job may not have understood, but he remained God’s faithful servant. He kept talking to God, and that is where many say; “I tried God, and He failed me.” Instead of clinging to God through the hard times, we seek to “do it our way.” Job reminded his wife that is godless chatter. Job trusted that God would have His way in His time.

A lesson we can learn from this comes from Peter: “Dear friends, do not be astonished that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as though something strange were happening to you.” [1 Pe 4:12] Trials prove the genuineness of our faith.

When you face these hard trials, you have a choice; trust God or go your own way and prove the words of Satan true. Which will it be?

May 13, 2020

Job, A Servant of God

Job 1 – 4 As God and Satan dialog, we find that God speaks of Job as His servant. Twice God asks Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job?” God wants Satan to see that he has missed the mark while Job has not. Job is faithful because he has a righteous fear of God. Satan seeks permission from God to sift Job and he does it with you and me. While Job is being tested we must watch and listen so we can learn what a righteous servant is.

Will we come forth as gold or are we failing to finish strong?

Job is a lesson in the standards God has for his servants; to be found blameless and have a reverential fear of God. Job rises to the occasion and sees that while he doesn’t understand this, he still will remain faithful, whereas Satan thinks that if all the protective hedges (as he calls them) are removed, Job’s real character will be revealed. Satan did it then, and he does it today. While Satan is busy trumping up false charges, Jesus is praying for us just as he did for Peter in Luke 22:31.

God knows His people; he knows you and me. He knows how we are facing this trial of the coronavirus, and He knows the ways of the evil one. When Satan speaks with God will he hear God saying:

(your name) is one of my trusted servants?

May 12, 2020

Prayer Unleashes God’s Power

Esther 8 to 10 The world, it seems, has stopped all because of this coronavirus. The world may not know what to do, but God knows all about it, and He has placed His chosen officials in place. We should be praying that they are “filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Pray for our leaders, “and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” [1 Ti 2:2]

Today we are one click away from knowing what is happening around the globe. But in Esther’s time, Persia was a “nation” that stretched from India to Ethiopia where only horse riders brought the news. All these people knew was that the decrees had been sent for the extinguishing of any Jew. How often do things happen behind the scenes in our affairs, in our church life, in our government, and we get news second or third hand and don’t know the particulars? Yet our God is aware and is “on our side.”

Esther took her plea to the king and revealed the foe of the Jews. Haman was a wicked man who hated God’s people. Today we have many who still are filled with the sin of hate. The only prescription is to show God’s unconditional love. Faith, hope, love bathed in prayer unleashes God’s power.

Are you God’s ambassador for His divine plan to be carried out?

May 11, 2020

Esther 4 to 6 Pride, Humility and God’s Glory

All three books, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther, tell us stories of life under Persian rule. They depict Jewish prominence as well as Anti-Jewish sentiment. As believers, like the Jews throughout history, we are pilgrims and strangers on planet earth. God will use both those who honor him, and those who do not to bring about His plans for He is sovereign, and He is mightier than any evil Haman.

After Esther is chosen to be the new queen, life seems to return to “normal,” while behind the scenes, God is getting ready to destroy Satan’s puppet Haman. Haman has two problems: anger and pride. He is angry at Mordecai’s refusal to bow, so crafts a piece of legislation to annihilate all Jews. What Haman does not know or remember is that it is Mordecai who unearthed an assassination plot to kill the king, but is never rewarded. Secondly, the king is unsuspecting of Haman’s motives, but God will use insomnia to start the revelation. Esther, in the meantime, is sequestered behind palace walls, unaware of the happenings in Susa.

God has his ways of revealing the truth. He is no fool, and He will not be mocked [Gal 6]. Haman teaches us the truth that pride goeth before the fall. [Prov 16:18] Satan thinks he has the upper hand and is in control, but once again, we can see the truth of [Prov 16:19] “A man’s heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps,” as well as how God divinely orchestrates past, present and the future to bring glory to Himself.