January 2021 – Page 3 of 4 – Sonshine's Journal

January 11, 2021January 11, 2021

“Failure or Success in a Trial”

Job 29 to 31 Today we see many homeless people here and there. If you take time to talk with them, you may hear some of the same dialogs that Job was having with himself, his friends, and God. Like Job, they begin the age-old “why” me and “why” this. Some will admit to their past sins, but others, like Job, can recount their lives and not see the answers. James reminds us that when we are in a trial to ask for wisdom and that is what Job is doing. May you be encouraged to know that just as Job wondered, he still trusted God. You can as well. When in a trial, look at the past and then ask: Has God been faithful? If you can answer yes, then why would He not be faithful now? That is why God can be trusted even if you never learn the reason until eternity.

Although Job has been through the fire and continues to feel the heat, one thing he knows is this: God knows the end from the beginning. “Does he not see my ways and count all my steps?” [Job 31: 4] Therefore, no matter how bad life has become and how despondent Job is over this strange set of circumstances, he will not walk away from his belief that God is God and He knows the reason.

The bottom line is this: If Job or we fail here, Satan wins. TRUST GOD so you can say you passed the test.

January 10, 2021January 10, 2021

Job 28 James succinctly addresses wisdom and remarks that there are two avenues: earthly and heavenly. One is demonic, and the other is godly. James further notes that we have godly wisdom through our good conduct and works done in gentleness. On the other side of the coin is earthly, natural, and demonic wisdom, and then describes it as jealous, selfish, disorderly, and full of evil practices. The contrast is clear; the wisdom from above is peaceable, gentle, accommodating, merciful, impartial, and true.

Job had no Bible, preachers, prophets, or the indwelling Holy Spirit, yet he understood what men today do not comprehend: ‘The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’ [Job 28:28] Thus, the truth that Paul expounds proves that even without all of the outside intervention: through the “creation of the world [God’s] 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.” [Rom 1:20]

Which wisdom do you have? May you be encouraged to know that as Job wondered, you may also, but, even in his wondering, he still trusted God and had godly wisdom. You can be as well.

January 9, 2021January 9, 2021

God Knows 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? 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. 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? “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.” [Romans 1:20]

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. 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 23:10]

What does God say about you?

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

January 8, 2021January 8, 2021

God Is Still On The Throne

Job 18 to 20, “Where is the Compassion?”

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 on the throne where He was yesterday and is today and will be tomorrow.

January 7, 2021January 7, 2021

“Is There Life After Death?”

Job 14-16 Job asks the age-old question: “man dies and is powerless, he expires – and where is he?” and “if a man dies, will he live again?” Job struggled, but Jesus gave the answer: I am the way to the afterlife; believe in me.

It seems that all religions/faiths believe in some form of afterlife, but the real question is what Job asked: “will he live again?” The resurrection of Jesus proves that there is life after death. Jesus spoke of the reality of our destiny in [Luke 16:19-31]. Two men, Lazarus, and the rich man die. Jesus pulls back the curtain into eternity to show us that our destiny is sealed while we are alive.

Our witness to that truth is Jesus Christ, who “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.” [1Cor 15:3-7] 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. The question all need to ask is: where will you and I spend eternity? The two thieves on the cross and the story Jesus told in [Luke 16; Luke 23:39-42] 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 10:40 and Jn 5:24].

January 6, 2021January 6, 2021

“True Trust & True Wisdom.”

If you think you are wise, check your words

Job 10 to 13 Job says I know I am not wicked! But, I do know, my words are full of bitterness. The “know-it-all” Zophar is not so sure about Job’s assessment. First, he denigrates Job by saying; if you are so wise, you must know that behind this circumstance, and your bitter words that God would intervene if you were innocent! You must be in sin! Zophar counsels Job to relinquish his pride and seek God’s face for forgiveness. Stopping right there, we gasp 🙁 at Zophar’s presumption, but how often do we respond just like Zophar, claiming that God has forgiven only some of another’s sins?

But, Job is assured that this has not happened because of his sin; and Zophar is merely mocking Job. Job knows deep down inside, he is innocent in God’s eyes! He notes that God is orchestrating it for His purposes alone even if he doesn’t understand it! Quoting the same principle from the NT; “all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” [Romans 8:28] Job reiterates in strong language that he will continue to trust God no matter what comes his way. That is true trust and true wisdom. What God determines will come to pass. One ought to pray: “keep me back from presumptive sins.” [Ps 19:13]

There are two life principles here: (1) Don’t presume you understand God’s ways in light of what others are facing. [Deut 29:29] (2) Trust God even in hard times.

January 5, 2021January 5, 2021

“God is at Work”

Job 6 to 9 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, his anguish, and his questions. Satan had accused and challenged God that if Job’s body were touched “skin for skin” he would curse God to His face. But, even in the throes of 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.” He may not have understood but he remained God’s faithful servant. He kept talking to God and that is where many fail the test saying: “I tried God and He failed me.” Instead of clinging to God through the hard times, we seek to do it our way thinking we know best. But, Job, although walking precariously close to that edge in his thinking, never crossed that line; he trusted that God will 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 was happening to you.” [1Pe 4:12]

Trials prove the genuineness of our faith and this is the lesson we need to glean from Job.

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? Will you trust that God is working even if you can’t see it?

January 4, 2021January 4, 2021

Are you God’s Servant?

Job 1 to 5. Trials & Servants

From the peace in the Garden to the shining sword to keep man from re-entering after he sinned to facing the ultimate trial in man. It is here that we find the man Job. God knows Job, and God knows us. God describes him as blameless and upright, but even more that he is God’s servant. When we face a trial, whether by the hand of God or Satan, are we seen as the servant of God? God knew, but Satan did not, how he would face this trial. We may face the battleground but know this: we are God’s servants, and He knows how we will face each trial.

Beloved, we are in a spiritual battle. Paul describes it as: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Therefore: Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Paul tells us later in the 6th chapter of Ephesians that our armor includes the belt of truth; the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace; the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

What trial are you facing this day? Will God announce to Satan that you are His servant?

January 3, 2021January 3, 2021

God’s Promise Still Stands

Genesis 8-11 Three Chapters of drama. God sends the flood because of sin, yet He is gracious. He always opens a door for cleansing of our sin. Are we aware of God working in our life when we are out of fellowship with Him? Even in our sinful state, God always has a promise to draw us back to Him. His promise still stands even though men have chosen to disparage of what is godly to elevate that which is ungodly. The rainbow shows His power and His love and promise to NEVER flood the earth again. As we see the rainbows, do we stop to praise Him for His power, His promise, and His provision?

Into this, we see that men know the commands of God but seek to usurp them and build a tower to heaven. God had said, go and be fruitful and multiply the earth. The NT reveals what God thinks of our works: “Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.” [1Cor 3:12]

God is so clear on His commands. Our prayer for today is that we may follow God’s ways and may our works be that which brings a sweet aroma to His nostrils.

January 2, 2021January 2, 2021

Walking with God today…

Genesis 4 to 7 Two men in Gen 4 to7 are noted as “walking” with God. Although Moses did not note the character of Enoch, the author of Hebrews gives us this insight: “[Enoch] was commended as having pleased God.” [Heb 11:5]. Noah is noted as a righteous and blameless man. [Gen 6:9] Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him. [Gen 5:24] These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.[Gen 6:9]

So what does it mean to walk with God? Micah tells us: “He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord really wants from you: He wants you to carry out justice, to love faithfulness, and to live obediently before your God.”

When we walk with God, we can be assured of this truth: “I will also walk among you and be your God, and you shall be my people” –[ Leviticus 26:12] When we walk with God, it is sweet communion, and “Even though [we] walk through the darkest valley, [we] will fear no evil, for God is with us. His rod and [His] staff, comfort us.” – [Psalm 23:4 author paraphrase]

As Jesus walked along the road to Emmaus with the two disciples, He opened their hearts and their understanding of the scriptures. Thus, walking with God is a time of intimacy when He reveals what we are to hear and what we are to do.

Are you walking alone or with God today?