Month: May 2022

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Wisdom? Get it from God.

Job 25-27, James 3 Two kinds of wisdom

Bildad reveals that his wisdom is, as James says: earthly. Jam 3:15 Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, natural, demonic. I don’t know if I would characterize Bildad’s wisdom as demonic, but as James says, it is natural that it is not coupled with the fear of the Lord. Then Job responds with a sharp retort. Do you not understand the ways of God? He is the author of all creation, which is a refreshing reminder of Romans 1:20 the eternal attributes of God are clearly seen in creation so that we are without excuse.

The dialog will continue, but we learn that no matter the trials on Job, he remains steadfast and immovable. What a powerful testimony: “I will maintain my righteousness and never let it go; my conscience will not reproach me for as long as I live.” [Job 27:6]

Which character do you most relate to?

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Blindness

From blindness to sight

Job 21-24 Men are blind to the ways of God

Job and Eliphaz spar off once again. Job understands that God leaves the wicked for a season but one day will call them to account. Eliphaz says you are just as wicked and you know how that turns out. HA! Job says don’t you realize that God has left them here for a reason? They show us the depravity of mankind but the overwhelming patience of God for He is not willing any to perish. [2Peter 3:9] As for me, I will trust Him: he knows the pathway that I take; if he tested me, I would come forth like gold. My foot has held fast to His path; I have kept His way and not turned aside.

In essence, Job is asking Eliphaz if this is true about his life. He is asking us the same question and waiting for our answer. How do you respond?

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Is God your Redeemer?

Stormy bullets

Job 18-20 God is My Redeemer

Although Bildad and Zophar continue on their way to distance themselves from Job’s righteousness in words, Job stands firm with one statement: I know that my Redeemer lives and at the last he shall stand on the earth.[Job 19:25-27] No matter the number of “word bullets” sent into his being, Job remains firm. Can we say the same when others are seeking to derail our faith?

Job also acknowledges the fact that when the time comes for his passing from this earth, skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh, I will see God, whom I will see for myself, and whom my own eyes will behold, [Job 19:27]  That is a promise we can all exclaim and proclaim. Though our loved ones or we pass from this earth, we can know for certain that if we, like Job, are blameless in God’s sight, we will see God face to face.

Will you see God face to face beholding all of His glory or has Satan so blinded you that you cannot see His glory? [2 Cor 4:4] Ask God to reopen your eyes to see Him!

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Eternity and Today

What will your dash reveal

Job 14-17

Job now shares what Solomon also said: God has placed eternity in the hearts of men. What will the dash between birth and death reveal when we face God? [Eccl 3:11NASB]

Eliphaz has listened to Job’s monologues, and in his impatience, he now steps forward to add his “2cents” to the conversation as they sit around the fire. His words are caustic and reveal his lack of spiritual maturity. He begins with, “Who do you think you are?” Men are abominable and filthy, and you think you are better than I am? Listen, do not trust in useless things, for they reap only futility.

Now, after listening, Job responds: you are miserable companions. Job says, if we could trade places, you might see life from my perspective. I was hoping you could open your eyes to see what is happening and where I am at the moment. But, even though I pour out my tears before you and God, I know this truth: if you pray for me instead of pouring out your scathing remarks, God will hear and respond.

Principle: We have but one life to live; what will the dash reveal in eternity about this life God has given to us? Secondly, Prayer is the answer to a person in grief, not scorn or charging them with sin. So may our words be few and pleasing in the sight of God. [Eccl 5:2]

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Let God take care of the Zophar’s

Let God take care of the Zophar's

Job 11-13 When you have friends like Zophar, who needs enemies!

Zophar is caustic and uncaring.  He thinks he is the expert and proceeds to tell Job that he is NOT!  With a friend like Zophar who needs enemies is an age-old saying that fits here.  Poor Job!  I can relate, and I am sure you can as well.  But, Job responds, I know I am blameless, and I will be vindicated.  That is the trait of a godly man who has walked with God for years and years.  They know about God, and they know God.  In fact, Job mentions something that Daniel also mentioned: God raises up and puts down men both in leadership and personally.

Is there a Zophar in your life?  Be bold to explain your walk with God to them, and even if they don’t change; it helps your mindset.  Job tells Zophar and the other listeners that this is his character trait. His question is why doesn’t he come and defend him?  Like us, we want affirmation that what we know is true is actually true.  So take heart you who have a Zophar in your life!  Hangest thou in there.  God may not answer you, but He reassures us in our spirit that we are indeed blameless. Let God take care of the Zophar’s in your life!

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How to be righteous

by faith you are saved

Job 8-10 The dialog between Bildad and Job reveals what man has been wondering about since time began. Bildad understands this truth: God does not cast away the blameless. Is he asking Job to reassess his life? He, like Job, does not know that God has already pronounced him blameless. Bildad also knows this truth: God has no pleasure in fools or hypocrites,

From that Job’s question surfaces: I understand that but here’s my question: how can a man be righteous before God? That has been the question since the beginning of time, and thankfully Paul answered that in the NT. It is not by anything we do but solely based on our faith in God’s work in us. (Eph. 2:8-9; Romans 5)

Want the answer? Send me an email at gaye@bible.org

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“I Tried God and…”

Satan has a plan, God has a plan

Job 5-7 God reveals that He is faithful to us from beginning to end. We are left to walk with Job, and experience his pain, anguish, and questions while Satan accuses and challenges God. He charges 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.”  

Unlike many today who call themselves “exvangelicals” and say “I tried God, and…”  Unlike Job who clung to God through the hard times, they act like Job’s wife. They only want the easy way.  They fail to realize that often God has a deeper purpose and that Satan is a liar from beginning to end.  Job trusted that God would have His way in His time. We too should remember this: “do not be astonished that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as though something strange were happening to you.” [1Pe 4:12] Trials prove the genuineness of our faith. 

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

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Job and the Trials of Life

The faithfulness ofJob

Job 1-4 A Blameless Man             

God takes our worldview and our way of life seriously. Job is a central character that epitomizes his faith-filled life that not only lived by faith but was an example of that to the surrounding community and his family. Although his story is one of multiple tragedies, he excelled in how he faced them.

“Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord.” That was Job’s life; his strength came from God as he faced each succeeding tragedy. Would that God speak into our lives the same way? William Gurnall continues to explain that although we face sudden alarm and other thoughts sent to dismay us, we are to march on and be strong with courage.

We can perform with excellence just as Job. First, we must choose to “be strong,” not just physically but by taking our direction from the Holy One, the Lord God Almighty. It is the power of His might that will sustain us. Job lived by that, which is a challenge to us.

Satan thought this would be a “slam-dunk” exercise, but Job’s character would pass the test just as God reminded him. Truth: God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it. [1Co 10:13]

How about us?

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Prayer is God’s Technology!

Prayer is God's technology

Esther 8 to 10 Prayer Unleashes God’s Power

Today we are one click away from knowing what is happening around the globe. Global governments and people seek to be in control of all legislation and people’s decisions. But in Esther’s time, Persia was a “nation” that stretched from India to Ethiopia where only horse riders brought the news. They heard that there was a new decree to exterminate Jews. Many times we only get news second or third hand and don’t know the particulars. Yet our God is aware and He is “on our side.”

God has placed His chosen officials in place. Pray for them to be “filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” [Col. 1:9] Pray for our leaders, “and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” [1Ti 2:2]

Esther took her plea to the king and revealed the plan to rid Persia of the Jews by the hand of wicked  Haman who hated God’s people. God hears the pleas of His children and raises up and puts down those who are filled with hatred of His chosen ones. We must pray for God’s power to be unleashed.

How are you praying for your governing officials today?

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