The Faith of Job

 

     You may know the story of Job We tend to believe that if we do everything right, we won’t suffer. Surely, we will be rewarded for our goodness, our faithfulness, our righteousness in Christ. When we read through the Book of Job, we learn the truth. We all suffer. Maybe no one has suffered more than Job, other than Christ Himself.

     Job followed God. He was a righteous man, rich in family and in possessions. And he lost everything. Everything, including all of his children, all of his possessions, even his health. His friends muttered helplessly, placing the blame on Job himself. Read through the book of Job when you have time.

     Job reacts as we might. He weeps, and wails and tears his clothes in anguish. He asks why over and over again, even wondering why he was born. One thing remained unchanged in Job. He held on to one hope. He did not lose faith in his God. Our God. He placed his trust and hope in him, even in the most dire of circumstances.

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship. Job 1:20

     Worship? Is this the first thing you think to do when grief and tragedy hit? Job did. Listen to his confident words. They may be familiar.

…”Naked I come from my mother’s womb and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. May the name of the Lord be praised. Job 1:21

     Job did not understand, but he never blamed God. Hope remained. Hope in the risen Lord. Finally, Job speaks these words of faith. We can do the same.

“I know that my redeemer lives and that in the end He will stand on the earth.” Job 19:25

Lord,

Thank You for the examples You give us in Scripture and in our lives of men and women of faith, never doubting Your love and promises. We know we will live with You one day forever. Give us the hope and worship of Job.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Triumph Through Tragedy

     Jesus understands. He lived a sin. He bore the pain, paid the price, placed our sin and the despair of this fallen world upon Himself. Our God human life, yet without knows. He is in heaven, alive and well, full of His glory, His righteousness and His plans will be fulfilled.

     Lay your heart open to Him. If you are suffering, look to Him. He will find a way to persevere, to walk through, to find hope. Our hope is always In Him. He will use us for good.

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4

    The journey through suffering is difficult, seemingly impossible. It takes perseverance (steadfast patient, continuing on.) This perseverance in the midst of struggle, builds character (maturity, reputation, value) and finally, we find hope again.

     The stories of triumph through tragedy, finding a message through a mess, or a testimony through a time of testing are numerous in the Bible and in your life and in mine. Do you have a story to share? About faith? About perseverance? About finding hope? About growing in compassion? About helping others through a similar situation? About finding God? Hope awaits, always hope in Jesus. He is there and He is working. Maybe your story needs to be shared.

Lord,

It is hard to imagine thanking You for our times of trouble and tears, yet you manifest Yourself in them and through them. We thank You for the goodness You bring through the tragic times of suffering. We won’t understand completely until heaven. But our faith remains steadfast in You, the ultimate hope.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Beauty and Suffering

     We live in a fallen world. There is no way to get through our lives without suffering. At the ripe old age of 62 I have seen my share both in my own life and in the lives of loved ones, friends and acquaintances. Suffering often brings us to our knees. For me, finding Jesus came through a time of deep questioning and suffering. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.

     Beauty and suffering, an oxymoron? Beauty rises from the depths of suffering. We’ll think about just that this week. Let’s think back through our past and imagine the lessons learned, the burdens shared, the wisdom found, even through the times and seasons we thought we would not survive.

     Finding God, sitting with the dying, crying common tears, working out good through it all, is walking on holy ground. There is a richness through suffering that is deep and indescribable. We wouldn’t wish it on anyone and we pray we will not go through it again, but let’s look a little deeper into how God works through the worst of times to show His glory. Here is His promise from the words of Isaiah:

And provide for those who grieve in Zion-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness a planting of the Lord for the display of His pleasure. Isaiah 61:3

     Hang on to these words if you are going through a tough time. God will provide the spiritual clothes to replace our black robes, to comfort us in our mourning and grief, to replace our feelings of despair. Is it time to put on the crown of beauty, the oil of joy, the garment of praise to our loving God?

Father,

We don’t understand, but You can work good through the worst of times on this earth. When our lives seem to be falling apart, when we have reached our limit, You reach down and offer much more, a deep joy and peace, and, finally, a heart that wants to praise You through it all.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Mindful of Our Days

     Our grandson is 1 month old! He has changed so much in these four short weeks. He is more aware of his surroundings. His facial features are filling out and his little fingers have dimples. The changes in his life will move quickly through this first year of rolling over, smiling, crawling, using his hands and learning to walk What a delight it will be to watch our little sunshine grow. He is a miracle, as we all are. Created by God.

     The changes in our lives through the years may be subtle, even imperceptible over long periods of time as we live through the years. And then we look in the mirror and notice we are over 60 years old!  Hopefully, wisdom has grown along with the wrinkles and aching muscles. Our God knows our story. He wants us to be mindful of our days.

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

     God knows us from the womb, throughout our lives, until our dying day. He will watch over Gavin and He will watch over you and me, every moment, every day, through every change, through every age. The following words contain powerful reminders of the intimacy we have with God. His hand is upon you.

You know when I sit and when I rise. You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down. You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and You lay Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Psalm 139:2-6

Lord,

Thank You for these words to remind us of Your intimate love. Watch over our precious grandson as He grows and keep us mindful of the shortness of our days and to witness for You in all our ways.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Encouragers

     Barnabus traveled with the apostle, Paul, on his missionary trips. The few times Barnabus is mentioned in the Bible, we find him helping, serving, encouraging. His name,  Barnabus, translates as “son of encouragement.” Do you have a Barnabus or two in your life?

     I am blessed to have a few. These encouragers take the time to send a card, call with a thank you, lift us up when we;re down. Encouraging others is a spiritual gift from God. Paul lists spiritual gifts in Ephesians 4, Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12.

If it is to encourage, then give encouragement. If it is giving, then give generously. If it is to lead, do it diligently. If it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:8

Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

     God has gifted you! Whether you are a Barnabus, a leader, whether you have a sympathetic ear or a generous heart for giving, God is using you. Who will He place in your path today? You are gifted with the supernatural powers of the Holy Spirit and He has wonderful plans for you.

Dear Lord,

We thank You for the encouragers in our lives. We all need them. Help us to encourage them right back and appreciate them for this wonderful gift that gives life and hope to so many.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Our Shepherd

     Jesus is the good shepherd and we are the sheep. He tends to our needs. He sets boundaries when we are about to escape from His watchful eye. He carries us when we are hurt. He feeds and nourishes our souls. Listen for the good shepherd. When we belong to Him, we recognize His voice.

My sheep listen to My voice. I know them and they follow Me. John 10:27

     He cares for us. He laid down His life for us. He offers us peace and safety, eternally.

I am the gate. Whoever enters through Me will be saved They will come in and go out and find pasture. John 10:9

     If you have time read through the 23^rd Psalm. The Lord is our Shepherd.

Father,

Jesus is our good shepherd. We thank You for giving us this picture of the One who cares for us, finding safe places for our souls, guiding us tenderly, until we arrive home.

Amen

Agape Style

     The Greeks do not have just one word for love to encompass every feeling known to man, from chocolate to friendship to romance, as we do. The Greek words include “eros,” a romantic, passionate love, the deep love between a husband and wife, for example. There is “philia,” the love of a friend. This is why Philadelphia is known as the “city of brotherly love.” God’s love goes to a deeper level. His “agape” love is a sacrificial love, a selfless love, the highest form of love.

     This sacrificial, unconditional love is found in God’s gift to us. The gift of Jesus. The gift of eternal life. The gift of a sacrifice so deep that our God took on all of our sin and felt the punishment, paid the penalty, for us.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

    He didn’t die for us because we are good enough. We aren’t. Not one of us.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

     No, we can’t earn it. Not one of us. He died for us while we were sinners, to give us this gift of grace and mercy. That is how much we are loved. All we need to do is believe. “Whoever” believes will have eternal life.

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

     Agape love for His children. Believe!

Lord,

Your sacrificial love is tough for us to accept. We long to earn Your love, to do enough, to work harder, to try a little more. But You offer us eternal life just for believing that Jesus died for us. We believe.

In Jesus name,

Amen

God's Child

          God’s children. Talk about having the perfect Father! Even the best dads on earth are imperfect, prone to mistakes in raising kids. Our heavenly Father knows best. He disciplines when necessary. He loves unconditionally. He offers wisdom continuously.

     You are a beloved child of the God of creation. He offered His Son to die for you and me. Now, that is love!

Because you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ”Abba Father.” Galatians 4:6 (see also Romans 8;15)

     The word, “Abba,” can be translated to our word, “daddy.” What a beautiful image. Our daddy will protect us and love us as we lean on Him. He is our Father, our daddy, the One who loves us beyond our human understanding. Jesus called His Father in heaven, “Abba,” in Mark 14 just before the cross, asking if the agony to come could be taken away. He cries to His daddy, His Father as He weeps in anguish.

     Take the thought with you today. Do you have a deep need to share with a loving Father? Cry out to your daddy in heaven. You are God’s child, His beloved son or daughter. The sons and daughters of the King of the universe and we may call Him daddy.

Abba Father,

What a gift You give to us, to be safe with You, to cry out to You with our every need. You listen, You sorrow with us. You rejoice with us. You do life with us and we praise You, our Father, our God, our loving daddy.

Amen

Equally and Uniquely Loved

     Walk in confidence today as a child loved by God! You are dearly loved. Yes, you!

For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that He has chosen you. 1 Thessalonians 1:4

     Dear sisters and brothers loved by God, He has chosen you!! Christ will give us His righteousness, His power, and His wisdom and His truth. Our steadfast faith in Him gives us confidence.

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. Jeremiah 17:7

Such confidence we have through Christ before God. 2 Corinthians 3:4

     Equally and uniquely loved. He loved us, so that we may love our brothers and sisters in the faith, as well as others in the world. Our confidence rests in Christ, our faith secure. We can walk in freedom and trust, knowing we are His, now and forever. Rest in that this week as you venture out, dear brothers and sisters loved by God.

Father,

We rest in Your love this week, moving in confidence. Your love never fails and You forgive time and time again. We remain Yours now and forever.

In Jesus name.

Amen

Equally and Uniquely Loved

     We are equally and uniquely loved. Your relationship with Jesus will look different than mine. I have a good friend who is fortunate enough to spend two hours every morning in deep study and prayer. What a gift!

     Another of my friends is an extrovert who just takes Jesus with her wherever she goes, picking up nuggets of wisdom from Him along the way throughout the day. What does your relationship look like? Are you aware of His presence? Do you ask for direction throughout the day? Do you seek Him when a decision has to be made? Pray for the health of others? Look to His Word for answers?

     He yearns to be close to each one of us equally and uniquely. He honors each one of us in deep love and concern. He is for us and with us every moment.

Now you are the body of Christ and each of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5

     Equal parts of the same body, each one uniquely created, to work together in service. Don’t you just love His plan? He loves us and we love one another.

Lord,

Thank You for the individual gifts You give, the way You guide us into relationship with You and with others. We wait for opportunities to serve, each one in the ways chosen by You. Teach us how to find our spiritual gifts and to use them to Your glory.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Equally and Uniquely Loved

     We love because of Jesus. We are transformed because of Jesus. We can live with the Holy Spirit of the Creator of the universe because of Jesus. We can live supernaturally, with hope, because of Jesus.

We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

     Because He first loved us. That love permeates everything about us. He lavishes us with the type of love that defeats death and brings life.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. 1 John 3:1

     We are children of God! He lavished His love on us with Jesus. And because of Him, because of His forgiveness, His grace, His new mercies every morning, because of His death, we can choose life, life now and forever.

Jesus,

Thank You for the gift of life everlasting, and for the great love You lavish on us each day. Help us to live out our lives with that same love for others. We love, because You first loved us.

Amen

Equally and Uniquely Loved

     This week, we are allowing God to lavish His love on us, and, in return, we will love and honor one another. One of the purposes of God’s love for us, is to take care of, and honor our brothers and sisters in Christ. We may have personality clashes, but we are to love. We may feel jealous of another’s gifts, but we are to be satisfied with our own. We are to rejoice with one another and suffer with one another.

     The deep fellowship in Christ is unlike any other. It will move from this earth to eternity. We are linked together forever as children of God. Let’s love.

So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. If one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.  Now, you are the body of Christ and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12;25-27

Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15

     We are in the same family, equally and uniquely His. Our joys can be shared and our burdens cut in two when we live out life together.

Father,

Thank You for brothers and sisters in the faith. Jesus died for all of us. We want to learn to love and to live through and with Him. Help us to be examples in the world around us, as we share the generosity and unconditional love of Jesus.

Amen

Equally and Uniquely Loved

     I have to remind myself, continually, that God loves me and always wants the best for me. So many days, I feel guilty about one thing or another. You, too? As human beings, we have our weaknesses, our temptations, our emotions and a myriad of other attributes that take us away from God’s plan.

     Just for today, soak in God’s unconditional love for you. Don’t be hard on yourself. He loves you just the way you are. He understands your unique personality, your unique gifts. The ways you serve won’t look like the ways I, or anyone else, serves. Let’s not compare and compete. We are all members of the same body, with different parts, all valuable to Jesus.

     Some of our gifts are quiet and encouraging, others boisterous and generous, others behind-the-scenes and, still others, up on the podium. None is better than another. You are gifted and loved. You are a child of God, a beloved child of God.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them, and in everyone, there is the same God at work. 1 Corinthians 12:4=6

     The same Lord, the same Spirit, the same God, working in us and loving us, quirks and all. He loves you!

Lord,

You are our God and the same Spirit is within each of us. That Spirit understands us deeply and profoundly, leading us in ways we often don’t even notice. Guide us into truth and into Your love today.

In Jesus name,

Amen

His Way

    The world is ever-changing, in the seasons, in the nations, in our lives. We age. Our lives are filled with the roller-coaster of joys and sorrows, of comfort and turmoil, of peace and anxiety. One thing remains steadfast and unchanging and that is our Lord.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17

     As your life unfolds each day, remember your God is faithful, unchanging, the same yesterday, today and forever. He remains faithful, steadfast and He has loved us and will continue to love us with a sacrificial love. Do not fear. He is there, right beside you, forever.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Father,

We rely on you day-by-day, minute-by-minute. Your presence remains unchanging in an ever-changing world. Give us the inner peace and hope You provide today as we move into the chaotic world around us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

His Way

     God’s ways are higher than ours, His thoughts higher than ours. He is sovereign over all things and His purposes will unfold in His timing. And to think He is mindful of us! We saw on Monday, His intimate knowledge of our every word, our every thought, our every step.

What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? Psalm 8:4

     As we contemplate God’s sovereign power, it becomes even more awe-inspiring to imagine God becoming man to save us from death. Jesus became one of us. And He conquered death. Our sovereign God found a way. It is Jesus.

But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. Hebrews 2:9

    God made lower than the angels for a little while for us. He took death and our sins upon Himself and now He resides in all power and in all glory!

Jesus,

There are no words, as we take in the magnitude, once again, of what You did for us. We did not deserve it and we praise and thank You today, our sovereign Lord.

Amen

His Way

     Sovereign: Possessing supreme or ultimate power. I love knowing that God is sovereign over all things. He created the heavens and the earth and His purposes will reign and rule through the end days of the earth to the forever rule of the new heaven and the new earth.

     Let the truth of God’s sovereign power over all things, including our short lives, give you peace. He is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, in all things and through all things, from the rain and snow that water the earth, to the trees, rivers and streams, to the oceans and the mammals, from the birds, rocks and animals, to His beautiful creation of you and me. Praise our sovereign Lord.

But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the sovereign Lord my refuge. I will tell of all Your deeds. Psalm 73:28

For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise rise up before all nations. Isaiah 61:11

When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God, “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “You made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them.” Acts 4:24

Sovereign Lord,

You hold everything in Your hands. We praise You this morning, as we give thanks for all You have given us. We remain steadfast in our faith and in our trust. Your ways are as high as the heavens.

In Jesus name,

Amen

His Way

     Trusting God to know best does not come easily, does it? The “whys?” cannot be answered in human terms. We do know, and have experienced, the ways God uses our weaknesses, our struggles, our suffering, to grow us into a deeper relationship with Him. He teaches us to use our suffering to help others, along with teaching us to persevere and grow us into a deeper truth of who we are and why we are here.

     Have you experienced deep growth after, or in the midst of, a time of deep hurt? Have you seen the light in someone else’s gaze as you share compassion and understanding? Trust God to know the higher truth, the deeper purpose, the higher goal in your life. Hear His voice today:

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8=9

Father in heaven,

We return to You again and again. You have the answers and we do not. You are there, our faithful God, to see us through, to use us in our weakness, to grow in understanding and deep spiritual truth. Help us to see with the eyes of faith.

In Jesus name,

Amen

His Way

     Our God is everywhere. As believers, we can trust in His presence for all of our days. He is beside us, behind us and before us. He understands us so intimately, He knows what we will say before we speak.

You know when I sit and when I rise. You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down. You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You Lord, know it completely. Psalm 139:2-4

     He is there, everywhere, when we rise, when we lay down, before we speak, before we say the next word. Count on His presence. Acknowledge His wisdom and care. Reach out for Him through the worry, through the struggles, through the unanswered questions. He knows. He is faithful. His ways are too wonderful for us to comprehend.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Psalm 139:6

Lord,

We acknowledge You and Your wisdom this morning. You know us completely and Your ways are too wonderful for us to understand. We relax into Your presence, leaving our day in Your mighty hands. Guide us and teach us as we go on our way.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Our Perfect God

     We have looked at our perfect God this week and the ways He works in us. It is a miraculous work He performs in  fallen humans, but it is HIS work, not ours. As we read the Word, listen to Jesus in prayer and follow His ways, He changes us and most of all, it is all about love.

     There may be fear as we step out into this crazy world filled with anxiety and hate. But His perfect love casts away fear.

There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

     We know we will not reach perfection until heaven, but resting in God’s perfect love will take away our fear, even unto death. Remember, God is faithful. We can stand forever in our faith. Faith always brings hope and hope will bring us into our eternal home. God is perfect and unchanging. We can believe.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Lord,

Every good gift is from You and Your unchanging ways. Your perfect love sustains us every day. Keep working in us, even when we fall. You never give up. Your ways are perfect. Your will is perfect. We love You and place our trust in You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Our Perfect God

    As we grow in our faith and listen for the voice of Jesus, the changes begin from the inside out. What are some of the attributes that begin to shine through us as we delve deeper into our faith? Listen to these verses.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another. If any of you has a grievance against someone, forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14

     God, through Jesus, has forgiven me so very much. How about you? As we soak in His love and His mercies that are new every morning, we can give others the benefit of the doubt. In addition, we can remind ourselves, that unbelievers have not experienced this great love.

     Put on the spiritual clothes of forgiveness, kindness, humility, compassion and patience. And above all, love. We are representing the One who died for us. The perfect man, the perfect God.

Lord,

Give us the strength to be different in the culture around that appears to be filled with hate and violence. Shine through us as we maneuver through these short lives. Work in us to make us into Your image.

In Jesus name,

Amen