Read Job chapter 21.
Though there are exceptions, the rule seems to be that the wicked prosper in this life and the righteous don't. One reaches this conclusion through the narrow lens of human observation. The other guidepost is that this life is not all there is. The Lord knows how to compensate both the wicked and the righteous. At God's time, and only then, perfect justice will be served. Don't keep your hope built on goods or a status that you don't have. Instead, keep your hope built on the realization that you will see your Redeemer one day. Don't wish that the wicked get what they deserve. Labor for their rescue from self-dependence. Pray for their salvation. Remember how gracious the Lord has been to you. (You certainly deserved none of that.)
Showing posts with label Job. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Job. Show all posts
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Friday, November 10, 2017
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
My Prayer (11/08/17)
Read Job 4:3-4.
This is the impact I want my words to have, whether I'm preaching or counseling or casually conversing, whether as a pastor, parent, friend or neighbor. Work so as to keep me from foolish talk, Lord.
This is the impact I want my words to have, whether I'm preaching or counseling or casually conversing, whether as a pastor, parent, friend or neighbor. Work so as to keep me from foolish talk, Lord.
Friday, March 24, 2017
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
This Offer Won't Last
In contrast to the sunset pictures I posted yesterday, you'll recognize this white gift that fell today. Let no one say God is boring!
"For to the snow He says, 'Fall on the earth'..." (Job 37:6)
"For to the snow He says, 'Fall on the earth'..." (Job 37:6)
Friday, August 19, 2011
Job's Influence (Job 29:21-25)
What influence! Job spoke, people listened. They sought him out.
Who doesn't want to have such an impact? It's only natural to ask, "How did Job get to that pinnacle of impact?" He wasn't born wise or influential; rather, he developed such capacity.
Job earned the right to be heard through simple, helpful acts of caring. He noticed the obvious in front of him and did something about it (Eccl. 9:10; Job 29:12-17). Investment (of time, talent, treasure and strength) precedes impact.
In addition to his compassion, Job was also a man of character (Job 1:1, 8). Character plus compassion -- you can never go wrong.
What's the obvious need that, were you to ignore it, would slap you in the face because of your coldness? Now, what are you going to do about it? Of course you can do something about it! God didn't bring it to your attention so you could say, "Somebody ought to help those people." I'm the somebody. You're the somebody.
Who doesn't want to have such an impact? It's only natural to ask, "How did Job get to that pinnacle of impact?" He wasn't born wise or influential; rather, he developed such capacity.
Job earned the right to be heard through simple, helpful acts of caring. He noticed the obvious in front of him and did something about it (Eccl. 9:10; Job 29:12-17). Investment (of time, talent, treasure and strength) precedes impact.
In addition to his compassion, Job was also a man of character (Job 1:1, 8). Character plus compassion -- you can never go wrong.
What's the obvious need that, were you to ignore it, would slap you in the face because of your coldness? Now, what are you going to do about it? Of course you can do something about it! God didn't bring it to your attention so you could say, "Somebody ought to help those people." I'm the somebody. You're the somebody.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Job Didn't Blame God (Job 1:22)
Job didn't blame God. Certainly some others might have, but not Job. What the writer said about Job (Job 1:1) matched what God said (Job 1:8). Job had character; he had integrity (Job 2:3). His character was the foundation for his confession.
Our of who we are (heart, character), we speak. When you don't like what you hear coming out of your mouth, it's not a habit problem but a heart problem. Since the tongue can be wild and unruly, only character (through the power of the Holy Spirit) can restrain it. The tongue wants to say what it wants to say. When it is restrained or silenced, that's character. When the tongue in turn speaks what's right, you know that's character (Gal. 5:22-23) plus power at work.
Work on both words and character, but work on character more. To blame God would've been usual, ordinary, default behavior. For many people. Not Job.
Lengthy suffering is no excuse for lazy speaking (externally or internally).
Our of who we are (heart, character), we speak. When you don't like what you hear coming out of your mouth, it's not a habit problem but a heart problem. Since the tongue can be wild and unruly, only character (through the power of the Holy Spirit) can restrain it. The tongue wants to say what it wants to say. When it is restrained or silenced, that's character. When the tongue in turn speaks what's right, you know that's character (Gal. 5:22-23) plus power at work.
Work on both words and character, but work on character more. To blame God would've been usual, ordinary, default behavior. For many people. Not Job.
Lengthy suffering is no excuse for lazy speaking (externally or internally).
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Job Emphasizes the Brevity of Life
I'm reading chronologically through the Bible. Right now the plan has me in Job. I'm about 1/3 done. One thing I've noticed is the constant reference to life's brevity.
- Life is a fading shadow (Job 8:9; 14:2).
- Life is a passing breath (Job 7:7, 16).
- Life is a collapsing tent (Job 4:21).
- Life is a vanishing cloud (Job 7:9).
- Life is a withering flower (Job 14:2).
- Other references to consider (Job 6:11-12; 7:6; 9:25-26; 13:28; 14:5; 16:22)
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Coddled and Curdled
Read Job 10:8-12 in the Christian Standard Bible.
1. There are times when we are coddled and cuddled by God. Ask people to define God and many will say, "God is love." That is true! (1 Jn 4:8). We all enjoy, as His children, the Psalm 23 experience -- shepherding, providing, leading, feeding, caring, soothing. The green pastures, still waters and anointing oil are marvelous blessings. Oh, if we could live all of life in this serene condition!
2. There are times when we are curdled by God. During those times, it appears God doesn't care. It appears He has forsaken us. We know that's not the case. It just feels that way. Temporarily, it looks as if God has left us alone so that suffering can take its toll. That's what I mean by "curdling." So many things occur in such a short time that we wonder if God isn't lending the curdling process a hand by deliberately agitating us.
3. Whether we are coddled or curdled, we know God is there. We may not see Him or feel Him, but we know we're never out of His gaze or concern. Allow God to remain bigger than both your problems and the solutions.
1. There are times when we are coddled and cuddled by God. Ask people to define God and many will say, "God is love." That is true! (1 Jn 4:8). We all enjoy, as His children, the Psalm 23 experience -- shepherding, providing, leading, feeding, caring, soothing. The green pastures, still waters and anointing oil are marvelous blessings. Oh, if we could live all of life in this serene condition!
2. There are times when we are curdled by God. During those times, it appears God doesn't care. It appears He has forsaken us. We know that's not the case. It just feels that way. Temporarily, it looks as if God has left us alone so that suffering can take its toll. That's what I mean by "curdling." So many things occur in such a short time that we wonder if God isn't lending the curdling process a hand by deliberately agitating us.
3. Whether we are coddled or curdled, we know God is there. We may not see Him or feel Him, but we know we're never out of His gaze or concern. Allow God to remain bigger than both your problems and the solutions.
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