Job 23

It’s ONLY through painful trials that true purity comes. Do you want to be foolsgold or 18 ct?

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. [James 1]

Job 19:25,26

This passage has provided the inspiration for many great songs.

“I know that my Redeemer liveth …”

They are probably the most consequential words that Job uttered during his afflictions.

My favorite is probably the aria from Messiah by Handel. Another outstanding musical treatment of this text is by Nicole C. Mullen. Both are worth the listening on Youtube.

Job

Who is the shortest man in the Bible?

Some say Zachius.

Some say, “Knee-high-miah.”

Then, there’s ‘Bildad the shoe-height.’

Job

Manufactured words to those who are suffering don’t always fill the bill. Just the knowledge that you really care sends a great message. Also, a listening, sympathetic ear and compassionate eye contact are worth more than insincere platitudes when one is hurting.

Esther 10

Haman sought to promote himself. Mordecai sought to preserve the lives of his people, the Jews.

Haman and his sons were impaled. Mordecai was promoted to second in the land.

Seek the well- being of others, and God will promote you.

Esther

… anti-semite. Haman was a big one. He nearly got God’s people eradicated until Esther intervened. She had called for Jews to fast and pray for 3 days to allow God to prepare the king’s heart for her request that the Jews be spared.

Fasting and prayer is still a strong method of getting God’s attention when faced with big life issues.

Esther 3

Human had, no doubt, political aspirations. The king MAY have been manipulated into promoting him and requiring everyone to bow to Haman. (What reasonable person would want THAT?)

Mordecai, a Jew who was taught to bow to God alone, refused.

Politicians who love unwarranted adulation are very suspect. If you think you detect personal ambition in a politician, it’s probably there. Bow ONLY to the Lord.

To Nehemiah, God gave a burden to rebuild and restore Jerusslem. This man had great administrative giftings that were not being used as cupbearer to the king of Persia. He was given favor and sent to his homeland to be the governor where his abilities served God’s purposes to lead.

Graduating seniors are wise to discover the gifts God has given them and seek a vocation that uses those gifts.

Nehemiah 3

Different families elected to rebuild broken down portions of Jerusalem’s walls. Under Nehemiah’s supervision (a type of the Holy Spirit), the walls were made strong again.

Walls speak of moral and character values. The HOME is where these walls are built.

Parents build and repair walls.

Nehemiah 2

Nehemiah was the king of Babylon’s cupbearer.When the king noticed him being distraught, he inquired. Nehemiah was distressed because Jerusalem’s walls were broken down. The king granted his request to repair them because God’s Hand of favor was upon him.

Pray God’s Hand of favor and blessing upon your loved ones daily.