Job 29, 30. [The Message]

We obviously know better, but it’s clear that Job labored under some pretty substantial misconceptions about his condition. He wrongly assumed that God was against him because of the afflictions and challenges he faced. Because we study this book, we can understand that it’s not necessarily God making our way difficult. We know He’s always watching and empathizes with what we experience. Gratefully, we have a Savior, Christ Jesus, who has experienced every pain that we can bear. He always gives us a way to absorb it and move beyond it. God’s Word helps us clear up any wrong thinking.

Job 25-28. [The Messsge]

Wisdom has been defined as insight into the true nature of things. Since he is all Truth, He owns wisdom and gives to men who truly seek to find it.

Wisdom is like the pearl of great price. Jesus is that pearl. A truly wise man will relinquish everything to have Christ. When you have Christ however, you have everything.

Job 24 [The Message]

Wow. This chapter accurately describes the U.S. conditions right now. Read it in The Message and you will agree. Job prophetically saw our day, and this is the oldest book in the Bible. Amazing!

If God knew how conditions would be, surely He has some solutions.

Years ago, Andrae Crouch wrote a song about the solution: https://youtu.be/cKHpweGR7Bs

Job 23, 24 [The Message]

Job got it right on this – treasure God’s advice.

Your family members and friends can observe your life and judge whether living for God was worth it. Job’s friends were deceived because they had no knowledge about the agreement between God and Satan.

At Trinity Christian School, where I used to work, the students recite pledges every school day – to the U.S. flag, to the Christian flag, and to the Bible. Every day they say, “I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s Holy Word. I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path, and I will hide it’s Words in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.”

These words may save their lives.

Job 20, 21 [The Message]

It’s a VERY GOOD THING that we are not God. We would really mess it up. We would eliminate the bad guys way before God would. He is not willing that any perish, and wants to give them every chance to accept Christ.

My target is political “enemies” Can’t God see what I see? Clearly, He is not watching the right news network for His information. Think I could help Him out?

The Psalmist was frustrated when he saw the wrong people getting all the good fortune. [Ps. 73] Pastor Moses Vegh would often say, “God, You wouldn’t bless that person if You knew what I know about them.” How silly!

The most effective posture on esteeming the wicked . .. PRAY FOR THEM. Let your prayers chip away at their sinful demeanor. I guarantee it, you will see some progress before THEIR END.

Job 15-19 [The Message]

The Bible gives us an overview of Job’s life. To us is revealed his beginning, his perseverance through his trial, and the way God rewarded him in the end.

“We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.” [James 5:11 NLT]

If for no other reason than to give us hope in our own struggles, this book points up how merciful God is and how unmerciful people can be. This is why God’s Word is the best counsellor when we experiences life’s challenges.

The Lord will complete what his purpose is for me. Lord, your gracious love is eternal; do not abandon your personal work in me. [Ps. 138:8 ISV]

Job 11-14 [The Message]

This question is probably more prominent on my mind than yours. The scripture says “It’s appointed unto man once to die, and then the judgement.” [Heb. 9:27] We all have a so-called appointment with death.

When my sisters and I were discussing the upcoming funerals for our parents, the funeral director said, “In my many years of funerals, I have noticed that often your family will pass on a significant day.” He was right. My mom passed on MY BIRTHDAY.

It’s not wise for us to always be wondering about the timing of our death. We should be laser focused on the days we have left to make them count.

Moses said this: “So teach us to number our days, (realize the brevity of life) that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” [Ps. 90:12]

So, MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT!

Prayer: “Lord, help me not consider today a throw-away day. Show me how to make it really count for You.”

Job 7-10 [The Message]

Wow! Did Job ever complain?! He even declared, “I wish I’d never been born.”

Did God bring about all his suffering? No. It was Satan, but God did allow it. Satan is on a leash, and God is holding the handle.

It’s really pointless in this life to try to figure out the WHY when we suffer. It only leads to despair and wrong conclusions. It’s definitely NOT FAITH.

We know, having read the end of the story, that God more than adequately compensated Job for his trouble. God can do that. He is no man’s debtor. There is nothing we lose but that God has something better to replace it with. It could very well happen in this life, let alone the life to come.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. [1Cor. 2:9]

Job 3-6 [The Message]

(Since the book of Job must be considered as a whole to get the message, I will focus on meaningful issues that come from that day’s passage)

Job discusses what he’s looking for from his friends after they begin pontificating about his struggles. He essentially says, “Hey, don’t try to give me reasons why I’m suffering. Just sit with me and be an understanding, supportive friend.”

From my personal experience, I can say my friends don’t piously try to give me reasons why I have cancer in my blood. That would be difficult to deal with. But when they treat me as normal as possible, and enjoy doing friendship activities together, I’m good. God gives me the grace necessary to deal with whatever challenges I’m experiencing. Their brand of grace can’t match His.

And (Jesus) said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. [2 Cor. 12:9, 10]

Job 1, 2 [The Message]

How can one man endure the afflictions Satan laid upon Job? God had such confidence in him that He authorized Satan to sift him and bring him to his knees. Still, Job maintained his personal integrity and would not curse God. (Funny how people are quick to attribute all calamity to God)

In considering the different ways Job was banged around by Satan, we clearly see how our enemy can do his damage. Afflictions, weather violence, enemy attacks were all ploys of Satan. Yet, Job remained faithful to God.

Can not God reward us when we endure the trials of life? Yes, He can. Does He care. YES! If He knows about every sparrow that hits the ground, is He not much more watching over you? YOU are the Apple (retina) of His eye! He will protect you. He will reward you. There are better days to come.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. [Ps. 34:19]