Date: 01-30-2021

Title: Well, Shut My Mouth

(S) cripture:
    Job 40:1-5 (NLT2) Then the LORD said to Job, 2 “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?” 3 Then Job replied to the LORD, 4 “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. 5 I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.”

(O) bservation:
    God has challenged Job with some penetrating questions about Job’s understanding and assumptions about God. Job recognizes the truth of what God is saying and responds by keeping quiet so he can listen.

(A) pplication:
    I think it was Abraham Lincoln that said, “Better to keep silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” I see this lesson in the passage today and need to heed it in mine. Over and over in my life I have spoken when silence would have been the best choice. Since I know that God is in control why do I try to manipulate things? At times I must think that I know better than the Lord, but we all know that that is not true. I want to be content in my life and trust that The Lord has a plan in place for me. Today as I walk with the Lord I want to listen, keep my mouth shut and only speak when it is necessary.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, teach me when to speak and when to be silent. Let me come to you in reverence. Let me hear your voice clearly and then respond appropriately. Let me walk by faith with you today. Open my ears that I might hear you today. Amen

Date: 01-29-2021

Title: God’s Power and Mercy

(S) cripture:
    Job 37:23-24 (NLT2) We cannot imagine the power of the Almighty; but even though he is just and righteous, he does not destroy us. 24 No wonder people everywhere fear him. All who are wise show him reverence.”

(O) bservation:
    In trying to convince Job that somehow he had sinned to be in the condition he was in, Elihu uses poor application of right knowledge. The power of God is beyond our imagination and God is just and righteous. He does not destroy us and people do fear and reverence Him. This is a great truth.

(A) pplication:
    I want to be sure that I have right knowledge of God and also correct application of that knowledge. What Elihu said is correct, I am not capable of imagining the depth of God’s power. Only in Christ do I know why God, the just and righteous one, chooses not to destroy us. The forgiveness I receive by being a Christ follower has made me clean before God. I do not understand how or why God chooses to do that but He does and that reveals His love for us. In light of that I can only show God reverent trust. Today I thank God again for sending Jesus to pay the price for my sin and calling me to follow him by faith.

(P) rayer:
    Father, thank you for saving me and allowing me to follow you by faith. Help me to have right knowledge of you and to share that knowledge with others correctly and with mercy and grace. Amen

Date: 01-28-2021

Title: The Arrogance of Youth

(S) cripture:
    Job 32:2-10 (NLT2) Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the clan of Ram, became angry. He was angry because Job refused to admit that he had sinned and that God was right in punishing him. 3 He was also angry with Job’s three friends, for they made God appear to be wrong by their inability to answer Job’s arguments. 4 Elihu had waited for the others to speak to Job because they were older than he. 5 But when he saw that they had no further reply, he spoke out angrily. 6 Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said, “I am young and you are old, so I held back from telling you what I think. 7 I thought, ‘Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age.’ 8 But there is a spirit within people, the breath of the Almighty within them, that makes them intelligent. 9 Sometimes the elders are not wise. Sometimes the aged do not understand justice. 10 So listen to me, and let me tell you what I think.

(O) bservation:
    Elihu know what he knows but doesn’t know what he doesn’t know. Here he will lecture both Job and his friends about the truth. His arrogance is seen in the tone of what he says. There is no humility or grace just a “listen to me and I’ll let you know what is true” attitude.

(A) pplication:
    As a campus pastor I saw this often and now as a retired pastor I still see this arrogance coming from the young. I want to commend their enthusiasm and their idealism. I was there as a college student and battle that same “listen to me” attitude” today. My words need to be filled with truth and grace. I must allow people to grow. The idealism of youth should not be discouraged but rather engaged with grace and the wisdom that comes from God. Today I will engage in conversation and build relationships with those idealistic and passionate young adults. I need their idealism to temper my cynicism, their excitement about what the world can be to challenge the world as it is. I need them and they need me.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, help me not to dismiss the young people around me, but to listen and then challenge each with love, truth and grace. Teach me when to speak and when to listen, Amen

Date: 01-20-2021

Title: Confusion with God

(S) cripture:
    Job 31:33-37 (NLT2) “Have I tried to hide my sins like other people do, concealing my guilt in my heart? 34 Have I feared the crowd or the contempt of the masses, so that I kept quiet and stayed indoors? 35 “If only someone would listen to me! Look, I will sign my name to my defense. Let the Almighty answer me. Let my accuser write out the charges against me. 36 I would face the accusation proudly. I would wear it like a crown. 37 For I would tell him exactly what I have done. I would come before him like a prince.

(O) bservation:
    Over and over in this passage Job is wondering what he has done to deserve his condition. Job struggles with what God is doing. In some ways he is influenced by the thought that God blesses those who please Him and punishes those who do not. Job continues to defend himself by declaring that he has remained righteous (my word). Job is confused with what is going on in his life and why he is being treated the way he is being treated. He is wondering why God is allowing this to happen. But even I all the wondering and confusion he remains faithful.

(A) pplication:
    At times I have felt like Job. I am sure though that I could not in honesty make the statements he made in the passage I chose. Sometimes I wonder what God is doing or allowing in my life. Most often my condition and pain are a result of my own sin. I want to live with the same confidence and perseverance as Job, continuing to do what is right even when not getting the result I seek. I want to be faithful in all I do and enjoy God’s presence and power in my life. Today I will confess my sin and give control of my life to God’s Spirit who lives in me. I want to walk by faith today even if the way seems rough.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, let me walk with you in obedience and truth today. Amen

Date: 01-26-2021

Title: Finding Wisdom

(S) cripture:
    Job 28:23-28 (NLT2) “God alone understands the way to wisdom; he knows where it can be found, 24 for he looks throughout the whole earth and sees everything under the heavens. 25 He decided how hard the winds should blow and how much rain should fall. 26 He made the laws for the rain and laid out a path for the lightning. 27 Then he saw wisdom and evaluated it. He set it in place and examined it thoroughly. 28 And this is what he says to all humanity: ‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.'”

(O) bservation:
    In the previous verses Job has asked “Do people know where to find wisdom?” The answer is NO. Job then gives this explanation of where to find wisdom. God knows where it is and tells us how we can access it.

(A) pplication:
    Job has taught us where to find true wisdom. I want to be known as one that gives wise counsel. I want my life to be rooted in and reflective of God’s Word. I will seek to live in reverence of the Lord, following his leading to avoid evil so that I might grow in wisdom and understanding. I want my life to reflect God’s wisdom and understanding in every relationship I have. In God alone I will find the wisdom and understanding I seek.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, grant me wisdom and understanding as I reverence and follow you today. Keep me from evil that destroys and let me give wise counsel to those around me. Amen

Date: 01-25-2021

Title: Who Pleads Your Case

(S) cripture:
    Job 23:1-5 (NLT2)  Then Job spoke again: ²  “My complaint today is still a bitter one, and I try hard not to groan aloud. ³  If only I knew where to find God, I would go to his court. ⁴  I would lay out my case and present my arguments. ⁵  Then I would listen to his reply and understand what he says to me.

(O) bservation:
    Here Job is responding to Eliphaz. Job says he would go the God’s court and argue his case before God if he could. Job knew he was innocent of the charges his friends were making against him and wanted to plead his case before God and be found innocent.

(A) pplication:
    Job may have wanted to plead his case before God but I am so fortunate and blessed to have Jesus as my advocate before God. Satan is called the “accuser” in the scripture and he is the one constantly accusing me. Most often his accusations are accurate and I would stand guilty before God and worthy of his wrath and punishment. But I have an advocate, Jesus, who have accepted my guilt and paid the price for my sins. When I stand before God, I stand clothed in Jesus, forgiven and eternally secure. I would be doomed if I plead my own case but with Jesus as my advocate I am forgiven and free to live life as God intended it to be lives.

(P) rayer:
    Father I thank you for sending your Son to pay the price for my sin and to give me new life so that I can follow you. I thank you that I am not left alone to plead my own case before you. Amen

Date: 01-24-2021

Title: Right But Wrong

(S) cripture:
    Job 20:4-11 (NLT2) “Don’t you realize that from the beginning of time, ever since people were first placed on the earth, 5 the triumph of the wicked has been short-lived and the joy of the godless has been only temporary? 6 Though the pride of the godless reaches to the heavens and their heads touch the clouds, 7 yet they will vanish forever, thrown away like their own dung. Those who knew them will ask, ‘Where are they?’ 8 They will fade like a dream and not be found. They will vanish like a vision in the night. 9 Those who once saw them will see them no more. Their families will never see them again. 10 Their children will beg from the poor, for they must give back their stolen riches. 11 Though they are young, their bones will lie in the dust.

(O) bservation:
    In responding to Job, Zophar is right in his understanding of God’s dealing with the wicked or unrighteous. He is wrong though in his use of this truth. He is defending himself and his counsel to Job. He is using this truth to validate his understanding of Job’s situation. In using the truth this way he is wrong because he is using it to put down Job rather than to encourage and lift Job up.

(A) pplication:
    I wonder how often I have a right understanding but a wrong application. How often have I used God’s Word to put down someone or to make myself look good. I might be right but without love and humility I am wrong. Today I want to use God’s truth to lift and encourage people. I never want to ignore sin but want to use God’s word to build and not tear down.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, make me aware of when I have right belief but wrong application or motives. Let me be an encourager using your word to lift people up so they might see you clearly. Amen

Date: 01-23-2021

Title: Be Encouraging

(S) cripture:
    Job 16:1-6 (NLT2) Then Job spoke again: 2 “I have heard all this before. What miserable comforters you are! 3 Won’t you ever stop blowing hot air? What makes you keep on talking? 4 I could say the same things if you were in my place. I could spout off criticism and shake my head at you. 5 But if it were me, I would encourage you. I would try to take away your grief. 6 Instead, I suffer if I defend myself, and I suffer no less if I refuse to speak.

(O) bservation:
    Eliphaz has just given a long speech accusing Job of being unrighteous and sinful and arrogant. When Job needed a friend to encourage him all he got was condescending accusation. In his response Job tells Eliphaz that if roles were reversed, he could treat him the same, but he would choose to encourage not condemn.

(A) pplication:
    Today when tempted to condemn or be condescending I will choose to encourage and lift up mot put a person down. I want to be known as an encourager. I do not want to ignore sin but know that accusation rather than encouraging friendship will not move a person toward the Savior.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, let me be an encourager today. Let me lift people up and not put them down. Let me point the way to You. Amen

Date: 01-22-2021

Title: God’s Wisdom and Power

(S) cripture:
    Job 12:13-25 (NLT2) “But true wisdom and power are found in God; counsel and understanding are his. 14 What he destroys cannot be rebuilt. When he puts someone in prison, there is no escape. 15 If he holds back the rain, the earth becomes a desert. If he releases the waters, they flood the earth. 16 Yes, strength and wisdom are his; deceivers and deceived are both in his power. 17 He leads counselors away, stripped of good judgment; wise judges become fools. 18 He removes the royal robe of kings. They are led away with ropes around their waist. 19 He leads priests away, stripped of status; he overthrows those with long years in power. 20 He silences the trusted adviser and removes the insight of the elders. 21 He pours disgrace upon princes and disarms the strong. 22 “He uncovers mysteries hidden in darkness; he brings light to the deepest gloom. 23 He builds up nations, and he destroys them. He expands nations, and he abandons them. 24 He strips kings of understanding and leaves them wandering in a pathless wasteland. 25 They grope in the darkness without a light. He makes them stagger like drunkards.

(O) bservation:
    Job has been justifying himself and complaining to his friends concerning their counsel to him. He then gives this great explanation of God’s wisdom and power. I was struck with the simplicity and power of his statement. That is the God we serve.

(A) pplication:
    I appreciate this reminder of just Who the God I serve is. His wisdom and power are great and like no other. I can live confident in his wisdom and power. Is there any situation I will face that is too great got God? NO!!! Is there any circumstance that is beyond His wise counsel? NO!! Why then do I try to live life in my own power and wisdom? Today I renew my commitment to walk by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit and to listen and follow God’s direction in my life. Regardless of my circumstances I can live confidently and in contentment because of God’s presence and power in my life.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, today I again give my life to you. I want to walk by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. Lead and I will follow. Amen

Date: 01-21-2021

Title: Bad Theology

(S) cripture:
    Job 8:1-7 (NLT2) Then Bildad the Shuhite replied to Job: 2 “How long will you go on like this? You sound like a blustering wind. 3 Does God twist justice? Does the Almighty twist what is right? 4 Your children must have sinned against him, so their punishment was well deserved. 5 But if you pray to God and seek the favor of the Almighty, 6 and if you are pure and live with integrity, he will surely rise up and restore your happy home. 7 And though you started with little, you will end with much.

(O) bservation:
    Bildad’s view of God (theology) was faulty but consistent with what others of the day thought. They believed that God’s blessing was dependent on a person’s behavior. He blesses if I am “good” and punishes if I am bad.

(A) pplication:
    This same bad theology is rampant today. Many have believed the “health and wealth” and “name it – claim it” gospel preached by many. Its roots are in the same bad theology that Bildad preached to Job. The truth is that God’s blessing comes from His grace and is a gift to those that follow him by faith in Jesus. Our culture, and sadly many Christians, define blessing only in terms that bring success, pleasure and prosperity. The blessing of God is far different. The blessing of God is a clear, confident and content heart regardless of our circumstances. God’s blessing is experienced as I walk by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. Today I choose to walk with the Lord wherever He leads and that is blessing enough for me.

(P) rayer:
    Lord continually teach me to trust and walk with you. Teach me that your presence and guidance in my life is blessing enough. When I begin to believe the lie draw me back to You and the truth. Amen