Take refuge....

So what is God like? The authors of the Psalms attempt to explain. Psalms is more than just a book, or collection of hymns, it is bare bones worship. In times of gladness and joy, and in times of struggle and pain. Psalm 2v11 gives a good glimpse of this worship. Fear is not being frightened, rather it is respectful awe, realizing God's power and might. This month, come along and worship. We can get lost in the Psalms, getting to know our God better. As the Psalmist writes, take refuge in Him.

The end of Job

Job comes to and end, literally actually, he dies in ch 42. But don't let me spoil the ending. In Job 40-42, God throws more questions at Job that he cannot answer. Job answers in ch 42, "I had heard about you before". Teaching others about God is so important, we do not know when it will be of use. Through the trials, Job has come to know God firsthand. He has come to realize that God is in control and we need not try to understand all of God's ways, since we cannot. A question i leave you is God restored Job's fortune, doubling his previous riches and possessions. God only gave Job back 10 kids though and did not double...could that be that people are irreplaceable? Or could it signify eternal life in that Job would one day be reacquainted with his lost kids????

The architect and builder.

Yikes! Job c 38-39, God appears in a whirlwind, and has some questions for Job, none of which he can answer. We would be wise to keep this dialogue in mind when we question God, or events in life that do not seem "fair". Pretty amazing questions when you really look at them. God does not provide detailed answers either, other than the source of all is He. Amazing also that God knows intimate details of His creation. From the extent of the earth to the snorting of a horse. How well do we know our possessions or our families? Better yet, how well do we know ourselves? This dialogue should give us pause to examine and realize not only who God is, but who we are. I am Tom, and did not lay the foundations of the earth. But I worship the one who did. And know that He is in control!

what does God need from us?

Such wisdom from Elihu in Job ch35-37. See c35v7b!! Also, c37v19. What makes us think we have the answers? Are we not guilty of acting like Job's friends when we try to console someone? After all, no one likes their shortcomings pointed out. So why do we act like we have the answer. To Elihu's point, what can we give to God? Nothing! God is without need from us, but He does desire our pursuit.

Wisdom from many sources...

Job 32-34. Wisdom is not just for the aged and experienced. Elihu is younger yet has a strong message for Job. Yet he is also without all of the facts. On the surface, his argument seems correct. Have you ever been so sure of yourself, only to find out additional info? Impetuous creatures we are. In many ways Elihu's response is quite sound in Godly doctrine. Note in c34v12, God will not do wrong. That is a solid rock to base faith on. Do not discount wisdom from all sources.

Time to take stock....

Job 9-31. Continued to take personal inventory, and when we are wrong, promptly admit it and make the appropriate amends. Ok, it doesn't say that, but that is the gist. How often do we take inventory? Of our action, thoughts, desires? Are we honest with it? Was Job? Does God judge while we are here on earth, or is there a day to be determined where all judgement will occur at once? How precious is the blood of Christ. Job has spoken with his three friends and summized that he is clean. So, after 31 chapters, Job and company are no closer to resolution. Perhaps they have worked out much of the though of evil deeds having consequences, but still do not have absolute truth and closure in the matter. For us, some situations might just stay unknown for now. Hope you are ok with that. Now, time to inventory....

The patience of Job!

Is Bildad the master of the obvious? In that matter, are Eliphaz and Zophar? In Job 25-28, Job becomes a bit angry at the useless "advice" he is getting. Just read ch26. Have you ever received obvious advice and reacted like Job? Then you must be breathing. We tend to vigorously defend ourselves when we think we are right. Job hits a key point in c27v6, clear conscience. That is really key to living free. Like the examples of the mines, when we bury issues or burdens, they could be unearthed again. Dealing with them is important. At what point i n this exchange with his friends would we have become violent, or simply walked away? Answers are coming!

the worms are hungry

Anyone want to become "sweet worm food"? If so, stay wicked according to Job in c24v20. So today, we are on Job c22-24. Eliphaz has another go around, reciting cause and effect situations and insisting that Job has some "hidden" sin. Job again responds that God will judge fairly and thoroughly. He holds dear the idea that wicked will truly get what they deserve, and the innocent will be vindicated. Do we view God as an overseer who will mete out justice in the future, perhaps on the day of reckoning? Or do we view God as an active and involved part of our life. Think about that when temptation strikes....God is right there beside you! Our day of reckoning could be today, or any day in the future. Live like it is true, or become sweet worm food....

There is a Day of Judgement?

Do the wicked prosper? In Job 20-21, we see Zophar becoming impatient and again attempting to explain Job's situation without all of the facts. Is Zophar correct in saying that the wicked will not prosper? Job disagrees noting that the wicked do enjoy success. What they all fail to see is the eternal perspective. The wicked might succeed for a period of time, but God will call them to account and those accounts will be settled justly. Everything balances in accounting! We need look at justice eternally, with faith that God will settle fairly. The day is coming, will we be ready to face our shortcomings? Are we without error? Jesus is the way, but we should not use Him like a get out of jail free card! When we think we know something, keep Job c21v34 in mind...

Hope?

So, what is the point of Job's "friends" input? They are merely using human logic to show that Job's circumstances must bbe the result of his actions. We'd be thinking likewise. The patience of Job really shows in ch19, as Job declares he has endured their assults 10 times! We might do a few,then violence might break out. Job is able to withstand this due to his hope. Ch 19v25 spells this out beautifully. It might remind you of a song! Job knows that his redeemer lives and that he will see God. Is that enough to carry us through difficult times? Do we rely on hope to get us through? After all, none of us know what the day brings....

Get a bigger hammer...

What is the best way to get someone to see your point of view? In Job c 15-17, Eliphaz seems to want to try brute force! If someone will not accept your counsel, or conform to your way, simply force them! Seriously, does that ever work? Out of impatience, we try to force things our way all of the time. We think we are right, but probably have not considered other views. Eliphaz leans on his age and experience as fuel for being right and wise. Job knows his own heart and can sense what others aside from God cannot. Never assume to know someone. So round 2 begins, and Job is no closer to an answer of his delimma than before. Perhaps his "friends" need a bigger hammer...

When does inquiry become demand for answers?

Now, in Job 11-14, the third friend, Zophar, gets a crack at helping Job understand the delimma. Again, his motives are good (God is in control), yet he does not have enough intel. Job is becoming more hostile in his response. See in C13v13. One point they all agree upon is that God is in control. We, as humans, try to fix things and control events. We look to our leaders to make everything ok. Money, we think, can fix things. As idol worship goes, it is never enough...because those "fixes" are just idols. Job is correct in his response to reach out for God. But careful Job, you might turn that response from hurt inquiry to angry demand.....lest we do similar in similar situations.....

Next "fixer"...

Sounds like Job is onto something! In Job ch 8-10, Bildad replies to Job that there must be some secret, unknown sin. Job's reply in ch 9 almost sounds like he's read the end of this book...but does he believe it. We must also realize that God's ways are not ours and that we do not see the entire story,only a paragraph. Check out C9v4. So Job sounds like he gets it a little in ch 9. Still he reverts back to loathing and self pity in ch 10. We must all be related to Job eh? Bildad, on the other hand, is human. He is trying to help as he thinks being helpful is. Would we do differently? But like Eliphaz, he lacks the big picture info and tries to "fix" Job. (Any wonder why we refer to our job as work-I know this doesn't relate but it is ironic). Strike two??

How can we "fix" this....

Ok, who wouldn't want to help Job? Perhaps provide words of comfort? After all, we usually want to "fix" things. In Job C 4-7, we see Eliphaz attempt to do just that. He realizes the severity of the situation and does not try to offer empty words. He speaks from his heart and offers what appears to be good advice from his own experience. That is really all he can offer....except his silence, but we've covered that. Job's response is in v 24, "all I want is a reasonable answer"...true for all of our sufferings. So we see Eliphaz providing no comfort, perhaps the others will not fall victim to trying to make sense out of something they do not understand....not likely....

The patience of Job

Ah the patience of Job, as the saying goes. But what does that mean? Was he patient? We begin Job ch 1-3 with a sort of spiritual battle between God and Satan. God allows Satan to test Job be taking his material wealth and family. Job seems to take this in stride and mourns for the loss, but does not curse God, or ask Him why. Then God allows Job to be inflicted with boils. Job continues his reaction, even admonishing his wife in C2v10. Notice his friends reaction in C2V13. Sometimes it is best to just be there. Ch 3 is interesting because this does not sound like a man of patience. He is basically saying "I wish I'd never been born"...like he has some say in the matter....purely childish (we've all been there). So get ready, for the silence of friends is about to get broken..

So ,what will you do with this info!

Talk about happy endings, Esther is truly a feel good story in ch 8-10, unless you are related to Haman. How many times throughout history have the Jews faced extinction? How many times has God provided a way out? How many times have we sinned and disobeyed God? How many times has He blotted out that sin with the blood of Christ? The Jews were thankful in that they celebrate the Festival of Purim each year. Remembering how God worked through His people to save the Jews. We might want to do likewise, only more often! As we leave Esther, keep in mind that there are useful principles to draw out and apply in our lives. Job is on deck, see if you can apply drawing out principles from that book!

Be ready for what you pray for!

In Esther ch 3-7, we read about the noble actions of the beautiful queen, the wicked Haman and his plot to exterminate the Jews, and the faithful Mordecai, who would not alter his faith. God is working behind the scenes in so many ways in this book, without even being mentioned. Why else would the king suddenly want the historical records read and the incident of Mordecai saving the king noted! Surely that must have been a small incident in the entire history of the kingdom! One would expect mighty battles with the king victorious to be read. And realize that when plans are made for wicked purposes, they will backfire! And most importantly, when you pray as Esther and Mordecai did, expect results!

God is with us!

Ok, so we have reached the book of Esther. Why in the world is this even in scripture? A perverted foreign king and the search for a new queen? Almost seems un-noteworthy. But wait! There is more than what is written. God is in control of events impacting from behind the scenes. He is protecting His people! How might He be protecting us today? First, and most important, the blood of Jesus covers our sins. Jesus' sacrifice brings us back into fellowship with God. So, does Esther matter, is this book necessary? Yes! God is with His people!

How quickly we forget

Today, we finish Nehemiah in grand fashion. Nehemiah is orchestrating the resettling of the people in and around Jerusalem. He is also making sure everyone is following God's law and is purging the community of non-Jews. Sounds pretty unfair at first, but his motive is to purify the people. Sure enough, within a few years, the people are back to detestable practices. Nehemiah ends on a stern warning that the people need to keep the law! How quickly we forget. We might have a tremendous spiritual experience in church on Sunday morning, then cut someone off in the parking lot as we leave. So how do we keep these warnings in mind? Meditate on them day and night. Post them on your mirrors ,dashboards and monitors....sort of present day doorposts. And keep another accountable.....

WHAT'S in your memory?

If you don't think God is amazing, read Nehemiah ch 9. Could you be forgiving to such people?
In Nehemiah ch 8-10, we see the reading of the law, the receiving of the law, and promise to follow. It is interesting to me how much we take for granted having scripture available to us today. Here, in Nehemiah, the majority of the people had never heard muchless read scripture. When they were told, they wept. How much of scripture do we have memorized or understood to pass on, or even rely on if one day we find ourselves access to scripture? God is writing it in our hearts via the Holy Spirit!

So what is your temp?

In Nehemiah 5-8, we see justified anger at taking advantage of others, as well as keeping a cool head when accused. Nehemiah chastized the people of Judah for oppressing other Jewish people with interest on loans. Chairty and helping others should be a foremost concern! Later in ch 6, Nehemiah is challenged by false accusations. Rather than panic or pursue action in violation of God's law, Nehemiah relies on God's strength. So which area are you dealing with today? Are you unknowingly oppressing others? Or are you being unjustly challenged? How do Nehemiah's actions/reactions compare with yours? Good temperature check for us.....

We have a part to play

In Nehemiah 3-4, we see the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem. Each family was put in charge of the section of wall near their house. Talk about a vested interest! Nehemiah led the group by praying first, then acting. He realized that their work was in vain without God's help and blessing. But he also knew who had to do the lifting! Do we pray to God about something and then assume He will provide without us even being used in that provision? My friends, we play a part. God blesses our work through us! He is not a magic genie who makes it all so. We are to rely on His strength! The people of Judah did not allow the grumblings of the Samaritians to stop their progress. So it should be with us when criticism arises. God will provide, what more encouragement do we need?

What's your reputation!

We begin Nehemiah ch 1&2 where Nehemiah is the king's cup bearer, a very important position. Nehemiah learns bad news about the condition of Jerusalem and is mourning. Due to his diligence in duty to the king, the king is close enough to Nehemiah to realize something is wrong. Nehemiah opens up and tells the king of Jerusalem's delimma. The king shows compassion on his faithful servant and allows Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem. Not only that, but the king provides for him with funds and protection. Would our bosses be as compassionate? Have we respected authority enough to be blessed by them? (Jim H cannot answer as his own boss and CEO)!

More than mere words...

Confession, it does a body good. Today, in Ezra 9-10, we see the priest Ezra confronting the situation of inter-marriage with pagan wives, which was forbidden by Mosaic law. He confesses the sin to God, and repents. Even though it was not his sin personally, collectively, he is one of the Jewish people. Confession is quite more than words, it takes actions of changing the behavior, no matter how difficult. The people of Judah had to repent and send away their pagan wives and even children! Thankfully, we have the blood of Jesus covering our multitude of sin today. But we cannot use that as a "get out of jail free" card. True confession requires repentance. Our souls are cleansed through confession, see 1 John 1:9. Get with a trusted friend and begin the process!

Acting out our faith

Talk about putting your money where your mouth is, in Ezra ch 8, v 21-23, Ezra and his band are leaving Babylon for Jerusalem. It is a dangerous journey, filled with thieves, bandits and those who are enemies of all. However, Ezra has indicated to the king that a protectorate force is not necessary, that God will provide. Such confidence, no wonder God blessed their journey! Do you have confidence in God today? That does not mean we do nothing, after all, Ezra still had to travel over 1,000 miles in perilous conditions. Are we confident in God? If so, today will be a good day!

When slander and lies occur,.....

Ezra 4-6, God is still using unbelievers to accomplish His goals. The various Persian kings allow for the reconstruction to continue. Notice how the local leaders try to stir up trouble (and temporarily succeed) in ch 4. When the people of Judah reach out to the Persian king, they do not attack the local leaders, rather they stand on the truth. They have that truth to rely on. Similarly, we have the truth in our lives, thus we need not attck others. Rather we simply need to reveal that truth to others to allow the Holy Spirit to do His work. So why is the book of Ezra important so far? It show how God is still with His people. Even after the punishing exile to Babylon, He is still working for them....and today, that has not changed!

Nothing is out of possibility with God

It's May Day! We begin the book of Ezra. Ch 1-3 discuss the people of Judah returning from exile in Babylon to the ruins of Jerusalem. When the people returned and saw the temple, they wept. Can you imagine coming home from vacation to find your house in ruins? God is truly amazing though, as He used a pagan king (Cyrus of Persia) to not only free the exiled captives, but send them on their way with supplies and rites of passage. Why you ask? It is God's will. God does not abandon His people. Notice in ch2, v21, this listing of people might become quite important down the line.