The best part of the message is Job's response to his friends. I pray that we can all learn how to respond to life's challenges in the following ways.
1. You can have joy amidst suffering
Joy comes from your relationship with God. It is not temporary.
We are sorrowful - others see us as sorrowful but we are always rejoicing
1 Peter 4:13
Maybe God is producing more joy on the other side
People will think it strange that you can have joy when you are in the midst of suffering. People who do not know Christ of course will not understand. I have found that Christian brothers and sisters also do not always understand. Some will say you are in denial of what is happening. Some will walk away shaking their heads saying that one day the rose colored glasses will come off. They will say you are in for a huge crash when reality hits.
I can say for sure that God produces a joy beyond understanding. I don't understand it myself.
I can also say for sure that I am quite aware of what is happening around me and am very aware of the pain. I choose to rise above it. I am not always successful but I will keep looking up and moving forward. I can tell you that when I am worshiping God I am filled with joy. I choose to continue to worship all of the time.
2. Disappointment with his friends.
For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friends. Friends should give refreshment during sorrow.
When in doubt what to say ask - Are you looking for sympathy or solutions?
It would be better if you were quiet - just shut up
Most of the time I just don't know what to say to a friend who is in a trial or sorrow. Often I just keep quiet. I will pray for them and I will just be there. I know it's hard to know what to do when your friend is in pain. Please keep in mind that unless it's a contagious disease you won't catch what they are going through by being there. Loss of homes, possessions, jobs are not contagious. Loss of loved ones is not contagious. Cancer is not contagious. Even many diseases are not so easily caught that you cannot take precautions and visit.
It is superstition that death comes in threes. It is fear that keeps us away from those who have suffered loss.Unless they ask for solutions just give sympathy. Loneliness is often an added burden for those in suffering.
3. There is prayer though confused.
why is this happening to me?
ask God
make known to me my rebellion and sin
cry out to God
Job never said he never sinned...he wondered if the past sins are coming now?
This is a personal response. It is ok to question God. It is right to examine yourself. Cry out to God in the midst of your trouble.
4. There is despair without an umpire
There is no one to do this in the old testament.
Jesus is our mediator/umpire.
He mediates for us. We do not need to despair.
5. Affirmation of God's attributes
Remember who God is when we are confused
He gives and takes away
When something has changed in our life we need to remember that God never changes
6. “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Job 13:15 NASB
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 1 Peter 1:3
There is nothing that will cause me to lose hope in Him. AMEN
7. Job had a realization of life's limitations. Our days are numbered here on earth.
Nothing you can do to change the days that are numbered for you.
Man dies once.
brevity of life - just a vapor
Life is filled with turmoil.
This is the reality of life. We have ups and downs. It's just life. But we don't have to walk through life alone. We have a Savior who walks with us and will even carry us through the really hard parts. We have a mediator with God the Father who says "She's mine. She's perfect. The price has already been paid."
This is my hope and prayer for each one of you reading this today. Know who you are in Christ. Know that the price is already paid and you are His.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Just need some encouragement? ...lessons from Job
This and tomorrow's blog posts are my where my pondering went while listening to the sermon this weekend at my church. If you want to hear the sermon here is the link
Gems of Job - Three Amigos
Are we like Job's friends? Do we encourage those who are down or do we add to their struggle?
Here is what Job's three friends did...
They started out with good intentions. They came together and traveled from their home towns to come and comfort Job.
They sat with him for 7 days and nights without speaking. They saw Job was in great pain and they sympathized with that pain.
Then when they opened their mouths to speak to him...hmm
Maybe they were expecting some great miracle during the week they just sat with him. When the misery continued they decided to "fix Job".
His first friend told him...
You are impatient! You just want God to fix and rescue you now. You need to be patient while He works it out. You have built up others and helped others when they were down and out and now you just want to avoid your turn.
You are reaping what you sowed. Experience has taught me that you get what you deserve. You must have sowed the seeds and now it's harvest time. Time to face the piper...
You brought it on yourself.
How happy is the man whom God reproves - God is disciplining you. You better figure out what the lesson or lessons are so you can get past it.
Do you see yourself in the first friend?
Don't we think these things when we see someone struggling with loss of job, money, family? Don't we judge the homeless and think they must have brought it on themselves? Don't we see the Big illnesses as often a lesson in patience and trust in God? When a child rebels do we often think the parents must have done something wrong to cause it?
Maybe you push these thoughts away or have a strong gift of mercy. However...what do you think when all of these things happen to someone? Yep...that's when you think it must be sinfulness on the part of the other person.
"sometimes it is our fault, sometimes it's someone else's sin, sometimes it is just the consequences of the fall"
The above statement from the sermon is what we need to keep in mind. I think that we also need to keep in mind that it may not be our job to decide which of those reasons are the reason for our friend. We need to discern which one for ourselves but not necessarily for others. I know there are exceptions but I would warn that we need to be sure the Holy Spirit is guiding us when there is an exception.
Here is what Job's second friend said...
You're a windbag, You are full of it. You are just all talk. You don't live the Christian life you just know the words to say.
If your son sinned this is why it has happened. This is why your children died. It was their sins that are causing you all this pain.
If you would seek God - pray about it, if you are pure and upright surely God will help you but because he hasn't surely you have sinned. I see the first two friends are in agreement about Job sinning.
You have forgotten God and that's why this is happening.
God will not forget a man with integrity therefore you must not have integrity.
Are you like the second friend?
Do we accuse our brethren along side with Satan? Let's not allow ourselves to be deceived into helping Satan in his quest to devour and destroy. Instead of telling our friends what to do why don't we step in the gap for them. Have you never been in such despair that you could not pray? I have. That is when I have been so thankful for the Holy Spirit who prays for me. That is when I have been grateful for friends who come alongside and pray with me.
God is God. We need to remember who He is. Do not use faulty logic. The Bible says God will not forget a man with integrity. It is faulty logic to say God forgets a man without integrity. That is not what it says. Read the whole Bible to find out who God is and what His character is. He is the same always.
Or are you more like Job's third friend.
You are boastful - you have said your teaching is pure and you are innocent but you are guilty. You think you are so good but you are not. You need to face that you are pure evil deep down. You are just playing Christian or this would not be happening to you.
Yes...I have actually been told this. Maybe that is why the message today touched my heart.
You are ignorant - you can't understand or know God.
You are just stubborn. If you would direct your heart right things would be better. You must be holding something back and you need to repent.
Are you more like the third friend? I have experienced all of these kinds of accusations cloaked in "we really love you so we need to tell you this". I can tell you it hurts. I can tell you it makes one re-think do I really need friends? I can tell you again it hurts.
I will declare however that I do not blame God for the trials in this life. God is God. He gives and takes away. He is my one true friend who is always there even when life seems darkest.
I will post Job's response to his friends tomorrow.
Gems of Job - Three Amigos
Are we like Job's friends? Do we encourage those who are down or do we add to their struggle?
Here is what Job's three friends did...
They started out with good intentions. They came together and traveled from their home towns to come and comfort Job.
They sat with him for 7 days and nights without speaking. They saw Job was in great pain and they sympathized with that pain.
Then when they opened their mouths to speak to him...hmm
Maybe they were expecting some great miracle during the week they just sat with him. When the misery continued they decided to "fix Job".
His first friend told him...
You are impatient! You just want God to fix and rescue you now. You need to be patient while He works it out. You have built up others and helped others when they were down and out and now you just want to avoid your turn.
You are reaping what you sowed. Experience has taught me that you get what you deserve. You must have sowed the seeds and now it's harvest time. Time to face the piper...
You brought it on yourself.
How happy is the man whom God reproves - God is disciplining you. You better figure out what the lesson or lessons are so you can get past it.
Do you see yourself in the first friend?
Don't we think these things when we see someone struggling with loss of job, money, family? Don't we judge the homeless and think they must have brought it on themselves? Don't we see the Big illnesses as often a lesson in patience and trust in God? When a child rebels do we often think the parents must have done something wrong to cause it?
Maybe you push these thoughts away or have a strong gift of mercy. However...what do you think when all of these things happen to someone? Yep...that's when you think it must be sinfulness on the part of the other person.
"sometimes it is our fault, sometimes it's someone else's sin, sometimes it is just the consequences of the fall"
The above statement from the sermon is what we need to keep in mind. I think that we also need to keep in mind that it may not be our job to decide which of those reasons are the reason for our friend. We need to discern which one for ourselves but not necessarily for others. I know there are exceptions but I would warn that we need to be sure the Holy Spirit is guiding us when there is an exception.
Here is what Job's second friend said...
You're a windbag, You are full of it. You are just all talk. You don't live the Christian life you just know the words to say.
If your son sinned this is why it has happened. This is why your children died. It was their sins that are causing you all this pain.
If you would seek God - pray about it, if you are pure and upright surely God will help you but because he hasn't surely you have sinned. I see the first two friends are in agreement about Job sinning.
You have forgotten God and that's why this is happening.
God will not forget a man with integrity therefore you must not have integrity.
Are you like the second friend?
Do we accuse our brethren along side with Satan? Let's not allow ourselves to be deceived into helping Satan in his quest to devour and destroy. Instead of telling our friends what to do why don't we step in the gap for them. Have you never been in such despair that you could not pray? I have. That is when I have been so thankful for the Holy Spirit who prays for me. That is when I have been grateful for friends who come alongside and pray with me.
God is God. We need to remember who He is. Do not use faulty logic. The Bible says God will not forget a man with integrity. It is faulty logic to say God forgets a man without integrity. That is not what it says. Read the whole Bible to find out who God is and what His character is. He is the same always.
Or are you more like Job's third friend.
You are boastful - you have said your teaching is pure and you are innocent but you are guilty. You think you are so good but you are not. You need to face that you are pure evil deep down. You are just playing Christian or this would not be happening to you.
Yes...I have actually been told this. Maybe that is why the message today touched my heart.
You are ignorant - you can't understand or know God.
You are just stubborn. If you would direct your heart right things would be better. You must be holding something back and you need to repent.
Are you more like the third friend? I have experienced all of these kinds of accusations cloaked in "we really love you so we need to tell you this". I can tell you it hurts. I can tell you it makes one re-think do I really need friends? I can tell you again it hurts.
I will declare however that I do not blame God for the trials in this life. God is God. He gives and takes away. He is my one true friend who is always there even when life seems darkest.
I will post Job's response to his friends tomorrow.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Do you Worry?
25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:25-34
28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:25-34
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Happy Father's Day Dad!
My Dad!
My dad has always worked hard. I remember several different jobs he held over the years.
I know he took work where he could get it several times over the years.
I remember him needing to travel extensively for some of his jobs.
My dad is and has always been there for us.
If I had to choose one word for my dad is would be ENGAGED.
Dad was there for the all the events in our lives.
I remember him at my concerts, which were numerous.
I remember him at all of our sports events, which added together were many.
If he did miss any I don't remember it.
If we needed him all we had to do was call for him and he would come.
He was the go to guy for me.
Even as an adult if I needed to know how to do something or fix something I knew I could call Dad.
He is the experienced toy assembler.
He didn't even need the directions.
When we were with Dad...he was with us. Engaged...He interacted...He made us feel important.
My dad believes we can do anything we want to do.
Dad is the best Grandpa too!
Engaged is still the word to describe him.
He makes all feel special.
Love you Dad
Happy Father's Day
Friday, June 10, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Bittersweet Gratituesday
Yesterday I said goodbye to our home of almost 15 years.
I am so grateful God allowed us to live in such a nice house for so long.
This home holds so many memories, good and not so good.
Our youngest daughter lived almost all her growing up years in this house. It must be hard for her to say goodbye. She lived here from Kindergarten through her first year of College.
We adopted our 3rd daughter while living in this house. We would not have met her if not for living in this particular place at that particular time. Isn't God's timing great?
Our oldest daughter graduated high school in this house. She also moved away from home from this home. She and her husband and son came back from Guam and lived in this house for a period of time with us.
Our 2nd daughter lived here until she decided to leave.
Good memories of pool time in the back yard. Good memories of the girls friends.
We loved living here but it is just a house, a place to dwell, a shelter.
Now it is time to move on...
God has never let me down. He has given me shelter all my life. I have no fear nor anxiety for the future.
So now we will look forward to the plans He has for us...
Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Are we really living or just surviving?
Have you ever pondered your life?
I want to live my life not just survive day to day.
What about you?
I think I will make Thursdays for the next few months about living life vs. just surviving.
Let's start with a disclaimer...sometimes you just need to just survive so don't beat yourself up if that is the season you currently find yourself. I've been there and strength is sometimes just moving forward day to day. It is sometimes all you can do to just get through one day and then wake up and face the next day. If you are in this season now Remember Joy Does Come in the Morning. You are not alone.
My first thought about living life is....Be in The Word Daily.
Ta-Da! Exciting! Right?
If the foundation is not solid there will be no living life. It will always end up being just survival.
I have read and heard so many ideas regarding personal time with the Word. Many say you must do it first thing in the morning. Most say it must be a routine and you must be regular every day for 21 days or one month to make it a habit. These probably work for many people however I always just felt like a complete failure trying to do it someone else's way.
I am so not good in the morning. I can't think as clearly first thing. I need to eat and have some tea. I need a shower to wake up. By the time I did those things morning was either chaotic or gone.
If you are a morning person it may be the very best time for you to have your quiet time with God. I do have some friends who are chipper and awake first thing in the morning. I don't have any in my family but I do know people who love mornings.
So I tried the other time of day - evening.
Nope, not a good time either. Husbands, children, meetings, concerts, parents, sisters, etc... needed me in the evenings. After retiring to the bedroom is not good either. Husbands should have priority there.
I am sure evening works for a lot of people also. If you are single it may work well. If you need some wind down time at night it may be just the answer you are looking for to get a good night's sleep.
The routine part has also been a stumbling block for me. It felt too much like a chore. I don't know why but I guess I'm not a routine type. I enjoy change. The "make it a habit like brushing your teeth" took the joy out of my time in the Word.
If you are a routine type then please make a routine so you are in the Word every day. There is nothing wrong with either type. We need to learn that we are all made unique and individual and work with our own type.
I will share what I do just in case there are some of you beating yourself up every time there is a sermon, book, women's retreat etc... that pushes their way of quiet time as the best way.
I am not convinced that one way is necessarily better than another way. I think that the best way is to do it every day.
For me grabbing snippets throughout my day has been the answer. Let me share what I mean.
When I wake in the morning before I open my eyes I take some time to pray. I pray for anything that comes to my mind or has been on my heart. I pray for Christ to be with me and guide me throughout this day.
I usually have a study book in the bathroom.
While doing household chores I can worship with music or listen to a sermon.
If you home school your children you probably have Bible as part of your curriculum. Just be careful that that is not your only every day. I will admit it was my only for short periods of time. When the children were young I spent time preparing for their lesson and then did the lesson with them and thought that was enough. It is not enough for every day. It is enough some days. You know when you are having one of those days.
I have had baskets and bags. In the bag would be a study and Bible that I was currently attending. In the basket would be a Bible and some kind of devotional. I placed them where I sit the most. More than one place...by bed, by computer, by couch...
Before going to sleep I will go over my day and confess my shortcoming to the Lord, ask for forgiveness and help for tomorrow.
I am only sharing some ideas that I have used that worked for me. You must find your own best way to spend Daily Time in The Word. It can be traditional or non-conformist. The main thing is it must work for you.
The rewards when you find your way to have daily time are incredible. You will find a verse and then think about it throughout the day. You will find that what you are reading is applicable to you that very day. You will be able to recall lessons you have learned and pass them on to others just when needed. You will find strength and peace in the midst of turmoil.
Be Encouraged! Read The Word Daily
I want to live my life not just survive day to day.
What about you?
I think I will make Thursdays for the next few months about living life vs. just surviving.
Let's start with a disclaimer...sometimes you just need to just survive so don't beat yourself up if that is the season you currently find yourself. I've been there and strength is sometimes just moving forward day to day. It is sometimes all you can do to just get through one day and then wake up and face the next day. If you are in this season now Remember Joy Does Come in the Morning. You are not alone.
My first thought about living life is....Be in The Word Daily.
Ta-Da! Exciting! Right?
If the foundation is not solid there will be no living life. It will always end up being just survival.
I have read and heard so many ideas regarding personal time with the Word. Many say you must do it first thing in the morning. Most say it must be a routine and you must be regular every day for 21 days or one month to make it a habit. These probably work for many people however I always just felt like a complete failure trying to do it someone else's way.
I am so not good in the morning. I can't think as clearly first thing. I need to eat and have some tea. I need a shower to wake up. By the time I did those things morning was either chaotic or gone.
If you are a morning person it may be the very best time for you to have your quiet time with God. I do have some friends who are chipper and awake first thing in the morning. I don't have any in my family but I do know people who love mornings.
So I tried the other time of day - evening.
Nope, not a good time either. Husbands, children, meetings, concerts, parents, sisters, etc... needed me in the evenings. After retiring to the bedroom is not good either. Husbands should have priority there.
I am sure evening works for a lot of people also. If you are single it may work well. If you need some wind down time at night it may be just the answer you are looking for to get a good night's sleep.
The routine part has also been a stumbling block for me. It felt too much like a chore. I don't know why but I guess I'm not a routine type. I enjoy change. The "make it a habit like brushing your teeth" took the joy out of my time in the Word.
If you are a routine type then please make a routine so you are in the Word every day. There is nothing wrong with either type. We need to learn that we are all made unique and individual and work with our own type.
I will share what I do just in case there are some of you beating yourself up every time there is a sermon, book, women's retreat etc... that pushes their way of quiet time as the best way.
I am not convinced that one way is necessarily better than another way. I think that the best way is to do it every day.
For me grabbing snippets throughout my day has been the answer. Let me share what I mean.
When I wake in the morning before I open my eyes I take some time to pray. I pray for anything that comes to my mind or has been on my heart. I pray for Christ to be with me and guide me throughout this day.
I usually have a study book in the bathroom.
While doing household chores I can worship with music or listen to a sermon.
If you home school your children you probably have Bible as part of your curriculum. Just be careful that that is not your only every day. I will admit it was my only for short periods of time. When the children were young I spent time preparing for their lesson and then did the lesson with them and thought that was enough. It is not enough for every day. It is enough some days. You know when you are having one of those days.
I have had baskets and bags. In the bag would be a study and Bible that I was currently attending. In the basket would be a Bible and some kind of devotional. I placed them where I sit the most. More than one place...by bed, by computer, by couch...
Before going to sleep I will go over my day and confess my shortcoming to the Lord, ask for forgiveness and help for tomorrow.
I am only sharing some ideas that I have used that worked for me. You must find your own best way to spend Daily Time in The Word. It can be traditional or non-conformist. The main thing is it must work for you.
The rewards when you find your way to have daily time are incredible. You will find a verse and then think about it throughout the day. You will find that what you are reading is applicable to you that very day. You will be able to recall lessons you have learned and pass them on to others just when needed. You will find strength and peace in the midst of turmoil.
Be Encouraged! Read The Word Daily
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