“The Lord gives…”

Job 1:21 NKJV — And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.”

Job was a righteous man, who had a profound perspective.

Job 2:10 NKJV — But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

Both these recorded words, as well as his actions, shows the truth he had built his faith upon:

God is Sovereign.

and

He deserves all our worship.

It’s been said, that the character of a person is revealed when they are “squeezed” by life’s circumstances.

Job’s character is clear:

Job 1:8 NKJV — Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”

God knew his integrity from the beginning and after this extreme trial, He reveals Himself to Job in a way He’d not done before.

Job 42:1-3 NKJV — Then Job answered the LORD and said:“I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.”

Because Job held fast to his integrity, he came through the trial with a far greater understanding of God Almighty.

Job 42:4-6 NKJV — Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’ “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes.”

He also had a better understanding of himself.

Would Job’s incredible journey be yours or mine if we were put to the test this way?

Would we hold fast to the truths Job did and find a clearer understanding of both God and ourselves?

Or would we fall prey to the sins of Job’s friends?

Determined in their beliefs that God never allows bad things to happen to “good” people, they accused Job of sin over and over, demanding him to confess and repent, without any evidence of wrong doing.

They jumped to a conclusion based upon their faulty understanding of God.

But God used this circumstance to teach both Job and his friends.

Job 42:7-9NKJV — And so it was, after the LORD had spoken these words to Job, that the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is aroused against you and your two friends, for you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has. “Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and My servant Job shall pray for you. For I will accept him, lest I deal with you according to your folly; because you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has.”So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD commanded them; for the LORD had accepted Job.

“If God is good, why do bad things happen?”

Humanity has been asking this question for generations.

Sometimes, it is a consequence of sin.

Sometimes, it’s our faulty perspective, assuming something is “bad” when it’s actually a blessing.

Other times, it’s a test or trial, filled with opportunity from the Lord for understanding and growth.

Let us, each one, come before the Lord with humility and seek Him, asking that He reveal our hearts to us and instruct us in truth.

“Do I believe God is Sovereign?”

“Do I believe He is worthy of all praise?”

“Do I respond as Job, with humility and worship when facing loss?”

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Job’s story and how much there is to glean from it. Lord Jesus, please help me to cling to Your truths, to be steadfast in my integrity before You. Lord, I want to walk as Job did. I want to be faithful through every circumstance. Lord, I want to seek You in all things, praising You continually with a thankful heart. Lord, I am weak and often I fail to give You the trust and worship You deserve. Please forgive me. Lord, I want to do better. Thank You for today, another opportunity to choose to walk with You. May my life reflect Your Word. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

A man of incredible faith

And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. Job 1:8‭-‬12 KJV

Although this passage of scripture is rather startling, to see Satan challenging God about the uprightness of Job, it’s an incredible testimony.

God knew Job’s heart and Satan did not.

Thus, when Satan challenges Job’s faithfulness, God allows the test.

Satan is given all of Job’s possessions and the ability to kill his children, but isn’t to lay a finger on Job.

Job’s response proves God’s words concerning him.

Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, and said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
Job 1:20‭-‬22 KJV

Even in this, Satan shows his unwillingness to yield to God’s truth.

And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.
Job 2:4‭-‬6 KJV

So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes. Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
Job 2:7‭-‬10 KJV

Job didn’t know why all these things were happening to him, and he’s completely heartbroken, yet he doesn’t sin again the Lord.

Job’s integrity inspires me.

When, the circumstances of life bring loss and sorrow and deep pain, I want to fall upon my knees and worship God.

I want a faith which accepts trials and tribulations as much as blessings and seasons of plenty, for can it be called faith if it withers and died when the storm rolls over it?

No.

How did Job come to have such great faith?

And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
Job 1:5 KJV

He was diligent in serving God, both for himself and for his family, even when things were good.

Faithfulness was built by continually doing what was right.

What a wonderful truth and something we can apply today.

Whether we’ve done well or poorly in the past doesn’t eliminate our opportunity in the now.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for this story of Job, which never ceases to inspire my heart and encourage my mind. Lord, please speak clearly through Your Word into our today. Help each one of us to walk with You in faith, choosing to do what is right and following after You. Lord, You are sinless, even when You walked this Earth. I know sin and my flesh are constantly waiting to trip me up, please help me to be self-controlled, centered on Your Word, and a person of righteousness. Lord, on my own, I’m weak, but You make me strong. Lord, please renew our minds, if there’s anything the enemy has fed us which is marring our perspective, please reveal the truth. Lord, if there’s anything that has been taught to us, which does not align with Your Word, please reveal it and correct the error. Lord Jesus, please break up the fallow ground and replant it with Your Word. Let us not waste the gifts You have given, but instead teach us how to live. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

The integrity of a fisherman

I once heard a story about a fisherman.

He was on a bank where others also were fishing.

Where this man fished had some requirements and rules:

A license, a specific season, a limit of the number of fish taken home, and only certain fish were allowed to be kept.

If a fisherman caught a fish which was not allowed he or she had to return it to the water with as little damage to the fish as possible.

Although these restrictions were in place, it was a remote area.

But this one fisherman was a man of integrity.

He followed the laws and restrictions out of an honest heart, because of his love for God.

While fishing, he was always careful to obey the restrictions.

One day, another man came near.

He too had his rod and tackle and ice chest.

After a brief introduction, he asked the first man if he minded that he share the bank.

The other fisherman did not mind and continued to fish.

Not far after the new comer’s arrival, the first man caught a beautiful fish.

Large and shiny, it would have been a delicious meal for the man’s large family, but it wasn’t allowed to be kept.

Without hesitation, he carefully unhooked it and returned it to the water.

The new comer didn’t comment, but continued to fish.

After a while both caught fish they could keep.

Neither man had reached their limit of fish, so they each continued.

Although, the new comer, at random moments would wind up his bait, ask the first man to keep an eye on his things, and leave for a bit.

He’d then return and go back to fishing.

Finally, after much time had passed, the new comer walked over to speak with the first fisherman.

His words were a surprise.

“I wasn’t completely open with you when I first introduced myself.”

“You see I’m the Fish and Game Warden for this area and I came out to catch those who are not following the rules, to write fines for those who keep fish they shouldn’t.”

“I used you as my cover, because the two of us just looked like fishing pals.”

“I want to thank you for being the kind of guy you are. You follow all the restrictions no matter what.”

The Fish and Game Warden said his goodbyes and left.

This story is a good example of a truth Jesus taught.

“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 24:45‭-‬51 NKJV

We as followers of Christ need to be people of integrity, no matter the circumstances.

Because our Lord Jesus is coming back some day and in-between then and now we are witnesses to His goodness and His greatness by our actions, our attitudes, and our words.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for others who are people of integrity. Lord, please help me to walk in Your ways today. Thank You for Your faithfulness, Your mercy, and grace. Amen.

January 11

Today’s prayer:

Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord , and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord , And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord , Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday. Rest in the Lord , and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret— it only causes harm.
Psalms 37:1‭-‬8 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for these words. Thank You for the Bible. Thank You for being righteous. Please help me and my family to put away anything which would come between us and You. Lord, we want to be people who stand before You, bringing glory to Your name. Lord, please continue to purify us, that we might serve You wholeheartedly. Shine Your truth into our hearts and minds. Thank You for loving us. Thank You for watching over us. Please continue to bring those who have yet to know You to salvation. Lord, for those who know You, please Lord, please humble our hearts that we might be people of honor, integrity, and righteousness. Please heal the sick and hurting, please protect the innocent, please provide for the needy, and return the prodigal. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being the King of kings and Lord of lords. I love You. Amen.

January 6

Today’s prayer:

Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.
Psalms 119:165 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your truth. Lord, thank You for a new day. Lord, we look to You. It is in You we find peace, contentment, and protection. Lord Jesus, we trust You with every area of our lives, our families, and our nation. God be glorified today. Let Your name be praised. Lord bring back truth, integrity, and justice. Please let honor and understanding and righteousness be sought. Let Your Word be remembered. Please let us fill our hearts and minds with Your Word. Help us to recognize anything which would hinder our walk with You and to deal with it quickly. Lord Jesus, You alone are worthy of all praise, glory, and honor. You are holy and Your truth shall withstand all ages. May the glory of the Lord be known throughout the whole Earth. Amen.

November 15

Today’s prayer:

Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.
Psalms 2:12 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your patience. You are long-suffering and full of mercy. Your ways are good and Your paths are perfect. Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice and for Your love. Lord, today I look to You and I humbly request that You place Your hand upon my life and the lives of my loved ones. Lord, please purify our hearts and minds that we might serve You without hindrance. Lord, please purify Your people, let hearts be drawn to You and that they might put away anything which would stand in the way of serving You fully. Lord Jesus, please heal our land. Let the hearts of the people be drawn to You, to find salvation and to learn to walk with integrity. Lord, please let Your name be known throughout the world, for You are the God who sees us. Thank You for Your love. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

October 26

Today’s prayer:

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew 6:33 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for being our strong hold, our place of refuge, our salvation. Lord, there is such unrest, fear, turmoil, strife. Lord Jesus, our nation needs You. We need You in every part of our lives. Lord, we need Your guidance, Your wisdom, Your love. Lord, You are Sovereign. You are merciful. You’re are full of grace. Please, return the hearts of the people back to You. Let honor, integrity, righteousness, and humility return. Lord, please begin with me. Work in my life and make me into Your image. Lord, work in my family and make each of us into Your image. Lord, please protect the innocent, stop the violence, save the lost, restore the prodigal, and return us to a Christian Nation. Thank You. Amen.

October 18

Today’s prayer:

Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,
Romans 15:5 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You. These words are encouraging. Please let it be so. Let Your church be of one mind. Let the church be unified and pure before You. Lord Jesus, reveal Yourself to each of us, that we might see and know You personally, that our lives might be purified by Your Holy Spirit. Lord Jesus, hold us in Your hands and teach us from Your Word. Let Your light so shine among us that we repent from everything which is contrary to Your Spirit. Lord, make us like Yourself. Lord Jesus, make me into Your image. Please continue to teach me humility, honor, and truth. My life is Yours, do with me as You will. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your love. Amen.