Thursday, June 28, 2007

Psalm 23-30

Your Prayer Life - Psalm 23-30

Listen to Psalm 23-30

Insight Into Scripture
Good Morning, it is Friday!! Did you like yesterday's devotional? Is that not just neat, the connection between king David and Jesus? If you are just joining us, the direction we are taking while reading the Psalms is, a lot of the time like when we read the Bible. We look for lessons, guidance, and theology. As we read through the Psalms, I would like to turn the analytical part of our brains off, and I would like to turn on the sensory and feeling parts.
Alot of the Psalms were written as prayers and songs to GOD. They were written by men who were seeking the face of GOD, praising GOD, and crying out for help. I believe that we should read them as they were meant to be.

Book 1 Chapters 1 - 41Psalm 23 is known as The Shepherds' Psalm, and I am sure that at sometime in your life you have heard it. It was written by David as a psalm of trusting GOD.
Psalm 24 is a short psalm of David. This psalm exalts GOD as the king of glory
Psalm 25 is a psalm of David. It is a psalm of penitence. There are certain parts that I really appreciate and
verses 4 & 5 really sum up this psalm.
Psalm 26 is a psalm of David. In this psalm David expresses that he will bless the LORD.
Psalm 27 is yes, another psalm of David. It is a psalm of trust where David expresses that the LORD is his light and salvation.
Psalm 28 is a psalm of David, where he expresses that the LORD is his strength and his shield.
Psalm 30 is a psalm of David. It was a song that was sung at the dedication of the temple.
Psalm 29 is the psalm that I would like to focus on today. How is your prayer life? It seems like when we become busy our prayers become shorter and shorter and more to the point. Usually that point is what we need.
"Dear Lord, Please help me at work today, I need money so I can pay my bills, please give me patience with my kids today, help Aunt Suzie get over her sickness, Amen."
Does that sound familiar? Let me give you another example. We have a 13 YO son, most of the time, life revolves around his needs. Dad, I need money, why do I not have a cell phone, I am having trouble with a kid at school, Mom is being unfair, No, I do not want to do that....... and on and on. I do not mind answering him or being there for him, that is why GOD chose me as a parent, but sometimes I would like to just talk to him, no struggle, no wants, just talk back and forth.
There is no way that I am even comparing myself to GOD, but I can imagine that is how GOD feels at times. He LONGS to just talk with you. These psalms are a great way to just talk with GOD. A majority of the psalms are songs and prayers just praising GOD, if you do not spend some of your prayer time praising GOD I would encourage you to do so. We serve such an amazing GOD, if you spend time thinking about HIM, it just humbles you.
Below is Psalm 29, it is a wonderful psalm praising HIS majesty. Do not read the words, pray them to the LORD!
Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.

The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the LORD, over many waters.
The voice of the LORD is powerful;
the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.

The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;
the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf,
and Sirion like a young wild ox.

The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire.
The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;
the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth
and strips the forests bare,
and in his temple all cry, "Glory!"

The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.
May the LORD give strength to his people!
May the LORD bless his people with peace!

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Psalm 18-22

Praying the Psalms - Psalm 18-22

Listen to Psalm 18-22

Insight Into Scripture
Blessings! I am so excited for today's devotional. It has an amazing Psalm in it. The direction we are going while reading the Psalms is, a lot of the time like when we read the Bible. We look for lessons, guidance, and theology. As we read through the Psalms, I would like to turn the analytical part of our brains off, and I would like to turn on the sensory and feeling parts on.
Alot of the Psalms were written as prayers and songs to GOD. They were written by men who were seeking the face of GOD, praising GOD, and crying out for help. I believe that we should read them as they were meant to be.

Book 1 Chapters 1 - 41
Psalm 18 is a song that David sang when the LORD delivered him out the hand of his enemy; Saul. This is a great "GOD is my Rock" Psalm. The words refuge, saved, rescued, and delivered appear quite a few times in this Psalm.

Psalm 19 is a Psalm of David that speaks of the value of the Word of GOD. Psalm 119 is another famous Psalm that is like this. You really get into the meat of this Psalm in verses 7-13.
Psalm 20 was written by David. It is a Psalm of trusting GOD in times of trouble. If you read this Psalm it was written as it was written for David, and not by David.
Psalm 21 is again written by king David. It is a Psalm that rejoices in the LORD's strength.
Psalm 22 just fascinates me. If you are like me, I want to get into the mind of Christ. We read a lot of His teachings, and the Bible show a little of His emotions, but, you do not read much about Jesus the human. I would imagine this would be for good reason, Jesus is not about Himself, He is about us, loving us, and what He did for us. That is why Psalm 22 is so neat. David wrote this hundreds of years before Christ was even born, and in this Psalm David captures the exact feeling of Christ on the Cross, in fact Christ quotes David in the first line. Below are portions from Psalm 22, as you are reading, picture that you are there, when Jesus was crucified. You are looking up at Him, weeping, and these are the thoughts that are going through His mind.

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?
6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads:
11 Do not be far from me,for trouble is nearand there is no one to help.
12 Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
13 Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me.
14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint.My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd,and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;you lay me in the dust of death.
16 Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me,they have pierced my hands and my feet.
17 I can count all my bones;people stare and gloat over me.
18 They divide my garments among themand cast lots for my clothing.

31 They will proclaim his righteousness
to a people yet unborn- (Us)
for he has done it.
Thank You Jesus, I love you.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Psalm 10-17

Praying the Psalms - Psalm 10-17
Insight Into Scripture
Good Morning! I hope that you enjoyed the change of pace with our devotionals. Just to refresh what direction we are taking, a lot of the time when we read the Bible we look for lessons, guidance, and theology. As we read through the Psalms, I would like to turn the analytical part of our brains off, and I would like to turn on the sensory and feeling parts on.
Alot of the Psalms were written as prayers and songs to GOD. They were written by men who were seeking the face of GOD, praising GOD, and crying out for help. I believe that we should read them as they were meant to be.

Book 1 Chapters 1 - 41
Psalm 10
is a Psalm that questions why the wicked prosper? It also questions, "Where has GOD gone". In reading these Psalms have you noticed how much emotion are in them? For example in verse 15 the writer asks to "Break the Arm" of the wicked and evil man, very strong feelings being expressed.


Psalm 11 is a short Psalm that tells of the fate of the wicked. How the LORD loves the righteous, and HIS soul hates the wicked. It is a Psalm of David.
Psalm 12 is a short Psalm of David. In this Psalm you can feel discouragement, David expresses that there are no more faithful. A sheminith in this Psalm is believed to be an 8 stringed instrument.
Psalm 13 is a nice Psalm. It is written by David. David starts out and questions "Where is GOD" then in the last half, David expresses that even though he feels that GOD has forgotten him, he will trust HIM.
Psalm 14 is a Psalm of David. David expresses that a man is a fool if he says there is no GOD. I really liked verse 2.
Psalm 15 is a Psalm of David. David starts the Psalm by asking who will live in GOD's sanctuary? He answers in Verse 4
Psalm 17 is a Psalm of David. In this Psalm, David asks GOD to hear his cry and deliver him. By now can you tell that David was on the run alot, and being pursued by his enemies. Maybe that is why David had such a great heart, he had to rely on GOD to save him, he depended on HIM.
In keeping with our theme, do not just read this Psalm. Pray this Psalm, pray this to the LORD. I have included a link at the bottom of chapter 16 for you to listen to. Maybe just close your eyes and let the words of this Psalm soak in. Take yourself back to the time of the Bible, this is King David speaking and you are listening to him.

Psalm 16
A miktam of DavidK
eep me safe, O God,
for in you I take refuge.
I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing."
As for the saints who are in the land,
they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.
The sorrows of those will increase
who run after other gods.
I will not pour out their libations of blood
or take up their names on my lips.
LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup;
you have made my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I have set the LORD always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
because you will not abandon me to the grave,
nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Psalm 1-9

Praying the Psalms - Psalm 1-9
Insight Into Scripture
Good Morning! Today we start the Psalms and I am so excited! This is the direction that I would like to take as we start the book.
A lot of the time when we read the Bible we look for lessons, guidance, and theology. As we start the Psalms, I would like to turn the analytical part of our brains off, and I would like to turn on the sensory and feeling parts on.
Alot of the Psalms were written as prayers to GOD. They were written by men who were seeking the face of GOD, praising GOD, and crying out for help. I believe that we should read them as they were meant to be.
In the past there have been times when I have felt very alone, I will turn to a Psalm that will totally capture what I am feeling, and I will pray that Psalm to the LORD. I am also starting a page on our site that will connect your feelings to the Psalms.

Book 1 Chapters 1 - 41
Psalm 1 could be considered an introduction into the Psalms, it also deals with the worldly vs. the Godly. Notice Verse 2. Psalm 2 is a Messianic psalm.Psalm 3 is written by David when he was fleeing from his son, Absalom. It is a great prayer if you are feeling overwhelmed by your enemies. Prayer for deliverance.
Psalm 4 has to do with the worldly vs Godly, it is a great Psalm if you are looking for GOD to answer you. It has also been used as an evening prayer. It is Psalm or song of David. We should point tout hat when you are reading, the word Selah is a musical pause.
Psalm 5 is a song of David, it is a great psalm if you are looking for guidance. It is good morning prayer also.
Psalm 6 is a psalm of David. It is a great prayer if you are deeply troubled. A prayer to save or deliver you when tears are falling.
Psalm 7 is a psalm that David sang to GOD. It is a psalm for you to take refuge and for the LORD to save you.
Psalm 8 is a praise song to GOD, and HIS majesty. It also goes into how GOD exalted man.
Psalm 9 is a psalm of David and it praises GOD for all the wonders HE has done for you. It also goes into the fate of the wicked.
In closing, let us mediate and pray the morning prayer. I do not know if all of you will read it in the morning, but it is a wonder Psalm. Remember, do not read the words,
PRAY the words to GOD.
Give ear to my words, O LORD,
consider my sighing.
Listen to my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before youand
wait in expectation.
You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil;
with you the wicked cannot dwell.
The arrogant cannot stand in your presence;
you hate all who do wrong.
You destroy those who tell lies;
bloodthirsty and deceitful men
the LORD abhors.
But I, by your great mercy,
will come into your house;
in reverence will I bow down
toward your holy temple.
Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness
because of my enemies-
make straight your way before me.
Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
their heart is filled with destruction.
Their throat is an open grave;
with their tongue they speak deceit.
Declare them guilty, O God!
Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
for they have rebelled against you.
But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
Have a blessed day, and remember that we have a link to all these prayers at the bottom of the page. GOD Bless! Jim

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Job 41-42


Why Do People Suffer? GOD Answers - Job 41-42


Insight Into Scripture
Good Morning! I am so glad that you joined us. This next section of scripture is one of my favorites in the Bible.If you remember last week we left off with Elihu and his very long, arrogant speech. But, the entire dynamics of the book changes in chapter 38, GOD enters the picture. The book changes from suffering, heartache, confusion, and pain, to the glory and majesty of GOD.
Chapter 38 GOD enters and helps Job see the big picture of what has been, and what is going on around him. GOD shows Job his majesty.
Chapter 39 continues GOD's speech. Chapter 40 Job acknowledges GOD's majesty, but GOD is not done with Job, He continues on counseling Job until chapter 42 where Job again acknowledges GOD's sovereignty. God then turns His attention to Job's friends, where he expresses HIS anger with them and tells Job to pray for them! Nice turn!
The story has a very happy ending. Job is blessed much more than the first part of his life. GOD blesses his business, his family, and GOD gives him 140 more years to live.


Try and Imagine........
Always try and put yourself into the Bible and it's characters. Today, we have the Bible, so we know creation, Genesis, GOD, Jesus, and GOD's hand in our universe. We know the entire story, Job did not. He had nothing.

Imagine not knowing how the world was created, you understand nature and animals, but you do not know who was responsible. Now imagine how you would feel if the being that made all this showed up in a storm and let you know HE is the one who created all this. I can imagine it would be very humbling.

Scripture
1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said:
2 "Who is this that darkens my counselwith words without knowledge?
3 Brace yourself like a man;I will question you,and you shall answer me.
4 "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand.
11 Who has a claim against me that I must pay?
Everything under heaven belongs to me. - Job 38:1-5, 41:11 5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it?

Thought For the Day
If you have children, this might sound familiar. Your child wants something from you, you tell them "No" and try and explain the reason why they can not have this "Thing." But, that is not good enough, they ask again, and again, and again, and keep on questioning "Why". Maybe you are not a parent, but as a child you can remember doing this to your parents.
You as a parent become frustrated, and maybe a little short tempered, and finally you answer your child. "No, because I said so" or "No, because I am your dad, and I say NO". I can imagine this is the tone GOD answered Job in. Job, you are sick because I am GOD, and you are not. Since you think you have all this figured out, let me test your knowledge on "Life". It sounds like it was a very humbling experience for Job.
When something bad happens to us, or a bad situation happens that we do not understand or agree with, we demand an answer, we have to understand, and "Because I said NO" does not sit well with us. We are the creation demanding answers from the creator. We answer to HIM, not the reverse.
There are two wonderful points that GOD makes, that I believe we can use when we do not understand:
38:2 - "Who is this that darkens my consul with words without knowledge?"
41:11 - "Who has a claim against me that I must pay"
EVERYTHING under heaven belongs to ME".
The last one I believe is the best, everything is GOD's.
There are going to be bad things that happen to us and our loved ones. Situations are going to happen that make us sick inside and cry. There is going to be pain and suffering in our life time. GOD may show some of HIS plans to us, some HE may not. Our job is to know He is GOD and we are not. He is the Creator, we are the creation. I know this is not easy at times, but this concept will carry you through anything that life dishes out to you.
Thank you, and I hope that you will join me as we start the Psalms. Have a Blessed Day!

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Job 30-33


Tamed Tongue - Job 30-33


Insight Into Scripture
Good Morning! Today, we start with chapter 30, which is the middle of Job's speech that started in chapter 29.
We asked the question, how long Job had suffered, in chapter 30 it states twice (16, 27) that it has been "Days" of suffering.

I would recommend reading chapter 31, especially if you are a male. Job makes some great statements in verses 1& 9-12 about staying pure.

In chapter 32 we meet Elihu, he is a younger man that lacks wisdom and it shows. The Bible reads like Elihu had been there, listening to the debate of Job and his friends, when he could not take it anymore. He launches into a very angered, long, speech that is very arrogant. Elihu's speech lasts 6 chapters.

Bringing the Bible Alive
In chapter 32 Elihu speaks and even though it is a winded speech, I would encourage you to read it. When you are reading it examine yourself, and see if you have ever felt like Elihu when you have been speaking to someone. This weekend we finish with "The speeches" and move into one of my favorite parts of the Bible; GOD speaks. Job is such a neat book as it starts out with this severe suffering of a man, debates why suffering happens, then finishes with the majesty and glory of The ALMIGHTY. Please join me as we take a look at those chapters Monday morning.

Scripture
1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned with anger. He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself rather than God. 3 He burned with anger also at Job's three friends because they had found no answer, although they had declared Job to be in the wrong. 4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he. 5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, he burned with anger. - Job 32:1-5

Thought For the Day
I am sure that you have heard the Bible speak of our evil tongues. The book of James calls our tongues restless evil, full of deadly poison. It goes on to say that with the same tongue we praise GOD and curse men James 3:7-10 James tell us that it can not be tamed, but, can it be controlled?

Let's take a look at a good example of a tongue that is untamed; Elihu. Elihu blew it from the beginning, he spoke out of anger. At the beginning of his speech in chapter 32, it says 3 times that the reason he spoke was out of anger. Anger is the wrong motive to speak to anyone. We should speak out of love, our motive should be love, if it is any other reason, it should not be spoken.

My father-in-law always told me, when dealing with people, use your anger, do not lose your anger. At first it did not make sense, but, then as I grew in the LORD it started to make sense. When I was angry and spoke out of anger, my emotions were on a roller coaster. I said things I did not mean, and sometimes wish I could have taken them back. I then started to use my anger, I may have been upset at a situation, but, I always kept my thoughts and emotions in control. By doing that, the situation always came out better. If you are wanting to tell someone something and you are angry, it is the wrong time. Take a break, cool off, gather your thoughts, approach that person with love. You will be so much more effective.

The other reason that Elihu spoke was for himself. In Job 32:20 he says that he MUST speak and find relief. First off, you never HAVE to speak, in fact I believe that some things are better off left unsaid. Second, if you are going to speak to hear yourself talk, it is the wrong reason, do not do it. Your motives should be pure and filled with love that will build up the person you are speaking to.

In closing, if you do speak to someone, always tell the truth. Elihu was very arrogant when he spoke, to the point of speaking on GOD's behalf. See Job 33:3-4 & Job 36:1-2 . Elihu could not be farther from the truth, he was not speaking on GOD's behalf, and when GOD did speak, I am sure he was ashamed and the others could see how foolish he was. Always speak the truth.
We know that the tongue can not be tamed, but I believe we can control it. If you can't approach that person in love with the motives of building up, then I would question whether it needs to be said. There are going to be times where you do make mistakes. If you do, be quick to ask for forgiveness. Have a blessed weekend, hope to see you Monday. - Jim

Closing Prayer
Dear Jesus
Thank You Father for forgiveness, as hard as it is sometimes. I pray Father that You will guide me in every situation and tame my tongue. Teach me to be a loving Christian not a prideful one. Father I pray that everyone has a safe and happy weekend. I love You, In Jesus Name, Amen.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Job 25-29


Who is to Blame? - Job 25-29

Insight Into Scripture
Good Morning! Are you hanging in there while we are moving through Job? Some say that the book of Job can be quite challenging to read, but, I believe that if we break it down, it becomes quite easy.
Today, we start with chapter 25 where Bildad explains that man can not be righteous. Job responds to Bildad in chapter 26 that GOD's majesty is unsearchable, then switches gears in chapter 27 where he explains that he will maintain his integrity.Job then goes on (Yes, this is a long discourse of Job's) to ask where is wisdom? We end with chapter 29 where Job starts his summary of defense.

Bringing the Bible Alive
If you do not end up reading the entire book of Job, I would encourage you to read certain portions. Chapter 28 is worth taking the time to read. It is a wonderful "Wisdom Hymn." The best part of Job's thoughts are at the end of the chapter, Job sums it up in verse 28:
"The fear of the Lord-that is wisdom,
and to shun evil is understanding."
Some people have a problem or do not fully understand the word fear. To me fear means being afraid of something to the point of wanting to avoid it. A better word than fear might be respect.

Thought For the Day
The topic, why bad things happen to good people, is hard to grasp. I do not have all the answers, but I hope that these couple of days have shed some light onto the subject.
We had a story in the news a couple of weeks ago, where a boy that was 13 was getting off his school bus after school. As he got off the bus he cut in front of the school bus, and proceeded to cross the street. He did not see the dump truck that was coming in the opposite lane. The dump truck hit the boy and killed him.
When we hear these stories our first reaction is sadness, we are sadden that this could happen, we feel for the parents and the other children he left behind. Sometimes if we do not keep those feelings in check, they turn to anger and confusion. We become angry that it happened and we look to go out and blame someone.
We look to blame the parents, did they not teach their child? But, we look at the parents and they have 3 other children, so I guess they did. Then we look to blame the bus driver, maybe he did not take the proper precautions, but in looking he has a perfect record and all saftey steps were taken. So, we look to the garbage truck company, they must be to blame. They must have been negligent. But, in looking they followed all the rules.
If you follow this pattern of trying to put the blame on someone it will eventually lead to GOD. We try and blame GOD, it is HIS fault, HE allowed this to happen. How could a good GOD that loves us let this happen? We pin the blame on HIM and we start to build up a wall between HE and us.
We must always remember that we do live in a fallen world, there are going to be things that are going to happen that we will not be able to explain. We must be willing to accept this concept and live in faith. WE must know the the Lord will use this for His good, in some way, ways we may never know. I am sure as JOB went through and even lived the blessings afterwards, he had NO idea that his story would be read by millions of people. And what he suffered has given millions of people hope for the future. Have a very blessed day and may the LORD's face shine upon you. - Jim

Closing Prayer
Dear Jesus
Thank You Father for this day, the sunshine and the fresh air. Father I pray that I can take that time to just sit back and see Your majestic world around me and not get so caught up in the little things. Father I thank You for this story of Job, this man that had such a heart for You and suffered so much, only to still be in love with You and be so blessed. He, You have taught me so much about suffering. I love You Father, Amen.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Job 21-24


Where is GOD in Hard Times? - Job 21-24

Insight Into Scripture
Good Morning! We are halfway to the weekend, and still deep into the debate between Job and his friends.
I have often wondered how long Job's suffering was? What made me think of this is how Job starts out in Chapter 23, "Even today my complaint is bitter...." I have looked on the net and have not found much. If anyone has some insight, I would love to hear it.

Bringing the Bible Alive
We start with Job's 6th speech in chapter 21. Job's theme in this chapter is that the wicked DO prosper, even though they have no desire to serve or know GOD.
Eliphaz starts round 3 of the cycle of speeches. If you remember there are 3 cycles of debates with Job and his friends. Chapter 22 starts Eliphaz 3rd speech where he flat out says, Job's wickedness is great.
Chapter 23 is Job's 7th speech where he asks, where is GOD? How many times have you felt like that? Chapter 24 continues his speech.

Scripture
"But if I go to the east, he is not there;
if I go to the west, I do not find him.
When he is at work in the north, I do not see him;
when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. - Job 23:8-9

Thought For the Day
How many times have you said that or felt like that? You are going through a tough time in your life, you are seeking HIS face, you are praying all the time, but HE seems like He has disappeared.....gone.....why?
I can identify with those feelings and what Job was expressing in verses 8-9. When I became sick, it seemed like GOD split, HE was gone. I spent over 2 years seeking, prayer, and yearning. Theologically, I knew GOD never left my side, but, at this time it did not help!
If you have any kind of a relationship with Christ, the littlest amount of distance between you and Christ hurts. Even non-believers "Feel" Christ in nature, relationships (Love), music, and art, we are surrounded by HIM all the time. It is hard to imagine the magnitude of hell, but, to me the closest feeling would be a total separation from Christ. If you are a non-believer, to try and put it in terms you can understand, it would be total separation from everything that gives you peace and love.... forever.
So, why does GOD seem to disappear? Well to start, if you believe the Bible as true, GOD makes many promises that HE will never leave you. You have to believe and live that. That is first, hang onto those promises, stretch your faith, stay close to HIM as best you can.
Second, look to see as to why GOD has allowed you to be in this situation. What is HE wanting you to learn. In our church I have observed some people enter into a trial, they become so focused on the negative they can't see what GOD is trying to teach them. The funny thing is that everyone else can see where GOD is trying to lead them. Always search for movements of GOD. Although, in some cases there may not be a lesson, GOD is moving you to where he needs you.
In closing I think that Job expressed it best in the verses after he asked where GOD was. He says that after GOD has tested him, he will come forth as gold. (23:10-12) That is the true, when..... noticed how I said when....... the trial ends, you will be a stronger person. You will be blessed by the experience. I know that sounds funny, but it is true. Because of what I have gone through, I can meet people in their hurt, and by meeting them there and walking with them, I am very blessed. Plus, I have to tell you, faith is now a very strong gift The Holy Spirit has given me. GOD LOVES YOU more than you can comprehend, and HE will never leave you! Deuteronomy 31:6 , Hebrews 13:5 , Have a blessed day! - Jim

Closing Prayer
Dear Jesus
Whoo hoo and Amen to Your love Father. Only You can put this joy and thankfulness in my heart and I pray Father that You will place in all of those that know You. I pray that all of those that don't know You, will meet the ones that do. I pray they will find You in the mist of the darkness. I love You Father and I pray in Jesus name, Amen.


Have a Blessed Day!

Monday, June 18, 2007

Job 17-20


Are You a Good Friend? - Job 17-20

Insight Into Scripture
Welcome back! We are knee deep into a debate........ well, one might even say an argument between Job and his friends. I hope that you are enjoying the religious insight each person is displaying.
Remember what you are reading is the 2nd cycle of speeches.

Bringing the Bible Alive
Today, we start with chapter 17, but, we really need to jump back to chapter 16 to start Job's 4th speech.
Chapter 17 continues this speech, but, Job changes gears as he starts to question, where is his hope?
Chapter 18 is Bildad 2nd speech, he expresses to Job that GOD punishes the wicked...... hint hint.
Job responds to Bildad in his 5th speech in chapter 19. Here Job says that his Redeemer lives. Do you think that he was maybe trying to convince himself?
As we finish up with chapter 20 Zophar speaks up again in his 2nd speech. Here he expresses to Job that the wicked will suffer, that is why Job is suffering.
Scripture
As for you, you whitewash with lies;
worthless physicians are you all.
Oh that you would keep silent,
and it would be your wisdom! - Job 13:4- 5
"I have heard many such things;
miserable comforters are you all.
Shall windy words have an end?
Or what provokes you that you answer?
I also could speak as you do,
if you were in my place;
I could join words together against you
and shake my head at you. - Job 16:2-4
I have heard many such things;
miserable comforters are you all.
3 Shall windy words have an end?
Or what provokes you that you answer? - Job 19:2-3

Thought For the Day
About chapter 13 you can feel Job becoming frustrated with his friends. You can read the frustration in the verses above.
I wanted to take a look at Job's friends in this devotional. Job is in an amazing amount of physical and mental suffering. Job did not call his friends, they heard of Job's condition (2:11) and set out from their homes and met before they went to see Job. Before they met, they agreed to sympathize with him and comfort him. When they saw Job it must have been quite a shock. In verse 2:12 the Bible says they could not recognize him.

Stop and think for a minute. Picture one of your good friends; now that you have that picture, try and imagine your friend so infested with sickness you do not know who they are. Maybe cancer has taken over their body, maybe they are in chemo treatments and they are swollen up. I know that I have had an experience like this. In fact she was standing right in front of me, and her other friends told me this was Jackie, I could not believe it, I did not know what to say. This is the feeling Job's friend were experiencing.
Job's friends at first did exactly what good friends should have. They just sat and did not speak. They let Job know they were there to support him. BUT, they started to open their mouths and things went down hill fast. I have often thought, why they were so harsh with Job? Maybe they felt bad and wanted to try and solve problems, which at first were good intentions, but it turns sour.

When I was at my sickest time, I had alot of people try and solve ME. I heard it all........"Have you tried to pray about it?"..........."You need to eat better"........."It was because of your past steroid use"............."You need to get a massage".........And the most hurtful of all was..... "He just needs to get over it."

I had one friend who did not try and fix me, he simply asked if he could come over and watch a couple of movies with me. He came over, we did not talk about my disease, we just watched "The Lord of the Rings." That was very peaceful and made me feel somewhat human again.

When you have a friend that is hurting how do you treat them? Do you try and solve their problems? I agree that there is a time and a place to do that with LOVE. But, living with a disease I have gained a whole new understanding for suffering. Now, I will tell that person, I love you, and I am here for you...... that is it. If we get together I do not try and fix them. I talk about anything but the problem. Sometimes they need a place to unload, which, I will just sit there and listen and let them unload. If they ask for advice I will offer it.

I am sorry if I carried on, but, I feel that our world spends too much time trying to fix people and not enough time just loving them. Have a blessed day and I hope to see you in the morning. GOD Bless - Jim :)

Closing Prayer
Dear Jesus
Father thank You for all the people that are blessing me and my family with these devotionals. I pray Father that you will bless them and their families and I pray that wherever they are in life that they feel Your presence right along side of them. I pray father that you continue to show me the Jesus way to be the perfect friend.
I love You and I pray in Your name,
Amen.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Job 13-16


Is GOD Angry at Me?- Job 13-16

Insight Into Scripture
Good Morning! I am so glad that you have taken time out of your busy morning to join us. So, how are you enjoying Job? When I first read Job the beginning and the last part were very interesting, but the middle was a little dry. So let me give you a little insight to the entire book.
Job becomes very sick and looses everything. He then has his friends come to his side and comfort him. His friends were doing a great job until they started to speak. Instead of being supportive, they are very accusing and do anything but comfort Job. The ending of Job is one of my favorite parts of the Bible, but you will have to wait until we read it. :)
Starting in chapter 4 there are 3 cycles of speeches by Job's friends. Each time one speaks, Job replies. Each on of these speeches are a different thought or theology, so it helps to read that persons thought in it's entirety. The ESV translation is nice as it gives the theme of the chapter.

Bringing the Bible Alive
Chapter 12 starts Job's 3rd speech, the point Job is trying to make in this chapter, is that the LORD has done this to me. But, in chapter 13 Job changes gears and claims that there is still hope in GOD. Chapter 14, Job acknowledges that death does come to us all.
Chapter 15 starts the second round of speeches. Eliphaz starts again, and claims that Job does not fear GOD, that is why he is sick.
Job then responds to Eliphaz in chapter 16, this is Job's 4th speech. Can you pick up on Job's frustration in his voice. He tells his friends that they are "Miserable comforters" and takes a shot and asks how long are your "Long-winded" speeches going to last?

Scripture
For the arrows of the Almighty are in me;my spirit drinks their poison;
the terrors of God are arrayed against me. (6:4)
If I sin, what do I do to you, you watcher of mankind?
Why have you made me your mark?
Why have I become a burden to you? (7:20)
If I summoned him and he answered me,
I would not believe that he was listening to my voice.
For he crushes me with a tempest
and multiplies my wounds without cause; (9:1-17)
There is no arbiter between us,
who might lay his hand on us both.
Let him take his rod away from me,
and let not dread of him terrify me. (9:33-34)
withdraw your hand far from me,
and let not dread of you terrify me. (13:21)
Oh that you would hide me in Sheol,
that you would conceal me until your wrath be past,
that you would appoint me a set time, and
remember me! (14:13)He has torn me in his wrath and hated me;
he has gnashed his teeth at me;
my adversary sharpens his eyes against me. (16:9)

Thought For the Day
When a tragedy happens in our life that we can not explain. It is easy to believe that GOD is mad at us, or think, what did I do wrong to GOD so that HE is punishing me? I know when I was diagnosed with my disease, and my family and I slowly watched my body and my health go downhill fast to the point of almost passing away 3 times, I thought MANY times, GOD is GONE, HE hates me. Why is HE doing this to me. Does HE not love me. The sicker I became, the easier it became to blame GOD and think that HE does not care or HE hated me. Let me stop there for a minute and tell you that that is a lie from satan. satan will hit you at your lowest point, he is not a nice being and he does not play fair.

Job felt the same way. As you read the above verses can you grasp what he was feeling. GOD hates me! There are a couple of thoughts that I would like to share with you.

GOD does not punish people unjustly. GOD already punished HIS son. GOD punished HIS son for anything that you have or will do in your life time. Jesus paid your price. GOD will not punish a person a second time or then what Jesus did, does not mean that anything.

Sin does have consequences. Yes, if we make the choice to sin, we have to live with the choices we make. As we just got done looking at the Israelites, GOD did not punish them unjustly, they made the choice again, and again to sin. They brought the punishment on themselves. But, always remember, GOD was quick to forgive and bless.

I believe that GOD will allow things to happen to you, to move you in and out of certain situations. This is what has happened to me. This disease was the worse case the doctors have ever seen, and, I still live with it. But, because of this disease we opened our own business, doing HIS work, and live next to the ocean, I could go on and on. The point is, during the storm I could not see the future, all I could see was pain and confusion. But, now...... WOW. The blessings are amazing. Through this disease GOD moved me into the place where HE needed me.

The last thought is a hard one to accept. We live in a fallen world. There are things that happen that we will never understand. An example of this is the pastor who married us. Cylde McDowell, he was an amazing man. GOD was blessing his church, and his work, he was called to the presidency of Denver Seminary. But, he suddenly died of a brain tumor. He left behind a wife and kids, why? I can't explain it, to this day. We have to remember that GOD is sovereign, there are going to be things in our lives that will happen, that we are not going to be able to explain. We must continue to have faith and trust. When we get to heaven I am sure it will all make sense.
In looking at those thoughts maybe you fall into one. I hope that they have helped you in some way. I hope to see you on Tuesday Morning. May GOD bless you and make HIS face shine upon you! - Jim

Closing Prayer
Dear Jesus
Father thank You for being the perfect Father, with undieing, unimaginable love. I pray Father that through every trial that I have that I will always look up to You even in the most confusing and dark times. I pray Father that I will always see the blessings that You so graciously give everyday. Thank You Father for the storms that draw me closer to You and help me to learn more about You. I love You and I thank You, Amen.

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Job 1-4

Job 1-4


Why Do The Innocent Suffer? - Job 1-4


Insight Into Scripture
Good Morning, are you ready? This is a very interesting book with a lot of life lessons that I believe we can learn. This book is very special to me as I became VERY sick, like Job. My sickness is still with me, and it did not make sense. Finally, after 3 years I am beginning to understand why I became sick, 3 years later!

OK, so let's give you some background on this book. Job is the oldest book of the Bible, it was written around 2000 to 1800 BC. The author is unknown, some believe Job and his counselors, may have.

In job 2:8 Job is sitting among the ashes. Ashes were most likely found on a dunghill or town dump.

Job has one of the best dialogues between satan and GOD. The first 4 chapters are a MUST read!

Bringing the Bible Alive
Here is a drawing of Job with his so called friends. In Jewish culture when a person was in mourning their friends would gather and just sit, this process was/is called Sitting Shiva. It would be a process where your friends would gather together and just sit and mourn with that person. They would not say a word, not try and fix the person, just be there for the person that is hurting.As you are reading Job, try and put yourself in his shoes, try and feel his loses, and see if you would react the same way.

Scripture Reading
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan[a] also came among them. 7 The LORD said to Satan, "From where have you come?" Satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it." 8 And 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, who fears God and turns away from evil?" 9 Then Satan answered the LORD and said, "Does Job fear God for no reason? 10 Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face." 12 And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand." So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. - Job 1:6-12 ESV

Thought For the Day
Let's unpack the first four chapters of Job; look at the events and see if we can make a bridge into our everyday life.

To understand Job, you have to understand that he was very wealthy. The size of his flocks were enormous! Job was also very close to GOD, he is called "Blameless and upright" by GOD. Job had a good life, he was walking with GOD, and GOD had blessed him for it. Job was the most upright person on earth..... I guess he would be a modern day Billy Graham. I can imagine that Job could feel GOD's presence with him.

The dialogue between satan and GOD is one of a kind. I would suggest reading and re-reading it again. satan was looking for someone to pick on, he appears before GOD with the other angels. During the conversation did you pick up on the fact the GOD suggested Job to satan (1:8)? satan did not ask for Job, GOD had faith in Job. He knew that he was the man for the trial, he knew that he would come forth as gold. Would GOD have that confidence in you, today?
satan had to have permission to afflict Job and he had boundaries too, but GOD did not allow him to act upon his motives. After satan leaves GOD he BLASTS Job. Can you imagine losing your business, job, savings, bonds, 401k, everything financial? Then if that were not enough, your family dies....gone, in a fatal accident. How does Job react? He praises GOD (1:20) yes, that is right, he goes through the act of mourning and worships GOD. How do you think you would react?

After satan sees that he is failing, he goes back to GOD and asks permission to affect his health. GOD agrees and gives him permission, but again draws boundaries, satan could not take his life. So after loosing his business, and his family, he looses his health and the support of his wife. Even after all this, Job still does not fall. Ha Ha satan! :P
Chapter 3 peaks at Job's frustration. He is maxxed out! Have you ever said or thought, "I wish I were never born?" That is Job's mind set. The last verse in chapter 3 sums up Job's state of mind "I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.

"Up to chapter 4, Job's friends were wonderful. They were supportive and sat with Job while he was going through this very tough time. But, they blew it in chapter 4 and as we progress you will see how "Supportive" they are. We will take a look at this in the next couple of devotionals.

Thank you for joining me, I pray that you have a blessed weekend and hope to see you Monday. GOD Bless - Jim

Closing Prayer
Dear Jesus
Thank You Father for loving me so much that You are willing to teach me to make me better. Thank You for sending Your Son to pay the ultimate price for me so that I can be with You for eternity. Father I pray that all of those that are going through these times like Job, that they fall to their knees and seek You to get them through it. I pray they will see all the blessings and the work that You do through the terrible times.
I love You and I pray, Amen

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Esther 8-10


Esther 8-10

The Self Sacrificing Woman


Don't you love happy endings! Today, we finish with the book of Esther, and it is just that, a happy ending.

Yesterday, we left off with the hanging of Haman, but, even though he was dead, his evil scheme to destroy the Jews was still in place. Queen Esther knew that she had to stop the destruction of her people. Queen Esther, being as tactful as she was, worked the king to stop the evil scheme, the Jews were saved.But, that was not the end of the story. Through Queen Esther's efforts a new Jewish Holiday; Purim was created, and Mordecai was exalted to greatness.


Bringing the Bible Alive
The month of Sivan 23 fell in the month of June 474BC. (8:9)

Since the first decree to destory the Jews could not be revoked. The second decree allowed the Jews to form their own militia group. (8:11)
Did you notice while you were reading the humility of Queen Esther? Even though she was Queen, she was extemely humble and servant hearted towards the king. When she was given Haman's estate, she passed it on to Mordecai. When asked what she wanted by the king, she wanted the safety of her people. Even in the end of the story it tells the greatness of Mordecai while Queen Esther remians quietly in the background.

Scripture
16 Meanwhile, the remainder of the Jews who were in the king's provinces also assembled to protect themselves and get relief from their enemies. They killed seventy-five thousand of them but did not lay their hands on the plunder. - Esther 9:16

Thought For the Day
Did you notice that this phrase appears 3 times in chapter 9 (Verses 10, 15, 16)? When you are reading the Bible and something appears once, you might take note of it. If it appears twice, there might be something there, if it appears three times or more, GOD really wants you to understand this point.
So, when I read this phrase I started asking myself, what is GOD trying to tell us? Here is what I believe HE is speaking to us. As we have read in the Old Testament, when an army would conquer another army, they usually had the right to plunder that conquered army. Unless directed not to by GOD, as we saw with king Saul. But, in this case they were even GIVEN the right to plunder by the king (8:11). So why did they not plunder?
I believe they were not greedy and did not want greed to cause them to sin, they wanted to keep their hearts in the right place with GOD. Try and put yourself in their shoes and imagine if you would have had the same attitude? They had a decree that it was open season on all Jews, I can imagine that they were in fear for their lives and maybe went into hiding. Then the decree came, to protect themselves, the Bible tells us it was a time of celebration (8:15-17).
So what lesson can we pull from this? There are going to be bad times, good times, and great times in life. It is easy to stay close to GOD and keep all HIS commands when things are not going good. We are trying to get back into HIS protection and blessing. But, when things are going well it is easy to forget to stay connected, or maybe it is not that important. I know that I have done this in the past.
We need to strive to stay close to GOD when things are going well. This means keeping HIS commands, praying, reading HIS word. Challenge yourself, see how long you can stay in the LORD's blessings!
Thursday, we start a book that is close to my heart; Job. I became very sick as Job did, I must have read it 3 times searching for an answer...... I hope that you will join me as we take a look at this book! May you have a Blessed Day!! - Jim

Closing Prayer
Dear Jesus
Thank You Father for Your great word. Father I pray that I can apply this to my life everyday and continue to connect and seek You in good and bad times. I pray for those that are struggling Lord and I pray that they will come to know the AWESOME love You give, and ONLY You can give.
I love You and I pray in Jesus' name,
Amen.