A key to answered Prayer

Read Psalm 4.

"But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him." (v.3)

That is the simplest definition of the word sanctification.  Sanctification is not a word to ignore.  It is vital to understand.  The Bible explains two aspects of us being set apart for God.

1. Eternal.

"But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth." (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

At the very moment of believing in Jesus, we are set apart from the world to God.  This is a singular, eternal act of God's grace.  When the Bible speaks of this sanctification it is always in the past tense of one's life of faith.

2. Practical.

"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor.." (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)

A growing believer in Jesus continues to discipline themselves on a lifestyle that demonstrates that they have already been set apart to God.  This is an on-going endeavor of discipleship.  When the Bible speaks of this aspect of sanctification it is always in the present and progressive sense.

How important is our sanctification?  As the Psalmist wrote, it is a key to God responding to our prayers.

6 Declarative statements when there appears to be no Hope

Read Psalm 3.

Outwardly, there appeared to be no hope.  (vv.1-2)

David was on the run for his life.  Everything had turned upside down on him.  He was a leader, but the nation was not following him.  He was a warrior, but he chose to run rather than fight his own son, Absalom.  He was a man with great faith in God, but his pursuers declared that even God could not help him now.

Inwardly, David broke out in praise!  (vv.3-8)

With his life on the line, how could he praise God at a time like this?

1. He Protects me.

God was his shield, not an army.

2. He Honors me.

God was his glory, not his position on the throne.

3. He Encourages me.

God was his source of strength, not his circumstances.

4. He Answers my prayers.

David had a history of calling out to God and seeing Him work in response.

5. He Sustains me.

David could rest and even sleep without fear, knowing that God was his protector.

6. He Delivers me.

The threat was real.  But David knew the power of God and his full faith and trust was in Him.

"Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people!" (v.6)

Why is there so much turmoil in the world?

Read Psalm 2.

Why do the nations rage?  Why does not everyone embrace Jesus as Savior?

Rejection and outright rebellion against God is not new.  The first mention of such pride-filled actions occurred when Lucifer was expelled from heaven.  Ever since then Satan has made it his work to turn human hearts and nations to thwart God's will and purposes.

With the killing of Abel in the Garden of Eden, there has been a spiritual war against believers.  Today, from Asia to Africa, Christians are being killed and churches destroyed solely because of their faith.

What is God's response to the rebellious?  He laughs!  He laughs not because it is funny but in derision.  It is insane that a person would think they know better than God or can ignore His power and eternal claims.  At His will, at any moment, He can unleash His wrath on any of them.  This is His world.

The root issue is Jesus, the Messiah.  He is the One who will rule and reign over the nations from the throne of David.  But even more, the Messiah came to save us from our sin so we could enjoy an eternal and personal relationship with Him.

So, what should be done?

1. "Be wise." (v.10)

Only a fool ignores a warning like this.  Responding to salvation in Jesus is the most intelligent decision a person will ever make.

2. Serve and Fear God. (v.11)

Instead of rebelling against what He has said, respect it.  Serving God leads to a life of rejoicing.

3. Embrace Jesus as Lord. (v.12)

Most translations use the phrase "kiss the Son."  This refers to an eastern response of bowing, kissing the hand or feet of a supreme authority.  In doing so, one finds peace and safety under their protection.

"Blessed are all who take refuge in him." 

What does godliness look like?

Read Psalm 1.

This first song in Israel's hymnbook contrasts a godly person and a wicked person.

What are the distinguishing characteristics?

1. We are known by the advice to which we listen.

A godly person draws life coaching, first and foremost, from the Scriptures.

A wicked person has ruled God out of his thinking.

2. We are known by the company we keep.

A godly person desires to be with God's people for worship, learning and service.

A wicked person wants to spend time with those who are rebellious and lead a lawless lifestyle.

3. We are known by the commitments we make.

A godly person speaks from a pure heart that seeks to meets the needs of others.

A wicked person responds negatively to spiritual things, even mocking and ridiculing.

What are the keys to growing in godliness?

1. A godly person delights in what God has to say.

He sees the Scriptures as a pleasure and invaluable to life.

2. A godly person meditates on what God has to say.

More than reading or studying, meditation has to do with talking to yourself about it; turning it over and over in your mind in order to put it into practice.  Asking, "What does that mean to me and my behavior?" 

When does a godly person do this?

Day and night.  It is not a Sunday thing to do.  It is not limited to a daily quiet time.  Godliness is an all the time thing, while we are going about our daily lives.

What is the result?

Stability.  A godly person is firmly rooted by the values of the Word of God.

Productivity.  A godly person bears noticeable fruit in his labors.

Prosperity.  A godly person can be recognized by their spiritual vitality no matter where they are.

3 Questions believing sufferers need to Ask

Read Job 42.

1. What do I know now that I did not understand before this calamity?

Job realized a deeper understanding of who God is that he could not have learned in any other way.  For Job, it was summed up in these two statements.

-"I know that you can do all things."

- "I know that no purpose of yours can be thwarted."

He said things he regretted.  His words came out of his hurt and confusion.

2. How did God reveal Himself to me?

Job had a personal encounter with the one true and living God through his sufferings.  That was the turning point.  God's words both corrected and comforted Him.

There were three results of this meeting with God.

-Job repented of his sin of finding fault with the LORD.

-God rebuked Job's friends for their sin of misjudging Job.

-God restored the fortunes of Job by 200%.

3. What can I take away from this?

Believers in Jesus have an eternal, personal relationship with the same God who spoke to Job.  If we suffer and it is not our fault, we find ourselves in a school that is designed to teach us a deeper understanding of God's love for us and our hope in Him.

"...we rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."  (Romans 5:3-5)

Two Powerful Questions and the Ultimate Claim

Read Job 41.

God continued firing one question after another at Job.  All the questions here, except two, were singularly focused on a scary sea creature called Leviathan.  In chapter 40, we are told about the huge land creature call Behemoth.  It is unclear as to the exact identities of these two.  Some have suggested that these are types of dinosaurs now extinct.  Many conservative scholars see traits of the hippopotamus in one and a giant crocodile in the other.  If mankind thinks these creatures are frightening, how much more to be in the presence of the Creator Himself.

Interestingly, the climax of God's personal inquisition came in verses 10a-11 with two questions and an ultimate claim.

1. "Who then can stand before me?"

The answer is no one.  As seen previously, it is human pride that thinks they know better than God and could possibly argue with Him.  There is coming a day, however, when even the most rebellious will kneel in surrender before the LORD.

"...at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11)

2. "Who has first given to me, that I should repay him?"

Job was a godly and generous man.  He did everything right.  He voiced several times that he did not deserve to suffer.  Indeed, he looked for God to reward him.  But God is no one's debtor.  Life with God is not transactional as a quid pro quo.  Some want to treat God in a manner that says, "If you give me what I want then I will give you what you want."  According to God that is not so.

3. "Whatever is under the whole heaven is mine."

This is the irrefutable statement of a Sovereign God.  He claims absolute ownership of all things.  Everything Job had from his breath, his ability to have children, his ability to earn, his opportunities and all the results had been graciously given to him by the One who owns and controls all things.

The Apostle Paul asked: "What do you have that you did not receive?  If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?" (1 Corinthians 4:7)

"But who are you, O man, to answer back to God?  Will what is molded say to its molder, 'Why have you made me like this?'  Has the potter no right over the clay...?" (Romans 9:20-21a)

Humbling to acknowledge?  Yes.  But when one reaches that point they are in a perfect position then to experience God's grace as never before.

Embracing the root issue of Suffering

Read Job 40.

Yikes!  God did not stop.  The questioning continued for two more chapters.

Did not Job already feel humbled?  Did he not put his hand over his mouth and commit to say no more?  The answer to both is "yes".  However, there is a difference in feeling sorry and regretting what one said or did and learning a lasting lesson.

In a time of great loss, pain or distress it is in our nature to question God, to argue with Him, or to even want to reject His plans for us.  Accepting undesired circumstances is not the lesson to be learned.  That is a surface issue.  The root issue is moving to a deeper understanding of who God truly is and our relationship to Him.

Job wanted to argue his case with God to justify himself (v.8).  Such a thought exalts oneself to be on a par with the God of heaven.  So, let's compare.

God's questions to Job are comparison statements to Himself. 

"Do you have My power and ability?"

"Do you have a voice like mine that thunders to humble, create and provide?

"Are you really any match for My majesty and dignity, glory and splendor?"

"Can you make something like Behemoth, feed him, and take him all by yourself?"

Embracing our position before the LORD and exalting Him in our lives is the essence of worship.  The Psalmist David wrote in Psalm 8:3-4, 9:

"When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?...O LORD, how majestic is your name in all the earth!"

Such worship produces contentment regardless of circumstances.  “…I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

A quiz for those who wish to argue with God

Read Job 39-40:5.

This is for everyone who thinks they know better than God how to run things, including their own lives.

All along Job wanted to argue his legal case with God.  In response, God systematically took Job through the creation.  To demonstrate His absolute sovereignty, God relentlessly pounded Job with over 40 questions in a row in these two chapters.

"Do you..."

"Can you..."

"Is it by your understanding..."

"Is it at your command..."

How humbling for a person to realize that the answer to all of God's questions is "no"!  None of creation is in the control of humans.  As Creator, God alone is the Owner and Sustainer.  He is all powerful and all knowing.

Then His final question: "Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty?"  Who is man that he would argue with God or question Him as if God did not know what He was doing?

To this, Job could only acknowledge how small this made him feel and put his hand over his mouth.   He would question God's authority in his life no more.

When the Kingdom of Judah suffered the loss of all things, living in captivity, Jeremiah wrote a letter of hope to them that God was in control.  All of God's actions are done with purpose and for their good.  The present pain was not to be compared to God's plan for them...for Job…and for us.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)  Trust Him and see.

Asking God "Why?" may not be the right question.

Read Job 38.

Elihu had just finished six chapters of defending God and finished by referring to God's control of the natural elements.  Then, a whirlwind appeared with God's voice responding to Job at last.

In the next four chapters, the LORD never answered Job's question of "why" these things had happened to him.  Rather, the focus of what God had to say was singularly on "who" was in control the entire time.

The LORD drilled Job with questions such as:

1.  "Where were you when I created the earth?"

Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

2. "Where were you when I separated light from darkness?"

Genesis 1:3-4 "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light.  And God saw that the light was good.  And God separated the light from the darkness."

Next, God described His personal control of the sea, the clouds, and the entire water cycle of the earth.

3. "Where were you when I set the stars in orbit?"

Psalm 147:4 "He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names."

4. "Where were you when I established and provided for the earth's food chain?"

Matthew 6:26 "Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?"

The God of the Bible claims personal responsibility and care of every detail life.  When compared to this awesome God, mankind is very small and insignificant.  However, the answer to Jesus' question in Matthew 6 is yes.  We are of much more value than any or all of His creation combined.  He personally loves us and gave His life for us on the cross.

Why talk about the weather?

Read Job 37.

Understanding when these words were written, the scientific knowledge is outstanding.  The Bible has much to say about the natural world-its origins, shapes, movements, functions and control.  It is completely accurate in every statement.

Elihu described the hydraulic cycle of the earth in the previous chapter.  Here he spoke even more of lightning, thunder, rain, snow, ice, winds and its effects on humans and animals.  The reason for his treatise is that God created and controls all of it.  And, He does so, according to verse 13, with three basic motivations:

1. For correction.

The Bible gives many examples where God has used the natural elements as instruments of His judgment.  Of course, the worldwide flood in Genesis is the prime example.

2. For his land.

The earth is dependent upon the water cycle for the soil and for life itself.

3. For love.

The blessings of different weather patterns at just the right seasons of the year provide enjoyment, refreshment, growth, food, and profit.

All of these actions are beyond any human power to control.  How then could a human argue with the One in heaven who has such sovereign power?

Then, because he felt Job's words were self-serving and self-righteous, he aimed his invitation directly at Job.

By the way, these are good for everyone to hear.

v.14-"Stop and consider the wondrous works of God."

v.24-"Therefore men fear him; he does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit."

How do you respond to personal distress?

Read Job 36.

Claiming to speak on behalf of God, Elihu presented various ways people may respond.

When God brings about, or allows, trouble to strike due to sin, "he declares to them their work and their transgressions, that they are behaving arrogantly" (v.9).  This is God's loving call to the very conscience of the afflicted to turn from their sin and live for Him.  Isaiah 53:6 defines sin as "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all."  The essence of sin is selfish pride that thinks we may live our lives in any way we choose apart from our Creator.

1. Some people listen and repent of their sin.  The result is that they serve God with their lives. (v.11)

2. Some people do not listen and die never having learned from their sin against God. (v.12)

3. Some people choose to be angry with God, rebelling against Him, and suffer even greater consequences. (vv.13-14)

The basis of his message is that God is "perfect in knowledge" (all-knowing) and "mighty" (all-powerful).  Notice how intimate and personal God's knowledge is of individual thoughts and actions.  He intervenes at His will to correct or to bless accordingly. 

While those statements are true, personal distress is not always the result of our sin.  To determine the difference we must listen to God's voice, examine ourselves, and respond accordingly.   God is at work spiritually and unseen.  People may not experience or witness His responses here and now.  Many wrongs and rewards will be dealt with at the coming judgments after this life.

The good news, as Isaiah reminds us, is that this is why Messiah came and died on the cross.  "The LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all."  Our ransom from sin has been paid in full.  Accepting God’s offer of forgiveness by faith in Jesus is the beginning of understanding true life.

How is God affected by our sin?

Read Job 35.

When a person sins, how does that affect God?  He is sovereign and self-sufficient.  He is not dependent on anyone or anything.  But Job and his friends had touched on the topics of God's responses to human sin and His rewards for doing what is right.

One by one, Elihu continued to take on the issues that the others brought up.  In verses 10-11, there are several basic statements that underpin the entire teaching of the Bible.

1. God is "my Maker", not the result of a process.

2. Humans were created separately.  We are not the descendants of animal life.

3. Humans are given different capacities than animal life.

4. God treats humans differently than any other part of His creation.

Though man's behaviors do not alter God's being and character, the Bible repeatedly mentions God's emotions toward us and our sin.

Sin saddens God.

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."  Ephesians 4:30

Sin angers God.

"Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled.  Blessed are all who take refuge in him."  Psalm 2:12

Sinners are loved by God.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16

Does God make mistakes?

Read Job 34.

Did God mistreat Job by allowing these things to happen?

Elihu continued to unload, not only on Job, but also on the other three men.  Job had questioned what God was doing and why.  The so-called friends judged that Job had brought this on himself.  Elihu defended God: "...far be it from God that he should do wickedness, and from the Almighty that he should do wrong."  (v.10)

       My Father's Way

"My Father's way may twist and turn,

   My heart may throb and ache,

But in my soul I'm glad I know,

   He maketh no mistake.

"My cherished plans may go astray,

   My hopes may fade away,

But still I'll trust my Lord to lead

   For he doth know the way.

"Tho' night be dark and it may seem

   That day will never break;

I'll pin my faith, my all in Him,

   He maketh no mistake.

"There's so much now I cannot see,

   My eyesight's far too dim,

But come what may, I'll simply trust

   And leave it all to Him.

"For by and by the mist will lift

   And plain it all He'll make,

Through all the way, tho' dark to me,

   He made not one mistake."

                                      (A. M. Overton)

Are you hearing God speak?

Read Job 33.

God was speaking but sometimes people do not hear Him.

The young man, Elihu, took a chapter and a half giving an introduction to what he wanted to say.  Keep in mind that this took place around the time of Abraham.  Of course, they did not have a Bible.  It was centuries before the Law of Moses.  Yet, there is insightful clarity regarding God's desire to communicate.

1. Elihu provided a perspective on how God speaks.

Through a dream. v.15

Through pain. v.19

Through a messenger. v.23

2. Elihu added a perspective on why God speaks.

To warn and purge pride. v.17

To declare what is right. v.23

To move us to pray to Him. v.26a

To restore us with joy. v.26b,

To share what God has done for us. v.27-28

3. In addition to Elihu's list, God continues to speak to us today.

Through His creation.  Psalm 19:1-2

Through His written Word. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Through listening to His messages.  Romans 10:14-17

Through a personal relationship with His Son.

Hebrews 1:1-2 "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, who he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world."

2 insights from an angry Man

Read Job 32.

Most of the book of Job involves three rounds of back and forth between Job and his three visitors.  Each took a turn and then Job would answer.  After a response to Bildad that took six chapters, Job was done.  It was Zophar's turn but he never got the opportunity.  A fourth visitor had been sitting by listening.  He was young and kept silent while the older men spoke.  But he became so angry at Job for what he perceived was self-righteousness that he verbally exploded...six chapters worth.

However, as we have seen before, even in the misdirection of the blame, there are some solid insights concerning God and life.

1. Spiritual understanding comes from the Holy Spirit.

"The breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand." (v.8)

The Apostle Paul described how it is not possible for one to perceive spiritual truth with natural means.  "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand the things freely given us by God.  And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual." (1 Corinthians 2:12-13)

2. Wisdom does not always come with getting older.

"It is not the old who are wise, nor the aged who understand what is right." (v.9)

Unfortunately, not everyone learns from their experiences.  Some may learn valuable life lessons without ever having those experiences.  The Word of God is the key to helping us know, understand and live in ways that will protect us and to be able to help others.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." (Proverbs 9:10)

10 character traits of an innocent Man

Read Job 31.

Is anyone truly innocent?  Wouldn’t there be someone who could bring up a legitimate offense against us?

Job stated all along that he was falsely accused and did not do anything that deserved his severe losses or his mistreatment by others.   So, in defense of his integrity and his innocence, he challenged anyone to step forward with their claim.

No less than seventeen times Job used the word "if" to lay out a scenario of possible wrongdoing.  And, if that were true, "then" he knew the consequences.  Only a person with an absolutely clear conscience could make such statements as these.

Here are the life values and commitments of Job.

1. Sexual purity, both with his eyes and his behavior. (vv.1, 9-12)

2. Personal Honesty. (vv.5-6)

3. Business Honesty. (vv.7-8)

4. Fairness and treating others with equal respect. (vv.13-15)

5. Generosity. (vv.16-23)

6. Humility. (vv.24-28)

7. Peaceable. (vv.29-30)

8. Hospitality. (vv.31-32)

9. Transparency. (vv.33-34)

10. Justice. (vv.38-40)

Life is 24/7.  Character is who you are.  Job's character was not the result of his innate goodness.  He knew better.  Rather, it had been shaped first by his life commitment to God and by his understanding of his direct accountability to God for his words and actions.

When we submit our lives to the Holy Spirit, our character looks like this: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." (Galatians 5:22-23)

Hope at the end of the Rope

Read Job 30.

Once so highly respected, Job had become one who was jeered.  People talked about him and treated him in derisive ways.  They could not stand to be around him.

Meanwhile, Job had enough internal issues of his own.  His chronic pain would not allow him any rest.  His body was disfigured.  Spiritually, he felt thrown aside by God.

In crying out to God, Job recounted how he came to the rescue of those around him when they needed help.  But now, when he was the one in need, no one seemed to care.  "But when I hoped for good, evil came, and when I waited for light, darkness came." (v.26)

It can be difficult to find solid hope in the middle of a tough test.  Job held on to his faith but questioned his circumstances with each response.  Would God allow him to be this miserable and then merely die? (v.23)  The lessons from Job are consistent with many others in the Bible who experienced excruciating tests of faith.

Hagar, the handmaid of Sarah and mother of Ishmael, was sent away from the family of Abraham to fend for herself.  When the food and water ran out, it appeared that she and her son would soon die.  Surely, she felt abandoned by the people she had served for years and now forgotten by God.  But when "she lifted up her voice and wept" (Genesis 21:16) she discovered that God had been watching every move and listening to every word.  Though others may have forsaken her, He did not.  It was at the lowest point of her despair that the LORD revealed two things to her that we can rely on today.

1. God has plans for our future.

The LORD was not through with her yet.  She would not die because of this test.  There were things to do.  Her descendants would one day be a great nation.

2. God has already provided to meet our immediate need.

The water was right in front of her but she did not see it until God "opened her eyes".

One thing that never Changes

Read Job 29.

"Oh, for the good old days."

Job longed for times past when he felt close to God, when he daily experienced the blessings of God, when he was surrounded by his family, and enjoyed prosperity.  In those days, he was a respected member of the community.  Because he had resources, he generously helped those in need.  People could not wait to hear his counsel.  "I lived like a king..." (v.25)

But those days were gone.  Things changed.  He lost his health.  His family was gone.  Without his wealth, people no longer had respect or use for him.  On top of that he felt distant from God.

When everything around us changes (and eventually they will) and the storms of life assail us (and they will), we must have an immovable anchor in our lives that holds firm and never changes.

Concerning our personal relationship with God, the writer of Hebrews put it this way: "...we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.  We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul..." (Hebrews 6:18-19)

In a world that ever changes, there is One who never does.  "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

How to find what God has hidden

Read Job 28.

Question of the day: "Where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?" (v.12)

It is not found in natural searches.

Job's example was the human skill in searching for ore and precious stones.  Mine shafts are dug, tunnels bored, waterways dammed up so that precious items may be brought out of the darkness to light.  These things are hidden under the earth's surface.  Birds flying overhead and animals walking the land have no idea what is beneath them.

Even the efforts of mining human philosophies and seeking out the hidden things of the mind will not meet a person's deepest needs.  Because when it comes to spiritual matters we are naturally ignorant, lacking wisdom, and need help outside ourselves.

It is not available for purchase.

All the wealth in the world cannot buy wisdom and understanding of life.  Such insights are not on the open market.  The value of wisdom is priceless.

It is offered freely from only one source.

God understands.  He knows.  He sees everything.  He is the Creator of all things.

The true answer comes from God Himself: "And he said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn from evil is understanding." (v.28)

Two insights for life:

1. No fear of the Lord (respect and sense of direct accountability to Him) = no true wisdom.

2. No intentional turning from evil (sin and the things that displease God) = no understanding.

Speaking of Jesus, Paul wrote: "In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:3)

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." (James 1:5-6)

A Life of Integrity

Read Job 27.

Integrity, according to Webster's Dictionary is "the quality or state of being complete; wholeness; entireness; unbroken state...honesty and sincerity."  Integrity is when thoughts, words and behaviors are consistent.  When those do not match up, there is incongruity or hypocrisy.

Job defends himself in this chapter with some of his strongest personal statements.

"...til I die I will not put away my integrity."

"I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go;"

"My heart does not reproach me for any of my days."

His conscience was clear as a result of a consistent life.

Two bedrocks of integrity:

1.  Job committed himself to God.

"Though he slay me, I will hope in him." (13:15)

2. Job committed himself to God's word.

"I have not denied the words of the Holy One." (6:10)

In order for one to live a life of integrity there must be an absolute commitment to a group of core values. Without such a commitment one will be a slave to their own weaknesses and/or the culture around them.  This requires discipline to read, study and put God's word into practice.  But the outcome is a life of honor.

Acts 24:16-"So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man."

Are we listening to the right voice?

Read Job 25- 26.

What does a hurting person need?  What should one look for when seeking wise counsel?

In chapter 25, Bildad sought to stop Job’s talking about his innocence.  In comparison to God’s holiness nothing and no one is pure.  Or, as the Apostle Paul wrote, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

Job then responded to Bildad saying that his so-called friends have proved to be no help at all.  Looking behind the verbal barbs one can see what Job longed for.  From time to time, every person wants and needs sound advice.  

1. When feeling helpless, one needs help.  Can this person actually provide something that I cannot?

2. When feeling powerless, one needs strength.  Does this person possess the maturity or resources needed?

3. When feeling a lack of insight, one needs wisdom.  Does this person have the learned experience to specifically help?

4. When feeling a lack of understanding, one needs knowledge.  Does this person know how to solve the problem?

Adhering to such an evaluation checklist should protect one from gossip sessions, wasting time and money on those who cannot provide what is needed.

To address Bildad's brief presentation about God, Job responded with his own.

1. God controls even the dead. (vv.5-6)

All souls live forever in some place after this life.  In torment or comfort, everyone is accounted for under His rule.

2. God controls space. (vv.7-10)

The placement of the earth, the movements of the waters and clouds, day and night, and even the shape of the earth (round, not flat) was by His doing.

3. God controls what happens on earth. (vv.11-14)

The mountains, the seas, the winds may be sustained by Him with peace, rather than earthquakes and storms.

While the greatness of God should capture our attention and humble us, the voice of God is most often heard in a "small whisper" (v.14).  One must stop and give God glory for what He has done but then be silent; listening to what He has to say.

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.  Day to day pours out speech and night to night reveals knowledge." (Psalm 19:1-2)  God is speaking.  Are we listening?

When will God act against Evil?

Read Job 24.

Job asked an amazing question.  Why doesn't God announce when He will judge evil doers?  In fact, why doesn’t He act now?

Solomon wrote, "Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil." (Ecclesiastes 8:11)  In other words, delays in punishment allow the sinner to not only think that they got away with their wrongdoing but it actually encourages them to do more.  Many have commented that this is the problem with the American judicial system.

Job gave a list of illustrations.  People steal from the helpless and poor, even taking their children as surety for their debts.  Then, there are murderers, criminals, and even adulterers who do their deeds under cover of darkness saying to themselves, "no one will see me."

Perhaps, the ultimate chestnut from the unbeliever is "If there is a god, let him strike me dead right now."

Yet, "They are exalted a little while, and then they are gone." (v.24)

People make their choices in this life about how they will live.  God does keep exact records of good and evil. These will provide the basis for degrees of rewards for believers and the degrees of punishments for those who rejected Christ.  But the Lord will mete these out on His own timetable and according to His pleasure, not man's.

When will God judge every human life?

Hebrews 9:27-"And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment..."

Our evaluation in this life, then, is limited at best.  According to the Bible, there is no second chance.  God's real judgment awaits after this life.

Why does He delay His responses to sin?

2 Peter 3:9-"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish."

God's lack of immediate action against sin should never be construed as acceptance or dismissal.  His delay is to give every allowance for repentance.

Where is God when I need Him?

Read Job 23.

The weight of his sufferings and the frustration of the accusations were more than he felt he could bear.  After being so falsely and harshly criticized, Job wanted to strongly respond; not to Eliphaz, but to God.  There was not court room for a public hearing.  And, truly, no need.  God was already present!

Here we get to see that Job's faith in God supersedes his physical experience.

1. Job understood the character of God.

"But he knows." (v.10a)

Job was saying, "I may not see him, but He sees me."   In Psalm 139, David wrote: "Where shall I go from your Spirit?"  There is no place.  God is omnipresent.  We do not communicate with God in a building, but "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23).  In fact, Jesus stated that God is "seeking such people to worship him."

2. Job understood that suffering is not an end but a process.

"When he has tried me, I shall come out as gold." (v.10b)

The Apostle Paul was bold in stating, "More than that we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that the suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope..." (Romans 5:3-4)

3. Job understood God's sovereignty.

"What he desires, that he does.  For he will complete what he appoints for me." (vv.13-14)

God's goal for every human being is not our happiness, but our holiness.  We are His creation.  We belong to Him.  He has a unique design and purpose for each person.

How could Job be so confident about these things?

Check out his testimony in verses 11-12.

Two insights into living with such inner confidence while experiencing outward suffering:

1. He disciplined his behavior moment by moment before God.

Each step in his life "held fast to his steps."  He did not get off course.

2. He made what God had to say the guiding priority of his life.

He treasured God's word more than food.

A look at Irrational Criticism

Read Job 22.

Few things feel more bizarre and bewildering than to be falsely accused.  On one hand, the blame is absolutely meaningless because it does not apply.  On the other hand, it is hurtful to hear that others would think such things about you.

Critics often emotionally jump to judgment, many times harshly, without first seeking to understand the facts. Job had done nothing wrong to warrant his misery.  In fact, his selection to experience this test was due to his godliness and outstanding behavior.  But that did not stop Job's critics.

This chapter begins the third and final round of the back and forth between Job, Bildad, Zophar, and Eliphaz.

There appears to be no small amount of wealth-envy in Eliphaz' list of sins he thinks Job must have committed.  Surely the reason this once prosperous man lost everything was due to his failure to use his blessings to help others.  But Eliphaz concocted his argument from his own imagination.  None of it was true.

At the conclusion, he called upon Job to repent.  Here, Eliphaz turned and demonstrated some wonderful theological understanding.  He expressed several statements that are bedrock to our faith.

1. "Agree with God, and be at peace." (v.21)

Compare 1 John 1:9

2. "Then the Almighty will be your gold and your precious silver." (v.25)

Compare 1 Peter 1:7

3. "You will make your prayer to him and he will hear you." (v.27)

Compare Jeremiah 33:3

4. "He saves the lowly." (v.29b)

Compare James 4:6

5. "He delivers even the one who is not innocent." (v.30)

Compare Romans 3:23-24

Concerning criticism, Rick Warren wrote: "Amazingly, sometimes people who know the most about the doctrines of grace are the least gracious; they are ungracious."  Those of us who have experienced God's grace are most equipped to be gracious to others.

Being patient in Pain

Read Job 21.

In the New Testament, James wrote that we are to be patient and steadfast in times of suffering.  He even refers to "the patience of Job."  He did persevere but there were times when Job lost his patience.  In verse 4, Job asked, "Why should I not be impatient?"

In response to Zophar, Job has a few questions.  If all the things Zophar said about the wicked were true, then how does one explain that the wicked are still alive, live long lives, and increase in their power?  By observation, Job does not see God's punishment of them; quite the opposite.  They appear to live in prosperity and peace.

All the while they reject God.  They see no need to serve Him or any value in praying to Him.  Job is quick to point out that he is not one of them.  "The counsel of the wicked is far from me" (verse 16).

Death is the great equalizer.  Rich or poor.  Young or old.  Powerful or helpless.  All will one day face the inevitable.  So, none of the outward appearances are accurate evaluators of one's eternal standing with God.

The reality is that godly people do suffer.  Indeed, Paul indicated that this was part of the believer's preparation process for eternity (2 Corinthians 4:17).  So, in the meantime, while we are going through it, we are to turn the focus from our temporal pain to our eternal future.

"You also, be patient.  Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.  Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold the Judge is standing at the door."

(James 5:8-9)

Rethinking our Inheritance

Read Job 20.

It was Zophar's turn again.  The gloves had been taken off.  The verbal punches came faster and harder.  It is difficult to imagine any graphic detail these so-called friends left out in pounding Job.  They kept on trying to beat him into submission and to admit some unconfessed sin.

Zophar expounded a list of behaviors of wicked persons and what God will do to them.

-Their celebration and pleasures will be short-lived. (v.5)

-Their life, no matter how high their position, will one day be gone and forgotten. (vv.6-9)

-Their children will have to deal with those they oppressed and any accumulated wealth will be gone. (v.10)

-Their bodies, no matter how strong, will return to dust. (v.11)

-Their desire and delight in doing evil will one day turn into a lethal poison that will do them in. (vv.12-17)

-Their ill-gotten gains will all be lost. (vv.18-19)

-Their constant striving for more wealth will not spare them from God's wrath. (vv.20-26)

-Their sin will be openly exposed for all to see. (v.27)

-Their possessions will all be gone. (v.28)

That is what the wicked have to look forward to when this life is over.  While those things may be true of the wicked, it was not true of Job.  Nor is this the "portion" (inheritance or allotment) for those who worship the LORD.

Asaph, in Psalm 73, confessed that he was envious of the prosperity of the wicked.  Nothing seemed to bother them.  They do what they want.  They say what they want.  They do not feel any accountability to God.  But when Asaph went entered into worship with the LORD he was reminded of their end.

"Whom have I in heaven but you?  And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:25-26)  Eternal life and joy waits for those who put their faith in Him.

7 Beliefs about Jesus we share with Job

Read Job 19.

Sometimes when a believer in Jesus is in great pain they may feel one way but their faith counters their feelings.  Their words may even sound contradictory.  But it is our faith that sees beyond the physical present and looks to our eternal hope.  Watch how Job's words demonstrate this.

Everything was gone.  No one was left to comfort or to come alongside Job.  He cried out for mercy.  But he could find no compassion.  He wanted his complaint and his innocence written down in a permanent record for all to see.  Indeed, it was.  Here, thousands of years later, we know the truth about what happened to this man.  Then, Job pivoted to express his perspective of faith.  He looked forward to the day with the Redeemer would appear.

Do not miss Job's incredible descriptions contained in these verses.

1. He believed in a Redeemer.

This refers to a close relative who would come to the aid of a needy family member.  They would defend, avenge, or provide when the person could not help themselves.

2. He believed in a personal Redeemer.

He referred to him as "my" Redeemer.  His faith was not in an institution or a religious system.  It was a personal relationship with a real person.

3. He believed that this Redeemer was living.

His faith was not in a man-made idol or some dead hero.

4. He believed in a Redeemer who would come "at the last".

The present life was not final.  There was coming a day of vindication "in the end".

5. He believed this Redeemer would stand on earth.

That would eliminate a spiritual appearance of the Redeemer or only a heavenly one.  This One would come to earth as Judge and make all things right.

6. He believed that this Redeemer was God.

7. He believed that he would see this Redeemer in his own body after his death.

There is no room here for reincarnation or so-called "soul sleep".  Fully aware, with a new body, Job looked forward to eternal fellowship with the LORD Himself.

When Jesus ascended back to heaven, the angels announced, "This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."  (Acts 1:11)

Jesus said, "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done.  I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."  (Revelation 22:12)

Be careful evaluating the lives of Others

Read Job 18.

Bildad's name means "son of contention".  How appropriate!  In this, his second round of confronting Job, Bildad described his erroneous view of what happens to those who are evil and forsake God.  He squarely issued this to explain what has happened to Job.  It was his belief that bad things happen to bad people.

Bildad's anger at Job was fueled by Job's refusal to repent of his sin and his offensive language toward those trying to help him.  In return, Bildad unleashed a diatribe against him.  Every calamity mentioned was directed at what Job had experienced.  He accused Job of being caught in a trap of his own making.  All his losses, including the deaths of his children, were due to Job's sin.  Bildad’s words were designed to hurt.

Finally, according to Bildad, all of this calamity befell Job because he simply did not know the LORD (v.21).  Of course, that was not true of Job and Bildad's list may only sometimes be true of those apart from God.

So, now the question: Does God always punish those who do not know Him?  No.  There is clear evidence all around us that indeed the most wicked in any culture may appear to prosper.  But that will only be in this life.  Our judgments of people here are limited at best.  Eternal judgment (the only one that counts) awaits.

"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." (John 3:36)

In our attempts to understand the lives of other believers, Paul wrote:

"Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart.  Then each one will receive his commendation from God." (1 Corinthians 4:5)