|
90 |
|
Divine Healing & Retreat Centre Sydney, Australia Morning Prayers by Divine Retreat Centre, Sydney Australia Bible Online (Encouragements-Part 4) Psalm 91 (audio). 诗篇 91 (audio). Bible verses. Luke 10:19 -> “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
7 Deadly Sins, 7 Heavenly Virtues.
The Book of Job (RSVCE, NRSVCE, NIV, NIV by Dramatized) 01 (2 May 2022. Prologue (audio)). Blessed be the name of the Lord. Word of God: 21 He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1: 21) God said about Job: Blameless, Upright, Fears God and Turns Away from Evil. Knowing that whatever I have today is from God, we should be filling our hearts with Thanksgiving and Gratitude towards Him. 02 (3 May 2022. Job was afflicted with painful sores from head to feet. Audio). Job did not sin with his lips. Word of God: 9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still persist in your integrity? Curse God, and die.” 10 But he said to her, “You speak as any foolish woman would speak. Shall we receive the good at the hand of God, and not receive the bad?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips. (Job 2: 9-10) Satan attacked Job and even in his excruciating pain, he still worship God. Job’s wife behaved like any modern man and wanted Job to curse God. It is easy to curse someone but very difficult to bless them. Job teaches us how to make use of our tongues. Do I use my tongue to utter harsh words, abusive words and verbally abusing someone? Must stop immediately and don’t hurt someone with our lips. James 3:2,5 2 For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle... 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. 03 (4 May 2022. Job cursed the day of his birth. Audio). Truly, the thing that I fear comes upon me. Word of God: 25 Truly the thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me. 26 I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest; but trouble comes.” (Job 3: 25-26) If I have fear, too much worry on certain things and have too much focus on these, those may befall upon me. If I have these negative elements within me, offer to God in the Deliverance and Surrender Prayer. Job has lost everything and now in excruciating pain and want death, this is the human element of life, thus it is wise to do good and be charitable when God grants us Happiness and Peace in our daily lives. 04 (5 April 2022. What Eliphaz the Temanite said. Audio). Word of God: 7 “Think now, who that was innocent ever perished? Or where were the upright cut off? 8 As I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same. 9 By the breath of God they perish, and by the blast of his anger they are consumed. (Job 4: 7-9) God never curse anyone especially His children. But my own sins will punish me because I need to bear the consequences of my sins. Even after we go for Confession and God forgives us, we still need to bear the consequences of our sins. God only loves His children and only shower His mercy on them. He only knows to forgive their sins, but He never punishes His children. 05 (6 May 2022. God’s discipline. Audio). Word of God: 17 “How happy is the one whom God reproves; therefore do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. 18 For he wounds, but he binds up; he strikes, but his hands heal. (Job 5: 17-18) With God’s discipline, you will know the whole truth about your life, you can have that direction and order in your life with this strike of the Almighty God. Psalm 119:71 It is good for me that I was humbled, so that I might learn your statutes. It is during the trials and turmoil in my life that I learn God’s principles. When we are in the valley of struggles and affliction, we are learning the lessons and the conversion of our hearts that discipline our lives. The struggles, difficulties help our lives, we are disciplined in our lives and know what God wants and also to discipline my body. 06 (7 April 2022. Job replied. Audio). I will not lie to your face. Word of God: 28 “But now, be pleased to look at me, for I will not lie to your face. 29 Turn, I pray; let no wrong be done. Turn now; my vindication is at stake. (Job 6: 28-29) Use my tongue not only to support myself but need to be sincere, to speak the Truth even the Truth may hurt or humiliate us, still standing with the TRUTH. 07 (8 May 2022. Do not mortals have hard service on earth? Audio). Ongoing Suffering… When shall I rise but the night is long… Word of God: 4 When I lie down I say, ‘When shall I rise?’ But the night is long, and I am full of tossing until dawn. 5 My flesh is clothed with worms and dirt; my skin hardens, then breaks out again. (Job 7: 4-5) For a sick person to have 1 hour sleep, he is likely to get up a bit better. But for a person who is not getting enough sleep, he may not be able to cope the next day. Job is not able to sleep because of body aches, sufferings and excessive worries. When you are the person who has a good sleep, to let you boost your life and energy the next day, you must thank God & give Him glory, at the same time praying for People who has insomnia. 08 (9 May 2022. Bildad the Shuhite replied…Audio). God will not reject a Blameless Person. Word of God: 20 “See, God will not reject the blameless, nor take the hand of evildoers. 21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. 22 Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, and the tent of the wicked will be no more.” (Job 8: 20-22) The above is correct. But for Job, no one understands him as he knows that he has been walking blamelessly before God and shunning evil. But his wife, his Friends suggested that he has committed some wrong doing especially the hidden ones as Job is struggling. This is a big challenge for Job. Lesson: Never do what Job’s wife and his Friends had done to hurt anyone. 09 (10 May 2022. Job replied. Audio). Why do I labour in VAIN? Word of God: 28 I become afraid of all my suffering, for I know you will not hold me innocent. 29 I shall be condemned; why then do I labour in vain? (Job 9: 28-29) Job knows that God is Just but in his excruciating suffering and pain, he complains that despite him trying to live in a blameless manner, he was still considered a sinner in God’s eyes (this is the human element when a person undergoes much pain and suffering). Then why should he labour in vain for being just and good? But then Job later turned back and believe that God is just and He is doing for Job what is best for Job. 10 (11 May 2022. Job said. Audio). Your care has preserved my spirit. Word of God: 12 You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit. 13 Yet these things you hid in your heart; I know that this was your purpose. (Job 10: 12-13) Job acknowledged that God has the Divine Wisdom. Job trusts that what has happened to him is for his own good. If you have been blameless, turning away from sin and fear God, for your suffering, you must trust what seemingly bad things happen to you is for your own good and your welfare. 11 (12 May 2022. Zophar the Naamathite replied. Audio). Do not let wickedness reside in your tents. Word of God: 13 “If you direct your heart rightly, you will stretch out your hands toward him. 14 If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and do not let wickedness reside in your tents. (Job 11: 13 - 14) Zophar doesn’t listen much to other people and always insists that his perspective is right. He harassed Job and accused him of sinning. This is right which he has suggested: If you want to come back to God you need to repent, your heart should be clean & clear, give up on wickedness and those who live with you in your house need to renounce wickedness too first before God will receive you. 12 (13 May 2022. Job replied. Audio). If God tears down, NO One can rebuild. Word of God: 13 “With God are wisdom and strength; He has counsel and understanding. 14 If He tears down, no one can rebuild; if He shuts someone in, no one can open up. (Job 12: 13 - 14) Job’s friends accused him of sinning but Job knows that he didn’t, Job doesn't understand God’s plan why he is suffering like these even he had strived to live blamelessly. Sometimes we also don’t understand His plan; it is so hidden & mysterious. Whenever we don’t understand, we need to trust blindly the eternal Wisdom of God, because He does everything for our own good. He always showers His love, mercy & forgiveness towards His children. 13 (14 May 2022. Job replied. Audio). I desire to argue my case with God. Word of God: 3 But I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue my case with God. 4 As for you, you whitewash with lies; all of you are worthless physicians. (Job 13: 3 - 4) Job’s frustrations: 1. His friends are accusing him of sins committed but he didn’t. 2. He doesn’t understand his reason of his suffering. Thus, Job wants to argue with God who is the source of allowing him to suffer as such. Lesson from Job: When undergoing suffering & frustrations, turn to God & argue the case with Him. Only He can give you the answer, able to comfort you and help, many times we also can’t help ourselves, but ONLY Divine Help can. 14 (15 May 2022. Job replied. Audio). Life is short and vulnerable. Comes up like a Flower and Withers. Word of God: “A mortal, born of woman, few of days and full of trouble, 2 comes up like a flower and withers, flees like a shadow and does not last. (Job 14: 1-2) 15 As for mortals, their days are like grass; hey flourish like a flower of the field; 12 Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:12). 33 I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33) In this life we have our own burdens, Jesus wants us to take up our cross and follow Him. Do not escape before the cross, there is no short cut if we want to reach Heaven safely. 15 (16 May 2022. Eliphaz the Temanite replied. Audio). Your own lips testify against you! Word of God: 5 For your iniquity teaches your mouth, and you choose the tongue of the crafty. 6 Your own mouth condemns you, not I; your own lips testify against you. (Job 15: 5-6) He accused Job for his sins and want Job to repent, but Job did not commit the sins and Job suffers terribly. 16 (17 May 2022. Job replied. Audio) My Prayer is Pure. Word of God: 16 My face is red with weeping, and deep darkness is on my eyelids, 17 though there is no violence in my hands, and my prayer is pure. (Job 16: 16-17) Job reaffirms his innocence in the mighty hand of God, his prayer comes from a selfless, genuine and sincere heart. 17 (18 May 2022. Job replied. Audio) The Grave is Ready of me. Word of God: 1 My spirit is broken; my days are extinct; the grave is ready for me. 2 Surely there are mockers around me, and my eye dwells on their provocation. (Job 17: 1-2) Job’s Friends’ sympathy turned into mockery. Job is aware that if God wants, He could give good understanding to his 3 Friends, Job is undergoing grave humiliation in life. Humiliations in Life are inevitable from our own sins, weaknesses or circumstances, one thing for sure, we are living in a foreign world… If we have been humiliated through no fault of ours, like Jesus, we would be exalted by God. 18 (19 May 2022. Bildad the Shuhite replied. Audio). Word of God: 3 Why are we counted as cattle? Why are we stupid in your sight? 4 You who tear yourself in your anger— shall the earth be forsaken because of you, or the rock be removed out of its place? (Job 18: 3-4) 31 Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, 32 and be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:31-32) It is my anger giving me trouble, tearing my life into pieces, hurting myself and others. Anger is not going to help anyone, we need Patience which will bring Fruits, Peace and Kindness in our Lives. 19 (20 May 2022. Job replied. Audio). Those who I have loved turned against me. Word of God: 18 Even young children despise me; when I rise, they talk against me. 19 All my intimate friends abhor me, and those whom I love have turned against me. (Job 19: 18-19) 25 I know that my redeemer[a] lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.[b] 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet[c] in[d] my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! (Job 19:25-27) After Job has lost everything, he still trusted in God. When Job has everything, he has many friends and his wife respected him. But after he lost everything including his good health, everyone abandons him, but he still trusted in God: this is the world’s standard, in such pathetic situation, only God will be with us. In Matthew 28:20, Christ promises us: … And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Same as us, you can count how many are with you in times of trouble, they are your real Friends. Above God, God is always with us and he knows how to treat us better than we treat ourselves. ONLY God stands for me faithfully until my last breath on earth. 20 (21 May 2022. Zophar the Naamathite replied. Audio). The joy of the Godless is but for a moment. Word of God: 4 Do you not know this from of old, ever since mortals were placed on earth, 5 that the exulting of the wicked is short and the joy of the godless is but for a moment? (Job 20: 4-5) Wickedness receives just retribution. The Wicked needs to face the consequences of their wrongdoing. The JOY of the Godless is but for a moment because they have ignored God in their lives. When there is NO God, there will be the presence of the world, the sensual pleasures of the world, the People and their Pleasures active in a person’s life but their JOY is not lasting and permanent. When I have God in my life, the JOY will be lasting and permanent. 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[a] is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:15-17) 21 (22 May 2022. Job replied. Audio). What profit do we get if we pray to Him? Word of God: 14 They say to God, ‘Leave us alone! We do not desire to know your ways. 15 What is the Almighty that we should serve him? And what profit do we get if we pray to him?’ (Job 21: 14-15) Retribution Theology: When a wicked person does wicked things, he will have to bear the consequences and he need to face the punishment of the consequences or the effect of his wrong action right now in the world when he is alive. But if you are a Righteous person, you will see God’s rewards and blessings on you right now itself. Sometimes, the ways of God are mysterious, we see the wicked person flourishing and the Righteous suffers. We are here not to judge these, God has His unique ways, even we see the wicked prospering now, you will see at the end of their lives, they are not so good. Everything happens for Good in the hands of God and ONLY He knows what it really is. 22 (23 May 2022. Eliphaz the Temanite replied. Audio). AGREE with God and be at PEACE with Him. Word of God: 21 “Agree with God, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you. 22 Receive instruction from his mouth, and lay up his words in your heart. 23 If you return to the Almighty and humble yourself, if you remove unrighteousness far from your tents, (Job 22:21-23 RSVCE) This advice given in this entire chapter is good but it should not be meant for Job as he suffered innocently. For one who is wicked, the moment he repents and comes back to AGREE/SUBMIT to God, Peace will begin for him. Peace can only begin in our lives when we agree with God. “Agree with God” means disagree with the world, evil and selfishness. When I agree with God, PEACE begins for me! 29 When people are brought low and you say, ‘Lift them up!’ then he will save the downcast. 30 He will deliver even one who is not innocent, who will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands.” (Job 22:29-30) 23 (24 May 2022. Job replied. Audio). I shall come out like Gold. Word of God: 10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I shall come out like gold. 11 My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. 12 I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured his words in my bosom. (Job 23: 10-12) Job has a great desire to appear before God to state his case, he knows that his ability is limited and want to have Divine Revelation. He is confident of his stance before God as he has been innocent and free of wrongdoing saying “I shall come out like gold”. God know how he struggles in this test. Job is confident because of his Integrity and have been keeping God’s commandments. I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you. (Psalm 119: 11, NRSVCE). 24 (28 May 2022. Job replied. Audio) Deep Darkness. Word of God: 15 The eye of the adulterer also waits for the twilight, saying, ‘No eye will see me,’ and he disguises his face. 16 In the dark they dig through houses; by day they shut themselves up; they do not know the light. 17 For deep darkness is morning to all of them; for they are friends with the terrors of deep darkness. (Job 24: 15-17) Those who follow darkness will experience deep darkness in their lives. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. (John 3:19-21) 4 Unfaithful creatures! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (James 4:4) Come back to God that we will experience Light and Light will set us FREE. 25 (29 May 2022. Bildad Speaks: How Can a Mortal Be Righteous Before God? Audio). 26 (29 May 2022. Job Replies: God’s Majesty Is Unsearchable. Audio). He stilled the Sea. Word of God: 12 By his power he stilled the Sea; by his understanding he struck down Rahab. 13 By his wind the heavens were made fair; his hand pierced the fleeing serpent. (Job 25 & 26: 12-13) God who created the entire Universe knows how to make the Sea STILL. Sometimes when we experience roughness in our lives and have conflicting thoughts and emotions, our God is able to establish PEACE in our minds, our emotions and our hearts because God is the ORDER of the entire Universe, He is awesome and powerful, let us TRUST in Him. As He can calm the sea, He can 100% calm the roughness & turmoil in our personal life. 27 (30 May 2022. Job Maintains His Integrity. Audio). Integrity of Job. Word of God: 4 my lips will not speak falsehood, and my tongue will not utter deceit. 5 Far be it from me to say that you are right; until I die I will not put away my integrity from me. (Job 27: 4-5) We know of the integrity of this man Job, a man who is always honest, fulfils his responsibilities and walks with humility. Integrity means having strong moral principles in your life. This should be the life style & decision of our life, being honest and sincere in our lives. We don’t need to spend time with the wicked to waste our time and plough back disaster from them. Having Integrity is more than wealth, influences and social contacts. I need to nourish this quality in me as an honest man. 28 (31 May 2022. Where Wisdom is found. Audio) Wisdom Word of God: 26 when he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the thunderbolt, 27 then he saw it and declared it; he established it and searched it out. 28 And he said to humankind, ‘Truly, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.’ ” (Job 28: 26-28) The Fear of God is Wisdom. God knows EVERYTHING about Everything. He has the ultimate knowledge of everything and His Wisdom far exceeds the wisdom of men. God is the source of Wisdom and you can’t purchased with silver or gold. You can ONLY have this Wisdom when you are connected with God and God gives to you. Wisdom of God is powerful and effective in our day-to-day lives. If we have the Wisdom of God, we can direct our lives with the right focus. Without this Wisdom of God, we go into FAILURES. The Wisdom of God speaks to me; even I am in the world, I am not of the world. Wisdom of God teaches me what to love, what to attach and how to direct my life. If not, I may end up at the wrong place or destination. Taking the correct direction is important and this is only possible with the Wisdom of God. Wisdom of God speaks to me to teach me what to attach/detach. This Wisdom teaches me how to love the world, If I love the world, there will be a lot of selfishness & attachments which will give me burdens and struggles in my personal life. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9) 29 (1 June 2022. Job’s Final Defense. Audio) Friendship with God Word of God: 3 when his lamp shone over my head, and by his light I walked through darkness 4 when I was in my prime, when the friendship of God was upon my tent (Job 29: 3-4) Job was reflecting his formal days on how good it was when the Light of God is always over his tent. Spirituality means Friendship with God, it is a process of becoming more & more mature with God & others around us. This relationship is only possible when there is commitment. When there is No commitment, we cannot expect any good relationship. “Good times” means that we are walking on the path of God. When there is a good relationship with God, we will definitely try to keep up a good relationship with others. 11 Whoever heard me spoke well of me, and those who saw me commended me, 12 because I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist them. 13 The one who was dying blessed me; I made the widow’s heart sing. 14 I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban. 15 I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. 16 I was a father to the needy; I took up the case of the stranger. 17 I broke the fangs of the wicked and snatched the victims from their teeth. (Job 29: 11-17) 30 (2 June 2022. Job moans in Affliction. Audio) Days of Affliction. Word of God: 26 But when I looked for good, evil came, and when I waited for light, darkness came. 27 My inward parts are in turmoil and are never still; days of affliction come to meet me. (Job 30: 26-27) The biggest suffering of Job is he felt the absence of God in his life, even God is always near him. In our days of Affliction, it is definitely not easy. In Afflictions, we learn lessons that are helping our lives, we need to have a repentant heart that turns towards God, don’t get upset or lose heart, but turn towards God to help us to walk again in His path. 31 (3 June 2022. The beautiful character of Job. Audio). My heart has followed my eyes. Word of God: 6 let me be weighed in a just balance, and let God know my integrity!— 7 if my step has turned aside from the way, and my heart has followed my eyes, and if any spot has clung to my hands (Job 31: 6-7) This proclaims Job’s innocent nature and purity of heart and mind. I have made a covenant with my eyes: He used his eyes for common good, glorifying God’s creation, his prosperity and wellbeing and not for his own harm. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! (Matthew 6:22-23) Job made a covenant with his eyes for glorifying God, for his own prosperity and not for his own harm. Do not make use of your eyes for your own destruction. Our eyes are to safeguard our purity and sanctity of our body which is a temple of God. 32 (4 June 2022. Elihu Speaks. Audio). I will not show Partiality. Word of God: 20 I must speak, so that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer. 21 I will not show partiality to any person or use flattery toward anyone. (Job 32:20-21) Jesus did not show partiality or favouritism but rather treats all equally. In today's meditation, we continue to read the book of Job and Meditate on Job 32: 20-21. Elihu is angry because Job continues to justify himself in stead of God and his Friends not able to give an answer to Job’s suffering. Never show partiality in your day-to-day life. God never shows favouritism & partiality. Partiality divides the Society, Community especially our Family so that we can keep the family together. 33 (5 June 2022. Elihu rebuts Job. Audio) Be Silent Word of God: 32 If you have anything to say, answer me; speak, for I desire to justify you. 33 If not, listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom.” (Job 33: 32-33) Elihu tells Job that God is much more greater than men that he needs to be silent, listen to God and Elihu said he speaks on behalf of God. Sometimes we need to be silent to listen to God. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26) Holy Spirit is the Teacher and Reminder. He reminds us many things and He teaches us Everything about Everything, thus it is good to invoke the Holy Spirit often: “Come Holy Spirit, come into my heart.” Many Thanks Holy Spirit. 34 (6 June 2022. Elihu rebuts Job. Audio) All Mortals return to DUST Word of God: 14 If he should take back his spirit[d] to himself and gather to himself his breath, 15 all flesh would perish together, and all mortals return to dust. (Job 34: 14-15) 20 All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. (Ecclesiastes 3:20) Thus, we should acknowledge God as the Creator and walk with HUMILITY. 35 (7 June 2022. Elihu condemns Self-Righteousness. Audio) God does not hear an EMPTY CRY Word of God: 12 There they cry out, but he does not answer, because of the pride of evildoers. 13 Surely God does not hear an empty cry, nor does the Almighty regard it. (Job 35:12-13) Elihu was right in his words but these do not apply to Job. Why God does not answer when one cries? First, it is the pride of evildoers. Whenever there is pride in the heart, there is no answer from God. Second, there is empty cry i.e. insincerity of heart and NO sincerity in their lives. Thus it is wise to practise the virtue of HUMILITY. 36 (8 June 2022. Elihu Exalts God’s Goodness. Audio) How to gain Prosperity in life? Word of God: 10 He opens their ears to instruction and commands that they return from iniquity. 11 If they listen and serve him, they complete their days in prosperity and their years in pleasantness (Job 36: 10-11) Elihu speaks of God’s mighty Power, perfect Justice and Righteousness. I will enjoy Prosperity if I obey God. Obedience brings Prosperity of life. Do I obey God’s 10 Commandments and what Jesus teaches us? Obedience bring God’s blessings, Prosperity and Real Peace and Joy in life. Obedience to God helps us to be good, righteous and wonderful in this world. Obedience to God is most important. 37 (9 June 2022. Elihu sees God in Thunder. Audio) Voice of God Word of God: 6 For to the snow he says, ‘Fall on the earth’; and the shower of rain, his heavy shower of rain, 7 serves as a sign on everyone’s hand, so that all whom he has made may know it. (Job 37: 6-7) Elihu has given many good advice applicable to us but not to Job as Job is innocent. When there is snow or rain, the farmers can’t work and need to reflect on their Creator. God speaks to us everyday. Am I able to sit quiet and reflect on what He has said? Am I able to hear the voice of God? 38 (10 June 2022. The Lord speaks. Audio) Whirlwind: Divine Presence Word of God: Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: 2 “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? 3 Gird up your loins like a man; I will question you, and you shall declare to me (Job 38: 1-3) Even Elijah, Ezekiel experienced God in the whirlwind. God is not answering Job directly and He was really silent, but He was asking him questions, letting him know that there are many things that he does not know and his knowledge is limited and restricted. Same to us now as we do not understand many things, but we can trust in the Power and Omnipotence of our God. Whenever we have an divine experience, things will be clear and we will have that clarity, direction and focus. Whenever there is Divine Presence, there will be order, clarity, direction and focus, and everything goes on smoothly. The Presence of God makes everything different in our lives. 39 (11 June 2022. Do you know? Audio) Nature and it’s ORDER Word of God: 1 Do you know when the mountain goats give birth? Do you observe the calving of the deer? 2 Can you number the months that they fulfill, and do you know the time when they give birth (Job 39: 1-2) God questions Job to teach him that his knowledge is limited and restricted. God wants Job to look at nature with perfect order because the Creator is perfect. Like Job, we can’t even comprehend what has happened to us, everything in our lives, let alone the nature. It’s better to trust in the Lord who has the perfect knowledge, perfect wisdom and who works everything for our Perfect Good. 40 (12 June 2022. God questioned Job. Audio). Only God can do this! Word of God: 10 “Deck yourself with majesty and dignity; clothe yourself with glory and splendor. 11 Pour out the overflowings of your anger, and look on all who are proud and humble them. 12 Look on all who are proud and bring them low; tread down the wicked where they stand. 13 Hide them all in the dust together; bind their faces in the world below. 14 Then I will also acknowledge to you that your own right hand can give you victory. (Job 40: 10-14) God is challenging Job for him to respond. These are the things that God our Creator and Almighty will do and can do to maintain ORDER in our lives, we can’t do them! What is impossible for we mortals, is possible for God! If we stick close to Him and live within Him, then everything becomes possible for us too. Job was unable to stay calm when he felt God’s absence, now he can speak in a gentle manner knowing that God is with him. 41 (13 June 2022. God questioned Job. Audio). Leviathan. Word of God: 1 “Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook or press down its tongue with a cord? 2 Can you put a rope in its nose or pierce its jaw with a hook? (Job 41: 1-2) Leviathan means Satan. Human is helpless against Leviathan. Sin/Satan/Evil is very powerful against Human Power, you cannot conquer Sin/Satan/Evil with your own abilities/talents/power, you can only do that with the help of the Creator i.e. God and the Grace of God. 42 (14 June 2022. Job replied to God. Audio). The Lord accepted Job’s prayer. Word of God: 8 Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering, and my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has done. (Job 42: 8) Job was humbled and ready to confess regarding his presumption, lack of knowledge, he repented and God is ready to restore him everything. The Friends failed to present God as a loving God. Book of Job: Animation THE BIBLE MOVIE - THE PROPHET JOB (Full Movie)
Compiled by: Emmanuel & Maria International Consultants LLP
|