SCRIPTURE: Job 21 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: When I think about what I am saying, I shudder. My body trembles. Why do the wicked prosper, growing old and powerful? They live to see their children grow up and settle down, and they enjoy their grandchildren. Their homes are safe from every fear, and God does not punish them. [Job 21:6-9]…
which way do I lean?
SCRIPTURE: Job 20 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: They were always greedy and never satisfied. Nothing remains of all the things they dreamed about. Nothing is left after they finish gorging themselves. Therefore, their prosperity will not endure. [Job 20:20-21] Have you ever met a greedy person, one who was never satisfied? Greed is but one expression of the poison of…
struggling faith
SCRIPTURE: Job 19 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at…
bottom line of the rhyme
fire and brimstone?
SCRIPTURE: Job 18 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Terrors surround the wicked and trouble them at every step. Hunger depletes their strength, and calamity waits for them to stumble. Disease eats their skin; death devours their limbs. They are torn from the security of their homes and are brought down to the king of terrors. [Job 18:11-14] Bildad the Shuhite is…
the end of my rope
SCRIPTURE: Job 17 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: My spirit is crushed, and my life is nearly snuffed out. The grave is ready to receive me. I am surrounded by mockers. I watch how bitterly they taunt me. You must defend my innocence, O God, since no one else will stand up for me. [Job 17:1-3] My days are over. My…
a friend who cares
SCRIPTURE: Job 16 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Even now my witness is in heaven. My advocate is there on high. My friends scorn me, but I pour out my tears to God. [Job 16:19-20] In times of trial and suffering, sometimes even our friends or family become a discouragement to us. They do not always realize it, and they likely…
operatic suprise
Imagine being at the local market, when some classical music is piped in over the speakers. Then, to your surprise, the gentleman behind you starts warbling an operatic tune… and then the whole market place erupts in song. I would love to have been there that day!
what God looks for
SCRIPTURE: Job 15 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Like trees, they will be cut down in the prime of life; their branches will never again be green. They will be like a vine whose grapes are harvested too early, like an olive tree that loses its blossoms before the fruit can form. For the godless are barren. [Job 15:32-34] Eliphaz’s logic…
the difference hope makes
SCRIPTURE: Job 14 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Can the dead live again? If so, this would give me hope through all my years of struggle, and I would eagerly await the release of death. [Job 14:14] But instead, as mountains fall and crumble and as rocks fall from a cliff, as water wears away the stones and floods wash away…