May 20, 2025

After Job finished speaking, Bildad realized that Job knew the power of God and seemed to agree with him on His attributes. It would do us all well to find common ground, even in a heated argument. There is always something we can agree on, but finding it is one of our problems. If you are debating biblical issues, stop for a moment, remember how wonderful God is, and point out your joy over His overwhelming awesomeness. Who could disagree with that? Bildad acquiesced with a reminder that we are all born of a woman, so who can be clean? What he didn’t know is that purification is possible, and it comes through Jesus when we surrender and are baptized, born again to purify us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. It is impossible not to sin, but we will be clean if we live in repentance. 

Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,

Dominion and fear are with him, he maketh peace in his high places.

Is there any number of his armies? and upon whom doth not his light arise?

How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?

Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight.

How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm? Job 25:1-6

By the way, this is the entire 25th chapter of Job!

May 19, 2025

Just as God sees us through the lens of Jesus, He also considers the wicked clearly for who they are and what they’ve done. We will continue to reward, but they will go on to the horror of the afterlife. God will bring everything the wicked have done in darkness into the light. We have all experienced the deeds of darkness because of our commitment to Jesus. We are their target because we have something precious for them to steal that has nothing to do with money. If they can cause us to sin, they can sully our testimony to keep others from making Jesus their Savior. You have your salvation and are forgiven, but the unsaved don’t know that and will call you a hypocrite when they see you in church after you fall. That is why it is so vital that we continue to work toward sanctification; our reputation should be clean so our testimony about Jesus will be taken seriously. The more you immerse yourself in God’s word and make prayer an ongoing conversation with God, the less likely you will fall into sinful behavior. 

Though it be given him to be in safety, whereon he resteth; yet his eyes are upon their ways. They are exalted for a little while, but are gone and brought low; they are taken out of the way as all other, and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn. Job 24:23-24

May 18, 2025

Though I tread carefully when questioning what God is doing, I don’t think it is entirely wrong or sinful. What if we never asked questions? How would we ever sort through the information we were receiving? Job knew where his help came from, but couldn’t understand why he was on trial. He knew God was refining him and that he would come out as gold, but even after careful contemplation, he couldn’t understand what he had done to deserve it or find where he had sinned. He thought that if he could see God and stand before him, He wouldn’t condemn him, but would give him strength. However, he couldn’t perceive Him, and felt that He was hiding from him. Don’t we all have thoughts like this sometimes? If only life were easy and unencumbered by dysfunction. However, would we even seek God if our lives were too easy? Let’s be honest, some of us would, but most would forget about Him. What is the solution? Immerse yourself in the Word of God, diligently seek Him by calling out to Him in prayer. God is eager to come to your rescue, so His name should be the first thing on your lips before you even take that first sip of coffee each day. If you’re in a pinch and things are beginning to spiral, call out the name of Jesus; nothing or no one can stand when Jesus’s name is invoked. Try it; you’ll see. 

Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:8-10

May 17, 2025

We must be careful with accusations so as not to condemn when we don't know the whole truth. Job's friends were no help to soothe Job, but unjustly added to his misery with less than comforting words. However, what Eliphaz said was spot-on about God. God doesn't need us, but we are indebted to Him. He said that if Job turned to God, he would prosper and have so much gold that it would be like dust. Matthew Henry made some good points:

1. "That he should live a life of complacency in God." For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God. Job 22:26
2. "That he should have a humble holy confidence towards God."
3. "That he should maintain a constant communion with God." Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows. Job 22:27
4. "That he should have inward satisfaction in the management of all his outward affairs." Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways. Job 22:28

We should be so wrapped up in God that we no longer seek the riches of this world but long for and delight in God's spiritual gifts and blessings, which are far better than gold and jewels. 

May 16, 2025

The way Job responds to Zophar for interrupting his discourse is priceless. He told them to shut up, cover your mouths, I’m paraphrasing, but it’s all the same. Then you can continue to mock. 

Mark me, and be astonished, and lay your hand upon your mouth. Job 21:5

He didn’t let them beat him down with their words without a harsh response. They deserved him calling them out. The point of Job’s rebuttal is that their accusations don’t make sense because the wicked prosper here on earth, and their punishment comes after death. They are but chaff that will be blown away in the wind. The wicked may prosper here on earth, but their punishment will be severe when they face hell in the afterlife, and those who love the Lord will prosper in the care of the Almighty. 

Their bull gendereth, and faileth not; their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf. Job 21:10

They continue in their wickedness without the thought of God, and don’t concern themselves about their punishment because they don’t consider God at all. 

Don’t allow the troubles of this world to drag you down. Hold your head up because we are blessed to have God on our side and the promise of prosperity when King Jesus comes to claim his kingdom and expel evil from his presence. 

Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens, That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath. Job 21:29-30

The newborn in the picture had to be pulled because he got stuck. Yes, the cow calved, but it wasn't an easy delivery. 

May 15, 2025

Because we know Job didn’t do anything to deserve the tribulation that came upon him at the hands of Satan, our hearts go out to him. We feel sorry for his situation; from this, we know that even God’s most faithful servants go through trials and tribulations. However, his friends think he has done something wrong, and when he continued to glorify God and argue back instead of accepting their ill words against him, they became even more insulting. Zophar was the next to speak and described the fate of an evil person, assuming Job was such a person, which was the life Job was now living. I found one point in the scripture that describes hell’s fire very interesting. We often assume that those who end up there will melt in the hot flames, but Zophar describes it differently, which makes me think that though hell is hot, there are no flames. An example might be your oven set to 1000 degrees; the body will show the effects of the heat, but no visible sign of it. Here is the scripture:

All darkness shall be hid in his secret places: a fire not blown shall consume him; it shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle. Job 20:26

The descriptions of hell that God gives us may help to teach someone their fate without Jesus. If they think hell is just a party, they may not be concerned about where they are going. Malachi describes it this way:

For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. Malachi 4:1

May 14, 2025

The book of Job is poetry, but it resembles a trial with his friends and lawyers, who bring accusations against him. Job pleads his case before God, but his friends question whether he is righteous in his heart. I had an eye-opening experience as I read that Job, during his pain, knew his Redeemer lived. He rebukes his friends for torturing him with their words and not offering comfort in his time of need, and proclaims his unwavering faith in the Almighty. Is the book of Job also a foretelling of the suffering of Jesus? He suffered as Jesus did; they turned on him, and he was beaten and accused, even though he was not guilty. Job was worn down, and his flesh was deteriorating, yet in his suffering, his friends accused him of being evil in his heart. His response to them proved otherwise when he said, 

“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.” Job 19:25

My friends, if you are suffering from great anguish, sickness, or disease, stand firm, your Redeemer lives; don’t let go of him. He is your Judge, the only righteous Judge; take hold of him and hang on with all your might; although you are weak, he is strong, and he will judge you fairly, and find you innocent of all charges brought against you, for he accepted your penalty when he hung on the cross, whether you are guilty or innocent.

May 13, 2025

Because we know how the story of Job began, we know that he is a good man going through testing. God knew he would stand firm in his testing, but Satan pressed him, thinking he could win and get Job to curse God and die. Neither Job nor his friends knew the conversation between God and Satan, so they could not see the beginning or the end. His friends automatically thought Job had done something evil and he was being punished. So Bildad starts admonishing him for his evil. Though we know this scenario doesn’t apply to Job, Bildad is a wise man and knows what lies ahead for those who are evil. Bildad spoke some pretty strong words against Job; in his condition, he didn’t deserve them. However, we can learn from his words. 

What happens to the wicked?

1. His light will be put out. 
2. His actions will be like a snare for his own feet.
3. Terror will make him afraid.
4. His strength will be taken away.
5. He will lack confidence.
6. He will be chased out of this world, and no one will remember him.
7. He will be driven from light into darkness.

Here’s the good news: because we trust in Jesus, though we may be down, and others consider us evil, we will prevail, and our light will never go out. We are truly blessed that God considered us worthy and chose us for salvation. 

Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine. The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him. Job 18:5-6

May 12, 2025

We may be eager to encourage someone down on their luck and give them flowery words to lift their spirits, but we need to be careful not to tell them things that could further destroy their confidence if what we say to them ends up not coming to pass. An example would be Job's friends telling him he would regain all his prosperity, when they had no guarantees he would. The best way to encourage someone who's down is to repeat God's promises to them because we know they are trustworthy and true. Remind them of what Jesus did for us on the cross, and pray with and for them. Pray that God would open their eyes to see the spiritual army surrounding them and hem them in on every side. Help them go to war and fight the good fight of faith. Teach them to put on the spiritual armor so they might stand firm, knowing that God is in control, and reassure them that everything happens on His timeline, and they will someday benefit from our trials. Tell them that when we are weak, He is strong, and remind them of His love and grace and the promise of eternal life to those who put their faith in Him. There are many ways to encourage them without making promises and projections that might not come true. Be encouraged today if you are passing through troubled waters, hold the hand of Jesus until the seas are calmed. 

But as for you all, do ye return, and come now: for I cannot find one wise man among you. My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart. They change the night into day: the light is short because of darkness. Job 17:10-11

May 11, 2025

When Job poured out his grief, he realized that it didn’t help ease his pain. Instead, his words were misconstrued and caused him further grief. However, sometimes if you keep silent, your accusers will believe they were right and that your silence is a confession of guilt. I’ve learned from experience that it is better to keep silent and let them think what they want since they’ve made up their mind anyway. When someone uses their mouth to chop you into pieces, let them continue while you pray to God in your mind, crying out to Jesus as they continue to harp on you, and watch what happens. In the middle of their tirade, you will notice that they begin to ease up and recognize their harshness. If they don’t stop, somehow, because you’ve called on God, you will begin to feel at ease because He will send you comfort. 

They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me. Job 16:10

As Job continued in speaking against his friends for being miserable comforters, his tears are recorded as prayers to God. God is the one we can count on to bring us relief, especially when our friends are more like enemies. God is our source; we can always count on Him.

My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God. O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour! Job 16:20-21

May 10, 2025

Who needs enemies when you have friends like Job's? Eliphaz didn't like Job defending himself against their words and began harassing and accusing him. His main argument against him was that they were older and wiser. Older doesn't necessarily mean wiser, though some still think that way. Being university-educated doesn't mean they're wiser either, but it could mean they're indoctrinated, so be careful who you listen to for advice. If your friend is going through a rough time, don't add to their misery by being reckless with your words. They need comfort, not condemnation. If God sends you to console someone, follow His guidance for what to say. Eliphaz was angry with Job because he didn't accept their counsel, so he added insult to injury. It would have been better for his friends to sit quietly with him, let him pour out his broken heart, and respond with pity rather than try to correct any behavior they thought caused his condition. 

I love that God included this book in the canon of scripture to teach us how to treat one another and how not to react to someone’s misfortune. 

For the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery. They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit. Job 15:34-35

May 9, 2025

In the presence of his friends, Job began to talk to God, contemplating his situation. Job’s body was deteriorating, and his hope for a satisfactory life was dwindling. Even though he longed to die, he knew that if his body died, he wouldn’t live again until God destroyed the entire earth, but he knew his spirit would return to God. He had no scriptures to read to tell him these things, yet he was wise enough to understand God’s truths. Job understood that a tree might regrow, being cut off, leaving a stump, but a man cannot regrow; man gives up the ghost and is buried, to be seen no more, but how did he know his spirit would return to God? God must have shared a word of knowledge with him through the Holy Spirit, which happens to us occasionally. The Bible subtly mentions it in the scripture that I’ve included. 

Job sorted things out with God, speaking to Him openly to clarify his understanding. If you are perplexed about your situation, have a conversation with God. As you talk to Him, He will give you answers, which may be part of your discourse. In other words, the words coming out of your mouth may be how God answers you. It works; I do it all the time.

O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands. Job 14:13-15

May 8, 2025

The enemy thought he could sift Job like wheat, but God knew him, and even though he had lost his children and wealth, and his health was in shambles, He expected him to recover. How far down have you gone? Have you gotten to the end of the road with nowhere to turn? Job was so far down that his friends didn’t expect him to return from it, and harassed him, but Job defended himself and rebuked them for their harsh words in his time of need. “Will ye speak wickedly for God? and talk deceitfully for him?” Job asked God to show him his sin, and thought God might be punishing him for his folly as a youth. We know that wasn’t the case, but Job didn’t know. Is your trial a direct result of your sin, or is God allowing you to be tested for faithfulness? Did you pass the test? If you are still being tried, stay in close contact with God, even if it is every moment of the day, and don’t give up or give in. If Job could recover without cursing God or blaming Him, so can you. 

Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. Job 13:15

May 7, 2025

Job had listened to the drivel of Zophar and the other men long enough and decided to defend himself. Clapping back, he called them out on their arrogance, saying, “No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.” He reminded them he was still wise despite being in a bad situation; his brain didn’t die with his wealth. Then he rebuked them for their conceit, pointing out that God is in charge of every situation, whether good or bad. God can use bad people as well as good people for His purpose. God is sovereign and has dominion over everything, including kings, governments, politicians, and those who think they are powerful. He makes judges fools and kings subject to Him. 

Those who fear what is happening in our government, relax! God is in control and knows what is best for us. If it is the time of the end, good, we go on to glory. If it is not, God knows our situation, and has our best interest in mind as he orchestrates the events. It is useless for us to worry or concern ourselves with it. However, it is entertaining to watch: it keeps our interest and is tantalizing. 

With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding. With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding. Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening. Job 12:12-14

May 6, 2025

Did Job’s friends come to comfort him or to accuse him? Maybe they were only there to discover what he did against God so that they might gloat over their own faithfulness to Him. Zophar chimes in, but is as nasty as Job’s other friends, calling him a liar and a mocker. Something interesting I noticed was that they were only harsh with Job and meticulous not to say anything against God. They spoke of God with great care. Here, Zophar gives us insight into some of God’s attributes. 

1. He gives us less punishment than we deserve.
2. He is perfect.
3. He is immeasurable. 
4. He is unstoppable.
5. He knows what is in our hearts.
6. He is incomprehensible.
7. He is unsearchable. 

Finally, Zophar gives Job some encouragement. He tells him to prepare his heart, turn away from iniquity, and he will be able to turn his face toward God and forget his misery. He reminds him that there is hope, and he will be able to rest in safety and be unafraid. 

If you are going through troubled times, remember who God is, turn to Him, and He will give you rest.

Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. Job 11:7-9

Side note: Is the Earth long and broad? Just a little extra to ponder. Remember, the Bible is God-breathed. 

May 5, 2025

It is useless to think we have any control over our lives. Whatever happens to us, though it may seem that we orchestrate it and have free will, ultimately God is in control and has a plan for us far more superior than anything we can imagine. Do we have free will? I often ask this question because God has a plan for us. Maybe God’s plan is based on how we react to certain situations, and he readjusts His plan when He sees our reaction, but even that doesn’t make sense, being He already knows how we will react. From my questions, you can see why I asked God to fill in some of the gaps in my understanding. If you think you have it all figured out, be careful; God will show you that you don’t. The best we can do is stay rooted in God’s Word, rejoice in what He shows us, worship Him daily, stay constant in prayer, and be thankful for Jesus and our salvation through him. 

In Job 10, Job continues to plead for God’s mercy. He knows that his life is in His hands; God made us and maintains us, so it is best that we submit to Him. There’s that word: submit. Until you learn what that means to God, you will continue to become undone when a crisis hits. 

Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews. Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit. And these things hast thou hid in thine heart: I know that this is with thee. Job 10:11-13

May 4, 2025

We don't know ourselves as well as God, and it is pointless to think we do. Though Job is broken and crumpled on the floor, he knows his life is in the hands of God and doesn't understand why God didn't take his breath and allow him to die. His response to his friend's accusations and rebuke was humble because he knew he had no power over God. Sometimes, a blanket of God's wrath covers all of us even though we may be innocent; the difference between us and the wicked is the result of life everlasting for us in the presence of our Savior. 

How should we respond when we see someone experiencing suffering? 

1. Stand in awe of God and fear His wrath.
2. Pity and earnestly pray for them because they may not know how to pray for themselves.
3. Keep your thoughts pure about God, and do not question Him because we pity their suffering.

Even in our suffering, we can be grateful for our salvation in Jesus. Our life may not be what we hoped, but our everlasting life will be beyond our comprehension and more joyful than we can imagine. If you are suffering right now, bide your time; your life won't be dismal forever. Set your thoughts on good things until God relieves your misery.

If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead? If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse. Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life. This is one thing, therefore I said it, He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked. Job 9:19-22

May 3, 2025

If you ever decide to read the Book of Job, know that it is considered wisdom literature and part of the poetry section of the Bible, although only a small portion reads poetically. It is a conversation between Job and his friends. Bildad is the next friend to chime in on Job’s situation. He says a few true things about God, but he is less than consoling to his friend in distress. He weighs accusations against Job’s children, saying that God cast them away because of their transgressions against Him. Can you imagine grieving over your children and having your friends tell you they must have been wicked because of God’s judgment against them? This conversation reminds me of a court proceeding with God being the judge, Job being the defendant, and Job’s friends, a team of lawyers for the prosecution, arguing the case for Satan, the accuser. It seems that Satan was using Job’s friends as a ploy to get him to curse God; we know that, in the end, Satan failed to prove his case. Bildad speaks some truth in his testimony against Job as reflected in the following scriptures:

Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers: Till he fill thy mouth with laughing, and thy lips with rejoicing. They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought. Job 8:20-22

If you find yourself facing the accusations of the enemy, remember that God is the judge, and Jesus is the one who took the punishment for our sins. We are not guilty in the eyes of God because of Jesus!

May 2, 2025

Depression over our situation causes us to linger within our heads. We contemplate every detail of our circumstances, rolling it over and over again, trying to find comfort only to come up empty. We repent, even if we don’t know of any sin we committed, to see if God will relent and give us a reprieve from our despair. Tears fill our eyes when we try to find an answer for our misery, especially when God seems quiet and the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) doesn’t tell us why we are disquieted. We look for the reason to no avail. We sleep, hoping it will be gone in the morning, but our bed seems full of thorns as we toss and turn, hoping to relax, if only for a moment. It will make you long for Jesus to take us out of our misery, to be in a place where the enemy can no longer taunt us, causing our grief. When will it be over? Only God has the answer. Our time is in His hands; we have no control over it. Affliction and pain are our lot, but it’s not forever. A day will come when the cloud will clear, and just like that, our spirit will be refreshed and renewed, and the sun will shine upon us again. Stay fervent in prayer, and seek God; He is our refuge in times of trouble. He wants us to rely on Him, especially when our heart is troubled. 

When I say, My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint; Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions: So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life. Job 7:13-15

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. Psalms 91:8-10

May 1, 2025

Job’s friends should have been there to comfort him in his calamity, but instead, they added insult to injury. He was quiet until now and rebuked them for their harsh words in his time of need rather than encouraging him in his sorrow. During your trouble, you find out who your friends are. Job knew that the fiery darts he was experiencing were allowed by God, and if He desired, they could pierce the soul. We must remember that the shield of faith extinguishes those flames; I can see God being proud when we use it to combat the enemy. 

When my husband’s dad passed away, and we were mourning his loss, we encountered a different situation; we had people offering us pity with dollar signs in their eyes. We were able to cull out his dad’s friends and acquaintances because we could see right through their intentions. People come out of the woodwork if they think they can benefit from your loss. In Job’s situation, there was nothing for them to gain unless it was to gloat over his misfortune. Our lesson in this is to offer unconditional support for those who are grieving and show compassion for their situation. For goodness sake, don’t avoid them; show them God’s love and comfort them during their time of need.

How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove? Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind? Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend. Job 6:25-27