My son took this photograph as he was harvesting a field of Timothy grass. What a beautiful photo showing the masterpiece of our God and His amazing creation.
No matter what our day may bring with current events, personal joys or hardships, national or international strife, we must hold onto confidence in our Creator God.
Psalm 57:7-11 NLT My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises! [8] Wake up, my heart! Wake up, O lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song. [9] I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. [10] For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. [11] Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth.
We do not know the future, nor can we understand the purpose of floods, wars, health challenges, or pain emotionally and physically. The biggest challenge to growing in faith with God is trusting the unknown.
The next time you look up at the skies, be it day or night, remember His love is as high as the heavens. Sing praises to Him. He can renew your strength and bring supernatural peace that our minds cannot understand.
May His glory shine through our day and night bringing hope. Just as the photo represents a harvest, God wants to bring us a harvest of blessing.
Galatians 6:8-9 NLT Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. [9] So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
Merriam Webster definition of courage: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.
Synonyms: fortitude, bravery, intrepidity
What a time to be alive. There are many things that can raise our levels of fear, yet we must be courageous. God is still on the throne. Whether it’s wars, chaos, mass casualty incidents, trials in our families, God never changes.
Courage
These are scriptures that have helped me today. I hope they will bring you to a level of courage that comes from the One who created you, the Alpha and the Omega! He is the God of the heavens and the Earth. The Earth is definitely trembling. Hold onto what always is true, your Father in heaven!!
Consider declaring the scriptures in your home, car or even as you walk in nature! environment you stand.
Empower us, Lord by Your truths! Give us boldness to say aloud even if we are fearful the promises found in Your Word.
“So now, Lord, listen to their threats to harm us. Empower us, as your servants, to speak the word of God freely and courageously. Stretch out your hand of power through us to heal, and to move in signs and wonders by the name of your holy Son, Jesus!” As they prayed the earth shook beneath them, causing the building they were in to tremble. Each one of them was filled with the Holy Spirit, and they proclaimed the word of God with unrestrained boldness. All the believers were one in mind and heart. Selfishness was not a part of their community, for they shared everything they had with one another.” Acts 4:29-32 TPT
God is calling His children, even those who have stepped away from Him. Come back to Yahweh! He is gracious! Repent of past sins and get a Do over! He loves You!!
“Who is a merciful God like you? Your grace wipes the slate clean of guilt and pardons the rebellion of the remnant of your people. You don’t hold your anger against us forever, but you delight in showing faithful, tender love. Once more we ask: have tender mercy on us, tread our iniquities under your feet, and hurl all our sins to the bottom of the sea.” Micah 7:18-19 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/mic.7.18-19.TPT
Be of great courage as a wild horse and run into the future, God already knows what will happen. Stick to Him!
““But it’s not too late,” declares Yahweh. “Come back to me now with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tearing your clothes in sorrow is not enough— tear open your hearts!” Come back to Yahweh your God, for he is gracious to welcome you home and compassionate to embrace you. Yahweh is slow to anger and so rich in extravagant love for you. He is always ready to forgive and cancel judgment. Who knows if he will not turn around and show pity, leaving behind a blessing. Then you can bring offerings of grain and wine to be presented to Yahweh your God. My land, do not fear, for your restoration has come! Be glad and rejoice, you people, for Yahweh has done marvelous things for you. Children of Zion, be glad! Celebrate the mighty acts of Yahweh your God, for he has given you a teacher of righteousness whose teaching is like the refreshing spring rains. And he will pour down the rains for you, the spring and autumn rains as before. “Then afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on everyone. Your sons and your daughters will boldly prophesy, your elderly will have supernatural dreams, and your youth will experience ecstatic visions.” Joel 2:12-14, 21, 23, 28 TPT
May parents and children return to the Father and their hearts be as one for Gods purpose and plans.
““Keep watching, for I am sending you the prophet Elijah before that great and fearful day of Yahweh arrives. He will return the fathers’ hearts to their children and the children’s hearts to their fathers so that I can come and bless and not strike the land with a curse.”” Malachi 4:5-6 TPT
Don’t let pride keep you from His blessings. The time is now, humble yourselves to Jesus and ask His wisdom.
““I, Yahweh, made the earth, formed its contours, and set it in place. Yahweh is my name. I say to you, cry out to me and I will answer you. I will reveal to you great things, guarded secrets that you never could have known.” Jeremiah 33:2-3 TPT
Opaque glass blocks the true vision of Jesus’ love and in the trials, we must be willing to look at things with courage. The Living water of Jesus is on the other side. We may need to look at our pride in all things.
Proverbs 16:18-21 AMP Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. [19] It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud (haughty, arrogant). [20] He who pays attention to the word [of God] will find good, And blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) is he who trusts [confidently] in the LORD. [21] The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweet speech increases persuasiveness and learning [in both speaker and listener].
It’s humbling to have a personal reflection on our inability to judge others. It truly is the stick in the eye. We realize that we have our own evil sinful heart; it’s ugly.
Only going before the Father in humility and asking forgiveness and direction can that stony prideful heart be transformed.
Ezekiel 11:19-20 NLT And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart, [20] so they will obey my decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.
Challenges don’t have to be punishments from God so much as an opportunity for growth in His ways. God teaches you through the experience. Are you willing to be taught?!?! Wow!! I guess I need His help. We all do!!
Hebrews 12:4-11 MSG In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don’t feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children? My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline, but don’t be crushed by it either. It’s the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects. God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out. He’s treating you as dear children. This trouble you’re in isn’t punishment; it’s training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God’s training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God’s holy best. At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off big-time, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.
Victoria, my dear sister in Christ said, “we all get a seat at the Kings’ table.” Comparison is the biggest obstacle to our believing we are loved and known by Jesus.
So get ready to have shattered breakthroughs, the shards of glass may hurt a while, however, the breakthrough can change generations.
Having a solid Sister or Brother in faith who speaks truth in the Bible is a true gift. We are all works in progress. Go to Jesus! Read His word, it’s powerful and life changing, ask others to pray for you. We still have to be open and do the work in transforming our life and our kids will be blessed.
So let the Holy Spirit hand you the hammer and get started today!! Jesus is the breaker. Let Him !
We are called as women to impact the lives of others, whether we are women who give birth, serve others who are in need, spend time listening to others who need hope, open our home to mentor or foster children, or become moms of adoption.
Infertility is a part of my story, yet so is adoption as a mom of three and a child of God baptized in water and by the Holy Spirit.
Today at church, my amazing pastors ( women and men) shared their life stories. Their willingness to be transparent about their struggles and Gods’ goodness brings hope to all sinners, myself included who are saved by the grace and mercy of Jesus.
The story of Deborah in the book of Judges 4 is amazing because it shares the power of God and a woman willing to walk in the calling of God despite social constructs.
Deborah was a judge, prophet, and warrior bold to answer Gods call for her life, however, this scripture was brought to mind today at church. Powerful message as Deborah was also a mother to Isreal. ( we are spiritual mothers to whoever the Holy Spirit intersects with our lives). ❤️
Judges 5:6-9 MSG In the time of Shamgar son of Anath, and in the time of Jael, Public roads were abandoned, travelers went by backroads. Warriors became fat and sloppy, no fight left in them. Then you, Deborah, rose up; you got up, a mother in Israel. God chose new leaders, who then fought at the gates. And not a shield or spear to be seen among the forty companies of Israel. [9] Lift your hearts high, O Israel, with abandon, volunteering yourselves with the people—bless God!
I never heard this part of Deborah’s’ story, she was listed as a mother in Israel. This story is for all of us, mom’s especially, daughters of King Jesus, who volunteer for God with abandon. May the Holy Spirit bring favor to you.
Happy Mother’s Day to moms of all types: single, married, step moms, foster, adopted, grandmoms, great grandmoms, spiritual mentor moms, dads who serve as single parents too. God sees you! The best way to feel the fullness of His unconditional love, grace, forgiveness, mercy and blessing is to get to know Jesus!
Those who have regrets in miscarriages or abortions, God sees you too. Call out to Jesus! Find a Holy Spirit led church that directs you in the Word of God. The Bible is our instruction for life.
Father God- I thank you, Lord that you are the God that sees each one of us: we are uniquely created in the image of Jesus. I ask you Lord Jesus to direct whoever is praying this prayer to a deeper relationship by the Holy Spirit. All power all might all glory comes from you Heavenly Father. Thank you Lord for the story of Deborah. It’s a great reminder of how much you love mothers and how you equip those you call into service, in Jesus name, amen.
If our minds are racing with anxiety, worry, or fear, it is hard to hear the Voice of God! Between our personal lives, news reels, community unrest, wars and conflict, we feel overwhelmed.
The enemy of our soul wants to keep us in racing thoughts, anxiety, worry and fear. When we stay in that mindset, we are like a gerbil on a wheel. Ruminating on those unhealthy emotions leads to being stuck and cycling like the gerbil into more distress.
Joshua 23:8-11 AMP [8] But you are to cling to the LORD your God, just as you have done to this day. [9] For the LORD has driven out great and mighty nations from before you; and as for you, no man has been able to stand [in opposition] before you to this day. [10] One of your men puts to flight a thousand, for the LORD your God is He who is fighting for you, just as He promised you. [11] So be very careful and watchful of yourselves to love the LORD your God.
We must break the cycle of rumination, we can only accomplish this transformation when we submit to His authority. He awaits our step into relationship; clinging to the Lord who wants to renew our minds for a wonderful future.
Romans 12:1-2 NLT And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. [2] Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Life brings crashing waves of conflict, storm clouds build into a deluge of crushing rain that seems like a curtain of darkness. The oppression may be overwhelming and yet there is a Light in the darkness. Like a lighthouse on the rocky shore, Jesus is the beacon of hope, wisdom and peace.
An amazing scripture Mark 4:35-41, shares how the disciples ( Jesus chosen friends on earth) were on the boat with Jesus who fell asleep, as a storm rose. They became fearful and awakened Him. Even though they walked with Jesus on earth, they let fear rule over trust in Jesus.
Mark 4:39- 41 NLT 39] When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. [40] Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” [41] The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”
We serve an amazing God who equips His children for life including stormy times. If you don’t know Jesus yet, today change that mindset.
Because He wants to be in relationship with you and bring His supernatural peace and wisdom. No matter the storm, “Peace be still”! He brings the calm.
Mark 4:39 NKJV Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
Proverbs 14:30 MSG A sound mind makes for a robust body, but runaway emotions corrode the bones.
“Sound Mind”, by Melissa and Jonathon Helser, is my go-to worship song when I feel the cycle of worry or fear attempt to attach itself to my mind.
Sound Mind- Melissa Helser
Our Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, fights for us as He has promised in His Word. Cling to Him, our Lord and God! Be steadfast in seeking Him! The battle of the mind is escalating and yet those who are steadfast with Him will have victory, as will their children. Seek Him no other idol will save or bring peace. He is the God of all peace, Jehovah Shalom!
Do not become weary in doing good, He rewards those who keep His commandments. He is faithful and just to finish the work He started in us and in those we love. Glory to God!!!
Praise the Lord that he gives us a sound mind at these times! The sound mind over the spirit of fear. Go with God!
2 Thessalonians 3:13,16,18 NLT As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good. [16] Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. [18] May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OF JESUS?
Have you invited Jesus into your heart? Now is the perfect time. Pray this sinner’s prayer found at Gotquestions.com.
God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen.”
This is a reblog from May2024. One year later, the words in this blog post are even more relevant. Stick to the Creator God who knows all things and awaits your voice in relationship. Jesus is the only way to truth, peace and hope.
I’ve been pondering the children’s story, “Three Little Pigs” in the past few weeks. Initially, I would think to myself, “it’s a children’s story so how could it affect me at my age”? But then I was thinking about the story within the story.
Here we have three little pigs, all trying to figure out how to build their houses in such a way that they are noticed and protected. Each pig chooses a certain material product to bring structure to their home.
One pig chooses straw to build his home and feels pretty proud about himself that it will be a solid place for him to live. The second pig built his house on sticks.
The third pig built his house from bricks and it took much longer for him to establish his home. The other two pigs thought he was pretty stupid and actually probably laughed at him for taking the time and putting in the extra effort for his home.
Then, we have the big bad wolf, a selfish, mean character who just wants to taunt and eat the pigs. Is this no different than the devil or the evil spirits that tend to try to direct our lives?
You see the big bad wolf is almost like those negative headspace words or those people are telling us that we should live like the world or, the idol that can entrap us whether or not it’s comparison trapping or whether it’s materialism, gets us so much in debt. The voice in our head that wants us to feel despair and hopeless.
The first two pigs freak out and their houses are destroyed as the big wolf ultimately blows down two houses. The third pig ends up being actually the one with a house built in bricks, kind of like the foundation of living our lives with God,the foundation in the rock.
There’s an amazing similarity between scripture:
Matthew 7:21-29 NLT “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. [22] On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ [23] But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ [24] “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. [25] Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. [26] But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. [27] When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” [28] When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, [29] for he taught with real authority-quite unlike their teachers of religious law.
We can establish ourselves with a relationship with Jesus, who is the rock can take time because we have to put our own selfish thoughts aside while we take time to get to know the one who made us. And in the end, the foundation established on the rock Jesus ends up being the most solid foundation we could ever find.
The third pig actually is the wisest because he use the tools of wisdom and strength to make his fortress strong. We need to choose Jesus for the same future.
So today when you’re pondering about life and choices and where you place your trust and who you get your wisdom from, it’s my hope that maybe you reconsider the story of the three little pigs. It’s relevant story for people of any age.
Build your home and your heart and your mind and your soul on the solid foundation of the rock of Jesus. The time and effort you put into that will affect the steps of your life. And in the end, just like that third pig, it will be worth it. You’ll be living, with more peace, more wisdom, and the rock, Jesus, will give you the wisdom for every step you take.
I hope you enjoy this song from Lauren Daigle, Love Like This, it’s been a song that has impacted me years ago. And today when I heard it again, it reminded me of the importance of the love we get from our Father God. We haven’t done anything to deserve His love, and yet Jesus freely gives unconditional love, wisdom for life, and grace in the midst of our messes. May God richly bless your day.
Lately, I have felt certain phrases come to my mind in the midst of challenges. I share the declarations the Holy Spirit laid on my heart, mind and soul.
Opie our senior horse and his buddy by MM
Mary’s paraphrase of scripture:
Just like a horse needs relationship with its rider/owner to be a team, we need Jesus to guide us by His Word. Jesus is our best friend.
Intimacy with God is sustenance for life.
1 Corinthians 8:3 AMPC But if one loves God truly [with affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, and grateful recognition of His blessing], he is known by God [recognized as worthy of His intimacy and love, and he is owned by Him].
I have wordless awe for the work of God in my life when I let Him guide my steps.
Psalm 37:23-24 NLT The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. [24] Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.
We need Jesus, on our own we would act by feeling not wisdom beyond our understanding, as He promises in scripture.
Psalm 139:23-24 NLT Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. [24] Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
He is faithful and just, we need to trust Him even in the hardest circumstances.
Jeremiah 17:7 AMP Blessed [with spiritual security] is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the LORD And whose hope and confident expectation is the LORD.
The Bible is filled with pearls of wisdom, it rewards you with amazing hope. This is one of my favorite scriptures:
Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. [9] Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. [10] For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
God loves you! He wants the best for you. He believes in your capacity to fulfill the purposes He ordained before you were born.
Life can be a challenge, being a follower of Jesus Christ does not mean it’s easy. However, when we are being challenged, whether it’s personal, physical, emotional, there’s is one thing that is true and will never change.
Those who call on Jesus Christ and ask Him to be their Savior will never be alone.
Jesus promises to be with us in challenging and joyful times. He reminds us that in this world there will be trouble but He has overcome this world.
John 16:33 AMP I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]
Allowing Jesus to be the authority ( meaning the one we turn to for wisdom above the world culture) gives us the ability to have supernatural peace, instructions for every day and the power and authority to be warriors in victory for His Kingdom.
Romans 10:8-13 AMP But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”—that is, the word [the message, the basis] of faith which we preach— [9] because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation. [11] For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED [in his expectations].” [12] For there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile; for the same Lord is Lord over all [of us], and [He is] abounding in riches (blessings) for all who call on Him [in faith and prayer]. [13] For “WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD [in prayer] WILL BE SAVED.”
It is not an easy process to let Jesus direct our lives through the Holy Spirit (one of the three parts of the Father God, Son and Holy Spirit).
Because we want to direct our own path. I admit it, I am selfish. However, I am learning trusting the Holy Spirit brings the best steps. His wisdom is free and His love unconditional.
His scripture is my template, the more I read and seek Him the greater my insight from Him not my emotions.
Micah 6:8 AMPC He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?
This song, Still Waters, is a powerful declaration by a gifted trio of musical artists, Leanna, Ben and David, who are great humble witnesses with their personal stories of Gods goodness and faithfulness.
Hold onto Jesus! Or if you need to make a change call out to Him today and He will amaze you.
God sees everything and knows the motives of people. Stick with Him not emotions related to feelings. Pray for those who seem to live for appearance. Repent of bitterness. You are so valuable to God! He knows the number of hairs on your head. Share the love of Jesus where He calls you to speak. Pray for those who hurt you. Walk as much as you can in peace. Give it all to God!
When you cling to God, you will have His strength and His Holy Spirit wisdom to lean into for all relationships. It will help you let go of offenses and bring His peace.
Matthew 10:16,26-39 NLT “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. [26] “But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. [27] What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear! [28] “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. [29] What is the price of two sparrows-one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. [30] And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. [31] So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. [32] “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. [33] But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven. [34] “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. [35] ‘I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. [36] Your enemies will be right in your own household!’ [37] “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. [38] If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. [39] If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.
Life with Jesus trumps any words of affirmation from any human. In the end, His life walked out in your life is priceless. Go with God!
He is the Lighthouse in our daily life. He illuminates our path when we seek Him first. He is faithful! He knows us from conception to our last breath. Take a cleansing breath right now. Breathe in for 4 counts, hold for a second or two. Breathe out the hurts by a count of 5. Clear your mind of offenses. Seek Him and speak aloud:
Father God, guide our hearts, minds, and souls for Your Kingdom purpose. Help us to lay down offenses in word or action. Show us Your action steps. Thank you for loving us and bringing us to Your plan. Your unconditional love when dying for our sins is unfathomable. Thank you for believing in our potential. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Lately, I find myself reading a chapter of the Bible called Job. A little background on Job. He was a follower of Adonai (The LORD God) who had many blessings in the standards of the world. God gave Job the blessings, family, land, material things.
However, one day, the Adversary (devil) asked Adonai if Job really was a follower of Him, and in challenging trials, would Job be able to stand up under the pressure?
I chose the Complete Jewish Bible as the resource for today. Iyov is the Hebrew word for Job.
Job 1:6-12 It happened one day that the sons of God came to serve Adonai, and among them came the Adversary. Adonai asked the Adversary, “Where are you coming from?” The Adversary answered Adonai, “From roaming through the earth, wandering here and there.” Adonai asked the Adversary, “Did you notice my servant Iyov, that there’s no one like him on earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and shuns evil?” The Adversary answered Adonai, “Is it for nothing that Iyov fears God? You’ve put a protective hedge around him, his house and everything he has. You’ve prospered his work, and his livestock are spread out all over the land. But if you reach out your hand and touch whatever he has, without doubt he’ll curse you to your face!” Adonai said to the Adversary, “Here! Everything he has is in your hands, except that you are not to lay a finger on his person.” Then the Adversary went out from the presence of Adonai.” Iyov (Job) 1:6-12 CJB
So God allowed trials and challenges to be a part of Jobs’ life. I challenge you to read the Book of Job!! Job ended up losing family members to death, his wealth in livestock and property diminished, losing prosperity by world standards and his friends questioned whether God was really with him anymore.
In chapters 38 and 39, the LORD ( our personal Creator God named in Genesis) speaks to Job. The Lord asks Job who made all things on earth, in the skies and heavens? The LORD reminds Job who He is as Creator God.
“Then Adonai answered Iyov out of the storm: “Who is this, darkening my plans with his ignorant words? Stand up like a man, and brace yourself; I will ask questions; and you, give the answers! “Where were you when I founded the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Do you know who determined its dimensions or who stretched the measuring line across it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” Iyov (Job) 38:1-7 CJB
I love when I read scripture and find a new insight or instruction in new ways. I found the following description on horses, hawks and eagles.
Job 39:19-30 The Lord said, “Did you give the horse its strength? Did you clothe its neck with a mane? Did you make him able to leap like a locust? Its majestic snorting is frightening! It paws with force and exults with vigor, then charges into the battle; mocking at fear, unafraid, it does not shy away from the sword. The [rider’s] quiver rattles over it, [his] gleaming spear and javelin. Frenzied and eager, it devours the ground, scarcely believing the shofar has sounded. At the sound of the shofar it whinnies; as from afar it scents the battle, the roar of the chiefs and the shouting. “Is it your wisdom that sets the hawk soaring, spreading its wings toward the south? Does the eagle fly up when you say so, to build its nest in the heights? It lives and spends its nights on the cliffs; a rocky crag is its fortress. From there it spots its prey, its eyes see it far off. Its young ones suck up blood; wherever the slain are, there it is.”” Iyov (Job) 39:19-30 CJB
What I am trying to express in this post today? Just like Job, when we are going through trials it can seem our Adonai ( personal Lord God) has left us. Perhaps a better reflection would be remembering our LORD may be teaching us something about His promises and there can be deeper relationship with our Father Creator God, our Adonai, our Jesus and listening to the Holy Spiritdeveloped when we are open to growth.
Spending time to rediscover and grow our faith in a God who sees all things, created all things, knows the future and loves unconditionally is powerful, life changing and eternal.
Jamie MacDonald has a great song, Desperate that describes well the need to be restored by the Lord. Praise Him in the trial.
Prayer: Father God, Adonai, please forgive our human desire to be independent and falsely believe we can do life alone. All things are possible through You LORD. Show us through the trials what You want us to learn about Your love and promises. Just like Job, the sifting of our trials can be a place of deepening faith in You. Thank you for loving unconditionally and being our personal LORD. We need You, in Jesus mighty Name, Amen!
Inspiring Light Through the Cracks 