Job 28:28 tells us that the fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is fundamental understanding. Fear is a powerful motivator. I work because of the fear of losing my possessions. I work on being a better Christ follower, husband, dad, and friend because I want good relationships and a deeper, divine…
In Job 25, Bildad says, “God is powerful and dreadful. He enforces peace in the heavens.” In the next chapter, Job reminds us of God’s greatness in verse 11: “The foundations of heaven tremble; they shudder at his rebuke.” God’s greatness is beyond my understanding. Horseback riding through the forest, surrounded by beauty, gives me…
In Job 22, Eliphaz goes after Job again, accusing him and saying, “Your situation is a direct result of your limitless sins.” I realize I can be like Eliphaz sometimes, quick to judge myself and others and assume the worst. I need to remember the Golden Rule—not just to treat others as I want to…
In Job 20, Zophar, Job’s “friend,” is at it again, telling Job his calamities are from his sin. Instead of listening to Job, he’s ready to offer up the reasons he’s going through Hell. This reminds me, I need to be quick to listen and slower to judge. Reading verses 8 and 9, though, paints…
Reading Luke 14 today, 26-27, and 33 punched me in the gut. Being a true disciple means having my life revolve around Christ. It’s not something I can do once; it’s a daily choice to pick up my cross and be transformed by God. To be truly Christ-centered, an authentic disciple, I must give up…
In Job 15 and Luke 13, the Bible offers examples that remind us suffering isn’t always a result of sin, encouraging self-reflection and trust in God’s plan. But Christ will go through our trials with us; we need to repent and turn to him. It’s hard for me to look at rough patches and problems…
I heard a guy once say jokingly, I know when I’m going to die, my birth certificate has an expiration date on it. We really don’t know when, but death is inevitable, and the older I get, the more I realize that life is too short and even shorter for others. Job tells us that…
In Job 11, Job’s friend Zophar gives him a bunch of grief from his assumptions. In 12, Job fires back and answers him. I love what he says in verse 12; it reminds me of how big God is. ‘For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every…
I don’t know how many times I’ve let the details and distractions of this world negatively affect my relationship with Christ and others. Verses 38-41 remind me to be alert and to guard my spiritual focus. When Jesus visits Mary and Martha, Mary is hanging out with Jesus, while Martha is busy with the details…
Job is going through the darkest time of his life; he’s lost everything and wants to die and get it over with (16). Then, in 8, his friend shows no sympathy. He offers up his opinion, his solutions, and his assumptions. Job’s friend doesn’t offer to pray for him, to sacrifice for him, to clean…