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…
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…
“The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation.” Man, the Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed hit me hard. And it seems this has been much…