Tag: Nehemiah

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Living Faithful in a Faithless Land, Quiet Time

Seeing God’s Unfailing Love

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Living Faithfully in a Faithless Land / w6d4

Scripture: God’s Road Map for Our Journey / Nehemiah 9:32-28

“So now, our God—the great, powerful, and awesome God, who keeps covenant fidelity—do not regard as inconsequential all the hardship that has befallen us—our kings, our leaders, our priests, our prophets, our ancestors, and all your people—from the days of the kings of Assyria until this very day.

Nehemiah 9:32-38

Friends, I invite you to read beyond the prescribed passage for today, and by reading beyond, I mean reading what came before in this chapter of Nehemiah. While there is much to be seen in verses 32-38, those words come alive with a richer beauty and meaning when read with verse 1-31. The words that come before verse 32 actually give a wealth of understanding to our passage. They help us to see the visible truth of God’s unfailing love and infinite grace and mercy. The verses also help us to understand that our suffering has a purpose … It gives a beautiful picture and example of what true confession looks like – how it begins with acknowledging God is right and proceeds to confessing that we are wrong … It’s a wonderful reminder of how far away from God we can be even when things are going well …

Today’s Love God Greatly Journal entry is a perfect addition to our passage, as it breaks down the return of Ezra, Zechariah, and Nehemiah and the work God did through them, as well as how He transformed the people’s hearts, which led to “an increased faithfulness in God’s people at this time.” It has been an inspiration to me, and I hope it will be one for you as well.

SOAP

Nehemiah 9:33-38 (33)

“You are righteous with regard to all that has happened to us, for you have acted faithfully. It is we who have been in the wrong!”

INTO THE TEXT (borrowed and shared from Living Faithful in a Faithless Land / p186

God was faithful. After 70 years in exile were complete, God’s people were restored to the land. Things weren’t exactly as they had been before. They didn’t have their own king. But God allowed them to live in the land, rebuild Jerusalem, and have everything they needed to resettle back in Judah.

Ezra led the first set of people back to Judah. They were relatively small in number, and the task they had seemed overwhelming to rebuild Jerusalem, the city walls, their homes, and the temple. But God continued again and again to faithfully provide for His people.

Zechariah had also returned to Jerusalem in one of the first groups. God gave him an important message for His people worried about the task ahead. The task would not be accomplished by their power, nor might, but by the Spirit of the Lord (See Zechariah 4:6-7)!

Nehemiah came back from Babylon in a later group, about 13 years after Ezra had arrived. He helped to encourage and reignite the rebuilding of Jerusalem, particularly the temple and walls. The work on these structures had stalled due to constant opposition by their enemies and the resulting weariness of his people.

What about the people’s hearts? Has God transformed them? The people were ready to obey the Lord. They even wanted to sign a covenant! While they would be tempted and fall into sin again, we saw an increased faithfulness in the attitude of God’s people at this time.

God is still transforming hearts from death to life and has been doing so especially since Jesus returned to heaven and poured out the Holy Spirit.

God is the great promise keeper. We can be sure any promises He has made will happen. But He doesn’t always fulfill His promises in the way we might expect or want Him to. We can trust His ways are best. He is righteous and acts faithfully in all He does. His love drives all that He does, which provides us with grace after grace.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, you are righteous and faithful in all you do. Often when I have questioned your faithfulness, it is because you didn’t do what I wanted. O Lord, forgive me. I pray – not my will but yours be done.I thank you that I can trust and rely on your Word. Amen.

The More We Know

You can purchase the LGG Journals at lovegodgreatly.com; they are a great addition to our studies.

Posted in Bible study, From Broken to Restored, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Restorative Character of God

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored, w6d5

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:5-11 / SOAP: verse 11

Please, Lord, listen attentively to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants who take pleasure in showing respect to your name. Grant your servant success today and show compassion to me in the presence of this man.”

Nehemiah 1:11

Six weeks ago, we opened the book of Nehemiah and have traveled through its pages that unfold the story of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, also known as The city of our God. Sadly, it was a city that had seen great destruction and, as was reported to Nehemiah, a city whose “walls had been breached, and its gates burned down.” It was a city and a people, the people of God – that were now seen as defeated (Neh 2:17). They were known to be defenseless and were in great need of not only the physical walls to protect them but for God to restore them so that their enemies would know that God was with His people and they were under His protective care. Hearing this, broke Nehemiah’s heart. Scripture says he immediately sat down and cried and mourned for several days, and even then continued fasting and praying, day and night, for God’s servants, the Israelites. Verse 11, our focus verse today, reveals the words Nehemiah prayed before asking the King permission to rebuild the walls. Chapter two and the subsequent chapters of our journey have revealed God’s answer to Nehemiah’s prayer found in 1:11. It is a great example to us not only to ask God to break our heart for what breaks His – but also to seek the Lord in prayer before we act on our brokenness.

“The remnant that remains from the exile there in the province are experiencing considerable adversity and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem lies breached, and its gates have been burned down!

Nehemiah 1:3

The following quote is from the LGG devotional, week 1/day 1. It was the opening statement of where our journey would take us and what we would learn about God and His people. However, in looking back to the passage from that day, Nehemiah 1:5-11, which is also today’s passage – I found it to be a fitting closing statement for the study.

Encouragement to Press On

If we are honest with ourselves, we will acknowledge that we sometimes feel as though our life has seen destruction and that we are defenseless and in need of God’s protection but cannot see it. I’m sure you’ve heard it said, but it bears repeating – “when you can’t see God’s hand, trust His heart.” We must train ourselves to remember that God always acts on behalf of His children. He is working all things together for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose.1 He loves us, and He cares both for and about us.2 May we remember these truths – even now that our journey through Nehemiah has come to an end. May we be determined and faithful to press on in our pursuit of living for God,3 even in the face of challenges and struggles. As Peter warns us, 4 May we stay alert,5 “to the enemy” – but also to what God is doing in and around us. Trusting God is to expect Him, anticipate His power and goodness, and trust Him to work on our behalf, even when that isn’t evident. When we live like this, we will find ourselves broken and poured out, like Nehemiah, for the things of God, and we will work – not only to rebuild the “walls” but also to build up and encourage God’s people.

Make it Personal – Reflection
  • Who or what are you broken for?
  • How are you acting on your brokenness?
    • Prayer?
    • Encouragement?
    • ???
More to See and Know

Don’t miss Friday’s Love God Greatly Blog Post

1Romans 8:28-29

21 Peter 5:7

3Ephesians 5:8–11; Ephesians 5:1; 1 Peter 2:9–10; Romans 6:1–2; Romans 6:12–13

4James 1:2-4

51 Peter 5:8

Posted in Bible study, From Broken to Restored, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Honoring the Sabbath

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based on an LGG Study, From Broken to Restored / w6d2

Scripture: Nehemiah 13:15-22; Mark 2:23-28 / SOAP: Mark 2:27-28

Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for people, not people for the Sabbath. 28 For this reason the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”

Mark 2:27-28

From time to time I like to share tidbits from the LGG Journals because I think their Devotions are one of the greatest assets. However, today, I am sharing the entire devotion – A) Because I believe it has much to offer in helping us to understand the importance of the Sabbath, both then and now … and B) because, I want you to see the value of having the journals they offer with each study. You can check out their availability and options at https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg/bible-studies/

What’s the Deal With the Sabbath?

The spiritual rebuilding of God’s people did not happen overnight. In fact, the final sections of Nehemiah cover several decades, showing the ways Nehemiah and the leaders continually corrected the people when they strayed from the law. Just as they repeatedly intermarried with foreign nations, the people also fell into habits of not honoring the Sabbath.

Nehemiah corrected the people and even set up guards to ensure that the Sabbath would be honored the way God intended. Nehemiah’s intent in doing this was to guard the people against falling into the sin of despising the Sabbath, one of the factors that led to their idolatry and exile in previous generations. Nehemiah set out to help the people walk in God’s commands and not fall into a sinful pattern. His heart was to honor God and preserve his people like he had done since he first began rebuilding the wall.

Over time, the laws around the Sabbath became more rigid . The religious leaders set up extra guidelines and rules to ensure that no one came close to breaking the Sabbath laws, or any laws for that matter. The problem was that their hearts were not in the right place. They lost sight of what was truly important: honoring God and trusting Him to provide even though they took a day of rest. Instead, they made very rigid rules, feeling self-righteous for keeping them and condemning those who didn’t.

Jesus showed us a different way. He showed the religious leaders and His followers the true intent of the law: to provide a time of rest and celebration for God’s people. The healing He did on the Sabbath led to rest and celebration. The Sabbath was created to provide rest for God’s people so they would remember that He alone sustains them.

Today, we can honor God by keeping the Sabbath. While we are not bound to the Sabbath law the same way the Jews were, taking a day to cease work and celebrate God’s goodness is an important practice for Christians. We stop working, showing our trust in God and His ability and willingness to provide for us. We celebrate His goodness, stopping to remember His constant faithfulness. May we be people of faith, who stop to rest in God’s power and ability and celebrate His goodness.

Make it Personal – Reflection

What are your perceptions of the Sabbath? Do you currently practice Sabbath rest? Why or why not?

Going Further

What does it mean that the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath?

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Investing

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored / W5D4

Scripture: Nehemiah 12:44-47; Leviticus 7:28-36 / SOAP: 1 Timothy 5:17-18

Elders who provide effective leadership must be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching. For the scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “the worker deserves his pay.”

2 Timothy 5:17-18

Do you ever read Scripture and think – UH? Like what did I just read or why would this be important? In your heart you know the answer is “because it is the Word of God”- it’s able to train us in righteousness, it is able to reveal God’s will to us, and it is able to judge the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. It’s a lamp to guide our feet and it is able to keep us from sinning against God – so I read the “uh” verses again – but my mind doesn’t absorb it – and I praise God for being patient with me and I thank Him for others who have studied and written commentaries on passages that stump me. So today’s LGG Journal entry/devotion proved quite helpful – I hope it is for you as well.

Excerpts from the LGG Journal entry for week5/day4 – From Broken to Restored:

On the heels of the choirs singing and the people celebrating the rebuilding of the Jerusalem wall, Nehemiah makes it clear that “part of re-establishing worship and setting the community right before God meant taking care of the priests and those ministering to the people. – In other words, God set up a system to care for those who ministered to His people.”

“When the people were following God and walking in His ways they were faithful to make offerings.” These offerings were meant as provision for the Levites and the priests who had been set apart by God. In other words the offerings were used to feed the priests.” It was a sign that Israel was spiritually healthy if their priest had plenty of food. As the Jews re-established a system and pattern of worship – they made sure they set aside the portions for the priests and Levites as God had commanded.”

Continuing their commentary, and thankfully making it a bit of a personal application

In his letter to Timothy, Paul instructed him to honor those who provided effective leadership to the body of Christ. He reminded Timothy to support those in ministry and to encourage the congregation to do well.

“Today, we don’t make sacrifices and offerings at a temple, but we do need to care for those God has set as leaders over the community of faith. God has appointed many people to minister to the body of Christ in a variety of ways, and as believers, It is our responsibility to support them financially. No matter the amount, whatever we can give, our faithfulness to give and support ministry and church leaders is a direct investment in the advancement of the kingdom of God.”

Aww, that we have been called the sons and daughters of God! Oh the sweetness of being brought into a relationship with Him, the Father-Son-and Holy Spirit. And the sheer delight of knowing how much God cares for His people, how He sets up systems of provision, and how He invites us to participate and “invest in the advancement” of His kingdom. – May we not lose sight of any of this and “may we be faithful to always support and serve those God has called to support and serve the church.”

Posted in Bible study, From Broken to Restored, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Quiet Time

REJOICE!

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored/w5d3

Nehemiah12:27-43 / SOAP: Nehemiah 12:43

And on that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced, for God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard from far away.

Nehemiah 12:43

“Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!”

Rejoice, The Lord is King! / Author: Charles Wesley (1744)

Not only did this tune come to mind after I read and studied through today’s passage but before reading it – my morning devotion directed me to Philippians 4:4 which says – “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.” Don’t you love when two things that have nothing to do with one another are put together and seemingly stamped with the thumbprints of God?

The Jerusalem wall was complete and now it would be dedicated, complete with a joyful celebration of thanksgiving. It was a celebration not just of the wall’s completion but of God’s goodness. There would be choirs and instruments and the priests and Levites leading the way. It would include men, women, and children. This was no simple dedication or small celebration. Why? Because God had given them great joy. Their rejoicing was meant to be shared – not hidden or quiet but broadcasted – to God’s Glory!

Thoughts to Consider

Consider these thought provoking statements from a Love God Greatly Devotional writer:

  • “How often do we stop to celebrate when we see evidence of God working in our lives? When a prayer is answered or when God performs a miracle in our lives, we often continue without celebrating. It can be easy to forget the wonders God has done for us when we don’t take the time to stop, thank Him, and rejoice in His goodness.”
  • “how can we learn to rejoice more in God? It is hard to do when we fill our minds with other things, especially worldly entertainment — things we watch on TV or scroll through on our phones. We must fight against everything that diminishes our joy in GOd. We cannot delight ourselves in God when our minds are not engaged with Him. Neither can we rejoice in Him when we can’t see how glorious and wonderful He is. But we can – and should – ask Him to reveal more of Himself to us when we read the Bible and meditate on his Words and promises. For “in [His] presence, there is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).”
Make it Personal – Reflection

How can you celebrate God and His work in your life? Praise Him for His faithfulness in the past and the ways He will continue to keep His promises in the future.

Going Further

Finding our highest joy in God is an important matter

  • Philippians 3:1
  • Psalm 37:4

Today’ Love God Greatly Bloghttps://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

Posted in Bible study, From Broken to Restored, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Doing Good

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored, w5d2

Scripture: Nehemiah 11:1-12:26; Galatians 6:6-10 / SOAP: Galatians 6:9

So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

As believers we are called by God to do good. We have been shown by Christ what that looks like. Part of the fruit of the Spirit that all believers are endowed with is ‘goodness’. The question is – what exactly is this goodness? It’s good deeds, loving others as Christ loves us, it is being kind and gentle in Spirit, it is putting others above ourselves, and treating others as we would want to be treated, it is helping those in need and comforting those who are hurting … Goodness is all of these things and more and it is not only an important part of the believer’s life, it is an important witness to the world, for as Jesus taught His disciples, good deeds that are seen by others bring glory to God in heaven. So in the words of Paul, let us not grow weary in doing good. In-fact, whenever we are able let us us do good to everyone, particularly to other believers.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” 

Matthew 5:16

Why does Paul say “Don’t grow weary in doing good.”? If we’re honest in answering this question we will have to admit the answer is simply – because it isn’t always easy, desirable, or appreciated by others. We will be tempted to pay more attention to our own needs and desires and time schedules or whatever/whoever is vying for our attention; not to mention, we will literally be tired and not want to take the time to “do good.” It is in these times – we must remember – the promised reward, which is eternal life, is worth it. – Not sure about that? Check out verses seven and eight, where the Galatians are told that if they live for themselves they will reap corruption, but if they live in/by the Spirit they will gain eternal life from the Spirit.

A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Galatians 6:7-8
Make it Personal – Reflection

What work has God given you to do? How are you stewarding and guarding what He has given you, even if it is, for the moment, just in your own heart?

Going Further
  • For more insight on what it means for believers to do good visit gotquestions.org
  • For more insight on what Galatians 6:9 means visit Bibleref.com
Posted in Bible study, From Broken to Restored, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

In My Blood

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored / w4d5

Scripture: Nehemiah 9:38-10:27; Jeremiah 31:31-33; Luke 22:14-20 / SOAP: Luke 22:19-20

Then he took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And in the same way he took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

Luke 22:19-20

A covenant was a significant commitment. God used covenants throughout the history of His people to make promises to them, promises He kept regardless of their faithfulness.

Excerpt from Into the Text /LGG Journal w4d5 / From Broken to Restored
The Covenants in the Bible

“What are the covenants in the Bible?” The online Bible commentary, Gotquestions.org begins their answer with this opening statement: “The Bible speaks of seven different covenants, four of which (Abrahamic, Palestinian, Mosaic, Davidic) God made with the nation of Israel. Of those four, three are unconditional in nature; that is, regardless of Israel’s obedience or disobedience, God still will fulfill these covenants with Israel. One of the covenants, the Mosaic Covenant, is conditional in nature. That is, this covenant will bring either blessing or cursing depending on Israel’s obedience or disobedience. Three of the covenants (Adamic, Noahic, New) are made between God and mankind in general, and are not limited to the nation of Israel.”

In our three passages today, we see the people of Nehemiah’s day making a covenant to keep the covenant. Interesting concept but this excerpt from “Bible Project” commentary on this passage is quite helpful – “the returning exiles make a covenant to keep a covenant, committing themselves to the Law of Moses and the people of God. They had broken the covenant and received the curses which led them into exile. Now in their return and repentance, they recommit to the old covenant which included faithfulness to God through marrying those who also worshipped God; observance of Sabbath and Sabbaticals; and giving firstfruits and tithes, ensuring the temple and temple worship were maintained.”

The second and third passages deal with the “New Covenant”, first in the Old Testament with the people of Judah and Israel, and then in Luke 22 with New Testament believers via the blood of Christ. This was the ultimate covenant, unbreakable, unchangeable, unbeatable covenant. It was the covenant made “in the blood” of Jesus. As the LGG team points out today in the journal, “We remember the covenant God has given us by participating in the Lord’s Supper. When we take the elements, the bread and wine, we remember the covenant Jesus made with those who believe in Him. We remember that He has done all that is necessary to uphold this covenant and that all we need to do is place our faith in Him.”

New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34). The New Covenant is a covenant made first with the nation of Israel and, ultimately, with all mankind. In the New Covenant, God promises to forgive sin, and there will be a universal knowledge of the Lord. Jesus Christ came to fulfill the Law of Moses (Matthew 5:17) and create a new covenant between God and His people. Now that we are under the New Covenant, both Jews and Gentiles can be free from the penalty of the Law. We are now given the opportunity to receive salvation as a free gift (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Gotquestions.org
Making it Personal – Reflection

Why is it important to regularly partake in the Lord’s Supper with other believers?

If you are not a believer and have never entered into the Covenant that promises forgiveness of sin and freedom from the Law – please send me a message. I would love to share the Gospel with you and help you to understand the gift and reality of God’s free gift of salvation.

Going Further

Don’t forget to check out today’s Love God Greatly blog

More about the covenants: https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-covenants.html

Nehemiah Overview (This is a must-read – simply follow the link below)

  • chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.csmedia1.com/doxa-church.com/nehemiahpart9.pdf
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Quiet Time

A God of Forgiveness

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored / w4d4

Scripture: Nehemiah 9:5-37 / SOAP: Nehemiah 9:16-17

“But they—our ancestors—behaved presumptuously; they rebelled and did not obey your commandments. 17 They refused to obey and did not recall your miracles that you had performed among them. Instead, they rebelled and appointed a leader to return to their bondage in Egypt. But you are a God of forgiveness, merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and unfailing in your loyal love. You did not abandon them,

Nehemiah 9:16-17

Today’s journey is spent solely in the ninth chapter of Nehemiah. It opens with a beautiful call to worship. Perhaps you’ve read it before or have been in a church service where it was read aloud – it is one of my favorites and it merits a bit of our attention. While it is not the centerpiece of the chapter verses five through fifteen recount miraculous and compassionate acts of our God. God’s works are extolled. He is lifted high with glory and honor for all He did for His people.

Stand up and praise the Lord your God who is from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and all that is on it the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything and the multitudes of Heaven worship You.

Nehemiah 9:5-6

However, verse sixteen brings an abrupt halt to the concentrated worship inducing praises of God and what He had done. The remainder of the passage then goes back and forth from focusing on Israelites rebellious acts despite what God had done for them and God’s goodness. It points out habitual rebellion … their calls of destress … and God’s abundant compassion … that is until He gave them over to their enemies. The passage highlights conviction and confession and having to deal with the consequences of sin. It paints the picture of how God’s people, despite God’s goodness, patience, and compassion toward them, became slaves in the land He had graciously given them to enjoy.

Over and Over it was the Same Pattern

But they rebelled … they refused to obey … BUT GOD did not abandon them … they did atrocious things … BUT GOD showed compassion, gave His Spirit, provided food and clothes … But they rebelled … BUT GOD heard and delivered them … but they turned again and God gave them over to their enemies …

Excerpts from Nehemiah 9

The back and forth rebellion and atrocities of the people versus God’s compassion and forgiveness are bitter-sweet pictures but good lessons and reminders for us today. May we learn from them and strive to be grateful and faithful people of our God! May continually remember that He is forgiving, merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and unfailing in loyal love. The One who has not abandoned us but embraced us through the blood of Jesus Christ, His only begotten son.

Making It Personal – Reflection

When was the last time you were so convicted by the Holy Spirit that it led you to worship? Have you ever experienced this?

Going Further

What the Bible says about Rebellion

Posted in Bible study, From Broken to Restored, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Proof is in the Details

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, From Broken to Restored / w3d5

Scripture: Nehemiah 7:1-73; Acts 2:42-47 / SOAP Acts 2:46-47

Every day they continued to gather together by common consent in the temple courts, breaking bread from house to house, sharing their food with glad and humble hearts, 47 praising God and having the good will of all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number every day those who were being saved.

Acts 2:46-47

*Note on the Nehemiah passage: When the wall was complete and they were preparing for reentry, Nehemiah set in motion a focus on God (1-2) and followed God’s lead (5) as to who could enter. The chapter is long and filled with nearly 73 verses of names and details, details that were recorded because they would one day prove the family line between David and Jesus, the Messiah. The occupants were Jews and they were chosen according to who could “prove their lineage” You can read more about this in today’s “Going Further” section.

As for our SOAP passage, Acts 2:46-47, the who or how of the gathering of the disciples was structured a little different than the lineage based structure of Nehemiah’s day. In the disciples’ case – while they were Jewish converts – their gatherings had little to do with the fact that they were Jews and everything to do with the fact that they were Jewish Jesus followers.

Posted in Bible study, From Broken to Restored, From the Insideout, Quiet Time

A Steadfast Hope

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based on Love God Greatly’s study, From Broken to Restored / w3d4

Scripture: Nehemiah 6:15-19; Job 42;2; Psalm 37:22-24

“I know that you can do all things;
no purpose of yours can be thwarted;

Job 42:2

In all of his loss and pain, in all of his emotions and questions and conversations following the devastation that came upon him – Job still had his eyes and his mind on God! His ‘friends’ did not derail is faith, his wife’s challenge to “curse God and die” went unmet, and his questions to God revealed “valuable lessons about the sovereignty of God and his need to totally trust in the Lord.1” Today’s SOAP verse is an expression of conviction of Job’s steadfast hope in the one he knew held the future.

I don’t know about tomorrow – I just live from day to day
I don’t borrow from the sunshine – for its skies may turn to gray

I don’t worry o’er the future – for I know what Jesus said

and today I’ll walk beside Him – for He knows what lies ahead

Many things about tomorrow – I don’t seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow – and I know who holds my hand

The Petersons

1 https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Job.html

In the end Job is restored to health, happiness, and prosperity beyond his earlier state. This outcome certainly highlights the Psalmist’s words that the Lord grants success to the one whose behavior he finds commendable. Even if he trips, he will not fall headlong, for the LORD holds his hand. – May we, like Job, be found unwavering in our faith. May we be resolved to obey Him, to trust Him, and to submit to His will, whether we understand it or not.

Surely those favored by the Lord will possess the land, but those rejected by him will be wiped out. 23 The Lord grants success to the one whose behavior he finds commendable. 24 Even if he trips, he will not fall headlong, for the Lord holds his hand.

Psalm 37:22-24

Ah, what hope God’s Word offers those who are His – those who come to Him in Faith –

Making it Personal – Reflection: What has God place on your heart that seems too big to accomplish? What can you do today to be faithful to the important work He has given you?
Going Further

Summary of the Book of Job – https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Job.html

The following is a page out of the LGG Journal for this study. This is just one of the reasons I love having a journal for each study. They are are available in book form or via download at https://lovegodgreatly.com/