Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Nehemiah 13

Highlights:

It's amazing how reading the Word of God opens our eyes to see how God would have us live. The people conformed to His will (Neh. 13:1-3). Nehemiah brought about reform when even the priests allowed sin (13:4-7,10-13,15-28,30-31). As the Temple of the Lord, we must take spiritual inventory to be sure there is no hidden sin in our hearts.
During Nehemiah's absence, the Israelites' worship of God and the Sabbath observance were neglected. Intermarriage with Canaanite idol worshipers was common. Nehemiah again came . . . unto the king, and after certain days obtained . . . leave (permission) of the king: And . . . came to Jerusalem (Neh. 13:6-7). He was grieved over the people's disregard of the Law and took firm action to return the nation to God. On that day they read in the Book of Moses . . . therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever (13:1).

The greatest evils were committed by those who held the highest positions of spiritual leadership. Eliashib the priest . . . was allied unto Tobiah (through marriage). . . . And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son in law to Sanballat the Horonite (13:4,28). Other priests had also married Canaanite women.

Added to these sins, Nehemiah understood . . . the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber (room) in the courts of the House (Temple) of God (13:7). This was not only forbidden by God (Deut. 23:3-4), but Tobiah formerly had opposed Nehemiah's work in rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem (Neh. 2:10,19; 4:3-8; 6:17-19). Nehemiah cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber (room). . . . and. . . . contended . . . with the rulers, and said, Why is the House (Temple) of God forsaken? (13:8-9,11). The reason was obvious. The nobles of Judah had violated the Law by marrying heathen women, and consequently defiled the priesthood (13:29).

Nehemiah continued his reformation while facing much opposition. He warned the people concerning marriage with the Canaanites: Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons. . . . Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? . . . him did outlandish (unbelieving) women cause to sin (13:25-26). Like Nehemiah we too can make a difference in our world. He was mightily used of God because he knew the Scriptures and refused to compromise. Draw nigh to God. . . . ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded (doubters) (James 4:.

Thought for Today:

If ye keep My Commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's Commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (John 15:10-11).
Christ Portrayed:

By Nehemiah who cleansed the priests and Levites and defined their duties (Neh. 13:30). Christ cleanses us from all our sins when we confess them (I John 1:9). Through Him we have been made a royal priesthood to serve the Lord (I Pet. 2:9).
Word Studies:

13:17 contended with =confronted, rebuked; 13:26 outlandish =foreign idol worshiper; 13:30 strangers =idol-worshiping foreigners; wards of =duties for.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Officials: Rep. Michael Arcuri (NY), Rep. Mike Conoway (TX), and Rep. Charles Rangel (NY) • Country: Monaco (32,000) in southeastern France • Major languages: French and English • No open evangelism permitted • 90% Roman Catholic; 7% Protestant; 1% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Pray each day for the Lord to protect you from evil (I Pet. 5:.
Optional Reading: II Corinthians 13

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 1:7

[Judy Harder]

Read Esther 1 -- 3

Highlights:

God prepared His plan to preserve His chosen people. Events began with Queen Vashti being deposed. Esther, from an exiled Jewish family, was chosen to replace her (chap. 1— 2). Mordecai found favor with the king (Esth. 2:21-23). Haman, the king's chief advisor, plotted to kill the entire Jewish population in Persia (3:7-15).
Hadassah was the Hebrew name for the Jewish orphan whose Persian name was Esther (Star). She was taken to the king's palace along with other maidens, either to be made queen or to become a part of the king's harem. Esther found herself in a situation over which she had no control. She and her faithful, older cousin Mordecai, who had adopted her (Esth. 2:7,15), could only trust God for direction and protection. But, to complicate their situation, the man given the power to enforce the king's commands was the evil and self-serving Haman ( 3:10,15). Haman was an Amalekite, a descendant of Esau (3:1; also Genesis 36:12; I Sam. 15:2-3, 32-33), who hated all Jews (Deut. 25:17-19).

When Mordecai refused to bow down in "reverence" (Esth. 3:2), Haman was determined to use his authority to destroy Mordecai and all Jews in the kingdom. Haman's plan was declared law with the king's approval and the lot (Pur) was cast to determine the best day to execute all Jews (3:7-13). However, Mordecai and Esther used every legal means to defend the interests of the people of God, even risking their own well-being.

God expects us to do all we can to resolve our own health, job, and financial problems. However, we should never doubt that God is in ultimate control to protect us and provide what we can't do. God never makes a mistake, is never partial, and never overlooks one of His children. We should not give in to self-pity and defeat but remain faithful and look to the Lord and His Word for guidance and strength. Like Mordecai, we must not bow down to the Hamans of this world who would seek to destroy our loyalty to Christ.

Like Esther, you may feel hopelessly trapped where you are and may long for the time when you would be free to do what you desire. But, Jesus explained the importance of doing your best now with the parable of a man with two talents . . . (who) said (to his master), Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things (Matt. 25:22-23).

Thought for Today:

Be not afraid of sudden fear. . . . For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken (Prov. 3:25-26).
Christ Portrayed:

By Mordecai, who adopted Esther (Esth. 2:15). We are adopted into the family of God by Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:5; I John 3:1). Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:26).
Word Studies:

1:10 chamberlains =officials; 2:16 Tebeth compares with our December/January; 3:8 to suffer them =to let them remain; 3:13 Adar compares with our February/March; 3:15 posts =special messengers.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA) • Country: Mongolia (2.4 million) in east-central Asia • Major language: Khalkha Mongol • As a 70-year era of communism wanes, Bibles are now on sale in the capital, Ulaanbaatar • 95.5% Tibetan Buddhist; 4% Muslim; .3% Christian; .2% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Thank God in prayer for His faithfulness to His Word and His desire that all come to repentance (II Pet. 3:9).
Optional Reading: Galatians 1

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 1:7

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Esther 4 -- 7

Highlights:

Esther was faced with the question that many of us have had to face: Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such time as this (Esth. 4:13-14)? She could have avoided getting involved. But, because she was a devout Jew, Esther was led of God to reveal Haman's intentions to the king (5:1-12; 6:14 — 7:10). In spite of Haman's evil plan and hatred of Mordecai (5:9,13-14), God protected His own people in a miraculous way (6:1-13; 7:10).
About five years after Esther became queen, Haman was promoted above all the princes that were with him (Esth. 3:1-7). When Haman's decree was proclaimed that all Jews would be destroyed, Mordecai urged Esther that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people (4:. No one knew that Esther was a Jew because Mordecai had forbidden her to reveal her nationality. Esther was fearful and reminded him that Persian law stated that anyone who approached the king uninvited could be put to death. The risk was real, for she had not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days (4:11). Esther could easily have reasoned: "If the king has lost interest in me or even discovered that I am a Jew, how could I favorably influence him?" But she believed that the risk of losing her prestigious position as queen Vashti had done, or even her own life, was not as important as doing what she could to save her people.

After three days of fasting, queen Esther stood in the inner court of the king's house (5:1) and waited to see if she would face life or death. The king welcomed her and offered to grant her request. If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him (5:4). The king accepted and then, at a second banquet, he again asked Esther what her request might be. He was shocked to hear her pleading for her own life: O king . . . let my life be given me. . . . For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed. . . . The adversary (foe) and enemy is this wicked Haman (7:3-6). Angrily, the king said, Hang him. . . . So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai (7:9-10).

Esther is an encouragement to all of us to use whatever talents, position, popularity, or wealth we have been blessed with to tell a lost world that our King gave His life to save them from the eternal torment of hell. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My (the Lord Jesus Christ's) sake and the Gospel's, the same shall save it (Mark 8:35).

Thought for Today:

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds (II Cor. 10:4).
Christ Revealed:

In the honor shown to Mordecai as he was led through the streets (Esth. 6:10-11). Jesus was greatly honored in His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matt. 21:8-9).
Word Studies:

4:1 rent =tore, as an act of grief and mourning; 6:13 be of the seed of the Jews =is of Jewish origin; 7:4 countervail =justify, compensate, or make up for; 7:5 that durst =who dares to.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Jerrold Nadler (NY) and Rep. Eleanor Norton (DC) • Country: Morocco (28.2 million) on the northwestern coast of Africa • Major languages: Arabic and French • Government very hostile to Christians and missions • 99.75% Muslim (mostly Sunni); .25% Christian (including foreigners); small numbers of Jews and Baha'i • Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice that Jesus' blood has cleansed you from sin (I John 1:7,9).
Optional Reading: Galatians 2

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 1:9

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Esther 8 -- 10

Highlights:

Queen Vashti dismissed and her "royal estate" given to Esther (Esth. 1:19; 2:17). A decree to save the Jews is issued (chap. and God brings victory to His people (9:1-19). The Festival of Purim was established annually (9:19-32). King Ahasuerus proclaims Mordecai prime minister, second only to the king (chap. 10).
At this time in history, Haman had a high position with the king and, appealing to his ego, he manipulated him to declare a sentence of death upon anyone who refused to bow before the king as if he were God. Mordecai, a devout worshiper of the One True God, refused to bow down to the king; and Haman then declared that all Jews should be executed.

Haman's "wise counselors" had cast Pur (lot) to determine the most favorable time to execute all Jews. Haman's "lucky day" fell on the 13th day of the 12th month (Esth. 3:7-13; 9:1,24). Undoubtedly Haman felt fortunate that the lot had fallen on the last month of the year so that he would have plenty of time to prepare his evil plans to "execute" all Jews in the kingdom.

The fixed day of execution, which came to be known as Purim (Lots), was turned from death to deliverance. Haman did not realize that Mordecai's God is always in control of all the affairs of earth. Even though the lot is cast into the lap . . . the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD (Prov. 16:33).

Following Haman's execution on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai, the king allowed Mordecai to write a new decree giving the Jews the right to defend themselves. In the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;) . . . the fear of them fell upon all people (Esth. 9:1-2). The Book of Esther illustrates how God uses faithful servants to change world affairs in order to fulfill His Word. When our situation seems hopeless, we need to seek the will of God and praise Him for his merciful protection and provision when He wonderfully intervenes.

Esther is a testimony to the fact that, even in a secular society dominated by a heathen power, our God can protect His people. But, He expects us, like Esther, to respond courageously in faith to the threats of the Hamans of this world.

Even though God is not seen, His insignificant followers are never out of His sight. He is infallible and guides and provides for His faithful servants.

The peace and security enjoyed by Mordecai and Esther can be experienced by those who let the world know that Jesus said: No man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John 14:6).

Thought for Today:

Ye shall be witnesses unto Me (Acts 1:.
Christ Portrayed:

By Mordecai, who was exalted from servanthood to a position of honor and glory next unto (the) king (Esth. 8:2,15; 10:3). His life illustrated Christian conduct. Christ came to earth as a servant and was exalted to the right hand of God (Phil. 2:5-11; Mark 16:19).
Word Studies:

8:3 put away the mischief =avert the evil; device =scheme; 8:10 posts =couriers; 9:4 waxed greater and greater =became increasingly popular and powerful.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Steny Hoyer (MD) and Rep. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (WI) • Country: Mozambique (19 million) on the eastern coast of Africa • Major language: Portuguese • Religious freedom • 40% worship of false gods, ancestral spirits, and some witchcraft; 23% Roman Catholic; 14% Protestant; 13% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Confess and repent of any known sin (I John 1:9).
Optional Reading: Galatians 3

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 1:9

 

[Judy Harder]

 
Read Job 1 -- 4

Highlights:

A great godly example, Job acknowledges God as his source of wealth and family (Job 1:1-5). God allows Satan to attack Job (1:12 — 2:9). In pain, Job curses the day he was born (chap. 3), while his friends offer "advice" (chap. 4).
Who can understand the heartache and sorrow of Job — the servant of the Lord who was stripped of family, possessions, and health? This suffering was not a misfortune or bad luck; nor was in punishment from God, as Job's friends supposed. All of Job's sufferings were the attacks of Satan, but God allowed them in order to bring Job into a closer relationship with Himself.

Without the Holy Scriptures, we would never understand the reason for suffering. Job, the faithful servant of the Lord, was stripped of his family, possessions, reputation, and health. But his suffering was not misfortune or bad luck, nor was it punishment from God for his sins as his friends mistakenly assumed. Our Creator, who knows our innermost thoughts, declared that Job was perfect and upright, and one that feared (revered) God, and eschewed (shunned) evil (Job 1:1).

Behind all the world's evil is Satan, going to and fro in the earth . . . walking up and down in it (1:7) in his continuous effort to destroy all that is good. But Satan is under the constant surveillance of God and can do nothing without His permission.

Satan assumed that, like every self-serving person, Job was faithful only because God would reward him. During his intense suffering and testing, Job's wife even suggested that he curse (renounce)God, and die (2:9). She too had suffered loss, but it seems that her greatest loss was her faith in God. Job realized he was not the owner of all he possessed, not even of his children, but he was merely the Lord's manager of things entrusted to his care. From there, it was just one more step of faith for Job to accept that God, in His infinite wisdom, had the right to reclaim His possessions anytime He chose. Instead of cursing God, Job worshiped Him, saying: The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the Name of the LORD (1:21).

Spiritual victories do not just happen; they are dependent upon one's faith in God and faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). Apart from the indwelling power of His Spirit and His Word, all efforts to live a victorious Christian life are doomed to failure. To remain faithful in the midst of trials, we must develop a love for God's Word which creates a confident faith in Him.

God, our Master Planner, is still in full control. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever (Heb. 13:.

Thought for Today:

Often it is difficult to understand our circumstances or why we must go through a particular trial. It is then that we must trust in the Lord and not ourselves.
Christ Revealed:

In the conversation between Satan and God Almighty (Job 1:6-12). We can see the meaning of Christ's warning to Peter that Satan wanted to sift him as wheat (Luke 22:31). It is comforting to know that Satan cannot test us beyond the will of God.
Word Studies:

1:20 rent =tore; mantle =robe; 2:8 potsherd =piece of broken pottery; 3:16 untimely birth =stillborn; 3:24 roarings =grief, groanings; 4:2 assay =attempts; 4:4 upholden =helped, upheld.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Iva Ann McElroy • Staff: Rita Guerra • Government Officials: Rep. Richard Larsen (WA), Rep. Adam Smith (WA), and Rep. Todd Tiahrt (KS) • Country: Myanmar (formerly Burma) (48.1 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Burmese and ethnic languages • Limited religious freedom • 87.5% Buddhist; 6% Christian; 4% Muslim (mainly Sunni); 1% animist; .5% Hindu; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Go to God in prayer with a heart and life that are keeping His Commandments and He will answer you (I John 4:7-8).
Optional Reading: Galatians 4

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 1:9

[Judy Harder]

Read Job 5 -- 8

Highlights:

Job's friends don't understand what happened (chaps. 5 & . But, Job responds with the wisdom of God (chap. 6) and then prays to God (Job 7:16-21).
After one full week of silent contemplation about Job's suffering, Eliphaz, his eldest friend spoke first (Job 2:13). He tried to convince Job to confess his secret sin, saying: Happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not . . . the chastening of the Almighty (5:17). Eliphaz then elaborated on the blessings Job could expect if he would only confess his sin, and he confidently concluded: Lo . . . we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good (5:27).

In addition to Job's physical sufferings, his financial loss, the death of his children, and his wife's bitterness toward God, all three of his friends misjudged his integrity and continued to unmercifully attack him day after day. Job felt the bitter sting of Eliphaz's condemnation and his insinuation that Job was a hypocrite. Job did not understand why God had not come to his defense. Even worse, it seemed to him that he had even been struck down by the arrows of the Almighty (6:4).

However, through Job's sufferings we see how the Lord was bringing to light deeper spiritual insight, when Job said: What is man, that Thou shouldest magnify him? and that Thou shouldest set Thine heart upon him? And that Thou shouldest visit (examine) him every morning, and try (test) him every moment? (7:17-18).

We too recognize our insignificance in comparison to the eternal, holy, and Almighty God. Although He created us, by nature we are defiled by sin and deserve eternal punishment. But, through the miraculous new birth, we have the joy of being eternally with our loving Creator. However, all who reject Christ as personal Savior and Lord will be cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death (Rev. 20:14).

It is not our Heavenly Father's will that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (II Pet. 3:9). However, God tries (proves) us — either with afflictions or with blessings. Through it all, He is seeking to develop in us a genuine love for and commitment to Him.

All that God does and allows is for our ultimate good. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake (Phil. 1:29).

Thought for Today:

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings (I Pet. 4:12-13).
Christ Revealed:

Through Job's sorrowful condition (Job 7:1-6). Christ was known as a Man of sorrows . . . acquainted with grief (Is. 53:3). On the cross, separated from God in His humanity, Jesus felt that pain in addition to all our sins which for all time He bore (Mark 15:34).
Word Studies:

5:12 devices =plans, plotting, enterprise =schemes; 5:13 froward =deceitful; carried head long =frustrated; 5:18 maketh sore =inflicts pain; 6:3 swallowed up =ash; without restraint; 7:21 sleep in the dust =be dead in the grave; 8:5 seek . . . betimes =seek with earnestness; 8:11 flag =seed grass.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Al Joslyn • Government Officials: Gov. M. Jodi Rell (CT) and Rep. Tim Ryan (OH) • Country: Namibia (1.6 million) in southwest Africa • Major languages: Afrikaans and German • Religious freedom • 89% Christian; 10% Traditional; 1% Other (Muslim, Jewish, Baha'i) • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to fill you with love for the unlovely (I John 4:7-8).
Optional Reading: Galatians 5

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 1:9

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Job 9 -- 12

Highlights:

Man needs a Daysman (Mediator) (Job. 9:33). Jesus is ours (I Tim. 2:5). Learn the truth — both the wicked and the righteous suffer (chap. 10). Zophar says misfortune is sent by God to punish sin (chap. 11). When innocent, Job's defense is our defense (12:4,9-10,13).
All of us will benefit by listening carefully to the spiritual discernment of Job, whom God said was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil (Job 1:1).

This man of spiritual insight proclaimed with confidence: Are not his (man's) days also like the days of a hireling (hired worker)? . . . So am I made to possess months of vanity, and wearisome nights are appointed to me (7:1,3). His friend Bildad incorrectly believed that God had appointed wearisome nights of suffering only for sinners, and his response to Job was critical and cynical: How long wilt thou speak these things? . . . If thou wert pure and upright; surely now He would awake (rouse Himself) for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous (8:2,6).

Bildad concluded that those who enjoy good things in this life are righteous, and all suffering is the result of sin. But, in a parable given by Jesus, the rich man who built bigger barns for "greater blessings" was not one who pleased the Lord (Luke 12:18,20). Another time, Jesus revealed that the man was not born blind because of sin (John 9:2-3).

Job's suffering led him to experience deep, spiritual maturity as he recognized God as far superior to himself and he spoke with confidence, saying: Remember . . . that Thou hast made me as the clay. . . . Thou hast granted me life and favour, and Thy visitation hath preserved my spirit (Job 10:9,12). However, Job knew that he and God could not meet on the same level; For He is not a man, as I am, that I should answer Him, and we should come together in judgment (court). Neither is there any daysman (arbitrator) betwixt us (9:32-33). Job expressed the desperate need for a mediator, someone who would stand in the gap between the Holy God and sinful man.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is the only Mediator who can restore man's broken fellowship with God (Rom. 5:8-10). For there is One . . . Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus (I Tim. 2:5). We now have access to the Father through our Mediator Jesus Christ, who has entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us (Heb. 9:24).

Thought for Today:

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father is also merciful (Luke 6:36).
Christ Portrayed:

Through the daysman (mediator) that Job longs for (Job 9:33). Christ is the only Mediator between God and (sinful) men (I Tim. 2:5).
Word Studies:

9:9 chambers =constellations; 9:34 rod =chastisement; 10:11 fenced =knit me together; 11:6 exacteth =demands; 11:14 tabernacles =dwellings; 11:19 make suit unto thee =seek your favor; 12:19 spoiled =stripped and plundered.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Staff: Jennifer Cunningham • Government Officials: Rep. Marcy Kaptur (OH) and Rep. John Murtha (PA) • Country: Nauru (11,000) in the central Pacific • Major languages: Nauruan and English • Religious freedom • 57% Protestant; 24% Roman Catholic; 10% Buddhist and Chinese folk-religionist • Prayer Suggestion: If we ask anything agreeing with His will, He both hears and answers (I John 5:14-15).
Optional Reading: Galatians 6

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 1:9

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Job 13 -- 16

Highlights:

Job testifies that he is an upright man and has done nothing to deserve his suffering (chap. 13 — 14). He speaks directly to God (Job 13:20 — 14:22). Eliphaz calls Job a windbag (15:2) and uses his own experiences to show how wrong Job is (15:17-35). Job's 5th speech calls his friends miserable comforters (16:2)
Satan prompted the attacks on Job by his wife and by his "devoted" friends in an attempt to substantiate his own accusation that Job would curse God if his many blessings were removed.

Job's suffering intensified with days and weeks of sleeplessness and painful, ulcerating boils that would only become more intense since he had no painkillers. It may appear that he wavered at times, but Job always ended his comments on a high note of praise. Job could say with utmost confidence: Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him. . . . I know that I shall be justified (Job 13:15,18).

Although Job gave up hope of recovering his health, wealth, children, or high esteem among the people, he did not become bitter or resentful toward his accusers or toward God. Instead, he looked forward to being with the Lord after his death, saying: If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come (14:14), meaning: "After death, I shall live again and I will be changed."

How different Job's attitude was from many today who blame fate, circumstances, God, or others for what goes wrong in their lives. Some easily become dissatisfied, bitter, pessimistic, or engulfed in self-pity. Their self-image depends on others' reactions. When others praise them, their self-esteem rises; when they are criticized or their plans fail, they feel defeated. Job didn't need praise from people to maintain his faith since he retained his confidence in the wisdom and justice of his Creator.

Christians can thank God for the perfect Savior and great High Priest, who ever liveth to make intercession for them (us) (Heb. 7:25). Having accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord of our lives, we should have a sincere desire to know His will by reading all His Word.

Job's unshakable faith in God resulted from obedience to the revealed Word of God. He said: Neither have I gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food (Job 23:12).

Thought for Today:

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. . . . I go to prepare a place for you. . . . I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:1-2,6).
Christ Revealed:

Through the smiting of Job (Job 16:10). Christ also was struck by those who ridiculed Him (Matt. 27:29-44; John 18:22-23; 19:2-3; Ps. 22:7-8; 109:25; Is. 53:3-5,7-10).
Word Studies:

14:5 days are determined =allotted time to live depends on you; 15:4 restrainest =binder; 15:25 strengtheneth himself against the Almighty =defying the Almighty; 15:26 even on his neck, upon the thick bosses of his bucklers =with massive shields; 15:27 collops of fat =figuratively speaking, blinded by self-importance and wealth; 15:29 neither shall he prolong the perfection thereof =the abundant crops he cannot harvest; 15:34 consume the tabernacles of bribery =their houses shall be burned with fire; 16:12 broken me asunder =thoroughly crushed me; 16:13 reins =heart and mind — the center of emotions; poureth out my gall =leaves me no hope of life.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Kevin Jennings • Government Officials: Sen. Mike Johanns (NE), Rep. Gerald McNerney (CA), Sen. John Rockefeller IV (WV), and Rep. Paul Tonko (NY) • Country: Nepal (24.3 million) a mountain-ringed Himalayan state between Tibet and India • Major language: Nepali • Limited religious freedom • 85% Hindu; 10% Buddhist; 3% Muslim; 2% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you mercy and compassion for others (Jude 1:21-22).
Optional Reading: Ephesians 1

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 1:9

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Job 17 -- 20

Highlights:

What a debate! Is Job innocent before God? Job continues to defend himself (chap. 17). Bildad jumps in using proverbs (chap. 18). Read what Job knows — the greatest expression of faith in the Old Testament (Job 19:23-27). Zophar won't quit —he expounds on what happens to the wicked (chap. 20).
Job assumed all hope of recovery was gone when he said: My breath (spirit) is corrupt, my days are extinct, the graves are ready for me. . . . all my members are as a shadow. . . . My days are past, my purposes are broken off (Job 17:1,7,11).

Bildad interrupted this suffering saint with scathing words that were even more cruel and critical than his first speech. He assumed that Job's sufferings exposed him as a sinful hypocrite who was hopelessly condemned: For he is cast into a net by his own feet. . . . He shall be driven from light into darkness, and chased out of the world (18:8,18). Bildad went on to say: Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked, and this is the place of him that knoweth not God (18:21). This mistaken accusation from Job's "friend" must have been a bitter blow. Not only was Job facing death, but to die misjudged as a hypocrite when he knew his heart was right with God must have been heartbreaking.

Our hearts are deeply stirred with compassion as this pitiful, lonely, suffering saint looked beyond his "friends." With great spiritual discernment and assurance, Job said: I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth . . . shall I see God (19:25-26). This revelation of life after death is one of the greatest in the Old Testament. God leads us to see, through Job, that we have no valid excuse for complaining about our suffering, material loss, or being misunderstood by others.

According to the Law, a redeemer was the next of kin who was responsible for redeeming (buying back) an enslaved kinsman or his lost inheritance (Lev. 25:25). The kinsman-redeemer foreshadowed the coming of Jesus Christ, our Savior-Redeemer. We were hopeless, lost sinners condemned to die and to be cast into eternal hell. By the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh (body) be justified in His sight: for by the Law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the Law is manifested. . . . by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe. . . . Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Rom. 3:20-22,24).

Thought for Today:

Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works (Heb. 10:24).
Christ Revealed:

As the Redeemer (Job 19:25). Jesus Christ is our Redeemer. By His death, He provided the required sacrifice to pay for our sins (Acts 20:28; Eph. 1:13-14; Rev. 5:9). Our Saviour Jesus Christ . . . gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity (Titus 2:13-14).
Word Studies:

17:1 breath is corrupt =my life is ruined; 17:6 a tabret =an object of contempt, ridicule; 17:14 corruption =decay; 17:16 bars of the pit =descend with me into the unseen state; rest =burial; 18:9 gin =snare, trap; 18:20 day =fate; tragic end; 19:3 strange to me =wronging me; 19:14 familiar =close; 19:17 strange =unbearable; 19:19 inward =dearest, intimate; 19:27 reins =heart.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Jim Cooper (TN) and Rep. Trent Franks (AZ) • Country: Netherlands (15.8 million) in northwestern Europe • Major language: Dutch • Religious freedom • 35% Catholic; 28% Protestant; 3% Muslim; 1% Hindu; .9% Buddhist; .1% Jewish; 2% Other; 30% Unaffiliated • Prayer Suggestion: Pray in such a manner that others would be encouraged to praise and glorify God also (Jude 1:24-25).
Optional Reading: Ephesians 2

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 1:9

[Judy Harder]

Read Job 21 -- 24

Highlights:

As Job responds, the question arises: Why do the wicked prosper and go unpunished? Eliphaz speaks for the 3rd time, making Job sound like a liar (Job 22:1-30). Job's response: I shall come forth as gold (23:10)
The key to Job's singleness of heart and ultimate victory was his conviction that obedience to God's Word was more important than life itself: His way have I kept, and not declined. . . . I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food (23:11-12).

It is as if Job had said: "In the midst of my suffering and sorrows, in faith I turned to and trust whatever He chooses for me. So great was my need for assurance, I seized upon it as a starving man for a meal. I devoured it and indeed my soul was comforted and I was strengthened. I turned from the husks of 'comfort' that my friends offered and can testify that only faith in God and His Word will satisfy."

He further explained his confidence by saying: Behold, I go forward, but He is not there; and backward but I cannot perceive Him: On the left hand . . . I cannot behold Him . . . on the right hand . . . I cannot see Him (23:8-9). He was saying, "Regardless of where I turn, God is nowhere to be found, but my faith does not rest in my fears and feelings, but in His Word." Job's faith was unshakable because he could truthfully say: His way have I kept so I shall come forth as gold.

Some have assumed they were a Christian because they were a member of a church, but they have not experienced the transforming power of God's Word. Like Judas, they may talk like a Christian and yet they do not desire Christ as Lord of their lives. To have a Bible but no desire to know how God would have them live is useless. Until they repent of their sins and accept Christ as both Savior and Lord, the Bible has little value.

As ye therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him . . . Beware lest any man spoil you through philosopy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ (Col. 2:6,8).

Spiritual defeat inevitably faces the Christian who lives year after year, never reading through the Bible because they ignorantly believe they have sufficient wisdom without God's only written revelation to mankind. But they have neither armor nor weapon for protection (Eph. 6:11-17).

Unless Thy Law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction (Ps. 119:92).

Thought for Today:

Laying aside . . . all evil speakings . . . desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby (I Pet. 2:1-2).
Christ Revealed:

Through Job's faithfulness to God throughout his suffering (Job 23:10-12). Christ's faithfulness to the Father is seen as He prayed for the Father's will to be done, not His own (Luke 22:42).
Word Studies:

21:2 consolations =sympathy; 21:3 Suffer =allow; 21:8 seed =children; 21:10 gendereth =breeds; casteth not =does not miscarry; 21:29 tokens =testimony and experience; 24:5 rising betimes for a prey =seeking diligently for food; 24:21 evil entreateth =cruelly takes advantage of.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Rep. George Radanovich (CA) • Country: New Zealand (4 million) two large islands southeast of Australia • Major languages: English and Maori • Religious freedom • 51% Protestant; 16% Roman Catholic; 3% cults • Prayer Suggestion: Keep the Word of God and pray to Him who has given you an open door into His presence (Rev. 3:.
Optional Reading: Ephesians 3

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 3:18