Proverbs 16:32 - Exercising Patience

Proverbs 16:32 (NLT)

Better to be patient than powerful;

Better to have self-control than to conquer city. 

Message: Exercising patience

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: In the NASB which I normally read it says, "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and who who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city." Our Sunday School teacher offered this text from the NLT with the word patience. From slow to anger to patience. Most one-verse proverbs have one contrast within them, but this one has two. 

Patient > Powerful; Self-control > Conquer

Slow to anger > Mighty; Rules his spirit > Captures a City

In the class, (1/18) the teacher asked for examples of situations in life where in which we struggle with patience. Responses mentioned driving, waiting in lines, other people that don't meet our expectations. I also think of the ways in which we are trained to not be patient - like the internet that allows to get on line in a moment. I am reminded of Europe in which it is also mentioned meal time takes a while. I think often times we have sat down to eat and other people sit down, eat and leave so quickly it seems. Even in other things in life, like the availability of TV shows to watch, able to watch any sporting event, live stream events. There is so little patience available or waiting or delayed gratification. And so we tend to be quick to be bothered. 

Someone once said, "Patience is a virtue we value in others, but ignore in ourselves." I think this could be said about a lot of things we want in others. I think even our claim that we are always busy is an issue of impatience in that we don't take time to reflect on other things. 

In this verse, patience is contrasted with being powerful or mighty. Power is on great display in our world today as many people want to be powerful. War is a significant problem in our world today as many people have a desire for control over others. So to say patience is greater than this or being slow to anger or slow to conflict means we take the time to consider others and not simply what we want. The second part of the verse also mentions conquering a city. 

The verse also links patience with self-control. Self-control is delaying gratification and focus on what matters. It is foregoing immediate desires. Like an adolescent waiting for marriage rather than engaging in sex. Or waiting for marriage rather than living together now. It is interesting how new phones or something new comes out and people line up to be the first one to have one. We want it now. We want our news now. We have fast internet and we want things now. We aren't willing to have self-control. Self-control seems needed but why do we need patience? 

Romans 5:3-4 says that suffering produces patient endurance. Patience decreases negative feelings because things often do not work out in the way we would like. It improves our mental and physical health by reducing stress, fostering resilience, and enabling decision making. Again, setbacks will happen. 

Prayer: Lord, I see how often I am trained to not be patient or slow to things. There can be a constant rush to get to the next item and conquer the next problem. At times I do not stop at work to evaluate or think more about why I am doing what I am doing. It is hard Lord and I feel like little is being accomplished at times. Lord, train me to be patient in my life. Train me to ponder because there are many things that have to wait. I need my stress to reduce. Thank for the joy of reading and studying Your word. Help me to get to all of the things in my life that mean something and be there for others. It is hard Lord to make this happen. It is hard for me to be consistent. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Joshua 3 - Israel Crosses the Jordan River

Joshua 3

And the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground, until all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan (v.17)

Message: Israel Crosses the Jordan River

Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components. 

What the Lord is Saying: 

Ch. 1 - Moses has died and now his assistant Joshua has been called by the Lord to lead the nation of Israel across the Jordan and into Canaan. The Lord calls Joshua to be strong and courageous and confirms He will be with him. He is to be careful to do according to the Law. Joshua passed on this promise to the people of Israel and they respond that they will obey Joshua as they know the Lord God is with him. 

Ch. 2 - Joshua sends out two spies to Jericho and Rahab, the harlot, provides them shelter and hides them from the authorities of Jericho. There is fear from the Canaanites of the Israelites. Rahab knows the Lord has given Israel the land of Canaan. She hides the spies and a promise is given to her that she and her family will be protected by tying a cord of scarlet thread in the window. 

Ch. 3 - Joshua and sons of Israel went to the Jordan to lodge there for 3 days before crossing – upon seeing the Ark of the covenant carried by the Levitical priests then they shall follow it, keeping a distance of 2,000 cubits. The Lord promises to exalt Joshua and promises to still the waters of the Jordan as the ark goes across it. Take 12 men, each from a tribe of Israel, stand in the waters of the Jordan and it will be stilled. And all the nation crossed the Jordan, again on dry ground. 

Additional thoughts - The ark of the covenant normally was carried by non-priestly Levites (sons of Kohath). The ark was the presence of God as it says in Exodus 25:22, it is there that God will meet with his people. Thus, God would be going before them, leading them as they crossed the Jordan and came into the land of Canaan, the land that was indeed promised by God for them. And God would also show his power to the people, similar to when they crossed the Red Sea. Once the priests carrying the ark stood in the water, the water stopped and the people crossed over on dry land. Also, 2,000 cubits is about 3,000 feet or 0.57 of a mile and is also the distance that Jews are allowed to travel on Sabbath days. It is also the distance from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem. 

What I learn and apply - God communicates truths through Joshua about what He will do but then He also shows us through examples in our lives that He has power and He is in control. He demonstrates His power to us. H reminds us He is present. He achieved something here that only he could have done, but he took them through an obstacle in life. Surely they would know the power of God to rescue them in the future. 

Summary: The Lord sends the ark of the covenant (His presence) ahead of Israel in crossing the Jordan to Canaan and stills the water of the Jordan to show them His power now and in the future. 

Promise: God begins and ends our salvation - parting the red sea, but then also stilling the water of the Jordan to take us to our promised land. He is faithful.

Prayer: Lord, you are faithful. You give me promises and You come through. I can trust in You that You will do what You say. You led Israel through the Jordan into the land you had promised to them. And you will lead me through the storms and trials of life that are present and you will bring me home to heaven. Thank You for the peace that is only found in You. Help me to be one that helps others see the peace of You. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

TABLETALK - October 2018

I continue in my daily studies to be guided by Tabletalk magazine. 2018 was a study on the Gospel of John and its straightforward presentation of the person and work of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, and other doctrines. 

• January 2018 (July 4, 2023 - July 23, 2023) John 1:1-2:22 - The preexistence of Christ, the ministry of John the Baptist and the person of Christ. 
• February 2018 (July 24, 2023 - August 10, 2023) John 2:23 - 3:36 - Regeneration and our need to believe in Christ for Salvation
• March 2018 (August 13, 2023 - September 30, 2023) John 4:1 - 5:29 - Christ is the incarnate Son of God
• April 2018 (October 1, 2023 - November 6, 2023) John 5:30 - John 7:36 - Jesus is as necessary to our souls as food is to our body; Jesus teaches in the temple during the Feast of Booths
• May 2018 (November 7, 2023 - December 22, 2023) John 7:37 - John 9:41 - Jesus experiences opposition and there is a sin-motivated resistance people have toward being enslaved to sin.
• June 2018 (December 23, 2023 - January 21, 2024) John 10:1 - 11:57 - Jesus as our shepherd will lay down His life for His sheep, but some won't hear Him. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in order to impact the faith of the disciples. 
• July 2018 (January 22, 2024 - March 14, 2024) John 12:1 - 13:20 - Jesus as Savior and Judge; salvation comes to Jesus' disciples and the judgment comes to all who reject Him. 
• August 2018 (March 15, 2024 - April 12, 2024) John 13:21 - John 14:31 - Warnings Jesus gave on the night of the Last Supper and the blessed promise of the Holy Spirit. 
• September 2018 (April 13, 2024 - May 9, 2024) John 15:1 - John 16:24 - Continuing Christ's Farewell Discourse and the meaning of abiding in Christ, the analogy of the vine and conviction/guidance of the Holy Spirit
• October 2018 (May 10, 2024 - July 19, 2024) John 16:25 - John 17:26 - Seeing Christ as our Intercessor, even on the night He was betrayed, Jesus will pray for His disciple; High Priestly Prayer

Chapter 16

The Love of the Father (John 16:25-28) - After Jesus departs, people will understand completely that Jesus has been sent by the Father and they will ask in Jesus' name and the Father will hear their prayers. 

Jesus Predicts His Desertion (John 16:29-32) - The disciples state that they now believe Jesus came from God. Jesus lets them know that they will soon scatter to their own areas and He will have the Father with Him, never alone. 

Overcoming the World in Christ (John 16:33) - Jesus offers additional encouragement to the disciples that though they will experience trials, He has overcome the world and therefore they will have comfort. 

Chapter 17

Jesus Prays that He Might Glorify the Father (John 17:1-3) - Jesus voices in this prayer that the hour has come for the son to be glorified with the Father. Jesus came to give us all eternal life and this is a life of knowing God and His Son Jesus. 

Jesus Prays to Be Glorified (John 17:4-5) - Jesus now prays that God's glory, which He possessed before the world was, would be returned to Him and that Glory would be with God the Father. 

The Father's Gift to Christ (John 17:6) - Jesus prays thanking God for the disciples called out of this world, as gifts to Him, guardians of the Word.

What the Disciples Knew (John 17:7-8) - The disciples, as voiced by Jesus in this prayer, hear and receive, understand and believe - Jesus is from the Father and receives everything.

The Focused Prayers of Christ (John 17:9) - Jesus continues to pray for that have heard and believed, those are the one's he addresses here as those God gives to Jesus.

The Efficacious Prayers of Christ (John 17:10-13) - Our works are to Glorify Jesus, Glorify God. Jesus prays that the disciples, we, will be kept with God the Father and that we will have joy. 

Staying in the World (John 17:14-16) - Jesus says in this prayer we will be hated by the world, but we are to stay in the world and he prays that we (disciples) will be kept from the evil one. 

God's Means of Sanctification (John 17:17-19) - Jesus will offer himself for people, in obedience to God, so that we will be sanctified in truth to be set apart for Him and offer this truth to those in the world. 

Jesus Prays for Our Unity (John 17:20-21) - Jesus prays that the all those hearing the testimony of the disciples will be One in truth for the benefit of the world believing. 

Loved by the Father in the Son (John 17:22-23) - Jesus has come to declare God's glory - the truth of Who He Is and we are to be united, One, so that all we know God loves them.

Christ's Desire for Us (John 17:24) - Jesus desires through this prayer for us to be with Him, where He is at and to experience His glory, given by the Father to Him. 

Making Known the Father's Name (John 17:25-26) - Contrary to the world, we who have been sent to Jesus by God, know Him and Jesus will continue to make God's name known so Christ will be in us and know God's love. 

Various Scriptures - Prayer

The Illusion of Control - Mistakes don't feel good. We don't want to make them and so we fear them. This can lead to shame or the painful feeling that I simply did something wrong to I am wrong as a person. Inside, we know we did wrong and so we try to hide our shame, like when Adam and Eve hid after sinning; or we rebel, as when Cain killed Abel. The prodigal son started out rebelling and returned home repenting while his brother sought for perfectionism - striving in our own strength to make everything right so that our shame is concealed; thinking Rhe had measured up. There is nothing wrong with striving to do well, like practicing something over and over and the Bible calls for this (Col. 3:23). But we preserve ourselves against shame by trying to be in control. Yet things always go awry. In farming, as was the way of the country originally, with people living in rural areas, sustaining their needs and also exporting product, there was a dependence on the seasons of the year. Through the advance of technology - electricity and refrigeration throughout our cities to help food last longer, through freezing and canning - we in turn control of our environment. We can keep in communication with our phones and we are educated to take care of diseases. But also in this process we learn control. But this is false control, because just when we think we are in control, we see that we are not. Our children don't act the way we teach them to act. Or a traffic jam or accident comes upon us on our way to work making us late. Or we get disappointed by someone in our life and their actions or words. We aren't perfect. Life is in disarray. We don't control the seasons or when we live or die. Yet, we can trust that "God is in control." He makes straight our paths (Prov. 3:6). He set the measurements of us (Psalm 139:14)  and the earth (Job 38:4). And He has taken our shame - that idea that we are bad. He has rescued us from this and declares to the Father that we are good. And nothing can change this. Jesus has made us new. We don't need to hide, we are not afraid, instead we trust the One in control. 

God's Control and Our Responsibility - Author remember RC Sproul and his mission to speak of the Goodness of God. Scripture speaks regularly that God is sovereign and he acts in a sovereign way. Yet, we still have responsibility for our actions. We are told to repent (Acts 17:30), to believe (16:31), to obey (Matt. 28:20), to work out our salvation (Phil 2:12), to do good (Gal. 6:9), to set our mind on things above (Gal. 3:2), to pray at all times (I Thess. 5:27) and to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18). Our thoughts, words, deeds matter. These work together he believes by looking at what is revealed - God's hidden will and God's revealed will, as compared to primary and secondary causation. 

Planning for the Future while Trusting God's Provision - God, you are sovereign. And I am responsible for living according to Your will. I live between the call to trust You and the Call to act. Lord, I admit a struggle at times on when to do which and the temptation to be imbalanced -- thinking I am responsible solely. I over plan at times. I am tempted toward anxiety, fear, over-control, over-responsibility, perfectionism and anger - because often I feel it is all on me to make things happen. And yet on the other side, I can be tempted the direction towards laziness, passivity, stoicism, fatalism, and indecision - when I drift towards thinking it is all up to You. [Note: stoicism - the endurance of pain or hardship without the display of feelings and without complaint; fatalism - the belief that all events are predetermined and therefore inevitable.] I know God you encourage me through Your Word to be wise and prayerful in my planning recognizing that You are responsible and I am responsible, too. God, from the beginning you show me that You planted the garden of Eden but tasked Adam to "work it and keep it" (Gen. 2:8, 15), thus showing me your provision and my responsibility. You provide instructions, such as working six days, working enough each day to provide for my needs, and then resting on the 7th day, trusting You that I can rest, that you will providentially provide. Work is a part of living, and with my ability to work I am not to be a burden to others and yet can help others in need (Eph. 4:28). There are limits and I can only accomplish what you enable (Ps. 127:1-2). Remind me to be generous with what You have given me and yet not to the point that I tempt others to not work or provide for themselves. Give me plans for the money You provide, not simply hoarding it with no purpose. And yet this could mean at times you taking all that is mind for your purposes, even if I don't see those purposes clearly, but in this I can still submit to your loving and good purposes. Keep me walking close to You God in prayer, devotion, learning, guidance, direction - reminding me that my work matters and it is all according to Your purpose and will. 

Pursuing Perfection with Sober Realism - O God, what keeps me going in the life You have given me is that there is always room for improvement. I have been created God in your image. You charged me to have dominion over the earth and to improve it, creating a desire for excellence in all things. I strive for perfection, to glorify You in all I do and say, and yet I recognize perfection is not possible as I continually see that I fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). I fight against sin all to often, though I know that one day sin shall be no more. You have made me a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), uniting me by my faith to the risen and exalted Lord. You God have shone your light in me, completely overhauling me as a new creation, giving me a new heart and a new spirit (Ezek. 36:26-27) to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4). My old life of godless, self-centered, fleshly living has been crucified. Lord, continue to work Your Spirit in me pressing me to put to death sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness; and put away anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscure talk from my mouth; remove my lying lips toward others, putting on that new self, renewed in knowledge after the image of You Jesus (Col. 3:5-10). Help me to take a personal inventory often to see what needs to be put to death, killing what is identified. Lord, I praise you for the radiant colors of Christlikeness that are displayed even in my life. Place on me a compassionate heart, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another, and forgiving each other as you God have forgiven me; dress me with love which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Col. 3:12-14). It is my aim God to please you (2 Cor. 5:9). Amen. 

The Place of Godly Ambition - Lord, as I think about ambition, I ask what role it should have in my life and whether you promote ambition. James condemns those with selfish ambition (James 3:14) while Paul makes it his ambition to preach the gospel (Romans 15:20). God, ambition seems to be a strong desire that leads to a willingness to overcome obstacles to achieve a particular end. I know God that sin results in desires (lust, cravings, passions) that are self-seeking and pursue things not pleasing to You and my desire is often not for things that matter, but instead for things that are trivial and don't really matter. Train me God to value what You value and hate what You hate, to love what You love. Also, in achieving good things in my life that honor You, let me make sure my course for achieving them is honoring to You and glorifying You. Train me daily God, discipline me so that I am overcoming laziness, doing the right things, growing in godliness. There are times I may not feel like practicing discipline, so help me to continue in this, practicing delight in what You delight God. I am a child of You God, my creator, praying that Your Kingdom comes on this earth. I am called by You to be fruitful and multiply. Thank you for the gift of marriage with my wife and the wonderful children You have given me. My job is a part of Your plan for me and give me the strength and courage daily to do it well. As a church member, help me daily to do things that You have called me to do there. Thank you for people trusting me and valuing me. Keep helping me to know when I need to step up and do more without compromising the other roles and callings you have on my life.  

Ordering the Home without Being Controlling - Father, my life often wallows between trying to be You, placing myself on the throne of my life, controlling my life, and me determining what is best for me rather than trusting You and living in submission to Your will and rule for my life. As a parent, learning to give up control was at times hard, but You moved my children to independence and I am thankful and encouraged as to how they are living their lives. Continue to give them wisdom and help them to honor You and see their lives always as coming from You and also the ability to live lives that reflect Your will. You Christ rule all things, and work all things for good and bring believers to being conformed to the image of Christ. Thank you for life God and the meaning and purpose found in everything we face. Thank you for the enjoyment of life and placing things around us to enjoy. Thank you for working in me and my daily circumstances to change me, conform me to your image, designing me for who I am to be. You love me and have my long-term best in mind so help me to keep trusting you even as momentary happiness is placed aside. Thank you for molding me and helping me be a better husband and person to live with. You are with me God. Thank you. 

Embracing God's Sovereignty in Salvation and Our Role as His Heralds - Lord, thank you for speaking through this writer and helping me see that deep down my desire for people to know Christ is often colliding with my desire for people to like me. I am trying to manage both instead of choosing and trusting you for the outcome - and making knowing Christ most important. Yes, God, help me to know or how to know when to "lose" a relationship potentially and speak more frank to people about faith. Yes, I want there to be outcomes like the author shares in people coming to know You after I have taken the attitude of losing the relationship, but Lord, I know also I can't make that a formula. Heavenly Father, if I lose this relationship because I spoke about You, as hard as that loss would be for me, I would be OK with that. Free me up to venture and view relationships as a steward, not control it as if it were my possession. You are the Sovereign Master. Have Your way. Lord, I pray that I would be a faithful steward to You in all things. Help me to not believe the objection that because of Your sovereignty I do not have to make any effort. You are good. You are wise. 

Trusting the Good and Sovereign God at Every Age - Favorite verse of Romans 8:28 that God works all things together for good for my life, for all of our lives can only happen if God is sovereign. This begins with being "knitted together in our mother's womb (Psalm 139:13-15)." We are given aptitudes, talents, natural gifts but also deficiencies for His glory. Even a child with Downs syndrome or learning disabilities is part of His good for all of our lives. Individual decisions and plans, often when we are young and starting out, often give us these clear glimpses of seeing God's sovereign plan - major decisions of where we will go to college, who we marry, where we work coming about through open and closed doors helps us see the plan for our lives. As we age, we can look back and see the direction of our lives more clearly. As we age, some to long life while others have lives that seem to be cut short, yet we still believe or try to believe or try to have the confidence that this is His plan being worked out. In 2000, James Montgomery Boice diagnosed with terminal liver cancer and in his last sermon re-confirmed that God is sovereign indeed and yet He is not indifferent or not caring, but instead He is also good and everything He does is good. And so we accept or learn to accept the things that happen in our lives. In this is comfort in life and death - he fully paid for my sins with his blood, He preserves me and works all things together for my salvation, assuring me of eternal life and also to live for Him. 

Prepare to Teach - Ezra is a neglected book of the Bible. Ezra lived between the eras of Solomon and John. Ezra instituted religious reforms. Ezra 7:10 remarks of the Bible teacher Ezra, "For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel." Ezra wanted to learn scripture deeply. And Ezra wanted to do the law of God. Be a teacher and do what you teach. May we all do the same. 

The Love You Had At First - Letter to Ephesus in Revelation 2 is to a hard working church, not lazy or passive, active in learning, diligent and eager to help and serve. They stood for God's truth. They treasured it. They saw the false teacher. And this church, despite the persecution and assault continued to confess Jesus as Lord. And yet Jesus still had something against them. They did not possess a deep love for God. They were great in works but they were missing that devotion or love for God. I am to love God with all my heart, soul, and all my mind (Matt. 22:37). 

Rhythms of Piety - Thank you God for the rhythms of life, the 24 hour day, the 7 day week, labor, rest. Rest is hard Lord. The expectations now to spend Sunday's serving my dad often, and yet Lord there still can be rest in service. Give me wisdom and guidance in this. Keep me intertwined in these rhythms. 

Peace in Marriage - A Christian marriage should be peaceful, yet there can still be difference of opinions, serious questions, iron sharpening iron, serious discussions, confrontation, freedom to disagree, but also expectation to resolve. Our aim in marriage should always be to be reconciled to God through Christ's atonement which will provide peace with God. 

Communing with God in Scripture - Lord, it is in your Word, reading, studying it, that I really find my ultimate peace. It is the mark of my life, meeting with You, learning from You. I am so grateful to be living in this time when access to Your book and lessons form other teachers and speakers from ages past are so easily accessible. Help me to encourage this in others and to praise others as it occurs. 

Forgiveness and Restoration to Ministry - When a pastor falls, restore him. There should be evidence of genuine sorrow, and then forgiveness should be granted (2 Cor. 2). 

Design Matters - Design. God first placed humanity in a garden, a designed place. God planted a place of exquisite beauty, a place of profound usefulness, but not all of its design is good. What is our role in the design of a church? The building should support its aim. Soaring cathedrals lift the eyes of congregants heavenward. But then Puritans focused us on the pulpit. Design is important in these current times as people in our world expect good design. We are to be careful in our design both with fellow believers and the world around us. 

Twenty-Five Years Later

Ephesians 1:11 - God's Eternal Decree

Ephesians 1:11
also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,

Message: God's Eternal Decree

Time: Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians sometime in AD 60–61, around the same time he wrote Colossians and Philemon. Ephesians deals with topics at the core of being a Christian - faith and practice, no matter the situation.

What the Lord is Saying:

God's sovereignty over all is something I trust and believe in. It is a doctrine that I feel like is a prevailing doctrine in the lives of Christians, more so those that hold to the infallible word of God. This idea that He is in control of all things is taught in the Bible. God MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM (Acts 4:24) and we trust this. Though we talk about God's sovereignty often, its definition varies it would seem. The simple definition is that God actively controls all that occurs in His creation.

The text today from Ephesians 1:11 calls attention to this with Paul saying God works all things after the counsel of His will. For me it is one thing to say "God is in control" and quite another thing to start talking about specifically what that means. For me the difficulty comes about when we start talking about what God controls. If God controls all, does man still have a will? Is every action of man predetermined?

Going back to Ephesians 1:11, the phrase who works is a present active participle of the verb meaning "to work," thus meaning that the Lord is active today, right now, in working out His purposes in all things. Here is the seemingly hard part of this as it would include good and evil. It would include our choices and include nature and weather. There is nothing that the Lord does not determine and control. Thus, he wills things to occur in the way that they do.

This text states that these actions are after the counsel of His will. Thus, he has a plan. He has a purpose. He has a decree.

It will take some time in these lessons to unpack all that this means. For now, there is the premise that He works out all things according to His will. In verse 9 he says that He made known to us the mystery of His will. Our knowledge of God came from God. Our knowledge of Him came from Him.

Promise: All that God does is in accordance with His decree. Everything in our lives has a specific purpose even though we may not know the purpose.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being in control and helping me to see this doctrine. Now Lord help me to trust You in Your decree and trust that who You are is what I need. Help me to not get ahead of myself but stay strict to the reading of your Word.


Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines with March being about the sovereign providence of God and looking at how the Bible reveals His control over all things.

Proverbs 24:12 - Our All-Seeing God

Proverbs 24:12
If you say, “See, we did not know this,”
Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts?
And does He not know it who keeps your soul?
And will He not render to man according to his work?

Message: Our All-Seeing God

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.
 
What the Lord is Saying: In looking at this passage of scripture and trying to understand what it is saying and my application, I back up, first. to verse 11 - Deliver those who are being taken away to death, and those who are staggering to slaughter, oh hold them back. Perhaps this passage is speaking to one that is seeing the pain of another or watching the demise of another and yet offering the excuse See, we did not know this. It is like the priest that walks on the other side of the road so as to not see the man hurting (Levite). Presented here then is one shirking his responsibility. It is true, we have so many hurting in our world, it is impossible to help them all, and so often our response is to help no one. Yet Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? or does not God know our hearts. Yes, he sees our actions, but he can also see our hearts. The fact that someone (God) can know our motivation, thoughts, our heart, what we are thinking -- this must scare many people.

And does He not know it who keeps our soul? Does not God know us better than we know ourselves?

And will He not render to man according to his work? Work is not just outward, but also inward. God knows hearts.

Promise: God knows what we are thinking, our motivation, our reasons for doing what we do. He is in control. 

My Prayer: Lord, help me to realize that you are all-seeing and understand me better than I understand myself. Remind me that each day I need a Savior. I need a redeemer for I cannot even catalog in my life all the ways that I wrong you day to day. I pray that my life would be honorable and good. Help me as a parent to lead my family well and draw them each to a closer relationship with you so that they follow you all the days of their lives. 

Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 - Not In Our Hands

Ecclesiastes 9:11-12
¹¹ I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the warriors, and neither is bread to the wise nor wealth to the discerning nor favor to men of ability; for time and chance overtake them all. ¹² Moreover, man does not know his time: like fish caught in a treacherous net and birds trapped in a snare, so the sons of men are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them.

Message: Not In Our Hands

Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: This is a tough set of verses for our generation. Any verse that puts forth the idea that we do not control our destiny, that there is a force or agent that defines our lives is assaulting to our current makeup as humans. Karma and the notion of cause and effect are pervasive in life; the idea that our current actions impact our future condition are more of the norm. Scripture does agree that their are consequences for sin and their are blessings for displaying favor with God. And yet there are circumstances that appear out of nowhere that are not necessarily couched in this scriptural formula (formula is a tough word because it puts forth the notion that their is a certain plan for those events, but sometimes it is not so or the timing of the effect is so far removed from the cause that we struggle identifying those events as results).

As I turn to this scripture and study it, the author Solomon is reminded of a repeat occurrence in life. It's interesting at first to look at the 2 previous verses -  Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going. Enjoy life. Work hard. Those are the key ideas I see from those verses. 

And in verse 11 and 12, what I see is Solomon is saying, "but remember, you are not in control, so trust God." 

In verse 11 he describes formula's that we are accustomed to seeing:

• The swift win races
• Battles are won by warriors
• The wise get bread (what they need)
• Those that discern well are the wealthy
• Men of ability find favor

For he then states, time and chance overtake them all. Time and chance are human eye perspectives, which Solomon often mentions. Yet, in this same book seems to be the notion of divine providence. Thus despite careful planning and hard work:

• The swift might lose the race
• The stronger army can be defeated
• The smartest person does not always earn the most money
• The most learned may not receive favor
• The wisest can go hungry

Ultimately God's sovereignty, what he has ordained, prevails: man does not know his time. We can't see the entire picture. Yes, I must continue to do my best, read, pray, study, but through it all -- I trust. What sets apart the believer in Christ is just that, to believe in Christ -- to accept that God is in control. To honor him and thank him for the events and circumstances of life.

Promise: I must remain humble, knowing my proper place in creation. I am His vessel; he is the potter; I am the clay. Trust and obey, there is no other way.

My Prayer: Lord, thank you for your word. Thank you for being in control and setting up this universe according to the way You desire with out best in mind. Help me to not be trained by the message of this world, but to remain trained always for Godliness. Help me to work hard and do my best, to recognize that sin has consequences and following you has blessings, yet not all outcomes are consequences and blessings. Deepen me with you. Thank you for Jesus and His atoning sacrifice for my sin. I surrender all. 

Job 38 - The Lord Answers Job

Job 38

Message: The Lord Answers Job

Time: The time of Job is unclear and commonly debated. Often the language of the book can give clues. It seems to be that Job had a lifespan of close to 200 years as Job 42:16 says he lived 140 years after the events in the book.

What the Lord is Saying: 

As I continue to look at this book, it seems that chapter 38 begins the conclusion of this book. God will now speak and answer Job in chapter 38 and 39. In these verses he will talk about his mighty power over the earth and over creation. Job responds briefly at the beginning of chapter 40 and then the Lord continues by addressing Job and his duty as a man and his role over the creatures of the earth. In chapter 41, the Lord continues by speaking of the power he has over the creatures of the earth, the created beings. Chapter 42 concludes the book with Job answering the Lord, the Lord speaking the truth about his friends and then God restoring Job's fortunes.

Currently, I am looking here at chapter 38 and the Lord is speaking to Job. The Lord makes these statements, I think, because of Job's murmurs and complaints. We have a God that corrects us or wants to set us straight. In order to have fellowship with God, man must first understand his need for God. Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said. He speaks to Job from a whirlwind or from a powerful force of nature. 

Preface to His Words
He addresses the counsel that Job has been receiving. It is counsel that has darkened Job's understanding of the justice of God. Verse 2 - Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? But instead God will bring forth words to show the true knowledge of Him - Now gird up your loins like a man, and I will ask you, and you instruct Me!

1. Creation - Job was not present at the beginning of the world so he did not aid God, give counsel, or understand what he was doing. Verse 4 - Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?Tell Me, if you have understanding.   
1. It has a predetermined plan. It is not by chance. But by an infinite and wise plan. Verse 5 - Who set its measurements? Since you know. Or who stretched the line on it? 
2. It has a rock solid foundation. A well constructed house has a firm foundation. So it was in bringing forth creation. It has the right foundation. Verse 6 - On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone.  
3. The angels praise the works of God. They were and are there, shouting in praise and joy at the work that God has done. Verse 7 - When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?  
4. The oceans were born. God controls and mandates the inner workings of the ocean. Verse 8 - Or who enclosed the sea with doors when, bursting forth, it went out from the womb. But we see a great cloud over it when it was formed - verse 9 - When I made a cloud its garment And thick darkness its swaddling band. God fixed the limits of the ocean by his own purpose or please - verse 10 -  
1. And I placed boundaries on it and set a bolt and doors. The Lord fixes the limits and boundaries which they may pass - verse 11 - And I said, ‘Thus far you shall come, but no farther; and here shall your proud waves stop’?
5. He puts the morning in motion. He speaks of the morning, or the start of the day, and the sun waking us up and shining into our lives and beginning the day. Have you ever in your life commanded the morning, and caused the dawn to know its place (v. 12)
1. The light spreads to the remotest parts of the earth. That it might take hold of the ends of the earth (v. 13a).
2. The light ruins the plans of the evil. The early chapters of Proverbs mention a warning to the young men about staying up late and that tawdry things happen during the late hours, but then the sun comes out and they are lost again. And the wicked be shaken out of it? (v. 13b)   
3. The light reveals things like a piece of clay that can be formed into different things. It is changed like clay under the seal (v. 14a).  In the dark, hills, flowers, trees, houses, and fields all take on a boring, unclear appearance, but as the light shines forth there is clarity and beauty. And they stand forth like a garment. (v. 14b) 
4. The light sends the wicked back into their crawl spaces. The wicked have enjoyed their darkness, but light moves them to sleep and hide in their sin waiting for the darkness to cover the earth again - verse 15 - From the wicked their light is withheld, and the uplifted arm is broken.
6. Have you entered into the deep part of the sea. Here is transitions back to the sea or oceans but speaks of the deepest parts of the sea where here are probably interesting scenes of fountains. Have you entered into the springs of the sea or walked in the recesses of the deep? (v. 16). 
7. Have you entered into the deep of the graves that are beneath us. The idea here is like the sea, the Lord knows what is underneath us as well. He understands death and the grave and what goes on beneath us. The points is that God knows it all, even what we do not see with our eyes. Have the gates of death been revealed to you, or have you seen the gates of deep darkness? (v. 17). 
8. God knows the extent of the earth. At this time, the earth was unknown as to how far it had expanse and where it would end up. But God knew. Have you understood the expanse of the earth? Tell Me, if you know all this (v. 18). 
1. Where does light reside? God knows. Verse 19 is very poetic and not so much literal. Where is the way to the dwelling of light?And darkness, where is its place. The idea is to think about where does light live. It shows up in the morning and then runs away at evening. As Albert Barnes says - Who can explain the causes of its rapid flight from world to world? Who can tell what supplies it, and prevents it from being exhausted? Who but God, after all the discoveries of science, can fully understand this? -- This is a good reminder. Science works so hard to understand what God knows.  And verse 20 - That you may take it to its territory and that you may discern the paths to its home? No, Job can't follow its path or way. 
2. God is eternal. Staying with the subject of light, the Lord asks Job how long he has been on this earth. Verse 21 - You know, for you were born then, and the number of your days is great! We think we are so smart in the 50-100 years we reside on this earth. Yet, God is eternal and all time is under his knowledge. 
9. God has his hand in weather. Verse 22 speaks of snow and hail. It says - Have you entered the storehouses of the snow, or have you seen the storehouses of the hail. The idea here is that the snow that falls and the hail that comes maybe a mystery to us, but it is not a mystery of God. He knows when it will fall. It appears that there are storehouses that God has and at the right time he unveils it all to us. It is like silver and gold laid up for us. Over time we will discover more and more the meaning of why snow falls, but this will just shift our amazement of God's wonder and majesty to praising him. Science is great and understanding things is great, but this doesn't diminish God. Science can speak to how it works, but never as to why it is this way. And verse 23 just speaks to the idea that God uses snow and hail for his purpose - Which I have reserved for the time of distress, for the day of war and battle?
1. Verse 24 once again speaks of the light of the morning, but it appears upon the earth in like manner to what he spoke about in the 2 previous verses concerning the snow and the hail. Where is the way that the light is divided. As Albert Barnes commentary says - Philosophy has done little to explain this, and the mode in which light is made to travel in eight minutes from the sun to the earth - a distance of ninety million miles - and the manner in which it is “divided” or “parted” from that great center, and spread over the solar system, is as much of a real mystery as it was in the days of Job, and the question proposed here may be asked now with as much emphasis as it was then.  
2. Or the east wind scattered upon the earth. The second half speaks of wind. To me, it is the same idea -- Hey Job, explain this. Can you? We must praise God continually for that which he has provided. It is amazing. He does it all. We should reverence him more. 
3. In the same way that it mentions storehouses of snow and hail, how he mentions the channels of flood, like the flow of the rain was in certain canals formed for them. Verse 25 - Who has cleft a channel for the flood, or a way for the thunderbolt. A path seems to open up in the dark cloud for the passage of the flash of lightning. Who could trace out these paths and these canals? Who could it be but the Almighty God? Even with what science has now determined, we still look to God for why it occurs. 
4. Rain falls everywhere, not just where man resides, but throughout the earth providing nourishment to the land. Verse 26 - To bring rain on a land without people, a desert without a man in it. It falls to satisfy the waste and desolate land (v. 27) or the thirsty ground and to make the seeds of grass to sprout? In the dessert is where we see God clearest because it is in the barren land that God is there and caring for the ground just like he does where there are people. Has the rain a father? Or who has begotten the drops of dew? (v. 28)
5. Ice and frost, in the same way, have its origin in God. He gives birth to both. He is the author of these as well. Verse 29 - From whose womb has come the ice? And the frost of heaven, who has given it birth? Verse 30 - Water becomes hard like stone, and the surface of the deep is imprisoned. God forms the ice and makes it solid and congeals it together. 
10. God holds the constellations of the stars. God created the bands that hold the stars together. Verse 31 - Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades, or loose the cords of Orion? Orion is here described as a man girded for action, and is the pioneer of winter. It made its appearance early in the winter, and was regarded as the precursor of storms and tempests.
11. This verse mentions a constellation of stars that plays a significant role in providing a prelude to the seasons. The point in these verses is whatever the meaning, God is in control of the stars in the sky as well. Verse 32 - Can you lead forth a constellation in its season, and guide the Bear with her satellites? And verse 33 - Do you know the ordinances of the heavens, or fix their rule over the earth?
12. God is in control of the rain and the lightning coming down; verse 34-37 - Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, so that an abundance of water will cover you? Can you send forth lightnings that they may go and say to you, ‘Here we are’? Who has put wisdom in the innermost being or given understanding to the mind? Who can count the clouds by wisdom, or tip the water jars of the heavens, when the dust hardens into a mass and the clods stick together?
13. He gave the animals their appetite and their hunting ability. Have you provided the needs of the animals? (v. 39-41) Can you hunt the prey for the lion, or satisfy the appetite of the young lions, When they crouch in their dens and lie in wait in their lair? Who prepares for the raven its nourishment when its young cry to God and wander about without food? 

Promise: God is in control, everywhere we see and don't see. He orders the creation.

Job 36 - Elihu's Arrogance

Job 36

Message: Elihu's Arrogance (v.1-15) and God's Power and Majesty (v. 16-33)

Time: The time of Job is unclear and commonly debated. Often the language of the book can give clues. It seems to be that Job had a lifespan of close to 200 years as Job 42:16 says he lived 140 years after the events in the book.

What the Lord is Saying:

Overview - this is an wonderful chapter and yet an intense one. To me it has 3 sections:
1. Elihu misunderstands God's ways in man (v.1-15)
2. Do not live as the wicked live (v. 16-21)
3. God is to be highly exalted (v. 22-26)
4. The mighty works of God (v. 27-33)

Elihu on the Scene
So, far, according to the commentators, each party (Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar) has given 3 speeches and this has been the chosen allotment for number of speeches, although Zophar failed to reply. Here Elihu wants to say some more words after he came on the scene in chapter 32. Elihu is said to be a younger contemporary of Job and his 3 friends.

My struggle
I must say, I struggle with these passages in Job. They are some of the oldest written texts in the Bible, though that doesn't mean the time in which they occur is the oldest. I end up having to look at different commentators about these verses and yet they often do not agree with one another. Sometimes I struggle with the Bible and what I am to glean from some of the writings. All of these writers were men, like myself, though they lived in a different time and their words are regarded as more divine, I suppose, than mine. My tendency is to analyze and pick apart each word that is said. But maybe I need to get in the habit of a quicker reading of each passage. I continue to follow the TableTalk devotional, though I am now about 1 year behind. It does keep me accountable to a plan, as Tracey mentioned to me when I told him about it a couple of weeks ago. Maybe I need to be quicker about my reads.

Understanding this passage
Elihu begins with the idea of imploring the group to listen (v. 2). He mentions that these words may be different than what has been said before (v. 3a), but his goal is that they exemplify or speak to or represent or ascribe the righteousness of God (v. 3b). He begins with the idea that his words will show the mighty works of God. Elihu believes that his words are right and that he is speaking soundly; he has confidence in his speech (v. 4).

Elihu makes the statement that God is mighty and therefore God does not modify any class of people, is wholly independent and impartial in all his dealings.  He says God is mighty but does not despise (v. 5). 

For the moment, I am switching over to the Message paraphrase and look at Eugene Peterson's perspective on this passage. And what I see is a man that is comparing the wicked and righteous. Tabletalk believes that Elihu in verse 5-12 is saying the same thing that the other 3 friends have said and that is suffering is the result of a specific sin. I'm not sure if the Message is saying the same thing. The Message starts off with the idea that God doesn't bully innocent people or the idea that God doesn't allow bad things to happen to innocent people, but he does thwart the actions of the wicked. 

Job's friends and now Elihu have all done something similar in their words to Job. I wonder, are they not simply trying to bring comfort to Job. It almost seems like that is what they are trying to do. They know and have seen that Job has lived his life in a way that honors God. And now that they see something bad  happen to their friend, they seem to now think that Job must have done something bad. Maybe the idea is that in their eyes they struggle believing that a God would bring calamity to Job when Job hadn't done anything really bad. 

I think the argument the Tabletalk authors are making is that suffering is not always the result of a specific sin. This past Sunday in church we looked at Proverbs 3:11-12 which says, "My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord or loathe His reproof, for whom the Lord loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights." I think he is putting forth idea that God disciplines us often or corrects us or allows suffering to occur because it is needed in our life. That seems clear, but the idea that God would allow suffering just because is a tough one to accept. 

I guess what is hard then about that situation is to see the suffering of a child. I don't see anything wrong in what that child has done and so is it possible that suffering is the result of the bad choices in his parents? I think that is possible. But, what about my friend Bobby and the cancer he had in his body or even Tammy (Mike's wife) and the breast cancer she had which ended up costing her life. I don't know if in those situations we can connect dots to say those people's suffering were due to a need for correction. But, rather it seems that suffering occurs because we simply live in this fallen world.  

Side note -- 2 planes 
You know, sometimes it feels like there are 2 separate planes of life that are being recorded in the Bible. One there is this plane that puts forth God is great and mighty. His actions are based upon who he is and what he wants. God wills what He wills. To man he brings upon circumstances that are challenging or welcome. The way he acts is based upon on him and his nature and the outcomes he desires. Things happen often that we don't understand. And through those situations it is not for us to question God. But we are to trust Him. We are to trust our creator. 

But then there sits another plane. This is where men and women live. This plane resides with the Law of God, His commandments, our actions, our choices and within that plane we do see rewards from doing good and being obedient to God's commandments. We also see losses when we don't do things the way God has commanded. 

Our lives are then lived and we wonder how these planes intersect. On one hand, when things happen that we just don't understand, we need to trust God. I think it's okay to ask the question whether or not the outcome is the result of obeying or disobeying God's commands. There may be a change in man that is needed. But, we are never to say to God that he has made a mistake. 

Concluding thoughts on verses 1-15
Going back to verses 1-15 I see here that Elihu, in his observations, sometimes does get it right. God does tell us when we've done something wrong and tells us we need to repent. But, God doesn't promise that all will be free of problems if we just always do what God commands. Yes, we want to live in that manner because we know it is the best way to live. But, living that way doesn't mean it frees us from problems. 

Overall, Elihu gets it wrong. He paints a picture that is incorrect. In verse 15, NASB says, "“He delivers the afflicted in their affliction, and opens their ear in time of oppression." In the Message, it says, "But those who learn from their suffering, God delivers from their suffering." No. This isn't right. It doesn't work out cleanly or matter of fact. Joni has learned a lot from her suffering. She still suffers. Her response to it has changed, though. 

As I move on in my look at this passage, Elihu continues to offer explanations to Job. His desire is to make him feel better. But, it's possible his words are offered too quickly. As a person in consoling others, we still need to think before we speak. While Elihu's heart is in the right place, I'm not sure that his words are. 

Do not live as the wicked live

Here I am going to switch to the King James Version in verse 16, "Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness." Elihu mentions to Job that he could have moved from a place of being "strait" to a broad place if he head just had the right response to the calamity he was having. Once again, Elihu doesn't get it right. He has half-truths. The strait way is narrow and hard to get along where the braod table is fat and has no obstructions.

In verse 17, he says, "But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold on thee." Albert Barnes commentary puts forth the idea that what occurred here is Elihu saying that Job was living in a manner where his response was that of a wicked person that thinks they are wicked. The wicked knows that their behavior should have bad outcomes and Elihu asserts Job is living in this way. 

Then in verse 18 and 19 is the idea that if wicked is your outcome, don't think that riches can get you out of that outcome. Job had been a rich man, but riches doesn't mean that we escape God's wrath. This is an important lesson because although sometimes the riches we receive is a result of hard work, people with more are often viewed differently in society and greater than the person with less. People with money often think they can get away with things that people without money can't. But, not in God's eyes. I must be careful to not view people the way the world views them. 

In verse 20, he states, "Do not long for the night." Night is an emblem of death and here Elihu says to Job, do not long for death thinking that by death coming Job will be able to escape God's wrath. Elihu continues with the idea that Job is living as a wicked person and in this pursuit thinks he can escape God. 

Verse 21 is almost like a proverb that Elihu states to Job, "Be careful, do not turn to evil." As people, there is a danger we have of thinking we can reason through the divine administration. It is one thing to ponder what God may be teaching me concerning a trial, but it is quite another to ask why God did what he did. Under the umbrella statement of "God is love" we end up with the feeling that God is not doing acts of love when calamity come our way. Elihu's warning is a good one: be careful that you do not become an advocacy of iniquity and evil. 

He then continues this thought in the verse by saying, "for you have preferred this to affliction."  The problem with pain and the problem with suffering is it is hard to go through. People don't like it and so they will often seek other outcomes, sinful outcomes, outcomes of rejecting God rather than living with divine will. Albert Barnes has a statement here that is appropriate:

People often prefer iniquity to affliction. They will commit crime rather than suffer the evils of poverty; they will be guilty of fraud and forgery to avoid apprehended want. They will be dishonest to their creditors rather than submit to the disgrace of bankruptcy. They will take advantage of the widow and the fatherless rather than suffer themselves.

I think that is an interesting statement. We are impatient. Sometimes I see this more clearly in the raising of a child. When life gets difficult for my kids they often choose the easy road but in the process they are not submitting to wise counsel. Even at work, I see this in myself. Rather than accept the authority of my boss, I turn to sin and gossip about him.

God is to be highly exalted
Verse 22 and 23, "Behold, God is exalted in His power; who is a teacher like Him?" Elihu now turns to the focus being on God and that Job (we) is to be submissive to Him. Can a person submit to authority and question authority at the same time? I think not. “Who has appointed Him His way, and who has said, ‘You have done wrong'? God is supreme and independent; no one has advised him, and no one has a right to counsel him. No one has a right to say to God, "You have done wrong." It is to be regarded as an indisputable point that God is always right, and that however dark his dealings with people may seem, the “reason” why they are mysterious “never is, that God is wrong.”

I think this is something that has changed over the years. I believe the Jews have continued to hold this high level of esteem for God, and reverence, and respect. But, often we as Christians do not take on the same level of respect, but instead can at times mirror the world which has so little respect for God. God is to be highly exalted and praised. This also means that God is never to be questioned. Verse 24, "“Remember that you should exalt His work, of which men have sung."

Verse 25: “All men have seen it; Man beholds from afar." Man can see God's handiwork in the creation. His majesty is seen in the sun and stars, the sky, the clouds, the storms, the lighting and the rain. We have immense distances of space that we are just now beginning to behold and yet they have always been there. We can see God from afar.  

Verse 26: “Behold, God is exalted, and we do not know Him; The number of His years is unsearchable. Why can't we just accept this? Why can't we just accept the fact that God and his way are not know completely? I think there is a real danger in this as it is so easy to get our eyes off of God and instead on what we can understand. 

The mighty works of God
The rest of the chapter goes on further to paint this picture of all that God is and does. 
-- Rain and dew
^{27 "}For He draws up the drops of water, they distill rain from the mist, ²⁸ which the clouds pour down, they drip upon man abundantly. Elihu first looks at the rain and the amazement of the clouds holding onto water and then water not descending like a torrent but instead in drops upon the earth or even in a morning dew. Yes, science can offer the explanation to further clarify this phenomenon and that is fine, but the motion is from the handiwork of God. Science describes what God has ordained. In this is the wisdom and power of God. Knowledge of these events and how they occur only further expands and confirms the mighty works of God. 
-- The Clouds  

^29a “Can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds - the clouds roll in and roll out. Here in New Mexico it amazes me the pictures that result from a sunset in which the sun as it descends shines forth through the clouds and their setting in the sky is a sight to behold. The clouds roll into the sky and then spread out in a myriad of beautiful ways. 
-- The Thunder
^29b “the thundering of His pavilion?  The crash of thunder is one of the great illustrations of the dwelling place of God and his power upon the earth. 
-- Lightning
^30a “Behold, He spreads His lightning about Him, - he flashes light over the land and earth; this image is beautiful and graphic; it is impressive. 
-- Covers the sea with floods
^30b “Band He covers the depths of the sea. - he not only covers what we see above, but he tends to what is below and not easily seen. He is Lord over all.

All of this speaks to the wonders of God and the power he has. We often say that no one has seen God and yet we can see him clearly in each other, in the creation, and the displays that he puts forth in nature and weather. At various times the falling of rain is one of the sweetest provisions from God as it causes vegetation to grow and provides us with the nourishment that we need. It is a huge blessing. Yet, there are hurricanes and tsunami's and tornadoes that express a judgment that befalls man as well. There is blessing, but there is also punishment or discipline.
³¹ “For by these He judges peoples; He gives food in abundance. ³² “He covers His hands with the lightning, and commands it to strike the mark. ³³ “Its noise declares His presence; the cattle also, concerning what is coming up.

Promise:  This passage has several themes. In these verses Elihu comes to Job and asserts an idea that is improper. As he shows later in his description of the majesty of God we see that God often acts in ways through what we see in nature according to his divine appointment. There isn't always this clear cause and effect that he alludes to with Job where good decisions always merit good results and improper decisions always merit improper results. God shows us continually that he is in control. This can be a hard message to understand and accept but that is the promise illustrated through this passage.

Jesus Calling: January 26

Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem-free life. Part of you is still hungering for the resolution of all difficulties. This is a false hope! As I told My disciples, in the world you will have trouble. Link your hope not to problem solving in this life but to the promise of an eternity of problem-free life in heaven. Instead of seeking perfection in this fallen world, pour your energy into seeking Me: the Perfect One.
It is possible to enjoy Me and glorify Me in the mist of adverse circumstances. In fact, My Light shines most brightly through believers who trust Me in the dark. That kind of trust is supernatural: a production of My indwelling Spirit. When things seem all wrong, trust Me anyway. I am much less interested in right circumstances than in right responses to whatever comes your way. 

John 16:33
English Standard Version

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Psalm 112:4,7
English Standard Version

⁴ Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.

⁷ He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.

My Prayer
Father, help me to know that trials are a part of life and they are not to be avoided, but counted as joy, as James says. Trouble will happen, as you have said, before You come again. Thank You for sending the Spirit to help us through those troubles. Keep my focus on You and my Hope in You at all times. My kids, they are each experiencing trouble right now in their lives; they are at a difficult place with 2 in college and 1 in high school. But, we all need to trust You through these difficulties. Pamela and I struggle along with them. I come back from a weekend getaway and notice that my stomach starts hurting again. Are my pains due to stress and heartache related to work and my kids' issues? Lord, I need to put my trust in You and You alone. I do not have to be in control of situations. I can trust You for the outcomes.

Lord, I am downcast and looking unhappy, like I have a right to, as I experience these difficulties. But, how quickly I forget that it is possible to continue to enjoy You and glorify You while I go through these difficulties. I do not need to be downcast or gloomy. I look at that 7th verse in Psalm: He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. Wow. 

I can trust in You, Lord. I can rely on Your strength and the indwelling of Your Spirit. You make me glad.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Psalm 21 - God and King

Psalm 21
O Lord, in Your strength the king will be glad, and in Your salvation how greatly he will rejoice! You have given him his heart’s desire, and You have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah. For You meet him with the blessings of good things; You set a crown of fine gold on his head. He asked life of You, You gave it to him, length of days forever and ever. His glory is great through Your salvation, splendor and majesty You place upon him. For You make him most blessed forever; You make him joyful with gladness in Your presence. For the king trusts in the Lord, and through the lovingkindness of the Most High he will not be shaken. Your hand will find out all your enemies; Your right hand will find out those who hate you. You will make them as a fiery oven in the time of your anger; the Lord will swallow them up in His wrath, and fire will devour them. Their offspring You will destroy from the earth, and their descendants from among the sons of men. Though they intended evil against You and devised a plot, they will not succeed. For You will make them turn their back; You will aim with Your bowstrings at their faces. Be exalted, O Lord, in Your strength;
We will sing and praise Your power.

Message: God and King; How we are to pray for our leaders; it is not that God would change their hearts, but that God will work.

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

This is a psalm written by David. He is writing or praying to the Lord about a king. 

David trusts in the Lord's power
He first says that the king will be glad because of the strength of the Lord and he will rejoice because of the salvation of the Lord. Salvation is an interesting word; God saves people, from themselves; He redeems man and sets Him apart. This is what I think about the word salvation. I don't think it is necessarily referring to an eternal salvation, but rather that God intercedes for this king giving him strength and help. Because of the Lord working in the king's life he can then be glad and rejoice. It is not through man's ability or control that makes himself glad and rejoicing. It is through the Lord. These words, though, refer to what the Lord will do. This passage goes back and forth between what God has done already and what He will do.

Past
You have given him his heart’s desire
You have not withheld the request of his lips. 
He asked life of You, You gave it to him, length of days forever and ever.

Present
For You meet him with the blessings of good things
You set a crown of fine gold on his head. 
His glory is great through Your salvation, splendor and majesty You place upon him. 
For You make him most blessed forever
You make him joyful with gladness in Your presence. For the king trusts in the Lord

Future Enemies
Through the lovingkindness of the Most High he will not be shaken.
Your hand will find out all your enemies
Your right hand will find out those who hate you
You will make them as a fiery oven in the time of your anger
The Lord will swallow them up in His wrath
Fire will devour them. 
Their offspring You will destroy from the earth and their descendants from among the sons of men. 
Though they intended evil against You and devised a plot, they will not succeed. 
For You will make them turn their back
You will aim with Your bowstrings at their faces. 

Be exalted, O Lord, in Your strength; we will sing and praise Your power.

The key to this passage is that it points to the reality that God is the one who works in the lives of people, and specifically in the lives of the leaders of nations as this is referring to the king of a people. David is trusting the Lord and declaring that He is in charge.

And this passage speaks a lot about enemies which are obviously normal in a leadership, but those enemies will not have a hold on the king or his kingdom because the Lord will be in charge of them.

I don't pray like this. I pray that God would change a leader's heart. I make it seem like the leader must be surrendered to God before God is going to do a good work in the nation.

Promise: God is in charge and He can take care of His people and kingdoms no matter the leader. We are not to trust in leaders, but trust in the Lord.