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Category Archives: One Year Bible Study

Job 26-29:5

Chapter 26 My, this chapter starts out with Job sounding a bit sarcastic doesn’t it?! In verses 1-4 Job is simply saying to Bildad that his words have done him no good. Bildad is criticizing Job for being unwise, but he offers him no wisdom. And verse 4—says it best. Job is making the point […]

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Megan - January 26, 2010 - 10:46 pm

I can be a witness to that! Although I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, every step that got me to being a mother was part of my growth. Difficulty getting pregnant, a miscarriage, 9 months of morning sickness, HELLP syndrome, complicated delivery, preemie…although I never planned it to be that way, each step has not only helped me to rely on God more, but has led us to the decision to adopt. With all those complications, neither myself or my husband were ready for another pregnancy so soon, but we are ready for another baby. He had a reason then, and it was all to glorify Him! Thanks again for leading this great Bible study! You have a great insight on God’s word that really speaks to my heart! =)

Shannon - January 27, 2010 - 12:52 am

Thank you for doing such a great job leading Andrea! You are helping me stick with it!

Job 22:1-25:6

Today’s Scripture Reading: Job 22:1-25:6 Chapter 22 We start today’s reading with Eliphaz’s third response to Job…and his opinion of Job hasn’t changed at all. His friends continue to chastise and degrade him…telling Job again and again that if he would just turn from his wicked ways, his problems would disappear. Can you imagine Job’s […]

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Charisa - January 25, 2010 - 3:40 pm

LOL! You and I put the same Isaiah verse on our posts today! We are so alike!

Megan - January 26, 2010 - 10:44 am

Wow! Powerful words Andrea, thank you!
Chapter 22: I really can’t believe how Eliphaz is giving Job a list of his sins, when he obviously doesn’t even have the foggiest clue about him! I can’t even imagine saying something like that to someone!
Chapter 23: In Job’s response, you can hear the confidence in my voice! It seems the more he searches, the more confidence he can claim! I’m so proud of him for standing up for himself! I think it is really easy when people are accusing you to either hush up and listen, or after a while kind of wonder if they are true. You wonder if you missed something in your own life. Job stuck to his guns! And again, my commentary speaks about Job’s honesty with God. “God is not afraid of our feelings, and strong emotions are a natural part of life. We should not label them good or bad. It is how we choose to express them and deal with them that God is concerned about. Honest assessment of our feelings is important as we seek spiritual growth.” Those are important words for me to hear.
Chapter 24: My commentary here summed it all up so well.
“As we face a momentous loss, we are often compelled to rediscover the foundations of our faith. Job probed the whole realm of God’s justice, judgment, and timing, and he came to a humble conclusion: God’s ways are just. We are often confused by his timing, but his ways are ultimately just.”
“Our need for security affects our decisions, attitudes, and actions every day. Each of us has a working definition of security, and we fear anything that threatens it. Job’s entire foundation in this world has been shaken, and yet he learned an important lesson: Real security doesn’t lie in what this world has to offer; it lies in the consistency, the justice, the faithfulness, and the overwhelming power and love of God.”
Chapter 25 & 26: Bildad is short and sweet, “How much less are mere people, who are but worms in his sight?” (25:6) Job is not denying God’s power, he is acknowledging it. “These are some of the minor things he does, merely a whisper of his power. Who can understand the thunder of his power?” (26:14)

Operation Haiti, Sweet Finds and Job (Sunday Reading: Job 19,20,21)

This weekend at the Young house, “Operation Haiti” was underway! Thanks to everyone who donated toward our fundraiser for Heartline Ministries Orphanage in Haiti! Parker and Laney even helped…and tomorrow we should be finished up so we can pay the post office a visit on Monday. Here is the result of today’s work…Tomorrow we’ll be […]

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Heather - January 24, 2010 - 3:32 am

That is a wonderful idea! I can’t wait until I have a little one to try the Easter tree with! You are very inspiring. I want to be a mom like you that instills Jesus in their everyday life. I love that Job calls God his REDEEMER! He is our Redeemer. One of His many names! I hope that when my friend’s have times of need that I can encourage them & not be like Job’s friends. I want to help them through the rough times, not add to their stress! Have a blessed Sunday!

Amy @ Filled With Praise - January 24, 2010 - 9:06 am

What a great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Amy

julie@Flitterbugs - January 24, 2010 - 2:42 pm

I love your Easter tree! We gathered symbols last year and I hung them from the chandilier above our table. Easter was special to me in a way it has never been before! Also, we made a “tomb” out of a type of homemade play dough (and baked it). We sealed Jesus in, and on Easter the tomb was empty. (The kids were totally amazed that he was gone!!) Have you read “Treasuring God in Our Traditions” by noel Piper? It is greatand she talks a lot about the true meaning of Easter. We still give each child a small basket on Easter morning, but I hope it is not all they remember when they grow up!!

Megan - January 26, 2010 - 10:39 am

Chapter 19:
Poor Job! Everyone he has ever loved has turned from him. What would you do in a situation like this. Would you cling closer to God? I hope I would! It’s amazing that he still states the truth with such certainty.
“I know that my redeemer lives.” (19:25)
“I will see him for myself. Yes, I wil see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!” (19:27)
I kind of feel sorry for Job’s friends, because we need to remember that we will be judged by the measure with which we judge others (Matthew 7:1-5, James 2:12-13).
Chapter 20: Really? Let’s further insult the insulted and suffering…nice.
Chapter 21: This chapter should remind us that we worship God for who He is, not for what He will do for us…because often times the godly do suffer. Just because we are Christ-followers doesn’t mean we will escape pain and suffering. But don’t let that depress you. Take comfort in the fact that someday the wicked will be judged, and Christ-followers will be blessed (Luke 16:19-31).

Saturday – Scripture Reading – Job 15:1-18:21

A hidden treasure… If you have never read or heard of this book—the girls I have shared it with describe it as a “must read”, “the best mom book I have read in awhile” and “this is my NEW gift to every new mom…I think it should be required reading for mommies!”. It is out […]

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april - January 23, 2010 - 9:42 am

thanks for telling us about the book! I will have to look it up!

Megan - January 23, 2010 - 11:37 am

Chapter 15: Eliphaz has mistaken Job’s words of grief for words of pride. That is something we all need to be very careful of, because minimizing someone’s expressed grief could prevent them from moving from despair into hope and move on. Eliphaz is convinced that his theory is true: if you are godly you prosper, if you are ungodly you suffer. It may even seem logical to us today. It’s even an easy theory to believe in, as long as things are going our way. But when suffering does come our way and we can’t find a logical explanation, that theory will no longer offer any comfort. It’s a pretty callous way to approach someone’s suffering, so let’s be careful with our accusations.
Chapter 16: We all have known some “miserable comforters” in our life. I hurt for Job, it’s like being slapped when you are already down.
Chapter 17: My commentary says, “How frightening death can be to those who are unaware of God’s glorious hope.” Job is obviously not certain about God’s promise of eternal life. Fortunately we never have to despair, because we know that promise!
Chapter 18: Bildad wanted to know why Job disregarded his “friends” comments, when to us the answer seems so obvious: they didn’t know what they were talking about. They were adding to his suffering with unnecessary guilt. We need to remember to support our friends with words of comfort and love. God is the ultimate judge, not us.

Heather - January 23, 2010 - 7:21 pm

I agree with your take on the reading today. Thank you for continuing to do this. It has helped keep me accountable & want to read so that I can share with all of you. It is amazing what God can do! Looking forward to seeing what ways He will bless us.

Hang in there…there’s only 42 chapters in Job;)

It’s FRIDAY! And we’re stuck in the midst of Job. Today’s reading is Job 12 – 14:22. I know, I know–you are feeling like you will never get through Job. And–when I looked up to see how many chapters there are in Job, and I saw 42–I realize we have a ways to go. HOW […]

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april - January 22, 2010 - 8:31 am

Amen girl! LOVE that song! Its great to see how God moves and works in us through His word!

Nisia - January 22, 2010 - 9:48 am

That song is SWEET! Thanks for sharing

Jenny - January 22, 2010 - 3:27 pm

Love that song!!

You asked about the video I made. I have a mac and just used different transitions from iMovie. Aren’t the swirly ones fun?? That little video has been such an awesome tool. I believe every kid in our school district is going to see it within the next week or so:) So far we’ve raised $500 just collecting cans for about 7 weeks.

Megan - January 22, 2010 - 5:04 pm

Chapter 12: It’s about time Job stands up to the judgment of his friends, don’t you think? If it were me, I probably would have done it a long time ago. Or being the wuss that I am, I probably would have cut off contact with them. When I am in a struggling place in my life, the last thing I want to hear is judgment and ridicule. What I admire about Job is that even in his frustration, he speaks words of wisdom and truth. When I am angry, often the words that come out of my mouth are harsh, jumbled, and don’t make a lot of sense. But Job speaks so eloquently even in his frustration and anger. We also learn in this chapter that Job is learning from his suffering. He has gained a new perspective on the way God works and the way the world works. I wish I could say that I always used difficult times in my life to lead me into a deeper understanding of our God, but the truth is I am a sinner. I think the biggest thing I take away from this chapter is that God is sovereign, almighty, all-powerful, and ultimately…IN CONTROL. We are not. As my commentary again put it, “Humility does not come easily to us, who place great value on power and independence. But the truth is that we are dependent upon God even for our very existence.” Um…wow. And once again, I will relate this to our adoption process right now…..I am growing so much in my relationship with God through adoption. Not only have I come to realize that the only reason I am part of God’s family is because HE ADOPTED ME, but that I have NO CONTROL over the way the process is moving, or the timeframe. It sometimes drives me crazy. There are nights I plead with God to speed things up or to just bring us to the next step. But I KNOW that once again His plan is perfect, like it has been every time in the past. (I know I keep reiterating this, but I need to repeat it for my sake too…I am still learning.)
Chapter 13: Ahhhh SNAP!! Job really gives it to them there, doesn’t he? “You are smearing me with lies. As doctors you are worthless quacks.” (vs. 4) “Are you defending God by means of lies and dishonest arguments?” (vs. 7) Job is clearly angry, and his “friends” are getting in the way of his conversations with God. Yeah, I would have some lashing out to do as well! Who are you that you think you can speak for God? And then Job decides to do something about his situation: present it to the Lord. Can’t you just see him growing closer to God through his suffering? And you want to know the best part? God welcomes our honest feelings!!! What an awesome God we serve!!!
Chapter 14: I think the part that makes Job’s suffering so much worse than our suffering today is the fact that we are living after the time of Jesus Christ! We know the power of His resurrection, and His promise of eternal life! Job was a wise man, but he couldn’t grasp that concept. I imagine that it’s much easier to tolerate the suffering in your life when you understand God’s promise for us. Again in my commentary: “…God wasn’t punishing Job or taking pleasure in his anguish. He was allowing Job to pass through a fiery trial. God knows the end result of our suffering and despair – a faith that is purer than gold.”
“So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” 1 Peter 1:6-7
Well if THAT doesn’t encourage you, I don’t know what will!!! Many people are ready to be done with this chapter. I admit, I was trying to rush through it in the beginning. But I am finding that the more I am reading, the more God is teaching. So I urge you all as you are reading God’s word, to read the meaning behind the words, not just the words themselves. Really reflect on them, because there is an amazing message behind all of Job’s pain.

Heather - January 22, 2010 - 7:34 pm

Thank you for sharing! I fell in love with this song last year when I went to Belarus. At a children’s Christian camp they were singing praise songs, & I knew most of them. I didn’t know this one. They were singing it in their language, but it spoke to my heart, & I just love that song! It’s very moving!

julie@Flitterbugs - January 22, 2010 - 8:23 pm

Hi Andrea! I just wanted to let you know what a perfect timed blessing reading through the Bible with you ladies is. I have been a part of a ladies Bible Study for a years, and they meet one a week in the morning. I have SOOO debated and stressed over this, but now, with homeschooling 2 and finding time to sew for the adoption, I just cannot commit an entire morning and not do school on that day. (By the afternoon, my kids are mentally toast!) The same week my hubby and I decided I needed to give up my weekly meeting with the ladies (which was pretty devestating), you announced this read through. It has been SOOO good to “meet” with you ladies everyday, read through scripture and pray. (I DO pray for any request you all are posting!) It’s kindof crazy, I have never met any of you, really do not have a clue where in the world you live, and may never know….! Isn’t it amazing how strong the bonds of Christ and scripture are?!? I refer to you all as my “blog ladies” to my hubby:) It is such a blessing, because I thought I was loosing my Bible study and lady friends, and now I am just gaining more! (Plus, if I have sick kids or what not I do not have to “stay home and miss”, I can still read what you all have to say!!) Your thoughts Andrea, and all of the comments left here are such an encouragment to me! Thank you all! OK, on to the reading….this may sound CRAZY to you all, but the book of Job has become a HUGE source of comfort to me over the past few years. I am not even sure how to explain what I mean. I read through the book, and I see….He is GOD. He is powerful and HE, not another (and not ourselves!) is in CONTROL. It makes me think of the last line to “This is my Father’s World”…”though all the wrong seems oh so strong, God is the ruler yet.” In the end, whether that be on this side of eternity or not, He will make all things RIGHT. Sin and it’s effects are so real…oh that makes me long for heaven! I long to see my 12 year old brother be able to walk and talk. I long for the day when my parents will not have to watch him suffer. One day, there will be no earthquakes, no orphans, no disease. HE is in control, and HE is good…. our time on earth is so short, our perspective small….we get but a speck of a look at the overall plan. I can’t wait until we get to the last few chapters of Job…I look forward to when God speaks!!!! Blessing to you all!

Shannon - January 22, 2010 - 9:03 pm

Thanks for the encouragement ladies. I have to admit I looked ahead too and felt overwhelmed by 42 chapters(I’ve never actually read Job in it’s entirity. Megan, thank you for the reminder that He welcomes our honest feelings. Oh how I try to fool Him sometimes! He knows my heart. my feelings. my hurt. my anger. Be real with Him! The devotional I’m reading right now fits so beautifully with our reading of Job. An excerpt from January 18….”God gets His greatest victories out of apparent defeats.Very often the enemy seems to triumph for a little, and God lets it be so; but then He comes in and upsets all the work of the enemy, overthrows the apparent victory, and as the Bible says, ‘turns the way of the wicked upside down.’ Thus He gives a great deal larger victory than we would have known if He had not allowed the enemy, seemingly, to triumph in the first place.” We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3-5 Let us keep our hope in Him!

Megan - January 23, 2010 - 11:40 am

Shannon, thank you for sharing that part of your devotions, it so true! I know I often feel like I can hide my feelings from God too. And what’s the point? He knows them anyway…and it feels so much better to share them with Him.