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Recharged & Job Chapters 32-34

01.28.2010

I woke up this morning…to find we were out of coffee filters. Me without coffee. Not good. This momma requires a few things to be recharged. Coffee. The word. And another cup of coffee. One of my kindred spirits, Shawnda, is the same way and I love that the first time she and her family came to stay with us in Hot-Lanta that she called to see if we were stocked up on coffee beans. Love it. I hear ya sister. So, my friends know I have to have my coffee. I have been known to knock on neighbors doors for coffee beans, sugar and milk…whichever I’m out of to make my morning cup when out of one of the three essentials! But never fear—without coffee filters, I pulled out the old faithful coffee press…
jan 034 And my sweet friends know I have to have my princess cup. I remind my husband often that I am one because I’m the daughter of the King! Yum…coffee out of the press—as it should be.

One Year Chronological Reading – Job Chapters 32-34
Good stuff today! So even if you aren’t reading with us…such good stuff here to take in!

Chapter 32 – Elihu is on the scene… This chapter introduces another perspective…another person to address Job. Elihu is among the crowd that has gathered—as as everyone stands silent (really speechless) after Job’s final speech and oath before God, Elihu has his opinion and cannot stand holding it in any longer. He says he was timid to speak at first because he is younger than the others, and although he does carry a bit of conceit–his intentions are good. To give himself credibility before saying his piece, Elihu gives four reasons what he has to say is worth hearing: 1) He is indignant 2) He is inspired 3) He is impartial 4) He is impelled. Elihu made it clear that what he had to say was from God—but go ahead and take note…because when God does appear on the scene very soon He ignores Elihu and everything that he had to say.

Chapter 33 – Elihu and his 2 cents – Although Job has already checked out of the debate, Elihu’s speech does offer some great insight into the purpose of suffering. Ole Elihu does argue that Job’s problems are a result of his sin (which we all know isn’t the case) but he also introduces another truth in this speech of hardship: to keep us FROM sin. And this is God’s grace (33:24).

This is great insight as later in the New Testament we will learn from Paul how God uses the thorn in his flesh to keep him close and from sin. Paul even learned to thank God for it (2 Cor. 12:7-10). None of us want a thorn in our flesh, to face hardship, to have something precious and dear to our hearts ripped away, to have a dark cloud over us, to have everything seem to go wrong…but we must remember it is not always because of sin. If you are in the Word, if you are close to the Lord and if you are a son/daughter of the Most High—it is most likely a gift from the Lord keeping you closer to Him—and FROM SIN.

P.T. Forsyth, a British theologian, once said “It is a greater thing to pray for pain’s conversion than its removal.” For Paul, what could have broken him down–instead BUILT HIM UP. While Job may feel he has had WAY TOO MANY THORNS (and I might agree) is doing quite well holding himself together considering the circumstances. Job after this speech because he is simply waiting for the Judge to appear. Some times, when things aren’t going our way—the world and those close to us will offer their opinions, their condolences…their 2 cents. Most will mean well, some may even be speaking from the Holy Spirit, but the ONLY One we must wait upon is HE…THE LORD!

Build us up Oh God! When hard things come–use them to draw us unto you. Be our Rock. Help us to stand strong with YOUR strength. Oh that we should not cry “WHY?” but instead “your will be done”…”to you be the glory”…”hold me tight”…”breath Your life in me”…”redeem this Lord for your glory!”

Chapter 34 – Elihu tries to explain and defend God in this chapter as he feels Job has spoken of God wrongly saying he is an unjust God. So, Elihu is simply trying to prove God is a just God here. He gives 2 arguements here: 1) If God is unjust, then He is not God and 2) If God were unjust, there could be no just government on earth. There was truth in what Elihu says here, only he chose to park on the subject of God’s justice and left out God’s love. Have you ever been to a church that preaches more on God’s judgement (scare ya into heaven sermons)? Get your ticket to heaven right here! But our faith is not a safety net—and I don’t want my children to just get God’s judgement—more than anything I want them to know God’s LOVE.

If the Lord doesn’t take away your burden, remember He will give you the strength to carry it–and even a song to sing through it! Come to Him today–whatever your burden and ask Him to be your song as you continue the race He has put before you to run…

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4 comments

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Megan - January 28, 2010 - 2:30 pm

Thank you for your insight! Specifically that your hardships are often a gift from God to keep you closer to Him. So true…

Megan - January 28, 2010 - 2:33 pm

Oh! And THANKS for the photography tip about doing creative crops…that’s great advice!

april - January 28, 2010 - 5:05 pm

LOVE the pics!

kristi johnson - January 28, 2010 - 10:56 pm

love the pics…too cute 🙂 kj

Feelin the Love & Job Chapters 30 & 31

01.27.2010

I grew up in a house where we used everything…I mean EVERYTHING…and my momma could always make somethin’ out of nuttin. So…with the Valentine Felt Cookies all completed and in the mail (if you ordered some to help Haiti…THANK YOU…they are on their way!), and I couldn’t bear to toss out the felt scraps. Instead of hanging pots this month…we’re getting in the spirit for a little love…
valentines 003
valentines 001 I think our Valentine’s chain might even be festive on our Easter tree! And what a good reminder that chain would be of His love and that our chains are broken and we are set free from bondage through the cross.

AND…I finally finished my treasure hunt for the Easter Tree (see under Crafts for the list of ornaments) and I even made 2 extra sets for my friend Addie and sister April. Are they just lucky to have Aunt Andrea so on top of it?! Here are a few more of my favorite finds/creations for our Easter tree…

OK…how funny is this one for my day for Jacob and Esau?!
I couldn’t resist hot-glueing the hand to the heel…my kids will be very interested in this one (Day 7) I think!

Here’s my home-made crown out of felt and glued jewels…Laney is gonna love this one as we talk about Isrel desiring a king (Day 14)…

I’ve never been so excited about starting Lent!!! Ahhh…what a glorious thing to anticipate celebrating the resurrections! I love that we celebrate Jesus’s birth for 25 days in December…but that we rock out His resurrection for over 40 days for Lent! I can’t WAIT for Easter morning…I feel like it’s Christmas all over again…only times 2…as it should be!

One Year Chronological Bible Reading

Job Chapter 30 This chapter is another tough one as Job reflects on the things that he used to have but no longer has. He has 5 complaints: I have no respect, I have no blessing, I have no help, I have no future and I have no ministry. He is in the pit of discouragement. And his friends are of no help either. Although I must confess that I’m about as ready to be out of this part of Job’s life as I am when I am discouraged myself—I think there is value in treading through hard chapters and really reflected upon them. They are a part of the Living Word for good reason–Holy Spirit, speak to our hearts and teach each of us what you desire us to learn and change our hearts for your glory.

I ask Lord that in times of dispair, you will comfort us…in times of sadness that you will bring friends to encourage us with YOUR words. And in times of joy and blessing, you will use us to encourage and love others who are experiencing some of these same complaints as Job. Oh that we would cling to you so our words might be YOUR words.

Job Chapter 31 This chapter is Job’s final defense putting himself under an oath before God. In front of his friends…and most likely at this point quite a crowd…Job asks God to give him 3 things: a hearing, an answer to his charges and to prove his innocence. And if God couldn’t do these things (meaning Job was quilty), then Job was willing for God to send curses his way. He has asked God before men to send some pretty terrible things his way if he is guilty: others will eat his harvest, his wife will become another man’s servant, his arm will fall from his shoulder, and his harvest will be weeds. And then “Job’s words were finished.” Silence. Can you imagine the crowd and his 3 friends standing there? Wow. What could they say? Job was sure God would vindicate. This friends were sure God would condemn…and what God decides to do next…is in tomorrow’s reading! Hang in there…and get ready—I think the light is at the end of the tunnel…and we’re pretty certain it’s not another train.

Let us not give up on the reading of God’s Word!

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Amy @ Filled With Praise - January 27, 2010 - 3:26 pm

Love the links of love and the additions to the Easter Tree.

I read through and finished Job today. I was really getting frustrated with all of their complaining 🙂 So, I was happy to see that there was a somewhat happy ending. I won’t spoil it though 🙂
Blessings,
Amy

april - January 27, 2010 - 3:27 pm

haha love the jacob esau babies…lol

LOVE what you did with your extra felt! so pretty!

Job 26-29:5

01.26.2010

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 that Bildad’s words are coming from Bildad. Not from God. Have you ever pulled a Bildad? Spoken your mind and not from God’s heart? And you know exactly when you have done it. Oh Lord—help us resist giving others OUR opinions! Help us to offer instead YOUR WORDS, YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT, YOUR LOVE!

Ahhhh…and then for the REST of this chapter–Job paints a beautiful picture of God’s power. He is truly worshiping the Lord in this! How beautiful are his words?! “God STRETCHES the northern sky over empty space and hangs the earth on nothing…He wraps the rain in His thick clouds, and the clouds don’t burst with the weight…the foundation of the heavens tremble…by His power the sea grew calm…” So beautiful.

[sidenote] And just on a funny sidenote—I had a funny college friend who really got hung up on verse 12 “the great sea monster” part. Apparently, some crazy Christian folk think this ole sea monster lives in Argentina. Are you one of those? Just kidding. I’m just sayin’. My friend actually WENT to Argentina in hopes to spot the sea monster. I’m just sayin’…he was my crazy Christian friend…wonder what he’s doing now. Maybe he’s in Argentina. [end sidenote]

Chapter 27 – Job’s Final Speech While this final speech may sound cruel to us–in the East it wasn’t enough to affirm your innocense only—but they typically followed it by a curse toward anyone who said they were guilty when they were not. We have to remember that Job lived BEFORE Mosaic law—before the Sermon on the Mount—and we can’t expect him to live like Jesus yet. In the sight of God, Job really was right. He was blameless. But still–his curse seems awfully cruel…especially the children part. That would be enough for me I’m afraid if I were one of his stubborn friends to do a double take I’m afraid!

Chapter 28 – Job Seeks God’s Wisdom In this chapter Job’s theme is that wisdom from God cannot be bought. And did you see…in the New Living Translation verse 19??? Not even “precious peridot from Ethiopia cannot be exchanged for it”! (Just had to toss that out there;)

Chapter 29 – Job Speaks of Former Blessings Job thinks of wishes for his past…again painting another beautiful picture—but it’s a picture of what he had…key word–HAD. There can be a ministry in memory when used in the right way, but dwelling on the past can also take your eyes off where God is wanting to take you next.

Gerhart Tersteegan said, “As long as we want to be different from what God wants us to be at the time, we are only tormenting ourselves to no purpose.” Don’t focus on the glories of the past and ignore the possibilities of the future. There will be hard things that come—and you will be tempted to say, “But don’t you know what I’ve done? I have worked so hard for the Lord, and why is this crumbling?” Keep your eyes up–focused on the prize Christ has set before you. I’m not planning for everything to go my way with our adoption plans, with our ministry or even with tomorrow. But I do know that if I keep my eyes on set on the cross and continue in the Word and trusting the Lord—then in the end I’ll be so thankful that it didn’t work out “my way” to begin with. He is worthy of our trust!

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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!

Easter Tree…(Lent Begins on February 17th!)

01.26.2010

For those of you wanting to do an Easter tree…here is something I created to get you prepped early! You now have a couple of weeks to get everything together if you want to do it! You can find this post later under “Crafts” also so you don’t have to search through past entries to find it. Todays scripture reading…to come later:)

For those of you wanting to join me in creating a Lent tradition, I have created 5 word documents for you to download and print. This activity requires you to find 41 treasures for the 40 days of Lent (a few after to celebrate the resurrection!). The list that I used is in each document download. I found these 41 treasures (one day is a “nothing day” as you wait on the resurrection) at Dollar Trees, Hobby Lobby, ebay and some I made myself out of felt. These word documents were created to be printed on shipping labels—so you can easily print them on 2″x4″ labels and stick each label on a ziplock bag to store your ornaments in to remind you the story and verse—as well as to store safely from year to year.

All the work has been done FOR YOU! Your welcome;). Now…you just need to run to the store and buy white shipping labels – 10 per sheet 2 in x 4 in. (I bought Office Max’s offbrand and it matches the download template of Avery 8163). But as long as you purchase the 2″x4″ with 10 on a sheet—this should work!

DOWNLOAD EACH SET HERE BY CLICKING ON AND OPENING THE FILE. Then…just print!

Lent Days 1-10
Lent Days 11-20
Lent Days 21-30
Lent Days 31-40
He Is Risen Days 41-42

I followed the instructions found in Carol Brazo’s book “No Ordinary Home: The Uncommon Art of Christ-Centered Homemaking”…which by the way is a must have in any mommy’s library! Carol Brazo walks you through how to beautifully celebrate the final week of Lent, Holy Week, with your children—and this is SURE to be a memory they will forever hold dear in their hearts as they encounter the Savior this powerful week in an amazing way. My favorite is one of her explanations of how she celebrates Sunday…

“Every Easter Sunday I am the first one up. Mark, like the disciples before him, hears those magical words, “He is risen” from the mouth of a woman. The little girls are awakened by their mama’s cries of joy, “He is risen!” and they in turn wake up their brother. Those first words belong to women. They are our gift and our heritage. And every year, as I hear women cry out their joy, a place deep inside me, inside the female part of me, is resurrected and brought to nerve-tingling life. He is risen! He is risen! Wake up and rejoice!”

I hope you enjoy this wonderful experience with your family from year to year. Happy treasure hunting as you prepare for Lent!

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julie@Flitterbugs - January 26, 2010 - 1:31 pm

I am soo excited about this! Thank you for sharing. i just got back from Target where I found a miniture globe on the $1 isle. I was planning on hanging it above our table with verses about preaching the gospel to all nations, but I think I will save it for the Easter tree!

april - January 26, 2010 - 2:33 pm

such great ideas…never heard of an easter tree! :0)

Amy @ Filled With Praise - January 26, 2010 - 3:31 pm

Thanks for sharing. You are so sweet!
Blessings,
Amy

Heidi - January 26, 2010 - 5:58 pm

I love it!! I will be for sure doing this sounds great! Thanks for sharing your creative!

Job 22:1-25:6

01.25.2010

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 hurt and frustration…bottles of emotions that must have raged in his heart. Over and over he has heard this SAME speech from one of the three. There is nothing he can do to prove his innocense to his friends—he has nothing to show them and they will not believe his words. And how does he respond after ANOTHER accusation?

Chapter 23 Job’s 8th response to his friends is not one of frustration or hurt to his friends–but now simply longing to be in the Lord’s presence—so he may understand why this has happened to him and his judgement can finally be over and the air can be cleared. OH…don’t you LONG for the Lord’s justice? Don’t you long to be understood by those who ever never “got” you? There have been so many times in my life where I have been heartbroken by sin around me, and as much as I have wanted to take a matter into my own hands I have only gotten peace as I knelt before the Lord and said, “Take this Lord. I trust you Lord. I believe you are a just God. I know you are a good God. I ask for you to work this out. May your justice prevail and Your will be done.”

His justice will always, always prevail. But I think the hardest part—is that although we are instructed in His word to seek justice, defend the cases of the oppressed—we are not promised justice in this life. But we have to remember—we are promised justice (Isaiah 10) when we all see God face to face. Defend the weak, fight for justice and trust in the Lord who is a God of justice, truth and love.

Chapter 24 Job asks in this chapter why the wicked are not punished. And oh–how this chapter I feel like I could cry out as well! Why is their pain in the world? Why hungry children? Why are children abused? Why do evil men get away with such crimes here on Earth? WHY? WHY? WHY? I have a list of whys for my own life—but looking back, I know see…that in every last one of them…THE LORD HAS BEEN GLORIFIED.

Why Lord did my father, a good man and a hard worker, lose jobs when I was little…why did everything never seem to work out…why did my parents have to struggle so? The Lord have given me a heart to give, to spot a child in need, compassion for the poor and to know the joys of not having what the world has. Oh–that I can give my children the same gifts my parents gave me! The gift of creativity…in using EVERYTHING…in not wasting…in stretching a penny. I would not change ONE thing about the things I once thought were unfair. The Lord was just. He was faithful. My heartbeat is now to care for those who are in need—forget saving for Disneyland…Heaven is going to be way cooler than that. The Lord is glorified as we love the world deeper!

Why Lord when you finally provided a job was it in a town far away where we knew no one…and in the midst of tough middle school years where my sisters and I would do anything to fit in? I felt so alone Lord…and never in the years to come was I ever so far away from you? And when I finally became a believer, I was ridiculed and mocked. BUT…I can identify with the lost. I long for them to experience the Lord. And the Lord blessed 10 years of middle school and high school ministry in my life after I finally came to him at 18. I couldn’t have understood or identified with those kids had the Lord not taken me through the valley. The Lord is glorified!

Why Lord when I was 16 did you allow me to be at the wrong place at the wrong time? When I cried out to you why didn’t you come save me? How in the heck could you ever use that for your glory? The Lord needed me to understand pain–and to also understand TRUE forgiveness and the miracle of healing. To knock on the door of an evil doer and say, “I forgive you because I was forgiven is. I have to tell you about the Lord–because He loves me. He forgives me. And if you let Him—He also wants to forgive you.” To see tears of regret and to know the Lord had already tormented one with guilt and grief…and to ask the Lord to change a heart and to please forgive…lives are changed…justice is served…I can understand those who have been hurt in a new way…the Lord is glorified!

Following the Lord to India, China and Africa in missions…why Lord are these children poor? Why are they alone? Why are they being victimized? Ah…my daughter, you know how they feel. You asked me to help you understand and to know their hearts…your life experiences have given you a gift to understand their pain and their hurt. I want YOU to fight for them. I never gave up on you. This will be how you spend your life…loving them as I loved you.

Isaiah 1:17 “Learn to do right–seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.”

Job 25:1-6 So while Bildad comes back to Job with God is great and we’re maggots…I have to say to Bildad—that we serve a powerful, just and loving God. He changes us through the blood of Jesus from maggots to masterpieces. Bildad, you ask how a mortal can be innocent before God or how anyone born of a woman could be pure? Through the blood of Jesus. And through Jesus–we are offered a relationship with God. Forgiveness of our sins. The old is made new—and through Him we can do all things!

Today, I cling to His truths. He is just! He is righteous! And He always wins. I have seen it in my life, and in all things I know He will be glorified. Because my God wants to be glorified in all things—my God WILL be glorified in all things! AMEN!

The Lord has been faithful to me. He has blessed my life and my household. Because I have seen His faithfulness in being just—I will trust Him with the injustice I know see. And I will not give up fighting the good fight…fighting for those who aren’t able YET to fight for themselves and trusting my God to be with me every step of the way.

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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)