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January 25, 2010

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 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)

January 23, 2010

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… jan 002 Tomorrow we’ll be cutting out the blessings and verses and folding up our Valentine Felt Fortune/Blessing Cookies for some of our sweet blog readers…YAY!

OK—random fact about Andrea (besides the fact I like to talk in 3rd person;). I love scavenger hunts. Love em. Probably why I really am so excited about my current project. In college, I actually sent my roommates and friends on multiple scavenger hunts while in college…not typical college student behavior I know…but I’ve always been a gamer at heart—and love a good treasure hunt;). I have been scavengering ALL around town this week in every dollar and craft store! So…can you begin to guess what these things might have in common??? Yes, I am actually completely STOKED about all of these finds this week…
jan 011 jan 012 Can you guess what these images have in common??? Okay—here are some hints. [You can also find the answer in Chapter 10 of Carol Brazo’s book (see previous post) if you have already purchased it.] Hints: 1) They are going to help us celebrate the resurrection. 2) They will be used every Easter in our home. 3) They will all teach my kiddos more about God and the journey leading up to Christ!

I want to make a BIG deal about Christmas (it is when our Savior was born)…but I want to make a BIGGER deal about Easter (when our Savior BECAME our Savior…when the curtain was torn…when the Old Testament prophesies were filled…when it all FINALLY made sense!) Lent will begin on February 17th—so after my kids have gobbled up God’s truths and our love from the 1st-14th opening their Cookies—we’ll then start walking through scripture through Lent. I’m especially excited because my oldest is 5 this year, and it’s all starting to really make sense to him—so things like this are SO MUCH FUN for me.

Beginning on the 17th and each day leading up to Easter—they will get an ornament for our Easter tree. Each figure will symbolize a story of God’s love and faithfulness—any story that played a role leading up to the cruxification and RESURRECTION of Christ. THEN…on Easter morning…momma will wake up the other girl in our home with cheers of joy…”HE IS ALIVE!” After all, women were the first to discover He was risen…it is our heritage and our joy to be the one’s to declare it in our home at Easter. Of course we may all be jumping on beds shouting—but indeed…the fact that HE IS ALIVE is a reason to celebrate! SO…I’m getting PUMPED about how I’ll be leading up to this with my kids! You, of course, can come up with your own list of 40 stories of God’s love and faithfulness leading up to Christ—but I’ll post mine here in the next day or so for anyone who would like it. I never want to overwhelm another mommy with “oh no—here she goes again…another thing to do”, but instead I want to SUPPORT YOU and give you fun, creative ideas to use in your home! It’s not “another thing to do” but rather tools to help you share the gospel with your children in fun and engaging ways! And…if you are like me and you just like a challenge and a good treasure hunt…this one might be a fun one for you! I got this idea from the author of that book I just told ya about—and I LOVED IT!

So…my finds…

Image 1: The woman at the well (found this at Hobby Lobby in the dollhouse section)

Image 2: The Story of Abraham and Sarah (Hobby Lobby dollhouse section)

Image 3: Jonah and the whale (Dollar Tree!)

Image 4: Daniel and the Lion’s Den (Dollar Tree!) [Funny story about Mr.Scarey Lion (as I call him). I saw a cartoon lion in Hobby Lion and I just could NOT purchase him. He wasn’t scarey at all. I could just see myself telling my kids the story of Daniel and the lions with Mr.Cartoon Hobby Lobby Lovey Lion—and I could see them thinking, “Big deal. God saved Daniel from THAT?!” So…after holding Mr.Cartoon Hobby Lobby Lion…I laughed and put him back. And headed to the Dollar Tree. I felt like a kid in the candy store when I found THIS ONE! Scarey, huh?

Image 5: Judas’s betrayal (Hobby Lobby party favor section!)

More to come later this week folks…I’ll try to post my list for anyone entertaining the thought of doing your own Easter tree. I was going to do felt–but I think I’ll keep our Jesse Tree as our felt tree and mix things up a bit! I have a fun idea for the tree display—so I’ll post that asap too:) XOXO…and on to the reading…

Job Chapters 19, 20, 21

Chapter 19: Ahhh…this chapter makes me feel like Job is finally exiting the fog. His ailments are the same. His circumstances no different. BUT–instead of trying to prove himself right, he begins to ask his friends to have mercy on him. Although you can still sense some frustration, he finally makes a request for them to have mercy. He is being honest, not as defensive and real. When someone makes a judgement about me, of course the first thing I want to do is ask a lot of questions and then help them see ME the way I want them to see me. I wish I could say that I don’t care what others think of me…I feel like slowly I’m getting there—less concerned about the world’s thoughts and more concerned about how the Lord sees me.

The Lord has laid something crazy on my heart. It’s crazy. It doesn’t make sense. And I wasn’t sure, at first, if I wanted to do it. I had prayed, “Use me Lord” and since becoming a believer my hearts cry to Him as been, “I will go any where and do anything when it is Your voice calling me”. No matter what the world thinks. Then I heard the Lord speak to me. One word. And that was enough. This has happened in the past in miraculous ways—and over and over I have see the Lord’s faithfulness as I followed. There have been really hard times in the following–but in the end…it REALLY did make sense AND it really did God the glory instead of me. And it sure as heck didn’t fit in with the world’s thinking! As a mom though, some times I feel like it can be harder to hear…maybe it’s all the noise we have going on and our tired brains. But in the midst of both of those things, last month the Lord laid something on my heart and a few weeks ago I heard His voice. I knew it was Him speaking to me–and I know to some of you it may sound crazy…but it was quite clear in my heart and mind and as in the past when the Lord really needed to get my attention to answer my “Do anything, go any where prayer” it startled me. I am trying to be obedient. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared or dealing with doubt. And if the world knew they would think I was crazy. The few friends I have shared with and asked to pray are on the edge of their seats praying alongside me. And how thankful I feel to have friends that follow the Lord, trust when I hear His voice because how they have seen Him work in my past and how especially thankful I am that they don’t think I’m crazy! And I hope I have a really good story to share with you one day. But even if it doesn’t pan out like I think it could—I am called to be obedient. I told Rich tonight that I am more concerned about obeying God than what the world thinks. AND I MEANT IT! I really did! And that is SO EXCITING TO ME! I also told Him I feared God way too much not to listen and be obedient. And I heard His voice. One word. And I knew EXACTLY what it meant. In the past, I would have been tempted to worry about what others thought about me. But when you hear God’s voice and know He is asking you to do something…it is much EASIER to not worry about what the world may think!

The problem for Job…is he was not hearing the Lord’s voice…yet. He wanted a word. But there was silence. Oh Lord, even when I don’t hear your voice—help me to keep my eyes on you. Help me to not worry about what the world thinks…or even what my closest friends think. And finally, how does Job end this chapter? BUT AS FOR ME, I KNOW MY REDEEMER LIVES! I love that Job used the word REDEEMER here! AND HE WILL STAND UPON THE EARTH AT LAST! Doesn’t that make you want to jump up and shout! And…I WILL SEE HIM…WITH MY OWN EYES…AND I AM OVERWHELMED WITH THAT THOUGHT!

Chapter 20 – Zophar’s Reply
I don’t like Zophar’s reply. He just doesn’t get it…and neither he nor his boys are gonna let it go, are they?! I get their point—I think we all get their point. But we are clearly being taught in this book that while some times Zophar’s words may be true—this obviously isn’t always what happens. I like what Matthew Henry says about Zophar’s speech here: “Never was any doctrine better explained and worse applied”.

Chapter 21 – Job speaks again
Job is trying in this chapter to address the issue they are debating—whether outward blessing is a mark of a true believer and a ruined life would prove you to be a hypocrite. Oh if his friends could just see and understand that this is not true—then they would be able to hold his hand and help Job through this difficult time. They want to make sense of his life, and they think they have the answers. How I wish they could be a friend to Job right now…but for Job, this too is part of the process.

Looking forward to the chapters ahead! Now…it’s getting hard not to read ahead all over again:). Have a beautiful Sunday:)

XOXO,

andrea

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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).

January 22, 2010

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 of print, so it’s hard to find—but if you hit Amazon or ebay at the right time you might get lucky and find one for under $30. If you see one, snag it…and yes–the $150 ones you see are for real. This book is now considered a collector’s item because of it’s demand and being out of print.

Today’s Reading: Job 15:1 – 18:21

Chapter 15 – Did Eliphaz seriously just call Job a windbag? Man, we have the serious name calling going on now. Poor Job. As if he needs any more drama in his house…now we have his three friends throwing him under the bus for no reason other than assuming Job’s life has turned bad because he must be sinful. What a good reminder to not be judgemental of other’s circumstances—whatever they are…whether they are successful in business or years without work. Help us Lord to look at other’s hearts and help us to see others AS YOU SEE THEM.

Chapter 16 – Job’s response to Eliphaz – Can’t you just hear Job’s confidence, honesty and even hurt in this chapter? “What stinky comforters you are. Guys, if we were to switch places…I could just as easily say everything you are saying—but I would encourage you instead.” Sounds to me like Job is doing a little too much reflecting on others and their resonse to him. He is hurt and is starting to repeat his feelings all over again. It’s so easy though to get defensive when someone questions us—we want them to know the REAL us, to know our hearts and understand really where we are coming from.

Chapter 17 – Job is starting to really get his friends get to him, “Lord, I’m surrounded by mockers…oh Lord–please defend me and show them really who I am” he seems to be saying here. Do I care more about how I look to others than the Lord’s will being done? Am I willing to give up all things here for the sake of doing His will? Job says his hope is no longer in this world, but in death. He just wants his misery to be OVER. I can’t identify with Job as I’ve never lost all my family…been stricken with a disease…but I can understand why he is just tired and d-o-n-e. He’s tired. Frustrated. Just done. Every have those days, weeks or seasons? You just feel defeated. But I love what Shannon shared yesterday in the comments from a devotional she is currently reading—just in case you missed it…it’s must read, encouraging insight: ….”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!

And we end today on Chapter 18 Bildad’s response…which just isn’t worth commenting on because…well, it’s just plain…not nice. Oh I hope I can be a constant encouragement to those who need it. Lord speak to our heart and help us to hear your voice and feel your prompting of the Spirit.

Amen.

XOXO,

Andrea

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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.

January 22, 2010

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 FITTING. Job really takes you through the emotions we often feel in life some times. We just don’t know if we can get through it. But HANG IN THERE…hope is waiting around the corner! Always, always.

AND…Let me give you a reason to shout a praise of thanksgiving today!!! In the midst of hardship—the Lord is working! In good days—the Lord is working! When things make sense OR don’t make sense—the Lord is working! It makes me want to SHOUT, “HOSANNA!” In Hebrew, Hosanna means “please save” or “save now”. That is my shout today! BE ENCOURAGED! You would NOT believe, even if I told you, how the Lord is working through this Bible reading. They aren’t my personal stories to tell, but daily–I received emails that knock my socks right off! Halleujah! Oh the stories! From “this is the first time I’ve read the Bible” to “I would read that you loved the Lord and I wanted that”…the LORD IS WORKING! Yes, even on the internet. HOSANNA! HALLEUJAH! I LOVE IT! Let us not give up on the reading of His Word. I told you that you were going to hear me say that a lot this year. But let us not give up! The Lord, indeed, is working! So…let us start our Friday…not the “end” of the week…but the “beginning” of our weekend where we may be used for the glory of God! Give us strength Lord…here’s a little song to help you get your praise on in your heart today…

Okay, because I know all kinds of folks at all different places are reading my blog–these people in this video may look crazy gettin’ their praise on—but lemme explain. They are just in love with Jesus. I encourage you to just turn up this song, close your eyes as you listen and let the words speak to your heart…and join them in the heart of worship.

Today’s Reading – Job Chapters 12, 13, 14
Chapter 12 – Job rebukes his friends judgements of him—in essence, he really stands up for himself in confidence and also shows that he finds his worth in God not in their opinions. He explains that you really can’t judge if people are living right or wrong based on if things are going well for them. In verses 6-11 he says even wicked people prosper. So true. Not fun to watch a wicked man prosper is it? But man looks at the outer appearance while God looks at the heart. God ends this chapter by speaking of the Lord’s wisdom and power. I love how Job continues to speak truths of the Lord…I’m seeing how DEEPLY He knew our Father’s heart and ways.

Chapter 13: Very similar to Chapter 12, Job continues to rebuke the opinions and statments of his friends. (Declares what he knows it not true.) Then he professes his confidence in the Lord and His ways (Declaring who God is). Finally, he asks the Lord to show him his sin (Searcing His heart). This chapter is a great model for when we hear something that hurts us.

Declare what you know is untrue
Declare who the Lord is—putting the Lord in His rightful place in your heart and submitting to the Lord
Ask the Lord to help you see if there is sin in your life—pray deeply for Him to show you…so you may confess it to Him (and maybe even friends) so you can walk away from it

Chapter 14 – And just when you thought Job was beginning to gain heart–this next chapter seems to take an interesting plunge…or maybe a bit of thoughtful uncertainty about life, death and even God’s ways.

Thanks for walking through this chapter with me. Job didn’t live an easy life–and this isn’t an easy read. We were not made for THIS world—and I should count all things loss here…because really the ONLY thing that matters here is being in the Lord’s will while I’m here. How will we know His will? KNOW HIS VOICE. How will we know His voice? BE IN HIS WORD. Let us not give up dear friends…I know hope is just around the corner—for Job, for you, for me, for those in need, for orphans, for Haitians…I know that we serve a good, loving, merciful, gracious God…and with Him–there is always hope.

AND SPEAKING OF HOPE…A BABY GIRL REFERRAL WENT OUT YESTERDAY WITH OUR AGENCY!!! YAY!I’m not 100% sure but I think that we may be unofficially #30 on the girls list and around #20 on boys list! So funny to have started out as #45 on the girls list and #28 on the boys. We have moved only 8 spots on the boy list but 15 on the girl list. WOW. Now I’m really starting to wonder if our next baby is a prince or princess! This is going to be an exciting year…thank you for sharing it with me!!!

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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.

January 20, 2010

A refreshing breather! (Reading Job 8 – 11:20)

Chapter 8: Boo to Bildad. It’s a good thing I’m not Job—or Bildad’s friend during my time of great loss. I think his comments in Chapter 8 may have earned him a karate chop or two. Don’t worry, I don’t karate chop my friends, but putting myself in Job’s shoes here–I have a JIE-NOR-MOUS (big;) amount of respect for him for letting Bildad finish his opinion. The minute he popped out, “Your children’s death was deserved because of their sin”…that would have just been the first karate chop. (Watch out people—Andrea is in rare form tonight…Job is just too much for me;).

Chapter 9 and 10: Job’s response is understandable and honest toward God, and I think this may be one chapter that is worth a few “re-reads”. I think the Holy Spirit is just amazing how He writes scripture and takes you through Job’s feelings—and as I read this chapter I felt like better understood a perspective that many unbelievers argue and keep them from trusting and following the Lord. “Why plead to God either way—God is going to do what He is going to do…God allows bad things to happen to bad people–and good people…right?” I don’t get it. Why believe? Why follow? How would you answer those questions? I think it’s really important, as believers, for us to really soak in some of Job’s questions and frustration here. He was a strugglin’ man who loved the Lord. He had experienced His goodness and grace. Job knew His heart. What was it that Job isn’t getting here? Job clearly understands God for who He is—but like so many of us, He is confused by why things happen the way they do some times.

Chapter 10: Zophar. I have no words for Zophar’s response. Other than…he deserves a karate chop too. And after all those karate chops…I am officially tired. And although it is good to identify with Job and try to understand his plight…I think we need a little pick-me-up…don’t you?!

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Shannon - January 21, 2010 - 1:17 am

Love the pictures! Thanks for the encouragement to keep reading…Job has been tough!

Amy @ Filled With Praise - January 21, 2010 - 6:05 am

Job is killing me. I want to jump in there and give his friends a piece of my mind OR a karate chop or two 🙂

Love the pics. I am not a photographer, but I love great pictures. Your pics are so good.
Blessings,
Amy

april - January 21, 2010 - 7:17 am

well let me just say that you have a gift for photography! LOVED the pictures and it made me miss the beach!

Amber - January 21, 2010 - 7:53 am

Shannon Tanner!!! Love the pics! I have some similar ones myself. 🙂

Lena - January 21, 2010 - 8:14 am

keep the photog tips and encouragement comin’! I love it!

Nikki - January 21, 2010 - 8:28 am

Yes, I’m still with you… in case you’re wondering! I keep reading at night, so I don’t often get to be part of the conversation. But I’m still here. 🙂

Although my anger does tend to flare up a bit while reading the supposed “help” Job’s friends offer, lately I’ve been trying to put myself in their position. Who knows the mind of God? They see before them a man they all have looked up to, possibly envied their whole lives… and he is broken beyond imagination. They are desperate for answers, not only for him but for themselves, to somehow save themselves from whatever judgment or trial Job is enduring. They don’t understand… heck, Job doesn’t understand… so his friends are grasping at any and all explanations, ANYTHING that will explain it, give an answer… no matter how unthinkable (or completely WRONG, as we see with the benefit of hindsight, knowing that God is orchestrating this story ultimately for His glory) that answer may be. And Job… even though I know the huge rebuke that’s coming at the end of this book, I still admire his faith in many ways. He rails, he questions, he demands answers, perhaps a bit arrogantly at times… but somehow he does not recant his faith. He is still a model for his friends… whether they see it or not at this point.

I hope that made sense. It’s still early out west, and I wrote most of that with a two-year old sitting on my lap! 🙂

Megan - January 21, 2010 - 12:24 pm

“JIE-NOR-MOUS (big)” –> hehee! =) That made me laugh! Chapter 8: “You’re getting what you deserve” is basically what Bildad is telling Job. Perhaps the most insensitive of all comments you can say to someone suffering. But Bildad doesn’t know the whole story. Only God knows the circumstances behind the suffering. Our main concern when someone is suffering is to offer them comfort and support. Oh Lord, please guide the thoughts in my head and the words of my mouth to be ones of love and comfort, not accusation!
Chapter 9: I just have to quote the commentary on my Bible, because it speaks volumes. “When we feel that God isn’t being fair, we should remember that if he were, we would neer be able to enter his presence. When God is “unfair,” it is always on the side of mercy.”
“Job lamented the absence of a mediator to stand between himself and God. We do have such a mediator – Jesus Christ. We can take our case directly to God because Jesus’ death and resurrection gave us access to God’s presence.”
Wow…doesn’t that make you grateful once again for Christ making the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf?
Chapter 10: Job felt hopeless and couldn’t imagine any sort of a future or happy ending. He was enveloped in darkness. We know better though, because we have Jesus’ promise: “Don’t be troubled. You trust God, now trust me. There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know where I am going and how to get there.” John 14:1-4
Chapter 11: Zophar was mistaking Job’s quest for reason for opposition against God. God allows us to meditate on our suffering. Although sometimes we are not meant to know the reason, the important thing is that we learn from our trials and trust God rather than complain. My Bible commentary (so good) ends this chapter by saying, “Zophar was mistaken because his theology could not allow the possibility that Job could suffer and still be righteous.”
Again…these are difficult chapters to read. Stick to it because the reward is great! Look how much we are learning already!
Love the photog tips…I’m still dealing with my simple point and shoot (although hubby promised a good one before Africa)…do you have any tips for me? I have a major hobby with photography, but I don’t even know where to begin with my little Nikon.
Thanks for walking us through this again…difficult chapters, I know.

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Job 22:1-25:6

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

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

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

A refreshing breather! (Reading Job 8 – 11:20)

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