Health, Wealth, and Happiness

Job 40-42, Psalm 150, Rev 22

Good stories follow the same pattern. It begins with a journey, moves through a struggle, and ultimately leads to transformation. The book of Job is no different. Your life—your story—is no different.

I hate Job’s struggle. Truly, I hate reading about it. Thirty-six of the forty-two chapters in Job are filled with sickness, loss, and uncertainty as Job and his friends wrestle with suffering.

Today, we finally get to the end.  It’s easy to dwell on the last chapter and celebrate Job’s restored wealth.  Finally, I think, he is rewarded for his faithfulness. But my initial thoughts are wrong.  The restoration of Job’s wealth is not the victory.  No, victory is secured in verses 5 and 6.  Job says,

I had only heard about you before,

but now I have seen you with my own eyes.

I take back everything I said,

and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.”  Job 42:5-6 (NLT)

Do you see it?  Job’s relief wasn’t about prosperity. Nor was it about vindication.  Job found relief when he fixed his eyes on God.

Psalms 123

I lift my eyes to you,

the one enthroned in heaven.

Like a servant’s eyes on his master’s hand,

like a servant girl’s eyes on her mistress’s hand,

so our eyes are on the Lord our God

until he shows us favor.

Show us favor, Lord, show us favor,

for we’ve had more than enough contempt.

We’ve had more than enough

scorn from the arrogant

and contempt from the proud.

A New Heaven and New Earth

Today’s readings are Job 37-39, Psalm 103, and Revelation 21.

If you have been a believer most of your life, what were your thoughts when reading in science class that the world and everything in it was created by a big bang and that dinosaurs lived millions of years before man compared to what the Bible tells us that it was made in 6 days and that man was created the same day as animals which must also include dinosaurs? Or whether you’ve been a believer since childhood or not, what are your thoughts of what the Bible says compared to mainstream “science?” Growing up and  reading things in science textbooks didn’t shake my faith, but definitely left me wondering if a day in Genesis was really a day as we know it now, but even then animals, which would include dinosaurs, and man being created on the same day had me stumped. It was not a deterrent to my faith though because I knew I believed Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins and rose on Easter and that was all that mattered the most in the end. I would let the other details affect my faith and what was necessary to be right with God and go to Heaven. The problem is though, if one part of the Bible is misinterpreted or has been mistranslated, how can one then be confident in the truth of Jesus’, death, burial, and Resurrection?

What does this have to do with our readings today? Well, Job 37-39 has Elihu and then God Himself speaking of God’s majesty and making the universe and everything in it work properly. If we read on beyond today’s chapters, we find in Job 40:15-18 where God mentions and describes “Behemoth” which could only fit the description of a dinosaur if you read it closely and then God speaks of “Leviathan” in Job 41 which seems to describe dinosaurs of the sea. In these chapters and in our chapters for today he describes other animals like goats, donkeys, and cattle to name a few right along side Behemoth. This does not sound like God and the Bible describing they lived millions of years apart. The word dinosaur was not created until the 1800s.

Here’s my encouragement, if you do some research there are many creation scientists who are disproving past science and the inaccuracies of carbon dating and evolution and proving the what the Bible says. Their science proves a younger Earth that is roughly 6,000 years old, a global flood as we know from the Bible, and that the flood, not millions of years or time, created the different layers of rock found on Earth. They’ve even found soft tissue in dinosaur bones proving they can’t be millions of years old. They were likely on the Ark like other animals (no one said all the animals had to be adults either) and went extinct sometime after like other animals have throughout history.

You don’t have to ignore or turn your head to what science says as a Christian and be scared to answer questions from a non-believer or even your kids about the difference between what mainstream science says and the Bible. Science is now proving what we already knew, the Bible is true!

If you are interested in learning more from creation scientist who are proving science aligns with the Bible and doesn’t conflict with it, check out such resources as http://answersingenesis.org, Creation Today podcast or website, Biblical Creation page on Facebook, or visit the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum in Kentucky to name a few.

Revelation 21 tells us God in the “Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 21:6), and that not only did God create the Earth as we know it and that He still makes the universe operate properly today, but He will create a new Heaven and new Earth when Jesus comes again (Revelation 21:1). And above all things, God’s greatest miracle is that He forgives our sins (Psalm 103:12). And when He comes again to create a new Heaven and Earth, there will be no more crying and no more pain (Revelation 21:4). This is something all believers can look forward to!

A Comparison of Job and a Modern-Day Fallen Leader

Job, a wealthy and respected man in ancient times, was known for his righteousness, generosity, and deep reverence for God. He was revered in his community, cared for the poor, acted as a judge for justice, and lived a life of abundance. However, his life took a drastic turn when he lost his wealth, family, health, and social status. Despite his innocence, Job faced humiliation, physical suffering, and emotional torment, while also grappling with the silence of God in his distress.

Even though Job did nearly everything in his life right, by God, he was not immune to suffering.

In a modern context, Job’s story mirrors that of many public figures—CEOs, celebrities, or political leaders—who rise to great heights of wealth, influence, and admiration, only to experience a dramatic fall from grace. Consider a once-beloved CEO who built a thriving empire, was celebrated in the media, and was admired for philanthropy and leadership, only to lose it all due to scandal, poor decisions, or unforeseen catastrophe. Or, a financial mogul caught in a scandal may face public disgrace, legal consequences, and abandonment by former allies and friends.

While the causes of their downfalls differ—Job’s suffering was not due to personal failure, whereas modern figures often contribute to their own downfall—the emotional and social consequences are strikingly similar. Both experience a loss of identity, deep loneliness, and the scorn of those who once admired them. Job’s friends judged him unfairly, assuming his suffering was due to hidden sin, much like how society often turns on fallen public figures, assuming guilt or failure without full understanding.

Yet, Job’s response set him apart. Despite his despair, he never fully abandoned his faith in God. In contrast, modern figures often place their trust in wealth, reputation, or personal strength, which may leave them without hope when those pillars crumble. Job’s story serves as both a mirror and a lesson: wealth and status are fleeting, but integrity and faith endure beyond misfortune.

Pastor Gary Hamrick speaks of “suffering well.”  No matter the tribulation, the trauma, or the challenge, “God will take care of us and we need to trust Him.”  This seems nearly impossible during the worst of times, but scripture tells us time and time again that God has not abandoned us.  My prayer is that in times of turmoil, and trouble, and they will come, we “run into the word” of God and embrace His promise to see is through our trials.

Changing the Conversation

How are your interpersonal relationships? Are they filled with joy and peace, marked by challenging conflicts and bitterness, or perhaps somewhere in between? Relationships can be both rewarding and demanding, especially when conflicts arise. When facing conflict with another human, we have a few options:

  1. Stand firm. Continue the conflict and stick to our point of view.
  2. Let it go. Forgive and forget.
  3. Change the subject completely. This approach reflects the “flight” response in the classic “fight or flight” scenario.
  4. Change the conversation. Without abandoning the subject, we shift to a different angle or perspective.

The Cost of Standing Firm

Continuing the conflict and maintaining our point of view puts us at risk of being prideful with the focus on winning – which equates to someone losing, and in this, everyone loses. Do you want to win (be right) or do you want to be loving?

The Beauty of Letting Go

Letting something go can be a beautiful gesture of forgiveness as long as we have truly committed our hearts to saying “it’s not worth it” so that the same conflict doesn’t rear its ugly head over and over.

The Power of Changing the Subject

Changing the subject completely is quite useful when things get too hot to handle. It is like the “eject” button from a fighter jet about to explode. We can’t always just change the subject, and avoidance is not always the best way either, so this must be used with caution.

The Art of Changing the Conversation

Changing the conversation is often the most challenging because it requires tactfulness, humility, and patience. This method is a great step toward a win-win because it helps to bring both parties to the table with an attempt to bring peaceful resolution without belaboring or ignoring the issue.

Lessons From The Book of Job

In Job Chapter 24, Job continues his long dissertation and asks why the wicked aren’t punished. He makes good points and as we read this we can understand his frustration and sorrow.

Next comes Job Chapter 25 where Bildad responds. Did Bildad roll up his sleeves and let Job know where he had misspoke? Did he call him a fool, escalate, or dissect his many points? No. Bildad chooses a different approach – he changes the conversation. He doesn’t directly answer Job’s questions nor does he try to argue or reason with Job. He doesn’t change the subject. He keeps his response simple and gives glory to God.

2 “God is powerful and dreadful.
    He enforces peace in the heavens.
3 Who is able to count his heavenly army?
    Doesn’t his light shine on all the earth?
4 How can a mortal be innocent before God?
    Can anyone born of a woman be pure?
5 God is more glorious than the moon;
    he shines brighter than the stars.
6 In comparison, people are maggots;
    we mortals are mere worms.” (Job 25:2-6 NLT)

Transforming Our Relationships

When conflicts arise, consider how we can respond thoughtfully. Whether it is the freedom of letting go, diffusing tension with changing the subject, or changing the conversation. Whatever we do we must do it lovingly with Jesus as our example and savior, for God’s glory. Our responses say a lot about who we are and where we are in our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Today’s reading: Job 24-27; Rev 17

Repent, and Turn To God!

Job 21-23, Psalm 101, Rev 16

God’s wrath came in seven bowls.  Each of them poured out by an angel.  The plagues that they delivered caused malignant worse, water turned to blood – first the sea, then the rivers and springs – the sun became so hot it scorched people, the light was extinguished plunging the world into darkness, even the Euphrates river dried up.  “But,” we are reminded after each one, “they did not repent of their evil deeds and turn to God.”

I am tempted to believe that we are hopless.  Perhaps there is nothing that can conquer our pride and turn to God.  I would think that, but it’s clearly not true.  Psalm 101 gives us a beautiful picture of David.  This is what repent and turn to God looks like.

Psalms 101 (NLT)

I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.

I will praise you with songs.

I will be careful to live a blameless life—when will you come to help me?

I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.

I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.

I hate all who deal crookedly;

I will have nothing to do with them.

I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil.

I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.

I will not endure conceit and pride.

I will search for faithful people to be my companions.

Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.

I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence.

My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked and free the city of the Lord from their grip.

Blessed are the Dead

As I read through Today’s Readings of Job 15-17 and Revelation 14, the following verses made me reflect and pause about death or the second Lord’s coming. (whatever may come first)  Initially, it may sound scary or morbid, but you can find true peace and joy in reflection and digging deeper.  

What stuck out to me was the use of “Blessed are” tucked into verse 13.

I mean reading about the beasts that will be here one day and give a mark to those who do not believe or have not obeyed His commandments.  Reading the scripture in Revelation describing the return of the Lord and the judgment that the three angels with sharp sickles will have to harvest the earth.

You may ask, “Where is the peace in the middle of this hurricane of judgment? In the eye of this storm are the following verses.

12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.

13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”

“Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

 

Immediately, I thought about Matthew’s Beatitudes. Besides Matthew, there are many wonderful blessings/beatitudes throughout the bible.

Psalm 1  Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked…
Psalm 2  Blessed are all who take refuge in Him 
Psalm 32  Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven…
Psalm 84  Blessed is the man whose strength is in You 
Psalm 84  Blessed are those who dwell in Your house
Psalm 112  Blessed is the man who fears the Lord and greatly delights in His commandments 
Psalm 119  Blessed are those who observe His testimonies, who seek Him with all their heart
Proverbs 8  Blessed is the man who listens to Me
Matthew 5  Sermon on the Mount – a series of blessings 

“Blessed” in Greek is Makarios. This would be happy, blissful, serene, or fulfilled.  So when I heard Blessed are the Dead, I had to reflect.  I thought about Paul and what he said in Philippians 1:21.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

We just celebrated Jesus’ birth.  It was awesome. But His death and resurrection provide us with eternal life.  Blessed!

The critical reality is my perseverance of keeping His commandments, as stated in verse 12. Am I obeying always? Am I trying to do it myself?  This is not a suggestion but a command.  No matter what we face in our reality on this Earth, do we continue in our faith?

Blessed are the dead. Death is a blessing when you live with persevering faith and trust in and obey the Lord. We live in a broken world.  We are broken people. The struggle is real!

Lord – We need you.  We thank You for Your truth and help us be obedient, keep the faith, and live for You.  Upon our death, someday, allow us to be one saying, Yes, Blessed are the dead.  Amen

 

Thankful in the chaos

Today’s Reading: Job 12-14; Psalms 100; Revelation 13

As I become more mature and received a little bit more wisdom, I take this time of the year to reflect on the past, and to see how I have grow over that year. In reflecting upon the blogs and the stories and the experiences that have been shared here on this platform, I have become a better person.

“Only grant me these two things, God,
    and then I will not hide from you:
21 Withdraw your hand far from me,
    and stop frightening me with your terrors.
22 Then summon me and I will answer,
    or let me speak, and you reply to me.
23 How many wrongs and sins have I committed?
    Show me my offense and my sin.
24 Why do you hide your face
    and consider me your enemy?
25 Will you torment a windblown leaf? –

Job 13:21-25

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2     Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalms 100

The dragon[a] stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. 2 The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. 3 One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast. – Revelation 13: 1-3

In today’s reading, there is so much noise and confusion and chaos that upon first glance, you would become disengaged. But when you allow the spirit of God to mentor to you and to open your eyes to the full picture, we can see that in the midst of all of the chaos in our lives, we can still give thanks to God.

In the reading of Job, Job is struggling in a midst of his calamities and his trials. He is praising God with one voice and at the same time he is mad at himself. How many times throughout this past year have we had similar thoughts? How many times this past year have we been in the chaos that we did not understand why we were?

The next  passage is Psalms 100, which is a profound Thanksgiving song. This song gives me such hope. Hope for the past, hope for the  present, hope for the future. It is given thanks to God in all things. This is a testament to David and the spirit of God being with throughout his lifetime . We have the luxury of having spirit of God with us currently, but David had the heart of God. In the midst of all of his trials and heartaches, David still gives everything to God in praise and thanksgiving.

In the final reading, Revelation 13,  we are presented with a couple of unknowns that are told by John. When you read this chapter, you can become distraught and dismayed, but we know the ending of revelations we see that this God has overcome the evil.

So as we wind up the year, let us reflect on how God has already seen the end for us. Allow us to find peace in the knowledge that there will be calamities and trials and strife that we will endure this lifetime, but let’s be assured that we have a hope in Christ who has already completed the battle for us.

Let’s go to this new year with our spirits filled with hope and prosperity, joy and peace.

Be Blessed

Change Your Questions, Change Your Life

Job 8-11, Revelation 12

I am stuck in the middle of Job.  I get the beginning where Job declares his unending devotion to God through worship, no matter the circumstances and I also know how this all ends with God blessing Job again.  Truth is, I just want to hurry up and get there.  The middle chapters are hard to read.  They plod along with the same silly arguments and this kind of battle amongst themselves.  The more I read it, the more confused I get.  My confusion leads to frustration and distress all of it making me question God, his purposes and his ways.

The more I think about it, it’s kind of like life.  Being stuck in the middle might be the hardest part.  The beginning was great.  Jesus made us worthy.  Everyday was a new adventure, something to learn and things to better understand.  We also become keenly aware of the rewards.  Salvation, eternal life, and unending love.  But, that is not where Job is today.  He’s in the middle.  He loves God.  He is devoted to God, but the promise of a future reward isn’t enough to satisfy him, right now.

There is something about these middle chapters.  Job readily acknowledges God’s soverignity.  He knows that God has the supreme power to do anything.  Like me, Job questions God’s motives and gets stuck in the question of, “why.”  Despite all of Job’s deliberation and arguing, God does not provide an anwer to that question.

Thankfully, we know how this book ends, but skipping to the happy ending would miss the most important part. In the coming days, we will Job’s story change.  It happens when Job’s focus changes.  Subtly, but surely, he moves from “why,” to “who.”

You Think You Know..

Today’s readings are Job 4-7, Psalm 99, and Revelation 11.

What is your reaction or response when something bad or challenging happens in your life? What about when something bad happens in the lives of others? In the book of Job we see God allowing Satan to do harmful things to Job. There is no question that God allows Satan to do bad things in our world..just look around. I believe it is wise for us to reflect when challenges happen in our own lives to see what God may be doing and why He may be allowing this to happen. What is He wanting me to learn from this? Might this ‘bad’ thing actually be good in the end? Could He be using this to bring me closer to Him? Yesterday, we celebrated the birth of His Son Jesus and about 30 years later God allowed Him to be crucified while His Mother Mary and friends watched. This was the worst thing that ever happened in the history of the world..the only truly fully innocent man who ever lived suffering and dying a horrific death on the cross. Yet, God used that terrible event by turning it into the greatest event in the history of the world by saving us from our sins and giving us eternal life through it when Jesus rose from the grave 3 days later. Could God be using this ‘bad’ thing in my life to show me His power, glory, and might in the end?

Reflecting on what God may doing in our lives and the world to bring us closer to Him can be a good thing. But in the book for Job we see Job’s friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar discussing why God may be letting bad things happen to Job. Specifically in Job 4 today we read about how Eliphaz says the innocent prosper. Some years ago in my younger years there was a TV show about celebrities and their lives where the introduction said, “You think you know..but you have no idea.” A past Bible Journal writer used to write from time to time that she had a friend and accountability partner who helped remind each other to “stay in your lane.” We must be careful when looking too much into why God is allowing certain things to happen in the lives of others. This can turn our hearts and minds into becoming judgmental or even cause us to gossip as we share why we think God may be allowing things to happen to them.

I can find myself guilty of my mind going in this direction and unfortunately sharing with others, too.

Check out Psalm 99 which is a great reminder God rules over all. We may not know why, but He does.

Let us give it all to and trust in Him both in our lives and in what He may be doing in the lives of others.

Psalm 99

1 The Lord reigns,
let the nations tremble;
he sits enthroned between the cherubim,
let the earth shake.
2 Great is the Lord in Zion;
he is exalted over all the nations.
3 Let them praise your great and awesome name—
he is holy.

4 The King is mighty, he loves justice—
you have established equity;
in Jacob you have done
what is just and right.
5 Exalt the Lord our God
and worship at his footstool;
he is holy.

Lessons from Nehemiah 13 for 21st-Century Christians

Today’s Reading:  Nehemiah 10-13; Revelations 8

Nehemiah 13 provides valuable insights for us today, emphasizing the importance of spiritual vigilance, commitment to God’s standards, and the need for courageous leadership in addressing compromise within the faith community. Despite the Israelites’ earlier covenant renewal, Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem to find spiritual neglect, corruption, and a disregard for God’s commands. This serves as a reminder that spiritual drift can occur subtly and must be actively confronted.

One key lesson is the importance of prioritizing worship and holiness. Nehemiah discovered that temple rooms, meant for offerings and worship supplies, had been repurposed for personal gain. Similarly, Christians today must guard against allowing worldly priorities to displace spiritual devotion. Our lives, like the temple, must remain dedicated spaces for God’s presence and purposes.

The chapter also emphasizes the importance of Sabbath observance, a principle that transcends time. In a culture driven by constant busyness and productivity, Christians are reminded to honor rest and set aside time for worship and renewal. The Sabbath principle underscores trust in God’s provision and a willingness to prioritize spiritual well-being over worldly success.

Additionally, Nehemiah’s boldness in confronting sin and compromise highlights the need for courageous leadership in the church today. Whether addressing moral failures, spiritual complacency, or cultural conformity, Christian leaders and believers must stand firm in upholding God’s standards with love and integrity.

Finally, Nehemiah’s reliance on prayer throughout his reforms reminds us that spiritual transformation begins with dependence on God. We are called to remain prayerful, asking God for wisdom, strength, and perseverance.

In a world where compromise is often celebrated, Nehemiah 13 should challenge us to remain vigilant, prioritize holiness, and courageously address spiritual drift both in their personal lives and within the faith community.

Written with the assistance of ChatGPT