9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?
Wow! Job still stood firm in not following others words. The description of Hagar and Sarah! Our faith, love, and trust in the Lord make us free like Sarah. May we always live like Sarah in the freedom of God’s love.❤️
we are made new through Christ. Because Christ lives within us we have no need to fear, we are completely set free and our chains are gone. Live in a way that is pleasing and acceptable in the Lords site; leave your old ways behind and follow the goodness that God has for you
I have read this before but it stood out to me today. Probably because I needed a reminder that I am free and need to really live like it! God is always good!
How can a mortal be righteous in front of God? Job 25:4. This. We aren’t of our own power! The word righteous is so powerful and pure, and we are nowhere near that. Thank you, Jesus, for dying on the cross and making a sinner like me righteous despite all of me sin!!
I think Paul is saying there are 2 possibilities – slave or free. He is using Abrahams two sons to show these two different paths. Slave – born to the bond woman acc to flesh, Hagar, bondage, not an heir , law VS Free – born by the free woman through the promise (Sarah), Isaac, acc to Spirit. When we become believers in Christ we move from slave to free, from flesh to Spirit. We aren’t supposed to go back and rely on the law to grow our faith – do the dos and don’t do the don’ts. Ch 5 goes on to say not to subject ourselves to slavery again, trying to be justified by following the law. Sometimes I think it would be easier– just give me a list and I’ll do it! But I think the point is Jesus will change our hearts to be more like His and when we follow His word and His ways and walk in dependence on Him day in and day out we will live as His sons and daughters … free. :)
Hi, this is a kind of weird request, but I am 15 years old, and my name is katelyn. I’ve been struggling a lot with seeking god / finding god and staying on his path. So I’ve decided it’s time to ask for some help. I’m looking for a mentor, someone who can help me and that I can seek wisdom in and learn more about how to deal with situations and how to find god. If you are interested my number is 7206607667. Thank you
I have been feeling that too. Always trying to figure out what God’s plan and asking for signs and trying to find Him. But I just found this book on Amazon, it’s called Chasing God by Angie Smith. It has honestly taught me so much already about this and I’m only halfway through the book. I hope it helps you as much as it has helped me. :)
Hey Katelyn! I would be interested! Can we communicate via email to start? Mine is [email protected]. If a long distance mentorship doesn’t work, I can see about connecting you with some contacts I have in Colorado.
Are Job’s friends being influenced by Satan? Are we not warned that Satan and his minions will distort God’s truths with the world’s lies. I’ve been wanting to ask this question but I hate to even say or type the evil one’s name. l love Paul who I’m learning is criticized for being a little high on himself and Job too…but I want their godly confidence that everything I say and do is filtered and approved by our Father and Jesus. but reality is I’m human, immature in my faith and I can pray and have good intentions day by day that I’m becoming more like Jesus. Love and blessings to all.
I’m still working on my own lesson with reading Job. Unlike many of your comments, I can relate to Job’s friends. Though I try to be as God would have me, I find I’m probably more like Job’s friends than I want to admit. I try to place myself in their position of sitting with a friend that is obviously tormented, both physically and mentally, and thinking that they must have done something to bring this on themselves. It seems so easy to me to stand back and judge their reactions based on what we are reading and yet, there is a reason that there are few men like Job. I think God recognizes our human tendencies to make sense of situations. My sincere prayer is that I can stop and ask God to intervene in these times, both with the person that I’m dealing with and myself. I am thinking of so many times as I write this that I truly felt I was saying the “right” things in a situation, only to realize later the condemnation that was in my words. I so desire to be like Jesus in all my actions, thoughts and words.
6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” I spent a good amount of time researching this verse, and learned about Spurgeon’s “filial cry.” Wow. If Job’s friends had been aware of it, perhaps they would have been more willing to sit with him and allow the Spirit to cry and groan for them, instead of having to fill the space with their own words. It is wild to think that, as a daughter of God, the Spirit actually cries “Abba AND Father” for me.
Gal 4:27 “Rejoice, childless woman, who does not give birth. Burst into song and shout, you who are not in labor, for the children of the desolate are many, more numerous than those of the woman who has a husband.”
These words stood out to me today, maybe not in its originally intended manner… My husband and I have no kids, and we’ve been seeing the purpose God has for us in that right now — We’re able to do things for people that we wouldn’t if we had children, so He’s been using us in ways otherwise not possible. So while we could be sad for having no children, we are able to rejoice that God is using us to help others.
The end of the verse is a bit confusing without context. One real truth that stands out to me is there are many children out there in need of loving families.
Matthew Poole’s commentary says this: “The church of the Jews is represented under the notion of a woman that had a husband and children. The prophet, by the Spirit of prophecy, calleth upon the Gentiles, that brought forth no children to God, and to whom God was not a husband, to rejoice, and to cry out for joy, for there should be more believers, more children brought forth to God, amongst them, than were amongst the Jews: so as the church of the Gentiles are compared to Sarah, who was a long time barren, but then brought forth the child of the promise, the seed in which all the nations of the earth were to be blessed.”
I’ve gained so much perspective while reading through Job. I love his relationship with the Father. Though his flesh is suffering, it doesn’t transfer over into his faith, he remains steadfast regardless of his struggles, and that’s so important!
I pray we all gain perspective and faith of Job, especially in times of hardship!
I have a prayer request (speaking of, I wish there was like a section on the app for prayer requests that we could see and pray together for…? Good idea, bad idea??)
Anyways, I’m 22 and have been struggling with amenorrhea for the past three years. Like no cycle at all, it just disappeared. I have been to the doctor, etc. been supplementing, eating right, I’m a healthy weight and I sometimes feel hopeless. Women often times view their cycles as a burden, but I don’t think they realize how uncomfortable it is as a woman to lack it. I will certainly cry tears of joy upon its return haha so yeah, if any of you feel lead, I’d love prayer for my body to be restored. Thank you so much!
Have a great Thursday everybody!
Praise Him x
I haven’t gone that long at one shot, but I understand the”strangeness” of being joyful you have your period after its unpregnant extended absence. I will be praying for you, for healing and for comfort and for wisdom in those caring for you.
And if I may recommend looking up online the Pope Paul VI Institute in Omaha, NE. I’m not Catholic, but they have lots of knowledge and ideas. My primary care dr says they’re more experimental medicine than traditional medicine, but through them and regular progesterone shots, my cycle is back to being a monthly thing. we’re still working on and praying about the ovulation part, but that’s more on God now, whenever or whatever He has planned.
Through reading Job I am learning about comfort. I am not good at comforting others or receiving/asking for it. These passages keep showing me that if these men, his friends, had simply come beside him and sat with him rather than judging and trying to fix him then we would have had a very different version of Job. I understand that they wanted to help him and save him. But that is God’s job. So I am learning that maybe my form of comfort will be to come along beside others and pray with them rather than trying to fix them. Just some thoughts after all these passages in Job.
Galatians was a very interesting analogy- I see it as not being slaves to this world (being “Hagar’s children) and becoming the children of God (“Sarah’s children).
My study Bible says this word was used for a mythical sea monster (Job 9:13 also refers to Rahab). The Rahab in Joshua 2 is from a different Hebrew root word.
Reading Job daily has been a constant reminder that while we think we know the answers, only God has the entire picture! I pray that when people around me are struggling, God gives me a glimpse of understanding his story and his purpose rather than what I think should be the answers.
I was reading in a commentary today about gal 5:4 “…so that we might receive adoption as sons.” It mentioned that the key word is receive, not “recover.” It talked about how we’re mistaken when we think of redemption as merely a restoration of what was lost with Adam. It went on to say how Adam was never “adopted” in the way believers are. Sure, Adam was created with that initial good relationship, but in essence what the commentary was saying was that we gain something greater in Jesus than what Adam possessed! :) I really liked the way that was worded.
Our words reveal what’s in our hearts and how we impact others. Job 27:2 where Job says God has denied him justice/ made his life bitter. Revealing of Job’s heart and mine too. No one wants this kind of overwhelming suffering, losing 10 kids. My definition of what God allows me to suffer must change. Does life have to “work” for me to trust? Gal4:9 I am “known by God.”
I’ve never read the entire book of Job until this story and the dynamics are amazing. When we go through our trials in life, who are we surrounding ourselves with? Who is encouraging us and speaking life to us? The conversations between Job and his friends are reminders to me of who I want to be around while I’m facing my trials and the type of atmosphere I want to be in.
I find Jobs sarcasm in today’s reading hilarious! obviously he’s about fed up with his friends “advice”. In chapter 26 it was nice to see that Job was saying that wisdom does not originate from this life or the human mind, but that it comes from God.
14 and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself.
As I read this verse this morning it realized that a lot of the time unless people are sick or dying we don’t always listen to what they have to say about God or anything really, we don’t question them if they are sick because it seems like God is talking through them. We need to change this view and always see what people have to say, it doesn’t take being sick to be able to have Christ speak through you.
Jobs friends seem careful to say things that are true or are half truths- it’s interesting how job sarcastically responds in chapter 26:1, “How you have helped him who has no power… How you have counseled him who has no wisdom…” The compassion and godly care is missing here. How often do I speak words that I think are true without praying over them, without considering the effect on the other person, without esteeming the other person first.
Also, what Galatians has to say about false gospels that add or take away- this connects to what is happening in Job! I’ve been reflecting in Job 20 and 21 you see Zophar speaking about how the “exulting of the wicked is short,” (Job 20 verse 5), but Job counters by saying that the wicked do sometimes prosper in this life. It seems like Zophar might be propagating the lie that everyone gets good or evil in this life according to what they have done. This slight mistruth is a perversion of what God says, which is that in this life Christians will suffer but God is with us every step of the way. Sometimes wicked get justice in this life and other times they do not. Its interesting how that connects to what Kristentho pointed out, to what is going on in Galatians where certain people were adding laws to the truth but not holding to the Gospel of Jesus in that!
Feeling convicted by Galatians today – normally I don’t care for Paul, but I often seem to try to live by the law and act as though I can somehow beat the system… which is pretty pointless.
Lauren, I’m sure you’re aware that Paul was a powerful witness for God’s Kingdom whom Christ chose to open the door for non Jewish people. My concern is whether not his humanity or whatever reasons “normally I don’t care for Paul” the make you feel that way towards this Apostle hinder your Bible studying? I’m not condemning you! :) However, Paul wrote most of the New Testament and I don’t won’t the enemy to use his sly tactics to distract you from hearing God’s truth. I hear many people who believe Paul was arrogant; I believe he was sold out for God & humble. He was about our Father God’s business and took his call serious.
I honestly feel like it’s a kind of personality clash? Like, he often comes across as a little judgemental and dismissive. I can easily see him as similar to a lot of Christians I know who take their call seriously, but neglect personal relationships along the way and make life a lot harder for themselves as they make it difficult for God to show love through other people. Not necessarily wrong or sinful, just not the kind of person I am. Obviously I have my own failings and strengths and he has his, and God chose to work through Paul in ways he hasn’t chosen to do through me, and I can definitely learn from Paul, but I doubt we’d be friends. Whereas I absolutely love reading Luke and Peter :)
Thanks for sharing & clarifying without getting offended. I understand now :) you stated some truths as well, I love the beauty of learning from others!
9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God.
I love that verse. I am known by the One true God.
Galations is such a wonderful book. I studied it a few years ago and it was life changing (I know the entire Bible is but this book really opened my eyes and heart to new understanding and faith). The writer is serious about this message of not being persuaded by other “religious” leaders and how they distort or add to the gospel. The importance of preaching the gospel and nothing more, nothing less. There is so much freedom in living by faith in Christ and what He did for us on the cross instead of our efforts to uphold the law. May we be keenly aware when leaders of our day try to persuade us with a false gospel.
27 For it is written:
“Be glad, barren woman,
you who never bore a child;
shout for joy and cry aloud,
you who were never in labor;
because more are the children of the desolate woman
than of her who has a husband.”
Sometimes it may feel like unmarried or barren women are forgotten by God. But we are precious in His sight and like Sarah, He has a special blessing as His children
He speaks of freedom from slavery. But he also speaks of adoption. Not just a transfer of owners. But a new relationship entirely. He calls us children of God. And he uses the “Abba [Daddy!]” term. A term of trust and love. How a small child depends on, loves, and trusts her daddy. This is the relationship he describes us having with God!
In the last couple of chapters in Job, especially chapter 26, Job powerfully describes the authority and dominion God has over the entire earth. The poetry and detail of these words are breath-taking and a little frightening. He ends with the question, “Who then can understand the thunder of His power?”
If this was all we knew about God how would we have the confidence to draw near? How could we have an intimate relationship with the Almighty God? How could we love Him as well as fear Him?
But with wonder we learn as we read through the entire Bible that there are so many elements to God’s character. I love how Isaiah describes the tender, compassionate side of our God. “He tends His flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart” (40:11). The God who controls the heavens and the earth through the thunder of His power tenderly holds His precious ones close to His Heart.
Through the Bible we see strength and gentleness. Judgment and mercy. Majesty and humility. Holy anger and unfailing love. King and servant. Warrior and Shepherd. Judge and defender. Lion and the Lamb. This is our God. Let us stand in awe and worship Him.
You are right! I love how you worded this. It makes me wonder how Job developed his relationship with God, since he had no Scriptures on which to build it. Nothing to go by except God’s Created world & the sense of His presence. Even the Holy Spirit had not been given, yet, to guide him & yet how strong he stands.
From what I understand, they had to pass their faith down to the next generation. As we read through scripture, you can see the affects on a generation(s) when they forgot God or failed to share their faith. And as someone else commented , they saw the Lord through his creation as they worked and lived on the land.
Yes I agree with Kristenho and others. The Old Testament Patriarch & believers used oral history, testimony, prophets, Angels, dreams/visions, God’s Wisdom, the Holy Spirit and The Shema Prayer (please Google it for more info if you like because it’ll be to lengthy to explain) In addition, the Holy Spirit was, is and always will be! The Holy Spirit was in the beginning as Genesis says, “The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” (Genesis 1:2 NLT) In Old Testament the Holy Spirit came upon the believers but temporarily, whereas, the New Testament believers up until now the Holy Spirit dwelling in us (filling of Holy Spirit) Saints & we also have the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (manifestation) as well.
I’ve always thought that in biblical times the connection to the creator was so strong based on the fact that they lived slept, ate and breathed among the beauty and the challenges of gods creation. They were so tethered to his awe and might.
Love this! It is incredible to meditate on how relationship with God developed in the Old Testament through family, dreams, the land, and creation! Definitely praise and glory to God!
I must admit to getting confused by Job. I had always had the impression from what people have said over the years (and having not read the whole book for a long time) that Job’s friends were useless in their support. But they don’t seem to be saying stupid things??
What I am gathering is that they keep reverting to the fact of judging Job for sin that, based on his circumstances, they believed he must have committed.
However, Job always responds that he is innocent in the eyes of God, and does not deserve a punishment for evil like they are assuming.
I have a soft spot for Job here. Although he seems to still be judging the Lord’s actions, he absolutely refuses to curse the Almighty One who he has come to serve, even though he feels the circumstances unjustified.
Exactly! And Job even addresses his friends in the first few verses of chapter 26. His friends are quick to judge, give poor counsel, did not pray with or for him, and did not comfort him at all. He rebukes them so strongly but I think it’s hard for us to see what they are saying as bad because we often do the same things they are! We want an answer! Why is this happening? What have I done to deserve this? His friends assume there is sin in his life and chastise him for claiming he is righteous and without unconfessed sin. Instead of listening and praying with him, they are trying to answer him with reasons. Sometimes it’s better to listen, pray, and offer comfort instead of trying to solve or fix something.
It’s very hard to pick up on their sarcasm and read their tone. But Job makes it clear through his replies what his friends were accusing him of. I wrote a post about it on my website if you want to take a closer look http://www.intentionalliving4him.com
It was very confusing to me too because some of what Job’s friends have to say is truth. But he greatest lies are the ones closest to the truth
I think you’ve touched on the complexity of this book. We have the advantage of knowing how the story ends, but they speak like people who know the law. That’s why they don’t sound stupid but, but we know they are speaking without the level of faith that Job has..they just don’t know that. Think of the Pharisees..very similar, in my opinion. But these are just my thoughts, and how I’ve reflected on it…
We were looking at Job in my theology course this week and part of what is happening is that Job’s friends are insisting that Job must have done something wrong in order for him to be under this much opposition, they insist that he should turn from his sin. Their understanding of God is one of cause and consequence- Job ‘must’ have done something wrong for him to be in this situation and they don’t understand that that isn’t true; what is remarkable is the verse that came up today- Job says that he will not sacrifice his integrity, he knows that he has not sinned, and he will not speak ill of the Lord. Job doesn’t say that he isn’t a sinner, he acknowledges we all sin, but says that there isn’t a specific sin that has caused him to be treated like this by God. He holds on to his integrity even when he is under stress..something I guess we would all aim for!
Job’s friends all have nuggets of truth in their speeches but they overall have many misunderstandings about God.
Also there is a lesson here about how to comfort someone in a time of trouble. Job’s friends keep trying to “fix” Job, getting increasingly more angry when he doesn’t accept their advice.
It’s inspiring to see your faith; it’s a beautiful strength.
“Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.”
Galatians 4:7 NLT
we are free!!
12 Behold, all ye yourselves have seen it; why then are ye thus altogether vain? – Job 27:12
We are children of the free!
❤️
I love this during a time when the worlds laws seems to chain us down. We are truly free.
To move in freedom rather than fear
9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?
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Wow! Job still stood firm in not following others words. The description of Hagar and Sarah! Our faith, love, and trust in the Lord make us free like Sarah. May we always live like Sarah in the freedom of God’s love.❤️
we are made new through Christ. Because Christ lives within us we have no need to fear, we are completely set free and our chains are gone. Live in a way that is pleasing and acceptable in the Lords site; leave your old ways behind and follow the goodness that God has for you
I have read this before but it stood out to me today. Probably because I needed a reminder that I am free and need to really live like it! God is always good!
❤️
I switched to the message as well and the readings in Job have come alive for me! Have a wonderful day everyone!
I also switched to the Message after reading your post. What a difference for the book of Job.
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♡
Once again God’s limitless love was proven!
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:)
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Job 27:7-10 really made me think
Thank you Lord for your Word, living and active.
How can a mortal be righteous in front of God? Job 25:4. This. We aren’t of our own power! The word righteous is so powerful and pure, and we are nowhere near that. Thank you, Jesus, for dying on the cross and making a sinner like me righteous despite all of me sin!!
Done!
Let us be like Job who is faithful
May we remember our enslavement to the things of the world, and the gracious God who has freed us from them by His Son.
Done❤️
2“How you have helped him who has no power!
How you have saved the arm that has no strength!
God never fails -ellie
calming and relaxing
We are free, and God’s love frees us. This is a true gift.
I will try the Message translation for Job too. I also listen to it – makes it easier for me!
How do you listen to it?
The message translation really does help.
i loved paul’s comparison of abraham’s story with Gods covenant❤️
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Ive read the story of Sarah and Hagar before, but Galatians gave new insight. Day 35! Back on track after missing a week.
❤️
Galatians 4:7
After reading old comments, switching to message was very helpful with my reading of Job which I have been struggling with
I did that too this morning. Good idea.
How do you switch over to message?
I think Paul is saying there are 2 possibilities – slave or free. He is using Abrahams two sons to show these two different paths. Slave – born to the bond woman acc to flesh, Hagar, bondage, not an heir , law VS Free – born by the free woman through the promise (Sarah), Isaac, acc to Spirit. When we become believers in Christ we move from slave to free, from flesh to Spirit. We aren’t supposed to go back and rely on the law to grow our faith – do the dos and don’t do the don’ts. Ch 5 goes on to say not to subject ourselves to slavery again, trying to be justified by following the law. Sometimes I think it would be easier– just give me a list and I’ll do it! But I think the point is Jesus will change our hearts to be more like His and when we follow His word and His ways and walk in dependence on Him day in and day out we will live as His sons and daughters … free. :)
Galatians 4:24 – is he saying the people are taking this story figuratively? Or that we should? I am confused
Hi, this is a kind of weird request, but I am 15 years old, and my name is katelyn. I’ve been struggling a lot with seeking god / finding god and staying on his path. So I’ve decided it’s time to ask for some help. I’m looking for a mentor, someone who can help me and that I can seek wisdom in and learn more about how to deal with situations and how to find god. If you are interested my number is 7206607667. Thank you
I have been feeling that too. Always trying to figure out what God’s plan and asking for signs and trying to find Him. But I just found this book on Amazon, it’s called Chasing God by Angie Smith. It has honestly taught me so much already about this and I’m only halfway through the book. I hope it helps you as much as it has helped me. :)
Hey Katelyn! I would be interested! Can we communicate via email to start? Mine is [email protected]. If a long distance mentorship doesn’t work, I can see about connecting you with some contacts I have in Colorado.
Are Job’s friends being influenced by Satan? Are we not warned that Satan and his minions will distort God’s truths with the world’s lies. I’ve been wanting to ask this question but I hate to even say or type the evil one’s name. l love Paul who I’m learning is criticized for being a little high on himself and Job too…but I want their godly confidence that everything I say and do is filtered and approved by our Father and Jesus. but reality is I’m human, immature in my faith and I can pray and have good intentions day by day that I’m becoming more like Jesus. Love and blessings to all.
I’m still working on my own lesson with reading Job. Unlike many of your comments, I can relate to Job’s friends. Though I try to be as God would have me, I find I’m probably more like Job’s friends than I want to admit. I try to place myself in their position of sitting with a friend that is obviously tormented, both physically and mentally, and thinking that they must have done something to bring this on themselves. It seems so easy to me to stand back and judge their reactions based on what we are reading and yet, there is a reason that there are few men like Job. I think God recognizes our human tendencies to make sense of situations. My sincere prayer is that I can stop and ask God to intervene in these times, both with the person that I’m dealing with and myself. I am thinking of so many times as I write this that I truly felt I was saying the “right” things in a situation, only to realize later the condemnation that was in my words. I so desire to be like Jesus in all my actions, thoughts and words.
I feel the same way.. Ginny
6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” I spent a good amount of time researching this verse, and learned about Spurgeon’s “filial cry.” Wow. If Job’s friends had been aware of it, perhaps they would have been more willing to sit with him and allow the Spirit to cry and groan for them, instead of having to fill the space with their own words. It is wild to think that, as a daughter of God, the Spirit actually cries “Abba AND Father” for me.
Gal 4:27 “Rejoice, childless woman, who does not give birth. Burst into song and shout, you who are not in labor, for the children of the desolate are many, more numerous than those of the woman who has a husband.”
These words stood out to me today, maybe not in its originally intended manner… My husband and I have no kids, and we’ve been seeing the purpose God has for us in that right now — We’re able to do things for people that we wouldn’t if we had children, so He’s been using us in ways otherwise not possible. So while we could be sad for having no children, we are able to rejoice that God is using us to help others.
The end of the verse is a bit confusing without context. One real truth that stands out to me is there are many children out there in need of loving families.
Matthew Poole’s commentary says this: “The church of the Jews is represented under the notion of a woman that had a husband and children. The prophet, by the Spirit of prophecy, calleth upon the Gentiles, that brought forth no children to God, and to whom God was not a husband, to rejoice, and to cry out for joy, for there should be more believers, more children brought forth to God, amongst them, than were amongst the Jews: so as the church of the Gentiles are compared to Sarah, who was a long time barren, but then brought forth the child of the promise, the seed in which all the nations of the earth were to be blessed.”
Stop for a month at a time. I felt horrible. So I get it.
I’ve gained so much perspective while reading through Job. I love his relationship with the Father. Though his flesh is suffering, it doesn’t transfer over into his faith, he remains steadfast regardless of his struggles, and that’s so important!
I pray we all gain perspective and faith of Job, especially in times of hardship!
I have a prayer request (speaking of, I wish there was like a section on the app for prayer requests that we could see and pray together for…? Good idea, bad idea??)
Anyways, I’m 22 and have been struggling with amenorrhea for the past three years. Like no cycle at all, it just disappeared. I have been to the doctor, etc. been supplementing, eating right, I’m a healthy weight and I sometimes feel hopeless. Women often times view their cycles as a burden, but I don’t think they realize how uncomfortable it is as a woman to lack it. I will certainly cry tears of joy upon its return haha so yeah, if any of you feel lead, I’d love prayer for my body to be restored. Thank you so much!
Have a great Thursday everybody!
Praise Him x
I haven’t gone that long at one shot, but I understand the”strangeness” of being joyful you have your period after its unpregnant extended absence. I will be praying for you, for healing and for comfort and for wisdom in those caring for you.
And if I may recommend looking up online the Pope Paul VI Institute in Omaha, NE. I’m not Catholic, but they have lots of knowledge and ideas. My primary care dr says they’re more experimental medicine than traditional medicine, but through them and regular progesterone shots, my cycle is back to being a monthly thing. we’re still working on and praying about the ovulation part, but that’s more on God now, whenever or whatever He has planned.
Praying for you! I used to have issues with my cycltoo. It would
Prayed for you with joy and a smile.
I will pray for you sister!
I will pray for you :) x
Prayers for you
Through reading Job I am learning about comfort. I am not good at comforting others or receiving/asking for it. These passages keep showing me that if these men, his friends, had simply come beside him and sat with him rather than judging and trying to fix him then we would have had a very different version of Job. I understand that they wanted to help him and save him. But that is God’s job. So I am learning that maybe my form of comfort will be to come along beside others and pray with them rather than trying to fix them. Just some thoughts after all these passages in Job.
Yes, words seem to fall short mostly. Walking with and leaning into the pain and suffering is the best and most we can do.
Galatians was a very interesting analogy- I see it as not being slaves to this world (being “Hagar’s children) and becoming the children of God (“Sarah’s children).
Anyone know what he meant in Job 26:12- “by his wisdom he cut Rahab to pieces”?
My study Bible says this word was used for a mythical sea monster (Job 9:13 also refers to Rahab). The Rahab in Joshua 2 is from a different Hebrew root word.
Reading Job daily has been a constant reminder that while we think we know the answers, only God has the entire picture! I pray that when people around me are struggling, God gives me a glimpse of understanding his story and his purpose rather than what I think should be the answers.
amen!
I was reading in a commentary today about gal 5:4 “…so that we might receive adoption as sons.” It mentioned that the key word is receive, not “recover.” It talked about how we’re mistaken when we think of redemption as merely a restoration of what was lost with Adam. It went on to say how Adam was never “adopted” in the way believers are. Sure, Adam was created with that initial good relationship, but in essence what the commentary was saying was that we gain something greater in Jesus than what Adam possessed! :) I really liked the way that was worded.
Our words reveal what’s in our hearts and how we impact others. Job 27:2 where Job says God has denied him justice/ made his life bitter. Revealing of Job’s heart and mine too. No one wants this kind of overwhelming suffering, losing 10 kids. My definition of what God allows me to suffer must change. Does life have to “work” for me to trust? Gal4:9 I am “known by God.”
I’ve never read the entire book of Job until this story and the dynamics are amazing. When we go through our trials in life, who are we surrounding ourselves with? Who is encouraging us and speaking life to us? The conversations between Job and his friends are reminders to me of who I want to be around while I’m facing my trials and the type of atmosphere I want to be in.
Amen! This reading has been making me look at my life and ask who am I to others when they are going through trouble.
I find Jobs sarcasm in today’s reading hilarious! obviously he’s about fed up with his friends “advice”. In chapter 26 it was nice to see that Job was saying that wisdom does not originate from this life or the human mind, but that it comes from God.
14 and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself.
As I read this verse this morning it realized that a lot of the time unless people are sick or dying we don’t always listen to what they have to say about God or anything really, we don’t question them if they are sick because it seems like God is talking through them. We need to change this view and always see what people have to say, it doesn’t take being sick to be able to have Christ speak through you.
Galatians 4:14 is how Job’s friends and the rest of us should obey.
Jobs friends seem careful to say things that are true or are half truths- it’s interesting how job sarcastically responds in chapter 26:1, “How you have helped him who has no power… How you have counseled him who has no wisdom…” The compassion and godly care is missing here. How often do I speak words that I think are true without praying over them, without considering the effect on the other person, without esteeming the other person first.
Also, what Galatians has to say about false gospels that add or take away- this connects to what is happening in Job! I’ve been reflecting in Job 20 and 21 you see Zophar speaking about how the “exulting of the wicked is short,” (Job 20 verse 5), but Job counters by saying that the wicked do sometimes prosper in this life. It seems like Zophar might be propagating the lie that everyone gets good or evil in this life according to what they have done. This slight mistruth is a perversion of what God says, which is that in this life Christians will suffer but God is with us every step of the way. Sometimes wicked get justice in this life and other times they do not. Its interesting how that connects to what Kristentho pointed out, to what is going on in Galatians where certain people were adding laws to the truth but not holding to the Gospel of Jesus in that!
Wow great observation! I just learned a little about this tonight in a small group!
Feeling convicted by Galatians today – normally I don’t care for Paul, but I often seem to try to live by the law and act as though I can somehow beat the system… which is pretty pointless.
Lauren, I’m sure you’re aware that Paul was a powerful witness for God’s Kingdom whom Christ chose to open the door for non Jewish people. My concern is whether not his humanity or whatever reasons “normally I don’t care for Paul” the make you feel that way towards this Apostle hinder your Bible studying? I’m not condemning you! :) However, Paul wrote most of the New Testament and I don’t won’t the enemy to use his sly tactics to distract you from hearing God’s truth. I hear many people who believe Paul was arrogant; I believe he was sold out for God & humble. He was about our Father God’s business and took his call serious.
I honestly feel like it’s a kind of personality clash? Like, he often comes across as a little judgemental and dismissive. I can easily see him as similar to a lot of Christians I know who take their call seriously, but neglect personal relationships along the way and make life a lot harder for themselves as they make it difficult for God to show love through other people. Not necessarily wrong or sinful, just not the kind of person I am. Obviously I have my own failings and strengths and he has his, and God chose to work through Paul in ways he hasn’t chosen to do through me, and I can definitely learn from Paul, but I doubt we’d be friends. Whereas I absolutely love reading Luke and Peter :)
Thanks for sharing & clarifying without getting offended. I understand now :) you stated some truths as well, I love the beauty of learning from others!
It’s not self confidence it’s GOD confidence!
9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God.
I love that verse. I am known by the One true God.
Galations is such a wonderful book. I studied it a few years ago and it was life changing (I know the entire Bible is but this book really opened my eyes and heart to new understanding and faith). The writer is serious about this message of not being persuaded by other “religious” leaders and how they distort or add to the gospel. The importance of preaching the gospel and nothing more, nothing less. There is so much freedom in living by faith in Christ and what He did for us on the cross instead of our efforts to uphold the law. May we be keenly aware when leaders of our day try to persuade us with a false gospel.
16 Though he heaps up silver like dust
and clothes like piles of clay,
Ouch! That new pretty tunic I bought, added to my closet, was it necessary? No…
27 For it is written:
“Be glad, barren woman,
you who never bore a child;
shout for joy and cry aloud,
you who were never in labor;
because more are the children of the desolate woman
than of her who has a husband.”
Sometimes it may feel like unmarried or barren women are forgotten by God. But we are precious in His sight and like Sarah, He has a special blessing as His children
He speaks of freedom from slavery. But he also speaks of adoption. Not just a transfer of owners. But a new relationship entirely. He calls us children of God. And he uses the “Abba [Daddy!]” term. A term of trust and love. How a small child depends on, loves, and trusts her daddy. This is the relationship he describes us having with God!
Amen, Antimony!!!
31 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.
This is one of my favorite Scriptures, and reminds me of the new song by Jonathan Helser…”I’m no longer a slave to fear, but I am a child of God!”
His adoption is beautiful!
Oh I love that verse too! It reminds me of the Lauren Daigle song…”You say that I am free, how can it be!?”
Oh what a mighty God we serve!!
In the last couple of chapters in Job, especially chapter 26, Job powerfully describes the authority and dominion God has over the entire earth. The poetry and detail of these words are breath-taking and a little frightening. He ends with the question, “Who then can understand the thunder of His power?”
If this was all we knew about God how would we have the confidence to draw near? How could we have an intimate relationship with the Almighty God? How could we love Him as well as fear Him?
But with wonder we learn as we read through the entire Bible that there are so many elements to God’s character. I love how Isaiah describes the tender, compassionate side of our God. “He tends His flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart” (40:11). The God who controls the heavens and the earth through the thunder of His power tenderly holds His precious ones close to His Heart.
Through the Bible we see strength and gentleness. Judgment and mercy. Majesty and humility. Holy anger and unfailing love. King and servant. Warrior and Shepherd. Judge and defender. Lion and the Lamb. This is our God. Let us stand in awe and worship Him.
Well said. Glory to Him!
I love this! Thank you!
You are right! I love how you worded this. It makes me wonder how Job developed his relationship with God, since he had no Scriptures on which to build it. Nothing to go by except God’s Created world & the sense of His presence. Even the Holy Spirit had not been given, yet, to guide him & yet how strong he stands.
From what I understand, they had to pass their faith down to the next generation. As we read through scripture, you can see the affects on a generation(s) when they forgot God or failed to share their faith. And as someone else commented , they saw the Lord through his creation as they worked and lived on the land.
Yes I agree with Kristenho and others. The Old Testament Patriarch & believers used oral history, testimony, prophets, Angels, dreams/visions, God’s Wisdom, the Holy Spirit and The Shema Prayer (please Google it for more info if you like because it’ll be to lengthy to explain) In addition, the Holy Spirit was, is and always will be! The Holy Spirit was in the beginning as Genesis says, “The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” (Genesis 1:2 NLT) In Old Testament the Holy Spirit came upon the believers but temporarily, whereas, the New Testament believers up until now the Holy Spirit dwelling in us (filling of Holy Spirit) Saints & we also have the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (manifestation) as well.
Yes! Sometimes I try too hard to apply scripture to my life. But even better is to read scripture in search of God’s character.
Beautifully put, Sarah!
I’ve always thought that in biblical times the connection to the creator was so strong based on the fact that they lived slept, ate and breathed among the beauty and the challenges of gods creation. They were so tethered to his awe and might.
Love this! It is incredible to meditate on how relationship with God developed in the Old Testament through family, dreams, the land, and creation! Definitely praise and glory to God!
Beautifully spoken! Amen
Amen to that
I must admit to getting confused by Job. I had always had the impression from what people have said over the years (and having not read the whole book for a long time) that Job’s friends were useless in their support. But they don’t seem to be saying stupid things??
Alyce,
What I am gathering is that they keep reverting to the fact of judging Job for sin that, based on his circumstances, they believed he must have committed.
However, Job always responds that he is innocent in the eyes of God, and does not deserve a punishment for evil like they are assuming.
I have a soft spot for Job here. Although he seems to still be judging the Lord’s actions, he absolutely refuses to curse the Almighty One who he has come to serve, even though he feels the circumstances unjustified.
Exactly! And Job even addresses his friends in the first few verses of chapter 26. His friends are quick to judge, give poor counsel, did not pray with or for him, and did not comfort him at all. He rebukes them so strongly but I think it’s hard for us to see what they are saying as bad because we often do the same things they are! We want an answer! Why is this happening? What have I done to deserve this? His friends assume there is sin in his life and chastise him for claiming he is righteous and without unconfessed sin. Instead of listening and praying with him, they are trying to answer him with reasons. Sometimes it’s better to listen, pray, and offer comfort instead of trying to solve or fix something.
It’s very hard to pick up on their sarcasm and read their tone. But Job makes it clear through his replies what his friends were accusing him of. I wrote a post about it on my website if you want to take a closer look http://www.intentionalliving4him.com
It was very confusing to me too because some of what Job’s friends have to say is truth. But he greatest lies are the ones closest to the truth
“The greatest lies are the ones closest to truth” – how true!!
I think you’ve touched on the complexity of this book. We have the advantage of knowing how the story ends, but they speak like people who know the law. That’s why they don’t sound stupid but, but we know they are speaking without the level of faith that Job has..they just don’t know that. Think of the Pharisees..very similar, in my opinion. But these are just my thoughts, and how I’ve reflected on it…
I think it’s just that what they are saying is redundant and things that Job already knows.
We were looking at Job in my theology course this week and part of what is happening is that Job’s friends are insisting that Job must have done something wrong in order for him to be under this much opposition, they insist that he should turn from his sin. Their understanding of God is one of cause and consequence- Job ‘must’ have done something wrong for him to be in this situation and they don’t understand that that isn’t true; what is remarkable is the verse that came up today- Job says that he will not sacrifice his integrity, he knows that he has not sinned, and he will not speak ill of the Lord. Job doesn’t say that he isn’t a sinner, he acknowledges we all sin, but says that there isn’t a specific sin that has caused him to be treated like this by God. He holds on to his integrity even when he is under stress..something I guess we would all aim for!
Job’s friends all have nuggets of truth in their speeches but they overall have many misunderstandings about God.
Also there is a lesson here about how to comfort someone in a time of trouble. Job’s friends keep trying to “fix” Job, getting increasingly more angry when he doesn’t accept their advice.