There is a song I want to sing--
Or want to learn to sing;
It is a song of praise to Thee,
Jesus, my Lord and King.
Oh teach me all its varied notes,
Its hidden melody,
Till I have learned to sing by heart,
This song of praise to Thee.
I want to sing, while yet on earth,
The tender, thankful strain
Of saints, who gladly near Thy throne,
Make Thee their song's refrain.
For though I am not yet a saint,
And though my praises ring
From an encumbered earthly soul,
I love the strains to sing.
And well I love, I know I love,
Though truly not as they,
Thee, blessed Jesus whom I praise
Feebly on earth to--day;
While there's a song I want to sing--
Or want to learn to sing;
A blessed song of love to Thee,
Jesus, my Lord and King.
~ Elizabeth Prentiss
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Funny Happenings- Ladies' Fellowship
My sister-in-law and I were talking about the upcoming Ladies' Fellowship that our church was having. There was a lot of little things that needed to get finished before the day arrived.
My husband had just found out that the event was for ladies and nursing babies only, and that the men were going to have to watch the other children.
So, as we were discussing little things, my husband asks, "What will you ladies be "shipping" about?"
My middle daughter was old enough to go to this fellowship meeting, and she turned from our conversation and responded to her father, "The fellows!"
My husband had just found out that the event was for ladies and nursing babies only, and that the men were going to have to watch the other children.
So, as we were discussing little things, my husband asks, "What will you ladies be "shipping" about?"
My middle daughter was old enough to go to this fellowship meeting, and she turned from our conversation and responded to her father, "The fellows!"
Monday, March 6, 2017
Believer's Heritage- Charles E Fuller
In 1874, Henry Fuller moved to Covina, CA from Vermont. He had bought land and was hoping to make a living raising turkeys and farming wheat. Henry sent for his wife, Helen Day, after getting situated, but a drought hit hard that year and they lost all. He and his wife moved to Los Angeles, and he opened a furniture store with a starting inventory of 24 rockers and 120 chairs.
His store became successful because of the manufacture and sale of bedsprings. And, family and children were well taken care of.
Charles Fuller was born on April 25, 1887, being the fourth son born to Henry and Helen. Charles loved going into town, and was often seen around the fire station in town. He was known by the firemen so well, that they sometimes let him ride in the fire wagon with them to watch them fight fires.
Shortly after his birth, his mother's asthma got very bad. She would go to the Redlands to get relief in the drier climate. His father took their savings and bought 70 acres in the Redlands area where he hoped to start a new business with an orange grove. From 1889 until 1893, Charles' father operated his furniture store in Los Angeles while building their new business in the Redlands.
His father sold the final inventory of his furniture store at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893 and moved to the orange grove for good.
There were no fire stations around. There was nothing around but nature. Charles spent his free time wandering the hills enjoying the beauty of God's creation. Though, much of his life was spent working the orange grove with his father and brothers.
The Fuller family belonged to the Methodist Church in the Redlands, and Henry made sure that his boys tithed part of their wages to that church. Charles grew up in a Christian home having morning Bible studies with his father and singing hymns with his mother as she played a pump organ.
By 1902, Fuller's Fancy Oranges were doing quite well. Henry took the time to take one of his sons around the world to see the mission field. He would send back letters to his family of their encounters, and when he arrived back home they published all the letters together in a book titled A Californian Circling The Globe. Henry had a great love for missions, so when his orange business started doing extremely well, he started to support missionaries himself. First, there were three, but by the end of his life Henry was supporting 55 missionaries around the world!
Charles grew to be around 6 foot tall by the time he was in high school. He was a shy boy, but that didn't stop him from playing on the football team. He even made captain.
It was here that he met his future wife Grace Payton. Charles proposed while they were still in high school, but Grace wanted to go to college first. She asked him to wait until they had graduated to ask her again. He was willing to wait for her, and made her a cedar hope chest.
They graduated high school in 1906. Grace went to Cumnock School of Expression in Los Angeles, and Charles enrolled at Pamona College- half way between Los Angeles and the Redlands.
Grace had moved from Cumnock School of Expression to the Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio. Then she went on to the University of Chicago. But, her father's death brought her studies to a halt, and she moved back to help her mother.
Charles went all four year to Pamona, and enjoyed college. Though he wasn't good in English, he excelled in Math and Science. He continued playing football as left-tackle and became the captain of his college team. Grace would sometimes attend his games.
Charles and Grace were engaged the summer between his Junior and Senior year of college.
He graduated in 1910, and took his knowledge of chemistry back to his father's orange grove. He began to analyze the soil and create fertilizers to help the trees bear more fruit.
Henry had purchased a gold dredging operation in Northern California, and asked if Charles could go find out why it wasn't it wasn't doing well. While there, Charles had a near death experience. He was swept off a boat and whipped around in the currents of the American River. He had a hold of a cable, and cried out to God that he would serve Him always if God would allowed him to live.
Charles did survive, and returned home in the summer of 1911. He and Grace were married that fall. Charles continued using his knowledge of chemistry to make a living testing rancher's soil and creating fertilizers for their needs. The second year of the marriage, they were able to purchase a 10 acre orange grove.
Their venture into the orange industry didn't go well. Their first crop was killed off by a freeze just a few months after they bought their farm. And, in 1913 they again lost it all to a cold front. Charles decided to apply for a management position in Placentia and they moved in April 1913.
It was in 1916 that Charles went to hear Paul Rader preach in Los Angeles. The former wrestler/boxer turned preacher was having an 8 month evangelistic campain. Rader was the pastor of Moody Memorial Church in Chicago, and had been called the "New Elijah".
That night changed his life was forever. The message made Charles realize that he wasn't living how he should. He didn't go forward for the invitation, but he didn't make it home without yielding to the conviction. He knelt in the back seat of his car and gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ.
The seed for the love of missions that was planted in him as a young boy started to bear fruit. Within a year, he and his wife were traveling throughout the Western United States as evangelists to rural cities. When Charles saw that the need was great, he enrolled in a Bible Institute in Los Angeles in 1919 to train to become a preacher.
He served as a Bible teacher at Calvary Church in Placentia, CA for 10 years. It was here that the Old Fashioned Revival Hour came into existence. When Charles realized that this ministry had the potential to reach more than any pulpit anywhere, he resigned from the church and went full time into the radio ministry.
From 1925 on, this evangelistic radio broadcast sent the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ out into the airwaves from a Hollywood studio. By the 1940's his radio show was being played on stations all around the world thanks to the help of the Gospel Broadcasting Association, which was established by Charles for the purpose of keeping the radio show going.
At the beginning of World War II, the Old Fashioned Revival Hour moved to the Municipal Auditorium in Long Beach, CA. It is unknown just how many soldiers gave their lives to Christ before shipping out to give their life for their country- only eternity will tell.
Charles was sad to see that Protestant churches across America were closing. He was even more saddened by the fact that there weren't enough preachers to fill the pulpits of the ones that were still open. So, in 1947, Charles opened the doors to the Fuller Evangelistic Foundation where he trained young men to be pastors, missionaries, and evangelists. His training produced soul winning preachers who sought the lost where ever they could find them.
The last broadcast from the Municipal Auditorium was aired on January 12, 1958. Charles moved his radio show back to a Hollywood studio and continued sending the gospel out as 30 minute broadcasts.
In 1969, the Old Fashioned Revival Hour was taken over by David Hubbard, a member of the Old Fashioned Bible Hour quartet, who changed the name to The Joyful Sound.
Charles died on March 18,1968, at which time his Old Fashioned Revival Hour was being played on over 500 stations around the world. One of the last things he said was , "As I look back on my life, how glad I am that I have spent it preaching the Gospel."
The broadcasts of the Old Fashioned Bible Hour were brought to life again in 1997 by Charles' son, Dan Fuller, as the Old Fashioned Revival Hour.
His store became successful because of the manufacture and sale of bedsprings. And, family and children were well taken care of.
Charles Fuller was born on April 25, 1887, being the fourth son born to Henry and Helen. Charles loved going into town, and was often seen around the fire station in town. He was known by the firemen so well, that they sometimes let him ride in the fire wagon with them to watch them fight fires.
Shortly after his birth, his mother's asthma got very bad. She would go to the Redlands to get relief in the drier climate. His father took their savings and bought 70 acres in the Redlands area where he hoped to start a new business with an orange grove. From 1889 until 1893, Charles' father operated his furniture store in Los Angeles while building their new business in the Redlands.
His father sold the final inventory of his furniture store at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893 and moved to the orange grove for good.
There were no fire stations around. There was nothing around but nature. Charles spent his free time wandering the hills enjoying the beauty of God's creation. Though, much of his life was spent working the orange grove with his father and brothers.
The Fuller family belonged to the Methodist Church in the Redlands, and Henry made sure that his boys tithed part of their wages to that church. Charles grew up in a Christian home having morning Bible studies with his father and singing hymns with his mother as she played a pump organ.
By 1902, Fuller's Fancy Oranges were doing quite well. Henry took the time to take one of his sons around the world to see the mission field. He would send back letters to his family of their encounters, and when he arrived back home they published all the letters together in a book titled A Californian Circling The Globe. Henry had a great love for missions, so when his orange business started doing extremely well, he started to support missionaries himself. First, there were three, but by the end of his life Henry was supporting 55 missionaries around the world!
Charles grew to be around 6 foot tall by the time he was in high school. He was a shy boy, but that didn't stop him from playing on the football team. He even made captain.
It was here that he met his future wife Grace Payton. Charles proposed while they were still in high school, but Grace wanted to go to college first. She asked him to wait until they had graduated to ask her again. He was willing to wait for her, and made her a cedar hope chest.
They graduated high school in 1906. Grace went to Cumnock School of Expression in Los Angeles, and Charles enrolled at Pamona College- half way between Los Angeles and the Redlands.
Grace had moved from Cumnock School of Expression to the Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio. Then she went on to the University of Chicago. But, her father's death brought her studies to a halt, and she moved back to help her mother.
Charles went all four year to Pamona, and enjoyed college. Though he wasn't good in English, he excelled in Math and Science. He continued playing football as left-tackle and became the captain of his college team. Grace would sometimes attend his games.
Charles and Grace were engaged the summer between his Junior and Senior year of college.
He graduated in 1910, and took his knowledge of chemistry back to his father's orange grove. He began to analyze the soil and create fertilizers to help the trees bear more fruit.
Henry had purchased a gold dredging operation in Northern California, and asked if Charles could go find out why it wasn't it wasn't doing well. While there, Charles had a near death experience. He was swept off a boat and whipped around in the currents of the American River. He had a hold of a cable, and cried out to God that he would serve Him always if God would allowed him to live.
Charles did survive, and returned home in the summer of 1911. He and Grace were married that fall. Charles continued using his knowledge of chemistry to make a living testing rancher's soil and creating fertilizers for their needs. The second year of the marriage, they were able to purchase a 10 acre orange grove.
Their venture into the orange industry didn't go well. Their first crop was killed off by a freeze just a few months after they bought their farm. And, in 1913 they again lost it all to a cold front. Charles decided to apply for a management position in Placentia and they moved in April 1913.
It was in 1916 that Charles went to hear Paul Rader preach in Los Angeles. The former wrestler/boxer turned preacher was having an 8 month evangelistic campain. Rader was the pastor of Moody Memorial Church in Chicago, and had been called the "New Elijah".
That night changed his life was forever. The message made Charles realize that he wasn't living how he should. He didn't go forward for the invitation, but he didn't make it home without yielding to the conviction. He knelt in the back seat of his car and gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ.
The seed for the love of missions that was planted in him as a young boy started to bear fruit. Within a year, he and his wife were traveling throughout the Western United States as evangelists to rural cities. When Charles saw that the need was great, he enrolled in a Bible Institute in Los Angeles in 1919 to train to become a preacher.
He served as a Bible teacher at Calvary Church in Placentia, CA for 10 years. It was here that the Old Fashioned Revival Hour came into existence. When Charles realized that this ministry had the potential to reach more than any pulpit anywhere, he resigned from the church and went full time into the radio ministry.
From 1925 on, this evangelistic radio broadcast sent the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ out into the airwaves from a Hollywood studio. By the 1940's his radio show was being played on stations all around the world thanks to the help of the Gospel Broadcasting Association, which was established by Charles for the purpose of keeping the radio show going.
At the beginning of World War II, the Old Fashioned Revival Hour moved to the Municipal Auditorium in Long Beach, CA. It is unknown just how many soldiers gave their lives to Christ before shipping out to give their life for their country- only eternity will tell.
Charles was sad to see that Protestant churches across America were closing. He was even more saddened by the fact that there weren't enough preachers to fill the pulpits of the ones that were still open. So, in 1947, Charles opened the doors to the Fuller Evangelistic Foundation where he trained young men to be pastors, missionaries, and evangelists. His training produced soul winning preachers who sought the lost where ever they could find them.
The last broadcast from the Municipal Auditorium was aired on January 12, 1958. Charles moved his radio show back to a Hollywood studio and continued sending the gospel out as 30 minute broadcasts.
In 1969, the Old Fashioned Revival Hour was taken over by David Hubbard, a member of the Old Fashioned Bible Hour quartet, who changed the name to The Joyful Sound.
Charles died on March 18,1968, at which time his Old Fashioned Revival Hour was being played on over 500 stations around the world. One of the last things he said was , "As I look back on my life, how glad I am that I have spent it preaching the Gospel."
The broadcasts of the Old Fashioned Bible Hour were brought to life again in 1997 by Charles' son, Dan Fuller, as the Old Fashioned Revival Hour.
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Friday, March 3, 2017
Gluten Free Blondies recipe
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 3/4 cup almond flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Preheat the oven to 350F. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking pan.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugars. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix on high until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix to fully incorporate. Stir in the chocolate chips and pecans.
Pour the dough into the greased baking dish. Smooth into an even layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before cutting.
-I got this recipe from Meaningful Eats, and it is the best gluten free blondies recipe ever! Follow the link to find more of her amazing recipes.
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 3/4 cup almond flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Preheat the oven to 350F. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking pan.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugars. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix on high until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix to fully incorporate. Stir in the chocolate chips and pecans.
Pour the dough into the greased baking dish. Smooth into an even layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before cutting.
-I got this recipe from Meaningful Eats, and it is the best gluten free blondies recipe ever! Follow the link to find more of her amazing recipes.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Finding Peace in a Troubled World (video sermon)
Know God; Know Peace. No God; No Peace. A great truth in the Bible is that there is no peace without God.
Isaiah 57:21- There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
Isaiah 26:3- Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
The Arabs and Muslims who trace their heritage back to Ishmael have no peace. Because God said it would be so. Genesis 16:12- And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.
The religion often referred to as the religion of peace is anything but peaceful.
But, the Christian is suppose to live peaceably. Romans 12:18- If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
This doesn't mean to keep your mouth shut against the wickedness of this world. This doesn't mean to not tell others that they are sinners. This doesn't mean to accept the evils of this world as normal. It means don't go out seeking a fight when a situation can be approached in a gently, godly manner.
So, how do we find peace in a world filled with rioting, fighting, hate, envy, backbiting, lying, etc?
Well, first Christ made possible peace between the Sinner and God. At the negotiating table, if you're saved, you and God both agreed that you were guilty. You both agreed that Christ was the only payment that could suffice the wages of sin. You find peace in salvation because Christ ensures the relationship.
We can also find peace in our mind. If you keep your thoughts on God, on things that are pleasing to God, then we can find peace in our minds. Not only will this affect our minds, but it will also affect our hearts. We won't be full of worry or the cares that deal with things of this world. This doesn't mean we won't have troubles, but we will find peace in the midst of troubles.
Christians can find peace by trusting God. God said that He will supply all our need- not our greed. If we accept what God has given us, and learn to be content trusting that He knows what is best, we will find peace. Much of our peace goes out the window because of discontent with what God has given us, or with what we perceive God hasn't allowed us to have.
Peace can be found in accepting our lot in life. God has decreed certain things for your life- who your parents are, where you were born, etc. There are certain things that we can't change. If we accept that God knows best, then we will find a peace in walking in the grace that God provides to us through the trial.
Everything you do- from the way you walk and talk to the shows that you watch and the music you listen to- have an effect on your life. Our lives will have times of sorrow as well as times of joy, but we can have peace through each. There may be disfunction in the world around you, but you can still have peace!
How? By reading the Scriptures! We know that in the last days perilous times shall come. We can see the list of end times signs coming true before our eyes. But, the promises that are found in the Bible helps us to have peace in spite of these things. We know it's coming, and we know how the book ends. So, we can peace by reminding ourselves of these precious truths.
If you live a wicked life, if you have wicked thoughts, if you harbor discontent in your heart, or get your focus in what's happening in the world then you will have no peace. It's only by putting your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and walking in His ways and keeping the precious promises of Scripture in your sight that you will ever find peace in this present evil world!
Isaiah 57:21- There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
Isaiah 26:3- Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
The Arabs and Muslims who trace their heritage back to Ishmael have no peace. Because God said it would be so. Genesis 16:12- And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.
The religion often referred to as the religion of peace is anything but peaceful.
But, the Christian is suppose to live peaceably. Romans 12:18- If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
This doesn't mean to keep your mouth shut against the wickedness of this world. This doesn't mean to not tell others that they are sinners. This doesn't mean to accept the evils of this world as normal. It means don't go out seeking a fight when a situation can be approached in a gently, godly manner.
So, how do we find peace in a world filled with rioting, fighting, hate, envy, backbiting, lying, etc?
Well, first Christ made possible peace between the Sinner and God. At the negotiating table, if you're saved, you and God both agreed that you were guilty. You both agreed that Christ was the only payment that could suffice the wages of sin. You find peace in salvation because Christ ensures the relationship.
We can also find peace in our mind. If you keep your thoughts on God, on things that are pleasing to God, then we can find peace in our minds. Not only will this affect our minds, but it will also affect our hearts. We won't be full of worry or the cares that deal with things of this world. This doesn't mean we won't have troubles, but we will find peace in the midst of troubles.
Christians can find peace by trusting God. God said that He will supply all our need- not our greed. If we accept what God has given us, and learn to be content trusting that He knows what is best, we will find peace. Much of our peace goes out the window because of discontent with what God has given us, or with what we perceive God hasn't allowed us to have.
Peace can be found in accepting our lot in life. God has decreed certain things for your life- who your parents are, where you were born, etc. There are certain things that we can't change. If we accept that God knows best, then we will find a peace in walking in the grace that God provides to us through the trial.
Everything you do- from the way you walk and talk to the shows that you watch and the music you listen to- have an effect on your life. Our lives will have times of sorrow as well as times of joy, but we can have peace through each. There may be disfunction in the world around you, but you can still have peace!
How? By reading the Scriptures! We know that in the last days perilous times shall come. We can see the list of end times signs coming true before our eyes. But, the promises that are found in the Bible helps us to have peace in spite of these things. We know it's coming, and we know how the book ends. So, we can peace by reminding ourselves of these precious truths.
If you live a wicked life, if you have wicked thoughts, if you harbor discontent in your heart, or get your focus in what's happening in the world then you will have no peace. It's only by putting your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and walking in His ways and keeping the precious promises of Scripture in your sight that you will ever find peace in this present evil world!
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Why Do We Have The Book of Job?
Shortly after the flood, the Bible tells us a story about the time the devil and God argued over a man.
Job 1:1-2- There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
You see, the devil didn't stop entering before the Lord God Almighty's throne when he became Satan. He was the ruler of the kingdoms of the World, but he still came before God every so often.
Job 1:6-7- Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
What do you suppose they talked about? The devil probably had to give an account of his doings. But, he also liked to accuse humanity of their wickedness before God.
Job 1:8-11- And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
God asked Satan what he thought about Job. Job tried to do right, and God had greatly blessed him because of it.
Satan told God that the only reason that Job feared God and did right was because God had blessed him. So, God decided to use Job to prove the devil wrong!
Job 1:12-And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
God told Satan that he could take away all the blessings that had been bestowed upon Job, only Satan couldn't physically hurt Job.
So, the devil went down and in one day killed all Job's children and took all his wealth.
Job 1:20-22- Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
God knew that Job would stand firm. Even though he was of a sorrowful heart, he still worshipped the Lord God Almighty!
Job 2:1-2- Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
God, again, had a meeting in heaven. Satan came to this meeting, and God wanted to know what he thought about Job passing the test.
Job 2:3- And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
God told Satan that Job was still doing right, even though all his riches were gone.
But, Satan had another argument.
Job 2:4-6- And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.
Satan said that if Job were in physical pain that he wouldn't worship God. So, the Lord decided to allow the devil to prove his point.
Satan was given permission to hurt Job, only he couldn't kill him.
Job 2:7-8- So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.
Poor Job! He didn't know what was going on. All he knew was that God had allowed him to lose his children, his riches, and now his health. He sat down in the ashes that were left from his wealth and tried to scrape away the nastiness from his wounds.
But, the devil wasn't done. He was going to try to provoke Job into cursing God.
Job 2:9-10- Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
Job's wife told him to curse God and die. If he were dead, he wouldn't be in pain anymore. But, Job knew that cursing the Lord God Almighty was wrong. Even though he didn't understand why God allowed these things to happen. He was still going to trust Him.
Wow! I bet the devil wasn't expecting that answer!
Job had some friends that came to see him. Three good friends, and another man who is mentioned later on in the book of Job.
Job 2:11-13- Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him. And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven. So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.
As Job's friends, and this one acquaintance, came near they were astonished by what they saw. They saw a man who was grotesque sitting covered in sores and ashes. They didn't even recognize him!
The rent their clothes and sat down with him mourning. But, they were silent because, I guess, they just didn't know what to say!
Job 3:1-2,11 - After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day. And Job spake, and said, Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?
After days of pain, Job finally spoke. He knew not to curse God, so instead he cursed his own life; He wished that he had never been born.
Satan saw that Job was breaking. He decided to take it one step further and add mental anguish to Job's life.
Job 4:1, 7-8- Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off? Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.
Job's friends started to accuse him of doing evil things. They said that was why God allowed this to happen to him.
But, the time in which Job lived was different from our time now. God had always blessed those who lived right. The only time anyone was ever cursed by God was when they had done wrong. So, Job's friends just knew that he had done something!
Job 5:6-7,27 -Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground; Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward. Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good.
For a long time, Job argued with his friends that his works were righteous. He said that he did nothing to deserve this.
Job 32:1- So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
After much debate, Job's three friends fell silent. They saw that they were getting no where because Job was righteous in his own eyes.
This is when the fourth man finally spoke up!
Job 32:2-3- Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
Elihu had sat listening to the conversation of these men. He was angry that Job justified himself. And, he was also mad at the other men for not answering correctly.
Job 32:6-7, 11-12; 33:1, 8-9, 12; 34:10, 12; 35:2; 37:14- And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion. I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say. Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words: Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words. Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man. Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment. Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's? Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
Elihu argued that God was just no matter what His reasons. And, he told Job that he was wrong in not accepting that.
We don't know what Job thought about Elihu's opinion, because Job never got the chance to answer.
Job 38:1-4, 12, 33-34; 40:1-2- Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth? Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee? Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said, Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.
God told Job to answer for himself. Then he asked Job a few questions. Was Job there when God created the earth? Did Job tell the sun to rise? Was Job in control of the stars? Could Job make it rain? Answer me!
What would you do if all of a sudden God sent a tornado and started talking to you from it? Just imagine how scared you would be!
Job 40:3-4- Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.
Job said that he was unworthy to answer God!
But, God wasn't going to accept Job's silence after listening to all the arguments between him and these other four men.
Job 40:6-8- Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?
God continued to tell Job about all that He could do, and did do. And, do you know what Job said?
Job 42:1-2, 5-6- Then Job answered the LORD, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
Job said, "I'm sorry! Please, forgive me!"
And, guess what? God forgave him!!
But, God wasn't done just yet.
You see, Job wasn't the only one who had misspoken. Job's three friends were also guilty.
Job 42:7-8- And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.
Job's three friends had accused him of doing wrong. Job hadn't sinned! The only thing Job was guilty of was accusing God, and that was after his friends accused him of wrongdoing.
God told them to apologize to Job and offer a sacrifice. They would be forgiven when Job prayed for them.
Job 42:10- And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
God waited for Job to forgive his friends. Once he prayed for them, God gave Job his children and his wealth back. In fact, God doubled Job's riches!
Job 42:12a, 16-17- So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations. So Job died, being old and full of days.
God gave Job a long and happy life. He was able to see his great grand children!
Why would God include this story in the Bible?????
Revelation 12:10- And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
God told us this story because Satan still goes before God and accuses us of our sins! He wants us to be punished for all the wrongdoing that we commit.
Isn't that terrible!
But, don't worry! We serve a wonderful Savior, and He has given us something far better than even Job had! If you have asked the Lord Jesus Christ to save you, you have an advocate that's on your side standing before God all the time!
Romans 8:28, 34- And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Hebrews 7:25- Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
The whole time the devil is telling God how bad you are, the Lord Jesus Christ is right there reminding God that He paid for our sins!
And, just like Job we can be forgiven by God if only we ask!
I John 1:9- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
John 3:16- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
I'm a "whosoever" that believed on the Lord Jesus Christ! And, when the devil accuses me before God, Christ is right there interceding on my behalf!
Job 1:1-2- There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
You see, the devil didn't stop entering before the Lord God Almighty's throne when he became Satan. He was the ruler of the kingdoms of the World, but he still came before God every so often.
Job 1:6-7- Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
What do you suppose they talked about? The devil probably had to give an account of his doings. But, he also liked to accuse humanity of their wickedness before God.
Job 1:8-11- And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
God asked Satan what he thought about Job. Job tried to do right, and God had greatly blessed him because of it.
Satan told God that the only reason that Job feared God and did right was because God had blessed him. So, God decided to use Job to prove the devil wrong!
Job 1:12-And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
God told Satan that he could take away all the blessings that had been bestowed upon Job, only Satan couldn't physically hurt Job.
So, the devil went down and in one day killed all Job's children and took all his wealth.
Job 1:20-22- Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
God knew that Job would stand firm. Even though he was of a sorrowful heart, he still worshipped the Lord God Almighty!
Job 2:1-2- Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
God, again, had a meeting in heaven. Satan came to this meeting, and God wanted to know what he thought about Job passing the test.
Job 2:3- And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
God told Satan that Job was still doing right, even though all his riches were gone.
But, Satan had another argument.
Job 2:4-6- And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.
Satan said that if Job were in physical pain that he wouldn't worship God. So, the Lord decided to allow the devil to prove his point.
Satan was given permission to hurt Job, only he couldn't kill him.
Job 2:7-8- So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.
Poor Job! He didn't know what was going on. All he knew was that God had allowed him to lose his children, his riches, and now his health. He sat down in the ashes that were left from his wealth and tried to scrape away the nastiness from his wounds.
But, the devil wasn't done. He was going to try to provoke Job into cursing God.
Job 2:9-10- Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
Job's wife told him to curse God and die. If he were dead, he wouldn't be in pain anymore. But, Job knew that cursing the Lord God Almighty was wrong. Even though he didn't understand why God allowed these things to happen. He was still going to trust Him.
Wow! I bet the devil wasn't expecting that answer!
Job had some friends that came to see him. Three good friends, and another man who is mentioned later on in the book of Job.
Job 2:11-13- Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him. And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven. So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.
As Job's friends, and this one acquaintance, came near they were astonished by what they saw. They saw a man who was grotesque sitting covered in sores and ashes. They didn't even recognize him!
The rent their clothes and sat down with him mourning. But, they were silent because, I guess, they just didn't know what to say!
Job 3:1-2,11 - After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day. And Job spake, and said, Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?
After days of pain, Job finally spoke. He knew not to curse God, so instead he cursed his own life; He wished that he had never been born.
Satan saw that Job was breaking. He decided to take it one step further and add mental anguish to Job's life.
Job 4:1, 7-8- Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off? Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.
Job's friends started to accuse him of doing evil things. They said that was why God allowed this to happen to him.
But, the time in which Job lived was different from our time now. God had always blessed those who lived right. The only time anyone was ever cursed by God was when they had done wrong. So, Job's friends just knew that he had done something!
Job 5:6-7,27 -Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground; Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward. Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good.
For a long time, Job argued with his friends that his works were righteous. He said that he did nothing to deserve this.
Job 32:1- So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
After much debate, Job's three friends fell silent. They saw that they were getting no where because Job was righteous in his own eyes.
This is when the fourth man finally spoke up!
Job 32:2-3- Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
Elihu had sat listening to the conversation of these men. He was angry that Job justified himself. And, he was also mad at the other men for not answering correctly.
Job 32:6-7, 11-12; 33:1, 8-9, 12; 34:10, 12; 35:2; 37:14- And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion. I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say. Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words: Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words. Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man. Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment. Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's? Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
Elihu argued that God was just no matter what His reasons. And, he told Job that he was wrong in not accepting that.
We don't know what Job thought about Elihu's opinion, because Job never got the chance to answer.
Job 38:1-4, 12, 33-34; 40:1-2- Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth? Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee? Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said, Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.
God told Job to answer for himself. Then he asked Job a few questions. Was Job there when God created the earth? Did Job tell the sun to rise? Was Job in control of the stars? Could Job make it rain? Answer me!
What would you do if all of a sudden God sent a tornado and started talking to you from it? Just imagine how scared you would be!
Job 40:3-4- Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.
Job said that he was unworthy to answer God!
But, God wasn't going to accept Job's silence after listening to all the arguments between him and these other four men.
Job 40:6-8- Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?
God continued to tell Job about all that He could do, and did do. And, do you know what Job said?
Job 42:1-2, 5-6- Then Job answered the LORD, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
Job said, "I'm sorry! Please, forgive me!"
And, guess what? God forgave him!!
But, God wasn't done just yet.
You see, Job wasn't the only one who had misspoken. Job's three friends were also guilty.
Job 42:7-8- And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.
Job's three friends had accused him of doing wrong. Job hadn't sinned! The only thing Job was guilty of was accusing God, and that was after his friends accused him of wrongdoing.
God told them to apologize to Job and offer a sacrifice. They would be forgiven when Job prayed for them.
Job 42:10- And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
God waited for Job to forgive his friends. Once he prayed for them, God gave Job his children and his wealth back. In fact, God doubled Job's riches!
Job 42:12a, 16-17- So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations. So Job died, being old and full of days.
God gave Job a long and happy life. He was able to see his great grand children!
Why would God include this story in the Bible?????
Revelation 12:10- And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
God told us this story because Satan still goes before God and accuses us of our sins! He wants us to be punished for all the wrongdoing that we commit.
Isn't that terrible!
But, don't worry! We serve a wonderful Savior, and He has given us something far better than even Job had! If you have asked the Lord Jesus Christ to save you, you have an advocate that's on your side standing before God all the time!
Romans 8:28, 34- And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Hebrews 7:25- Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
The whole time the devil is telling God how bad you are, the Lord Jesus Christ is right there reminding God that He paid for our sins!
And, just like Job we can be forgiven by God if only we ask!
I John 1:9- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
John 3:16- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
I'm a "whosoever" that believed on the Lord Jesus Christ! And, when the devil accuses me before God, Christ is right there interceding on my behalf!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)