July 9, 2006 - Job 38-40 and Acts 16:1-21
Job finally gets his chance to talk to God about his trials, and he can't say a thing. What happened? God asked him a series of questions that showed him that he was totally unable to contend with God. It was not a bad thing for Job to realize. In fact, it was a good thing that would help him the rest of his life. We all need to learn that lesson once and for all.
As you read chapters 38 and 39, think about how much knowledge it took for God to create the universe and cause all things to work together. We can't even consider what holds the universe in place, but God knows. He knows every detail, because He is thinking about the food for the young ravens. (38:41) We have such a great God that He knows all of the stars. He holds the stars in place, and He still cares for the smallest creature. If that is the case, how much does He care for you and me? He cares so much more than we can imagine. I pray that we can realize that we do not ever have any reason to question His judgment or His love. He knows what is right, and He always does it. We can trust Him completely, even when we don't understand.
Job comes to his conclusion in chapter 40. He feels vile in the presence of the Holy God. He knows that he has nothing to say. He closes his mouth, and he just listens to the rest of God's response. That is what we should do. We should know that we are nothing compared to God. We should stand in awe of His greatness. We should listen to anything He says and be quick to do it for His glory.
Then, God asks the main question for all of us in verse 8. "Would you indeed annul My judgment?" Let's ask ourselves that question now. Is there anything in your life that you have been holding against God? Do you think He has made a mistake in how He made you, or in something He did in your life? Are you really wanting Him to change His judgment? I hope not. I hope we can accept His wise judgments and actions for our lives.
In Acts 16 we see Paul following God's will. He chose Timothy to be one of his helpers. He could see his faith, and he knew it was God's will for him to come with him. Then, Paul tries to follow God's will in going to the churches and spreading the gospel. The Holy Spirit would not allow them to go where they wanted. Did Paul get mad? Did he question God? No, he continued to pray, and God showed him the way to go. He went to Europe with the Gospel for the first time. Once Paul had the Macedonian vision, he obeyed God immediately. That is what all of us should do. Think of all that has happened since Paul was faithful to God. Think of what God could accomplish if we all would be faithful to his leadership. Let's decide to agree with God and obey Him.
tomorrow, I intend to read Job 41-42 and Acts 16:22-40.
As you read chapters 38 and 39, think about how much knowledge it took for God to create the universe and cause all things to work together. We can't even consider what holds the universe in place, but God knows. He knows every detail, because He is thinking about the food for the young ravens. (38:41) We have such a great God that He knows all of the stars. He holds the stars in place, and He still cares for the smallest creature. If that is the case, how much does He care for you and me? He cares so much more than we can imagine. I pray that we can realize that we do not ever have any reason to question His judgment or His love. He knows what is right, and He always does it. We can trust Him completely, even when we don't understand.
Job comes to his conclusion in chapter 40. He feels vile in the presence of the Holy God. He knows that he has nothing to say. He closes his mouth, and he just listens to the rest of God's response. That is what we should do. We should know that we are nothing compared to God. We should stand in awe of His greatness. We should listen to anything He says and be quick to do it for His glory.
Then, God asks the main question for all of us in verse 8. "Would you indeed annul My judgment?" Let's ask ourselves that question now. Is there anything in your life that you have been holding against God? Do you think He has made a mistake in how He made you, or in something He did in your life? Are you really wanting Him to change His judgment? I hope not. I hope we can accept His wise judgments and actions for our lives.
In Acts 16 we see Paul following God's will. He chose Timothy to be one of his helpers. He could see his faith, and he knew it was God's will for him to come with him. Then, Paul tries to follow God's will in going to the churches and spreading the gospel. The Holy Spirit would not allow them to go where they wanted. Did Paul get mad? Did he question God? No, he continued to pray, and God showed him the way to go. He went to Europe with the Gospel for the first time. Once Paul had the Macedonian vision, he obeyed God immediately. That is what all of us should do. Think of all that has happened since Paul was faithful to God. Think of what God could accomplish if we all would be faithful to his leadership. Let's decide to agree with God and obey Him.
tomorrow, I intend to read Job 41-42 and Acts 16:22-40.