Devotion
Answer me! Where were you when….
David Jacobs
One of my best friends got into a huge and unnecessary argument not that long ago. It was embarrassing to watch as his friend, because I thought that his behavior was completely unmerited. He had no idea what he was talking about and should not have been involved, but forced himself into a situation and presumed to know how to respond. It was, to be honest, insulting, and everyone told him as such. He was upset at the reaction he received, storming away in a fit of rage. I was pleased to see him apologize to the group he offended a few days later, knowing that he was wrong.
Job lost everything to Satan when Satan wanted to prove to God that he could flip even the most righteous of God's followers to evil. In the chapters preceding this one, Job has done that, wondering why and how God could let this happen to him. These verses are God's response, similar to the rebuke that the group had to my friend. Job assumes that he has any idea what God has planned and demands an answer. Job has no idea! God asks where was Job when God created everything! There is not much that can be said in reply to that.
As Christians, no matter what befalls us, we should not question why it has happened.
Prayer
If we have questions, go to God in prayer. Meditate on it in prayer, and you might receive an answer. Go to God with accusations, and you will only be filled with the pain that you came to Him with. If you do this, be a man, like my friend, and apologize. God will forgive you and you will be better for it.
Devotion
Lot’s Rescue
Frances Taylor
When I read about Lot and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, I tend to think about Lot's wife and her turning back just when salvation was in her grasp. The angels had brought the whole family to safety; all they had to do was follow God's instruction not to turn back. It sounds so easy. I wonder what was so important to Lot's wife that she turned back? I'm sure that Lot was grateful to God and to the angels for rescuing him and his family and also saddened by the loss of his wife. We, too, have been rescued. We have been rescued from the fear of death, from the effects of our sinfulness and from eternal damnation. We have chosen to follow our deliverer, our Savior, Jesus Christ. What is there in our lives that is so important to us that we risk losing it all? Because we do turn back, just as Lot's wife. We often return to old habits, old companions that lead us into sinful situations, old temptations that we think won't entrap us. We choose to...
Morning Prayer
Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
Inspiration
When it comes to judging situations, we should never be partial in our reasoning. If we try to favor one party, instead of being just, we are doing a great injustice to the wronged person, and we are also doing a great disservice to ourselves as children of God. Be fair in every situation and strive to do the right thing. There is no honor in partiality.
Prayer
Dear God, I ask for your wisdom when I am asked to mediate situations. Lord, may I never be swayed by money, or anything else that could cause me to be partial. May my reasoning be just and pleasing before you, and may it be the truth I speak and nothing else, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
Inspiration
We cry out to the Lord when we are troubled. We ask for guidance, help, and protection because we know He is always listening. God comforts our anxious spirits and calms the brewing storm within our hearts; We can always count on our Heavenly Father to be present and prepared to help us fight any battle we encounter. God has been our refuge since the beginning; He will remain our rock of salvation until the end.
Prayer
Dear God, we are thankful for Your presence in our lives. We know we can always call out to You in times of trouble. You are always present and prepared to help us when we need You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
