Job speaks for ninth time in reply to “friends”            verse 1 

But Job answered and said 

Job comments on “friends” advice                               verse 2- 4 

How have you helped him that is without power?

how save you the arm that hath no strength?

How have you counseled him that has no wisdom?

and how have you plentifully declared the thing as it is?

To whom have you uttered words?

and whose spirit came from you? 

Job describes the creative power of God                      verse 5- 14 

Dead things are formed from under the waters

and the inhabitants thereof

Hell is naked before HIM – and destruction hath no covering

HE stretches out the north over the empty place

      and hanged the earth upon nothing

HE binds up the waters in HIS thick clouds

      and the cloud is not rent under them

HE holds back the face of HIS throne

      and spreads HIS cloud upon it

HE has compassed the waters with bounds

      until the day and night come to an end

The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at HIS reproof

HE divides the sea with HIS power

      and by HIS understanding

HE smites through the proud

By HIS Spirit HE hath garnished the heavens

HIS hand hath formed the crooked serpent

Lo these are parts of HIS ways

BUT how little a portion is heard of HIM?

BUT the thunder of HIS power who can understand? 

 

COMMENTARY:

           

DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers

 

: 2        How have you helped him that is without power? How save you the arm that has no strength?                (5826 “helped” [‘azar] means  support, assistance, or aid)

DEVOTION:  Now that Bildad has had his three counsels with Job, Job gives an assessment as to the  aid he has given him. NONE!!

Job states that he was without power when these three “friends” came to encourage him. They have spoken what was on their minds and it has not been encouraging. Even when Job tried to defend himself, they would not listen. They were convinced that God was judging him for his sins. He was not convinced of this and told them so but they would not come up with another solution to his problem.

He was looking to his “friends” for strength to face this trial that the LORD had allowed in his life but the only ones who came to visit him were those who were willing to condemn him for sin. They gave him no strength to fight the battle that was before him.

This can be true today as well. Sometimes friends come to an occasion where they might say that God is judging someone for something they had done with what was going on presently in their life. This is not always wrong but if they are friends they will assist the one who is suffering with comfort and encouragement to get what has happened in perspective.

Preconceived ideas about someone else trial can cause more problems than the trial. We need to come to our friends with love and understanding and seek wisdom for above with them through prayer and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Assisting friends is always hard but it is what we are called to do as fellow believers in this age. We are commanded many time to be around for “one another.”

CHALLLENGE: When our friends need assistance are we acting like judges or encouragers? 

 

DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers                       

                        : 6        Hell is naked before HIM, and destruction has no covering. (11 “destruction” (abaddown]                                   means place of destruction, ruin, underworld, Abaddon, or realm of the dead)

DEVOTION:       This is a description of the neither world. Another name for the

place was Sheol and may carry the meaning of the land of destruction of evildoers.  God

is over death. There is no realm that the LORD is not in control. HE created a place for

those who reject HIM. HE is going to judge the quick and the dead. HE is going to make

sure that everyone understands that they will face HIM one day for judgment.

No one is out of the sight of the LORD. HE sees everything and everywhere.

Job uses three different names for the place of the dead. He uses the waters, Sheol, and

 “destruction.” The LORD knows what is happening in all the realms of the world HE has

created. Nothing is hidden from the LORD.

Job is trying make sure his “friends” understand his understanding of God and HIS

power. He doesn’t want them to think that anything is hidden from him regarding who

God is and what HE can do to those individuals who are living in our world.

Remember there are people today who think that they can hide from God and HIS

judgment that is to come. Too often we find people who think they can hide from the

consequences of their sins. This is not possible.

We have to understand that once we die there is a judgment regarding our final place of

residence. We are not just going to turn to dust and just non-exist. The Bible teaches that

all will face the LORD after their death and be given a judgment regarding what they

have done with HIS teachings.

We all have to be prepared to face HIM one day. Our only hope is in Jesus Christ as our

personal Savior. If we have genuinely confessed our sins and turned our life over to HIM

 HE will be our Savior and provide for us a place for eternity.

Are we ready to meet the LORD today? Do we realize we can have a proper relationship

with HIM through confession of sin and turning to HIM for guidance? That decision is

made before we die and we face the consequences from that point on.

CHALLENGE: Are you ready to meet your Maker?

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                        : 7        HE stretches out the north over the empty place, and hangs the earth on nothing. (8518                                                  “hangs” [talah] means hang up, to cause to be hanging or suspended, like a utensil on a peg,                                        weapons on a wall, or a lyre on a tree)

DEVOTION:  There are false religions that teach that the earth is supported by some kind of animal. They say it is not stretched out over an empty space with no supports. They believe that the world has to be supported somehow or it would fall.

We know that when God does something it always is right and true. Job knew that God created the world and HE hung it in outer space as part of HIS six days of creation that is recorded in Genesis 1.

Our God created a universe that is working out HIS design for our world. We can look into telescopes and see the stars in their locations. We find that sailors use the northern star to guide them. Nothing in space is haphazard from the LORD’S point of view. HE created it perfect for us to enjoy and praise HIM for all his work.

Job’s view is not a common view during his lifetime regarding the earth being in empty space. We have more knowledge in this area today and many want to say that all this evolved. The Bible states that God created. One of the views is right and the only one that we can believe is that God created the world.

Now among Christians there are some that say that God started the process and then let it evolve. Others think that the earth is older by millions of years instead of a recent creation.

They had measurements on the moon to state how old it was and this test said that we have a young earth and not an old, old earth. Should this make a difference? Yes!! If the Bible states that God created the world then HE did. Any other theories are false. Age of the earth is debated and this has to be settled because either Adam and Eve were created and their genealogy is used in the Bible to give us an idea of how old the earth is and how many generation lived from Adam to Christ.

CHALLENGE:  God is the one who is holding our world in space!!!

 

DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers

: 11      The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof. (1606 “reproof” [g’arah] means                   rebuke, a chiding, a verbal warning, or to speak words that show what another has                                        done wrong)

DEVOTION:  Job has faced these three “friends” through conversations back and forth for the last twenty-five chapters. He has been accused of being a great sinner by these “friends.” He has defended himself because he believed himself innocent of sin. He stated that he didn’t know what God was doing. He wanted to have his time in court before the LORD.

He also combated false teaching that only sinners suffer. He believed that both the good and the evil suffer. He was not happy that wicked people lived seeming easy lives. He thought the LORD should have periodic judgment times to make everything seem good.

Now he is sharing with his “friends” his beliefs regarding the sovereignty of God. He knew HE was the creator of the world but also that HE was the sustainer of the world.

The pillars of heaven are believed to the mountains. When people looked up it seemed that the mountains held up the sky. The LORD can cause earthquakes and tsunami to happen. HE uses them to show the world that HE is in control. Sometimes people take the warnings and most of the time they don’t give HIM their attention.

The LORD can tell us quickly when we have done wrong. Job’s concept of God is that HE causes the heavens to tremble when HE wants to get someone’s attention. HE gets HIS point across to anyone HE wants to. Has HE got our attention? Our world in recent days has had many warnings that humans are not in control of their environment. Many have turned to the LORD for a short time and then continued their lives as if nothing has happened. We had 9/11 here in America and people thought about God for a while but then went back to their old ways. This is wrong.

CHALLENGE: We are not to be part of that group. When God speaks – we are to listen!!! Are we learning from circumstances HE sends our way? Are me more faithful to the LORD today than we were a year ago?

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: 14      Lo, these are parts of HIS ways: but how little a portion is heard of HIM? But the thunder of HIS power                          who can understand? (7482 “thunder”  [ra‘am] means uproar, a booming or crashing sound that                                  normally accompanies lightning in a storm, tumult, shout, or a display of might).

DEVOTION:  When we read verses 5- 13 we understand we have only the basics that are necessary to understand how God works in our universe. HE doesn’t reveal HIS complete power to any of us during our lifetime. We see only a small part of HIS activity.

Job wanted us to understand that we can only see the edges of HIS ways. We only hear the whisper of HIS power. If we totally understood how great our God was we would be on our knees before HIM more regularly than now.

Sometimes we have a very little understanding of who God is and what HE is doing for us that we think that we don’t need HIM. It is sometimes thought that we can do as much without God as we can with HIM.

However, if the work is of us then it might not be of God. We need to make sure that the work we are doing will honor the LORD and that we are praying for this purpose in all that we do.

To totally understand the power God would be beyond human comprehension. Job is trying to get this fact across to his “friends” and we need to get it across to those we deal with on a daily basis as sometimes there are people who think they understand just who God really is, and in this way limit HIM.

CHALLENGE:  We can’t ever fully understand who God is but we are to worship HIM in spirit and truth anyways!

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DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:

BODY

Chastity (Purity in living)

Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)

Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)

Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)

Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)

SOUL

Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)

Frugality (wise use of resources)

Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)

Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)

Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)

SPIRIT

Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)

Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)

Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)

Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)

Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group) 

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DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:

Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)

God the Father (First person of the Godhead) 

HIM                                                                verse 6- 14

            Hell is naked before HIM

            Destruction has no covering

            HE stretches out the north

over the empty place

                                    Hangs the earth on nothing

                                    HE binds up the waters in HIS thick clouds

                                    Clouds are not rent under them

                                    Holds back the face of HIS throne

                                    Spreads HIS cloud upon throne

                                    Hath compassed the waters with bounds

                                                until the day and night come to an end

                                    Pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at

                                                HIS reproof

                                    Divides the sea with HIS power

                                    By HIS understanding HE smites through the

                                                proud

                                    By HIS spirit HE has garnished the heavens

                                    Hand has formed the crooked serpent

                                    Thunders of HIS power who can understand?        

 

God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)

God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter) 

Spirit                                                               verse 13 

Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)    

Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)

Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation) 

Job                                                                  verse 1- 14

            To whom have you uttered words?

            Whose spirit came from you?

Man                                                                verse 1-3

Without power                                             

                                    Without strength                                          

                                    Without counsel                                           

                                    Without wisdom                                           

Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels) 

Proud                                                             verse 12 

Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins) 

Reproof                                                          verse 11 

Israel (Old Testament people of God)

Church (New Testament people of God)

Last Things (Future Events) 

Dead                                                               verse 5

Hell                                                                 verse 6

Destruction                                                    verse 6 

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DONATIONS:

Remember that all donations to Small Church Ministries are greatly appreciated. The treasurer will send a receipt, at the end of the year unless otherwise requested. Please be sure to make check out to “Small Church Ministries.” The address for the treasurer is P.O. Box 604, East Amherst, New York 14051. A second way to give to the ministry is through PayPal on the website: www.smallchurchministries.org.  Also, if you can support this ministry through your local church, please use that method.  Thank you.

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QUOTES regarding passage

26:7 Echoes of Gen 1 sound here, especially in the choice of tōhû, “empty space” (cf. Gen 1:2, “formless”). Some commentators remind us that pagans considered the north to be the dwelling of the gods. Even if Job had that in mind, line a indicates that that sacred mountain was created by the God our hero honored. Job’s assertion that the earth hangs on nothing is amazingly accurate and certainly counters the charge that the Bible’s writers held that the earth stood on something else. (Alden, R. L. (1993). Job (Vol. 11, p. 259). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)

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God not only sees everything, but He made everything and controls it (Job 26:7–13). Job began his hymn of praise with a statement about God’s power in the heavens (vv. 7–9), and he described the earth with remarkable scientific accuracy (v. 7). God also controls the clouds and the rain. (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Patient (p. 100). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)

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By the wind, God’s breath, He clears the sky of clouds after a storm. This reveals His power and wisdom (cf. Job 9:4). All these evidences of God’s power over nature (of things below, above, and on the earth) are only meager indications (the outer fringe) of what He does. People are so distant from God that they hear only a whisper (cf. 4:12) and obviously then cannot possibly fully comprehend all God’s activities in His power. (Zuck, R. B. (1985). Job. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, pp. 749–750). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)

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The last stanza of Job’s hymn centers on God’s power in the waters (26:12–13). God can stir up the sea or still it as He desires, and He has power over sea creatures (“Rahab” and “the gliding serpent,” NIV). He can blow the storm clouds away and clear the sky after the storm.

The three friends must have listened impatiently because they already knew the things Job was talking about; but they hadn’t drawn the right conclusion from them. Because they saw God’s handiwork in nature, they thought they knew all about God; and therefore they could explain God to Job.

Job said that just the opposite was true. “Behold, these are the fringes of His ways; and how faint a word we hear of Him! But His mighty thunder, who can understand?” (v. 14, NASB) What we see of God in creation is but the fringes of His ways, and what we hear is but a whisper of His power! You may read The Book of Nature carefully and still have a great deal more to learn about God. Knowing a few facts about the creation of God is not the same as knowing truths about the God of Creation.

The fourteenth-century British spiritual writer Richard Rolle said, “He truly knows God perfectly that finds Him incomprehensible and unable to be known.” The more we learn about God, the more we discover how much more there is to know! Beware of people who claim to know all about God, for their claim is proof they know neither God nor themselves. (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Patient (pp. 101–102). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)

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26:13 His breath. Cf. 33:4. The Holy Spirit, described here as God’s “breath,” worked mightily in creation (cf. Ge 1:2). the fleeing serpent. This is figurative language for the idea that God brought all constellations into subjection under His authority (cf. 26:12). “Serpent” could be translated “crooked” and refer to any wayward stars or planets being brought under control by His mighty power. (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Job 26:13). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.)

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Ver. 13. By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens, &c.] The visible heavens, with the sun, moon, and stars, with which they are studded and bespangled, and look exceeding beautiful; and the invisible heavens, with angels, the morning stars, and glorified saints, who especially in the resurrection-morn will shine not only like stars, but as the sun in the firmament of heaven; and the church, which is the heaven below, is garnished with Gospel ministers, adorned with the gifts and graces of the spirit of God: his hand hath formed the crooked serpent; because Job in the preceding clause has respect to the heavens and the ornament of them, this has led many to think that some constellation in the heavens is meant by the crooked serpent, either the galaxy, or milky way, as Ben Gersom and others; or the dragon-star, as some in Aben Ezra: but rather Job descends again to the sea, and concludes with taking notice of the wonderful work of God, the leviathan, with which God himself concludes his discourse with him in the close of this book, which is called as here the crooked or bar serpent, Isa. 27:1 and so the Targum understands it, “his hand hath created leviathan, which is like unto a biting serpent.” Some understand it of the crocodile, and the epithet agrees with it, whether it be rendered a bar-serpent, as some; that is, straight, stretched out, long, as a bar, the reverse of our version; or fleeing^e, as others; the crocodile being, as Pliny says, terrible to those that flee from it, but flees from those that pursue it. Jarchi interprets it of Pharaoh, or leviathan, both an emblem of Satan, the old serpent, the devil, who is God’s creature, made by him as a creature, though not made a serpent, or a devil, by him, which was of himself. Some have observed the trinity of persons in these words, and who doubtless were concerned in the creation of all things; here is Jehovah, of whom the whole context is; and his Spirit, who, as he moved upon the face of the waters at the first creation, is here said to beautify and adorn the heavens; and his hand; his Son, the power and wisdom of God, by whom he made all things. (Gill, J. (1810). An Exposition of the Old Testament (Vol. 3, pp. 401–402). London: Mathews and Leigh.)

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FROM MY READING: 

(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)

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More than 2000 years ago, the Lord Jesus Christ ate a ceremonial meal with His disciples. This meal originated in the Passover and pictured Christ’s death, our need to receive Him personally for our salvation, and the fact that all those who are His people are a communion of saints. During the meal, He instructed His disciples to observe this ceremony regularly and with gladness until His return.
And so, whether called the Lord’s Supper, Communion, or the Lord’s Table, Christians today observe a solemn but joyous ceremonial meal which looks back to the redemption of the Cross and forward to the glory of the Second Coming. (Quiet Walk)

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The Christian’s Lifestyle: Our Wisdom “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:17) The “wherefore” is preceded by the command “Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). This title, children of light, is used only three other times in the New Testament: once by the Lord Jesus to contrast worldly wisdom with the ineffectual use of godly wisdom in the least things (Luke 16:8); once again to direct us to believe in the light (John 12:36); and finally by Paul to encourage us to watch and be sober (1 Thessalonians 5:5-6). A light-like life, which is evidence of the fruit of the Spirit, is expressed in the character of goodness (Romans 15:14), righteousness (Romans 14:17-18), and truth (Ephesians 5:9; compare Galatians 5:22). In fact, the transformation of our character by our conscious choice to “present [our] bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” enables us to “prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2; see also Ephesians 5:10). An equation is clearly drawn between godly behavior and godly wisdom. It therefore follows that children of light “should have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11), taking the responsibility to reprove them and recognizing the “shame even to speak of those things” (Ephesians 5:12). The light things make manifest (present, display) that which is reproved, enabling us to “walk circumspectly [accurately, carefully], not as fools but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15). That wisdom is not the foolish wisdom of this world (1 Corinthians 1:20) but the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 2:7) “that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (1 Corinthians 2:12), understanding what the will of the Lord is. (HMM III, The Institute for Creation Research) _______________________________________________________________ Acts 28 Paul finally arrives in Rome after a harrowing journey by sea. INSIGHT Our lives are a constant struggle between our own wills and the will of God. The circumstances of God’s will are often strange and enigmatic; they do not always make sense. However, His will is being worked out even in ways we cannot see or understand. When we relinquish control of our lives and yield to God’s will, then peace, love, and joy will characterize our lives. Paul must have wondered from time to time how shipwreck and imprisonment were working into God’s will; yet with historical perspective, we can see that good came of these events. In the words of the old hymn, we must: “Trust and obey, for there´s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” ______________________________________________________________       BARRIERS TO FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5 There are certain things that tend to militate against fellowship with God and to rob us of it; there are certain things that will stand between us and the fellowship that in turn leads to joy. First of all, there is sin–unrighteousness. John has told us about the possibility of great joy (verse 4); then comes a word that almost crushes us to the ground at once: “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all”–and fellowship seems hopeless. But then, thank God, he tells us how this can be dealt with. If we recognize and confess sin, then there is the blood that cleanses, and God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (1:7, 9). The second hindrance that John talks about in 1 John 2:3 is lack of love for the brethren. If there is anything wrong in my relationship to God, I lose the fellowship, and I lose the joy. Yes, but if there is anything wrong in my relationship with my Christian brothers and sisters, I also lose the joy, and John works this out in a very subtle way. You lose contact with the brethren, and you lose contact with God; you lose your love to God in the same way. The third hindrance is a love of the world, a desire or hankering after its pleasures and its whole sinful mentality. This again is an interruption to fellowship with God. You cannot mix light and darkness. The last thing that interrupts fellowship with God, he tells us at the end of 1 John 2, is false teaching about the person of Jesus Christ. Obviously if the only way to God is through Christ, if I am in any way wrong about my teaching or doctrine concerning Him, then automatically I sever the communion, and again I lose my joy. A Thought to Ponder: Certain things tend to militate against fellowship with God and to rob us of it.            (From Fellowship with God, p. 34, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones). _______________________________________________________________ Our God Is Everywhere “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3) The God who created and made all things is not only omnipotent, He is omnipresent. “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him” (2 Chronicles 16:9). David’s insightful Psalm 139 is certainly one of the most striking affirmations of God’s omnipresence. “If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee” (Psalm 139:8-12). God’s omnipresence, however, should not be understood in a pantheistic sense. Although He sees everyone and everything, that does not mean He is in everyone and everything. The creation did not create itself! But since God is everywhere, He Himself cannot be seen anywhere. Jesus said concerning the Father, “Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape,” but He also said, “I am come in my Father’s name” (John 5:37, 43). “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father” (John 14:9). It is also a wonderful revelation that the Holy Spirit of God now indwells every Christian believer, so this is another way in which God is everywhere—that is, wherever there are true Christians, God is there. “Therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20).                 (HMM, The Institute for Creation Research) ______________________________________________________________

The Sweet Aroma of Christ

We are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 2 Corinthians 2:15

I knew a rancher who lived near Lometa, Texas. His two grandsons were my best friends. We would go into town with him and follow him around while he shopped and chatted with the folks he knew. He knew them all by name and he knew their stories. He’d stop here and there and ask about a sick child or a difficult marriage, and he’d offer a word of encouragement or two. He would share Scripture and pray if it seemed the right thing to do. I’ll never forget the man. He was something special. He didn’t force his faith on anyone, but he always seemed to leave it behind.

The elderly rancher had about him what Paul would call the sweet “aroma of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:15). God used him to “spread the aroma of the knowledge of [Christ]” (v. 14). He’s gone to be with God now, but his fragrance lingers on in Lometa.

C. S. Lewis wrote, “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked with a mere mortal.” Put another way, every human contact has eternal consequences. Every day we have opportunities to make a difference in the lives of people around us through the quiet witness of a faithful and gentle life or through encouraging words to a weary soul. Never underestimate the effect a Christlike life can have on others.

By David H. Roper  (Our Daily Bread)

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Good Christian Lady and mother = Gretchen Suzanne Miles writes:

This picture MILDLY describes how all of us have felt for the past 2 years…just trying to “stand up and survive” under the weight and strain of a worldwide pandemic. Almost one month ago, I changed my FB profile picture frame…showing “I Stand for Medical Freedom,” to which many people that I love and respect made comments on regarding their stance on the vaccine. I appreciate EVERY SINGLE ONE of the people that commented because I know it came from genuine concern for my family. I did not respond right away because I rarely, if ever, see positive results come from DEBATING politics or personal choices online. However, I feel compelled to post now….with the hope that it could help someone else and because of my ULTIMATE hope in Jesus Christ. <![if !vml]><![endif]>.

As a mother of 6 children and one living with quadriplegia, Jase and I have mulled over the pros and cons of the vaccine as much or more than most people. My 23-year-old daughter, Jacoby, is a “TYPE A” individual that has a brilliant mind and has thought through many options regarding the vaccine. Trust me..lol…she makes her OWN choices. For those of you who have the privilege of knowing her, her name speaks for itself. <![if !vml]><![endif]>Jase, Jacoby and I made the choice to let our natural antibodies play their role in our bodies instead of taking this specific vaccine. NOT BECAUSE I AM AGAINST ANYONE GETTING THE VACCINE (please, do what you believe is best for you), but because we have ALL (including Jacoby) already had Covid twice and have recovered without needing hospitalization (in fact, the 2nd time, we recovered very quickly). There are also no long-term studies available at this point in time and this is deeply concerning to us as it is to many others..

Jase and I have been called “selfish and foolish” for not wanting to immediately follow a part of the scientific community regarding the vaccine. However, little do people know, if we had always “followed the science” immediately, Jacoby’s life would have been much LESS productive due to multiple medications doctors INSISTED she needed to have to survive after her accident. She’s not only survived, she’s thrived…WITHOUT the medication! However, what works for us may not work for others. We leave room for PERSONAL CHOICE AND EXPERIENCE. That’s why we all need to assume we don’t know everything…we need to be okay with resting in the tension of the unknown. This keeps us humble and able to listen to other points-of-view, even if we don’t agree..

In the end, what I treasure MOST is the fact that my Savior gives me the “right to choose” every single day. <![if !vml]><![endif]>He may not always agree with the decisions I make, but He NEVER shames, bullies, or mocks me to bring about transformation in my life. In fact, just the opposite. He is big enough to handle ANY AND ALL of my questions and uncertainties. It’s His unconditional love and patience for me that won my heart years ago, and is what continues to keep me madly in love with Him today. <![if !vml]><![endif]>Jesus is my Advocate, my Protector, and my Defender. PERIOD.<![if !vml]><![endif]><![if !vml]><![endif]><![if !vml]><![endif]>.

For those of you exhausted, afraid and uncertain of the road ahead…be assured there are many individuals who are not intimidated by differing opinions..

DON’T BE AFRAID.

HAVE CONVERSATIONS.

LOVE YOU ALL. <![if !vml]><![endif]>

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Daryl P. Kahl

July 21 2019  · 

Short poem you won’t forget

Do you recall the President referring to the Benghazi incident as “a bump in the road?”

Today I heard an ex-Navy Seal being interviewed on Fox News regarding a book he has written about how to handle crisis situations in our lives.

At the end of the interview he asked if he could make a comment on Benghazi and, of course, the anchor said “yes.” He then thanked Fox News for keeping the Benghazi story in the news, since other news organizations are not.

He said the Seals who died deserve the public knowing the truth about the whole affair.

The poem was written by an anonymous Marine Corps officer:

“THE BATTLING BOYS OF BENGHAZI”

We’re the battling boys of Benghazi, No fame, no glory, no paparazzi.

Just a fiery death in a blazing hell, defending our country we loved so well.

It wasn’t our job, but we answered the call, Fought to the Consulate and scaled the wall.

We pulled twenty countrymen from the jaws of fate, led them to safety and stood at the gate.

Just the two of us and foes by the score, but we stood fast to bar the door.

Three calls for reinforcement, but all were denied, so we fought and we fought and we fought ’til we died.

We gave our all for our Uncle Sam, but Barack and Hillary didn’t give a damn.

Just two dead Seals who carried the load, No thanks to us…we were just “Bumps in the Road”.

So, will this reach every American with a computer?

Or do we act like the press and give a pass to the people who literally sat there in the White House and watched the Seals’ execution on live streaming video and did absolutely nothing?”What difference does it make?”

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