I had a vision! (Job 17-18 / Acts 10)

By the time we get to Job 17:6, Job was not a very likable guy. When he had money and health, I am sure everyone in town wanted to be around him. But things can change ever so quickly. One of Job's mocking friends (17:2), Bildad criticizes Job (18:2) and lectures him on the punishment of evil men (18:5-21). Job, tired of hearing the same lecture, says that Bildad has reproached him ten times already (19:3). This repeating lecture can be compared somewhat to a nagging mom or wife's words. Job responds to his friend by showing him his steadfast hope in the Lord (19:25-27) and gives his friend a warning (19:28-29). How well do we respond to criticism? Do we fight back unjustly or do we show our enemy that our hope is in God?

In Acts 10, God gives a vision to two men, Cornelius and Peter. Both men respond to their individual vision with the word "Lord" (v. 4, 14). These visions were definetly from God. At the heart of these visions, however, is the gospel (finish out chapter 10). There are too many people today claiming to have visions from God which have nothing to do with the centrality of the gospel message. Again, beware of "scam-artists" who wear preacher outfits and claim visions that lack substance.

A Real Friend (Job 14-15 / Acts 9)

Not only does Job have to deal with the loss of his family and extremely poor health, he also has to put up with "friends" who constantly discourage and badger him (16:2). After Job makes his speech in Job 14, Eliphaz seems to take what Job said out of context and badger him for his comments (Job 15:14-15). Eliphaz seems to think that the wicked endure constant punishment (15:20), however we know Eliphaz is wrong because the wicked often live in luxury and comfort. Eliphaz even questions Job's devotion to God (15:4) and calls Job a sinner (15:5-6). Suffice to say, Eliphaz was not acting as a good friend would need to act in this situation. Job knows this very well and says if I were in your place, I would be an encourager (16:5). Job's reply in Job 16 reminds me much of what Jesus had to endure on the cross and the proceedings that led thereof. What are some things you can do to be a better friend to those experiencing pain and suffering?

Acts 9 is a picture of Paul and Peter serving the Lord. As Paul served, the church seemed to be growing (9:31). Paul was a man on the go and one who spoke up for Christ wherever he went. Peter seems to have been given a healing ministry, but it is interesting to note that God is receiving the glory (9:42). Be wary of money-making evangelists who like to broadcast their "healing" ministry.

I Don't Understand (Job 11-13 / Acts 9)

In Job 11, Job's friend, Zophar speaks up and says that Job is suffering because of his evil ways (11:13-14). Job's response is classic. Job says twice that he is "not inferior" to his friends (12:3; 13:2) and that his friends are lying (13:4). Job is not being proud but argues that his way is righteous and blameless and that implicitly suffering can come to those who are living for God (12:4). Job says in 12:13 that "to God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his." The point is we may suffer but we do not have to understand the reason for our suffering. If you are trying to figure it all out, you may just want to pause and say as the apostle Paul said in Romans 11:33, "How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" God's ways are often beyond our limited capacity to understand fully. It would all do us well if we could have the resolve Job had and be able to say alongside him, "Though he slay me, yet I will hope in Him (13:15)."

As Christ-followers, we all have a special conversion story. Paul's conversion story is unusual, however, in that Christ appears to him (Acts 9:5). Not only that, but everyone knew who Saul was and how intense his hatred of believers was. Remember it was just two chapters ago that Stephen's garments were laid at Saul's feet after he was stoned to death (Acts 7:58). Take a moment to remember who you were before Christ came into your life and what He has done with you since that moment of conversion!

If only I could die (Job 3 / Acts 7)

In Job 3, Job laments his birth. Job begins the chapter by saying "may the day of my birth perish" (v. 3) and ends it by saying I have "only turmoil" (v. 26). In verse 11, Job begs the question, "why did I not perish at birth?" I am sure we all have times where we may feel as Job did in our own individual lives. However, the important thing to remember about Job is through all his pain and suffering, he did not curse God (as was Satan's plan: see Job 1:10; 2:5). Do we find ourselves going to God in tough times or do we try to manage our problems by ourselves?

In Acts 7:44-50, we see the scope of God's domain. There really is no created thing that is big enough that can "box" God in. There are many people who even try to "box" God out of their lives, but that is impossible too. In v. 60, Stephen prays a prayer that is very similar to the one our Lord Jesus Christ prays while hanging on the cross (Luke 23:34). Like Stephen and Jesus, can we in our difficult circumstances find ourselves asking God to forgive those who have hurt us?

Healthy Resolve (Job 1-2 / Acts 7)

Yesterday's entry was titled promotion or demotion. With Job, it would not have mattered if he was being raised up or taken down. He realized God was ultimatly in control of all things (1:20). Having lost his business (1:16-17), his family (1:18-19), and his health (2:7), Job decided to remain faithful to God. This type of resolve and commitment is the type God is looking for out of us in our relationship with Him. If we run from God every time suffering comes upon us, we are the ones losing out in the relationship. "Without faith, it is impossible to please" God (Hebrews 11:6). What will your reaction be the next time you encounter difficulties?

Stephen continues his chronological Bible storying in Acts 7. In this selected passage, his focus is primarily on Moses. This is what I would call a character study. Have you ever taken a character out of the Bible and studied that person's life in detail? I have! I found the life of David to be a very intriguing character study!

Promotion or Demotion? (Esther 9-10 / Acts 7)

In Esther 9 and 10, we see one man, Mordecai, lifted up and another man, Haman, taken down. Mordecai's heroic actions lead to a promotion of sorts as he is elevated to second in command (10:3). This event reminds me much of Joseph's promotion after he was betrayed by his brothers (Genesis 41:43). Though not always easy, it pays to remain faithful for God through adverse circumstances. But it does not pay for the evil man to remain in his wickedness. Haman died a shameful death (9:25) and in the way that he had planned death for others. Though your workplace conditions may not be optimal, are you finding a way to remain faithful to God? "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (I Corinthians 10:13).

Stephen knew the Scriptures very well and begins his oral storytelling in Acts 7. We know that Stephen does die in this account. Having thought about it, I would say this is probaly the way Stephen would have chosen to die if given the choice. Obviously, he was a man who poured his life into studying the Scriptures. Why not be martyed for your faith while proclaiming it in your own personal way?

The First Great Commission? (2 Chronicles 34-36 / John 19)

We close out Chronicles with a glimpse of a young godly king who reigned over Judah but whose reign was followed up by many ungodly kings (2 Chronicles 34-36). However, Josiah "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord" (34:2). He cut down the idols of the land (34:3-7) and began to rebuild God's work (34:8-13). In the midst of rebuilding, the book of the law was found (34:14) and revival in the land began (34:29-32). Is this ever a glimpse of what needs to take place in our nation? Most people's Bibles stay on their bookshelves or are lost somewhere else in their house. For those who have spotted the book of the law, they often read its words without applying its implications. When will we find the Word of God active in our lives so that revival in our nation can begin? When revival does hit, our idols will be cast down and God's work will be rebuilt! We will stop trying to do everything by ourselves and work alongside God's people for the betterment of His kingdom. What better way to close out Chronicles than by talking about revival for our land (7:14). It has been said that 36:23 was the first Great Commission that was issued. This is believed because Chronicles is the last book of the Hebrew Bible and all nations are being encouraged to GO up and worship the LORD!

Pilate was a man who gave into the temptation of the people (19:16). Pilate feared man more than God. The truthbearer had come but Pilate decided not to follow the truth. Will you be like Pilate and let others made in the image of God stand in the way of your relationship with the One who created these others made out of his own image?

Truth and Courage (2 Chronicles 32-33 / John 18)

The greatest American ball coach, John Wooden, who passed away Saturday morning was at one time caught saying, "Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It is courage that counts." What was it that made Hezekiah a man full of courage (2 Chronicles 32:6-8)? Hezekiah had seen and heard of God's mighty acts and thus He knew that God would protect him on every side (32:22). What is key here is that Hezekiah's trust was in the Lord and not in man. And in the end, God received the glory (32:23). Manasseh followed Hezekiah as king and was a very evil man (33:1-6). However, God's mercy allows Manasseh to turn into a righteous man (33:10-17). Have you experienced God's mercy in your life which ultimatly brings about change?

Pilate fits the stereotypical post-modern American soul today when he asks Jesus in John 18:38, "what is truth?" Pilate was a man struggling to understand the concept of truth. Most people in our world today do not believe in absolute truth. However, truth is still out there as Jesus says in 18:37 that he has come to "testify to the truth." If you need truth, turn to God's Word for your answers!

Remembered or Not? (2 Chronicles 21 / John 14)

Jehoram did not follow in his father's godly footsteps (2 Chronicles 21). Jehoram truly was a man that was as mean as a snake. Nobody cared when he died (21:20) and I am sure many were happy to see him leave. "Evil men are no longer remembered" (Job 24:20) but "the righteous" are "remembered forever (Psalms 112:6)." This makes sense when you look at it from an eternal perspective. Those in heaven are remembered forever but those in hell have nothing to look forward to. Even on earth, Jehoram's father and grandfather were honored and remembered for their good deeds (21:19) whereas Jehoram was despised (21:20). Unfortunately, Jehoram's son, Ahaziah, followed in his father's footsteps. What are you being remembered for and are you leaving a good path for someone to follow in?

Tolerance has become the name of the game today. However, we as Christ-followers must continue to preach the message that Jesus is the only Way (John 14:6). Many would say today that we are arrogant to make such a claim. However, if that was true, then it would be just as arrogant to claim the opposite statement that Jesus is not the only way. May we always be ready to preach the gospel (2 Timothy 4:1-2)!

Healing For Our Land (2 Chronicles 19-20 / John 13)

Jehoshaphat is a national leader who seeks God (2 Chronicles 19:3, 20:32). However, Jehoshaphat still had failings as a leader (19:2, 20:33). Jehoshaphat's leadership is best seen in his prayer (20:5-12) where he reminds God of his promise to His people. He also asked that his country undertake what we might call a national day of fasting (20:3). God answered the nation's request (20:29) and God's name was held in high honor both by Jeshoshaphat's nation (20:27-28) and the surrounding nations (20:29-30). I love the book of Chronicles because it is so relative to the God/Nation (USA for us) relationship. At the heart of Chronicles is revival and revival is what our nation needs today! We need to pray for our President, but first we must learn how to pray: "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Before we bash Judas so quickly for his betrayal of Christ (John 13:21) or Peter for his denial of Christ (13:38), let us look carefully at our own lives. I think if we search deeply, we will find that we all have to admit that we have denied or betrayed Christ to a certain extent at some point in our lives. Take time to praise God today for the fact that He is forgiving and merciful toward our shameful actions.

Sitting Courtside! (2 Chronicles 17-18 / John 13)

2 Chronicles 17:3 makes me wonder if Jehosaphat did not walk in his father's footsteps by starting out well in the race of life and then not finishing as strong. Nevertheless, Jehosaphat was a God-follower and was blessed because of it (17:5, 10, 12). In 18:4, we see that Jehosaphat believed in the power of prayer. Likewise, Micaiah was a man of God (18:13). With the NBA Finals starting Thursday night, many people would die for a chance to sit courtside. Aram received a courtside seat, but not in the fashion he would have chose (18:34). In an ironic way, this seems to be God's way of punishing Aram for his behavior towards Micaiah (18:26). I doubt that Micaiah saw much in prison, but Aram was forced to watch all that Micaiah prophesied as he passed away (18:34). Will we listen to the voice of the prophets (God's Word) or will we end up as Aram (being punished for turning an ear away from God's Word)? If we do listen, we will have a courtside seat as to knowing what God wants to do in our own individual lives!

At the heart of Jesus was a heart of a servant (John 13). Jesus, after washing his disciple's feet, tells his disciples they will do likewise (13:15). We are not above our Master. Our lives should be lives of servanthood. Living for Jesus means living for others. What have you done today to help another soul in need?

Don't Give Up! (2 Chronicles 15-16 / John 12)

Notice the difference in Asa's first 35 years as king (2 Chronicles 15) and his last six years as king (2 Chronicles 16). 15:17 talks about Asa's high commitment to the Lord and 15:14 shows us the importance of committing ourselves fully to the Lord and His work. Yet 16:7-9 shows Asa's flip side (no man is perfect) and the results thereof. Asa was found to be relying on man and not God's strength. Even in 16:12, Asa's turn from his trust in God to his trust in man seems to be still present in his life. This story reminds me of a world-class sprinter who starts his race out well and then for some unexplained reason gives up right before he crosses the finish line. How is your life journey going or put another way, how well are you running the race? May we ever stay focused on Christ and the goal he has called us heavenword for (Philippians 3:14, Hebrews 12:1-2).

In Christ's darkest hour, He remained ready to glorify His Father (John 12:27-28). And the Father responded in pleasure. We often talk about the Father's love for His Son, yet in these two verses, we see clearly the Son's love for His Father. Father's day is fast approaching. Let us ready ourselves as His sons and daughters (I John 3:1) to express our love to our Heavenly Father!