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     Satan promotes uncontrolled anger. Paul wrote, “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity” (Eph 4:26-27). By itself, anger is not sinful. Even God gets angry (Num 25:4; Deut 9:8, 20; Jer 4:8). Human anger is a natural response to an injustice, real or imagined. We get angry because we feel someone has wronged us, and the personal scales of justice need to be corrected. Ideally, this happens when the offender comes and apologizes and seeks forgiveness, or makes restitution for damage. However, we cannot always control other people's thoughts, words, or actions, but we can control how we respond. Paul tells us not to let anger last beyond the day. If we let anger fester, then by our choice we give the devil an opportunity to turn it into something greater, which can enslave us in bitterness. Solomon wrote, “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city (Prov 16:32), and “A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense” (Prov 19:11). James said, “everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does achieve the righteousness of God” (Jam 1:19-20). Hoehner comments: “While believers may at times be legitimately angry (with righteous anger against sin; cf. John 2:13–16), they are not to sin. The way to prevent such sin is to “keep short accounts,” dealing with the anger before the sun goes down. The reason is that the devil would like to intensify a Christian's righteous anger against sin, causing it to become sin itself. This then gives the devil a foothold (lit., “a place”), an opportunity for leading that Christian into further sin. Then anger begins to control the believer rather than the believer controlling his anger.”[1]      Satan uses suffering to pressure us to turn from God. Satan can, on occasion, afflict God's people with suffering (Job 1:1-2:10; Luke 13:16; Acts 10:38); but this is only done with the Lord's permission. Satan's use of suffering is intended to get us to turn away from God, who is the source of life, goodness, and strength. Job is the classic example of a believer who was attacked by Satan (Job 1:1-2:10). Though Job suffered greatly, he understood his life was in God's hands and he kept faith, saying, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21). And on another occasion he said, “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him” (Job 13:15a). Jesus said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat” (Luke 22:31). Satan's request was granted. But the Lord also told Peter, “I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32). Peter did return to the Lord and was strengthened (John 21:15-17). The key for us as Christians is to trust in God's love and goodness when we face Satan's attacks against our flesh. This is a faith response not born of feelings or circumstances (Rom 5:3-5; Jam 1:2-4; 1 Pet 1:6; 4:12-13; cf. 1 Th 5:16-18).      Satan masquerades as a messenger of light. Satan was created as a beautiful cherub (Ezek 28:12-14), and he retains all his outward attractiveness. Inwardly he is prideful (Ezek 28:15-17), and this is part of what makes him dangerous. Satan uses his outward appearance as a disguise to deceive others, and many of his messengers do the same. Paul wrote, “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore, it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds” (2 Cor 11:14-15). The Pharisees were satanic deceivers. They referred to themselves as God's children, saying, “we have one father, God” (John 8:41b). But Jesus said of them, “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father” (John 8:44a). The Pharisees were very religious. They read the Scriptures, prayed, fasted, offered sacrifices, and spent much of their time at the temple. Jesus said they had “seated themselves in the chair of Moses” (Matt 23:2). This was because they coveted positions of power. Jesus said, they “tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men's shoulders” (Matt 23:4), they “do all their deeds to be noticed by men” (Matt 23:5), and they “love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men” (Matt 23:6-7). But Jesus also revealed their true identity as “hypocrites” (Matt 23:13-15), “blind guides” (Matt 23:16-19), and those who “neglect justice and mercy and faithfulness” (Matt 23:23). Outwardly they look attractive, “but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence” (Matt 23:25), and are “like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness” (Matt 23:27), and “outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matt 23:28). Jesus established policy for His disciples when He told them on a previous occasion, “Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit” (Matt 15:14). He also warned them, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matt 16:6), by which His disciples understood leaven to refer to “the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matt 16:12b). Knowing God's Word helps us identify and avoid Satan's beautiful messengers, who outwardly appear righteous, but twist Scripture and promote false doctrines.      Satan empowers his false prophets to perform miracles in order to deceive. When Moses was executing God's plagues upon Egypt, it is recorded that three times “the magicians of Egypt did the same with their secret arts” (Ex 7:10-11; 7:21-22; 8:6-7). Moses warned the Israelites who were about to enter the land that they should guard themselves against false prophets and dreamers of dreams who arise and give them a “sign or wonder”, and then seek to lead them away from God (Deut 13:1-4). Jesus warned of “false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect” (Matt 24:24). And Paul spoke of the coming Antichrist, “whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved” (2 Th 2:9-10). Those who know God's Word and live by it will guard themselves against the deceiving power of false miracle workers.      Satan desires that we turn from God and His Word and live independently of Him. He promotes sinful pride, lies, uncontrolled anger, uses suffering to pressure God's people, masquerades as a messenger of light, and empowers false teachers to perform miracles in order to deceive. Knowledge of God's Word informs us about Satan's strategies, and the humble believer who lives by faith will be able to stand when he attacks. Satan's World-System      Satan is permitted, for a time, to rule over the majority in this world. Three times Jesus referred to Satan as “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11). Other passages of Scripture call Satan “the god of this world” (2 Cor 4:4), and “the prince of the power of the air” (Eph 2:2), informing us “that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). Satan rules as a tyrant who has “weakened the nations” (Isa 14:12), and currently “deceives the whole world” (Rev 12:9). Furthermore, humanity is living in an “evil age” (Gal 1:4), under “the dominion of Satan” (Acts 26:18), whose sphere of influence is called “the domain of darkness” (Col 1:13). Though Satan has attacked some people directly, he mainly operates as commander of an unseen realm of demons, through a worldwide system of philosophies and values he's created, through unbelievers whom he energizes to do his will, and through the sinful inclinations of our fallen nature.      The Bible recognizes Satan's world-system and warns us not to love it. John writes and tells the Christian, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world” (1 John 2:15-16). We live in a fallen world, and John's command is intended to warn us of real danger. First, John opens with the negative particle Μὴ Me, which is followed by the Geek verb ἀγαπάω agapao, which is in the imperative mood—the mood of command. The word ἀγαπάω agapao denotes desire or commitment to something or someone. Allen comments on love: “In its essence love is two things: a desire for something and a commitment to something … Whatever it is you desire and whatever you're committed to, that's where your time and resources will go. If you love football, that's where your time and resources will go. If you love hunting or fishing, that's where your time and resources will go. If you love your spouse, you desire to spend time with her and you are committed to her. Love is more than an emotional feeling. Love requires a commitment of time and resources.”[2]      John then gives the object we are not to desire or be committed to, namely, the world (τὸν κόσμον). The Greek word κόσμος kosmos is used in Scripture to refer to: 1) the physical planet (Matt 13:35; Acts 17:24), 2) people who live in the world (John 3:16), and 3) the hostile system created and controlled by Satan that he uses to lure people away from God (1 John 2:15-16). It is this third meaning that John has in mind. Hence, the word κόσμος kosmos refers to “that which is hostile to God…lost in sin, wholly at odds with anything divine, ruined and depraved.”[3] Concerning, the word κόσμος kosmos, Allen writes: “Sometimes the word “world” is used to refer to the organized evil system with its principles and its practices, all under the authority of Satan, which includes all teachings, ideas, culture, attitudes, activities, etc., that are opposed to God. A fixation on the material over the spiritual, promotion of self over others, pleasure over principle—these are just a few descriptors of the world system John is talking about. The word “world” here means everything that opposes Christ and his work on earth. Jesus called Satan “the ruler of this world” (John 14:30; 16:11), and Paul called him “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). In Luke 16:8 Jesus referred to all unsaved people as “the sons of this world.”[4] Dr. Steven R. Cook   [1] Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 637. [2] David L. Allen, 1–3 John: Fellowship in God's Family, ed. R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013), 96–97. [3] Walter Bauer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, p. 562. [4] David L. Allen, 1–3 John: Fellowship in God's Family, 96.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4 Life can often feel like a rollercoaster, with moments of joy followed by periods of darkness. It's easy to celebrate in the sunshine, but what about when we find ourselves enveloped in shadows? The truth is that everyone experiences these tough times. As Maya Angelou beautifully said, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” Remember, it's in these moments of struggle that our faith can shine the brightest. Consider the story of Job, a man who faced unimaginable loss and suffering. Friends abandoned him, and he found himself alone in his pain. Yet, through it all, Job never lost sight of God's presence. He declared, “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him” (Job 13:15). This teaches us that even when life feels heavy and burdensome, our hope must remain anchored in God's unwavering love. Psalm 73:26 says, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." When shadows loom large over our lives, we might feel isolated and afraid, much like the disciples who scattered when Jesus faced the cross. But let's not forget that even in those moments of despair, God is right beside us. Psalm 34:18 reassures us: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” We are never truly alone; His comforting presence is always there to guide us through the darkest valleys. Brethren, as we walk through the valley of the shadow of life's challenges, let us remember that shadows are merely the absence of light. They signify that there is still brightness behind us, waiting to break through. In moments of doubt and fear, let us lean into God's promises and trust that He is working all things together for our good. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose." Amen.  Prayer for the Day!Heavenly Father, thank You for being our constant companion, even in the silence of the shadow. Strengthen our hearts and minds as we face life's challenges. Help us to see Your light shining through our difficulties. May we hold steadfast to Your promises and find courage in Your presence. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Rabbi Yehoshua ben Hyrcanus taught: Job served the Holy One, Blessed be He, only out of love, as it is stated: “Though He will slay me, still I will trust in Him” (Job 13:15). Why is Iyov the ultimate lover of God, and why does he accuse his interlocutors as being "creators of lies, healers of idols" in their defence of the Almighty?

Hebrews 11 says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for…” Hope is not the absence of doubt. We all have doubts. Faith has substance when we hold on to it despite our doubts. When Job said in his book that “Though He slay me I will hope in Him” Job is essentially saying what any of us have said when we declare, “Even if God doesn't come through in the way that I expect and am praying for, I still trust He is in charge.” The essence of entrepreneurship is “things hoped for.”  The challenge of business is “hoping” until you succeed, not giving up when the challenges and setbacks come. Hope is collected over time through experience and study. You are surrounded by many at work who have no hope. Will you share some today? 

It is obvious that David, the writer of Psalm 141, is being attacked by ruthless and evil people. It almost goes without saying, that as followers of Jesus Christ we will be attack by our enemy whenever we are determined to do the will of God and live a righteous and upright life like Noah or Job in an ungodly environment. Peter told us to be on guard because we have an adversary who goes about like a roaring lion. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). In this chapter we find at least five things that David did as he responded to these attacks. In verses 1-2, the first thing David does in his desperation is to seek the LORD. He prays and cries out to the LORD in his desperation.  In verses 3-4, the second thing David did was he made the choice and determined to keep himself from sin. He was tempted to say and do things that he knew God would not be pleased with and he asked the LORD to “set a guard over his mouth”, and keep his heart from being inclined to do evil and “practicing wicked works with men who work iniquity…”. In verse 5, the third thing David did was to accept God's rebuke and counsel. David recognized that the LORD was involved in allowing this conflict or pain to come into his life. When we yield to God's will, the difficulties of life are tools that God uses to bring maturity to our lives. Often the Lord sends people to speak to us with a message of rebuke. Now in verses 6-7, the fourth thing that David did was to let God judge his enemies. These two verses have puzzled translators and expositors, but the general message seems clear. David continued to pray for his enemies, and he saw a day coming when God would judge them and vindicate his own cause (Ps. 138:8; 140:12). Perhaps it is best to translate the verbs "Let the judges be thrown down... let them learn that my words were true... let them say, 'As one plows.... '" To throw people from a cliff was a terrible form of execution (2 Chron. 25:12; Luke 4:29), but David is no doubt speaking in metaphorical language as in verses 1-5. When God has judged the leaders, their followers will agree that David's words were correct, especially when they see the unburied bones of those leaders bleaching in the sun. We need to allow God to do the same for us! Finally, in verses 8-10, the fifth thing David did in response to the attacks of his enemies was he was determined to keep going by faith. Fixing one's eyes on the invisible Lord means living by faith in His Word (Isa. 45:22; Heb. 12:1-2). God had anointed David to be king of Israel and nothing but David's own disobedience could frustrate that plan. God was David's refuge, and he was immortal until his work was done. If David had worried about the traps and hidden snares the enemy had set, he would have been paralyzed with fear; but he committed himself to the Lord and walked safely through the battlefield. Four simple words declare his faith, "While I escape safely” (v. 10). This reminds us of our Lord's experience in the synagogue at Nazareth, when the people became angry at His message and tried to throw Him from a cliff, “Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way." (Luke 4:30). Life goes on and there is work to do, so we must not allow tough situations to paralyze us but to energize us in trusting the Lord. Life's trials are not excuses for doing nothing; they are opportunities for claiming God's promises and experiencing His miraculous power. Satan obtained permission from God to attack Job's family, his wealth, and his health. Yet Job responded, “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). He went on to also say, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15). May the LORD give us grace to keep our eyes on Jesus and have the patience and faith of Job and David! “But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge…” (v. 8). God bless!

We are not sure who wrote this Psalm but it is possible that it was written in the days of Hezekiah the King of Judah. The prophet Isaiah was prophesying judgment on the Northern Kingdom of Israel by the invading Assyrian army and it wasn't looking good for the Southern Kingdom of Judah as the Assyrians were threatening them also. The chapter begins with the psalmist remembering the stories of his father's generation, who told them how God had protected and blessed the nation in times past and gave them this wonderful Promise Land (vv.1-8). During that time the people could said, “In God we boast all day long and praise Your name forever” (v. 8). But in verses 9-16, it was obvious that God's presence was gone from the nation, and they were in an oppressed state. Now in verses 17-26, it appears that there must have been a faithful remnant in the land who had not forgotten the Lord and was making a plea for mercy! Hezekiah was a good king who “did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done” (2 Chronicles 29:2). The psalmist declares the “God knows the secrets of the heart” (v. 21).  In other words, he is pleading with God on behalf of those who are genuinely, from the heart, living for the Lord and His glory. I am so thankful to know that even today in our country, there are those whose hearts are right with the Lord, and have become the intercessors in prayer for our nation and the lost world around us. It is amazing that Paul quoted verse 22 when he was reminding us that despite the fact we appear to be like sheep being lead to the slaughter, we can believe and know that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! Romans 8:35-39: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Yes, it might appear that God is asleep (v. 23) in our time of affliction, oppression, and distress! But my friend, we are assured that “He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber or sleep” (Psalm 121:4).  We might feel like Job in the time of great suffering that can't be explained, but by faith we should still say like he did, “Though He slay me, yet I will trust Him” (Job 13:15). Despite how bad it might look for us, and around us, there is one thing we can and should always remember. On this Good Friday we remember the great love of God in giving His One and Only Son as a sacrifice for our sins! “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:31-32). Don't forget God! He has not forgotten you! God bless!

Northwest Bible Church – Nov. 6, 2022 – Book of Job – Alan Conner Job 9-13 Hope in God Intro A. JOB RESPONDS TO BILDAD (Job 9-10). 1. No righteousness (Job 9:1-12). 2. No hope (Job 9:13-24). 3. No umpire (Job 9:25-35). 4. No answers (Job 10:1-7). 5. No understanding (Job 10:8-17). 6. No comfort (Job 10:18-22). B. ZOPHAR SPEAKS (Job 11). 1. Job is boasting before God in self-righteousness (Job 11:1-6 ). 2. No one knows the path of God's ways (Job 11:7-12). 3. Confess your sin and all will be well (Job 11:13-20). C. JOB'S RESPONSE (Job 12-13). 1. Job challenges their understanding of his circumstances (Job 12:1-6). 2. The hand of God is behind it all (Job 12:7-12). 3. God is sovereign over all (Job 12:13-25). 4. Observation confirms this (Job 13:1-2). 5. Rebukes his friends as “worthless physicians” (Job 13:3-12). 6. Job's hope (Job 13:13-19). a. Let me speak (Job 13:13-14). b. Though He slay me, I will hope in Him (Job 13:15-19). c. What is Job hoping for? (Job 13:16, 18). D. OUR GOD IS A GOD WHO GIVES HOPE - 1. We hope in the promises, goodness, and sovereignty of God. 2. Our hope is in Jesus Christ. Conclusion

This 6m episode provides you the listener a reading of James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” This is the first thing James writes in his letter after his salutation. Why? Because of its importance. Many Christians think once they've made that decision for Christ that everything will fall into place and life will be that proverbial bowl of cherries. And when trials and tough times come upon them or continue, they begin to question, “why?” Wonder how they could possibly endure horrible circumstances and consider it joy. The word “temptation” does not refer to enticements to sin, but to trials, persecution, and afflictions from the world or Satan. The believer must meet these trials with joy (Mat. 5:11,12; Rom. 5:3; 1 Pet. 1:6), for they will develop patience (i.e., perseverance, endurance). Our faith can only reach full maturity when faced with difficulties and opposition. James calls these trials a “trying of your faith”. Trails are sometimes brought into a believer's life so that God can test his or her faith. Scripture nowhere teaches that troubles in life always indicate that God is displeased with us. They can be a sign that He recognizes our firm commitment to Him (Job 1-2). “Perfect” reflects the Biblical idea of perfection, defined as a right relationship with God that bears fruit in a sincere endeavor to love Him with all one's heart in undivided devotion, obedience, and a blameless life (Deut. 6:5; 18:13; Mat. 22:37). Wisdom means the spiritual capacity to see and evaluate life and conduct from God's point of view. It involves making the right choices and doing the right things according to God's will revealed in His Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. We can receive wisdom by drawing near to God and asking for it in faith. Remember God did not promise us days without rain or days where the sun would not shine. However, if we put our trust in Him, He will never leave you nor forsake you. The safest place in the whole wide world is in the Will of God. My prayer is that You will use me LORD in Your service and draw me nearer to thee! Elder Barbara Wiersbe/GQ

Join Marcus and Jackson as they discuss the experiences of Job and how that is applied in our lives.  What can we learn from his experience?  Specifically, what can we learn from how he handled the trials he was faced with?  It's natural to wonder why bad things happen to good people—or for that matter, why good things happen to bad people. Why would God, who is just, allow that? Questions like these are explored through the experience of Job, one of those good people to whom bad things happened. Because of Job's trials, his friends wondered if he was really good after all. Job asserted his own righteousness and wondered if God is really just after all. But despite his suffering and wondering, Job maintained his integrity and faith in Jesus Christ. In the book of Job, faith is questioned and tested but never completely abandoned. That doesn't mean that all of the questions are answered. But the book of Job teaches that until they are answered, questions and faith can coexist, and regardless of what happens in the meantime, we can say of our Lord, “Yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15).  #comefollowme #oldtestament #thebookofjob #job #trials #faith #lds #mormon #christian #refinersfire #furnaceofaffliction #podcast #religion #Christinreligion #mormonreligion #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #thisaintnothin #craigmorgancountrysingerSupport the show

This 5min episode introduce readings from James chapter 1. The word "temptation" (Gk. peirasmoi) does not refer to enticements to sin, but to trials, persecution, and afflictions or Satan. The believer must meet these trials with joy (Mat. 5:11-12); Rom. 5:3; 1 Pet. 1:6), for they will develop patience (perseverance, endurance). Our faith can only reach full maturity when faced with difficulties and opposition. James calls these trials a "trying of your faith". Trials are sometimes brought into a believer's life so that God can test his faith. Scripture nowhere teaches that troubles in life are always an indication that God is displeased with us. They can be a sign that He recognizes our firm commitment to Him (Job 1-2). Ye may be perfect: "Perfect" reflects the Biblical idea of perfection, defined as a right relationship with God that bears fruit in a sincere endeavor to love Him with all one's heart in undivided devotion, obedience, and a blameless life (Deut. 6:5; 18:13; Mat. 22:37). If any of you lack wisdom, means the spiritual capacity to see and evaluate life and conduct from God's point of view. It involves making right choices and doing right things according to both the will of God revealed in His Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:4-17). We can receive wisdom by drawing near to God and asking for it in faith. Tempted: No person who sins can evade guilt by throwing the blame on God. God may test us in order to strengthen our faith, but never with the intent of leading us to sin. The nature of God demonstrates that He cannot be a source of temptation. Drawn away on his own lust: Temptation basically comes from our own inward desires or inclinations (Mat. 15:19). If evil desire is not resisted and purged by the Holy Spirit, it leads to sin and then to spiritual death (Rom. 6:23) Lay apart all filthiness. The Word of God, either preached or written, cannot effectively take hold of a person's life if he or she is not separated from moral filth and evil. God commands the believer to set aside all the ungodly filth that permeates an unregenerate and corrupt society and seeks to influence him and his family. James says that love for others must be accompanied by a love for God that is expressed in separation from the sinful ways of the world. Love to others must be accompanied by holiness before God or it is not Christian love. Let's take a listen to the reading from the book of James chapter 1 in its entirety. Blessings, Elder Barbara FL

Hebrews 11 says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for…” Hope is not the absence of doubt. We all have doubts. Faith has substance when we hold on to it despite our doubts. When Job said in his book that “Though He slay me I will hope in Him” Job is essentially saying what any of us have said when we declare, “Even if God doesn't come through in the way that I expect and am praying for, I still trust He is in charge.” The essence of entrepreneurship is “things hoped for.”  The challenge of business is “hoping” until you succeed, not giving up when the challenges and setbacks come. Hope is collected over time through experience and study. You are surrounded by many at work who have no hope. Will you share some today?

Today I have the absolute pleasure of sharing my conversation with the remarkable Linda Evans Shepherd. Linda is an award winning author, and speaker, and she’s one fierce prayer warrior and the word of God just flows out of her in the most beautiful way. Linda has been through several Job like seasons in her life which have brought her to her knees during some dark nights of the soul. In those seasons, Linda was asking God a lot of the questions many of us have been asking during this insane year:  Where is He? Does He love me? Does He care about me? She shares with us what she has learned about the power of prayer from her own experiences, and she goes deep and wide in how the Lord can and will meet us where we are because He met her too.  Her most recent book is called Praying through Every Emotion and that's exactly what it is. It's a book comprised of prayers that speak directly to the heart of the matter, no matter where they fall on the emotional spectrum. The everyday ones like joy, sadness, anger, annoyance, etc. all the way to the hard ones like bitterness, depression or suicidal ideation. This conversation was just so powerful because Linda’s story is powerful, and the activity of God in her life is powerful. But she also shares how accessible God is to ANYONE. If you need some breath in your deflated faith, or a reminder of how to pray, or just a powerful word spoken over your day, this episode is for you.  There is something about spending time with someone who has been to hell and back and their love for Jesus and their walk with them has only deepened that just feels like balm to a weary soul. I cannot suggest her book enough, it's a beautiful tool for such a time as this. Listen, friend. No matter where you are today, I want you to know that this is not how the story ends. There is still hope. God is still moving, He is still faithful, no matter how dark it feels. Don’t give up. You matter. Your story matters.  Connecting with Linda: Facebook Instagram Twitter Website *Linda’s special offer of extra prayers that didn’t make it into her book!! Episode Sponsor: Hopefuel Use the code SIMPLY15 for 15% off your purchase! Facebook Instagram Link to purchase (If you use this link it helps support the podcast, thank you!) Scripture References: The book of Job- his losses, his wife says to curse God and die, his friends mock Him Job 13:15- Even if He slay me, yet I will trust in Him John 15:12- To love and be loved  Philippians 4:7- Peace that passes understanding Lamentations 3:21-23- God is faithful  (and a ton more!) Mark 4:13-20-Parable of farmer and good seeds and soil  Matthew 13- The cares of this world choke the seedlings so they can’t bear fruit  Galatians 5:22-23-Fruits of the Spirit Luke 3:21-22, Matthew 3:16-17- When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended on Him Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13- He then goes to wilderness to experience temptation Matthew 26:36-56, Luke 22:39-46 - Jesus wept in the garden of Gethsemane  John 11- Jesus wept for Lazarus Psalm 34:18,Hebrews 4:15, Romans 8:26 -Jesus is with us and experiences our pain with us (we have a High Priest who can sympathize, He prays for us in groanings we cannot even understand)  Romans 14:8-9- Asking Jesus to become Lord of our life 1 John 1:9- Asking Jesus to forgive us of our sins John 15:4-11, John 16:12-15, Galatians 5:16-16, We begin a process of yielding to Him and the work of the Spirit in our lives 1 Peter 5:7- Yielding our cares to God  Psalm 46:10- Be still  Praying the Living Word to a Living God Ephesians 6:10-18- Armor of God  Ephesians 4:22-24- Put on the righteousness of God  Judges 7, 2 Chronicles 20-  God wiping out armies with no human help 2 Corinthians 12:7-10-Thorn in my flesh Matthew 6:14-15, Matthew 18:21-22- We forgive as an act of obedience  Romans 8:28- work together for the good of those who love Him Genesis 50:20- End of Joseph’s story, what the enemy meant for evil, God used for good Romans 8:37- We are more than conquerors in Christ Psalm 51:10- Create in me a clean heart oh God 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18-Pray without ceasing Matthew 25- The 10 Bridesmaids story 2 Timothy 3:1-4:5- Form of godliness, but denying His power (in the last days) Genesis 22:14, Ezekiel 34:26-29, Psalm 104:27-28, Psalm 145:16,-God is our provider Luke 11:1-13- Teach us how to pray Ephesians 3:20- More than you could ask for or imagine John 10:10- Jesus came that we would have life and life to the full  Isaiah 41:13, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 121:1 - We have help  Psalm 62:8, Psalm 91- We have a refuge  References: Praying Through Every Emotion Co-dependency is an addiction Andrew Murray prayer- Moody Bible Institute “more Holy Spirit”  “God of my end” - Puritan prayers  Roseanna M. White books where the characters pray this prayer (also 3 of my favorite Christian fiction books EVER) The Autobiography of George Mueller  Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)FacebookTwitterBlog  *Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com  

 Hebrews 11 says Faith is the substance of things hoped for…Hope is not the absence of doubt.  We all have doubts. Faith has substance when we hold on to it despite our doubts. When Job said in his book that “Though He slay me I will hope in Him” Job is essentially saying what any of us have said when we declare, “Even if God doesn't come through in the way that I expect and am praying for, I still trust He is in charge.” The essence of entrepreneurship is “things hoped for.”  The challenge of business is “hoping” until you succeed, not giving up when the challenges and setbacks come. Hope is collected over time through experience and study. You are surrounded by many at work who have no hope. Will you share some today?

Read for This Week’s Study: Gen. 2:7–23; Gen. 3:1–6; 2 Pet.1:3–11; 2 Pet. 2:1–17; Heb. 13:7, 17, 24.Memory Text: “Behold, God is exalted by His power; who teacheslike Him?” (Job 36:22, NKJV).Most Bible students know the story of Genesis 1–3 and its castof characters: God, Adam, Eve, the angels, the serpent. Thesetting is a splendid garden in a paradise called “Eden.” Theplotline seems to follow a logical series of events. God creates. Godinstructs Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve sin. Adam and Eve are ban-ished from Eden. However, a closer look at the first few chapters ofGenesis, especially through the lens of education, will uncover insightsinto the cast, the setting, and the story.“The system of education instituted at the beginning of the worldwas to be a model for man throughout all aftertime. As an illustrationof its principles a model school was established in Eden, the homeof our first parents. The Garden of Eden was the schoolroom, naturewas the lesson book, the Creator Himself was the instructor, and theparents of the human family were the students.”—Ellen G. White,Education, p. 20.The Lord was founder, principal, and teacher of this first school.But as we know, Adam and Eve ultimately chose another teacher andlearned the wrong lessons. What happened, why, and what can we learnfrom this early account of education that can help us today?

Job replies to Bildad. Can anyone be righteous before Almighty God? How could he answer Him? Job longs for a Mediator between him and God.Read More →

In this lesson, we continue our detailed study of the book and the man it is named for, Job. Many people know of Job and his severe trials at the Hand of God, but unfortunately, most do not study to the level necessary that allows this book's greatest intent to come shining through. The book of Job is intended to reveal to His people - both the Jew and, especially the Christian - the deeper parts of the heart and the character of God. Truly, God offers this to us in this book: To know the book of Job well, is to know God well. Even Job stated that what God allowed Him to go through accomplished this very thing in him. As God began to allow Satan to buffet him, Job said of His relationship with Him: JOB 3:25 What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. At he end of the most severe trials that could ever allowed to befall a human being, Job admitted: JOB 42:5 My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you. What a meaningful testimony to God best revealing Himself to those He loves through planned, targeted and well controlled trials. This works in the lives of all of God's people. We each have them. This is one of the key results God want to achieve in us through them! Study with us, and please don't miss a lesson, as we allow this book to deepen our relationship with God we've heard about - We want our eyes to see him, too! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biblestudyweekly/message

Introduction Who can hear from God? Do you have to be a pastor, or a prophet, or some kind of professional Christian to hear from him? HOW do we hear from him? Should we expect the clouds to open and an audible voice to speak? How do we know whether what we're hearing is really him or our voice in our head... or some bad pizza we ate the night before? Are there places we can go to hear God more clearly? Answers to these questions and more... Right now on Vantage Point. Welcome to Episode 6 of the podcast. Listen as Pastors Sean Clemons and guest speaker Jim Critcher explain how to hear from God.  Listen and access the show notes below, search for Vantage Point on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or gracecov.org/vantagepoint. Episode Notes Prophet - one who helps communicate God’s message to others. Ephesians 4:11 Can God talk to us?      Scripture      Prayer      Other people   God desires to make himself known to us. Romans 1:20 God is always speaking, but are we listening? Are we poised to hear Him? Job 33:14 Hearing from God is a gift, but mainly a desire. John 10:27   Prophetic Gathering: Divine Encounters (March 29-30) http://thelisteningrm.org/ (Students are free!)   Who is the prophetic gathering for? It is for everyone. It is an environment where anyone can come with a desire to seek Him. 1 Corinthians 14:1   What is the purpose? It's a safe place for you to be activated in hearing God and speaking what you hear.   Why divine encounters? There are specific places that God has spoken but sacred spaces now exist in believers. God still desires to encounter us through his presence, power, miracles, signs, and wonders. We chase the author of divine encounters not just the encounters themselves. The encounter isn't just for us but for others as well. 1 Corinthians 14:3 Isaiah 66   Resources: Twitter @JimCritcher http://jimcritcher.com http://thelisteningrm.org/ Did this episode help you see your faith, life, and culture more clearly? If so, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

It is one thing to believe in God when things are going well, but quite another to say from a place of great suffering, "Though he slay me, yet I will trust in Him" (Job 13:15). It is one thing to regard divine favor in the absence of pain, and quite another affirm in the fire,“this also is for my salvation… This is indeed a painful and trying time in America...  Really, the entire world is in a state of upheaval.  Some folks see it, others don't.  Many do NOT WANT to see it and thus, they ignore it and pretend it doesn't exist.   Now we are in the most important time of my lifetime and WE the People must find not A way, but THE Way to get to the heart of the problems and FIX them!  Our lives are on the line.  Freedom is on the line.   Many claim to be Christians, but they take stances opposite of their faith while offering a litany of reasons as to why they are voting for Hillary Clinton in lieu of Donald Trump...  I expose the fraud on both sides of the arguments...  Join me Wednesday at 4:00pm EST and in the meantime, SHARE this link!!! Thank you, The Ninja Pastor!

How can we know and experience the Love of God (1 John 4:8) when we are often surrounded by pain and despair, broken lives and broken marriages, sickness, disease, rejection and betrayal, and everything else that makes up living with fallen people in a fallen world?  How can we, like Job, confidently say:  "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" (Job 13:15)?  How can we live like that?  How can we have the faith that trusts in Him regardless of the circumstances?  How is that even possible?Want to know the answer to these questions?  Then keep listening.The following is a study on Psalm 27:1-14.