Podcasts about scripture job

Episode 2.4Episode Description:In Part 2 of our deep dive into Genesis 1, we ask the big question: Which creation view best fits both the Bible and the observable universe? Building on our discussion of yom in Part 1, we compare major views—Young Earth, Old Earth, Theistic Evolution, and more—and examine how broader creation passages across Scripture (Job, Psalms, Romans, etc.) shape our understanding of Genesis.Michael makes the case that Old Earth Creationism aligns best with the text's linguistic structure, theological depth, and scientific evidence—from radiometric dating to starlight travel to the Big Bang. Along the way, we answer common objections and emphasize that the goal isn't to compromise Scripture, but to read it faithfully while recognizing God's revelation in both Word and world.Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/fZX1nZbaJIUMerch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8Find more Take 2 Theology content at https://www.take2theology.com/

This devotion on Job 28:23-28 calls us to recognize the true source of wisdom—not in human knowledge, but in reverence for God.

This devotion on Job 28:12-15 reminds us that true wisdom is not found in human intellect, wealth, or experience, but in God alone.

This devotion on Job 26:7-10 directs our eyes to the majesty of God in creation. Job's poetic language captures the sovereignty, wisdom, and order of God's design—long before modern science understood the vastness of the universe.

This devotion on Job 24:12-15 wrestles with a deep and painful question: Why does evil persist? Job observes that suffering continues, the wicked seem to act without consequence, and darkness conceals acts of sin.Yet Scripture reminds us that God is neither absent nor indifferent. Evil's temporary success is not its ultimate fate. Christ is the Light that exposes and overcomes darkness (John 1:5).

This devotion on Job 23:8-10 addresses a profound reality of faith: divine hiddenness—those seasons when God seems distant, yet He remains fully present and at work.Job searches for God in every direction but cannot perceive Him. Many saints have endured this same experience—Luther, Spurgeon, and even biblical figures like David (Psalm 13:1). Yet Job clings to a crucial truth: God knows the way he takes.

This devotion on Job 21:7-9 wrestles with an age-old question: Why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer? Job rejects simplistic explanations and instead acknowledges a difficult reality—many who reject God still enjoy wealth, power, and security.Yet Scripture provides a greater perspective:✔️ Worldly success is not a sign of divine favor (Luke 16:15).✔️ God's justice operates on an eternal timeline (Psalm 37:2).✔️ Suffering refines faith and leads to deeper trust (2 Corinthians 4:17).✔️ Christ's suffering on the cross shows that God's justice is often beyond human understanding.Though injustice may seem to prevail, God's justice is never denied—only delayed. In the end, the righteous will inherit eternal glory, while the wicked's prosperity fades.

This devotion on Job 19:23-25 captures one of the most powerful confessions of faith in all of Scripture: “I know that my Redeemer lives.” Even in suffering, Job declares a living hope in his Redeemer—a hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who stood upon the earth, died, and rose again for us.Just as Job longed for his words to be engraved in stone, let this truth be written on our hearts: Our Redeemer lives!And because He lives, we have hope that endures beyond suffering, beyond death, and into eternity.

Daily Dose of Hope March 27, 2025 Day 5 of Week 25   Scripture:  Job 40-42; Psalm 150; Revelation 22   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  You guys, we have made it.  Today is the last devotional for our reading plan.  Of course, we are starting a new one on Monday on the Gospels and Acts BUT let's not discount what we have done together.  We have read the entire Bible in a year.  What an accomplishment!  I am so proud of all of you.   Our final Old Testament reading is in Job.  We are finishing up the book by reading chapters 40-42.  God asks Job if he wants to run the world for a time based on the strict principle of justice that he and his friends believed in and professed.  Should every evil deed be punished and every good deed rewarded?  The world and humanity are so much for complicated than that.  The world is beautiful and orderly in some ways, but also dangerous and without order in other ways.    Of course, we end with the big question – why is there suffering in this world?  God doesn't really give an answer.  What he does say is that we live in an incredible world, with lots of amazing things, but at this point, it isn't designed in such a way that people can avoid suffering.  God simply asks Job, as he asks us, to trust in His wisdom and character.    In the end, Job responds to God with humility.  He is sorry for ever questioning God.  God admonishes Job's friends, who did not get anything right.  What's interesting is that God praises Job for his ability to question God and his honesty about what he was dealing with.  God obviously wants us to bring him our struggles and trust that he cares and hears us.  Ultimately, Job recovers.  His body heals.  He has more children and his wealth and wisdom expand.  Yet, this does not feel like resolution.  What are your thoughts on all of this?   Our New Testament reading is the last chapter of Revelation, which also happens to be the last chapter of the entire Bible.  In this chapter, we find another metaphor for the new creation. It is the river of life, crystal clear and flanked on each side by the tree of life, which provides abundant fruit. The number twelve represents the sufficiency of these fruit, they will provide nourishment to God's people for ever and ever and ever. The leaves of the tree are like medicine, providing healing to the nations. These beautiful images immediately remind the reader of the original Garden, Eden, the way the Lord intended his world before the fall. Human beings will find their ultimate purpose and will live without suffering, but rather total contentment and satisfaction, something that could never be achieved before the curse.   As we finish up the book of Revelation, and John's visions conclude, we are reminded of the choice we have. Do we want to take up residence in the Babylon of today, in those things the world promises, OR do we want to seek a life characterized by holiness, pursuing God, and ultimately residing with him in the perfect city, the new Jerusalem, the city created and sustained by God? The book continually reminds us that the choice is ours.   Okay, this is the last devotional of the last week of our journey all the way through Scripture.  I am honored that so many of you stuck with me.  I have learned a lot and I hope you have as well.  It's truly a miracle that Scripture is one continuous story.  Yes, it's 66 separate ancient texts that together, tell God's story and ours for that matter.  How many times did we read about something and find ourself right there in the midst of it?  Scripture is truly alive and active.  It is unchanging and yet speaks to us in many changing circumstances.  It is TRUTH.    Blessings, Pastor Vicki

This devotion on Job 16:19-21 beautifully highlights the comfort of having a heavenly advocate. Job, in his suffering, longs for someone to plead his case before God—a longing fulfilled in Jesus Christ, our Advocate (1 John 2:1). In Christ, we find the One who not only witnesses our struggles but intercedes for us (Romans 8:26). When human comfort fails, when accusations arise, and when tears fall, our Savior stands in our defense.

Daily Dose of Hope March 26, 2025 Day 4 of Week 25   Scripture:  Job 37-39; Psalm 103: Revelation 21   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  Tonight is Recharge night so please come and join us at 6:30pm in the Garage for community, worship, fellowship, and study.37-39.    The Old Testament Scripture is Job 37-39.  The first chapter is the continuation of Elihu's response.  Then, we hear from the Lord.  He speaks directly to Job.  God basically asserts his authority.  He speaks of how he is creator and knows everything about the world.  He asks Job if he was there when the ocean was created, when the morning was spoken into being...  Basically, he is asking Job, who are you to question me???  God is sovereign, he is in control, and Job is not.  These are questions not meant for Job to actually answer, but to humble him.  I'm not sure what I think about this yet.  More tomorrow.   The New Testament passage is Revelation 21.  John's final vision is that the redemption of creation is now complete. The old earth and creation, that which was broken and sinful, has passed away and a new earth has come. Finally. this is what we have been waiting for. God's people reside in this new earth.   There is no more populace simply mechanically following the ways of the world. There is passion. God's people dwell with the Almighty himself, his glory fully revealed. And now, there will be no more tears, suffering, or loss. All is new, all is healed, and all is redeemed.   Then, there is a description of God's Holy City. Please be sure to read through this beautiful vision. This city is a place of perfect worship, where humanity is not seeking achievement but rather exists to worship God in the presence of God. God's Kingdom is fully revealed and it is incredible.   I have a seminary professor who used to tell us that our lives, as believers, are intended to be a preview to the world of the perfect world to come. So very convicting! If someone were to look at your life, what might they deduce about God's perfect world to come?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

This devotion beautifully reflects on Job 14:1-5, reminding us of the fleeting nature of life and our dependence on God's sovereignty. Though our days are few and full of trouble, Job's words urge us to trust in God's purpose. The imagery of the withering flower and vanishing shadow calls us to live intentionally, anchored in Christ's redemption. How do we spend our limited time in light of eternity? Let's reflect on God's grace, our purpose, and the hope found in Christ's resurrection.

Daily Dose of Hope March 25, 2025 Day 3 of Week 52   Scripture:  Job 34-36; Revelation 20   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope.  We are on day 3 of our very last week of reading the whole Bible in a year.  I'm so proud of all of you!    Our Old Testament Scripture is back in the book of Job.  Today, we look at chapters 34-36.  We continue to hear from Elihu, Job's friend who showed up yesterday in the Scripture.  Elihu operates under the same assumption as Job's other friends.  God is just and so God must operate the world according to his justice.  But Elihu's statements are a bit more complex than the others.  He states that God may use tragedy and suffering to build someone's character.  God may also allow people to suffer so they will avoid sin in the future.  Elihu is adamant that Job is wrong for accusing God of being unjust.  Tomorrow, we will finally hear the Lord speak.    Our New Testament Scripture is Revelation 20.  John sees an angel chaining up Satan and throwing him in the lake of fire, where he will be for one thousand years.  That means, for one thousand years, Satan won't have his normal influence on humanity and our world.  Jesus will be in charge.  But after these many years of peace, Satan is released and some people still decide to follow him.  It is a sad state that people who have known the peace of Jesus would choose rebellion against God.  But it happens all the time.  What is it about us as humans that we think we know better than God?   Ultimately, Satan will be defeated permanently.  And those who have died before will be judged by what they did in their lives.  If they knew Jesus Christ, then they will be saved by his blood.  Their name will be in the Book of Life.  Those who didn't know Jesus will be judged on their own deeds, which won't turn out so well.    By this point, Satan and death have been firmly defeated.  All that was wrong has been made right.  While the events in this chapter may not be a literal depiction of what will occur, there are definitely some things we can know for sure:  Satan will be defeated, Jesus wins, and all of us will be judged.    More tomorrow...   Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

Welcome to Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla! Today's reflection comes from Job 13:15-18, where Job proclaims, “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him.” Job's faith is unwavering, even as he wrestles with God. He prepares his case, confident in God's justice. This is not blind optimism but bold trust in the face of suffering. How do we hold on to hope when trials come? Join us as we explore faith under fire, honest prayer, and Christ's ultimate vindication for us.

Daily Dose of Hope March 24, 2025 Day 2 of Week 52   Scripture:  Job 31-33; Psalm 102; Revelation 19   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Bible reading plan.  Let's get started with our Scripture for today.   Our Old Testament Scripture is Job 31-33.  In chapter 31, we hear Job's final speech.  He again speaks of the specific ways that he is blameless before God.  If he has done anything sinful or caused slight to anyone, then call him on it, he says.  As we have seen, Job is struggling to comprehend why any of this has happened.  Job was righteous in his own eyes.  His whole understanding of God's justice has been turned upside-down.    And in chapter 32, a new friend appears, Elihu.  Again, we are using the word friend very loosely here.  Elihu is angry with Job and the other friends.  He is positive that he actually has the answers.  He obviously thinks highly of himself.  Maybe you have known someone like that.  Tomorrow, we hear Elihu's supposed words of wisdom.   Let's take a moment and just mention Psalm 102.  It is a prayer of an afflicted person.  The author is unknown.  And yet, as we read it, we realize it could have been Job, David, Daniel, Ezekiel, or you and me.  There are always times in our lives in which it feels like God hides his face.  The author so appropriately points out the frailty of human life.  Our lives are like the evening shadow, our days wither away like grass.  We are small and God is big.  We are weak and he is all-powerful.  Sometimes, I think we need to be a bit humbled.  God loves us and adores us and yet, we are just human beings.  He is God.    Our New Testament Scripture is Revelation 19.  In this chapter, John sees heaven standing open. Just for reference, the word apocalypse means “a revealing,” and its root has to do with this concept of being open. If you think about the whole book of Revelation, it's about open doors, open seals, open scrolls, open books, open temple, and even an open abyss. Now, heaven is open and God allows his people to see. There are no secrets.   With the destruction of Babylon, the heavenly one, Jesus himself, comes riding in on a white horse. He is called Faithful and True. While some may struggle to see Jesus come ready for battle, this war has an eternal purpose and is done for true justice to occur. These images of Jesus are clearly war-like. He has come to kill the beast and those who follow him and throw them into the lake of fire. Evil is being vanquished. Finally.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Welcome to Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla! Today, we reflect on Job 12:7-10, where Job points to creation as a testimony of God's power. The beasts, birds, and fish all declare God's sovereign hand, yet Job wrestles with what that means in suffering. How do we trust God's rule when trials come? Join us as we explore God's dominion over all life, the witness of creation, and how Christ's redemptive power gives us hope. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and shareto help spread God's Word!

Daily Dose of Hope March 23, 2025 Day 1 of Week 52   Scripture:  Job 28-30; Revelation 18 And just like that, we are on week 52.  After a full year of reading, we will complete our reading of the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation.  You guys are amazing.  By the way, this is the Daisy Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements New Hope's Bible reading plan, if you didn't already guess that. Today, our Old Testament reading is in Job, chapters 28-30.  You may have noticed, but Job's emotions are all over the place here.  He doesn't necessarily believe his friends that he has done anything wrong before God, but he is baffled at what has happened to him.  He questions God.  He knows that God is the only one with understanding of the universe.  God is the only one with the answers.  So in chapter 30, he demands that God gives him some.  What is going on?  Why has this happened?  Job wants to believe that God is just but he is struggling.  Maybe you have been there before.  Our New Testament reading is in Revelation.  In chapter 18, we see the fall of Babylon. This sprawling, affluent civilization, which lived hedonistically, rejecting the things of God and oppressing God's people, has been brought to its knees. What took many years to develop is destroyed in one hour. In one single hour God takes down Babylon! Chapters 17 and 18, which describe the fall of Babylon, are some of the most disputed in all of Revelation. Scholars disagree as to their meaning and there are vastly divergent interpretations out there. I don't think it's helpful to get too bogged down in the interpretation. I do, however, think there are some things we must reflect on: 1.What could Babylon represent? 2.How does our current nation and culture resemble Babylon? How is it different? 3.How might God's people be called to live and behave within a modern Babylon? 4.What does this Scripture suggest about God's ultimate plans for the Babylons of this world? Something to think about.  More tomorrow. Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Welcome to Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla! Today, we reflect on Job 11:7-10, where Zophar speaks of God's infinite wisdom and power. Can we truly grasp the depths of the Almighty? While Zophar exalts God's majesty, he misses the mark—using truth to silence Job's pain rather than offer comfort. Join us as we explore God's unsearchable wisdom, His mercy in suffering, and how Christ reveals His love. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to help spread God's Word!

Welcome to Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla! Today, we explore Job 10:8-12, where Job appeals to God as his Creator, wrestling with the mystery of suffering and divine sovereignty. How can the hands that formed us also bring hardship? Job's cry reflects the struggle of faith amid trials, yet he still acknowledges God's steadfast love. Join us as we dive into God's purpose in suffering, His faithfulness, and our ultimate hope in Christ, who understands our pain and redeems us. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to spread God's Word!

Welcome to Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla! Today, we reflect on Job 9:1-4, where Job wrestles with the reality of God's justice, wisdom, and unmatched power. How can anyone be righteous before God? Job acknowledges that no one can contend with the Almighty, yet his question points to a deeper truth—our need for Christ, who bridges the gap between human frailty and divine holiness. Join us for this powerful Bible study on trusting in God's righteousnessrather than our own. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to help spread God's Word!

Daily Dose of Hope March 20, 2025 Day 5 of Week 51   Scripture: Job 24-27; Revelation 17 Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that goes along with the Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  Our Old Testament reading is from Job once again.  I don't know about you, but this is really hard to read.  Job is heartbroken and struggling with why the evil seem to prosper and God doesn't seem to provide any kind of punishment for those who do evil.  Where is God's justice?  He certainly hasn't experienced it.    Job's friend answers him in chapter 25 saying that God is all-powerful.  Nothing is good compared to God.  I'll be honest.  I'm not sure what his point is, except maybe to pour salt in Job's wounds.  No one is righteous in God's eyes, according to this friend, and that includes Job.    Our last chapter for today is Job's reply to this.  Yes, God is bigger and more powerful than everything.  He is in control of the universe and everything in it.  There is no way we will understand why or how he does anything.  What's amazing here is this – after all Job has gone through, after all his lament, he concludes that God is filled with wisdom and he simply has to trust because God is in control.    The New Testament reading is Revelation 17.  In this chapter, John is invited to witness the downfall of Babylon. He sees the image of a woman sitting on red beast with seven heads and ten horns. The woman, very seductively dressed, has a name written on her: Babylon the Great, the Mother of Prostitutes, and of the Abominations of the Earth. She slept with the kings of the world and was drunk with the blood of God's people. Babylon was a seductive society and a very powerful one. It conquered many of the nations around it and others were seduced by its influence and wealth.   While the woman in the vision obviously represents Babylon, it goes so much deeper. How many Babylons have existed since then? How many great civilizations have risen to power, only to reject God and serve themselves? We could probably generate a pretty long list: the Roman Empire, the Holy Roman Catholic Church, various European empires, maybe even the United States of America? Where do you see the evils of Babylon around you? How should we respond as God's people?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Welcome to Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla! In today's devotion, we explore Job 8:3-6, where Bildad challenges Job with a call to repentance. Does suffering always mean sin? Is God's justice a simple equation? We dive into God's justice, mercy, and the mystery of suffering, examining how faith in Christ gives us hope beyond human understanding. Join us as we reflect on biblical truth, the sovereignty of God, and His grace in suffering. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to help spread God's Word!

Daily Dose of Hope March 19, 2025 Day 4 of Week 51   Scripture:  Job 21-23; Psalm 101; Revelation 16   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  It's Wednesday but we DO NOT have Recharge tonight.  It was canceled due to Hillsborough County Spring Break.  So take this time to do something fun!  Now, we move to our Scripture reading.   For our Old Testament reading, we are back in Job.  These continue to be hard chapters with more back and forth between Job and his so-called friends. Neither Job nor his friends understood God's ways. But there were significant differences between how Job and his friends approached Job's situation. First, his friends confidently and arrogantly asserted that they did understand God's ways, claiming that God punishes the evil and blesses the righteous. Job, on the other hand, admits his confusion and frustration, citing many examples of evil and sinful people living good lives and escaping calamity just fine. Second, for Job's friends, these were somewhat abstract questions of moral theory and interesting discussion topics; for the seriously suffering Job, these were questions with real-life application that affected how he processed the world and his faith in God.    In the midst of really hard life experiences, have you ever met someone who seemed to “understand” just what God was doing in your life?  I haven't commented a lot on what Job's friends are doing but I can't help but at least say something.  The reality is that because of the pervasiveness of sin, we live in a very broken world. Bad stuff happens and there isn't always a reason. Often, we have more questions for God than answers. And how God works in the midst of it all is much more complex than we can dare to comprehend. What we can trust in is that God is loving, trustworthy, and always good. He does not cause bad things to occur in our lives. In fact, he often takes the bad and uses it for his good in some way. The hard part is we may not see or understand this for a long, long time. As Christians, let's try to NOT look anything like Job's friends but simply be willing to listen and love as our family and friends experience hardship and heartache.    Our New Testament reading is Revelation 16.  It's getting ugly. God has assured his people that they are safe but really no one else is. God's wrath is about to be poured out on those who were marked by the beast, aka the evil one. Throughout the chapter, we read about the cups of God's wrath being poured out. I don't know about you, but I find it very hard to read. While I don't think these images in Revelation are meant to all be taken literally, we do have to come to terms with the fact that Jesus will return and he will judge us. Those who belong to him will be safe and protected. Those who don't belong to him will face the wrath of God. Will that mean boils and fire? Probably not, but these cups of wrath do represent something real, something we don't understand. I want to highlight verse 15 today, “Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed. Think back to the teachings of Jesus. Matthew 24:42-44, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.   Jesus, in his earthly ministry, made many references to being ready for the coming reign of God. As much as it makes us feel uncomfortable, he also spoke of being ready for the coming judgment. Notice how now, in Rev. 16:15, the resurrected Lord is saying that he will come like a thief; blessed is the one who stays awake and remain clothed. I think we need to stop and reflect on this issue of being ready. Some people may say that we've been waiting for Jesus so long, he will never come. But the Bible clearly says he will. Certainly, we aren't to sit around and be scared, nor are we to watch the clouds and wait (as many of the early Christians did.) We are to simply do life, expanding his Kingdom, living as he called us to live. But there is something to this whole idea of readiness. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Spend some time in prayer about this today.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope March 18, 2025 Day 3 of Week 51 Scripture:  Job 18-20; Psalm 141; Revelation 15 Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, everyone!  This is the podcast and devotional that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  Let's get right into our Scripture for today. Our Old Testament reading is from Job, chapters 18-20.  In chapter 18, we find the response of one of Job's friends.  I'm beginning to think they aren't really friends, and they certainly aren't comforting.  He basically tells Job to stop his chatter and admit that he is an evil man.  Only things like this happen to men who are evil and turn away from God.  His directness is a bit uncanny.  In chapter 19, Job responds and asks why his friend would torment him?  What is the purpose?  Job is grief-stricken because he is not hearing from God.  He feels like God's hand has struck him.  Job is all alone.  He has nothing and he asks for his friends to try to understand and take pity on him.  Chapter 20 brings another response from one of Job's friends.  It is similar to the last.  Only God will strike the wicked.  Keep in mind, that was the general thought at the time.  If one is sinful and wicked, then he will reap punishment from God.  That is the way God's justice works, doesn't it?  Job resists such a statement while his friends have totally bought in.  Of course, none of this is happening to them so it's easy to make blanket statements about justice. Let's move over to Revelation 15.  The first vision in this chapter is that of seven angels.  These angels carry the last judgements that God will use in the tribulation.  This is a time of celebration, as the believers sing songs of worship to the Lord.  Revelation presents God's final judgments on sin in three groups of seven. The first set of judgments was represented by the opening of seals on a scroll in chapter 5. The second set was represented by trumpets in chapter 8. This last pattern will involve bowls, symbolically filled with the wrath of God. This segment also indicates that the sanctuary in heaven was filled with smoke during this time, preventing anyone from approaching God until the judgments were completed.  More on this tomorrow...   Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

Daily Dose of Hope March 17, 2024 Day 2 of Week 51   Scripture: Job 15-17; Revelation 14 Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that goes along with the Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  Today, our Old Testament reading is back in the book of Job.  In chapter 15, we find one of Job's friends answering his lament.  It isn't pretty.  He accuses Job of being sinful; I mean, he must be, right?  And yet, as Job replies in chapter 16-17, it's easy for someone else to make such claims.  When it happens to you, it's different.  He doesn't understand why God's anger has been lashed out at him.  Job's pain is palpable.  His confusion is real.  Why is this happening to him?  Is there any hope at all?  And again...all we are left with is questions. Our New Testament reading is Revelation 14.  Chapter 14 is another interlude, a reprieve of sorts, before the pouring out of the cups of God's wrath in the next chapter. The interludes provide a respite for God's persecuted people before the next bout of suffering, assuring them of God's divine protection for them. The interlude scenes in this chapter are visions of comfort. Again, remember the original audience and what they were enduring. They needed to know that God was going to keep them safe in the Lord. This doesn't mean they would not experience hardship, pain, and even torture, but they could be assured that God ultimately would care for them. The first vision of comfort is the Lamb with the 144,000, standing on Mount Zion. This image would have been incredibly reassuring to those listening to this message. Mount Zion represents the hope of what's to come, the final safe dwelling place for God's people. The 144,000 are the “first fruits” of God's people, those who have gone before, most likely through martyrdom. Even for those experiencing severe persecution, this vision points to how there is something amazing ahead, don't lose hope. The second vision of comfort is the angel flying in midair. This angel is proclaiming the Good News to all the earth. A second angel follows with more excellent news, Babylon has fallen. Babylon, the place of Israel's exile, was a symbol for paganism, hedonism, and immorality. Finally, a third angel warns against being swayed by the temptation of the evil one. This would have been a warning to the faithful to not swear allegiance to the corrupt worldly system. As it is for believers right now, how easy it would be for those who professed faith in Jesus to gradually be absorbed into the majority culture, looking more Roman than Christian.(Umm...this was a bit convicting.) The third and final vision of comfort consisted of one like the Son of Man standing on the clouds with a sickle. He is wearing a victory crown. The Scripture says that the time to reap has come and the Son of Man reaps the grapes from the earth. Some see this as representing the time when God will gather up all the believers from the earth. Another angel comes together a second harvest and those grapes are thrown into the winepress of God's wrath, another way of describing the judgement of the wicked. There is this emphasis on being found faithful and righteous when God returns so that we can be ripe for God's harvest rather than his wrath. And the visions of comfort are done. Prepare yourself, tomorrow will be a toughie. Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Daily Dose of Hope March 16, 2025 Day 1 of Week 51   Scripture:  Job 12-14; Psalm 100; Revelation 13 Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Bible reading plan.  We are on week 51 starting today.  We have truly almost made it all the way through the Bible.  Our Old Testament reading is Job 12-14. We find Job's response to his friends in this chapter.  He is again lamenting his situation.  He has become a laughingstock to his friends, Job says.  As we read, we can see that Job is struggling with the idea of God's justice.  He is innocent, so why is this happening to him?  God is all-powerful and wise.  Job wants to take his case directly to God.  This should not be happening to him.  “Why has God destroyed him?” Job begins to ask in chapter 14.  And there are no answers.  More tomorrow... Our New Testament reading is Revelation 13.  In today's chapter, we meet the anti-Trinity–the dragon and the two beasts. The dragon certainly represents Satan and each of the beasts represent those who work for him. It's been said that one of the beasts symbolizes the Roman Empire, which makes sense considering the context. The Roman Empire and its succession of oppressive emperors who harshly persecuted Christians would be large on the mind of John and the original listeners of this text. The other beast, the one with the healed wound, may serve to mimic Christ (the Antichrist). They are blasphemous to God and it says that there are people all over the world who follow them. This begs the question: who do we follow? Let's chat for a moment about the mark of the beast. This has taken on a life of its own in popular culture, most of which is not Scripturally-sound. In the ancient Roman world, it was normative to brand or tattoo criminals, prisoners, and sometimes slaves. Some followers of the imperial cult would mark themselves as well. The mark of the beast is in contrast to the mark of God which seals the believers (we read about this in chapter 7). Now, some of the Christians, possibly those who are benefitting from the evil or power of the empire, will be marked by the beast. The true faithful will only have the mark of God. The real question for all of us: whose mark do we wear? Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Solid Rock Bible ChurchSunday March 16, 2025Pastor Bill Gay:"Trusting God"SCRIPTURE:Job 1:6-12Job 1:2John 10:10Job 13:15

A friend can be the best comfort when things are hard.Keywords: Friendship; together; community; comfort; console.Scripture: Job 6:14

March 13, 2025: Day 5 of Week 50 - Scripture: Job 8-11; Revelation 12   The Daily Dose of Hope is a devotional intended to provide context and reflection to the New Hope Church Bible Reading Plan.  It's our goal  to read the Bible in a year together as a family of faith.  Five days a week we read.  Two days a week we either rest or catch up.  Reading the Bible is the number one way to grow in our walk with Jesus.  We have to know God's Word to live God's Word.  Now for our Daily Dose of Hope… https://www.findnewhope.com

March 12, 2025: Day 4 of Week 50 - Scripture: Job 4-7; Psalm 99; Revelation 11 The Daily Dose of Hope is a devotional intended to provide context and reflection to the New Hope Church Bible Reading Plan.  It's our goal  to read the Bible in a year together as a family of faith.  Five days a week we read.  Two days a week we either rest or catch up.  Reading the Bible is the number one way to grow in our walk with Jesus.  We have to know God's Word to live God's Word.  Now for our Daily Dose of Hope… https://www.findnewhope.com

Daily Dose of Hope March 11, 2025 Day 3 of Week 50 Scripture: Job 1-3; Psalm 29; Revelation 10 Welcome back, everyone, to the Daily Dose of Hope.  This is the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.    Today we are starting the book of Job.  This is a book of suffering.  We get to see that right away.  It's an unusual book too.  The author says that it takes place in the land of Uz, which is far away from Israel and Job is not an Israelite.  It's probable that the author intentionally doesn't give a lot of historical detail because that isn't the point.  The point is more the questions that are raised by Job's suffering.   Chapters 1 and 2 are the prologue of Job.  We learn about Job, who is upright and blameless.  He has been blessed immensely but he has stayed humble with the highest of integrity.  From there, we are transported to the heavens where God is meeting with his angels and someone referred to as Satan, which means accuser.  When this accuser tells God that Job is only upright and blameless because God has blessed him with all kinds of good things, then God gives Satan the ability to take that away from Job, to test him essentially, and see if he will stay committed to God.   Of course, to most of us, this is incredibly frustrating.  Why does God do this?  It doesn't make sense.  And we might think that maybe the book will answer the question of why.  But, spoiler alert, it doesn't.  It does ask more questions about God's justice which we will be forced to reckon with.  The accuser arranges for Job to experience the loss of his children, the loss of his fortune, and then to be covered in boils.  Essentially, everything good is stripped from him.  But he doesn't curse God.    He has three friends who come over to try to comfort him but I don't think they were much comfort at all.  But these friends do represent the typical way of thinking about suffering at the time in that part of the world.   Chapter 3 brings us into the main part of the book, which includes a lot of prose and poetry.  Job speaks first and as we move into the other chapters, we will hear the responses of the three friends.  Chapter 3 is exclusively Job, who is lamenting the day he was born.  Why did God even allow him to live?  We will delve more into this tomorrow.   Our New Testament text is Revelation 10.  In this chapter, John sees another angel come down from the heavens.  This angel is wrapped in a cloud.  Keep in mind, that clouds often refer to God's judgment.  There is also a rainbow above the head of the angel.  Rainbows often refer to God's covenant.  So, we might gather that God's judgment is coming in regard to God's covenant with his people.  But there is also this piece about the little scroll that the angel is carrying.  John is told to come get the scroll and eat it.  Eating the scroll is a symbol of being ready to prophesy God's message. Remember that when Ezekiel eats his scroll he finds it to be sweet as honey in his mouth. The Word of God is described as sweet in multiple places in Scripture. Psalm 19:9-10 reads, ...the decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. Notice that when John eats the scroll, he also finds it as sweet as honey. However, after he had eaten it, his stomach was made bitter. The bitterness comes because of the judgments that are still to come.  More tomorrow...   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Injustice is real and leaves a mark. A just God meets you in that pain.  Keywords: Injustice; justice; seen; hope; graciousness; restoration. Scripture: Job 5:16

Scripture: Job 23:1-17 ESV Guest Speaker: Arthur Dixon

Scripture: Job 19:23-27

Deb Davis shares Wednesday's devotional podcast from Bible Fellowship Church. [Scripture: Job 2]

Deb Davis shares Wednesday's devotional podcast from Bible Fellowship Church. [Scripture: Job 1:6-22]

Scripture:  Job 42:2, John 10:10, Proverbs 8:13, Matthew 22:36-39A Network That Beats To The Heart Of GodTopic: Love God, Hate Sin Part 9Host: John Sandy & Pastor John FowlerMonday, September 8, 2024For Booking Information: 304-364-4164Email: john@thepulsechurch.comThere Are Three Ways to Financially Support the Pulse-GassawayPayPal:https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick...Text:https://app.clovergive.com/app/giving/thepulse/THEPULSEGASSAWAYWVMail: P.O. Box 141 Gassaway, WV 26624Check us out on social media and our website.Website:www.thepulsechurch.comLinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/john-fowler-mba-16247231Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/thepulsewv/https://www.facebook.com/718582154980548/YouTube:https://www.YouTube.com/@thepulsegassaway3388https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpGXhf2uE9oSMh961HaKJogTik Tok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thepulsewvlive?lang=ru-RUhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thepulsegassawayTwitch:https://twitch.tv/the_pulse_wvInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thepulsegassaway/Twitter:https://twitter.com/thepulsewvApple Podcast:https://thepulsewv-gassaway.simplecast.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/.../the-pulse-wv.../id1527607059Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4YZljk4BeOmao9KAo7NYn6...https://open.spotify.com/show/7pbbpIgE2Spzqdmd982w2c...Google Play:https://podcasts.google.com/.../aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wb...https://podcasts.google.com/.../aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wb...Radio Public:Sermons:https://radiopublic.com/the-pulse-wv-WemdAJPodcast:https://radiopublic.com/the-pulse-wv-live-GymVAJDeezer:Sermons:https://Deezer.com/show/3055022Podcast:https://Deezer.com/show/3053812I Heart Radio:Sermons:https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-pulse-wv-87312929...Podcast:https://www.iheart.com/.../269-the-pulse-wv-live-87312874...Amazon Music:Sermons:https://music.amazon.com/.../22dca9f0-25f7.../the-pulse-wvPodcast:https://music.amazon.com/.../fe8c94c7.../the-pulse-wv-live

It's All-In August!We've made it to day 31 of All-In August! The question now is, what next?Scripture: Job 23:8-9, Psalm 139, Psalm 121, Psalm 29, Psalm 143, Romans 12:2, II Corinthians 10:5Textooks for All-In August: All In, by Mark Batterson and Hope Is the First Dose by meScripture for the Month: II Corinthians 5:14-17, Luke 9:23-25, Galatians 5:22-23, I Corinthians 2:16 Are you with us? Send a voicemail and let us know who you are, where you live, and that you're All-In!Follow me @drleewarren on Instagram for daily inspiration. Five Ways You Can Support this show:Pray for us!Subscribe, like, and share it with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!)Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts!You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here. Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day):Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique!Other Helpful Links:Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book!Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!All recent episodes with transcripts are available here! (00:00) - Introduction to All in August (01:37) - The Power of Change (04:12) - Different Approaches to Change (05:44) - What Happens Next? (07:14) - The 10 Commandments of Self-Brain Surgery (12:03) - Recognizing Generational Patterns (13:34) - The Impact of Thoughts (14:22) - Making Commitments for Change (16:43) - Going All In (18:58) - Looking Forward: Day 32 and Beyond

It's All-In August!Approaches have consequences, part 3.Scripture: Job 23:8-9, Psalm 139, Psalm 121, Psalm 29, Psalm 143, Romans 12:2, II Corinthians 10:5Textooks for All-In August: All In, by Mark Batterson, Hope Is the First Dose by me, and Play the Man by Mark BattersonScripture for the Month: II Corinthians 5:14-17, Luke 9:23-25, Galatians 5:22-23, I Corinthians 2:16 Are you with us? Send a voicemail and let us know who you are, where you live, and that you're All-In!Follow me @drleewarren on Instagram for daily inspiration. Five Ways You Can Support this show:Pray for us!Subscribe, like, and share it with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!)Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts!You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here. Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day):Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique!Other Helpful Links:Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book!Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!All recent episodes with transcripts are available here! (00:00) - Introduction to Self-Brain Surgery (02:30) - The All-In Approach (05:16) - Scientific Paths to Understanding (07:04) - Science and Faith Intertwined (08:57) - Discovering More to the Story (11:47) - The Jealousy of God (13:17) - Consequences of a New Approach (16:16) - Embracing the All-In Journey (17:18) - Wrap-Up and Future Directions

It's All-In August!Approaches have consequences, part 2.Scripture: Job 23:8-9, Psalm 139, Psalm 121, Psalm 29, Psalm 143, Romans 12:2, II Corinthians 10:5Textooks for All-In August: All In, by Mark Batterson, Hope Is the First Dose by me, and Play the Man by Mark BattersonScripture for the Month: II Corinthians 5:14-17, Luke 9:23-25, Galatians 5:22-23, I Corinthians 2:16 Are you with us? Send a voicemail and let us know who you are, where you live, and that you're All-In!Follow me @drleewarren on Instagram for daily inspiration. Five Ways You Can Support this show:Pray for us!Subscribe, like, and share it with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!)Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts!You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here. Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day):Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique!Other Helpful Links:Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book!Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!All recent episodes with transcripts are available here! (00:00) - Introduction to Self-Brain Surgery (02:31) - The Commitment to Change (04:47) - Understanding Life Approaches (09:13) - The Nothing Can Help Me Approach (11:55) - The Maybe Something Can Help Me Approach (20:45) - The Scientific Method in Life (27:29) - Conclusion and Next Steps

It's All-In August!Approaches have consequences, part 1. Scripture: Job 23:8-9, Psalm 139, Psalm 121, Psalm 29, Psalm 143, Romans 12:2, II Corinthians 10:5Textooks for All-In August: All In, by Mark Batterson, Hope Is the First Dose by me, and Play the Man by Mark BattersonScripture for the Month: II Corinthians 5:14-17, Luke 9:23-25, Galatians 5:22-23, I Corinthians 2:16 Are you with us? Send a voicemail and let us know who you are, where you live, and that you're All-In!Follow me @drleewarren on Instagram for daily inspiration. Five Ways You Can Support this show:Pray for us!Subscribe, like, and share it with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!)Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts!You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here. Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day):Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique!Other Helpful Links:Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book!Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!All recent episodes with transcripts are available here! (00:00) - Introduction to Self-Brain Surgery (05:34) - Consequences of Our Choices (11:25) - Overcoming Cynicism and Hopelessness (14:47) - Understanding Purpose in Life (20:05) - The Role of Science and Faith

It's All-In August!When Trouble Comes, You Fall to the Level of Your PreparationThat includes the way you view God's role in suffering. Here's a new thought from Job, and a couple of insights that will help you when trauma, tragedy, and other massive things (TMTs) strike.(Adapted and expanded from S9E75 Get a Good Theology Around Suffering)When hard times come, you will be overwhelmed with doubt, fear, and you'll be unsure of what to do next. Unless, that is, you have a good theology in place to answer the inevitable "why" questions. This episode will help you get your head on straight when life hurts.Scripture: Job 23:8-9, Psalm 139, Psalm 121, Psalm 29, Psalm 143, Romans 12:2, II Corinthians 10:5Textooks for All-In August: All In, by Mark Batterson, Hope Is the First Dose by me, and Play the Man by Mark BattersonScripture for the Month: II Corinthians 5:14-17, Luke 9:23-25, Galatians 5:22-23, I Corinthians 2:16 Are you with us? Send a voicemail and let us know who you are, where you live, and that you're All-In!Follow me @drleewarren on Instagram for daily inspiration. Five Ways You Can Support this show:Pray for us!Subscribe, like, and share it with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!)Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts!You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here. Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day):Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique!Other Helpful Links:Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book!Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!All recent episodes with transcripts are available here! (00:00) - Introduction to Suffering (06:03) - The Concept of Prehab (08:08) - Bad Theology Around Suffering (17:27) - What Now? (22:12) - David's Struggles with God (28:59) - Searching for Truth in Suffering

Heavenly Father, I'm singing every shaky note to you.Scripture: Job 35:10-11Keywords: Singing; comfort; present; songs in the night; hope; help; darkness.Best of, Summer.

Job: Suffering Faith and Faithful Suffering (Part 32)Scripture: Job 42:7-17Sermon Preached by Chris Lewis on June 16, 2024→ Check out more sermons

Job: Suffering Faith and Faithful Suffering (Part 31)Scripture: Job 40:6-42:6Sermon Preached by Chris Lewis on June 9, 2024→ Check out more sermons

Job: Suffering Faith and Faithful Suffering (Part 30)Scripture: Job 38:39-40:5Sermon Preached by Chris Lewis on June 2, 2024→ Check out more sermons

Job: Suffering Faith and Faithful Suffering (Part 28)Scripture: Job 36-37Sermon Preached by Chris Lewis on May 19, 2024→ Check out more sermons

When Trouble Comes, You Fall to the Level of Your PreparationIf you're hurting, here's a classic episode to help you learn a new way to navigate suffering.That includes the way you view God's role in suffering. Here's a new thought from Job, and a couple of insights that will help you when trauma, tragedy, and other massive things (TMTs) strike.(Replay: Adapted and expanded from S9E75 Get a Good Theology Around Suffering)When hard times come, you will be overwhelmed with doubt, fear, and you'll be unsure of what to do next. Unless, that is, you have a good theology in place to answer the inevitable "why" questions. This episode will help you get your head on straight when life hurts.Scripture: Job 23:8-9, Psalm 139, Psalm 121, Psalm 29, Psalm 143 (00:02) - Introduction on suffering and trauma (02:20) - Insights from Bible study on prehab and new insights (04:39) - Trusting in God's work in the midst of suffering (06:21) - Finding hope and purpose in the midst of suffering (10:36) - Preparing for suffering and having a good theology in place (11:48) - Finding Purpose in Suffering (13:26) - Theology of Suffering and Doubts about God's Love (16:59) - The Fallacy of a Perfect Environment for Happiness (19:56) - David's Cry for God's Presence in the Pit (21:34) - Psalm 139: God's Intimate Knowledge of David (22:01) - David's Assurance: God's Presence in Every Situation (24:12) - Filtering Thoughts: Is it True, Necessary, and Compassionate? (27:15) - Don't Harm Yourself: Purposeful Mindset Change and Good Theology (30:00) - Theology of suffering and the search for truth (32:20) - Changing our mindset about suffering and finding hope (39:39) - Introducing "Hope is the First Dose" Book

If I am suffering does that mean I am wicked? Today, Hannah Staubs is joined by fellow Watermark Institute student, Patrick Camp, to talk through Job 20. Patrick explains that our suffering is not always a direct result of our sin, because our sin is paid for either in hell or on the cross. If we are in Christ, our sin has been paid for by Jesus on the cross, and there is no condemnation left for us.  SCRIPTURE:  Job 4 – Eliphaz' advice Job 5:17-18 – do not despise the discipline of the Almighty” Job 6: 28-30 – “Is there any wickedness on my lips?” Isaiah 53:5-6 – “He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities” Romans 3:23 – “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” Psalm 19:14 – “let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart…” Psalm 51:10 – “create in me a pure heart”   LINKS: For more information on Watermark's College ministry, check out this link: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/college  Grab a Join The Journey Journal through the book of Psalms: https://a.co/d/7rt0H3g  Got kids? Check out the NEW Join The Journey Jr. Journal for 2024:https://a.co/d/iEnIRRz  You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898

There's no more important issue, spiritually, for people than the question of innocent suffering. We don't struggle much with the suffering that comes to people who've brought it on themselves. The real problem is innocent suffering.  We're looking at Old Testament narratives because in them, profound truths are depicted concretely. In the New Testament, authors explain these truths with rational propositions. But in the Old Testament, they're depicted. And there's probably no place anywhere, beyond the book of Job, where you have the problem of innocent suffering so profoundly depicted.  We learn three things about suffering from the story of Job: 1) from Satan, we get an understanding of suffering, 2) from the early Job, we learn how to face suffering, and 3) from the later Job, we learn how to overcome suffering. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on November 9, 1997. Series: Pointers to Christ – Directional Signs in History. Scripture: Job 1:8-22. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.