Podcasts about Zophar

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Job's friends are insulted that he would reject their wisdom, especially because they are drawing their conclusions from that which was commonly assumed by the culture and by their ancestors. Job wants to find comfort and consolation from his friends, but they continue to make a case against him. In an earlier speech, Job spoke of God's justice, but as he responds to his friend Zophar at the beginning of our reading, we can see that he struggles, like many of us, to understand why the wicked are allowed to flourish while the righteous perish.Job 21 - 1:01 . Job 22 - 5:39 . Job 23 - 9:55 . Job 24 - 12:01 . Job 25 - 15:51 . Job 26 - 16:32 . Psalm 8 - 18:24 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Send us a textEXPECTATION VS. REALITYDisappointment with Life | Part 2Senior Pastor Keith StewartJanuary 11, 2026This Sunday we're going to talk honestly about the unfairness of life, the pain that shatters our assumptions, and the hope we find when we stop confusing God with our circumstances. Through the story of Job, we'll confront the shallow answers that often wound the hurting, and we'll discover the deeper comfort Job found—not in explanations, but in encountering God Himself. If you're weary, disappointed, or carrying questions you can't resolve, join us in person or online.Discussion Questions 1. Jesus told us “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Related to that is Scott Peck's summation, “Life is difficult.” What kinds of “trouble” are you facing right now—external circumstances, internal struggles, or relational conflict? How does accepting that reality change the way you interpret hardship—especially when you're tired, afraid, or disappointed? 2. “Don't confuse life with God.” Where have you seen yourself (or others) blame God for what may be “life in a broken world”? What's the difference between “life is unfair” and “God is unfair”? How do you tell the difference in real time? 3. Job is described as blameless and upright (Job 1:1), yet suffering still came. What assumptions do we tend to carry that Job's story challenges? (Examples: “If I do right, nothing bad will happen,” “God owes me protection,” etc.) 4. Job's friends tried to explain pain with certainty and clichés. What are some common “Christian phrases” people say that can unintentionally harm someone who's suffering? 5. Which of Job's friends do you most relate to at times—and why? Eliphaz (fear-based explanations)Bildad (judgment / “holier-than-thou”)Zophar (shaming to shut people down)Elihu (talking a lot without real understanding) God eventually says Job's friends “have not spoken the truth” about Him (Job 42:7).What does that teach us about the danger of speaking for God too quickly? 6. Job's suffering produced unexpected spiritual insight (hope of resurrection, redeemer, advocate). What “gift” has pain left in your life—greater compassion, deeper dependence, clearer priorities, humility, etc.? 7. The message challenges us to be careful with judgment—especially with public failures or tragedies. What does it look like to respond with truth and humility when someone else falls or suffers? Practical next step: Think of someone you know who is hurting. What's one thing you can do this week to “comfort without explaining”—to be present without preaching?

When we last left Job, he complained that there was no mediator between God and man, and bemoaned the Almighty's ever-watching eye. Zophar chimes in with similar heartless rebukes as those spoken by the rest of his crew, emphasizing that Job shouldn't challenge God. Job, in reply, tells his friends that he is well-aware of all the things that his friends are telling him. Job tells God that he wishes he were dead, contending if that were the case, at least then God would leave him alone. Finally, Eliphaz begins round two of the speeches, scolding Job and declaring that wicked people are the ones who writhe in pain and have no peace, insinuating that Job must be wicked.Job 11 - 1:02 . Job 12 - 3:35 . Job 13 - 6:51 . Job 14 - 10:27 . Job 15 - 14:40 . Psalm 6 - 19:13 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Send us a textWhat if the answers you've leaned on were never meant to carry the weight of real suffering? Tonight, we walk with Job as he pivots from defense to a fierce, clear-eyed response, challenging the tidy formulas that equate prosperity with righteousness and loss with secret sin. The tone changes, the stakes rise, and a deeper wisdom breaks through the noise: God's sovereignty stands even when providence withholds explanations.We share why Job's sarcasm is not bitterness but a scalpel that cuts through spiritual arrogance. Zophar's health-and-wealth logic collapses under scrutiny as Job exposes how cliché theology can wound the afflicted. We dig into the difference between knowledge and wisdom, how shared doctrines can be misapplied, and why true care requires listening before labeling. The conversation draws parallels to religious gatekeeping across eras, showing how certainty without compassion becomes cruelty dressed as counsel.From there, we press into the mystery of providence. Faith is not a code to crack; it's trust in a God whose justice is exact yet often hidden in its unfolding. We explore how uncertainty can be an intentional part of spiritual growth, forging dependence, humility, and endurance. If you're weary of cause-and-effect religion and want a sturdier hope—one that refuses to measure holiness by comfort or success—this walk through Job 12 will steady your steps and widen your view of God's ways.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a wiser word, and leave a review to help others find thoughtful, faith-deepening conversations.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

Send us a textWhat if the neat answer to your pain isn't just unhelpful, but wrong? We open Job 11 and sit with Zophar's confident diagnosis—repent and the fear will lift—then test it against Job's integrity and the deeper current of his anguish. The conversation moves past lost wealth and shattered health to the fear that actually grips Job: the felt distance of God, the quiet that unsettles those who love Him most.Together, we examine how doctrine has to walk. Repentance is a gift when sin is real; it is cruelty when assumed. Zophar's moralism shows what happens when truth lacks compassion and context. We explore why some suffering does not trace back to personal failure, how preservation steadies the believer, and why Job never charges God foolishly even as he pleads for light. Along the way, we bring in passages on fear, judgment, and assurance, and we work through a hard pastoral question: Is anxiety born from uncertainty a sin, or can it become a signal that drives us into God's presence?If you've ever faced a storm you couldn't explain, this study offers language, Scripture, and hope. You'll hear how to resist false guilt without hardening your heart, how to carry honest questions to God, and how to keep your footing when heaven seems silent. Subscribe for more chapter-by-chapter studies through Job and share this with someone who needs gentler counsel and sturdier comfort today. What part of Job's story challenges you most right now?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

Send us a textWhat if anxiety isn't just a modern condition but a spiritual crossroads where control collides with trust? We dive straight into that tension with honest stories—parents navigating a child's milestone without crushing the relationship, a vow to never be hurt again that hardened into control, and the slow, surprising healing that came through Scripture and prayer. The thread that ties it all together is simple and demanding: bring everything to God, even when the outcome is unclear.We anchor the conversation in Job, challenging a common mistake that prosperity equals God's approval and suffering equals punishment. Zophar's counsel carries truths misapplied, and we unpack why that matters for anyone who's ever wondered if pain means they've failed God. Instead of quick fixes, we talk about uprooting seeds—worry, fear, and the urge to manage outcomes—before they grow into larger sins. Philippians 4:6 comes alive here: be anxious for nothing by leaning into prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, not denial. That rhythm reframes anxiety as an invitation to dependence rather than a verdict of defeat.Along the way, we sit with hard-won insights from trauma survivors who found the courage to confess idols, lay down control, and listen for the Shepherd's voice. We also own the discomfort of correction, shedding assumptions and choosing gentleness when addressing others' struggles. The goal isn't sentimentality; it's clarity with compassion, truth that heals rather than shames. By the end, dependence on God emerges as the real metric of growth—one choice, one prayer, one surrendered outcome at a time. If you've ever asked “what's next?” with a knot in your stomach, this conversation offers sturdy hope and a practical path forward.If the episode resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs encouragement, and leave a rating or review to help more listeners find these conversations.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

Send us a textWhat if the real center of Job isn't human endurance but the absolute sovereignty of God? We open Job 11 and follow Zophar's soaring words about God's unsearchable wisdom to a hard truth: theology can be right and still wound if it's applied without love, timing, and discernment. That tension drives a heartfelt conversation on how to handle Scripture carefully, especially when a friend is already in pieces.We walk through the text—higher than heaven, deeper than hell, broader than the sea—and sit with the staggering claim that nothing falls outside God's rule. Even Satan must ask permission, which reframes our pain: it may be mysterious, but it is never random. Some of us share stories of worship in the valley and how presence often helps more than polished answers. We also push back on the rising tide of universalism and the denial of hell, urging biblical clarity that is honest, compassionate, and anchored in Christ.All along, we keep returning to this: every book of Scripture leads us to the Lord himself. Job reminds us that God's wisdom exceeds the highest heights and the darkest depths, and that our task is to suffer well, speak carefully, and trust fully. Whether your season ends with restoration or simply deeper reliance, you are held by the One who writes the end from the beginning. If this conversation steadies your heart, share it with a friend, subscribe for more studies, and leave a review to help others find the show. What part challenged you most?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

Send us a textEver been told “just be a good person” and felt the bar shift under your feet? We take aim at fuzzy standards of goodness and trace the question back to its source: if only God is truly good, then reconciliation with Him must start on His terms, not ours. That frame sets up a bracing walk through Job 11, where Zophar offers a correct-sounding remedy with a disastrously wrong diagnosis—and where many of us still stumble when we slap generic answers on specific pain.We talk candidly about doctrinal drift and the subtle ways people keep the Christian label while sanding down hard edges like judgment, hell, and the narrow gate. Not to sensationalize, but to restore clarity: eternity matters because the One we offend is eternal, and separation from Him isn't a metaphor to update away. Then we go practical and pastoral. On the mission field, a mother at a children's hospital believes her child's illness is punishment. Prosperity slogans offer quick fixes. We counter with a richer hope: Jesus heals bodies and forgives sins, and He cares most for the soul. That reorders our prayers, our counsel, and our courage.Job's story becomes a map for empathy. Zophar assumes sin; God is doing something deeper. We learn why right truth misapplied can harm, and why real ministry refuses to say “go research it” when we should say “let's walk through this together.” Along the way, testimonies of illness, fear, and steadfast faith reveal how suffering often becomes the very path God uses to answer prayers for trust and maturity. The result isn't theory—it's worship. A live song and closing prayer gather our hearts around the God who gives, who takes, who keeps, and who never wastes our tears.If you're wrestling with pain, doctrine, or doubt, lean in. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs steady hope, and leave a review with the one question about suffering you want us to tackle next.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

Send us a textWhat if the harshest words in a crisis come wrapped in true doctrine but delivered with the wrong heart? We walk through Zophar's blistering speech to Job and ask the harder question: how often do we make the same mistake—assuming, accusing, and calling it discernment? From the first minutes, we pull apart retribution thinking, show where it sneaks into everyday counsel, and offer a better way that pairs conviction with compassion.Together, we explore how Job holds two truths at once: confidence in his standing before God and confusion about his suffering. That tension becomes a model for us. Rather than spiral into self-condemnation, Job practices self-examination. We talk about how to examine your motives without inventing guilt, how to anchor your conscience in what's real, and how a clear heart can steady you when circumstances refuse to make sense. Along the way, we highlight the danger of weaponizing God's greatness. Yes, His wisdom is unsearchable; that humility should soften our judgments, not sharpen our accusations.The most surprising turn might be this: some pain arrives as an answer to our deepest prayers. Many of us ask to know God more closely; the path often winds through loss, pressure, and waiting. We connect that idea to David's life, to our own hindsight, and to the invitation to trust Providence when we cannot trace it. The conversation lands on a practical charge—be the friend who listens first, asks careful questions, and refuses to play God in someone else's sorrow. See yourself not only in the heroes but in Job's friends, and let that recognition drive you to mercy.If this resonates, subscribe, share the episode with a friend who needs gentler counsel, and leave a review with one insight you're taking into your next hard conversation. Your words help others find a kinder, wiser path.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

Send us a textWhat if being “right” never gives us the right to be ruthless? We dig into the tension between truth and tenderness through the story of Job and his friends, tracing how easy it is to weaponize doctrine, misread suffering, and crush a brother or sister when we should be restoring them. The conversation moves from personal wounds to practical steps, asking how a mature church confronts sin without humiliation and keeps compassion central when emotions are high.We share lived experiences across different church cultures, from strict Pentecostal roots to global ministry work, and how that journey built discernment and patience. You'll hear why private correction, verified witnesses, and a posture of humility matter; how Galatians reframes restoration as an act of fear and gentleness; and why forgiveness remains vital for renewed fellowship, not for re-earning salvation. Along the way, we expose common traps: slap-on labels, straw-man arguments, and the subtle thrill of seeing leaders fall. Each of these cheapens truth and blinds us to the person in front of us.There's hope threaded throughout: misjudgment can still become a pathway to grace. Like Job, deeper dependence on God often grows when human comfort fails. Trials may be the unexpected answer to prayers for intimacy, holiness, and steadfast faith. Our part is to refuse mockery, earn trust, and speak honestly with mercy so people feel safe enough to tell the truth that sets them free. If we want to be known as people of truth, we must become people of compassion.If this conversation challenged you or encouraged you, share it with a friend, subscribe for more thoughtful episodes, and leave a review with one takeaway you'll practice this week.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

Send us a textWhen a friend is crushed by grief, do we show up as comforters—or as prosecutors? We walk through Job 11 and meet Zophar, the most aggressive of Job's friends, who treats pain as proof and volume as guilt. His opening salvo accuses Job of lying, mocking God, and hiding secret sin. That posture isn't merely unkind; it's a theological shortcut that mistakes mystery for verdict and replaces discernment with certainty.We unpack why Zophar's “defense of God” falls short. Scripture already named Job upright and God-fearing, yet Zophar ignored that testimony and spoke as if he knew the hidden counsel of heaven. Along the way, we pull in real-life parallels—gossip that trails a wrongful arrest, suspicion that shadows success, and whispers that follow public hardship. These stories show how stigma sticks when communities choose rumor over patience and neat answers over humble presence.Together, we explore better ways to care for the suffering. We highlight the difference between honest lament and rebellion, the call to be quick to hear and slow to speak, and the gentle strength required to restore rather than shame. Practical steps emerge: ask before you assume, honor grief as faithful speech, check the urge to play fixer, and anchor counsel in the whole witness of Scripture. If Zophar models what to avoid, grace shows what to pursue—truth with tenderness, doctrine with hospitality, and courage that listens before it lectures.If this conversation helps you rethink how you respond to pain, share it with a friend, subscribe for more deep dives through Job, and leave a review to tell us what resonated most.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

In Job 20 Zophar advances his second round of argumentation. He contends, that the wicked always suffer; and since you, Job, are suffering it follows that you must be wicked. The arguments are going round in circles and getting nowhere. Job, says Zophar, you insult our understanding. From the time of Creation, he says, it has been evident that the wicked have always suffered. They're scorning for the ways of the LORD is but momentary. And the wealth that the scorners have accumulated is merely laid in store for the just. How exotic and colourful is the language that Zophar uses. The Almighty will swiftly bring retribution upon the hypocrites is his contention. Zophar was correct in stating that the time will come when the LORD punishes the hypocrites. But he was totally wrong as to the timing of the recompense.Our Sovereign is patient and not willing that any should perish. God is patient in the hope that people will respond, consider 2 Peter 3verses8-9; 1 Timothy 2verses3-7.Zephaniah's theme is expressed in chapter 2verses3. The message is timeless and comes to us today with as much power and compulsion as it did in the prophet's day. Slowly read aloud, pause and ponder. Verses 4-5 deal with the judgments that would befall Judah's southern neighbours when the Babylonian invasion would soon overtake God's people. However, verses 6 and 7 tell of a coming time of peace and restoration. The 9th to 11th verses speak of the taunts of the Moabites and Ammonites and Yahweh's determined response. Verse 12 speaks of wrath falling on the Cushites of Northern Africa (including the Egyptians). Then finally the Almighty will bring judgment on the oppressing power of the Assyrian (Nineveh) told of in verses 13-16. It would become a waste, a desolate howling wilderness inhabited by wild beasts and birds of prey. The pride of the Chaldeans would be brought low by the LORD God omnipotent. Let us seek the LORD our God with all our heart so that it will be our Father's good pleasure to give the kingdom to His childrenverses see Matthew 25verses34-40.

In Job 20 Zophar advances his second round of argumentation. He contends, that the wicked always suffer; and since you, Job, are suffering it follows that you must be wicked. The arguments are going round in circles and getting nowhere. Job, says Zophar, you insult our understanding. From the time of Creation, he says, it has been evident that the wicked have always suffered. They're scorning for the ways of the LORD is but momentary. And the wealth that the scorners have accumulated is merely laid in store for the just. How exotic and colourful is the language that Zophar uses. The Almighty will swiftly bring retribution upon the hypocrites is his contention. Zophar was correct in stating that the time will come when the LORD punishes the hypocrites. But he was totally wrong as to the timing of the recompense. Our Sovereign is patient and not willing that any should perish. God is patient in the hope that people will respond, consider 2 Peter 3verses8-9; 1 Timothy 2verses3-7. Zephaniah's theme is expressed in chapter 2verses3. The message is timeless and comes to us today with as much power and compulsion as it did in the prophet's day. Slowly read aloud, pause and ponder. Verses 4-5 deal with the judgments that would befall Judah's southern neighbours when the Babylonian invasion would soon overtake God's people. However, verses 6 and 7 tell of a coming time of peace and restoration. The 9th to 11th verses speak of the taunts of the Moabites and Ammonites and Yahweh's determined response. Verse 12 speaks of wrath falling on the Cushites of Northern Africa (including the Egyptians). Then finally the Almighty will bring judgment on the oppressing power of the Assyrian (Nineveh) told of in verses 13-16. It would become a waste, a desolate howling wilderness inhabited by wild beasts and birds of prey. The pride of the Chaldeans would be brought low by the LORD God omnipotent. Let us seek the LORD our God with all our heart so that it will be our Father's good pleasure to give the kingdom to His childrenverses see Matthew 25verses34-40. The first of John's 3 letters was written between 85-98 AD by the aged and much beloved Apostle. He was one of the Lord's special 3 - Peter, James and John - who were selected by Jesus from among the 12 to witness select events and miracles. Together with his brother James, they were both fishermen and partners of Peter and Andrew in the fishing business. Their father Zebedee and his wife Salome appear to have owned the Galilean business. Salome seems to have been Mary's sister, making the two Apostles first cousins of our Lord Jesus Christ. Peter and John were paired by the Lord Jesus for various tasks   including preaching. Peter may well have been the oldest of the Apostles and John the youngest. Peter died first as was prophesied by the Lord Jesus Christ around 67 AD; while John died up to 40, or more years after that time (see John 21verses20-24). There are many internal evidence to the fact that the epistles of John and the book of Revelation were written towards the end of the first century AD (Revelation being the last writing of the New Testament; written after John's exile to the island of Patmos in 96 AD under the Emperor Trajan). John describes himself in each of the three letters as, "the Elder". The vitally important themes of chapter 1 describe God's terms for forgiving usverses 1. Confession and repentance 2. Being in Christ by baptism - the blood of Christ cleanses us 3. Also teaching us about "propitiation" - Rom 3verses Greek word is hilasterion, which is translated as "mercy seat" in the book of Hebrews and it means 'chair, THRONE; MEETING PLACE' Romans 3 tells us that God is enthroned in Jesus Christ and for this reason he is the ONLY place where God will meet with men. Verses 1-4 of chapter 1 speaks of what we heard from the beginning. Which beginning, we ask? The gospel of John tells us, 1verses1 "In the beginning". This was the birth of the Son of God - see verses 9-18 which speaks of the time when our Lord came into being (compare Acts 10verses35-43). They knew the Lord, ate with him, walked and talked with him. And to know our Lord was to understand His Father; and in that knowing was eternal life (John 17verses1-3). And the understanding of this good news (gospel) would lead to everlasting life in the kingdom of God, which will be set up at our Lord's coming (2 Timothy 4verses1). The sharing of this understanding brings fellowship in joining together in partaking of the bread and wine (communion means sharing together); and also joy unspeakable. Verses 5-10 deal with, "Walking in the light". Again, a comparison with chapter 1 of John's gospel record, shows the significance of light to the walk of the disciple - here Jesus is described as a light imparting source (phos - such as the light of the sun), contrasted to the light (luchnos - portable lamp) of the disciple John the Baptist. The three great themes of John's first letter areverses 1) God is light; 2) God is life; and 3) God is love. The theme that "God is light flows from the first letter 1verses5-2verses6. The Apostle speaks in absolutes, black and white; and so, he says, that there is no hint of any shadow (cp James 1verses17). Wrong behaviour, says John, is evidence of not understanding the relationship believers have with the Father and His Son. Of course, believers sin through weakness, but it is not in character with them to wilfully choose a life of sin. But as long as we are endeavouring to follow in Christ's footsteps we will be forgiven upon confession of our sins. Verse 8 tells us that if we deny that our nature is biased to sin; or that we are not sinning; we are self-deceived. However, forgiveness is available to those in Christ who confess and forsake their sins. But, chapter 2 commences, "we have an advocate in the heavens in our Lord Jesus Christ. The word “advocate” is a kindred word to the "comforter" (used in the gospel record in John; which the Lord was himself - and when he departed for heaven to be our priestly mediator; the Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus as another "comforter"). The word used here speaks of a defender in a court of law. The Greek word means, "I call and he runs to my side to aid me". Our heartfelt confession and repentance means we need not fear rejection since the Lord Jesus Christ has provided a "place of introduction for us to God's mercy - the word "propitiation" (see Romans 3verses21-26; 8verses27-39; compare with Ephesians 2verses1-22). The basis for our acceptance before God is "Jesus Christ the righteous". The righteous forgiveness provided by the LORD induces a moral imperative to walk in the way of the Almighty (Psalm 130). Chapter 2verses5-2verses29 is the connection between God being light (phos illumination as opposed to reflection); and God being love. In fact, because He is love it is essential that He be an Illuminating source to His children through the Word of God (cp 1 Timothy 2verses1-5; 2 Peter 3verses8-13). In verses 7-14 the aged Apostle restates the "new commandment" of Jesus Christ, which was new to the extent that agape love had never been demonstrated to that extent before in any man other than our Lord cp John 15verses9-17). The loving life of the disciple flows from an understanding mind that has been illuminated by the Word of the Father (Proverbs 4verses18-19). The confidence of the forgiven saint impels one upon the path of loving and self-sacrificing service to others. John writes to fathers, children and young men with the confidence that he will see the fruit of the word in their lives. He tells us from verses 15-17 that the perishing and transient world consists of no more than passions dominated by "the lust of the flesh" (these are the carnal appetites which tend to control what we do); "the lust of the eyes" (principally covetousness and our insatiable desire for more); and, "the pride of life" (the importance of being someone that is always greater than another). Christ conquered all of these through the heritage of his divine Sonship; and the Word of God impelling his every thought and action (Isaiah 11verses1-5). Verses 18 to 27 speak of the time of the development of the Antichrist among the believers (Greek "antechristos" from "ante" meaning the substitute, or usurper; and "christos" that is the Christ, Yahweh's Anointed). False   teaching is evidence of this; and was even apparent towards the end of the first century AD. In its fully blown development it turned into the apostasy of the Church described in the books of - Revelation; 1 Timothy 4verses1-5; and 2 Thessalonians 2verses1-12 and others. The true believers would resist corruption of teaching and practice through their immersion (anointing in/by the Word of God (1 Peter 1verses21-25; Titus 2verses11-15; 3verses1-11). Verses 28-29 express John's assurance that such believers will continue in the true course until the Lord Jesus Christ comes. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 11th (Job 13; Nahum 3; 1 Peter 1)In chapter 13 Job concludes his answer to Zophar with the response that, despite what he has suffered, he will continue to place his hope in God. Job tells us that his friends have not helped his understanding. Job will, if possible, put his case before the Almighty. You, he says to his friends, are happy with appearances and not with actualities. Don't pretend, Job continues, that you know enough to speak for the LORD. Verse 15 is a wonderful confession of Job's - "though He slay me, I will hope in Him" (ESV). Job says that he will only keep silent after he has put his case to his Sovereign. All you, my so called, friends want to do is to make me your enemy in the mistaken view that I am a wrong doer.The third chapter of Nahum is a woe directed against Nineveh. The first 4 verses describe the panic and loathsome chaotic mess within the city of Nineveh. The prophet, speaking under God's inspiration, declares the Father's contempt towards the Assyrians. Your empire, says Nahum, was of no greater importance than the recently overthrown strongholds of the Egyptian empire. Nineveh's doom would be the same as that of the mighty Egyptians. Nineveh will be like a staggering drunk attempting to flee, and their fortresses of no more use than a fig tree. The soldiers of Nineveh are compared to helpless women. Ironically, the prophet tells the Ninevites to draw water and that any of the fortifications for the siege are useless. The multitude of Nineveh's military are likened to cold grasshoppers in a hedge (3verses17). Nineveh's shepherds sleep and none will rouse them for the coming contest.

In chapter 13 Job concludes his answer to Zophar with the response that, despite what he has suffered, he will continue to place his hope in God. Job tells us that his friends have not helped his understanding. Job will, if possible, put his case before the Almighty. You, he says to his friends, are happy with appearances and not with actualities. Don't pretend, Job continues, that you know enough to speak for the LORD. Verse 15 is a wonderful confession of Job's - "though He slay me, I will hope in Him" (ESV). Job says that he will only keep silent after he has put his case to his Sovereign. All you, my so called, friends want to do is to make me your enemy in the mistaken view that I am a wrong doer. The third chapter of Nahum is a woe directed against Nineveh. The first 4 verses describe the panic and loathsome chaotic mess within the city of Nineveh. The prophet, speaking under God's inspiration, declares the Father's contempt towards the Assyrians. Your empire, says Nahum, was of no greater importance than the recently overthrown strongholds of the Egyptian empire. Nineveh's doom would be the same as that of the mighty Egyptians. Nineveh will be like a staggering drunk attempting to flee, and their fortresses of no more use than a fig tree. The soldiers of Nineveh are compared to helpless women. Ironically, the prophet tells the Ninevites to draw water and that any of the fortifications for the siege are useless. The multitude of Nineveh's military are likened to cold grasshoppers in a hedge (3verses17). Nineveh's shepherds sleep and none will rouse them for the coming contest.   Peter's letters, like that of James, were addressed to the believers found among the Jewish diaspora (those not in the land of Israel). The first letter of Peter seems to have been written about 62-63 AD. The superscription attributed the place of writing to be Babylon (whether the actual Babylon, which at the time of writing contained a large expatriate Jewish community because of its geographic advantages to the eastern trade routes - or Rome; also frequently referred to as Babylon in the book of Revelation). Peter was one of the three Apostles selected by Jesus to witness special events and miracles. This Apostle was particularly given the responsibility for shepherding the early flock of believers. Peter and John are linked together in the grouping of the Apostles, and after John, Peter was perhaps the closest of the remaining Apostles. To Peter was given the gospel keys to unlock, through his preaching, the opportunity to become the heirs of the kingdom (Matthew 16) for firstly the Jews (Acts 2), and then of the Gentiles (Acts 10). Galatians informs us that Peter was called the Apostle to the Jews, as Paul was the Apostle to the Gentiles. A comparison between Peter's letters and the Lord's teachings in the gospel accounts show the deep influence which our Lord Jesus had on Peter. Here's a few examples from chapter 1 of Peter's 1st letter. Verse 2 "the elect" (Mark 13verses21-22; John 13verses18; 15verses16). Verse 3, "has begotten us again" (John 3verses5). Verse 8 "ye see him not, yet believing" (John 20verses29). Verse 13 "gird up the loins of your mind" (Luke 12verses35). Verse 16 "be ye holy, for I am holy" (Matthew 5verses48). Verse 17 "without respect of persons" (Matthew 22verses16). Verse 18 "redeemed ... with the precious blood of Christ" (Matthew 20verses28; Mark 10verses45); "received by tradition of your fathers" (Matthew 15verses2-6; Mark 7;3-13). Verse 19 "blood of Christ as of a lamb" (John 1verses29). Verse 20 "before the foundation of the world" (Matthew 25verses34; Luke 11verses50). Verse 22 "love one another" (John 15verses12). Comparisons can also be made with the letters ofverses James, John and Revelation, of Paul and Hebrews; and with Peter's teaching in the Acts of the Apostles. The summary of chapter 1 is as followsverses The Apostle Peter salutes the sojourners of the "dispersion" of the ecclesias in Asia Minor (verses 1-2) and blessed God for His mercy to them (verses 3-4). The usual salutation opens the epistle, but note the openness and largeness of the great Apostle's heart - Peter seeks an abundance of grace and peace for his readers. The hope that we have, as disciples of our Lord, is not sterile; it lives because it is centred in the Lord of life who lives. The joy and salvation which spring from our hope in Christ more than balances the afflictions of the believers (verses 5-9). Despite experiencing trials and suffering for the name of Christ Peter's readers have had their lives preserved through their faith. And this faith will be revealed ultimately at the appearing of the wonderful saviour of the faithful disciples. This faith is likened to tried gold that is being purged, i.e. refined and that gold will glisten with greater lustre after being subjected to the "Refiner's fire" (Malachi 3verses2-3). We, like Peter's readers, have not seen our Lord, yet we believe and love him dearly. Of that salvation prophets and angels have sought to know, yet it was beyond their reach until Christ had come and revealed it to them (verses 10-12). The salvation of which all the faithfuls have ever hoped and the angels have gazed with wondering eyes until they beheld the Christ who was the central subject of the Scripture and the unfolding of our precious hope. Looking to it believers should learn to be patient and holy (verses 13-17). These believers are to lead lives which show that they have been redeemed by the blood of Christ (verses 18-21). The believer's faith and hope springs from the love of those who are being transformed by the power of our Sovereign's Word (verses 22-25). The dominant message of the Law and the prophets was to be holy "as He who has called us is Holy" (see Leviticus 19). Our Lord Jesus Christ's impartial judgment will penetrate the hearts of those whose faith enables them to separate the perishable from the eternal. And the eternal matters are those, which the Eternal Spirit has formed and developed in His faithful family (John 6verses63). These last verses are a citation from Isaiah 40verses6-8. Slowly read aloud, and ponder. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

In Job 12 we have a continuation of his response to Zophar. This chapter tells us Job accepts that all that has happened to him is from the Almighty (Shaddai - a Hebrew word which expresses two different aspects of God's character - it means "the destroyers" and also, "the nourishers"). In chapter 42verses11 we are told that Job's suffering was from God. Job starts chapter 12 with supreme sarcasm, "No doubt you (my 3 friends) are the people, and wisdom will die with you" ESV verse 1; i.e. you're know-alls so why should I, Job, bother talking to you. Can't you see the wicked also prospering, he contends. In verse 10 we have another Hebrew parallelism i.e. the first expression meaningfully correlates to the second - the life of the beasts equates to the breath of humanity (Ecclesiastes 3verses19).Nahum was an Elkoshite from the southern kingdom of Judah. His name means "comfort" (a similar idea to the "parakletos" - Comforter of the New Testament). Jesus made Capernaum (city of comfort, or consolation) his base of operations in Galilee. The comfort of the prophecy of Nahum was that Judah's oppressor would be dealt with by the Almighty. The book was written between 624 AD and612 AD when Nineveh was overthrown by Babylon. As Egyptian power declined from the middle of the 7th century BC Assyria rose to prominence. Firstly, Nineveh and then Babylon assumed the dominant position in the threatening Assyrian development. Then in 612 BC Babylon conquered Nineveh and she no longer had a rival. Judah rejoiced for although the Babylonians, who God would bring against them in His chastisement, were exceedingly cruel they were more humane than their Ninevite brothers. Chapter 1 of Nahum deals with the Almighty's wrath against Nineveh. Verse 2 describes God's jealousy - Nineveh had been the nation who had brought the LORD's punishment upon God's guilty people. But the Assyrians had delighted in the cruelty meted out on Israel. Israel's Sovereign demonstrated His power over nature. When Yahweh is aroused to judge who can withstand His might. But after chastisement has been given our Potentate will compassionately pardon His people and destroy their oppressors. Chapter 2 details the destruction of Nineveh. All of Nineveh's powerful defenders and defences would be useless against the coming Babylonian onslaught. The panic within Nineveh is graphically portrayed. Colourful and emotional language describes the chaos experienced by the Ninevites. The den of the former ravening lion has itself become plundered.

In Job 12 we have a continuation of his response to Zophar. This chapter tells us Job accepts that all that has happened to him is from the Almighty (Shaddai - a Hebrew word which expresses two different aspects of God's character - it means "the destroyers" and also, "the nourishers"). In chapter 42verses11 we are told that Job's suffering was from God. Job starts chapter 12 with supreme sarcasm, "No doubt you (my 3 friends) are the people, and wisdom will die with you" ESV verse 1; i.e. you're know-alls so why should I, Job, bother talking to you. Can't you see the wicked also prospering, he contends. In verse 10 we have another Hebrew parallelism i.e. the first expression meaningfully correlates to the second - the life of the beasts equates to the breath of humanity (Ecclesiastes 3verses19). Nahum was an Elkoshite from the southern kingdom of Judah. His name means "comfort" (a similar idea to the "parakletos" - Comforter of the New Testament). Jesus made Capernaum (city of comfort, or consolation) his base of operations in Galilee. The comfort of the prophecy of Nahum was that Judah's oppressor would be dealt with by the Almighty. The book was written between 624 AD and 612 AD when Nineveh was overthrown by Babylon. As Egyptian power declined from the middle of the 7th century BC Assyria rose to prominence. Firstly, Nineveh and then Babylon assumed the dominant position in the threatening Assyrian development. Then in 612 BC Babylon conquered Nineveh and she no longer had a rival. Judah rejoiced for although the Babylonians, who God would bring against them in His chastisement, were exceedingly cruel they were more humane than their Ninevite brothers. Chapter 1 of Nahum deals with the Almighty's wrath against Nineveh. Verse 2 describes God's jealousy - Nineveh had been the nation who had brought the LORD's punishment upon God's guilty people. But the Assyrians had delighted in the cruelty meted out on Israel. Israel's Sovereign demonstrated His power   over nature. When Yahweh is aroused to judge who can withstand His might. But after chastisement has been given our Potentate will compassionately pardon His people and destroy their oppressors. Chapter 2 details the destruction of Nineveh. All of Nineveh's powerful defenders and defences would be useless against the coming Babylonian onslaught. The panic within Nineveh is graphically portrayed. Colourful and emotional language describes the chaos experienced by the Ninevites. The den of the former ravening lion has itself become plundered. James 5 concludes this letter from the half-brother of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verses 1-6 contain a warning to the rich. We remember that in chapter 2 the poor were showing favour to their rich oppressors but, as chapter 5 tells us, the time of reckoning had arrived. The soldiers of Rome, who had encircled Jerusalem in 70 AD, had heard that the rich had swallowed their gems in an attempt to escape with some of their wealth. So, when the fleeing rich (identified by their fatter flesh) fled they were opened up to see what wealth they had swallowed. Accumulated wealth in any form other than faithful and charitable works of love is useless, worthless and may in fact witness against us having been faithful servants of Christ. Verse 4 is a reference to the Law of Moses (Leviticus 19verses13; see also Jeremiah 22verses13; Malachi 3verses5). The field day labourers were having their wages held back overnight by the wealthy landowners, which God detested. The powerful would find opposition from Yahweh Tz'vaoth - He whose omnipotent power is with the host of heaven. The time to account for their self-indulgent apathy had come. They, verse 6, had condemned and murdered the righteous Lord Jesus Christ, who as he taught them had not resisted. James also according to history was clubbed to death by the Jews, who called him "James the just". Verses 7-12 speak of patience in suffering. Verse 7 is certainly the key to daily living. The farmer must patiently await for God to give him a crop. Grumble not and judge not, for our Judge is at the door (Acts 17verses31). The prophets and especially Job suffered long under trial. Let this console all believers in patiently enduring suffering whilst praying earnestly for the kingdom for which we long. We must always be true to our word - an oath adds no validity (Matthew 6verses36-37). Verses 13-19 deal with the prayer of faith. These verses contain five prayers. How significant it is that that this letter stresses the importance of prayer in the life of a believer. "Prayer", said brother Harry Tennant, "is not the spare wheel in the boot of the car - for use when an emergency arises - it is the steering wheel that directs our life". There were in the first century believers who had been afflicted with sickness as a consequence of their wayward behaviour. Repentance and prayer were the key to their recovery. If we have a friend who is a close confidant who can keep the matter undisclosed, they may be able to help us through a trauma (see Galatians 6verses1-3). Consider the example of persistence in prayer until resolving the pressing problem that was demonstrated in Elijah's life (1 Kings 18verses41-46). God has given each one of us the responsibility to help one another to the kingdom. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

In Job 11 Zophar speaks and says, Job you deserve far worse than what God has given you. Zophar is the youngest of the three friends. You are full of words and babbling is his message for Job. God is not obligated to respond to a self-righteous individual who is not prepared to accept the obvious is Zophar's contention. With God is wisdom, his friend declared, and it is beyond your capacity to understand Him. God will visit, with recompense, the worthless and stupid says Zophar. So repent and be rescued from your stubbornness is the advice offered. And having done this life will again become satisfactory. In verses 1-17 of Micah 7 we read of the need to wait for the salvation of God. The prophet says that he is like the gathered harvest. The people of God have received the fruit of what they had sown (see Galatians 6verses6-10); and it was not pleasant - for says verse 2, their dealings with each other were evil. Doing what was right seemed an impossibility to Israel. And no one could be trusted. Verse 6 is quoted by our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 10verses35 (note the context of the Lord's words). By way of contrast the prophet urges patient continuance in well doing - verse 7 (compare Romans 2verses1-11). The enemy says v8 will pass away when God vindicates His servants. In the meantime, the expectant citizens of Zion will endure chastening. In the day of exaltation, the roles will be reversed and the oppressors will become penitent suppliants. Their Sovereign would then shepherd His people as He did in days of old. The surrounding nations would see and acknowledge this; and would prostrate themselves before the LORD's people.  The prophet's message in verses 18-20 finished on a high point with the prophet's reminder of Yahweh's steadfast love (chesed) and compassion. Read these verses aloud slowly. Pause and ponder. James 3 continues in a practical vein with the issues we all have in controlling our tongues. He says that teachers have a stricter responsibility, as our words will be discounted by our inconsistent conduct and speech. The only man to have perfectly controlled his tongue was our Lord Jesus Christ. In verses 3-4 two examples of small things controlling great things - the horse is controlled by a small bit in its mouth; and a ship is directed by a small rudder. The tongue is small, but seemingly uncontrollable - a small spark sets a forest ablaze; and likewise, a tiny bit of gossip creates untold havoc. How perverse we are. We praise and thank God, and, with the same tongue slander those made by God in His image. This is contrary to nature as the two examples of verses 11-12 illustrate. Verses 13-18 describe and counsel the use of heavenly wisdom. Wisdom and understanding are demonstrated by meekness (teachableness) - see Psalm 18verses20-28; 25verses1-9). Strife and bitterness, by contrast, come from self-promotion. Although purity proceeds peace (see 2 Kings 9verses19; Isaiah 57verses19-21), this is never an invitation to pummel people into submission. Read verses 17-18 aloud slowly. Pause and ponder. At the end of chapter 3 we saw one cause of strife was self-promotion; in chapter 4 he names several more. Chapter 4 warns against worldliness. He deals with covetousness in the first three verses. A covetous person has no room in their life for God. Interestingly the 10 commandments stand and finish with covetousness - the first, "You shall have no gods before me" (a person's possessions possess them); and the tenth, "You shall not covet". Hence Paul says in Colossians 3verses5, "Covetousness, which is idolatry". Hence covetousness is likened to adultery (chapter 4verses4-5). The jealousy of God for the purity and chastity of believers is captured by the ESV translation of verse 5, "He yearns zealously over the spirit (mind, or attitude) that He has made to dwell in us". Compare this with what the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 11verses2-3. The literal Greek of verse 4 is, "adulteresses" (since God is our groom). But for those who graciously submit and draw near to our Father He will show reciprocity in drawing near to them (see 1 Peter 5verses5-11). Humility now will bring future exaltation (compare our Lord Jesus Christ in Philippians 2 verses 1-11). The humble disciple is not one who critically compares oneself with others. From verses 13-17 James reminds us of our vain and transient nature. Therefore, he says, boasting is wrong. All plans we make are "God willing" (subject to His purpose for us). Should we focus on covetousness we have excluded Him from those plans. What we have has been given to us by Him to use in His service. Life is no more permanent than the vapour from the boiling kettle. Don't be arrogant. Place God at the forefront of all your plans. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

The Suffering of Job      Job's suffering began abruptly, without warning and without explanation, when God permitted Satan to test his integrity. Though Job was “blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil” (Job 1:1), divine sovereignty allowed undeserved suffering as a means of glorifying God and refining Job's soul. Zuck wisely states, “The Book of Job addresses the mystery of unmerited misery, showing that in adversity God may have other purposes besides retribution for wrongdoing.”[1] Satan challenged Job's motives, accusing him of serving God only because of prosperity (Job 1:9–11). To silence the accusation, God removed the hedge of protection and permitted adversity to strip Job of his possessions, children, and health. Job's wealth, family, and comfort were gone in a day, and his body was reduced to pain and decay. Yet even in shock and sorrow, Job responded with doctrinal stability: “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). His reaction reveals that spiritual maturity is measured not by prosperity but by the capacity to think divine viewpoint under pressure. Zuck states: "It is truly remarkable that Job followed adversity with adoration, woe with worship. Unlike so many people, he did not give in to bitterness; he refused to blame God for wrongdoing (cf. Job 2:10). Job's amazing response showed Satan was utterly wrong in predicting that Job would curse God. Devotion is possible without dollars received in return; people can be godly apart from material gain. Job's saintly worship at the moment of extreme loss and intense grief verified God's words about Job's godly character."[2]      As the suffering prolonged, Job's emotional and physical agony intensified. The silence of heaven pressed upon him, and his so-called friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) added psychological torment through their false theology of retribution. They insisted that Job's suffering was punishment for secret sin, reflecting human viewpoint reasoning divorced from grace. Job defended his innocence, yet his soul wavered between confusion and faith. His lamentations revealed an inner struggle between human viewpoint self-pity and divine viewpoint trust. The conflict of the soul is where doctrine must move from theory to reality. Job learned that faith must rest on who and what God is, not on temporal blessings or human understanding. Suffering exposed the inadequacy of human rationalization and forced Job to focus on the immutable character of God. It was a suffering for purification.      When God finally answered from the whirlwind, He did not explain the reasons for Job's suffering; He revealed His own infinite wisdom and sovereign control. Confronted with God's majesty, Job recognized the smallness of his finite perspective and confessed, “I have declared that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me” (Job 42:3). This was a display of humility. Job's faith had matured from knowledge about God to experiential confidence in Him. Job said, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You” (Job 42:5). According to Zuck, “This thrilling view of God, probably spiritual insight, not physical vision, deepened his perspective and appreciation of God. What Job now knew of God was incomparable to his former ideas, which were really ignorant.”[3] God restored Job's fortunes, but the true reward was not material, but spiritual transformation. Through suffering, Job became a trophy of grace, proving that mature faith endures not because of what it receives, but because of whom it knows. Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.   [1] Roy B. Zuck, “Job,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 714–715. [2] Ibid., 721. [3] Ibid., 774.

Zophar discussed his Gameweek 12 plans, free hit windows, gabriel replacements and plans for the weeks ahead ━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Zophar discusses his plans for Gameweek 10 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Job 20; Mark 3-4 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! On this October 29th episode, join your host Hunter as we continue our journey through day 302 in the Scriptures. Today, we explore Job chapter 20, reflect on Zophar's somber reminder about the fleeting triumph of the wicked, and move into Mark chapters 3 and 4, witnessing Jesus' power, compassion, and wisdom as he heals, calls his disciples, and teaches through parables. Hunter guides us to pay close attention to the stories Jesus tells—the seed that must die to bring new life, the mysteries of God's kingdom, and the call to surrender and bear much fruit. Listen in as we pray together, give thanks for faithful partners, and remember, above all, that we are deeply loved. Grab your Bible, settle in, and let's warm our hearts by the fires of God's love. TODAY'S DEVOTION: A leaf blade pushes through. We don't know how it happens, but it happens. The word is planted by a farmer—the seed of God's word is thrown out into the soil, and whether that farmer sleeps or gets up, that soil, combined with God's word over time, will create something new. That seemingly dead seed, the result of a dying plant cast into the field, has somehow landed on good soil. And somehow, a leaf blade is about to push through to new life. That which was once dead is about to break forth with life. Jesus tells this story, and he says it's a story we have to understand if we're going to know anything about him, if we're going to have the secrets of the kingdom and of life revealed to us. He's telling us to pay close attention. The seed must die. If it doesn't die, it will remain alone, nothing more than just a seed and alone. But if it dies, it will produce many others—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times. Its life will reproduce and yield a rich harvest. That life, released in death, is resurrected. Jesus wants us to pay close attention, because in that leaf blade will come a seed. It will come and be planted on the earth—on Mount Calvary's mountain. There, he, the seed of Abraham, will die, and out of his death will come life. Out of his death will come resurrection and a great harvest of lives—men and women, boys and girls—all made new in him. Jesus says elsewhere, "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels, a plentiful harvest of new lives." And just a few verses later in that same chapter in the Gospel of John, he says, "When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself." He's referring to his crucifixion here. When he—the seed—dies, when he is lifted up on that cross, the result will be everyone being drawn to himself again. Jesus wants us to pay close attention to the story of the seed, the soil, and the farmer. He wants us to see the secret of the kingdom that's about to be revealed. So let's pay close attention. Let's follow his example and give our life away, now that we have been drawn to him, so that we might bear much fruit. That's a prayer I have for my own soul. That's a prayer I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, and my son. And that's a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S DEVOTION: A leaf blade pushes through. We don't know how it happens, but it happens. The word is planted by a farmer—the seed of God's word is thrown out into the soil, and whether that farmer sleeps or gets up, that soil, combined with God's word over time, will create something new. That seemingly dead seed, the result of a dying plant cast into the field, has somehow landed on good soil. And somehow, a leaf blade is about to push through to new life. That which was once dead is about to break forth with life. Jesus tells this story, and he says it's a story we have to understand if we're going to know anything about him, if we're going to have the secrets of the kingdom and of life revealed to us. He's telling us to pay close attention. The seed must die. If it doesn't die, it will remain alone, nothing more than just a seed and alone. But if it dies, it will produce many others—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times. Its life will reproduce and yield a rich harvest. That life, released in death, is resurrected. Jesus wants us to pay close attention, because in that leaf blade will come a seed. It will come and be planted on the earth—on Mount Calvary's mountain. There, he, the seed of Abraham, will die, and out of his death will come life. Out of his death will come resurrection and a great harvest of lives—men and women, boys and girls—all made new in him. Jesus says elsewhere, "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels, a plentiful harvest of new lives." And just a few verses later in that same chapter in the Gospel of John, he says, "When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself." He's referring to his crucifixion here. When he—the seed—dies, when he is lifted up on that cross, the result will be everyone being drawn to himself again. Jesus wants us to pay close attention to the story of the seed, the soil, and the farmer. He wants us to see the secret of the kingdom that's about to be revealed. So let's pay close attention. Let's follow his example and give our life away, now that we have been drawn to him, so that we might bear much fruit. That's a prayer I have for my own soul. That's a prayer I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, and my son. And that's a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL

To help support the channel, please consider signing up for monthly services, or just use our affiliate links to purchase things you were already going to buy anyway, at no extra cost to you:  https://www.retrorgb.com/support.htmlMore info:  http://www.retrorgb.com/week485.html T-Shirts:  https://retrorgb.link/tshirtsAll equipment used to shoot this video can be found here:  http://retrorgb.link/amazon 00:00  LCD vs OLED Questions? https://amzn.to/4771vFq  /  https://amzn.to/43klcYf 01:56  Sonic GG vs SMS Differences:  https://www.retrorgb.com/differences-between-gg-sms-sonics.html04:15  Arcooda 1440x1080 Display Testing:  https://www.retrorgb.com/arcooda-26-43-lcd-arcade-monitor-tested.html16:27  Zophar's interview with ZSNES Creator:  https://www.retrorgb.com/zophar-interviews-zsnes-creator.html18:03  MiSTer-Compatible HDMI Switch:  https://www.retrorgb.com/rooful-4x1-hdmi-2-1-switch.html23:43  Lu's MiSter Updates:  https://www.retrorgb.com/mister-fpga-news-sega-saturn-3do-voice-commands-more.html29:02  Wipeout Ported to Dreamcast:  https://www.retrorgb.com/fan-finishes-port-of-wipeout-to-dreamcast.html30:12  Unreleased VB Game:  https://www.retrorgb.com/unreleased-virtual-boy-game-virtual-league-baseball-2.html32:18  Sony Book:  https://www.retrorgb.com/sony-personal-audio-book.html33:50  Game Boy Code In Assembly Book:  https://www.retrorgb.com/game-boy-coding-assembly-book.html35:27  Thank you!!!  https://www.retrorgb.com/support.html

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Zophar discusses his Gameweek 9 team and dilemmas ━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Job 11-12; Acts 15-16 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! On this October 22nd episode, your Bible reading coach Hunter guides us on day 296 of our journey through scripture. Today, we're diving into Job chapters 11 and 12, where we hear Zophar's pointed response to Job and Job's own powerful reflections on God's wisdom and sovereignty. Then, we turn to Acts 15 and 16, walking with Paul, Barnabas, and the early church as they wrestle with what it truly means to follow Christ—wrestling with old traditions, experiencing miraculous events, and witnessing the beautiful simplicity of faith and grace in action. Hunter reminds us that it's all too easy to let religion complicate our relationship with God, but the saving love of Christ is offered to each of us—freely, simply, and without distinction. Through prayer, reflection, and encouragement, this episode invites you to lay down your burdens, live in the sufficiency of God's grace, and keep moving forward in faith. Let's open the Scriptures together and rekindle our hearts by the fires of God's love. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Let's not make it difficult. That's the heartbeat from today's reading, echoing from the council at Jerusalem and resounding in the gospel itself. James spoke those words in Acts: let's not make it difficult for people to come to God. And yet, so often, our human nature, our systems, our religions, much like those early believers who wanted to add circumcision to the requirements of faith, try to put hurdles in the way. The question was, Who is in and who is out? Is it by human effort, tradition, or ritual? Is there some check box, some work or procedure, some pedigree that makes us right with God? But if we're not careful, the simple invitation of Christ becomes a complicated checklist. The apostles—Paul, Peter, James—they recognized how quickly we can move from freedom into burdens. But the truth, straight from the heart of God, is that nothing stands in the way of experiencing His love through Christ. God's life, His gracious gift, offered to all—Jew and Gentile, man and woman, young and old—is received by faith alone, not by effort, not by merit, not by works, not by anything we can add. The letter that went out from Jerusalem is a letter for us, too. It's a call back to simplicity, to childlike trust. “He made no distinction between us and them, for He cleansed their hearts through faith. We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.” That's the message. Don't let your heart or religion complicate what Christ has made simple. Even the things we cling to as saviors—our rules, our observance—cannot save us. Lay them down. Receive the gift: the righteousness that comes by faith in the finished work of Christ. Put away the extra burdens, the additions, the anxiety of performance. Trust Him. Rest in His love. Walk in the gift that's been given to you—full acceptance, full forgiveness, full belonging—in Christ alone. Live in the sufficiency of God's life in you, today and every day. That's a prayer I have for my own soul. It's the prayer I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that's the prayer I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Zophar has activated his Wildcard, we discuss the best picks in each position, review the weekend's action and discuss Forwards Mateta Woltemade ━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Job was a blameless man caught in a contest between the divine and diabolical that he knew nothing about. He lost his wealth, his health, and all ten of his children. His friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar come to comfort him but end up accusing him. Job defends his integrity in a series of poetic debates that lasts for 27 chapters. Then Elihu enters the story...

Zophar discusses his plans for Gameweek 8 and chip strategy ━━━━━━━━━━━━━

SummaryJob's suffering reveals deep insights into faith, the nature of God, and the misunderstandings of his friends regarding divine justice.HighlightsJob's physical and emotional suffering is immense, having lost everything, including his children.

Today, we'll hear Job's response to Eliphaz.  We'll also see Bildad the Shuhite get irritated at Job. Job also response Bildad. Zophar and Job exchange arguments. "I know that my Redeemer Liveth," Lynne Dawson. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtU1c5JZf0k  Job 17:1-16, 18:1-2, 19:1-29, 20:1-29, 21:1-34 #everydaychristians

Today, we'll see Job get even more advice. This time, it will be from Zophar. Job starts to think that God is doing all of this and Job wishes to lay out his case before God. We'll find that Eliphaz is not a comforter for Job. Job 11:1-20; 12:1-15; 13:1-5, 6-28; 19:1-22; 15:1-35: 16:1-22 #everdaychristians

Zophar discusses his plans for Gameweek 7 and chip strategy ━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Pastor John Ryan Cantu brings this week's message, “Making Sense." Job 2.11-13 ESV: “Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came each from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him. And when they saw him from a distance, they did not recognize him. And they raised their voices and wept, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads toward heaven. And they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.” If you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe and share it with your friends on social media. For more information about PNEUMA Church, visit our website at mypneumachurch.org. Connect with Us: Instagram: https://instagram.com/mypneumachurch YouTube: https://youtube.com/mypneumachurch Facebook: https://facebook.com/mypneumachurch Time Stamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:30 - Welcome 03:03 - Job 2.11–13 ESV 03:50 - Making Sense

Zophar discusses his plans for Gameweek 6, Free hit and Wildcard drafts ━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Zophar discusses his plans for Gameweek 5 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Job's friends are insulted that he would reject their wisdom, especially because they are drawing their conclusions from that which was commonly assumed by the culture and by their ancestors. Job wants to find comfort and consolation from his friends, but they continue to make a case against him. In an earlier speech, Job spoke of God's justice, but as he responds to his friend Zophar, we can see that he struggles, like many of us, to understand why the wicked are allowed to flourish while the righteous perish. Even if Job goes to the grave, he remembers that his Redeemer lives, and will testify over his grave on his behalf.Job 18 - 1:13 . Job 19 - 4:08 . Job 20 - 8:28 . Job 21 - 13:03 . Job 22 - 17:46 . Isaiah 29 - 21:17 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Job has lost everything but his wife, his life, and a handful of friends who have gathered around him. After sitting together in silence for seven days, Job opens up about the sorrow and agony he feels. His friends, however, greet him with calls to repent, suggesting that God would not punish someone like this if he were indeed righteous. Bildad rebukes Job, pointing to God's justice and argues that God does not reject a person of integrity. Job, in turn, considers God's power and sovereignty and declares that it is futile to try to bring any case against God Almighty. Zophar chimes in with similar heartless rebukes, emphasizing that Job shouldn't challenge God.Job 6 - 1:13 . Job 7 - 5:07 . Job 8 - 8:39 . Job 9 - 12:18 . Job 10 - 16:43 . Job 11 - 20:09 . Isaiah 27 - 22:56 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Zophar discusses his plans for Gameweek 4 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━

There was no “tooting your own horn” in those days. This is more like Zophar on his shofar! 

Emulation is a polarizing subject in video games. While I personally feel its not a bad thing there are people who only associate with piracy. So I figured who better to talk about this topic than the founder of one of the earliest emulation websites, Zophar. Zophar founded Zophar's domain back in 1996 as a way to aggregate emulation information and it grew into something much more than that. Zophar and I chatted about how he started Zophar's domain, why he left, his feelings on emulation and much more! Check out Zophar on Twitch! https://www.twitch.tv/zophar1 Check out Zophar on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@zophar1 Checkout Zophar's Domain! https://www.zophar.net/ Follow Zophar on Bluesky! https://bsky.app/profile/zophar.bsky.social Shout-out Song: Take some rest and eat some food! Artist: xDeviruchi  Album: 8-bit Fantasy & Adventure Music https://xdeviruchi.itch.io/8-bit-fantasy-adventure-music-pack End Song: He's a Pirate Artist: Jason Bernard arrangement of Klaus Badelt's original piece Album: N/A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7fGMH2b1Mc Get Still Loading Podcast merch! https://www.teepublic.com/user/still-loading-podcast Check out the Bit by Bit Foundation! https://www.bitbybitfoundation.org/ Support the Podcast! https://www.patreon.com/stillloadingpod

“After the Lord had spoken these words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves. And my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.” So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did what the Lord had told them, and the Lord accepted Job's prayer.” - Job‬ ‭42‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Zophar discusses his plans for Gameweek 3 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Just a few days now to Fantasy Premier League Kickoff! Zophar discusses his current FPL teams and talks about what positions might differ. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Send us a textWhen difficulties and sever afflictions happen to us one of the greatest resources is friends who come alongside of us. One Biblical example of this is the story of Job. Although it is common and fair to point out the non-helpfulness of his friends speeches in response to his sufferings we should recognize their coming to be with him in his sufferings. Sometimes our friends can help us physically but the greatest gift they bring or convey is their presence with us.Job 2 v 11ff "Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had come on him, they each came from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite; and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and to comfort him. When they lifted up their eyes from a distance, and didn't recognize him, they raised their voices, and wept; and they each tore his robe, and sprinkled dust on their heads toward the sky. So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great." Bible Insights with Wayne ConradContact: 8441 Hunnicut Rd Dallas, Texas 75228email: Att. Bible Insights Wayne Conradgsccdallas@gmail.com (Good Shepherd Church) Donation https://gsccdallas.orghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJTZX6qasIrPmC1wQpben9ghttps://www.facebook.com/waconrad or gscchttps://www.sermonaudio.com/gsccSpirit, Truth and Grace MinistriesPhone # 214-324-9915 leave message with number for call backPsalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

It's less than 10 days till the Premier League kicks off, Lateriser and Zophar discuss where they are with their current FPL drafts and the dilemmas in each position ━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Zophar (8 x Top 10K) joins Joe to discuss his NEW FPL DRAFT and preview Chelsea's 2025/26 season prospects.

Zophar discusses the reasons behind his current FPL draft ━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Become a Fantasy Football Scout Member: https://bit.ly/FPLWIRE ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━