Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Thursday June 18, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Job. Please read chapters 9-12 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online. http://www.allonlinebible.com/Job/9,1-12,last/9.html

Today's Message: False Judgment
Too often people are faced with false judgment when the see others suffering, those who accuse rarely take the time to actually look beyond the surface. We all need to work on being more observant and discerning beyond those first impressions.

Job, in all his suffering, never once discredited God for the things that he was going through. As he sat there listening to countless accusations from his friends he proclaimed. “He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered? Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them in his anger. Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble.............Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number. Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not: he passeth on also, but I perceive him not. ” - Job 9:4-6,10,11. What Job was telling his friends here was that God was in control of all things and that it would be pointless to walk away from Him. No one prospers without God, many people make the mistake of thinking that they are in control and can do what they want, but they fail to realize that God is still in control and it will only be a matter of time before the things that they worked so hard for begin to fall apart. Job also proclaimed that God's dealings with him were beyond his ability to comprehend, but he was expressing assurance of His presence, even though he could not visibly see Him.

Job expressed the desperate need for a mediator (daysman), someone who would stand in the gap between the Holy God and sinful man. “For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both. Let him take his rod away from me, and let not his fear terrify me: Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me.” - 9:32-35. Today, we have a mediator, our Lord Jesus Christ and He is the only way to God. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” - I Timothy 2:5,6.

Zophar, Job's third friend began to speak, he proceeded to correct and accuse Job as being a mere talker, a vain and lying boaster, and a self-righteous pretender. “Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said, Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified? Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed? For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes. But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee; And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth.” - Job 11:1-6. Zophar was telling Job that his misfortune was sent by God to punish him for his sin. He also desired that God would speak to him and show him that His punishment was less than what he actually deserved. We are all faced with people who falsely accuse us of having some hidden sin because of our suffering. Incidentally, we all need to be careful of this! We can not assume that because a person is suffering that they have some hidden sins that they are abhorring. We must look at all the facts before we start giving unwanted advice.

We are cautioned not to impose added suffering upon those who need our comfort. Judgmental critics often misunderstand the methods and purposes of God in dealing with His chosen followers. Jesus said, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” - Matthew 5:44,45. It is not easy to pray for ones accusers, but nothing shows more accurately what we are than the way we react to the critics who misjudge us. It does no good for us to argue with them, they already have it in their minds that they are right. However, if we pray for them to see the truth, God will show them and eventually they with either apologize or hide in their pride. Incidentally, a friend who can not see their err is not really a friend.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
In our attempt to get even with our offender, we can do harm not only to our wrongdoer, but to ourselves. Instead of having a spirit of forgiveness we harbor a vengeful heart. Our hearts harden and take on the character of the enemy instead of the Savior who loved us even while we were dead in our transgressions and sins. Lord, You heal the broken heart and console the wounded as they seek You in the midst of their affliction, whether it is a fresh wound or an old injury. Our affliction from others is earthbound, but our affection for You is heaven bound where there will be no more heartaches or pain. In Jesus' Name.........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night.

God Bless you,
Christina