Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Friday June 19, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Job. Please read chapters 13-16 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online. http://www.allonlinebible.com/Job/13,1-16,last/13.html

Today's Message: More to Life
In the middle of our worst trials, we must not lose sight of the fact that this life is not all there is. For a Christian, we will enjoy an eternity in heaven.

Satan stops at nothing to prove to God that He does not have any faithful servants here on earth. However, God knows us better than Satan and in the end he is the one who will suffer more that any of us, and he knows it too, “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” - Revelation 20:10. Satan knows that he will suffer severely an eternity for the pain that he caused God's people.

Satan's accusation against Job was that he would give up everything, even his faith in God, to save his earthly life. However, the boldness of Job's faith and faithfulness brought on a new revelation of his relationship with God. It was the turning point in the conflict between God and Satan. Job made it clear to his friends that although he was being afflicted he placed his trust and life in God's hands, whom will justify him. “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him. Hear diligently my speech, and my declaration with your ears. Behold now, I have ordered my cause; I know that I shall be justified.” - Job 13:15-18. Job also made it clear to them that God was his salvation. Today, Jesus is our salvation and we too need to place our trust and life in His hands. He alone can get us through every bit of the pain and suffering that Satan instills in us.

Although Job gave up hope of recovering his health, wealth, children, or high esteem among the people, he did not become bitter or resentful toward his accusers or toward God. Instead, he looked forward to being with the Lord after his death. “If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.” - Job 14:14,15. Job was assuring his friends that there will be a time when after death, he had the utmost confidence that he would live again and be changed. When we realize that our lives are in His control, we will put our complete trust is hands knowing that He will fully accomplish His purpose in us.

Job, sets an example for all of us to follow, we can not let circumstances control our lives. Many people want to blame God or others for the wrongs in their lives. Instead of making the best of their situation they easily become dissatisfied, bitter, or engulfed in self-pity. Their self-image depends on others' reactions. When others praise them, their self-esteem rises; when they are criticized or their plans fail, they feel defeated. However, Job didn't need praise from people in order to maintain his faith since he retained his confidence in the wisdom and justice of God. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” - Romans 8:16-18. All who accept Christ are children of God, therefore we will be glorified through our suffering.

Today's Psalm: 50:14,15
“Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Your grace and tender mercies are present in the midst of the suffering that develops in our lives and the lives of those whom we love. Your power working within us takes the bad things that Satan hurls at us and turns them into testimonies of praise and thanksgiving when we seek to glorify You in the midst of all suffering. Only You can help us to not be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good.  As we share in Your sufferings, we also share in Your glory.  Be glorifed in our lives; in the good, in the bad, and in the mysterious circumstances of our lives. In Jesus' name.........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed night/day and weekend.
God Bless,
Christina
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