The Book of Truth ∙

The Book of Truth ∙

Meanwhile, I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. – Daniel 10:21

Daniel 10:14 I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.

Daniel 7:9-10

 9 I kept looking Until thrones were set up, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool. He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire,

 10 and a river of fire was pouring out, flowing from his presence. Thousands upon thousands were attending Him, and myriads upon myriads were standing before Him. Then the court sat, and the books were opened.

Daniel 7:13-14

 13 As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.

 14 He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal– it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.

Why were “books” developed? The beginning of “books” can be traced back to the necessity for recording information in a way that could be read, understood, and shared with others.

He would “mark” their numbers on the ground or a rock to ensure none of the flock strayed, much like tallying is done today. As time progressed, these markings evolved into more permanent records, thus marking the birth of “books.”

For example, an ancient shepherd tracked his sheep as they roamed from one location to another. To ensure none of the flock strayed, he would “mark” their numbers on the ground or a rock, much like tallying is done today. As time progressed, these markings evolved into more permanent records, thus marking the birth of “books.”

Early “writing” was predominantly glyphs, which were either pictograms or ideograms. Pictograms were simple sketches representing easily identifiable objects such as animals, plants, mountains, bodies of water, the sun, etc. Gradually, these sketches were simplified and refined, transitioning into primitive syllables and, eventually, letters.

Reflect on the emergence of cuneiform writing in ancient Sumer. This form of writing used characters as syllables, and all information was inscribed on clay tablets. These tablets held a variety of data, from legal contracts and accounting lists to stories and myths.

The dawn of the first character alphabet letters occurred around 1500 BC.

Take a 

moment to appreciate the laborious task of manually writing a document. The process was extremely demanding and required reading and writing. Until modern times, most of the population could not read or write. Before the invention of the printing press, each book was a unique manuscript painstakingly written by hand.

The Father employed writing and books to convey ideas and knowledge that could be passed down to future generations. Despite His omniscience and infinite memory, He maintained a record-keeping system, underscoring the importance of written records.

What is the Book of Truth?

There is a record kept in heaven. But this record is unlike anything we have on planet Earth. The Father, in His infinite wisdom, recorded all history in advance. The omniscient God wrote everything out long before it would come to pass on Earth (Ironside). This “history” book contains the destiny of individuals and nations. Long before John Calvin, there was written in heaven a predetermined, definitive Book of Truth inscribed in heaven.

The Scriptures are the Word of God for us on earth. They are a fraction of the Book of Truth, a subset of all contains. The Scriptures are absolute truth. They are “True Truth,” but not exhaustive truth (Schaeffer). The Book of Truth is like a script for a movie, written and tweaked before the film is made. The Father is the scriptwriter; we are the actors.

REFLECT & PRAY

We have free will. We choose how we respond as events unfold in our lives. We can face challenges confidently if we remain safely nestled in the Father’s arms.

Father thank you that you know all things all the time. Now and then, You have chosen to reveal what is written in the Book of Truth. We have learned to call some of these tidbits prophecies. But as far as You are concerned, they are already history.

INSIGHT

The angel Gabriel had already informed Daniel, “I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.” (Daniel 10:14). Was there a connection?

Essentially, the Father wanted Daniel to understand as much as possible. Imagine for a moment that the conversation went something like this.

The angel Gabriel explained, “In heaven, there is a ‘Book.’ This ‘Book’ contains all events that will ever transpire, recorded even before the world’s foundation was laid. The Father had foreknowledge of the fate of individuals and nations long before they were brought into existence. You might say that ‘God is in control.’ The Book of Truth gives that phrase a whole new meaning. Not only is the Father in control of everything, but He has also written it all down ahead of time. Think back to the vision when you saw the Son of Man being presented to the Ancient of Days. Do you remember what happened just after the court sat?”

Daniel replied, “How could I forget? The books were opened.”

The angel Gabriel continued, “Yes, books, including the Book of Truth. The sovereign will of the Most High God is sealed and certain. In future days, the dead, the great, and the small will stand before the throne, and the books will be opened.”

“Specifically, the Book of Truth contains the prerecorded history of Israel, from beginning to end. It also contains a similar history for the rest of the world, with special emphasis on their treatment of the nation Israel. It is a heavenly record of all the events that will occur in the ‘kingdoms of men.’”

“The Father has dispatched Michael and myself to ensure His will is accomplished. The Book of Truth is a testament to God the Father’s commitment to His promises. The nation of Israel is secure because of the Father’s promises. They are all written in the Book of Truth.”

Daniel reflected a bit and thought to himself, “Gabriel’s words hit home in my own life. The more I had searched the sacred writings of the fathers and the prophets, the more of the Father’s will I had uncovered” (Daniel 9:2-14).

“Gabriel’s words confirmed what I had recently concluded about prayer. Effective prayer is discovering the Father’s will and praying it into existence. This new insight was amazing, yet so simple! The all-knowing, all-wise, most high God knows everything and all the permutations of what could ever be. He knows history before it happens. He has written a history of the world, mankind, and particularly the destiny of my people, Israel, in the Book of Truth.”

“What He has written is what will be. I could live my remaining days knowing that the outcome was determined. What great solace and comfort came over me. Based on the character of my Father God, I could be secure in knowing that He desires the best for me and my people, Israel. What I had learned had given me tremendous hope for facing the future. It is not up to kings, the rich and powerful, or even fate. The Father has chosen. And what will be is determined. I could approach the rest of my life with confidence, certainty, and hope.”

His will shall be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

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Spies and deceivers ∙∙

Spies and deceivers ∙∙

So that we may not be exploited by Satan (for we are not ignorant of his schemes). – 2 Corinthians 2:11

2 Corinthians 11:13-15

 13 These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ.

 14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end, they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.

From 1976 to February 2001, Robert Hanssen led a double life as an FBI agent and a spy. Outward appearances can be deceiving. What was his disguise? He pretended to be just like everybody else and blend in. On the surface, Hanssen appeared to be a dedicated and faithful FBI agent. Nothing could be further from the truth. But behind this facade, he betrayed his country by handing over countless classified documents. On top of that, he revealed the names of KGB agents who were double agents secretly spying for the United States. When he compromised their identities, it undoubtedly resulted in their deaths.

There were some early red flags. In 1990, a recommendation was made to investigate Hanssen for possible espionage, but it fell on deaf ears, and nothing was done. He continued his shadowy activities, spying for both Soviet and Russian intelligence against the U.S. for a quarter of a century. The Department of Justice described Hanssen’s espionage as “possibly the worst intelligence disaster in U.S. history.”

How was he finally exposed? The FBI had suspicions about a mole in their midst. Of course, the KGB knew who their spies were. Almost everything can be bought for the right price. The FBI made a deal. The FBI paid a KGB agent $7 million for a file on the elusive mole, leading them to identify Hanssen.

Deceivers are difficult to spot because they are masters of disguise. They hide under the guise of being loyal and steadfast, pretending to be heroes. They claim to be teachers and apostles of truth and righteousness, while they are black hats, agents of evil and unrighteousness. As J.N. Darby said, “Satan is never more satanic than when he carries a Bible” (J. N. Darby). The same applies to his minions.

Regrettably, we often overlook the need for due diligence. We lack the discernment to identify the fakes. We fail to examine the Scriptures and investigate thoroughly what we are taught. We don’t take the time to verify the credibility of those we learn from. Most children of the King do not perform Internet searches or do background checks. However, if something does not seem right, it likely isn’t.

Satan and his followers are experts at masquerading under false pretenses and wearing clever disguises (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). The Greek word translated as disguise is metaschematizo. Metaschematizo comes from meta – to change and schema – shape, outward form. Metaschematizo means to transform, change the outward form or appearance of something, or disguise oneself to deceive.

Inconsistencies can often be subtle, making them hard to detect. Many times, the real motives behind actions remain concealed. Frequently, even blatant wrongdoing isn’t always identified and adequately addressed. When sin is not dealt with immediately, people think they can escape it indefinitely. It is part of our fallen DNA.

Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil.

Ecclesiastes 8:11 When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong.

REFLECT & PRAY

What a frightening and sobering reality to recognize that the kingdom of God will often have weeds growing among the beneficial crops. We must be on the alert.

Father help us discern and alert to those who wear disguises and masquerade as something they are not. Protect us from evil.

INSIGHT

The enemy of our souls, Satan, disguises himself as an angel of light. Angels of light, shining angels, are dazzling, vibrant, appealing, and thrilling.

His minions also are bedazzling, disguising themselves as servants of righteousness and apostles of Christ. Think about it. The Father’s servants are often plain, dull, drab, unremarkable, average, bland, even nondescript. What an anomaly!

1 Corinthians 1:26-28

 26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you.

 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.

 28 God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.

The enemy’s strategy is cunning and ingenious. The enemy is shrewd, subtle, and elusive. He plans to infiltrate, delude, mislead, and distract the children of the King. The enemy’s cronies do not have to battle their way in. The unknowing and misguided children of the King often invite them in. How tragic.

Galatians 2:4 Some so-called Christians there – false ones, really – who were secretly brought in. They sneaked in to spy on us and take away the freedom we have in Christ Jesus. They wanted to enslave us.

The Lord Jesus Christ provided a perfect illustration.

Matthew 13:24-30

 24 Here is another story Jesus told: The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field.

 25 But that night, as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away.

 26 When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew.

 27 The farmer’s workers went to him and said, “Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?”

 28 “An enemy has done this!” the farmer exclaimed. “Should we pull out the weeds?” they asked.

 29 “No,” he replied, “you’ll uproot the wheat if you do.

 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.”

Children of the King are caught in a quandary. We are encouraged to be hospitable.

Hebrews 13:2 Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!

It would be prudent to be hospitable yet also extremely cautious. Perhaps we may be entertaining dark angels, messengers of Satan, masquerading as angels of light.

We have been commanded to love as we have been loved. We are not to act unbecomingly; we are not to be provoked; we do not take into account a wrong suffered; we are never to give up or lose faith; we are always to be hopeful and endure all things (1 Corinthians 13:5-8).

Yet we are to be shrewd as serpents (Matthew 10:16), guard against those who vigorously oppose the authentic, and embrace the error of unprincipled men (2 Timothy 4:15, 2 Peter 3:17).

Only the Father’s wisdom and leading can take us safely through.

James 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not reprimand you for asking.

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© Dr. H 2024

Why do right? ∙∙

Why do right? ∙∙

So, for him, whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it is a sin. – James 4:17

Luke 12:47-48

 47 And a servant who knows what the master wants but isn’t prepared and doesn’t carry out those instructions will be severely punished.

 48 But someone who does not know and then does something wrong will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return, and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.

New Brighton, Minn., June 30, 2014 (UPI). The headline reads: Good Samaritan saves Minnesota man’s life by bending locked car door with bare hands. A 52-year-old Minnesota man bent a locked car door in half with his bare hands and pulled a man to safety after his car caught on fire on Sunday evening in New Brighton.

Robert Renning was on Interstate 35W around 6:30 PM when he noticed a burning car that he had just passed.

The driver of the car, Michael Johannes, could not unlock the electronic locks or open the power windows of his car. In response, Renning somehow managed to wedge his fingers into the vehicle’s door frame and proceeded to bend the locked door from the top down. Once he created an opening, Renning pulled Johannes to safety before he could incur serious injuries.

“He did an extraordinary deed, bending a locked car door in half of a burning car to extricate a trapped person,” Minnesota State Trooper Zachary Hill told WCCO. “I feel this man deserves any and all commendation for his extraordinary life-saving measure that kept another from burning alive.”

Renning humbly down-played his Renning modestly dismissed his heroic “Superman” moment. “Somebody was in trouble he said. ‘You’re supposed to help each out other.’”

The burnt-out car (Credit: Minnesota State Patrol/Facebook)

In most situations, the right thing to do is often intuitively obvious. Of course, sometimes we never really know what is right or best. However, putting that aside, focus on those times we know what is right to do. Do we take a risk and do it? Are you aware of the Father’s stance on doing right when you know what it is?

James 4:17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him, it is a sin.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father will never ask us to do something we cannot accomplish with His enablement.

Father I recognize my extreme limitations in many areas of my life. But I also acknowledge that You have entrusted me with precious spiritual treasures and responsibilities. Enable me to act wisely in Your service and complete my assignments.

INSIGHT

Not taking action when you are aware of the right thing to do can lead to significant consequences. The Father is always equitable and just in His judgments. The Lord Jesus Christ narrates a parable to illustrate this. A master had two servants to whom he assigned tasks before departing on a trip. Neither of them knew when he would be back.

Luke 12:47-48

 47 A servant who knows what the master wants but isn’t prepared and doesn’t carry out those instructions will be severely punished.

 48 But someone who does not know and then does something wrong will be punished only lightly. 

Luke 12:43 If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward.

There is a built-in assumption here: whenever the master assigns a task, he also provides the wherewithal to succeed in carrying it out. The Father will never ask us to do something we cannot do with His enablement. “The servant who knows what to do and does not do it is more culpable than the one who does not do it because of ignorance” (Stein).

But there’s more. The more ability one has, the greater their responsibility becomes.

Luke 12:48 When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.

“Knowledge and privilege always bring responsibility. Sin is doubly sinful to those who knew better; failure is doubly blameworthy in those who had every chance to do well” (Barclay).

No one but the Father knows the day or the hour when any of any children of the King will meet Him in eternity.

Living in the 21st century, we’re constantly swept along by a rapid pace of life, juggling numerous challenges and responsibilities. Too often, our obligations are half done, put off, incomplete, or not even attempted. What are we, as children of the King, to do? The Lord Jesus Christ provides a perfect model. He came into the world with an itinerary planned in eternity past. He finished all His earthly assignments, and at the end, he said simply, “It is finished.”

How did He manage to do this? He was in perfect communication with the Father, praying daily for guidance and directions.

John 6:38 I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.

John 17:4 I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.

Each of us also has an itinerary planned in eternity past. As we seek guidance from the Father, He will joyfully provide guidance, a daily “To-Do List.” Be prudent and reach out to Him every morning. He will lead and strengthen us as we walk with Him through life.

Colossians 1:9 We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.

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© Dr. H 2024

Eye candy or soul food ∙

Eye candy or soul food ∙

A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart. – Luke 6:45

1 Peter 3:3-4

 3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes.

 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

“Eye candy” is a phrase used to describe someone or something that is visually pleasing but lacks depth, significance, or functionality. It implies being attractive and pleasing to the eyes but often superficial without inner quality.

Studies suggest that individuals considered physically attractive by societal standards have many advantages in life. Alas, that’s how it is in our flawed and fallen world. “At all ages and in all walks of life, attractive people are judged more favorably, treated better, and cut more slack . . .. Teachers favor more attractive students and judge them as smarter. Attractive adults get paid more for their work . . .. And juries are less likely to find attractive people guilty and recommend lighter punishments when they do” (Eric Wargo).

This universal recognition of physical attractiveness makes many strive to be as attractive as possible. However, “In the end, makeup can make a difference in perceived physical attractiveness, but that only takes one so far: Despite the advantage that physical beauty may have for short-term relationships, people seeking long-term connection do prioritize ‘inner beauty’ over exterior appearance – emphasizing, for example, kindness, intelligence, and a good sense of humor” (Psychology Today).

Often, modern psychology, through trial and error, “discovers” beneficial principles for living. Many of these principles were revealed in the Scriptures over two thousand years ago.

1 Samuel 16:7 The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Outward appearance is not a predictor of how someone will live over time. Actions flow from the heart.

Guard your heart with all diligence – For from it flow the springs of life.

Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Beauty is more than skin deep. Children of the King are to make a conscious choice not to be eye candy alone; they are to choose to be soul food. Being physically attractive should not be an end in itself. Instead, we should seek the inner beauty of the soul. We are to be beautiful not only on the outside but also on the inside. Genuine beauty comes from the heart. When you’re beautiful inside, it will reflect on the outside. Good hearts exude kindness, compassion, sympathy, loyalty, truthfulness, joy, tenderness, meekness, and poise (Eddah Barno).

Being visually appealing, or “eye candy,” only takes you so far. When your heart lacks empathy for others, it eventually becomes evident. Everyone has the potential to be “soul food” – it’s a matter of choice. Strive each day to develop a kinder, more compassionate heart. Soon enough, you will be desirable “soul food.”

REFLECT & PRAY

Imagine the transformation in our spiritual lives if we dedicated as much effort to nurturing our souls as we do to maintaining our physical bodies. Our bodies are important, but they will die; our spirits, however, will live forever (Stanley).

Father thank You for the opportunity to cultivate true inner beauty. Enable me to grow in kindness, goodness, graciousness, and gentleness. May I exude the sweet-smelling aroma of Lord Jesus Christ.

INSIGHT

The Christian faith originated in a world that had lost its moral compass. The first century AD Roman Empire was characterized by decadence, opulence, and excess. “Confronted by all this, Peter pleads for the graces which adorn the heart, which are precious in the sight of God. These were the jewels which adorned the holy women of the past” (Barclay). “Peter contrasts the outward and the inward aspects of beauty, the beauty dependent on outward aids and that which is dependent on the true inner self” (UBS).

1 Peter 3:3-4

 3 Let your beauty not be external – the braiding of hair and wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes –

 4 but the inner person of the heart, the lasting beauty of a gentle and tranquil spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.

Peter’s appeal is directed to women; however, the principles apply to all children of the King. Peter targets externals such as elaborate hairdos, outer clothing, and expensive jewelry. He urges each of us to focus on the inner (hidden) beauty of the heart. What matters to the Father is a godly character, exhibited through a gentle and quiet spirit.

Peter is very balanced in his approach. “It is clear that Peter is not literally prohibiting all braiding of hair or all wearing of gold jewelry, because if this were the case the same prohibition would apply also to wearing clothing! Instead, Peter warns against both an inordinate preoccupation with personal appearance and material excess in such matters” (ESV notes). Our appearance should not be ostentatious or seductive; rather, it should be discrete and unassuming.

What does the Father prefer for the children of the King? What kind of beauty does the Father find most valuable? He wants our beauty to be a manifestation of our inner self, our souls, and our spirits. In the original Greek, it is literally “the hidden person of the heart.” It could be translated as “the hidden person, which is the heart” (UBS).

The word heart refers to the whole person, the inner personality. Peter describes such beauty as ageless, literally imperishable; it never fades (UBS). Unlike superficial beauty, which diminishes with age, and outward adornments, which are short-lived, inner beauty “never changes because it comes from a gentle and quiet spirit” (UBS).

Paul’s cautionary admonition for women applies universally to all children of the King.

1 Timothy 2:9 I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes.

We should stress the quality and purity of our hearts while minimizing external appearance.

Children of the King should be remarkable for the Christlike behavior that emanates from our inner self. Such beautiful spirits are soul food for others to partake of. This is what the Father considers true beauty. The Father values and desires Christlikeness for every child of the King.

2 Corinthians 2:14-16

 14 Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.

 15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.

 16 To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?

Eye candy or soul food? The choice is yours.

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© Dr. H 2024

Arguing with God ∙∙

Arguing with God ∙∙

Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me if you know so much. – Job 38:4

Job 40:1-5

 1 Then the LORD said to Job,

 2 “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?”

 3 Then Job replied to the LORD,

 4 “I am nothing – how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand.”

 5 “I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.”

“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be” (Thomas Jefferson).

“People used to say, ‘Ignorance is no excuse.’ Today, ignorance is no problem. After all, you have ‘a right to your own opinion’ – and self-esteem to boot” (Thomas Sowell).

Job argued with God (Job 38-42). Job honestly thought of himself as being qualified to do so. But he soon discovered how misguided he was. It is almost as though the Father interrupted Job while he was still thinking about what to say, and He spoke to him and said, “Hold that thought!” Then the Lord gets serious, very serious. He asked,

Job 38:1-4

 1 Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind:

 2 Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?

 3 Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.

 4 Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much.

The Father said to him, “Who do you think you are? Of all that there is to know, how much do you think you know? Before we go any further, I require that you answer some questions for Me. First of all, where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me if you know so much” (Job 38:4).

When it comes to the creation of planets, stars, and the entire cosmos, which exists in perfect harmony and balance, or maintaining and controlling the powerful forces of planet Earth such as the wind, the waters, night and day, hot and cold, or the trembling of the earth how are you doing? And then there is that matter, the existence of all matter, energy, and life itself; what part did you play? And from there, the Father begins a rather stern interrogation. He asks a series of questions that Job could not possibly know the answer to. He is doing this to make it abundantly clear to even the most casual observer that Job does not have a clue regarding the Father’s knowledge, authority, or creative power.

We might say today, “That’s above my pay grade.”

The Father’s response to Job’s questioning could be summarized as follows.

In essence, you speak in ignorance, not from knowledge. You think yourself righteous, but you are arrogant and proud. Compared to Me, you know practically nothing and are almost powerless. I am all-knowing and all-powerful. I have an eternal plan. I created everything to achieve My eternal purposes. Everything is working exactly as I planned.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Instead of weeping when a tragedy occurs in a songbird’s life, it sings away its grief. I believe we could well follow the pattern of our feathered friends” (Shakespeare).

Father I know that You can do anything, and no one can stop You. So often, I have spoken confidently about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. I take back everything foolish I ever said. I repent!

INSIGHT

“Job was sure that his speeches had been filled with wisdom and knowledge, but God’s first question put an end to that delusion: ‘Who is this that darkens My counsel with words without knowledge?’ (Job 38:2, NIV) The Living Bible paraphrases it, ‘Why are you using your ignorance to deny My providence?’ (TLB)”

“God didn’t question Job’s integrity or sincerity; He only questioned Job’s ability to explain the ways of God in the world. Job had spoken the truth about God (Job 42:7), but his speeches had lacked humility. Job thought he knew about God but didn’t realize how much he didn’t know about God. Knowledge of our own ignorance is the first step toward true wisdom” (Wiersbe).

Job gets the message loud and clear.

Job 40:1-5

 1 Then the LORD said to Job,

 2 “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?”

 3 Then Job replied to the LORD,

 4 “I am nothing – how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand.”

 5 “I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.”

Job repents and submits to the Father’s authority and wisdom.

Job 42:1-6

 1 Then Job replied to the LORD:

 2 “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you.

 3 You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I, and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me.

 4 You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’

 5 I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.

 6 I take back everything I said and sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.”

We are living in challenging times. Our minds and emotions are heated up, and every now and then, they boil over. Rather than arguing and challenging the Father out of ignorance and limited understanding, we need to recognize the error of our ways, repent, and entrust ourselves to Him.

1 Timothy 1:5-11

 5 The aim of our instruction is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

 6 But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions.

 7 They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently.

 8 We know that the law is good when used correctly.

 9 For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who kill their father or mother or commit other murders.

 10 The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders, liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching

 11 that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God.

2 Timothy 4:3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.

Perhaps that time has now come!

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© Dr. H 2024