The Bible like Trinity College Chapel is a puzzle to those who can't see the whole picture
Gentle Reader, We shall continue our study of the Book of Job (This mini study began on March 24th for those who hate to come in to a movie half way through It will take you 3 minutes to read each entry-unless you stop for a cup of Cappiciuno along the way)
"How can we help students to understand that the tragedy of life is not death; the tragedy is to die with commitments undefined and convictions undeclared and service unfulfilled? "-Vachel Lindsay
at my place for those sad, hurting, feeling alone and dealing with old wounds 
Havent been by my site for awhile. 
I got a new post up you may want to read. 
Hope you have A BLESSED Week 
if your interested. 
Happy Easter ! My gift will be in the mail on Tuesday so keep an eye out. Bless you dear friend 
p.s. sent you another e-mail let me know when you get it ) 
I have a new post from the 
Angel Like Beings if you’re interested drop by 
... For YOU: 
without really trying! Listen more speak less!
Faith is not some pie in the sky nebulous something it is evidence!
Gentle reader,
We have been looking a the subject "How to be good without really trying" subtitled "Why do bad things happen to good people" and using the Book of Job:
We mention last time that Elihu was discerning in seeing that Job needed to realize his (Job’s) own impotence and ignorance [I’ve heard it said that an expert is one who is 50km from home!].
Elihu appeal is also for submissive patience. All God’s judgements proceed from His absolute understanding (Chapter 34 verses 21-23 ) "For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.
There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God." and are both right ( Chapter 34:10-12) Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.
For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.
Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.
‘But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;
Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?
There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men." And resistless (verses 13-20, 29 )"Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world?
If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;
All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.
If now thou hast understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words.
Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just?
Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?
How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.
In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand." Verse 29 "When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:"
Therefore Elihu concludes that it is wisdom in a man to submit and have patience to learn As he says in Chapter 35:15 " The cause is before Him; therefore wait thou for Him (see R.V. margin. This also is discerning!
Yet again, Elihu’s appeal is for Job to have faith in God Himself rather than in some demanded explanation. The true wisdom is to have faith in God Himself despite the lack of all explanation, seeing that God is all-kn owing and all-righteous (Chapter 36 verse 5, etc.) His closing words " Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.
Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart." This is also discerning.
When those who have rejected justice, and righteousness that question and cry out (but I'm am getting ahead of myself-I do that a lot according to Marti) when all else fails "Why God? Why Me?" Those who have never felt the Spirit of the living God move them to act in kindness towards someone who deserves far worse. Then there are those who have made science and scientific evidence their God. But for now Gentle Reader let us consider the deeper things and how God ways are beyond our mortal comprehension. " For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart"
Hang in there Gentle Reader, we have yet to hear from the author of this book. Next time....
Love,
Denis
"The Words of Scripture are for Children The thoughts are for men" Seed of the Women" Dr. Arthur Custance
Gentle Reader,
We said that Elihu had First, a new approach,. Second, a new answer. Third a new appeal.
We have looked at the first two now lets consider the third thought:
A New Appeal
The appeal of Elipaz (aka Larry), Bildad (aka Curly) and Zophar (aka Mo) if appeal could be called an appeal finally amounted to, "Own up, and cease being a hypocrite."
"The reason, pastor why I don’t attend any church is because there are too many hypocrites" I have been told so many times to which my standard reply is "There is always room for one more!"
The appeal of Elihu has nothing to do with that sort of attitude. It is an appeal foe a new attitude in Job toward his afflictions. Larry, Curly and Mo had kept harping on some supposed wicked behaviour in the past. Elihu is concerned with a wrong attitude in the present. He does not discuss whether Job has committed grievous sin in the past. He accepts job’s protestation of innocence and while it may very well be that the protestation is genuine enough, Job’s present attitude and his spirit are all wrong. Job’s suffering may not be for past sin at all! His suffering is more than likely a chastening with some ultimately good purpose. But (there’s that but) Job is thwarting his own good by his impossible attitude.
Now then, in line with his philosophy of affliction as being corrective and educational rather than judicial and punitive, Elihu’s appeal is for a teachable humility on Job’s part. This is where Elihu feels that Job has mainly failed. As with others who have not been heard by God because their motive was wrong (Chapter 35 verse 12) " There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men." . So even Job’s requestions and protests earnest though they may have been, have sprung from a wrong motive, namely pride-a pride which has been self-righteously occupied with the vindication of Job himself even to the point of impugning God’s righteousness. God will not hear such "vanity" (Chapter 35 verse 13) "Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it." Job needs to realize his own impotence and ignorance (Chapter 37 verse 14-24)
" Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine?
Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?
How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind?
Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?
Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness.
Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.
And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.
Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty.
Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.
Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart. "
This Gentle Reader, is what most of us who study seriously the word and the Words of the Bible which is called the word of God as is Christ Jesus.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." (Gospel of John Chapter 1 verses 1-5 )
This is what we consider discerning or perhaps discernment. Discernment is seeing life through God’s perspective. Which we note "for the record" that Science which takes only evidence which it can see, feel, touch, taste, cannot ever touch God. For Gentle reader if God could be proved then God wouldn’t be would He?
Next time we’ll get just one step closer to explaining for once and for all why bad things happen to good people.
Love,
Denis
Part 13
Gentle Reader,
Without a doubt as we look around at our (corporate) situation. We see just chaos! Which reminds me of the Kingston Trio and a song called the merry minute "They're rioting in Africa. They're starving in Spain. There's hurricanes in Florida, and Texas needs rain.
The whole world is festering with unhappy souls. The French hate the Germans, the Germans hate the Poles.
Italians hate Yugoslavs, South Africans hate the Dutch. And I don't like anybody very much!
But we can be tranquil and thankful and proud, for man's been endowed with a mushroom-shaped cloud.
And we know for certain that some lovely day, someone will set the spark off... and we will all be blown away.
They're rioting in Africa. There's strife in Iran. What nature doesn't do to us... will be done by our fellow man."
But what is even worse Gentle Reader, is that you having some sort of melt down even as I write or if not going on it’s coming I think it was that great philosopher Yoga Berra who said "Things are dark before they get black.
Our representive human JOB is once on top of the world Rich, famous, "good looking" everything thing going for him only to have the bottom fall out of hiw little world and find everything he valued was lost (stolen from him) Now here's the rub is that JOB was God fearing man, not the run of the mill scumb bag that we watch parade across the news each night. He wasn’t like the woman who sales her children for sex. Or that crooked politico who buys favors to dispense to the people who do his bidding. Job is not even a "religious " person who trades on the lives of others for his own pleasure. Job is everyman (just plain old JOB) [no pun intended] But when he cries out "Why God has this happen to me?" Along come 3 friends who while perhaps mean well give more hurt that help. Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar who I have nicknamed the 3 stooges! "Job, You know what your trouble is..." and they begin to heap fault after fault and lay these sins at Job’s feet. Quite like the hebetudinous minister who blamed the Hurricane Katrina on the impending "Gay Pride" parade that was to be held in New Orleans!
And Job cries out and protests his innocency for that which he is blamed. Please note Gentle Reader, that Job does not claim to be sinless! But he does protest that he has done nothing to warrant his lost of his children, and all of his rich possessions. "Oh that I would have a mediator between Me and GOD" Job cries and so On the scene is the youngest silent up to this point Elihu who will bring us up to date.
Next time....
Love,
Denis
Gentle Reader, Part 12
Yes, I know your thinking "This is a Mini Study?" Gentle Reader, It’s taken me over more years than many of you have been alive to get to where I am now in understanding the Bible those who are illiterate in the study of great books are the ones that give you sound bites. 
"We must not believe the many, who say that only free people ought to be educated, but we should rather believe the philosophers who say that only the educated are free" Epictetus [Greek philosopher associated with the Stoics, AD 55-c.135]
I am at once reminded of my first Bible Teacher Joe Watkins who started a new study of the Gospel of John, it was shortly after that I was called to my first charge (church) and after 3 years my wife and I got back for a visit Joe was just beginning verse 2 on the First Chapter! So if your thinking that I am taking a long time on this wee study that I call "Why to Bad things happen to Good people" just remember that I am rushing through this book like a locomotive before those who have the attention span of a 30 second commercial flip over to "you tube" to watch some mind numbing nescient trying to get your attention.
It’s rather like trying to get information about the potential presidential candidate. When all we can get is a media blitz on Rev. Wright who like every other American is entitled to his opinion. What was overlooked in the mad scramble was that much of what Rev. Wright had to say (in sound bites) was totality accurate! Taking the land from Native Americans, the enslavement of the Blacks to name just a few. While I do not ascribe to Black Liberation Theology, I at least understand it But to have an intelligent discussion would require that the "news" people have a qualified Theologian ( and you know I wasn't contacted). While the Media Circus tries to promote more hatred to get people to watch "As the Stomach turns T.V. News " Each channel has so called "Experts" who parse every word to catch someone misstating themselves. Well I have taken up my allotted time to write today so if you are wanting to know how this book ends you just have to see below .... Sorry about that.
Elihu argument is that God’s Government besides being sovereign and gracious (as in Chapter 33) must of necessarily be absolutely righteous and impartial (verse 10-19 ) [ Note the perception and insight of the writer, and compare that with what is taught today in the understanding of Christian people]"Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: Far be it from God, that he should do wickedness, And from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.
For the work of a man will he render unto him, And cause every man to find according to his ways.
Yea, of a surety, God will not do wickedly, Neither will the Almighty pervert justice.
Who gave him a charge over the earth? Or who hath disposed the whole world?
If he set his heart upon himself, [If] he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;
All flesh shall perish together, And man shall turn again unto dust.
If now [thou hast] understanding, hear this: Hearken to the voice of my words.
Shall even one that hateth justice govern? And wilt thou condemn him that is righteous [and] mighty?-
[Him] that saith to a king, [Thou art] vile, [Or] to nobles, [Ye are] wicked;
That respecteth not the persons of princes, Nor regardeth the rich more than the poor; For they all are the work of his hands."
[We still see men trying to advise God how to deal with things] It is also perferct in it’s discernment (verse 23 ) "For he needeth not further to consider a man, That he should go before God in judgment." which makes quite superfluous Job’s demand for an audience with God, [ I used to joke about if only God would call me , collect] in which to state his case . God knows all the facts absolutely. Special trial is unnecessary. It is just because of this that some of God’s doings seem so mysterious (verses 24-26 ) He breaketh in pieces mighty men [in ways] past finding out, And setteth others in their stead.
Therefore he taketh knowledge of their works; And he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed.
He striketh them as wicked men In the open sight of others;
Yet Gentle readers, God’s ways are always with good moral purpose aaccording to Elihu (verse 27-30 ) "Because they turned aside from following him, And would not have regard in any of his ways:
So that they caused the cry of the poor to come unto him, And he heard the cry of the afflicted.
When he giveth quietness, who then can condemn? And when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? Alike whether [it be done] unto a nation, or unto a man:
That the godless man reign not, That there be none to ensnare the people."
And so Elihu moves to the final development of his answer to Job in Chapters 36 and 37 Which we’ll take up next.
Love Denis
Been there done that?
Part 11 [mini study on Job]
Gentle reader,
welcome to the twilight zone do da do da........
We have been looking at one man’s experiences (Job) to see if we can uncover the reason that the Bible has begun with this as the first book written (I know your thumbing through your old beat up Bible just to see where it is placed and why I would make such a ridiculous claim. Well Gentle Reader, that tells me quite a bit about you If your thumbing through your bible and your talking to your monitor screen(your a newbie, that is to say that my readership will increase by your joining who show up each day to get fresh Irish coffee and my world famous Irish Cream cheese muffins! Pass another one please ! Or your are looking to prove me wrong. Which I welcome by the way.
The 4th man Elihu we have said provides a new approach (isn’t that always the way)? After the 3 stooges Larry, Curly, and Mo have taken their turn in trying to prove Job had done something wrong. Elihu, presented a new approach. That is Elihu claims a special inspiration for God (New I believe that if you had a special revelation for God you wouldn’t waste it on some poor old camel jockey but you would be should shouting it from the house tops. The three stooges wanted to be judges (I have seen more people in and out of churches who want to tell you what is wrong with your life haven't you?) Elihu wanted to be a brother. He woud sit with Job in the fellowship of human sympathy, yet at the same time speak with "real" truth from God’s side. Such was the new approach.
Elihu provides a new Answer.
Elihu’s answer reaches full completion in chapter 36 and 37 but first you need to see what leads up to that.
God is greater than man, and therefore man has no right or authority to require an explanation of Him Behold, I will answer thee, in this thou art not just; For God is greater than man.
Why dost thou strive against him, For that he giveth not account of any of his matters? Chapter 33:12-13.
There must be Elihu reasons a necessity for some things which God does that are incomprehensible to man. Yet God does speak to men if they will but listen (verse 14-16) For God speaketh once, Yea twice, [though man] regardeth it not.
In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falleth upon men, In slumberings upon the bed;
Then he openeth the ears of men, And sealeth their instruction, with a view to restraining and rescuing them from evil (verses 17-1
That he may withdraw man [from his] purpose, And hide pride from man;
He keepeth back his soul from the pit, And his life from perishing by the sword. Moreover God not only speaks I have heard it said the God shouts in your pleasure, speaks in your pensive time and whispers in your pain! God also chastises (verses 19-20) He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, And with continual strife in his bones;
So that his life abhorreth bread, And his soul dainty food.
And this if only there one to interpret it, it is always with a view of healing and restoring men. (Verse 23-2 If there be with him an angel, An interpreter, one among a thousand, To show unto man what is right for him;
Then [God] is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom.
His flesh shall be fresher than a child`s; He returneth to the days of his youth.
He prayeth unto God, and he is favorable unto him, So that he seeth his face with joy: And he restoreth unto man his righteousness.
He singeth before men, and saith, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, And it profited me not:
He hath redeemed my soul from going into the pit, And my life shall behold the light. This covers what Job is going through, the very experiences through which job finds that he a passing. Remember Gentle reader my favorite Bible verse Ruth 1:1 "Now it came to pass" It didn’t come to stay. Every has a end to it. It’s built into the system the worst storm has an end!
What Job lacked was an interpreter; and it seems clear that Elihu considers hinself the required interpreter (verses 29-33) Lo, all these things doth God work, Twice, [yea] thrice, with a man,
To bring back his soul from the pit, That he may be enlightened with the light of the living.
Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: Hold thy peace, and I will speak.
If thou hast anything to say, answer me: Speak, for I desire to justify thee.
If not, hearken thou unto me: Hold thy peace, and I will teach thee wisdom. Job’s suffering is educational (according to Elihu) God is dealing with Job on some higher issue. That is in Chapter 33 and obviously it touches a higher level that the other speeches.
Which we will consider if God permits.
So think about the worst thing in your life Gentle Reader and then ask your self "Is it still going on?"
As bad as things have happened to me and Marsha things chamge.
By the way go out and rent a movie with Don Ameche and Joe Mantegna called "Things Change" You’ll love it!
Till next time
Love, Denis
Hungy?
Gentle reader,
Like most men (even as a little boy) my eyes are always bigger than my stomach! ( All in Unison- "Duh, Denis we already knew that!" ).
Well as per usual I manage to take on more that one ordinary man can handle. This blog is my main squeeze as it were . The web site Http://www.studiesinscripture.bravehost.com takes care of it self as I have many more qualified people who look in from time to time ands add or move around or delete studies. That is "Scripture Institute" where you can get a full course meal for free! On the other side of the world is a mirror site called Heart to Heart http://parsontoperson.blogspot.com just in case you missed something here (but beware Gentle Reader not everything you read here is always there and vice versa) Then I have started a blog on a another site called http://www.mychurch.org where you can study with me in the book of Revelation or the Apocalypse. Which deals with what is called Eschatology or the study of future things sometimes it is considered the "End times studies " or as I like to say "What in the world will happen next" I have also other writings on the "Net" but to be truthful Gentle Reader" not having a church or a place to speak and I have a lot of time to think (that a "dangerous combination") . You’re my favorite place to come where one can let their down and sit back have a cup of coffee , an Irish cream cheese muffin and just talk about whatever comes to mind.
Here today we are trying currently to get a hold of the book of Job the Bibles version of the popular book "Why do bad things happen to good people?" We are now looking at a young man called Elihu (a very smart young man I might add. Elihu accepts Job’s position that any true wisdom comes from man comes by inspiration from God, and he is not convinced that wisdom is not given only to the aged "It is not the great that are wise, Nor the aged that understand justice." (Job 32:9). There is "a spirit in man" capable of receiving inspiration verse 8 " But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty giveth them understanding." and Ehihu believes that he himself is now receiving such inspiration "The Spirit of God hath made me, And the breath of the Almighty giveth me life. (Chapter 33:4) [Also see 36:2-4] "Suffer me a little, and I will show thee; For I have yet somewhat to say on God`s behalf.
I will fetch my knowledge from afar, And will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
For truly my words are not false: One that is perfect in knowledge is with thee." But more than this, Elihu believes that he is so inspired as to fulfil job’s longing for a daysman = umpire, arbiter, or mediator ( a daysman is one who speaks on another’s behalf) between God and himself, to whom he could set out his case. In pathetic desperation job had lamented the lack of such a daysman (Chapter 9:33) and his own inability to gain an interview with God "My words [shall utter] the uprightness of my heart; And that which my lips know they shall speak sincerely.
The Spirit of God hath made me, And the breath of the Almighty giveth me life.
If thou canst, answer thou me; Set [thy words] in order before me, stand forth.
Behold, I am toward God even as thou art: I also am formed out of the clay.
Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, Neither shall my pressure be heavy upon thee. (Chapter 33:3-7) and in fact Job’s last words before Elihu breaks in are (Chapter 31: 35-37) "Oh that I had one to hear me! (Lo, here is my signature, let the Almighty answer me); And [that I had] the indictment which mine adversary hath written!
Surely I would carry it upon my shoulder; I would bind it unto me as a crown:
I would declare unto him the number of my steps; As a prince would I go near unto him."
Gentle reader, I feel we must stop at this point (you have other things to do and besides before we look at Elihu’s remarkable speech I want you to consider this "What if God were to send down someone to explain why things are going so bad for you,? Would you listen to him or her? Or would you believe that they had been sent by God the ELOHIM = Creator of heaven and earth. What would you do? I ask you this because as the old Insurance sales pitch goes "Buy or don’t buy but just listen!"
Till next time
Love,
Denis
Denis notes avaliable here
Gentle Reader,
The fourth man to be heard from is perhaps the youngest. Elihu by name [Elihu = God is Jehovah or My God is He]. The last verse of Chapter 31 marks a major break- " The words of Job are ended." And with Chapter 32 we are introduced to a new speaker, Elihu. He has evidently heard all the debate and has held his tongue until now in deference to seniority (verses 4, 6, 7) "JOB 32:4 Now Elihu had waited to speak unto Job, because they were elder than he.
JOB 32:6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; Wherefore I held back, and durst not show you mine opinion.
JOB 32:7 I said, Days should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom." Now, however as he hears Job still stubbornly justifying himself while the trio (Larry, Curly, and Mo) increasingly condemn him without being able to answer him, he can not stand it any longer, silently biting his tongue (he must now speak "JOB 32:2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.
JOB 32:3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. JOB 32:5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled." So Elihu breaks forth in the spirit of "The Lone Ranger" "Elihu to the rescue." However again it’s not so easy as it looks. But He does add and contributes a valuable corrective to the discussion "You know what your problem is?" Ever heard that Gentle Reader? I know I have! There is one aspect of Job’s problem which has been overlooked, and it is to this that our new speaker calls to Job’s and our (we are ease dropping you know).
Ehihu’s discourse which fills no less that 6 chapters has be criticized as being disrespectful, verbose and as the speech of a conceited young man. Disrespectful in tone and adding nothing to the arguments. But a more careful reading refutes this unkindly misjudgement. It is in fact Gentle reader, the most courteous speech of the debate, and surpasses all of the proceeding speeches in spiritual grasp.
For we are Gentle Readers of all things a spiritual people (whether you acknowledge this to be true or not!)
First we are introduced to 3 new factors. First, there is a new approach,. Second, there is a new answer. Third there is a new appeal. And we’ll address those next time (groan from the readership) Sorry but like all good soap operas. I want to leave you hungry for the next episode.
Love, 
Denis
Prosper?
Can you find what is within rather than what is without?
Gentle Reader,
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself.
THE WICKED PROSPER
"Why do the wicked live on, yes, prosper and grow wealthy?" [Job (Iyob) 21. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
This often asked question has puzzled the thoughts of men in every age. Persecuted Job had prospered both materially and spiritually, yet he lost all his worldly possessions, as well as family and friends. The ungodly scorners of the region where he had lived were now humiliating and mocking him, yet they continued to prosper. But why is this?
The same troublesome question occurs gain and again in the HOLY BIBLE. Asaph, a psalmist, confessed: "I envied the wanton and boastful; I saw the wicked prosper and were at ease. Death has no pangs for them; their body is healthy and strong, they have no part in the travail of men; they are not afflicted like the rest of mankind." [Psalms (Tehillym) 73. 3 - 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Jeremiah, the weeping prophet also complained: "Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are the workers of treachery at ease?" [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 12. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Asaph and Jeremiah were both perplexed at the prosperity and comfort of the wicked until they entered GOD'S Sanctuary and reflected on their fate. [Psalms/Tehillym 73. 17]
And today, there are very few genuine believers who have great wealth or are powerful that are walking humble and righteous before the LORD GOD. There is serious spiritual danger inherent in riches and power, unless these privileges are dedicated deliberately and sincerely to the work of the ALMIGHTY CREATOR. Even the church at Laodicea, was scornfully rebuked by the GLORIFIED LORD YESHUA - "Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'-- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked." [Revelation 3. 17] They were cunning, deceitful and loved to oppress. Thinking to themselves that they had become rich in finding wealth for themselves by all their labours and thought that no one, even Almighty God, could find iniquity in them. Truly, their minds were dull and diluted.
GOD OMNIPOTENT has promised to supply all our need if we are faithful to Him [Matthew 6. 33; Philippians 4. 19], and we need to weigh all our standards of prosperity on the balances of eternity. "I saw the wicked, powerful, and well-rooted like a healthy native tree. Suddenly he vanished and was gone; I sought him, but he was not to be found. Mark the blameless, note the upright; for there is a future for the man of integrity. But transgressors shall be utterly destroyed, the future of the wicked shall be cut off. The deliverance of the righteous comes from the LORD; their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and rescues them; delivers them from the wicked and saves them, for they seek refuge in HIM and trust in HIM." [Psalms (Tehillym) 37. 35 - 40 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
For all things, O GOD our KING, we bless and exalt YOU for ever and ever. YOU are the ROCK of our lives, the SHIELD of our salvation through every generation. YOU, LORD GOD are good, YOUR mercies fail not and YOUR loving kindnesses never cease. We give you thanks and glory and wisdom for this is befitting. Amen.
Till next time Gentle Reader,
Love, Denis
This to happen to me?
Why do bad things happen to good people? Part 7
Gentle Reader,
I hope that in taking the time to read and reread these mini studies of the Book of Job your are gaining insight into yourself perhaps you can identify with Elephaz or Bildad or Zophar or maybe even you feel like Job!
It’s hard as we all go through these times. Just remember "Tough times never last, tough people do!"
Now let’s look at these three "friends" of Job once again, and the points of similarity. 1) All of these three men are committed to what is substantially the sane limited and fixed theory of life. (As we have many even today who believe that calamity is always the direct outcome of sin). 2) That Divine favor or disfavor is indicated by man’s material prosperity or adversity. 3) They all have a far too narrow and rigid view of Providence; yet they are sooo sure that their view is right that they look on resistance to their view as resistance to God. See Chapter 11 verse 5 for example "But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;" 4) They all want to prove that goodness and wickedness are always rewarded and punished in this present life: They all are silent concerning human destiny and Divine retribution If there is Retribution in a life beyond this present one. There philosophy and doctrine have no horizon beyond this earth. 5) From the standpoint of argument they are all absolutely static. 6) They all fail to give any real or convincing answer to Job, as is recognized by all those who witness the debate: See chapter 32 verses 3, 5, 11, 12 "Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled. Behold, I waited for your words, I listened for your reasonings, Whilst ye searched out what to say. Yea, I attended unto you, And, behold, there was none that convinced Job, Or that answered his words, among you."
Lastly, these three all condemn Job; for in their philosophy, they must either justify Job at God’s expense or justify God at job’s expense. And understandably they chose the latter Chapter 32:3.
How many times Gentle Reader, have you heard when disaster strikes someone wailing (maybe your even saying that now) "Why did God allow this to happen to me?"
We’ll tackle that tough question next time.
Love
Denis
Third stooge
Ancient Hebrew text
Gentle Reader,
We are having a mini study on the Book of Job and we have been looking at Zophar the third stooge.
Let’s take this time to compare and contrast the three. Look at the differences first. ELIPHAZ rest his views on observation; Bildad rest on tradition; Zophar rest on assumption. Eliphaz is the religious moralist. Bildad is the religious legalist. Zophar is the religious dogmatist. Eliphaz is an apologist. Bildad is the lecturer. Zophar is the bigot; he is full of convictions, but they are assumptions, not reasoned conclusions. In a harsh sort of way, we have Eliphaz, the voice of philosophy; Bildad, the voice of history; and in Zophar, the voice of orthodoxy; but none is able to give a satisfying answer to a problem like that which confronts Job. These three men can be represented by the three words "IF", "Must" "IS". Eliphaz takes the hypothetical attitude that IF Job were not sinful, the trouble would not have come. Bildad takes the inferential attitude that Job MUST be sinful seeing that the trouble had indeed come. Zophar begins with the assumption that Job IS a sinful man and deserves his affliction.
What we find Gentle Reader, is that "Religion" cannot take the place to answer, nor can men comprehend the ways of God! ISA 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
ISA 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Next time, Gentle reader bring your thinking cap!
Love, Denis
Bravenet Blog 
Blog Community
Get a Free Blog
Manage your Blog
Cheers, 
at our house 
Tell me what you think? 
bravenet.com