The Book of Job

[sweetbasil]

Hello Everyone,

Here is what is going on... I feel like my faith right now is like a loss needle in a haystack... and I am desperately trying to find it... I don't know, but in the past two months things have come crushing, and I really need to get myself back on track, and get out of this "dark cloud" so that I can see the "sunshine" again...

In many ways, I am very grateful, that I am going through this pain because it is making me "grow" as a person; I am sure the God has many reasons for letting me experience this time...

My Mom gave me her Bible, and suggested to start with the story of Job as I been questioning the Lord's about the circumstances that are happening right now. I know I have no right to do that, and I should be able to graceciously accept these times as I accept the good times. But, I am so imperfect and naive, and my trust in the God's actions is rather weak. With this said, I wonder if anyone has any other suggestions on any other stories (books) in the Bible that will help me get on the path of becoming closer to God?

May your Sunday be filled with bliss.

SB

 

[burnt]

Here's a song for you kiddo!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44UurOO8hfg

Piece of Heaven

He's gone, how can that be?
He was just here, it doesn't make sense to me
Yet, I see you smilin' and I understand
You're living proof that his life had a plan

Sometimes it's hard
Sometimes it's the middle of the night
Sometimes everything's wrong
But sometimes everything is right

CHORUS:
I see a piece of heaven
When I look at you
And it shines so bright
After all you've been through
It doesn't seem fair
Things like this never do
But now I see a piece of heaven
When I look at you

People try, but only Jesus could know
The pain in your heart that may never go
Tough questions, they never leave your mind
Easy answers, they're nowhere to find

Sometimes it's hard
Sometimes it's the middle of the night
Sometimes it's all wrong
Sometimes it can be all right

CHORUS

BRIDGE:
You may not see what you've been given
With all that's been taken away
Just remember from the darkest of nights
Always come the brightest days

---------------------------------------------------
I just had it up listening to it when you posted so I hope it speaks to you too!

John.

 

[sweetbasil]

Here's a song for you kiddo!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44UurOO8hfg

Piece of Heaven

He's gone, how can that be?
He was just here, it doesn't make sense to me
Yet, I see you smilin' and I understand
You're living proof that his life had a plan

Sometimes it's hard
Sometimes it's the middle of the night
Sometimes everything's wrong
But sometimes everything is right

CHORUS:
I see a piece of heaven
When I look at you
And it shines so bright
After all you've been through
It doesn't seem fair
Things like this never do
But now I see a piece of heaven
When I look at you

People try, but only Jesus could know
The pain in your heart that may never go
Tough questions, they never leave your mind
Easy answers, they're nowhere to find

Sometimes it's hard
Sometimes it's the middle of the night
Sometimes it's all wrong
Sometimes it can be all right

CHORUS

BRIDGE:
You may not see what you've been given
With all that's been taken away
Just remember from the darkest of nights
Always come the brightest days

I hope it speaks to you!

John.

"Burnt",
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this beautiful song with me! I sure look forward to listening to it tonight...

SB

 

[Soapweed]

My favorite book of the Bible is Proverbs. It is very fun and interesting reading, and there is much wisdom to be gleaned from the reading.

This is from A.S.K. (Associates For Scriptural Knowledge):

And what is the Book of Proverbs? It is basically a compilation of proverbs (parables) uttered by many "wise men" of the past, but brought together by King Solomon or later editors, in order that the people of God could be instructed in the "dark sayings" and words of wisdom which have been uttered by people who learned the principles that governed life. They represent the "cream of the crop" of ancient philosophical teaching. When really understood, the "sayings" in the Book of Proverbs are no doubt some of the oldest literary statements known to man. It will pay us to understand just what the proverbs are all about, and especially why they have been placed in the order that they have. There is significant instruction awaiting us if we do.

 

[Faster horses]

And in Proverbs a person can read a chapter a day and have their bible reading for the month. Proverbs certainly helps the path of life~anyway it did me.

 

[sweetbasil]

My favorite book of the Bible is Proverbs. It is very fun and interesting reading, and there is much wisdom to be gleaned from the reading.

This is from A.S.K. (Associates For Scriptural Knowledge):

And what is the Book of Proverbs? It is basically a compilation of proverbs (parables) uttered by many "wise men" of the past, but brought together by King Solomon or later editors, in order that the people of God could be instructed in the "dark sayings" and words of wisdom which have been uttered by people who learned the principles that governed life. They represent the "cream of the crop" of ancient philosophical teaching. When really understood, the "sayings" in the Book of Proverbs are no doubt some of the oldest literary statements known to man. It will pay us to understand just what the proverbs are all about, and especially why they have been placed in the order that they have. There is significant instruction awaiting us if we do.

I will absolutely read the Book of Proverbs! I am actually making a little journal and writing any ideas, thoughts, etc. that come to mind as I am on this journey... Thank you so much for taking the time to give me some direction that it will sure help me to find God's kingdom.

Have a blissful week,
SB

 

[sweetbasil]

And in Proverbs a person can read a chapter a day and have their bible reading for the month. Proverbs certainly helps the path of life~anyway it did me.

Awesome, I sure look forward to reading this Book to help me in this journey... Thank you for always being "there" for me.

Have a blissful week,
SB

 

[sweetbasil]

Here's a song for you kiddo!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44UurOO8hfg

Piece of Heaven

He's gone, how can that be?
He was just here, it doesn't make sense to me
Yet, I see you smilin' and I understand
You're living proof that his life had a plan

Sometimes it's hard
Sometimes it's the middle of the night
Sometimes everything's wrong
But sometimes everything is right

CHORUS:
I see a piece of heaven
When I look at you
And it shines so bright
After all you've been through
It doesn't seem fair
Things like this never do
But now I see a piece of heaven
When I look at you

People try, but only Jesus could know
The pain in your heart that may never go
Tough questions, they never leave your mind
Easy answers, they're nowhere to find

Sometimes it's hard
Sometimes it's the middle of the night
Sometimes it's all wrong
Sometimes it can be all right

CHORUS

BRIDGE:
You may not see what you've been given
With all that's been taken away
Just remember from the darkest of nights
Always come the brightest days

---------------------------------------------------
I just had it up listening to it when you posted so I hope it speaks to you too!

John.

Tha song is perfect and it was sent my way at the "Perfect Timing!" Thank you again for sharing it with me.

 

[Clarencen]

Well Sweetbasil, there is a lesson to be learned from Job. Its been a long time since I have read Job. Job had is misfortunes, he was frustrated and discouraged.Hhis friends and even his wife did little to help him. Eventually I guess the sun finally shone through the clouds. I get more from Ecclesiastes. Kennedy used some verses from Ecclesiastes in his inogoral speech. I was not much of a bible reader, I did not even know where they came from.

My brother was killed in a farm accident about 21 years ago. For some reason the family chose a funeral card with sheaves of wheat, I suppose it was just that he was a farmer. Then sympathy cards came many had verses like there is a time for everything, a time to be born and a time to die. I came to realize, we plant seed in anticipation for the harvest. Life has a parallel. I found comfort in Eccelestics.

All things are vanity. God sees things different then man. We worry about things that never happen. All the rivers run into the ocean but the ocean never gets full. Take a look at today, we are worried about climate change, so far it isn't much more then theory, still it can notbe ignored, but God has an order. Take our comming election, how many voters will vote according to careful thought and reason, How many because of vanety.

 

[Martin Jr.]

Sirach is much the same as Proverbs, many sayings about how to live life.

Here are a couple: Chapter 38: 16 - 23
My son, shed tears for one who is dead with wailing and bitter lament. As is only proper, prepare the body, absent not yourself from his burial. Weeping bitterly, mourning fully, pay your tribute of sorrow, as he deserves, one or two days, to prevent gossip; then compose yourself after your grief, for grief can bring on an extremity and heartache destroy one's health. Turn not your thoughts to him again; cease to recall him; think rather of the end. Recall him not, for there is not hope of his return, it will not help him, but will do you harm. Remember that his fate will also be yours, for him it was yesterday, for you today. With the departed dead, let memory fade; rally your courage, once the soul has left.
44: 8 - 15
Some of them have left behind a name and men recount their prais-worthy deeds. But of others there is no memory, for when they ceased, they ceased. And they are as though they had not lived, they and their children after them. Yet these also were godly men whose virtues have not been forgotten, their wealth remains in their families, their heritage with their descendants, through God's covenant with them their family endures, their posterity, for their sake. And for all time their progeny will endure, their glory will never be blotted out, their bodies are peacefully laid away, but their name lives on and on. At gatherings their wisdom is retold, and the assembly proclaims their praise.

Lyle; 22 Feb 1941 - 30 March 1991

Lyle and Martin 1948

 

[Black Out]

Psalms the first forty chapters of Psalms have always been inspiration for me. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall he shall not be utterly cast down for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. Or Wait on the Lord be of good courage and he shall strengthen thine heart. Wait , I say on the Lord.

 

[Shortgrass]

Job is a deep book. It chronicles the searchings of a man's heart as he tries to understand why bad things happen to good people. In the end, God questions Job. Job comes to the conclusion that, although we may never understand all that God does, we can still trust Him. Where else can we turn?

 

[sweetbasil]

Well Sweetbasil, there is a lesson to be learned from Job. Its been a long time since I have read Job. Job had is misfortunes, he was frustrated and discouraged.Hhis friends and even his wife did little to help him. Eventually I guess the sun finally shone through the clouds. I get more from Ecclesiastes. Kennedy used some verses from Ecclesiastes in his inogoral speech. I was not much of a bible reader, I did not even know where they came from.

My brother was killed in a farm accident about 21 years ago. For some reason the family chose a funeral card with sheaves of wheat, I suppose it was just that he was a farmer. Then sympathy cards came many had verses like there is a time for everything, a time to be born and a time to die. I came to realize, we plant seed in anticipation for the harvest. Life has a parallel. I found comfort in Eccelestics.

All things are vanity. God sees things different then man. We worry about things that never happen. All the rivers run into the ocean but the ocean never gets full. Take a look at today, we are worried about climate change, so far it isn't much more then theory, still it can notbe ignored, but God has an order. Take our comming election, how many voters will vote according to careful thought and reason, How many because of vanety.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share these words of wisdom with me. I think God guided me to make this post because my Mom said something similar to what you said "...we plant seed in anticipation for the harvest. " yesterday as we went for a walk together...

God is trying to help me grow emotionally and it feels that certain circumstances that I am experiencing are preparing me for the next task in life.. This time in my life has opened the door to greatness for me because I am actually reading God's teachings through the Bible and everyday I am becoming closer to him.

I am sorry to hear about your brother. God only knows why he takes our loved ones away;they might not be here with us physically, but they always live in our hearts...

 

[sweetbasil]

Sirach is much the same as Proverbs, many sayings about how to live life.

Here are a couple: Chapter 38: 16 - 23
My son, shed tears for one who is dead with wailing and bitter lament. As is only proper, prepare the body, absent not yourself from his burial. Weeping bitterly, mourning fully, pay your tribute of sorrow, as he deserves, one or two days, to prevent gossip; then compose yourself after your grief, for grief can bring on an extremity and heartache destroy one's health. Turn not your thoughts to him again; cease to recall him; think rather of the end. Recall him not, for there is not hope of his return, it will not help him, but will do you harm. Remember that his fate will also be yours, for him it was yesterday, for you today. With the departed dead, let memory fade; rally your courage, once the soul has left.
44: 8 - 15
Some of them have left behind a name and men recount their prais-worthy deeds. But of others there is no memory, for when they ceased, they ceased. And they are as though they had not lived, they and their children after them. Yet these also were godly men whose virtues have not been forgotten, their wealth remains in their families, their heritage with their descendants, through God's covenant with them their family endures, their posterity, for their sake. And for all time their progeny will endure, their glory will never be blotted out, their bodies are peacefully laid away, but their name lives on and on. At gatherings their wisdom is retold, and the assembly proclaims their praise.

Lyle; 22 Feb 1941 - 30 March 1991

Lyle and Martin 1948

Thank you so much for your words of wisdom! I will certainly read the Sirach as well. I am trying to make notes of all of the wonderful suggestions as I am on this wonderful journey of reading God's teachings.

 

[sweetbasil]

Psalms the first forty chapters of Psalms have always been inspiration for me. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall he shall not be utterly cast down for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. Or Wait on the Lord be of good courage and he shall strengthen thine heart. Wait , I say on the Lord.

"Black Out,"
Thank you for taking the time to let me know about the Psalms' chapters. I will definitely read them and look forward to being inspired as well.

Have a blissful rest of the week,
SB

 

[sweetbasil]

Job is a deep book. It chronicles the searchings of a man's heart as he tries to understand why bad things happen to good people. In the end, God questions Job. Job comes to the conclusion that, although we may never understand all that God does, we can still trust Him. Where else can we turn?

"Shortgrass,"
You are so right, the Book of Job is certainly "deep!" I am so glad that my Mom suggested for me to read this book first, as I have been questioning God's actions for a while back... I am trying to find my faith, but I can't believe some people can go on in life without "faith"... I have no idea "where else can turn" without God in my heart...

Have a blissful week,
SB

 

[Triangle Bar]

Sweetbasil, here is some thoughts from Dr. Stanley. I hope they will comfort and encourage you, in your walk with Christ.

and remember.... Romans 8:31 'If God is for us, who is against us?'


Gaining Courage in Tough Times


By Charles F. Stanley

When you face a hardship in life, is fear the first emotion you feel? It doesn't have to be. We can respond in faith regardless of our circumstances. Remember, courage isn't just an attitude of toughness or determination. It is a quality of mind and spirit that enables us to meet the challenges of life with peace.

Here are four important things to do when facing life's trials:

1. Be aware of God's presence.

The most important thing to realize through any hardship or temptation is that God is with you. While other people may desert you, the Lord never will.

Remember what Jesus said about the Holy Spirit: "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you" (John 14:16-17). Once we trust Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit will always be with us, no matter what.

2. Draw from God's strength.

Stressful circumstances can drain us emotionally, physically, and spiritually, thereby making us more vulnerable to satanic attacks. Another key to facing any difficulty with courage is to draw from the Lord's strength.

As Jesus said, the Father sent the Holy Spirit to help us. The Spirit is third person of the Godhead, and He dwells within every born-again believer, providing divine power for living the Christian life. Through Him we gain discernment and spiritual wisdom. He strengthens us physically and guides our emotions as we submit to His leading.

3. Yield to His purpose.

When Paul stood before the Roman tribunal to give his defense, he knew their authority amounted to nothing compared to the power of God. He also knew his suffering was for a specific purpose. The apostle said, "The Lord stood with me and strengthened me in order that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished and that all the Gentiles might hear" (2 Tim. 4:16-17, emphasis added).

Paul, knowing the Lord is always near, realized he could yield to the Father's will. It wouldn't be the tribunal's decision whether or not to take his life; it would be God's. Because Paul trusted the Lord's plan, he was able to give one of the greatest defenses of the faith ever proclaimed. His suffering served a purpose—to share the message of the risen Savior with the Gentiles, and eventually the world.

We need to know our suffering is not in vain. God sometimes allows affliction in order to accomplish His purposes, which include demonstrating to the world His faithfulness through our lives. Hardship gives us the chance to say, "Let me tell you about the Lord. He is the source of my strength, faith, perseverance, and endurance. He's the One enabling me to go through this."

4. Meditate on His Word.

There is one other thing that can keep our spirits up during difficult times—God's Word. Paul specifically asked Timothy to bring his books and parchments when he was on trial in Rome (2 Tim. 4:13). While nobody knows for certain, those books were possibly early writings of the gospel (or some portion of it) and the parchments referred to Hebrew Scripture.

In spite of the sermons Paul preached, the churches he established, and the profound knowledge he had, he was just as normal as any of us. He needed the living Word of God to remind him of the truth and provide encouragement. When we encounter hardships in life, reading Scripture on a daily basis protects our hearts and minds.

Our Choice

No one chooses to go through times of pain and sorrow in life. But we can choose our response. We can decide to pray, "Father, thank You for never leaving me—and for strengthening me now. Please use me, whatever it takes, to accomplish Your purposes. And Lord, as I meditate upon Your Word, nourish my soul with the truth, and see me through this hard time."

Friend, if you'll remember to do these four things, you'll be filled with the courage to walk through any trial and be victorious in the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

[sweetbasil]

Sweetbasil, here is some thoughts from Dr. Stanley. I hope they will comfort and encourage you, in your walk with Christ.

and remember.... Romans 8:31 'If God is for us, who is against us?'


Gaining Courage in Tough Times


By Charles F. Stanley

When you face a hardship in life, is fear the first emotion you feel? It doesn't have to be. We can respond in faith regardless of our circumstances. Remember, courage isn't just an attitude of toughness or determination. It is a quality of mind and spirit that enables us to meet the challenges of life with peace.

Here are four important things to do when facing life's trials:

1. Be aware of God's presence.

The most important thing to realize through any hardship or temptation is that God is with you. While other people may desert you, the Lord never will.

Remember what Jesus said about the Holy Spirit: "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you" (John 14:16-17). Once we trust Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit will always be with us, no matter what.

2. Draw from God's strength.

Stressful circumstances can drain us emotionally, physically, and spiritually, thereby making us more vulnerable to satanic attacks. Another key to facing any difficulty with courage is to draw from the Lord's strength.

As Jesus said, the Father sent the Holy Spirit to help us. The Spirit is third person of the Godhead, and He dwells within every born-again believer, providing divine power for living the Christian life. Through Him we gain discernment and spiritual wisdom. He strengthens us physically and guides our emotions as we submit to His leading.

3. Yield to His purpose.

When Paul stood before the Roman tribunal to give his defense, he knew their authority amounted to nothing compared to the power of God. He also knew his suffering was for a specific purpose. The apostle said, "The Lord stood with me and strengthened me in order that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished and that all the Gentiles might hear" (2 Tim. 4:16-17, emphasis added).

Paul, knowing the Lord is always near, realized he could yield to the Father's will. It wouldn't be the tribunal's decision whether or not to take his life; it would be God's. Because Paul trusted the Lord's plan, he was able to give one of the greatest defenses of the faith ever proclaimed. His suffering served a purpose—to share the message of the risen Savior with the Gentiles, and eventually the world.

We need to know our suffering is not in vain. God sometimes allows affliction in order to accomplish His purposes, which include demonstrating to the world His faithfulness through our lives. Hardship gives us the chance to say, "Let me tell you about the Lord. He is the source of my strength, faith, perseverance, and endurance. He's the One enabling me to go through this."

4. Meditate on His Word.

There is one other thing that can keep our spirits up during difficult times—God's Word. Paul specifically asked Timothy to bring his books and parchments when he was on trial in Rome (2 Tim. 4:13). While nobody knows for certain, those books were possibly early writings of the gospel (or some portion of it) and the parchments referred to Hebrew Scripture.

In spite of the sermons Paul preached, the churches he established, and the profound knowledge he had, he was just as normal as any of us. He needed the living Word of God to remind him of the truth and provide encouragement. When we encounter hardships in life, reading Scripture on a daily basis protects our hearts and minds.

Our Choice

No one chooses to go through times of pain and sorrow in life. But we can choose our response. We can decide to pray, "Father, thank You for never leaving me—and for strengthening me now. Please use me, whatever it takes, to accomplish Your purposes. And Lord, as I meditate upon Your Word, nourish my soul with the truth, and see me through this hard time."

Friend, if you'll remember to do these four things, you'll be filled with the courage to walk through any trial and be victorious in the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Triangle Bar,"
You have no idea how much I appreciate the time you and others have taken to share great wisdom with me. This article will be printed in a few minutes, and I will keep it close to my heart as I continue to seek God's word.

Thank you for taking the time to help me out...

Happy Wednesday,
SB

 

[balestabber]

altho i have been thru bankruptcy....,forecloser and divorce
i have raised some cane---and needed some guidence of course
my ex-wife led me to the Lord---a gift i cannot repay
as i ask for forgiveness....each and every day

the folks here at ranchers....all give good advice
we must answer to ourselves....as we pay the price
so trust in GOD....and keep the faith so near
as we live this life on earth----with GOD there is no fear