Bible Pathways - June 21, 2005
June 21
In Today's
Bildad's answer; Job's reproof of Bildad; Job's praise to God; Job's truthfulness; source of wisdom; recalling past wealth
The Book of Job is the inspired Word of God. Job was not searching for answers when he said: Where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? Man knows not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living. . . . neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. . . . Where then comes wisdom? . . . Seeing it is hidden from the eyes of all living (Job 28:12-13,15,20-21).
Job was expressing his utmost confidence that God is the Author and Revealer of true wisdom. There is no substitute for reading all of His Word to gain this wisdom and understand His perfect plan for our lives. This means that it is important to read through every book of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, with a sincere desire to apply its instruction to our own lives. We can be sure that Satan will attempt to distract us from the true source of wisdom and cause us to allow circumstances or contemporary standards to influence our decisions.
The worldly-minded find fault with God, just as the Israelites did as they journeyed through the wilderness. They complained about their circumstances instead of acknowledging that God was in control. We too can make unwise decisions when we allow ourselves to become frustrated. To illustrate, we may say to someone: "You make me angry." But the fact is, we choose to be angry Or we may say: "I am depressed today." However, the sad truth is that we have refused to acknowledge God in the circumstances He has allowed to take place in our lives. We can be sure that our Lord is far more concerned with our best interests than even we are. Let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as to a faithful Creator (I Peter 4:19). We always have the choice to move above and beyond anger and disappointments by permitting the indwelling Christ to rule our lives. This is the key to experiencing the peace of God, which passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). The psalmist declared: The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple (Psalm 119:130).
Christ Revealed:
Through Job's compassion for others (Job 29:15-17). Jesus was moved with compassion when He saw great crowds in need of healing and feeding (Matthew 14:14; 15:30-39).
Word Studies:
27:22 fain flee = desires to flee; 28:1 a vein = a mine; fine = refine; 29:14 diadem = turban or headdress of a king.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Linda Kennon · BPM Staff: Rebecca Hahn · Government Officials: Gov. James Douglas (VT), Rep. Dan Burton (IN), and Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (CA) · Country: China, Mainland (1.2 billion) in eastern Asia · Major languages: Standard Chinese (Putonghua) or Mandarin (based on the Beijing dialect) · Renewed persecution of the Church · 18% Chinese folk-religionist; 6% Buddhist; 2% Muslim; number of Christians unknown but growing · Prayer Suggestion: Pray fervently with others (Romans 15:30).
Optional
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Thessalonians 4:7
