WHAT'S IN YOUR HAND?

• WHAT IS IN YOUR HAND?

  (EXODUS 4)

WORTH THE WAIT

 WORTH THE WAIT

Bible Passage: Genesis 12: 1-5 ; 15:1-4

INTRODUCTION:

Being in a situation of a single person like me, there are many worries and burdens come to your mind. I'm just glad that I can handle emotional struggles by reading God's Words. 

Not just single persons but all of us have problems & struggles need to deal with. Like Abraham, he was already 75 years old and needed to deal with future plans.

LESSON POINTS:

1. When things so impossible for you,TRUST  GOD

In Genesis 15:2, Abraham point out that      He's childless when he was talking to God.      He would become a great nation but how        it would happen he had no heir. Only his      servant Eliezzer would be an heir. But God promised that Eliezzer would not be his        heir. 

Like Abraham, when talking about future, we also have struggles like when we get older who would take care of us, do we have money during retirement, physical struggles if we get sick, do your children (if you have) can still visit you during old age, marriage problems and many more. 

In Genesis 15: 5, God confirmed to Abraham His promise. In the present we can't talk to God in that manner, we already have His word, the Bible, there are a lot of promises to those faithful believers; we just need to read His word. By reading His Word, we're like Abraham, God's talking to us. The greatest thing Abraham did was when he responded in verse 6

"And he believed in the LORD, and he counted it to him for righteousness."

We should do the same, though it's impossible for us, Trust God

2. Your way is different from God's 

We know the struggle of Abraham and Sarah at first; they had no child. But they knew God's promise to them. No longer waiting for that promise, they tried to help God fulfills His promise (Gen. 15:2-3; 16:1-2). Sarah gave her servant, Hagar, to Abraham to sleep with him and Abraham agreed. Without knowing that this would only to heartaches and family problem. 

I remember when my sister and I were in younger years, we tried to look for possible boyfriend in the internet, online dating and chatting but eventually we discovered it was a scam and sexual exploitation. We were glad we didn't go on that deeper.

So you see, let's be reminded that God's way is the best and not ours. 

3. Waiting for God's will is worth the wait 

In Genesis 21:5 Isaac was born. It's worth the wait. 

At this present, we may not still have an answered prayer with our worries and struggle, KEEP ON! DON'T GIVE UP! With God all things are possible 

THE OPPORTUNITY (JOHN 9:4)

 

JOHN 9:4 / Colossians 4:2-6

Lesson prepared by: Krisha of Solomon Wisdom FB page

 

MEMORY VERSE:

JOHN 9:4

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” (KJV)

 

INTRODUCTION:

When you travel in different country the first thing you’ll see, apart from the good views, is the culture. For example, in America where I’d been: you won’t see them “make mano” to elders, the elders usually go to facilities when they’re too old to take care of themselves but we cannot judge them because that’s the way they are raised. If you talk to them and see how the system goes, you will truly understand them. People there are too busy and you seldom see people walking on the streets especially in county and also most of them have cars to use. Why I say this? I say this because in different places around the world, there are different opportunities we can see. The opportunity we have in the Philippines is not the same in other country.

 

How about the opportunity in sharing the gospel? Can you do street evangelism in other places? In other countries, you cannot do that, you will be put in prison. Others you need to have permits, and in some places, you will not be heard because all people are in their cars. Can you do on knocking doors? No you can’t. How can you do that if mostly people are in their work and if there are some staying in their houses, they have legitimate reasons why they’re there – busy and if you tried they’ll say “I’m good, I don’t need that.” You cannot see people making “tambay” outside. If you see them outside, they do something: mowing grass, doing gardening and many things. How about in grocery stores? If you’ll say, “you need help.” They’ll mostly say, “No, thanks. I’m good.” They are raised independently so every time they block your way in the aisle in grocery store for example, they always say “I’m Sorry” because they see the time consume in buying- their free time. Can you give bible tracts? You can in other places but most of the time they put in wipers of cars in the parking lot. You cannot give inside the grocery stores because some will report you to the store manager. In other Muslim countries, they’ll put you in prison. So what will they do now? In USA, they still try do knocking doors, giving tracts and other things; find other ways even it’s very hard. Some countries, they do basement worship services.

 

 

 

LESSON OUTLINE:

1)     BE SENSITIVE WITH THE OPPORTUNITY

Because of the culture and the different opportunity, some Christians in other countries just go with the flow and just wait for the opportunity to come and this cause them to feel insensitive with the opportunity when it comes their way.

 

Nowadays, we can see that social media is a great avenue for sharing the gospel. Instead of posting unnecessary things on social media, let’s use this as an opportunity to share the gospel especially to those our friends, relatives and others in other countries. Talking about sensitivity, when see our FB friends posting things that are alarming and you think they need help, make a private message to that person and pray for him or her. In line with this, always remember that our Facebook account or any accounts on social media are also our way of showing our testimony. So be careful what are in there or anything posted.

 

In the church we should be sensitive, if we see a visitor, be friendly and don’t let that time passed without telling that person how God loves him/her – share the GOODNEWS.  In our bag, let’s put bible tracts or any invitation cards so that when meet someone or a friend in a place we go, it’s easy for us to invite; It’s the first step to share what you believe in – salvation.

 

 

 

 

2)    LOOK FOR WAYS

Have you experienced of not doing something in sharing the good news? We become stagnant and at peace of just being a Christian. Whether we accept it or not, our ultimate goal given to us by God is the Great Commission which is written in Matthew 28:19-20.

 

In the Philippines, we can still see people staying outside their houses and play, talking with neighbors, or just stay and drink coffee. The people are still reachable, you can still do the house to house sharing. So as part of looking for ways, being friendly to your neighbor is also one way of sharing the gospel. Another thing, when your birthday comes it’s the best time to invite people so it’s also the best time to share good news as part of the birthday program. Reunions, All Saints Day, Christmas, New Year and other special events are the best ways to share.

 

Though there are many ways, Christians come to the point of their Christian lives that that they become stagnant. They stopped looking for ways in sharing the gospel, and become deaf in the voice of the Holy Spirit or they’re not sensitive anymore to the opportunity.

 

3)    BE EQUIPPED WITH THE SHARING OF THE GOSPEL

If you’re a teacher, you are equipped to teach. If you’re a licensed dentist, you are equipped to treat dental problems. If you’re a doctor, you are allowed to treat patients with their health problem and many more. Therefore, if you’re a Christian, you should be equipped to share the Gospel because this is what happened to you – someone shared to you the gospel and furthermore, this is what God has commanded.

In 2 Timothy 2:8-13 we can see how Paul reminded Timothy about the Gospel. First and foremost, the content of the gospel of what Paul shared is JESUS CHRIST. It says, “Remember Jesus Christ, of the seed of David who was raised from the dead…” Timothy needed to keep the fact that Jesus is the Messiah. The gospel should be the good news that pertains to Jesus Christ who died on the cross. In sharing the gospel, Paul suffered the consequences (He was chained). He understood that they could chain him but they could not never chain the word of God. It will spread no matter what. Why he endures all these things? For the elect’s sake (God’s people), that they obtain salvation. So we see how motivated Paul was in sharing the gospel. Like Him, we should be motivated by what Jesus did on the cross for others to know. We should not have the thought that “BE SAVED ALONE IN THE FAMILY.”

 

According to Colossians 4:5

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”

 

This speaks ‘to them that are without’ to unbelievers according to commentary. Part of being sensitive to the opportunity, we are commanded to walk with wisdom toward those who are outside, unbelievers. Walk in wisdom speaks on how to deal with them in order for us to have the opportunity to share the gospel. Paul believed that Christians would answer others from biblical truth. Also, it is mentioned that we must let our speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Being equipped, read and study your bible and have your personal devotions in order for you to keep on motivated and talked by the Lord through His word. There are many ways to share the Gospel and it depends on the people you talk to or the allowed minutes you are given. If you are given only few minutes, JOHN 3:16 is enough in sharing the gospel. Study and master because this is the greatest command God told us to do while we are here on earth.

 

 

CONCLUSION:

 

My sister and I had once a week regular bible study to a woman in other barangay. That time we were late because of unavoidable circumstances. We knocked on the door and someone responded but not the woman we used to have the bible study, it was an another woman. So as usual we asked where the woman was and she said, she went somewhere for an important event. As she spoke, some thoughts at the back of my mind, “Best opportunity to share.” I look at my sister and our eyes were like talking. That time it was almost lunch so there was a battle on my thoughts. “You can’t share she might be cooking or she would think it was already lunch and she cannot offer you something to eat.” Because of the battle in my mind, I decided to just give her a nice bible tract in order for her to read and might know and believe Jesus as her Savior then we bid goodbye. As we were walking, I told my sister the battle in my mind and she said she experienced that too. When I heard her words, I asked her “Could we come back? Let’s try what do you think?” She said “I don’t know. It’s already lunch.” We went back a few steps but I stopped to go home and promised to share the next week.

 

Coming of the next week, my sister and I went to our bible study with our goal of sharing the gospel to the woman we met last week. When we knocked, Donna, our Bible Study attendee opened the door. As we entered and we allowed to sit, I asked who was the woman we met last week and where she was. As she was speaking, my toes shook and my heart beat faster. She said she was already died; she was just buried a day before we came. Her death is unexpectedly because she was okay. She got measles but only few came out on her skin. The family thought she was fine and they also went to a carnival but after that they brought her to the hospital and that was it. I can’t put into details but it reminded that life really is too short; she was in late 30s I think that time when she died. After the bible study and while we were walking, there were tears in our eyes. I can’t talk that time. I prayed to the Lord and asked for forgiveness. I would never, never forget this experience in sharing the gospel. From that time on, I always sensitive to the opportunity of sharing the gospel.

 

DOING GOD'S WORK IN GOD'S WAY

 

picture taken from google

TITLE: Doing God’s Work in God’s Way

BIBLE PASSAGE: Zechariah 4:1-6

INTRODUCTION:

Why is it so often we hear about men and women who are in the ministry, serving the Lord, doing the Lord’s work falling by the way side? Sometimes because of moral problems, they just get disgusted, disillusioned and discouraged in the work of the Lord. How can a person serving the Living God become so discouraged that they would be willing to walk away from the very calling God has given them? Well, there may be many reasons but the primary reason probably is that we do the work in the wrong way. That is, we are not doing the God’s work in God’s way.

LESSON BACKGROUND:

That those Israelites who have been in Babylonian captivity for seventy years have now, under Cyrus, been allowed to return to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel to rebuild the temple. And so, they have gone back now, some fifty thousand of them. And they laid the foundation of the temple but because of some objections and some harassment and difficulties, great difficulties about fifteen years have gone by and they have not completed, have not begun the temple as such. And so, now the Spirit of God speaks through an angel and he says to the prophet Zechariah, tell Zerubbabel this and He gives us a vision in the fourth chapter. And there are many visions here but in this vision – He gives one and in the process of giving him that vision, He lays us down for us the principle by which we do, GOD’S WORK GOD’S WAY.

(read the passage)

Doing GOD’S WORK MEANS DOING…

1.   BY NOT YOUR MIGHT NOR BY POWER (ZECHARIAH 4:6)

 

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.

In this passage we see that there are two ways to do the Lord’s work and this is what it says “Not by might, nor by power” – That’s one way to do the Lord’s work, by might and by power. Now, to Zerubbabel to do it by might would probably have meant, to him, to do it by having enough military might and strength to protect him in the process of doing of what he’s doing. For you and for me that may imply or refer to depending upon our influence and depending upon our resources and our great influence to get it done. When he says, “NOT by Power,” what He would say to you and me today is that we’re not to depend our personality, we’re not to depend our abilities, our gifts, our talents, our education, our past experience and past successes. Do you know usually what causes us to drift from doing God’s work God’s way? The subtlest thing- that one thing that causes to drift from doing is SUCCESS which is the subtle way that Satan trips us up. If he can get you successful enough you begin to believe, “I CAN HANDLE IT.” Any servant of God who says, “I can handle it” just made a confession because the work of the Lord is to be done by relying upon the Spirit of God to do it. God never blesses things we do in the flesh.  And what happens is, oftentimes, He withdraws His hand, He withholds the resources, He confuses the circumstances, and He frustrates the efforts.

We should not attempt it by our own might and power. Not by might nor power but what?

2.   BY RELYING ON THE HOLY SPIRIT (ZECHARIAH 4:6)

There’s a way to complete this work and the work will be completed and there will be shouts of joy that will be glorifying to God. That if the Lord’s work is to be done in the Lord’s way, it must be done in this fashion and that is RELYING ON THE SPIRIT OF GOD.

 

God’s work done in God’s way requires that we rely upon the Spirit of God to do it through us.

When you were saved the Bible says the Holy Spirit came into your life. He came for a specific reason, to carry out many ministries.

 

Are you doing the Lord’s work in God’s way in total reliance of the Holy Spirit? Some of us would probably answer “Why, sure I am.” Let’s think for two things. First of all, what does not mean, secondly, how can you and I really tell whether we are truly relying upon the Holy Spirit or not. Well, it does not mean, “Well, I’ve prayed about it.” That doesn’t mean I’m relying upon the Holy Spirit. Neither does it mean than I’m relying upon the Holy Spirit if I say, “Well you know just let go and let God.” And secondly, neither does it mean that I’m relying upon the Holy Spirit when I have absolutely exhausted myself and lying frustrate thinking, “Okay, now God please take over.” That’s not relying upon the Holy Spirit; that’s desperation crying out for God to get out of a mess. That’s not relying upon the Holy Spirit. When you and I are doing God’s work in the power of the Holy Spirit relying upon Him that there are certain things that are going to be evident. And here’s one of them, that WE ARE FULLY CONVINCED THAT IF HE DOES NOT DO IT, THEN IT WILL FAIL. This not mean that you do some little prayer, “Lord please bless what I’m going to do because if you don’t, it won’t work out right.” It means DEEP ABIDING CONVICTION. “God if you don’t do it, it’s not going to work.”

 

IN COURT WITH THE LORD

BIBLE PASSAGE: MICAH 6:1-8

• Picture taken from Google
• Lesson Prepared by: Krisha of Solomon’s Wisdom FB page
• APRIL, 2024

INTRODUCTION:

If were to ask how’s your relationship to God, what’s your answer? How about God, if he would answer, what would be the possible reply you expected based on GOD - YOU- relationship?

In Micah chapter 6, we can read that God had complaints against His people and the people urged God to voice out His complaints and it’s like telling the case in the court. Also, the Israelite people were complaining of God’s expectation of them.

In verse 3, God asked, “What have I done to you? And How have I wearied you? (In tagalog: Ano ba ang nagawa ko sainyo? Paano ba ako naging pabigat sainyo?)

Sometimes, as Christians, we think that being a Christian has a lot of responsibilities to do and this is one of the possible reasons why some of us don’t commit in a certain ministry. Have you experienced having complains in the ministry and converse it to the Lord?

I remember one time in our church when the ministry leaders had a meeting with the pastor and we talked about the prayer ministry. At the end of the meeting it was time to vote for what time would go church to pray (once a week) and the winner for that vote is 6:00am. I had a kind of complains at that time but I had no choice because that was time mostly the leaders voted for. I was thinking of the things I need to prepare on that early morning but I asked the Lord for my heart to humbly accept the decision. Eventually, God gave me the heart of acceptance and though there were sacrifices, I felt the intimate time praying with the Lord. I asked the Lord to forgive me and accept my service in prayer.

In the passage, let’s see the dialogue as witnesses of what had happened to the GOD-ISRAEL relationship.

 

LESSON OUTLINE:

1.  GOD PROVIDES A BRIEF HISTORY OF ALL THAT GOD HAS DONE TO THEM.

God provides a brief history of all that God has done for them through the years (6:4-5). Given this story, they should be more grateful than their complaining suggests. Those “saving acts of God” (verse 5) on Israel’s behalf include: the exodus from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 1-15); the leadership of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam (a striking female reference, Exodus 15:20-21); the deliverance from the Moabite King Balak through the agency of Balaam as the people made their way through the wilderness (Numbers 22-24); and the climactic move into the promised land itself, using familiar shorthand:  from Shittim, east of the Jordan, to Gilgal on the west (see Joshua 2:1; 3:1; 4:19; 5:19). (workingpreacher.org)

 

We can see that like in a courtroom, Israel stepped as a witness and God asked what He has done. Sometimes we need to be reminded what God has done to our lives in order for us to remember that God has done nothing but good to all of us. Israel was thinking that they were cursed by God because of the things happened to them but God reminded them about what happened to King Balak who wanted to curse Israel through Balaam but God intervened and instead of cursing, Balaam blessed them.

 

Not only did God not do evil to Israel, He also did them an enormous amount of good. He redeemed them and gave them godly leaders. God’s case against Israel was strong and Israel was guilty in the prophet’s court.

 

In light of this, Israel must remember that God could never be persuaded to curse Israel, except if they brought curses on themselves through their own idolatry and disobedience. In the prophet’s courtroom God showed Israel that if they felt cursed in any way, it was entirely their responsibility. (enduring.com/bible-commentary)

 

Sometimes we are in the same situation with Israel; we blame God for everything that happens in our lives. We don’t see that our stubbornness has consequences and leads us to a wrong path.

 

Remembering God has done in our lives is the best way to be a witness that God doesn’t want us to have a miserable life. If we just only be obedient to His instructions.

 

 

2.  THE ISRAELITES REPLIED WITH BITTERNESS AND RESENTMENT (MICAH 6:6-7)

Wherewith shall I come before the Lord? This was a question asked out of bitterness and resentment. In Micah’s imagined courtroom, Israel called out to God from the witness stand and said, “Just what do you want from me?”

 

Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, ten thousand rivers of oil? This reply from Israel is like saying, “You’re asking too much from me.”

 

Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? This answer from the people was like saying “Would that be enough to please You?”

 

Sometimes we are in a situation that pleasing the Lord is hard for us. To the extent that we’re thinking that God is asking too much from us without realizing that obedience is the best way God wants.

 

Of all God has done for us, is it worth to become obedient to Him?

 

 

 

3.  GOD TELLS WHAT HE REQUIRES OF US (MICAH 6:8)

He has shown you: In Micah the prophet’s imagined courtroom God stopped the shouting of the angry defendant from the witness box. God essentially said, “You act as if what I require of you is some mystery. In fact, it is no mystery at all. I have shown you clearly what is good and what I require of you.”

To be just is to be fair in all you do. To act justly means to be honest and tell the truth. It means you treat every person equally, hold them to the same standard, and not apply a different system of fairness to one person versus another.   This means you will do what is morally right even when it is not socially popular. 

To love mercy means you will respond in the situation the way God would. You will uphold his standard in the earth and view every situation through this lens. It means you will love people the way he loves them and care for people the way he cares for them. Especially those who are less fortunate.

To walk humbly with God means you are not only careful about your walk, but you recognize your position is a result of God’s grace and nothing else. Your walk with God should cause you to increase in humility, not become full of arrogance.

When you add it all up, this verse is about your character. One of the ways character is displayed is how you treat people who disagree with you, and how you treat people who can give you nothing in return. In Matthew Jesus talks about how easy it is to love those who love you back. That does not display character or fruit. How do you love those who choose not to love you back, or where there is no personal benefit from loving them? When you can do these things, you are fulfilling the challenge to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God. This is what God has shown us. Now let’s go do it. 

In Micah the prophet’s imagined courtroom God has proven His case before the court. Israel was afflicted, but it was not because of the neglect or disregard of God. Their own sin brought their affliction upon them. In addition, what God required of them was not mysterious or too difficult – they simply did not do it.

 

 

 

WHERE WERE YOU?

This picture was taken from Google

August 12, 2018

BIBLE PASSAGE: JOB 38: 1-41

MEMORY VERSE: 1 Peter 4:12 (KJV) 12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: Explanations and some words were taken from: https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/job-the-revelation-of-god-in-suffering

INTRODUCTION:

When we are asked if we’ll continue serving the Lord despite struggles, it’s easy for us to respond “YES, AMEN” but it’s easy saying it rather than doing-especially if we weren’t in that situation. How can you go on or press on if you think your sufferings are greater than you could imagine?

Have we experienced losing our love ones not just one but many? Have we experienced losing our jobs and nothing to sustain? Have we experienced losing our other sources of income like businesses? Have we experienced losing a good relationship with our spouse or any family members? Have we experienced losing our strength and now in pain because of sickness?

If we have this kind of situation is it considered okay that we utter questions to God like “Why Lord?”?  Is it normal for us to be disheartened and lose hope in a situation like this? Let’s see in our lesson for today titled, “WHERE WERE YOU?”

Our lesson is taken from Job chapters 38 -42. We know what happened to Job. Job had been lying in unrelieved misery for months with open sores all over his body. During this time, he bore the grief of seven dead sons and three dead daughters. All his wealth had vanished in one afternoon. He had become repulsive to his wife, loathsome to his brothers, and even little children despised him as he lay on the ash heap outside of town.

At first, Job bore these calamities with amazing submission: "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord . . . Shall we receive good at the hand of the Lord, and shall we not receive evil?"

But as the misery drug out over the months, Job wavered in his confidence that God was for him. In defending himself against the bad theology of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, he said things about God that was not true. He began to insist on his own righteousness at the expense of God's justice.

During our sufferings, sometimes we say, “What have I done wrong? I have served God all of my life” and you started questioning God’s ways. This is what happened to Job; pride grew in his heart.

How can we press on if we are bearing great burdens and trials? In our lessons, let’s consider what were the questions asked to Job by the Lord when he was in pain.

LESSON OUTLINE

       1.     WHERE WERE YOU WHEN I LAID THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH? (JOB 38:4)

In verse 3 of chapter 38 God said, “Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me”

In 38:4–7 God focuses on the earth: "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding." You weren't there, Job, and you don't know how I did it.

In 38:8–11 God focuses on the sea: "Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth as if it had issued out of the womb?" It was I, Job, I set its limits, not you. You weren't there, and you don't know how I did it.

In 38:12–15 the Lord focuses on the dawn: "Has thou commanded the morning since thy days and caused the dayspring to know his place?" You never did it. You can't do it. You don't know how to do it. I have always done it. I always will.

In 38:16–18 God focuses on the depth and breadth of the sea and land. Job, you have never even been to the bottom of the ocean or around the world. And you think you know enough to argue with God.

I remember my first time flying in an airplane, I was so amazed by the beauty above the clouds and our recent flight, our third time flying internationally, I was still amazed and thankful to God. I always have reflections every time I see the creation above. You see yourself very little compare to the hands of the Lord upon His creation. What I have seen was just a glimpse of God’s knowledge and how about if you’ll see the whole world. How all things go into place. All you could say there’s SOMEONE who controls everything. KNOWING GOD IS IN CONTROL OF EVERYTHING GIVES YOU THE COURAGE TO PRESS ON!

We can see in this lesson that if your situations make you doubt God’s ways and control and these hinder you from the press on just look at God's knowledge of everything.

2.    WHERE WERE YOU WHEN I CREATED THE DWELLING PLACES OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS? (JOB 38:19)

Then in the last half of chapter 38 God takes his focus off the world below and turns it to the world above.

First, in verses 19–21 he queries Job about the origin of light and dark: "Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof," You don't know where it is or how to get there. But I do, Job. I made the light.

Then, in verses 22–30 (paraphrased) God asks him about snow and hail and rain and frost: Do you know anything about how to store up hail for the day of battle? Would you know how to cut a channel in the sky to make it rain on a land where no man is?

Or lift your eyes even higher, Job, (verses 31–33) and look at the constellations: Pleiades, Orion, Mazzaroth, the Bear! "Do you know the ordinances of the heavens? Can you establish their rule on the earth?"

If not, come back down then and we will just talk about the rain again (verses 34–38). (paraphrased) Can you make it rain? Do you know how to whistle for the lightning so it comes and says, "Here we are!"? Can you count the clouds with your wisdom? Or do my earthly pastimes stretch your mind a bit too far?

So, whether we focus on the earth or the sea or the dawn or the snow or hail or constellations or rain, the upshot is that Job is ignorant and impotent. He doesn't know where they came from. He doesn't know how to make them work. He is surrounded, above and below, by mysteries. And so are we, because the scientific advancements of the last two hundred years are like sand-pails of saltwater hauled from the ocean of God's wisdom and dumped in a hole on the beach while the tide is rising. God is not impressed. And we should be overwhelmed with our ignorance, not impressed with science.

Last 2016, our 2^nd trip internationally, I was sitting on a porch in my sister’s house then I heard something falling, it sounded like small stones or pebbles. I was puzzled and called my sister and she shouted “hail,” she hurriedly opened her car and parked in the garage.  Then I said to myself “oh I see, that’s hail.” Our recent trip, I was checking my mother’s garden and I noticed something on the grass; I asked my sister and she said those were frost. After a few days, my mother called us to see the snow. Those were just simple experiences, but those are learning. Another thing is their time changes every season. I think one of the reasons why they’re workaholic is there sunset and sunrise. I live in the Philippines where the sun sets early (5:00 -6:00pm) but there, it sets 9:00 – 9:30 pm in spring and summer. That’s why they can have more jobs and they can do the mowing after work because their eyes see that’s still daytime and have plenty of time to work.

Those simple experiences make me think of God’s knowledge.  I couldn’t imagine and contain in my mind the knowledge of God on how he controls the different seasons and weather in different countries. I remember the verse in Psalm 139:6 “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.” YOUR REALIZATION ABOUT GOD’S KNOWLEDGE GIVES YOU THE HEART TO TRUST HIM AND PRESS ON!!!

       3.     WHERE WERE YOU WHEN I PROVIDE SHELTER AND FOOD FOR ANIMALS? (JOB 38:39)

Then come the queries about the world of animals.

In 38:39–41 God asks who Job thinks provides lions and birds with their food? "Who provides for the raven its prey, when its young ones cry to God and wander about for lack of food?" I do, Job—all over the world. Can you do that?

Or consider the birth of the young (39:1–4). "Do you know when the mountain goats bring forth? Do you observe the calving of the hinds?" Think of it, Job! I am on top of all these things. Every wild deer in northern Minnesota that gives birth—I am there. Every mountain goat in Switzerland and Nepal—when they bring forth, I am there; I know their months. I care for the young.

Think of it, Job! When a man sees a work of God, like your suffering, can he see its connection to ten thousand other realities in the world like I can? If not, how will he dare to judge its wisdom!

Consider the wild ass (39:5–8). "Who has let the wild ass go free?" Do you think there are wild and unpredictable creatures in the world, Job? Guess what? I set them loose. I give them a wilderness for running and the mountain for pasture. They are the work of my hands. Things are quite in order! And you have nothing to do with it.

And so, it goes. The wild ox (39:9–12): you don't know how to bind him or use him. He is mine.

The unwise ostrich (39:13–18): she walks away from her eggs; she treats her young cruelly. Who made her forget wisdom? I did, Job. Even the foolish things are by design. Ostriches and Minnesota mosquitoes and black flies. I govern them all by perfect design.

Of course, not all animals are foolish and useless. Take the war horse (39:19–25), for example. "Do you give him his might? Do you clothe his neck with strength?" You don't know how to do it, Job. I am the only one who does.

Finally, Job, (39:26–30) "Is it by your wisdom that the hawk soars, and spreads his wings toward the south? Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up and makes his nest on high?"

No! Whether we consider the prey of lions, the birth of mountain goats, the freedom of the wild ass, the insubordination of the wild ox, the stupidity of the ostrich, the might of the warhorse, or the flight of the hawk and eagle, the upshot is the same: Job is ignorant and impotent. He did not make them. He does not know how to control them. He cannot see what they are doing. And yet this ignorant Job presumed to question the ways of God!

In my sister’s place there are animals which I can only see in pictures; there are deer, different turtles, birds, raccoons, moles, geese, squirrel, skunk, buzzard and many more. One time, we saw a dead deer along the side of the road and my sister informed us that most of the time the deer is hit by the car that’s why there are warning signs posted. I don’t usually care about deer or any animals but there’s one time our brother-in-law informed us that there was a deed fawn (young deer) in our front yard. Of course, we need to get the fawn out of there. When I saw the fawn, I felt pity for that animal; I saw many buzzards eating the fawn. We tried to sweep away the buzzards and got the fawn out of the way.  One thing that makes me realize is the buzzards, they eat dead animals. There are animals need to die for them to be fed.

I know some of us here experienced trials and problems and at first, we didn’t know the reasons why we suffered those but along the way of our journey, God allows you to see the good out of bad things. Like the animals, God can see the details in their lives. He can see everything happens in each of us therefore if something happens to you, don’t think God allows it to just hurt you; this is to make you better. Also, don’t be surprised if you face trials like what mentioned in our memory verse.

 1 Peter 4:12-13 (KJV)

¹² Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

¹³ But rejoice, since ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

KNOWING THAT YOU ARE PARTAKERS OF CHRIST’S SUFFERINGS MAKES YOU TO PRESS ON!

CONCLUSION:

Job 42:1-6 King James Version (KJV)

42 Then Job answered the Lord, and said,

² I know that thou canst do everything, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.

³ Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.

⁴ Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.

⁵ I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.

6       Wherefore I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes.

,We can see in verses 1-2 on how Job submits to God's absolute sovereignty. In verses 3-4 He submits to God's infinitely greater wisdom and knowledge: he has spoken about things of which he is very ignorant. In verse 4-6, he again quotes God and made his own response. In verse 5, the words “but now mine eye sees” caught my attention; he now saw what God wanted him to see during trials. Therefore, it’s important to have spiritual discernment. And the most important, in verse 6, Job repented.