In our mini-series on Encouraging others, we saw yesterday a man in Psalm 42 who was in despair, but gave himself a good prescription, “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him.” Ps.42:11. But what do we say to a protégé you are seeking to encourage who has lost hope in God? Job had lost hope in God. Tragically, his three friends blew it big time in their attempts to encourage him. Why? They had a faulty theology as many do today. They reduced God to a *vending machine. He mechanically blesses the righteous (those who put in their tithes and press the right buttons of Bible reading, praying, serving, etc.), and punishes the wicked. Therefore, Job must have committed some deep hidden sins for which God was punishing him. Far from it! God Himself said of Job, “There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” Job.1:8. They lived in a farming society and believed that life could be reduced to the law of the farm. “You reap what you sow.” True, but there is a greater law they should have remembered- it’s the law of the storm, which trumps the law of the farm. Storms equally destroy everyone’s crops. It’s not fair, but who said life on fallen planet Earth was fair?
So what do we say to such a person? Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing. Job’s three friends said nothing for the first 7 days. They all sat in silence until Job cursed the day he was born, then they began giving their shallow speeches. They didn’t heed Job’s plea from the start-"Do you intend to reprove my words, when the words of one in despair belong to the wind?” Job 6:26 NASB. When a person is in despair, their words belong to the wind. Let them vent. Don’t attack what they say. Let them blow off steam. It’s also important to let people get such poisonous thoughts of God out of their system, so that the lies can be exposed and replaced with the truth. God wants you to be gut honest- to get it off your chest. That’s why Job’s words are in the Bible. God can take it when people beat on his chest. It’s when they turn their back on Him that spells ruin for them. In all Job’s anger with God, he never turned his back on God. He wanted God to appear so he could have his day in court. He got it and more than he bargained for when God did appear in a whirlwind. Yet the relationship was restored. Job submitted to God’s sovereignty without God ever giving Job all the cosmic reasons why he suffered. It was enough to know that God was for him, not against him.
So what can we say to people when they are discouraged with God? They need to be assured that God is for them, not against them. I’ve often thought, if only Job had Romans 8 to read. “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” No one! Rom.8:31-38. Now those are encouraging words when given at the right time.
*Vending machine Christianity is often, though unknowingly taught. (Just listen to how many radio sermons include a candy treat if you do what the preacher advocates.) And it appears to work well until big trials come along. The machine fails them and they abandon it (and the pursuit of God) in frustration. It is transactional (put the coins in, press the buttons, get what you want.), it's not really relational. Relational Christianity is lovingly devoted despite what happens. Like wedding vows, it is for richer for poorer, for better, for worse, in sickness and in health. Christ is lovingly and totally devoted to us in loyal covenant love. He now simply wants the same. Job proved to Satan and the universe that there are people who won't curse and forsake God, even when tragedies strike. If you are devoted and assured of his love, then you can "endure hardship with us as a good soldier of Christ Jesus." Life is tough, be tougher in Christ.
1.-Share one thought that struck you out of your reading here today.
2.-Write on your MP3 card any portion of those encouraging words from Rom.8:31-38 quoted above. The do the did it.
Wow! Reading again yesterday-you all are giving so many excellent words of encouragement. Would you again encourage the soul of one of your teammates today on the blog? Please do that especially for the man who just posted above your comments today. Thanks!
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Words Worth Repeating
Antonio wrote: Discouragement is a weapon- the way we feel and the things we think can harm us, wound us, and remove us from the battle. Discouragement should be seen as an assult from the front lines of hell, rather then simply a natural occurance in the cycle of life. What extinguishes the fire of discouragement is praise- the rekindleing passion of our deep love for God and what He has done for us, through us, and with us.
Vince wrote: Discouragement has had a pull on my life. In the past when I had a situation that I had no solution for, I used to pray that the Lord would take me out of that situation. I've learned to pray that the Lord would help me through the situation.
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| For Tues.2.3.15 | |||||||
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| 1 | Jack Rogers U.1 | Y | GDP done | A | Daniel & Roger | ||
| 2 | Daniel Contreras U.1 | Y | R (Our Respect) | GDP done | A | Vince & Antonio | |
| 3 | Vince Diaz | Y | GDP done | A | |||
| 4 | Roger Vinlasaca U.1 | Y | GDP done | A | |||
| Fire Team 2 | |||||||
| 1 | Israel Fuentes U.1 | Y | GDP done | A | |||
| 2 | Sam Vargas U.1 | Y | GDP done | A | Robert | ||
| 3 | Robert Roman | Y | GDP done | A | |||
| 4 | Antonio Palomar | Y | GDP done | A | |||
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| 1 | Alvin James U.1 | Y | GDP done | A | |||
| 2 | Dave Heidekruger U.1 | Y | GDP done | A | |||
| 3 | Mike Pagan U.1 | Y | GDP done | A | George | ||
| 4 | George Rabiela | Y | GDP done | ||||
| Fire Team 4 | |||||||
| 1 | Eddie Morales U.1 | Y | GDP done | A | Gary, Ismael, Kentrayle | ||
| 2 | Gary Remson U.1 | Y | GDP done | A | |||
| 3 | Ismael Andrade U.1 | Y | GDP done | A | |||
| 4 | Kentrayle Adams | Y | R (Our Respect) | GDP done | A |
1. What I have witnessed most in mature Christians is that they have an air of confidence because they know The Lord is with them. It's instilled within their being through the Holy Spirit. They can do anything through Christ who gives them strength. They know The Lord and feel his Love! They comforted as they have an breakable confidence which radiates through them-- it is God's love shared within their hearts. Just like a bad attitude can create cancer--the mature, confident Christian walks on air, smiling and glowing and all want to be like him . So how do we help someone who is distressed -- tell them that it comes from having the Holy Spirit within and the confidence and strength Jesus gives. All will be better once you relinquish your life to The Lord and let him take the wheel. Emulate what it is like to follow Jesus and let them see him in you! Be the modeling example.
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Dave, thanks for all your extensive efforts as you are the unstoppable master teacher. We all thank you for your love and dedication to help our maturity in Christ grow I pray daily that your work and ours is blessed in multiples. God Blessed you. I'm going to start referring to you as Paul soon. Phileo Brother
DeleteAh Jack, thanks so much! You encouraged me, made me :) and LOL!
DeleteYes maturity in Christ can give that God confidence. But as we saw in the blog today, even with the most godly of men such as Job, great heart-ache can still come. I'd be interested to hear more of your thoughts from the verses on Job cited or vending machine Christianity. Best of blessings!
Delete1.- Just last night I was talking to a brother in Christ that is going though a period of discouragement in his life. What a great opportunity to put into practice what we have been learning. The first thing I told him was crucial in his life was to be in the Word everyday, he did say that when he reads Psalms he finds comfort. I encouraged him to continue reading and mentioned what we had learned in our lesson yesterday on Psalms 42.
ReplyDeleteI also emphasized what we are discussing today in Romans 8:31-38. I explained to him how God had paid the price for his sins on the cross and that he no longer had to live in guilt but instead he had to appropriate that truth and not let the enemy bring him down with his false accusations because God was on his side. I reminded him that no matter how he felt that does not change the truth that God loves him and nothing can change that.
Thank you Dave for your teachings.
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Jack what and inspiration you are to what can happen to a person that gives his life to Christ and is completely on fire for Him. Your vision of getting M3 started along with Dave is surely a result of you listening to God's voice. Thank you for being obedient to Him and following through no matter the cost. I pray that God continue to use you in a mighty way. Blessings.
DeleteRoger it was great seeing you standing in front of a room of men at Tuesday small group, sharing your testimony and confidently speaking from your heart. Praise God for the hunger he has given you to grow from the place you shared you were at previously, having a Christian life based on "a long list of things you shouldn't do" to living a life of intentionally "seeking the things from God that you should do. ". Thank God for your obedient heart, my brother.
DeleteVery good Roger!
Delete1: From Dave: "Job submitted to God’s sovereignty without God ever giving Job all the cosmic reasons why he suffered. It was enough to know that God was for him, not against him.". And from Jack: "So how do we help someone who is distressed -- tell them that it comes from having the Holy Spirit within and the confidence and strength Jesus gives. All will be better once you relinquish your life to The Lord and let him take the wheel."
ReplyDeleteLord; I know that you are for me and for my family and not against us and I submit to your sovereignty. Please continue to pour generously your Holy Spirit upon us so we may be filled with God-given confidence, strength and faith. Thank you that while we receive modeling inspiration from men and women of faith in times of old, as it says in Hebrews 11 "all these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God has promised; for God had something better in mind for us..." We thank you Lord, for despite all things that try to separate us from you "overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us" and who died for us.
2. Romans 8:37 (NLT) - "...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us".
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Daniel, I am inspired by you in many ways, particularly how God is continually developing you into a strong shepherd for your family. Stay connected to the Vine, the Good Shepherd, the Prime Example that we should follow as men, husbands, fathers and as true disciples.
DeleteThanks Daniel! We had faith to persevere, even when things get worse as it does for some of our brothers in persecuted lands.
DeleteWhat a good reputation they earn as you mentioned. Yes, "despite all these things, overwhelmingly victory is ours through Christ who loved us."
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1. In the chaos and confusion it's hard to have the right perspective of the situation we're facing and of God we serve. As we see, Job paints an incorrect picture of God through his episode of "blowing off steam." And these are the words that are coming from a depleted, discouraged man who lost everything, but his wife and the kitchen sink. Job ultimately had a higher understanding of God than his initial cries would show. He understood that suffering should not be defined necessarily in terms of what one truly deserved.
ReplyDelete"He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." Mat. 5:45
"Severe and sudden calamity is no more a sign of disfavor with God than sustained prosperity indicates God's approval and blessing. God is not guilty of neglect, but he may allow suffering to accomplish his greater purposes, often beyond human comprehension." (Quest Study Bible)
Perspective is critical to that loving relationship. The way we understand something usually dictates our actions and reactions in light of that perception. If we see God as an ATM or vending machine God, then of course when trials come we will be shakeable. But when we see God as a loving Father, fear God as a sovereign King, praise Jesus as The Good Shepard of our lives, we can understand that God started a work in us and He is faithful to complete it. Because we know in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) In all things God is preparing us for future glory, the heavenly and eternal perspective.
2. Did it. Rom. 8:37. More than conquerors.
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Excellent Eddie, just excellent!
DeleteGood words Eddie, perspective does define our relative truth, even if that truth is a lie.
ReplyDelete1) The idea of letting people be honest, to be safe enough that a fellow christian can come to you and share ugly thoughts and emotions. That love is thoroughly sprinkled with the truth we share, not as though they were two separate properties but two interviewed properties. At times people know exactly what to do, they are not in search of advice but of a caring ear.
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Brother Tony, I've always enjoyed our conversations and your deep spiritual thoughts. Now I get to read them, thanks for your insights, glad to have you on board :-)
DeleteYes indeed Antonio- "to be safe enough that a fellow christian can come to you and share ugly thoughts and emotions." Amen!
ReplyDeleteAntonio thank God for caring ears. I wish there were more brothers with caring ears.James 1:19 NIV
DeleteMy dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
1.The book of Job was written before Christ was sent by our Father in Heaven.But a lot of people in the Old Testament complained to God.Here are some of the verses.
ReplyDelete“Therefore I will not keep silent; I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit, I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. Job 7:11
If only there were someone to mediate between us, someone to bring us together, someone to remove God’s rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more. Job 9:33-34 Now there is some One that Lord Jesus!!!
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Alright George!
Delete1. "It’s also important to let people get such poisonous thoughts of God out of their system, so that the lies can be exposed and replaced with the truth. God wants you to be gut honest- to get it off your chest? That’s why Job’s words are in the Bible. God can take it when people beat on his chest."
ReplyDeleteJob 1:20b-21 "Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”
a. Read all except Job 11:24 (Chapter 11 only has 20 verses). Dave, was it a typo or are you testing our reading resiliency? "Read as many of the following verses as you care to- 7:11,19-20; 9:16-18; 22-23, 27-34; 10:2,13-17; 11:24; 16:7-13; 19:6-13; 23:12-14; 30:19-22."
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"Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”
Deletewhat a great verse!!! And so true.
Good catch Robert, my careful reader. I've updated to read 13:24. Thanks!
Delete9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6 : 9-10
DeleteThanks Dave, when you initially told me that the heavy lifting of this ministry would be done for us you weren't kidding/exaggerating. May God give you a double portion of blessings for all the work, time and resources you pour out for the benefit of others.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Job was going through hard times he still spoke to God. He kept his relationship with God. Like any relationship there are good times and bad times. But God is always there for us. He rewarded Job in the end and He will reward us as long as we remain faithful. I want to share something I read today from Max Lucado
ReplyDelete"Homes That Flourish. In many homes, discouragement is the language everyone speaks. The home is a war zone and the warriors have names like Stupid, Dummy, or Little Pain in the Neck. They live with scars and treat their open wounds. In other homes, families follow the spirit of the western tune, “Home on the Range.” There, a discouraging word is seldom heard. People hide their hurts with smiles on their faces. Maybe the reason discouragement is seldom heard is because words are seldom heard. The silence is deadly.Other homes flourish with encouragement. Everyone believes in one another, supports one another, and pats one another on the back.There are notes in the lunch boxes and love letters under the pillow. Hearts are expressed and prayers are offered.Which home would you rather live in? Ephesians 4:29 says, “When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger.”
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Manly Men of God its a pleasure to serve with all of you and I pray that God gives us the wisdom and strength to fight the good fight and help plant seeds for Him to grow. Amen
Great words my brother. Max Lucado got great stuff my brother.
DeleteOh that's good stuff Mike! Thanks!
Delete1) They reduced God to a *vending machine. He mechanically blesses the righteous (those who put in their tithes and press the right buttons of Bible reading, praying, serving, etc.), and punishes the wicked. Therefore, Job must have committed some deep hidden sins for which God was punishing him. Far from it! God Himself said of Job, “There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” Job.1:8.
ReplyDeleteBrother Dave that statement is so true.
I was talking to a brother this week about how I have heard believers say that a person gets an illness because they sinned or they lost their job because they sinned. I am not one to judge but if I am going to encourage someone I need to build them up not beat them down. Now I can not say that stuff happened because of sin, because you know things happen. Did you take care of yourself? Did you eat right? That's probably why you're sick not because of sin. Or you lost your job, maybe it is not a curse yet a blessing. I can't count how many people have told me "thank GOD I lost that job. This job I have now is great." Hey we may never know why it happened .The good thing about it is that GOD knows it all. To use a phrase my wife tells me all the time " GOD will never put you through something He knows you can't handle." Job's struggle is still talked about today. I can imagine if I stay faithful in my struggle GOD can use my struggle to help someone out in the years to come.
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Very good Vince! That's a mature attitude and one that enables us to truly encourage others, rather than foolishly saying his problems are due to sin, unless that is revealed.
DeleteYour right Vince, adversity is a loving tool God uses in our lives. James 1:2-4 > Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Delete1) “God wants you to be gut honest- to get it off your chest. That’s why Job’s words are in the Bible. God can take it when people beat on his chest. It’s when they turn their back on Him that spells ruin for them.”
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine what it would be like to go through what Job did. Christ, our Savior knows what it is like and even more so having been forsaken by His Father so that He could so unfairly take upon Himself the full punishment of God's wrath in our place. Job was able to be brutally frank and honest with God about how he felt. It is amazing that Job did not turn his back on God even when he was tempted by his wife to do so. I liked how Dave G. said “God can take it when people beat on his chest” and “God wants you to be gut honest -”
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Very good Dave and thanks!
Delete1. The thing that stands out to me is the idea that we need to think of Job in context. We have the benefit of knowing the end of the story, but Job was not privy to the final chapter of his own book. Job had to go through what he did without the knowledge that God would restore everything he lost and then some! Oh that I would have that type of submission!
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Oh, yo are so right, Alvin!
ReplyDeleteGreat words of wisdom Alvin. Job through his complaining still knew that turning his back on God was not the right thing to do.
DeleteGood thoughts Alvin. That i may be submissive through any Circumstances.
Delete1. The authenticity of Job.. Even David, where in these books the author really shows their vulnerability to God and their honesty (manly man) expressing what they are going through. They are being honest to God whether good or bad they never closed their communications to the Father. God knows what we're going through, thinking feeling etc... let us constantly pursue our Father and ASK in prayer.
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1) It reminded of Philippians 4:12-13
ReplyDelete12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Chris Tomlin - Our God
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-JZ9KsI7YI&feature=player_detailpage
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Thanks Sam for the additional verses. May the secret of being content with all situation continue manifest in your life. God bless.
ReplyDelete1. I was most impacted in today's reading by seeing the complaints that developed within Job as I grew up believing he was virtually sinless and that he passed the test of his trials without a hitch. It let me know that even those I consider to be " extremely" holy have times where they may become angry or disappointed yet they maintain their relationship with God.
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Definitely Kentrayle we can encourage each brother that the story is not finished yet ant that whether in good or bad position we have the example of Christ to look to and is the only person who's covering can make them (us) holy.
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ReplyDeleteI always remember form Job the realities of friends and a person's true reliability on the God they serve. The three friends if I could call them that; were actually not in their right mind and indirectly provoking what Job was traumatized by. Having this false Gospel spoken to him was very disabling which was magnified by his cries out against God. It is only by grace and God's own choosing that He Himself stepped into Job's sight and made his path straight through the needed coaching of the true Identity of God.
Much like Job our experiences have la large effect in swaying our intentions and faith in God and His path. However God still has the throne over our lives and much in the same way that God has to remind Job encouragement is our reminder to know exactly who God is. He is the one who created, liberated, revealed faith, brought spiritual food to us, and enabled us to follow Him.
In Chapter 38 God has an answer for Job and his "woe is me" complaint. To be encouragers in faith, let us BE the reminder that God is everlasting and asks of us our praise as well as our commitment.
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We have a tough duty in a tough world. That does not promise prosperity, which among many things we should battle and speak against. The times in this life will not always be easy (John 16:33) but we can still worship God.
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Great insight in the book of Job . I really like what you wrote, "To be encouragers in faith, let us BE the reminder that God is everlasting and asks of us our praise as well as our commitment. " I love God's faithfulness. He will lift us up in due time, if we do not give up!!
Delete1. Dave wrote, "So what can we say to people when they are discouraged with God? They need to be assured that God is for them, not against them." -- this is a very powerful truth taught in scripture, ie Romans 8:31-39. When God is for us, the opposition of unbelievers or satan himself will never succeed. Regardless of their claims against us, God's elect, we will never be found Guilty, just because God has declared us forgiven and right before Him :) Woo Hoo!!! We are MORE than Conquerors in Christ Jesus!!!
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