Sunday, April 5, 2026

Job 28:8 The lion's whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it.

In the prior verse, there is a reference to a path that the fowl do not know nor vultures seen. Now we have lion’s whelps and the fierce lion that have not gotten on that path either. Spiritually speaking, the path of righteousness is not trodden or walked upon by Satan’s fallen angels nor by himself, where “the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The whelps would be his agents, the fallen angels. But those that are righteous will find that path and get on it and stay on it. So, are you on the right path, or are the evil angels and Satan keeping you from the path with their suggested errors and temptations?

Friday, April 3, 2026

Job 28:7 [There is] a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen:

Yes, because those on the righteous path will not be touched by such birds of prey as compared to those on the path of perdition, “For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together” (Matthew 24:28). So, which path are you on?

Thursday, April 2, 2026

Job 28:6 The stones of it [are] the place of sapphires: and it hath dust of gold.

Heaven is like that, where the riches we consider here on earth are so plentiful. Not only is the ground covered in gold dust but the streets are made out of fine gold, even “as it were transparent glass” (Revelation 21:21). However, we need to be part of Heaven to see it, so are you making sure you are a real Christian who is willing to “deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24), as Jesus said?

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Job 28:5 [As for] the earth, out of it cometh bread: and under it is turned up as it were fire.

Sure, the earth is bountiful “But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men” (2 Peter 3:7). Now. are you making sure you are not part of the ungodly, who are without the commandments (1 Timothy 1:9), or part of the godly, who then “do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14)?

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Job 28:4 The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; [even the waters] forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.

Sometimes separation from others is necessary and biblical, so are you careful to not let friends or family lead you back into the ways of the world by putting a bit of distance between you and them, or do you just party like every unbeliever does claiming to be saved?

Monday, March 30, 2026

Job 28:3 He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death.

If worldly people working the mines looking for perfect iron are so diligent, do you “give diligence to make your calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10)?

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Job 28:2 Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass [is] molten [out of] the stone.

Just remember, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17). So, are you counselling with others in the Word of God so as to be sharpen one another?

Friday, March 27, 2026

Job 28:1 Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold [where] they fine [it].

Remember, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). And God says, “I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir” (Isaiah 13:12). So, are you refined gold with a godly character, or are you just dross with worldliness?

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Job 27:23 [Men] shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place.

This is a mocking of the lost. “Way to go. Now look at the mess you have gotten yourself into. If you would only have had listened.” That is basically the attitude of the clapping. The follow up of hissing at the lost gives it away that the clapping is not applauding any great accomplishment but an act of mocking. So, are you living in a way that in the end you will be mockingly clapped at or applauded?

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Job 27:22 For [God] shall cast upon him, and not spare: he would fain flee out of his hand.

When the lost face their final moments, there will be no forgiveness. Every case will have been permanently decided (Revelation 22:11). So, are you making sure you are on the side of the saved instead?

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Job 27:21 The east wind carrieth him away, and he departeth: and as a storm hurleth him out of his place.

The east wind is nasty. In a dream to Pharoah, it blasted the ears of corn bringing on famine (Genesis 41:6). The east wind contributed to the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 10:13). These are just a couple examples of the devastation caused by the east wind. Now, spiritually speaking, are you fortifying yourself against spiritual devastation that is coming upon the earth including the time of trouble just before us acting like Joseph who prepared Egypt to weather through physically back in his day?

Monday, March 23, 2026

Job 27:20 Terrors take hold on him as waters, a tempest stealeth him away in the night.

Do crisis situations grab a hold of you and pull you away from your relationship with God into the darkness of this world offering human solutions, or do you remain in the light trusting in Jesus to get you through performing those things that God approves doing it His way?

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Job 27:19 The rich man shall lie down, but he shall not be gathered: he openeth his eyes, and he [is] not.

Most rich men shall lie down but not be gathered at the second coming (Matthew 13:30) for they shall open their eyes during the third coming and “they shall be as though they had not been” (Obadiah 1:16). In other words, they arise in the resurrection of damnation (John 5:29) and suffer hell fire (Revelation 20:9) to become as not or naught. So, are you living to be part of the first resurrection or even be able to see Jesus and live, or are you being careless preparing to arise in the third coming of Jesus?

Friday, March 20, 2026

Job 27:18 He buildeth his house as a moth, and as a booth [that] the keeper maketh.

The lost, especially those who horde, build their houses like a moth builds their cocoons. It is basically flimsy and tightly wound. So, are you building your spiritual house on flimsy material wealth surrounding yourself with the goods of this world, or are you building a relationship with God through the knowledge of His Word?

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Job 27:16-17 Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay; He may prepare [it], but the just shall put [it] on, and the innocent shall divide the silver.

The lost may gather so much wealth even in the form of silver, but it will be the just who shall take hold of it and share it, for the new heavens and the new Earth will have such precious metals in abundance. Are you looking to have your share in the wealthiest kingdom of all, which is God’s kingdom, or are you content with the precious metals of this Earth that will eventually be burned away?

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Job 27:15 Those that remain of him shall be buried in death: and his widows shall not weep.

So, the last generation of wicked shall be buried in death and there will be no widows to weep for them for they too shall be dead. Now, have you chosen “eternal life” instead?

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Job 27:14 If his children be multiplied, [it is] for the sword: and his offspring shall not be satisfied with bread.

Children of the wicked or lost will more than likely be subject to the swords used by the angels at the second coming (Revelation 19), specifically, the destroying angels (Ezekiel 9:5-8) and such people will not be satisfied with God’s Word, the bread. Now, if your parents and grandparents happen to be lost, good news, you can personally choose Jesus if you have not already done so defying the odds. So, do you see how it is important to be on the side of Jesus no matter how much effort is necessary instead of being against Him?

Monday, March 16, 2026

Job 27:13 This [is] the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, [which] they shall receive of the Almighty.

The portion and heritage of the lost is to have “fire come down from God out of heaven, and devoured them” (Revelation 20:9) “that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch” (Malachi 4:1), and “they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do [this], saith the LORD of hosts” (Malachi 4:3). So, are you being careful not to end up in that situation seeking after eternal life with God and the other holy beings, or are you indifferent and if you make you make it but if not, oh well?

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Job 27:12 Behold, all ye yourselves have seen [it]; why then are ye thus altogether vain?

If you saw the evidence of God, would you be so vain to believe a lie? Evidently there are a lot of vain people: “[Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10).

Friday, March 13, 2026

Job 27:11 I will teach you by the hand of God: [that] which [is] with the Almighty will I not conceal.

Are you living up to all that God, the Almighty, has revealed to you?

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Job 27:10 Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?

Does a hypocrite (verses 8) delight in the Almighty and pray unto God? Of course, not for it is just a show they are putting on. But do you delight in the Almighty and pray to Him regularly?

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Job 27:9 Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him?

In the prior verse is the description of a hypocrite who claims to be, in a sense, a Christian, yet is set on gaining the world. That is a form of idolatry. Now, will God hear his prayers? “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination” (Proverbs 28:9). So, are you making sure you are not chasing after the world trying to “serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24)?

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Job 27:8 For what [is] the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?

Jesus said a similar thing in Matthew 16:26, which says, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” So, what are you chasing after? Keep in mind, “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Monday, March 9, 2026

Job 27:7 Let mine enemy be as the wicked, and he that riseth up against me as the unrighteous.

By the enemy on the side of the wicked and those that rose up against him as the side of the unrighteous, that meant that Job would be godly and righteous. Are you striving to be godly and righteous, or do you think that is having too much Jesus in one’s life while dabbling with worldly life?

Sunday, March 8, 2026

Job 27:6 My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach [me] so long as I live.

Do you hold fast to living a righteous life, or do you compromise it so you can enjoy the ways of the world a little bit?

Friday, March 6, 2026

Job 27:5 God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.

Job basically said that there was no way he could agree with the accusations being leveled against him. To do so would have been to compromise his integrity, honor, truthfulness. Now, are you willing to compromise truth just to get along, or do you stand upon the truth and not compromise no matter how much it may cost?

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Job 27:4 My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.

Is that true in your life? Do you watch what comes out of your mouth? Is it pleasing to God or just acceptable in society?

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Job 27:3 All the while my breath [is] in me, and the spirit of God [is] in my nostrils;

Whoever thought that a spirit entity lives in our noses? God put something there at the beginning of creation: “And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). So, when we hear of the “spirit of God” in us or that someone’s spirit has left them or their spirt came back to them, do you see from this verse that it is just another term or synonym for the “breath of life” and not some entity with consciousness that is kept in our noses until death and then it goes to be with God walking the streets of gold?

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Job 27:2 [As] God liveth, [who] hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, [who] hath vexed my soul;

God only can take away a person’s judgment, meaning that they have been judged and judged to be lost, which would cause one to have vexation or bitterness of the soul. King Saul and others have experienced this. So, what type of person would you be if you knew you were lost?

Monday, March 2, 2026

Job 27:1 Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,

Some of chapter 26 and 27 are parables, which means that it is not literal. Jesus spoke many parables and they were not literal. In other words, we cannot base solid doctrine on them. Sheep and goats are not literally going to Heaven. There was no literal shepherd on earth that left ninety-nine sheep to go find the lost sheep, but there is a heavenly Shepherd that left the watch care of the other planets to come and save the one planet that went astray. Likewise, the rich man and Lazarus parable is not about going to Heaven and Hell immediately upon death. So, are you careful of what you read into parables realizing they are symbolic, or do you try to build unintended doctrine from these symbolic messages?

Sunday, March 1, 2026

Job 26:14 Lo, these [are] parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?

In the world today, we hear very little about the marvelous workings of God as it is covered up by atheistic theology, but they cannot understand the power of God Who can speak things into existence, clean up the life of sinners, and much more. Now, have you personally experienced God’s power (2 Peter 1:3-4) and been transformed into an obedient Christian, or have you not experienced the power because you still are carelessly sinning?

Friday, February 27, 2026

Job 26:13 By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent.

God takes responsibility for the serpent incident even though Satan is the one who exercised the freedom of his will to done such an evil act. Even though God knew what Satan would do, would use, and accomplish, to have wiped Lucifer or never had made him to begin with would have destroyed free will; therefore, though God is the one that formed these creatures, He could not take away their free will. So, how do you use your free will? Is it to the glory of God or selfishness and Satan?

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Job 26:12 He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud.

God certainly divided the sea at the time of Moses (Exodus 14:16) and Joshua (Joshua 3:13) on separate occasions, and even smote the proud like Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:33). Now, do you recognize such power of God and keep in check the tendency toward pride by being humble, or do you think they are just stories and not worry about consequences as you strive to be recognized or be number one?

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Job 26:11 The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof.

It is prophesied, “Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger” (Isaiah 13:13). Although Jesus returns with fierce anger, at the same time “He shall appear to your joy” (Isaiah 66:5). So, will it be fear or joy to see Jesus return?

Monday, February 23, 2026

Job 26:10 He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.

What a beautiful description of a sunset as well as sunrise! The day ends at sunset while the night ends at sunrise. Now, we may not live where there is water and nothing hindering the perfect and complete view of either the sunset or sunrise, but how often do you appreciate both where you live and acknowledge the hand of God?

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Job 26:9 He holdeth back the face of his throne, [and] spreadeth his cloud upon it.

If we were to see God’s face, we would die. As it is, those who became very close to seeing God’s face had to cover their faces afterwards, like Moses (Exodus 34:33). But one day we shall see God face to face when we are gathered into Heaven without needing a vail, and we will not die. So, are you looking forward to the day you will get to meet and look upon God?

Friday, February 20, 2026

Job 26:8 He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them.

God commands and the elements obey. He also knows what He is doing and what reality can perform. Now, God commands us to “go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Are you obeying the command?

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Job 26:7 He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, [and] hangeth the earth upon nothing.

That is the power of God. Now, do you think with that much power in mere speaking that God can take care of that little thing in people called sin by having people cease from participating in it (Romans 6:12)? He tells us, “Go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). He would not say that if it were not possible.

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Job 26:6 Hell [is] naked before him, and destruction hath no covering.

Hell is naked right now because the fires of hell have not yet been kindled according to the Bible. The destruction of the wicked has not yet happened either (Malachi 4:1-3). According to the Bible, these things are yet future. Now, do you really believe in a burning hell right now in which you would have to dismiss this verse in the book of Job, or do you admit hell is yet future (Revelation 20:9)?

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Job 26:5 Dead [things] are formed from under the waters, and the inhabitants thereof.

Now, if a person were to take this verse spiritually, the word “waters” using symbolism definition means “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues” (Revelation 17:15). Therefore, under the influence of society, teachings and practices that lead to eternal death are formed, but do you shun such things and choose to live by God’s Word instead that leads to eternal life?

Monday, February 16, 2026

Job 26:4 To whom hast thou uttered words? and whose spirit came from thee?

Jesus said, “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). So, the words you speak, do they justify you or condemn you?

Sunday, February 15, 2026

Job 26:3 How hast thou counselled [him that hath] no wisdom? and [how] hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is?

If a person does not have wisdom, according to Proverbs, they are a fool. It is probably best to “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him” (Proverbs 26:4) and forego to “Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit” (Proverbs 26:5). So, what have you shown that reveals that you have wisdom? Does your life reveal foolish decisions up to now or wise decisions?

Friday, February 13, 2026

Job 26:1-2 But Job answered and said, How hast thou helped [him that is] without power? [how] savest thou the arm [that hath] no strength?

Now Job points to Bildad revealing that all his criticism does not help anyone. Now, how have you helped those who are unable to help themselves and save them who are weak like the sheep in Jesus’ parable who helped those in true need (Matthew 25:34-40), or do you not help them and are just critical like the goats of Jesus’ parable who did not help anyone in need (Matthew 25:41-46)?

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Job 25:6 How much less man, [that is] a worm? and the son of man, [which is] a worm?

Bildad described people as mere worms and the offspring as worms also. That is a pretty low estimation of human beings when Jesus was willing to die for the human race. So, how much do you think human beings are really worth?

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Job 25:5 Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight.

That is because in the New Jerusalem, which is in Heaven, “the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof” (Revelation 21:23). And to think, we are not able to stare at the sun easily while here on this earth but we will be able to stare at something of greater in brilliance once we are in Heaven. So, are you looking forward to the day when we can be in the presence of the brightness of God without going blind?

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Job 25:4 How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean [that is] born of a woman?

The answer is, by the blood of Jesus Christ alone, but do you realize that Jesus’ blood does not cover willful or careless sinning (Hebrews 10:26) for it is intended for a certain people: “the doers of the law shall be justified” (Romans 2:13)?

Monday, February 9, 2026

Job 25:3 Is there any number of his armies? and upon whom doth not his light arise?

The angels of God are innumerous, and His light shines upon everything. So, are you unprepared for the second coming and will be facing this opposition because you chose to follow the ways of the world, or are you submitted to the ways of Christ instead so you can say, “Lo, this [is] our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this [is] the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation” (Isaiah 25:9)?

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Job 25:1-2 Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said, Dominion and fear [are] with him, he maketh peace in his high places.

God’s dominion is the entire universe, and in respect to God, we are told to “Fear God” (Revelation 14:7). Now technically, when Adam and Eve sinned, He could have wiped out the earth, instead, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). And God did this by sending us, “a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). So, do you accept the Prince of Peace as your salvation, or are you indifferent towards God Who would like to have peace between He and repentant human beings?

Friday, February 6, 2026

Job 24:25 And if [it be] not [so] now, who will make me a liar, and make my speech nothing worth?

Can anyone prove that Job is a liar and his words are meaningless? Not really. Therefore, all that was recorded, including the state of the dead mentioned more than once as not placing people in Heaven or Hell right now, do you believe Job as being a man of God speaking the words of God, or can you prove that he was a liar and we ought to dismiss not only the book of Job but everything that Moses wrote? Just remember what Jesus said: “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead” (Luke 16:31).

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Job 24:24 They are exalted for a little while, but are gone and brought low; they are taken out of the way as all [other], and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn.

All of the elite, all the boasters, all the lost who try to make a name for themselves may have their day of exaltation, but their future is to be brought low to the pit (Ezekiel 26:20), taken out of the way (2 Thessalonians 2:7), and cut off (Proverbs 2:22) for only “the meek shall inherit the earth” (Psalms 37:11, Matthew 5:5). So, is all chasing after recognition gone from you and you are humble and meek, or is there still a bit of pride left in you?

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Job 24:23 [Though] it be given him [to be] in safety, whereon he resteth; yet his eyes [are] upon their ways.

Just because the lost may feel safe and smug in their lives for a period of time does not mean God is not watching their ways. And all who live according to their own ways instead of God’s ways will truly be lost. So, whose way are you following?

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Job 24:22 He draweth also the mighty with his power: he riseth up, and no [man] is sure of life.

God defeats the mighty and proud and such have no surety of eternal life, so are you humble and submissive to God instead?

Monday, February 2, 2026

Job 24:21 He evil entreateth the barren [that] beareth not: and doeth not good to the widow.

Evil people take advantage of those are already impacted negatively in this life. To pick on a barren woman or a widow is pretty low. Now, instead, do you offer sympathy to such women who are hurting in their respective situations like a Christian ought to?

Sunday, February 1, 2026

Job 24:20 The womb shall forget him; the worm shall feed sweetly on him; he shall be no more remembered; and wickedness shall be broken as a tree.

The history of a lost soul is sad, but it is their choice. Once a person is born, the womb heals and eventually it is as if there was never a child inside. Then after life is over, gruesomely, worms feed on the body. And the Bible states that once the lost are dealt with, “yet a little while, and the wicked [shall] not [be]: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it [shall] not [be]”. Have you chosen the wiser path to be saved instead?

Friday, January 30, 2026

Job 24:19 Drought and heat consume the snow waters: [so doth] the grave [those which] have sinned.

Jesus said, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14). So, do you cling to Jesus the source of our spiritual water by avoiding drought, which is the lack of spending time daily with Jesus through His Word, along with preventing the allowance of the heat of temptations to get the upper hand?

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Job 24:18 He [is] swift as the waters; their portion is cursed in the earth: he beholdeth not the way of the vineyards.

Waters like “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues” (Revelation 17:15) are a curse in their multitude to do evil. The vineyards or God’s places of worship (Isaiah 5:3) are not entered into because it would reprove their lives of sin. Now, do you choose to not follow the ways taught in God’s houses of worship so you can live your life guilt free, or have you decided not to flow with the rest of society and be a blessing instead of a curse by obeying God’s ways taught properly and example them before all?

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Job 24:17 For the morning [is] to them even as the shadow of death: if [one] know [them, they are in] the terrors of the shadow of death.

When a thief thinks about their “day job”, it is actually their “night job”, but if someone catches them in the act, it is terror for them. Now, does someone finding out your sin prevent you from sinning, or do you not want to sin because God would know and you do not want to displease Him (1 Thessalonians 4:1) for “God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13)?

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Job 24:16 In the dark they dig through houses, [which] they had marked for themselves in the daytime: they know not the light.

Thieves like the cover of darkness so as to blend in and not be spotted while the daylight reveals their presence. Now, in spiritual comparison, when it comes to the Word, Jesus said, “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (John 3:20-21). So, which group are you in when invited to study God’s Word?

Monday, January 26, 2026

Job 24:15 The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguiseth [his] face.

Every sin is seen by God, even in the darkest of nights. So, do you think darkness hides your sins, or do you recognize that God sees all at every moment of time?

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Job 24:14 The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief.

If only people would obey the commandments. “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13). “Thou shalt not steal” (Exodus 20:15). Too bad many Christians are taught that those commandments were nailed to the cross, that grace replaces the law, that we go by faith and not the law, etc. Christians used to be moral people. Looks lie the devil won, but are you part of those few who reject modern Christianity and upholds the commandments instead?

Friday, January 23, 2026

Job 24:13 They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.

Everyone who rebels against obedience to God thinking that the Bible is not applicable in today’s society and that the Ten Commandments were a Jewish thing allowing Christian to rack up sinning claiming grace are still rebels in God’s eyes and will not be allowed entrance into His kingdom. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Therefore, it is not true that any other religion serves the same God. Further, it is a matter of following Jesus’ way and not our own way recognizing there is but one truth. Truth is not subjective but accurately precise. Now, the question is, are you done being brained washed by media and worldly pastors telling you to live any form of Christianity and instead, be a real Christian; or do you really think the Bible being preserved for these past two thousand some years is worthless for being told how to conduct your life?

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Job 24:12 Men groan from out of the city, and the soul of the wounded crieth out: yet God layeth not folly [to them].

God does not blame the true victims for their situation. In other examples, many women blame themselves for being abused. Many a person blame themselves for being a bad employee when in fact it is the company or the boss or both. Many allow gaslighting to accept the blame when it is not them but the person claiming they did nothing wrong. Now, do you blame yourself when you are the true victim?

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Job 24:11 [Which] make oil within their walls, [and] tread [their] winepresses, and suffer thirst.

Those who are not a true Christian will allow the suffering of thirst, but Jesus says of a Christian, “I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink” (Matthew 25:35). So, do you give drink to the thirsty or withhold it?

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Job 24:10 They cause [him] to go naked without clothing, and they take away the sheaf [from] the hungry;

That is what evil people do, but do you do as Jesus expects of us, which is, “Naked, and ye clothed me” (Matthew 25:36), and “I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat” (Matthew 25:35)?

Monday, January 19, 2026

Job 24:9 They pluck the fatherless from the breast, and take a pledge of the poor.

Those that are considered wicked, though we may not think so, care little to nothing for the truly poor, and to pull away children clinging to their mothers as they are fatherless is just cruel. But instead, we are told, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). So, do you try to help the fatherless and supply as best as possible the needs of the truly poor?

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Job 24:8 They are wet with the showers of the mountains, and embrace the rock for want of a shelter.

At the second coming, regarding the mountains and rocks, the Bible says, “And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Revelation 6:15-17). So, will you be looking for shelter among the rocks at the second coming, or are you clinging today and every day to the real Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4) by living the holy and sanctified life (1 Thessalonians 5:23)?

Friday, January 16, 2026

Job 24:7 They cause the naked to lodge without clothing, that [they have] no covering in the cold.

Now, do you clothe the naked or the underdressed when opportunity arises? And spiritually, do you bring the spiritual naked who are in sin to Jesus and let them know that they can be clothed in His righteousness by His forgiveness through confession of sins (1 John 1:9)?

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Job 24:6 They reap [every one] his corn in the field: and they gather the vintage of the wicked.

When there is nothing to get from the wilderness, people turn to fields and even that which selfish people leave behind to rot. Going without substance is a difficult thing, but would it be so difficult to you that you would choose to forsake God, especially during the time that “no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name” (Revelation 13:17)?

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Job 24:5 Behold, [as] wild asses in the desert, go they forth to their work; rising betimes for a prey: the wilderness [yieldeth] food for them [and] for [their] children.

Jesus said it differently: “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” (Matthew 6:26). So, do you stress out over what you shall eat?

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Job 24:4 They turn the needy out of the way: the poor of the earth hide themselves together.

Now, in this day and age, there are all kinds of deceivers, even pretending to be in need, but when you do come across someone truly in need, do you turn them away, or do you lend assistance as you can?

Monday, January 12, 2026

Job 24:3 They drive away the ass of the fatherless, they take the widow's ox for a pledge.

These are the opposite qualities of a Christian for we are “To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction” (James 1:27) while “oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless” (Zechariah 7:10). So, instead of taking advantage of those who are already disadvantaged, do you help them in their needs?

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Job 24:2 [Some] remove the landmarks; they violently take away flocks, and feed [thereof].

Spiritual landmarks are those points in time that solidifies faith. For instance, in Daniel 9:24, a symbolic timeline of Jesus’ baptism, death, and end of the Jews being God’s favored people are provided. The Messiah showed up right on time, went to the cross right on time, and Stephen was stoned right on time causing the Christians to flee Jerusalem right on time. This helps confirm the bigger timeline of Daniel 8:14 as well. The same is true about the antichrist timeline, the birth place of Jesus, the method Jesus would die, the exact price Judas the betrayer was paid, etc. All of these things tell me the Bible is true and beyond human invention. That means that those pesky verses that atheist throw at Christians in apparent contradiction are meaningless. Besides, they all work out if studied out instead of having kneejerk reactions. So, do you allow atheist to undermine the landmarks, or are you solid in the faith?

Friday, January 9, 2026

Job 24:1 Why, seeing times are not hidden from the Almighty, do they that know him not see his days?

We do not know the days of God, like when the judgement will be, the day the plagues will happen, and especially the second coming. It is in vain for people to try to search these things out and even expect God to act. Everything happens in God’s timing and not our own. We may know when it is getting close, but we shall never know the exact day or hour (Matthew 24:36). So, are you one that is caught up in following date setters or are one yourself, or do you trust God will move in His own timing and accept that it is not for us to know exactly when these events will happen?

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Job 23:17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness, [neither] hath he covered the darkness from my face.

Job did not die before entering into the dark period of his life; however, unlike other uses of the word “dark” in the Bible, Job did not sin. It was simply a period of great mourning. And God did nothing to shield Job from seeing the darkness either. Now, one thing that is common with Job and the darkness of the earth is that both were or are clueless of the experience. Job did not understand his situation, but those living in our day have God’s Word that sheds light on things though they choose to stay in the darkness instead. So, are you one of “the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness” (1 Thessalonians 5:5)? Have you searched the scriptures to understand what is coming upon the earth?

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Job 23:15 Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.

God is the Creator, the Judge, the Life Giver. All His ways and judgments stand. He ought to be feared, but at the same time, He “is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). So, since eternal life is not something enjoyed while being afraid of God, have you repented of all your sins so you do not have to be afraid of Him?

Monday, January 5, 2026

Job 23:14 For he performeth [the thing that is] appointed for me: and many such [things are] with him.

Another way of saying this is, “God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]” (1 Corinthians 10:13). So, do you see temptations that come your way as things that God has trusted that you can handle, or do you just give into temptations without a fight?

Sunday, January 4, 2026

Job 23:13 But he [is] in one [mind], and who can turn him? and [what] his soul desireth, even [that] he doeth.

God is not doubleminded that He needs to reconsider what He does. He does not need changing as “his way [is] perfect” (Psalms 18:30). He will perform that which He promised (Jeremiah 33:14). Keep in mind, He has also promised eternal life (John 3:16). So, do you question God, the Creator of all things (John 1:3), in what He does, or do you accept that God’s ways as being “past finding out” (Job 9:10)?

Friday, January 2, 2026

Job 23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food].

Do you keep God’s commandments and His Word, or have you backslidden from the commandments, especially when preachers tell you that they no longer apply, and are you ignoring the Bible because you have been told it is irrelevant for today? Remember, Satan caused disobedience in Heaven, disobedience with Adam and Eve, and now disobedience at large in the Christian world under the guise of “biblical reasons” to disobey.

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Job 23:11 My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.

So, do you walk in the pathway or steps God would have you walk seeing “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6) by keeping His way, which is outlined in God’s Word and in His Commandments, or do you just wander about at will in this darkened world doing your own thing instead?

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: [when] he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

God is with us even if we do not sense His presence, and all the trials we go through, even Peter states, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). So, do you buckle under trials with complaining and adult fit throwing, or do you recognize the purification process going on realizing “God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able” (1 Corinthians 10:13)?

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Job 23:9 On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold [him]: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see [him]:

This is a continuation of Job having felt that God did not guide him on the left or the right. Job did not sense the presence of God in all of his decisions nor in his direction to go. Knowing that God does not forsake His people (1 Samuel 12:22), do you consult with God in your decisions, or do you just make decisions and hope for the best?

Monday, December 29, 2025

Job 23:8 Behold, I go forward, but he [is] not [there]; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:

Have you ever searched for God and not find Him, as if you have been forsaken? Every step forward that Job took felt like it was being done on His own without God. When he looked back upon his past, he questioned if God was with him. Before we despair, we need to always keep in mind, especially during times of difficulty, “the LORD will not forsake his people” (1 Samuel 12:22).

Sunday, December 28, 2025

Job 23:7 There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.

God is Who we need to approach, in fact, it is Jesus Who is the Judge “for the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son” (John 5:22). Therefore, if you sin, do you go to the “advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1) and “we confess our sins,” because “he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9)?

Friday, December 26, 2025

Job 23:6 Will he plead against me with [his] great power? No; but he would put [strength] in me.

God does not force us to do that which is right, but in His strength we can live in obedience to all His expectations including the Ten Commandments because “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:3-4). So, do you receive of God’s divine power to overcome every sin and temptation, or do you just give up thinking there is no possible way to do that? Remember, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

Thursday, December 25, 2025

Job 23:5 I would know the words [which] he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.

If you faced God to try to point out where He was wrong and you were right, you probably know what the answer would be from God and what He would say also, right?

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Job 23:4 I would order [my] cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

Although God says, “let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18), do you really think human beings can argue their cases before God thinking we are in the right and God is wrong?

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Job 23:3 Oh that I knew where I might find him! [that] I might come [even] to his seat!

Wishing to see God face-to-face is a dangerous thing for even Isaiah said, “Woe [is] me! for I am undone; because I [am] a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts” (Isaiah 6:5). So, do you really want to see God face-to-face and lodge your complaint, or are you satisfied making your petitions to God through prayer?

Monday, December 22, 2025

Job 23:1-2 Then Job answered and said, Even to day [is] my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning.

Job had felt that despite his respective complaint and groanings in pain that God’s hand was even stronger against him. Well, when a person has friends that just cause more grief and pain, anyone would feel that God’s hand was quite heavy. But again, the sad part is that it was the devil doing the afflicting though God did permit it. Now, God is not to be blamed for allowing this situation to occur. Do you see how God had trusted Job to endure so much that he would end up bringing the greatest amount of glory to Himself? That is our purpose – to glorify God? “Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Sunday, December 21, 2025

Job 22:30 He shall deliver the island of the innocent: and it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands.

Psalms 24:4-5 says, “He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” And James 4:8 states similarly showing the parallel between Old and New Testaments instead of dismissing the Old because of the New, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.” Therefore, if you want to be delivered, are your heart and hands or actions pure?

Friday, December 19, 2025

Job 22:29 When [men] are cast down, then thou shalt say, [There is] lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.

God indeed saves the humble and destroys the proud. Which are you?

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Job 22:28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.

To state something and it will happen is based on the condition “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33), therefore, nothing selfish will be stated. Also, obedience to the light shining is a condition as well (John 12:35). So, before you go naming and claiming, are you walking in the light, or are you walking in your own darkness?

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Job 22:27 Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.

God is the only one that can answer our prayers. We need not pray to anyone else. It is not like God cannot handle it Himself that He has to rely on servants to lighten the load. He is the one that shall hear us. And the vow a Christian is to pay is to be a Christian. There is an expectation of how a Christian will act, otherwise, we end up taking the Lord’s name in vain. To be a Christian is to be like Christ. So, are you part of the “all God, all reward, all the time” crowd, or in appreciation of all God’s goodness towards you, do you live as a Christian ought to live once you became a Christian, which is when the vow was made?

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Job 22:26 For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.

When God provides and protects, do you delight in the Almighty and life up your face to God, or do you just take God for granted?

Monday, December 15, 2025

Job 22:25 Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver.

Do keep in mind that Eliphaz was telling this to Job and evidently believed that if a person were right with God, they would be rich. That is not so. The prosperity gospel in becoming wealthy is what the Pharisees believed in and is falsely preached today. “Better [is] the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than [he that is] perverse [in his] ways, though he [be] rich” (Proverbs 28:6). Just look at Jesus and His poverty. But, do you realize the need for God to be your defender against the wiles of the devil?

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Job 22:24 Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the [gold] of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.

In Heaven, gold will be so plentiful that it will be as frequently accessed as is dust happens to be now. And the most expensive form of gold will be as easily gathered as stones are in a brook. Today, gold is not that easily accessible and, in one form or another, people chase after accumulating it. They do so by chasing even after money, but are you content with serving God on the means He provides of which meets your needs instead of accumulating lots of wealth?

Friday, December 12, 2025

Job 22:23 If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.

If we are of God, iniquity or sinning will not be part of our life, and it will not be tolerated as it is put far away from our bodies, which are also known as tabernacles. The New Testament equivalent states, “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God” (1 John 3:9). So, are you really born again and have ceased from making allowances to sin?

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Job 22:22 Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.

Isaiah says, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15), and “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23). So, are you keeping God’s commandments and obeying His Word as it is the expectation of a true Christian lifestyle not to earn Heaven but simply living as if you were in Heaven, or have you been tricked into Christianized disobedience using biblical excuses to allow selfishness in one’s life?

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Job 22:21 Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.

To a practicing sinner, these are appropriate words. Eliphaz saying these words to Job were an offense as Job was not a practicing sinner. The peace referred to is that between us, individually, and God. To acquaint ourselves is to be seriously searching the Word of God daily to know what He expects of His children, otherwise, we are just making up the rules ourselves and would be guilty of following man instead of God. When we live our lives our own way, peace is not assured despite being told, “You believe, then you are saved”. But what does the word “believe” really mean? When we do as God expects of us, good indeed shall come upon us, now and in the life to come. So, have you acquainted yourself properly with God receiving His peace?

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Job 22:20 Whereas our substance is not cut down, but the remnant of them the fire consumeth.

Keep in mind that our substance ought to be treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:20), which will not be cut down, but the grand houses, boats, and other material items of the lost, for that matter, ours as well, will all be consumed by fire. So, where are your investments? Is it to worldly material things or upon the work of God?

Monday, December 8, 2025

Job 22:19 The righteous see [it], and are glad: and the innocent laugh them to scorn.

The righteous will indeed be glad when there are no wicked anymore. At the same time, they are hoping as many of the wicked become converted because the righteous are not happy that souls are destroyed for eternity, unlike those who celebrate the death of an apparent righteous person. This is part of the Christian mission: “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10) by sharing the gospel. So, are you sad for a wicked person to die in their wickedness, or do you declare at their death, “Good, the world can use less of those types of people”?

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Job 22:18 Yet he filled their houses with good [things]: but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

Do the blessings of God cause you to keep your distance from the wicked, those who refuse to hear the Word of God and repent?

Friday, December 5, 2025

Job 22:17 Which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for them?

Telling God to depart because a person would rather enjoy a moment of sinning is throwing away eternal life because that rather immediate gratification of pleasure. They tell God to depart when they trash religious material that came in the mail. They tell God to depart when they reject entering into a religious conversation, taking time to have a Bible study, or even to attend church. They tell God to depart when someone who simply is practicing Christian values is made fun of or disrespected. So, do you tell God to depart, or do you invite Jesus into your heart?

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Job 22:16 Which were cut down out of time, whose foundation was overflown with a flood

Speaking of a flood and foundations, Jesus said, “And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it” (Matthew 7:26-27). Now, are all your beliefs solidly established by the Word of God or loosely held by a verse or mere opinions?

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Job 22:15 Hast thou marked the old way which wicked men have trodden?

Have you marked out your old life and avoid it as being converted and becoming “a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17), “that our old man is crucified” (Romans 6:6), and “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body” (Romans 6:12)?

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Job 22:14 Thick clouds [are] a covering to him, that he seeth not; and he walketh in the circuit of heaven.

Behind all those clouds, behind the skies, even well into the darkness of outer space or also known as the heavens, God is watching and well engaged into the battle that happens for every soul every moment of the day. On which side of the battle are you on? The one that cooperates and does what God asks, or the one that continues in rebellion and sin?

Monday, December 1, 2025

Job 22:13 And thou sayest, How doth God know? can he judge through the dark cloud?

Do you believe God is all knowing even to the smallest details, seeing, not only through a dark cloud, but in the darkest of darkness?

Sunday, November 30, 2025

Job 22:12 [Is] not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are!

Basically, Eliphaz is declaring to Job, “Do you see how high the stars are? We cannot reach any of them!” Of course, that is primarily because there were no flying machines in their day, especially spacecraft. Even so, with spacecraft in our day, we have not been able to reach a single star. Now, with God so much further away than the stars, have you considered how can God know every little detail on this planet of my every action, or do you accept that despite God being in Heaven, “the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Matthew 10:30) by God of course; therefore, you accept that He indeed sees all details of everyone’s life including our own?

Friday, November 28, 2025

Job 22:10-11 Therefore snares [are] round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee; or darkness, [that] thou canst not see; and abundance of waters cover thee.

This is the life of a sinner, that Job is being accused of living as. Those snares are “the snares of death” (Proverbs 13:14), especially eternal death. Not knowing that one is in darkness is the worst type of darkness because they cannot recognize their need of conversion. And they are just drowning through life as society (Revelation 17:15) controls them by being very influential to the ways of the world. But have you chosen Jesus, the light of the world (John 8:12) and walk in that light (Revelation 21:24)?

Thursday, November 27, 2025

Job 22:9 Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.

Again, these were false accusations made by Eliphaz against Job, but do you “relieveth the fatherless and widow” (Psalms 146:9) as opportunity presents itself to you?

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Job 22:8 But [as for] the mighty man, he had the earth; and the honourable man dwelt in it.

Eliphaz labeled Job sarcastically as “the mighty man” who owned all that land but then lost it all. It is the honorable man that gets to dwell in it, which again, was sarcastically he was implying that Job was not honorable. Now, are you an honorable, trustworthy, truthful person representing the character of Christ to the best of your ability by the grace and strength of God, or do you bring disrespect to the name Christian by living worldly?

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Job 22:7 Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink, and thou hast withholden bread from the hungry.

Again, more false accusations were given by Eliphaz towards Job accusing him of unlawful gain that interestingly marks a good Christian or not. Jesus said to the sheep, “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink” (Matthew 25:35) but to the goats, “I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink” (Matthew 25:42). So, are you a sheep feeding the hungry and giving drink to the thirsty or a goat who does not?

Monday, November 24, 2025

Job 22:6 For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought, and stripped the naked of their clothing.

Eliphaz was accusing Job of shady business deals that made Job so rich. Of course, that was not true, but that was the accusation. Even Proverbs says something about honest transactions, even on a personal basis: “[It is] naught, [it is] naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth” (Proverbs 20:14). Now, do you make sure all your deals with people, business or personal, are proper so that if an accusation is made against you, it would turn out to be a lie also?

Sunday, November 23, 2025

Job 22:5 [Is] not thy wickedness great? and thine iniquities infinite?

So, Eliphaz just accused Job of being so wicked with infinite iniquity on his record. Now, if you were in Job’s position, would you really take the time to straighten out the record with someone bent on accusing, or would you console yourself by realizing that the only being that matters knowing the facts is God and He already knows the truth without explaining yourself to Him?

Friday, November 21, 2025

Job 22:4 Will he reprove thee for fear of thee? will he enter with thee into judgment?

Said in plainer words, Eliphaz was asking, “Will God reprove Job because God fears Job?” Of course not! “Will Job face the judgement?” Of course he will. Now, do you think yourself above God by being above the Bible, or do you humble yourself and live by “by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4)?

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Job 22:3 [Is it] any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or [is it] gain [to him], that thou makest thy ways perfect?

God wants us to be perfect as Jesus commanded, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Thankfully, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1), so we are not cast off if we happen to fail. But we do not cease. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). We then try again by the grace and power of God (2 Peter 1:3). And it is to the glory of God that we do and no glory to ourselves, however, if we are trying to prove ourselves to God, then we have the wrong concept of perfection. Even being righteous is the work of God in us and not of ourselves for “I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing” (Romans 7:18). Now, do you “do those things that are pleasing in his sight” (1 John 3:22), or do you live carelessly because you do not believe in Bible perfection?

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Job 22:1-2 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?

The best Jesus says we can be is unprofitable: “We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do” (Luke 17:10). We cannot make up for a single sin. We cannot do anything to contribute to our salvation. Keep in mind, we are not to be kept in debt either. Unprofitable does mean the debt is paid and our balance is zero. Sinning creates debt but obedience does not profit salvation. It is a breakeven scenario. So, do you continue to transgress God’s laws allowing even the little sins to remain in your life making you worse than just being unprofitable, or do you see that “the doers of the law shall be justified” (Romans 2:13) but not contribute to salvation?

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Job 21:34 How then comfort ye me in vain, seeing in your answers there remaineth falsehood?

Do you try to comfort people through lies thinking that you are protecting the person’s feelings, or do you see value in being gentle while telling the truth?

Monday, November 17, 2025

Job 21:33 The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him, and every man shall draw after him, as [there are] innumerable before him.

A dead person is not going to sense the clods of dirt upon their grave, so this is being spoken metaphorically, but the clods do wrap the casket in the earth. The sad thing is that death is inevitable to all human beings. The important thing to keep in mind, are you ready to enter the grave prepared to come up in the resurrection of life (John 5:29)?

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Job 21:32 Yet shall he be brought to the grave, and shall remain in the tomb.

Lost or saved, that is where we remain. We do not go floating off to Heaven or Hell. We unconsciously wait for one of two different resurrections: “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:28-29). So, do you believe the Bible or spiritualism?

Friday, November 14, 2025

Job 21:31 Who shall declare his way to his face? and who shall repay him [what] he hath done?

God will indeed reveal the ways of the wicked to their faces and even repay them with the fires of hell. So, do you realize there is nothing you can get away with that God does not already know about?

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Job 21:29-30 Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens, That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath.

Job tells us the fate of the lost – it is called destruction. It is not the word “destroying”, which would mean that they will continue to be tortured forever and ever. The word “destruction” is a once and done event. There will be no eternal life for the lost. The eternal destruction they will suffer is the fact that there will be no undoing the destruction. So, are you on God’s side so as to have eternal life and will not have to worry about never existing?

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Job 21:28 For ye say, Where [is] the house of the prince? and where [are] the dwelling places of the wicked?

When the world ends, all houses and dwelling places will be burned, become forgotten, and blown in the dust as ashes. Now, there is one thing to have a nice appearance and upkeep of a house, but just how far past that point are you investing in keeping up with fads, luxury, etc.?

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Job 21:27 Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices [which] ye wrongfully imagine against me.

Just imagine that instead of Job that this was God speaking. Surely, God knows every thought and imagination of ours (Genesis 6:5). So, are your thoughts and imaginations acceptable to God or a bit sinful?

Monday, November 10, 2025

Job 21:26 They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them.

That is quite detailed about death, but it is the truth. We are not promised Heaven or Hell at the point of death. We are told over and over that we go back to the dust to await the second coming: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming” (1 Corinthians 15:22-23). “For dust thou [art], and unto dust shalt thou return” (Genesis 3:19). Yes, Moses (Jude 1:9), Elijah (2 Kings 2:11), and Enoch (Genesis 5:24) are in Heaven but those are exceptions. The rest return to the dust. So, have you been tricked into paganism and spiritualism for the departed loved ones as God puts a warning against trying to contact the dead (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) since they are demons personating them, or do you believe the truth that “the dead know not any thing” (Ecclesiastes 9:5)?

Sunday, November 9, 2025

Job 21:25 And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure.

Depression does shorten a life, so despite the odds that may be against you, do you keep the Kingdom of God ever before you to encourage yourself to “endure unto the end” (Mark 13:13)?

Friday, November 7, 2025

Job 21:24 His breasts are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow.

In continuing the description of a person that surprisingly dies when in their prime of their life, here we have nourishment and strength of bones. Basically, he does not have bone cancer. The bottom line is that people do die without a cause. That is what makes life so fragile. So, are you ready at a moment’s notice to offer up your life with your next thought of seeing Jesus in the first resurrection, or do you risk your spiritual life by indulging in those things that are sinful, even if it is just a little sinful?

Thursday, November 6, 2025

Job 21:23 One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet.

People do unexpectedly die, even in full youthful strength of body and mind thinking all will be well tomorrow. The question is, are you ready to meet Jesus if today were your last?

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Job 21:22 Shall [any] teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high.

Yet, there are people who do try to teach God a thing or two by twisting His Word, changing the meaning from what the Bible plainly states, and even create a whole other Jesus. So, do you accept that you are the one to be taught from the Word of God and not you teaching God by correcting His supposed errors?

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Job 21:21 For what pleasure [hath] he in his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off in the midst?

That is because when a person dies, “in that very day his thoughts perish” (Psalms 146:4). “He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him any more” (Job 7:10). So, do you see death as the end of family members communicating with their loved ones, or do you ignore the warning of God Who commanded not to “consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer” (Deuteronomy 18:11) and speak to the dead anyways?

Monday, November 3, 2025

Job 21:20 His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty.

That is what the lost shall face. Please take notice that it is the word “destruction” and not “destroying”. In other words, hell fire has a completion to it and not an eternity of suffering. This is consistent with the hundreds of other verses like, “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:15). It is the word “perish”, which is finite, and not “perishing”, which is continuous. It is not eternal life in Heaven versus eternal life in hell. We either have eternal life or we do not. So, what are you living for?

Sunday, November 2, 2025

Job 21:19 God layeth up his iniquity for his children: he rewardeth him, and he shall know [it].

God will not only punish a person for their own sins but the sins that are taught to children to commit. Now, when we think of a reward, we usually think of something good, but to the lost, it is not good, and they shall know it. So, are you teaching children the right way to live, or are you influencing them to sin instead?

Friday, October 31, 2025

Job 21:18 They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away.

That is after the fire for “Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: [there shall] not [be] a coal to warm at, [nor] fire to sit before it” (Isaiah 47:14). So, what are you putting your effort towards? That which will be facing the fires of hell as stubble, or those things that shall lead to eternal life?

Thursday, October 30, 2025

Job 21:17 How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and [how oft] cometh their destruction upon them! [God] distributeth sorrows in his anger.

The ultimate putting out the candle of the wicked will come with hell fire where they will be destroyed (Matthew 10:28). So, though the wicked may be enjoying this life and may even appear to prosper, are you holding out for the pleasures in the life to come known as eternal life?

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Job 21:16 Lo, their good [is] not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

The reason the good is not in our hands is because “I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing” (Romans 7:18). All of our goodness comes from Christ. And it would be wise not to take counsel or advice from worldly people for that is all they shall provide. We need godly advice in our lives instead. So, do you turn to God’s Word for advice or worldly relatives and friends?

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Job 21:15 What [is] the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?

The Almighty is God, who offers eternal life, and there is a lot of benefit in praying, especially in confessing our sins for “he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9), which permits us to receive it. So, do you serve God and pray to Him, or do you serve yourself, which is really Satan’s suggestions for there are only two choices: “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16).

Monday, October 27, 2025

Job 21:14 Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.

It is understandable that sinners who want to sin will reject the messengers of God, but when Christians do not want to search the scriptures for truth and are set in their own ways, then we have apostasy. So, are you open to searching the scriptures to make sure all that you believe is really biblical and not just based upon a verse out of context, or are you closed to the thought that your practices could be challenged?

Sunday, October 26, 2025

Job 21:13 They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave.

And just where does all that wealth go? So, are you serving wealth or God?

Friday, October 24, 2025

Job 21:12 They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ.

Music has an influence for both good and bad, so what music are you letting yourself be influenced by?

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Job 21:11 They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance.

Today, it is sports. People say they have no time for God because they have to rush their child to one activity after another, which is usually sports. And the many who do not have children to worry about rushing to places still allow sports and entertainment to get in the way of time with God. Now, are you one of them, or do you “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33)?

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Job 21:10 Their bull gendereth, and faileth not; their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf.

This is a very interesting way of saying that when you are on God’s side by living in obedience to Him, even the cattle will be blessed. Now, you may not be raising cattle, but certainly you must have something you depend upon using daily, be it your vehicle or something else, that you would like having operating without major mechanical repairs, so will you consider living in complete obedience to God?

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Job 21:9 Their houses [are] safe from fear, neither [is] the rod of God upon them.

Is your house safe from fear and the rod of God be not upon you because you have commanded your household after God?

Monday, October 20, 2025

Job 21:8 Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes.

A large family does not necessarily equate to a good family person. Now, do you “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24)?

Sunday, October 19, 2025

Job 21:7 Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?

Unfortunately, some wicked people do get to live to become very old, even mighty in power, but do you keep in mind that such people will never see the Kingdom of God and we ought not be jealous of them?

Friday, October 17, 2025

Job 21:6 Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh.

False accusers, liars, and all such people will have to be dealt with at some point in our lives if not more than once. It is natural to be afraid of them, but will you copy the example of Daniel and his friends and stand even if your life here on earth depended upon that stance, or are you willing cave in to appease the wretches?

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Job 21:5 Mark me, and be astonished, and lay [your] hand upon [your] mouth.

That is an interesting way to tell someone to be quiet. Now, when lies and false accusations are being thrown around, are you still gentle in your conversation, or do you let the other person “have it” by telling them to “shut up” among other harsh phrases?

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Job 21:4 As for me, [is] my complaint to man? and if [it were so], why should not my spirit be troubled?

If a person has a valid complaint, especially after being falsely accused, most people would be troubled in spirit, but how would you handle the situation? Getting into a fist fight? Yelling and screaming? Or waiting patiently to speak your position?

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Job 21:1-3 But Job answered and said, Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations. Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on.

James wrote, “Ye have heard of the patience of Job” (James 5:11). That was not just about the days of dealing with the boils. That was not just about the days of mourning dealing with the loss of everything, including children. It is inclusive of dealing with mocking friends. Now, how do you deal with such people? Is it with patience?

Monday, October 13, 2025

Job 20:29 This [is] the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God.

So, from verse 1 all the way until the end of chapter 20, Zophar the Naamathite, was basically telling Job what was going to happen to him because Zophar has judged Job to be a wicked man though in secret. Why else would Job be suffering so? It was so bad that there was no room for repentance. Surely, this is not a good method of winning souls. The destination of a person is left with God while our responsibility is to encourage people into repentance and hope the Holy Spirit is successful in working that person’s heart. So, do you go around condemning sinners to hell, or do you look for opportunity to draw sinners unto Jesus?

Sunday, October 12, 2025

Job 20:28 The increase of his house shall depart, [and his goods] shall flow away in the day of his wrath.

Is dishonest gain really worth it when the house, the goods, and everything is going to disappear in the end?

Friday, October 10, 2025

Job 20:27 The heaven shall reveal his iniquity; and the earth shall rise up against him.

That is because in Heaven, every record of one’s life is being recorded: “a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD” (Malachi 3:16). That is just one of the many books in Heaven. Also keep in mind that “the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men” (2 Peter 3:7). So, are all your sins blotted out of the records in Heaven by the blood of Jesus through confessing and forsaking of sin by the grace of God, or do you really think careless living is going to be rewarded with eternal life?

Thursday, October 9, 2025

Job 20:26 All darkness [shall be] hid in his secret places: a fire not blown shall consume him; it shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle.

Without God, according to Zophar (verse 1), it is like being in total darkness and end up facing the consuming fire known as hell fire. It is one thing to be ignorant while in darkness and another to be fully aware and choosing the darkness, but have you chosen the light which also is promised eternal life?

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Job 20:25 It is drawn, and cometh out of the body; yea, the glittering sword cometh out of his gall: terrors [are] upon him.

Spiritually speaking, it is said, “the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). That sword must strike deep into the body to touch joints, marrow, thoughts, heart, and even the gall as in gallbladder. Keep in mind that this is just to cut out sin from one’s life, but if they resist, it will be painful. Now, how deep does God’s Word pierce into your body?

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Job 20:24 He shall flee from the iron weapon, [and] the bow of steel shall strike him through.

Again, Zophar the Naamathite (verse 1) is very graphic. In symbolic language, the lost will not escape the wrath of God, and they will suffer the torments of hell, where “there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:50). So, is your lifestyle pointing to the destination of eternal life in Heaven or not?

Monday, October 6, 2025

Job 20:23 [When] he is about to fill his belly, [God] shall cast the fury of his wrath upon him, and shall rain [it] upon him while he is eating.

Zophar the Naamathite (verse 1) really laid it on thick about the lost, especially those that got gain by underhanded means, which he had accused Job of doing. God does not strike everyone with lightning bolts for stepping out of line, so saying, “May God strike me dead if I’m lying” and God does not strike them dead does not mean they were telling the truth. So, is your expectation of God one that is wrathful and strikes people who go astray, especially while eating, or do you see God allowing room for us to repent instead being remorseful for having sinned?

Sunday, October 5, 2025

Job 20:22 In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits: every hand of the wicked shall come upon him.

In this life, when an evil person thinks they have it all, others will come upon that person after it. How many times do we hear of certain types of people in the “under world” who become wealthy and die at a young age due to being cut down? Ill gotten gain among fellow thieves creates this jealousy. So, are all your gains honestly gotten?

Friday, October 3, 2025

Job 20:21 There shall none of his meat be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods.

The lost will have nothing while the saved will have everything. Which are you living the lifestyle for?

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Job 20:19-20 Because he hath oppressed [and] hath forsaken the poor; [because] he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not; surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired.

Those who conduct underhanded deals, which does not have to involve the housing market, it can be anything, may think they have won, there will always be that nagging feeling, especially the one, “What if someone finds out?” Therefore, it is always best to be honest with people. Besides, why would anyone want to toss away eternal life for some underhanded deal here on earth? So, do you have “an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep [it]” (Luke 8:15)?

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Job 20:18 That which he laboured for shall he restore, and shall not swallow [it] down: according to [his] substance [shall] the restitution [be], and he shall not rejoice [therein].

It is a weird way of saying that the lost will have to give up the fruit of their labor. Jesus said, “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Matthew 6:20), but they chose to put their “treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal” (Matthew 6:19). Basically, Peter asks all of us about the location of our treasures: “[Seeing] then [that] all these things shall be dissolved, what manner [of persons] ought ye to be in [all] holy conversation and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11)? So, will you be handing over all that you have labored for because you invested in earthly things, or will you get to enjoy the benefits of Heaven with your heavenly investments?

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Job 20:17 He shall not see the rivers, the floods, the brooks of honey and butter.

The lost will not get to see these things, keeping in mind that during eternal life, there will be no actual flooding but there will be vast amounts of water, just like that of Genesis 1. So, have you chosen to follow Jesus to be able to see these things, or are you living for the here and now and think the things of this world is better than the next?

Monday, September 29, 2025

Job 20:16 He shall suck the poison of asps: the viper's tongue shall slay him.

Remember, this is Zophar rebutting Job (Job 20:1). Now, with a spiritual application, Satan is known as “that old serpent” (Revelation 12:9). When Satan strikes and is successful in drawing us to sin, we are left having to deal with the poison. Of course, the remedy is, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9), but there is often consequences still left behind, be it loss of job, reputation, unwanted pregnancy, etc. In the meantime, to prevent these consequences happening in the future, we need to stop being slain by Satan’s tongue for it utters lies. So, just how much time do you spend listening to his lies through the various forms of media, even called entertainment, or have you pretty much shut it all down by the grace of God?

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Job 20:15 He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly.

People may enjoy their worldly gains but if they die without repentance, they will be more than vomiting when they are outside of the city of God. “The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 13:41-42). So, are you after the things this world has to offer or are you reaching for “the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14)?

Friday, September 26, 2025

Job 20:12-14 Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, [though] he hide it under his tongue; [Though] he spare it, and forsake it not; but keep it still within his mouth: [Yet] his meat in his bowels is turned, [it is] the gall of asps within him.

To the lost, wickedness may be sweet in this life fulfilling the desires of the heart, but just wait until they are standing on the outside of the city to experience eternal damnation, the fires of hell. So, do you live for the here and now trying to get the most you can gain, or in everything you participate in, do you consider eternal consequences and choose that which is right in God’s eyes?

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Job 20:11 His bones are full [of the sin] of his youth, which shall lie down with him in the dust.

If we take our unconfessed sins to the grave, we then shall die in our sins and not be saved. So, do you confess and forsake all your sins, or do you justify certain ones in your life?

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Job 20:10 His children shall seek to please the poor, and his hands shall restore their goods.

Zophar is indirectly accusing Job that his gotten gain was by the means of wickedness, cheating the poor, taking advantage of them, and that it will be returned at his death. Now, it does beg the question, do you take advantage of the poor, be it in wealth or because of ignorance, or do you treat every transaction respectfully and making sure the other person understands everything about what is going on?

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Job 20:9 The eye also [which] saw him shall [see him] no more; neither shall his place any more behold him.

This is what is meant by, “The face of the LORD [is] against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth” (Psalms 34:16). So, do you really want to serve evil because no one is even going to remember you then, or do you want to serve righteousness and live eternally?

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Job 20:6-7 Though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his head reach unto the clouds; [Yet] he shall perish for ever like his own dung: they which have seen him shall say, Where [is] he?

This is a very descriptive way of saying, “Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). To think highly of oneself will eventually be faced with a tragic reality when perishing in hell. So, do you have “a contrite and humble spirit” (Isaiah 57:15) instead allowing God to save you?

Friday, September 19, 2025

Job 20:4-5 Knowest thou [not] this of old, since man was placed upon earth, That the triumphing of the wicked [is] short, and the joy of the hypocrite [but] for a moment?

The wicked and the hypocrite, in the perspective of things, is a short life. Even if the six thousand years of sin were to be taken into consideration, compared to eternity, it is very short as if a moment in time. So, do you want to enjoy this short life by living of the world or life eternal by living godly?

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Job 20:1-3 Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said, Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for [this] I make haste. I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.

Of course Zophar is compelled to answer Job as Job just got done laying into his “friends” and rightfully so. Now, are you a person who will continue to defend your position despite the erroneous ways being uncovered, or do you accept the truth of the matter?

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Job 19:29 Be ye afraid of the sword: for wrath [bringeth] the punishments of the sword, that ye may know [there is] a judgment.

There is one sword that we ought to be concerned about and that is “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). So, are you using it properly or even at all?

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Job 19:28 But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?

Usually, people will draw attention to someone to call them out, or to make them admit something, but Job is saying that his friends believe that it is a waste of time to persecute Job. They were convinced that they knew the problem was with Job. The evidence was all around with loss of family, wealth, and health. Now, they may have believed that way, but that did not make it a reality. So, despite the evidence that may make you appear guilty, do you simply rely upon God to set the record straight at some point realizing that to defend yourself will simply make you look foolish despite the truth being the fact you are innocent?

Monday, September 15, 2025

Job 19:26-27 And [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body], yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; [though] my reins be consumed within me.

Job believed that we would receive new flesh, eventually. In the meantime, the old flesh would be subject to destruction, including becoming worm food. The day we receive the new flesh is “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:51-55). Job does not mention of a soul or a spirit floating off to Heaven; therefore, do you believe in Christianized paganism that teaches we release our souls or spirits upon death and that there is a spirit world where they dwell, or do you believe in the biblical teaching that we are resurrected together with uncorruptible flesh and get caught up to be with Jesus throughout eternity (1 Thessalonians 4:17)?

Sunday, September 14, 2025

Job 19:25 For I know [that] my redeemer liveth, and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth:

Job knew that he needed Redeemer. Isaiah 44:22 tells us what it means to be redeemed: “I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.” So, have you accepted Jesus as your Redeemer allowing Him to remove all the sins from your life and blotting them out of the records of Heaven?

Friday, September 12, 2025

Job 19:24 That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!

Job is referring to his words that were spoken and wished that they would be permanent. Well, anyone holding a complete Bible will find Job’s words, though they are not engravened into stone, they are still pretty permanent due to the numerous copies in the world. So, have you considered studying the experience of Job for yourself?

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Job 19:23 Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!

One day, they would be printed in a book. It is called the Book of Job. It just was not written in Job’s day. Job had insight from God though to think that, but it was Moses who fulfilled it when he wrote the life of Job. The important thing however, is this, are you learning the lessons contained in the book?

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Job 19:22 Why do ye persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh?

Job’s friends act like they are God by passing judgement reserved onto Himself and are relentless not being satisfied with the amount of discouragement they have laid upon him. Judgment of actions or fruit is judgment granted to us, but eternal destiny is reserved to God. So, are you careful in how you speak to others in giving encouragement, strength, profitable?

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Job 19:21 Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.

There is nothing worse than a supposed friend explaining why something fell apart, that it caused injury, that it caused great loss, etc., when the issue is happening. Basically, we have people who do not offer a helping hand but love to say, “Told you so!” Now, do you offer to help a person in need despite their foolish mistake, or are you quick to offer an explanation for the results being experienced?

Monday, September 8, 2025

Job 19:20 My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth.

Job is holding on, as the phrase says, by the skin of his teeth, which means, there is not much to hold onto, but do you hold on to God, especially in dire situations? Have you developed a persona trust with God that no matter the situation, God is your all?

Sunday, September 7, 2025

Job 19:19 All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me.

This is how society used to treat open sinners. Today, open Christians are treated this way instead, but are you willing to be shunned by family and society for Christ, or are you weak and willing to compromise to keep, especially those who you love, in your favor?

Friday, September 5, 2025

Job 19:18 Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me.

Children can be brutally honest, even if they may be wrong, as in this case regarding Job. Now, Jesus tells us, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). By the way, if you do not think we are to judge people for what they do, that belief is not biblical. We are to judge actions because if we do not, we may end up copying sin into our lives and reap the consequences thereof. We just cannot judge the final destination of a person for that is God’s territory. So, do you take time to know more than just the appearance of things, or do you pass judgment upon people by mere appearance?

Thursday, September 4, 2025

Job 19:17 My breath is strange to my wife, though I intreated for the children's [sake] of mine own body.

Well, Job’s wife did say, “Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.” (Job 2:9). Grief of losing all her children did play a role in this, but Job’s breath being strange is mild compared to the earlier conversation. So, if you are married, just how forgiving are you of your spouse that is controlled by emotions and lashes out in uncalled furry?

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Job 19:16 I called my servant, and he gave [me] no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.

It was quite common in Job’s day to not even acknowledge an open sinner is speaking, which he thought he was, but that was not the case. Today, not only do Christians speak to open sinners, they even make the sinner comfortable in their sins. So, are you one to ignore mainstream “friendly” Christianity and practice “he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:20)?

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Job 19:15 They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight.

Evidently, we are running through all of the relationships that supposedly shunned Job, or at least that was how he felt. Today, people do not feel so guilty about living in open sin as compare to back then. It is surely a sign of living in the last days when people do not care who knows their sins, but are you embarrassed for the gospel’s sake if you commit a sin bringing a reproach upon Christ? Claiming to be a Christian and caught in sin brings a bad reputation upon Christ (Hebrews 6:6).

Monday, September 1, 2025

Job 19:14 My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me.

Like yesterday, family and friends usually forsake a cursed person, however, today it seems that they “call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20) and are blatant about it. So, again, do you in a Christlike manner invite those that practice evil to repent, or do you sympathize with them by explaining away the reason they are the way they are?

Sunday, August 31, 2025

Job 19:13 He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me.

When a person receives the curse of God, family and friends typically keep their distance, well, maybe not so much today as the world turns more and more to blatant and open sinning along with defending the guilty. Now, are you one to sympathize with the guilty, or do you seek to have the guilty repent of their ways instead?

Friday, August 29, 2025

Job 19:12 His troops come together, and raise up their way against me, and encamp round about my tabernacle.

Another way of saying this, if a person is on the wrong side of God, which Job felt that he was, is that God will send His angels, as He is “the LORD of hosts” (Malachi 4:3), and obstruct a lost person going their own way. In fact, they will go as far as encircling a person, as the “body is the temple of the Holy Ghost” or tabernacle. The important thing is to be on God’s side and will not have to worry what the angels can do to the lost. So, are your ways the ways of God or your own worldly ways?

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Job 19:11 He hath also kindled his wrath against me, and he counteth me unto him as [one of] his enemies.

Job thought he became lost and was feeling God’s wrath. Speaking of which, we are told that, “seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God” (Revelation 15:1). We are also told that the first of the seven last plagues “fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and [upon] them which worshipped his image” (Revelation 16:2). So, are you sure you know how to avoid receiving the mark of the beast while receiving the seal of God and how to avoid the image of the beast, or are you just guessing at what these things may be without any real Bible supporting texts?

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Job 19:10 He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am gone: and mine hope hath he removed like a tree.

If we are on the wrong side of God, there is no safety in any direction, and we can be removed like a tree, not only cut down but uprooted as well that leaves no trace. So, have you chosen to be on the right side of God instead?

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Job 19:9 He hath stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown [from] my head.

Again, Job thought He was lost resulting in these things being taken away. Now, the glory that is important is when Jesus “shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body” (Philippians 3:21), and the crown that is most important is when Jesus “will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). So, are you living the Christian life that leads to being glorified and crowned with eternal life, or are you just claiming that you will get those things while living any old lifestyle, even possibly worse than many unbelievers?

Monday, August 25, 2025

Job 19:8 He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths.

That is what Job was sensing but in reality, that is for the lost, and he was not. God does prevent many wicked devices from being executed because God does look out for His people. Not all devices of evil are prevented because it may be that God needs to use that moment to further the gospel, like the many martyrs. And those that are walking contrary to God will walk in darkness, but have you come to the light yourself and walk in God’s ways which are opened before you?

Sunday, August 24, 2025

Job 19:7 Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard: I cry aloud, but [there is] no judgment.

Job indeed was being wronged by his supposed friends and received no fair judgment. Despite this happening to you, are you able to be in self-control and not lash out or do evil, or do you try to take judgment into your own hands when treated unfairly and do whatever it takes to get your own justice?

Friday, August 22, 2025

Job 19:5-6 If indeed ye will magnify [yourselves] against me, and plead against me my reproach: Know now that God hath overthrown me, and hath compassed me with his net.

If we make something more of ourselves than what we really are, God will overthrow us and the net will be the fires of hell for “Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). So, are you careful not to be bragging?

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Job 19:4 And be it indeed [that] I have erred, mine error remaineth with myself.

Now, Job believed that if he erred that it remains with himself. Although the final decision is his to make, we told, “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:20). So, are you careful to guide an erring soul with out trying to control them, or do you just ignore the error in others risking their blood being on you (Ezekiel 3:18)?

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Job 19:3 These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed [that] ye make yourselves strange to me.

[Our apologies but we had a weeklong typo in the chapter and replayed chapter 9.] So, we resume Job’s rebuke of Bildad, where he had, according to Job, made at least ten statements that were false and without shame. Job declared that this is not the Bildad he knew, along with all his supposed friends also making false accusations. Now, do you have friends who are ready to turn on people when something apparently negative is reported about that person? Just remember, if your friends are already doing this to others and not gathering all the facts, it is time to get new friends before they do the same to you. And hopefully you are not one that does this to others or you would be just as bad as Bildad and friends.

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Job 9:8 Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.

God indeed has and does do this. In fact, “And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which [were] under the firmament from the waters which [were] above the firmament: and it was so” (Genesis 1:7). Now, with that much power over the skies and seas, do you really think that God cannot help you deal with that little thing called sinning? Keep in mind that His commands are enablings, and so when He says, “go, and sin no more” (John 8:11), He also provides the power to do so (2 Peter 1:3-4). Unfortunately, most Christians are being led to “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” (2 Timothy 3:5). So, do you believe you can overcome every sin in your life by the power of God, or is Satan greater than God?

Monday, August 18, 2025

Job 9:7 Which commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; and sealeth up the stars.

God can command the sun not to rise and the stars not to shine, in fact, “For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine” (Isaiah 13:10). Seeing such power is in the simple words of God, just how much respect do you have towards the Bible?

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Job 9:6 Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble.

This is what the power of God can do, in fact, “the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground” (Ezekiel 38:20). And this is a parallel to the seventh plague in which Jesus returns. Hopefully, “we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17) because those who are not caught up will say “to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb” (Revelation 6:16). So, which group are you living for as we ought “not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18)?

Friday, August 15, 2025

Job 9:5 Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them in his anger.

God indeed will cause the mountains to be removed and in anger He will do it. It is called “the wrath of God” (Revelation 15:1), and during the seventh plague, “Every island fled away, and the mountains were not found” (Revelation 16:20). So, are you doing everything so as not to receive God’s wrath?

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Job 9:4 [He is] wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened [himself] against him, and hath prospered?

Pharaoh certainly hardened his heart but did not prosper, even ten times and did not learn the lesson, but have you learned the lesson and are allowing your heart to be kept softened towards God and His ways so that you may prosper?

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Job 9:3 If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.

Job is telling Bildad that not even one time out of a thousand could he ever answer back on Job’s facts. That means Bildad is so far off target that it was nothing but nonsense, which pretty much describes today’s society. All of the fake content, purposeful misdirections, etc., cannot hold an answer to God’s Word. Not even one in over thirty-thousand statements of God, which is how many verses there are in the Bible. So, are you being mislead by the “damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them” (2 Peter 2:1), or are you contending against them with “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17)?

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Job 19:1-2 Then Job answered and said, How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?

Job is rightly upset with what Bildad had just preached against Job. Words can encourage or discourage. They can lift up or tear down. They can be words of truth or lies. They can be fact or opinions. Which words do you choose to use that Christ would approve of?

Monday, August 11, 2025

Job 18:21 Surely such [are] the dwellings of the wicked, and this [is] the place [of him that] knoweth not God.

That has been our argument for all of these verses in Job 18. Bildad is accusing Job of being lost and painting his fate among the wicked. In either case, are you making personal preparation to make sure you are not on the side of the lost but the saved?

Sunday, August 10, 2025

Job 18:20 They that come after [him] shall be astonied at his day, as they that went before were affrighted.

Bildad is telling Job when people look back on his life of sin, they will be astonished. Those that saw it coming were affrighted. Though these are natural reactions towards the life of a sinful person, Job was not one of them though Bildad was accusing Job of being such. In the future, people will falsely look at true Christians much in the same way, but the important thing is our standing with God Who will clear up all matters. So, how is your standing with God?

Friday, August 8, 2025

Job 18:19 He shall neither have son nor nephew among his people, nor any remaining in his dwellings.

The lost will be so cursed that they will have no descendants or other relatives among the saved and seeing that all elements will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:10), there will be no dwelling for them. On the other hand, the saved are promised a mansion (John 14:2) and even a country estate (Isaiah 65:21). So, are you finding security in earthly opportunities or planning for heavenly places?

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Job 18:18 He shall be driven from light into darkness, and chased out of the world.

The lost indeed go from godly light into satanic darkness, and in the end, “the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it” (Proverbs 2:22). Instead, “Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). So, are you seeking God’s salvation to enjoy the new earth, or are you looking for the enjoyments of this world now and will not be part of the new earth?

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Job 18:17 His remembrance shall perish from the earth, and he shall have no name in the street.

The fate of the lost is to perish from remembrance. Now, “the street of the city [was] pure gold, as it were transparent glass” (Revelation 21:21) but as people walk it, none will remember a lost person for “them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth” (Psalms 34:16). And God will “put out their name for ever and ever” (Psalms 9:5). So, do you want to be remembered? Choose to be saved!

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Job 18:16 His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off.

Malachi 4:1 says, “For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” Roots drying up and branch being cut off, like with fire, is the fate of the lost and the connection with Satan, but are you connected to the godly Branch (Jeremiah 33:15), Jesus, and will not be dried at the roots?

Monday, August 4, 2025

Job 18:15 It shall dwell in his tabernacle, because [it is] none of his: brimstone shall be scattered upon his habitation.

“It”, as referring to fire, along with “brimstone” is the fate of the lost. Bildad again is laying it heavy upon Job, but are you making your habitation in the heavenly kingdom instead through the revelation of yourself in how you live?

Sunday, August 3, 2025

Job 18:14 His confidence shall be rooted out of his tabernacle, and it shall bring him to the king of terrors.

Once again, Bildad was very vivid towards Job. A person’s tabernacle is, in that day, a tent or place to lay their head, where they can feel secure. But the lost shall not have rest and will be brought before the king of terrors or death. So, to not face the king of terrors, are you in good relationship with Jesus Who holds “the keys of hell and of death” (Revelation 1:18)?

Friday, August 1, 2025

Job 18:13 It shall devour the strength of his skin: [even] the firstborn of death shall devour his strength.

Bildad is really laying it on heavy upon Job regarding death. That certainly would not cheer anyone up. Many would call Bildad a realist trying to tell Job what he is about to face. That usually does not appeal to many people as it is not a character trait of Christ. “Jesus had compassion” (Matthew 20:34) in many situations. So, do you defend being too direct with people as claiming to be a realist, or do you consider the situation and still tell the truth but mixed with compassion?

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Job 18:12 His strength shall be hungerbitten, and destruction [shall be] ready at his side.

That is a weird way for Bildad to describe someone who has lost his strength due to numerous other things that required strength, especially in participating in sinful practices evidently, as the last half is what will eventually happened to the lost during the seven last plagues. So, what do you spend your strength in pursuing? Is it a godly goal or worldly one?

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Job 18:11 Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet.

On the contrast of Bildad’s accusation against Job, a saved person “shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; [nor] for the arrow [that] flieth by day” (Psalms 91:5). So, are fearful of what is coming upon every side, or is your trust in God because you “dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalms 91:1), which is prayer?

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Job 18:10 The snare [is] laid for him in the ground, and a trap for him in the way.

Keep in mind that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6) and Satan would love to lay a trap or snare in the way of finding Jesus. It is like the parable of the seed on the path, the thorny bushes, the rocks, and the good ground (Matthew 13:3-8). The snares can be people trampling on the Word causing people to not give it an honest effort going along with the crowd and not wanting to make waves. It can include the things of the world choking out the importance of the Word. It can be simply going through the motions but never taking root. All of these are traps and snares, but is the Word in good ground in your heart?

Monday, July 28, 2025

Job 18:9 The gin shall take [him] by the heel, [and] the robber shall prevail against him.

A gin is a trap, which is exactly what Satan tries to do to people as well as rob them of eternal life. Now, are you venturing where Satan’s traps are or avoiding them, like staying out of questionable places, not subscribing to certain material, etc.?

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Job 18:8 For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walketh upon a snare.

Bildad was accusing Job of his life being basically a trap. Of course, it will later be revealed that it was a false accusation, however, do you do all to avoid Satan’s nets and snares, or do you carelessly live each moment finding yourself ensnared often?

Friday, July 25, 2025

Job 18:7 The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down.

Straitened means to be difficult or distressed among other synonyms. His steps being that way means that Job was being accused of being on a difficult path instead of the godly path. In fact, we are told on the godly path, “When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble” (Proverbs 4:12). He is also being accused of having thoughts that are condemning himself. So, on what path or way are you traveling? Remember, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Job 18:6 The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him.

Bildad is basically calling out Job as being in the dark using both statements together. Spiritually, to be in the dark is to be in error. Unfortunately, most people do not want to admit that they may be in error. This is not the case with Job. He just did not understand yet why he was going through what he was experiencing. Now Jesus said, “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved” (John 3:20). So, could you be in darkness because you put your trust in your own thoughts, a minister’s teaching, a denomination’s beliefs, how you were raised, or are your ways solidly grounded in Bible truth?

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Job 18:5 Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine.

The wicked do not get to live through eternity. Their light, their influence, their person, will be put out, as this matches many other verses that describe the second death (Revelation 2:11). Ever hear about a fire that burns within a person or even the phrase, “That really burns me up”? Well, that too shall be extinguished. Of course, this verse is not referring to the natural death that we all die because the fact that we all experience it means it does not make sense to single out the wicked to suffer it. So, it has to be referring to the second death that the wicked or lost will suffer. Therefore, if you would like to live eternally, have you accepted Jesus as your Savior?

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Job 18:4 He teareth himself in his anger: shall the earth be forsaken for thee? and shall the rock be removed out of his place?

Job is angry and even made cutting statements towards himself, but is it Job’s expectation that because he is suffering that the earth should be forsaken? Should the rocks be shaken out of their resting places, like an earthquake? Job did not hold to those expectations. He simply wanted to die, even not to have been born. Therefore, Bildad is not offering any comforting words but additional condemning words. With friends like Bildad, who needs enemies? Now, how do you handle people who simply make you feel worse than you already are?

Monday, July 21, 2025

Job 18:3 Wherefore are we counted as beasts, [and] reputed vile in your sight?

Bildad took great offense and felt like a beast and even being vile in Job’s sight. The way everyone was treating Job, it is Job’s friends that ought to reflect upon their character and accusations. This is referred today as a type of gaslighting by playing the victim when they are not and exaggerating the situation to the point that would make Job think his own sanity. Now, do you gaslight others making yourself the victim when you are not in trying to be manipulative, or are you an honest person in conversation staying to the facts of the situation where you “let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay” (Matthew 5:37)?

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Job 18:1-2 Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said, How long [will it be ere] ye make an end of words? mark, and afterwards we will speak.

Bildad was a bit impatient. “Job, when are you going to be done talking?” as if Bildad had more important words to speak than Job did. Now, if you were placed into a situation like that, how would you take these words of telling you to be quiet? Would you lose your patience and lash out, or would you be able, by the grace of God, copy Jesus’ example during His trials and be in self-control?

Friday, July 18, 2025

Job 17:16 They shall go down to the bars of the pit, when [our] rest together [is] in the dust.

Nothing here about going to Heaven or Hell upon death. As Job stated before, he is waiting for the grand resurrection when “all that are in the graves shall hear his voice” (John 5:28). If we are already in Heaven or Hell, then who is in the graves?

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Job 17:15 And where [is] now my hope? as for my hope, who shall see it?

We are not so worried about Job’s hope as compared to our own. More directly, is your “hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13)?

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Job 17:14 I have said to corruption, Thou [art] my father: to the worm, [Thou art] my mother, and my sister.

Corruption is referring to the decay in the grave, and Job was also recognizing that he would eventually become worm food. But while we are alive and not focused upon death as Job was, do you “hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother” (Proverbs 1:8)?

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Job 17:13 If I wait, the grave [is] mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness.

It is true that if time were to last, we will be placed into the grave, into darkness as well, though we would not sense any of that, thankfully, but do you have “hope” in the fact “that there shall be a resurrection of the dead” (Acts 24:15)?

Monday, July 14, 2025

Job 17:12 They change the night into day: the light [is] short because of darkness.

Evil people will claim that to be in darkness is actually being in the light, as in, “enlightenment”. It does not last as it is actually darkness. So, are you confusing true light with darkness, or have you come to the true light and have repelled darkness?

Sunday, July 13, 2025

Job 17:11 My days are past, my purposes are broken off, [even] the thoughts of my heart.

Job certainly thought his life was at an end. All the days he was to live on earth was considered past. He appeared to just be waiting for the soon last day of his life. He also sensed he had no further purpose in this life either. Again, these are very depressing thoughts. Many today face these thoughts despite being young in life and a future before them. Many are misguided by peers and society about their purpose, and being confused, quite a few decide that enough is enough. The sad part is, God has two purposes for each human being, if such people would only recognize those purposes, they would not be so easily given over to depression. So, do you have a proper relationship with God, and are you helping as many as possible to do the same?

Friday, July 11, 2025

Job 17:10 But as for you all, do ye return, and come now: for I cannot find [one] wise [man] among you.

Among your friends, can you find someone wise, or are you surrounded by fools?

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Job 17:9 The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.

That is because sin actually makes us weaker and weaker (Ephesians 2:1) and separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2). So, are you weak because of your sinning, or are you strong because of your obedience towards God?

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Job 17:8 Upright [men] shall be astonied at this, and the innocent shall stir up himself against the hypocrite.

Job figured that upright people would be astonished by his quick aging to his body while recognizing that the innocent do not tolerate hypocrites. Job would have thought that people considered him to be one of those hypocrites as there was no other reason why such would have come upon Job. Of course, this was not the case in Job’s life but that is many chapters away yet. Nonetheless, are you careful not to be a hypocrite, like those who claim to be a Christian while excusing sin?

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Job 17:7 Mine eye also is dim by reason of sorrow, and all my members [are] as a shadow.

Usually, dimness of eyes comes from old age as well as the body naturally becoming less in capability as in the former days of one’s youth, however, much stress, ill health, and disease, such as being covered in boils as Job was, can also accelerate such effects. So, do you take care of your health to prevent premature aging as we are told to be (3 John 1:2, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20), or are you carelessly making your body go through things it should not all for the sake of moments of enjoyment, like getting drunk, getting high, being a glutton, pulling all-nighters just to binge watch shows, etc.?

Monday, July 7, 2025

Job 17:6 He hath made me also a byword of the people; and aforetime I was as a tabret.

Job did not realize at the moment that indeed he was being set for an example, but not the way he thought. He thought he was being an example of suffering punishment from God for misdeeds. Instead, it turns out that he is known even today as having “patience of Job” (James 5:11). Now, are you an example for God and His kingdom living in obedience, or are you an example of sin and Satan living in disobedience?

Sunday, July 6, 2025

Job 17:5 He that speaketh flattery to [his] friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.

Children can easily be turned off from their parents as they witness uncalled flatteries bestowed on friends. The respect diminishes at least in their hearts of children it not expressed outwardly for such a parent participates in such nonsense. So, are you careful in how you praise others and when you praise them, or is it like the good old club that just tries to compete with one another proclaiming outlandish compliments towards one another that usually gets out of hand, even to the point of making observers sick?

Friday, July 4, 2025

Job 17:4 For thou hast hid their heart from understanding: therefore shalt thou not exalt [them].

God does not purposely cause people’s hearts not be able to understand, however God does take responsibility in causing it to harden and become blind by simply presenting His Word. Most people suffer from “the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Romans 8:7). So, when they see the Word of God, the carnal heart just cannot comprehend it. Because it is God’s Word that they are trying to understand, God takes the blame, when in fact the blame should be on the person with the carnal and worldly heart. Now, is your heart spiritual and able to understand God’s Word and will, or is it carnal looking for excuses to disobey Him?

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Job 17:3 Lay down now, put me in a surety with thee; who [is] he [that] will strike hands with me?

Job was clinging to God for the surety of salvation, especially since salvation is not earned, not even in the Old Testament. All who believe that those sacrifices and the commandment keeping earned Heaven do not understand their Bibles. “The gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Now, that gift is not bestowed on just anyone. It is “the doers of the law shall be justified” (Romans 2:13). So, are you preparing to accept the gift of God living according to His commandments, or have you been tricked by the devil to use a biblical reason to break God’s commandments?

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Job 17:2 [Are there] not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation?

In Job’s case, his friends are pretty much mockers, and he could not keep his eyes off of them. In our day and age, Christians are mocked for many beliefs that are held, but hopefully it is not for silly ones that are unbiblical. However, when they do mock, are you able to turn your eyes away from them unto Jesus, or is the mocking too strong to turn away from while trying to intimidate you?

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Job 17:1 My breath is corrupt, my days are extinct, the graves [are ready] for me.

Job with his doom talk again is what is happening here as he figures he must have done something wrong, though he could not point to anything. He figured his life was over and that any moment, he was going to enter the grave. All do go to the grave eventually, but are you a depressed person going through life living in gloom and darkness, or are you the expected light in this world encouraging all you can around you to look to Jesus?

Monday, June 30, 2025

Job 16:22 When a few years are come, then I shall go the way [whence] I shall not return.

There is no return when a person enters the grave. They simply wait unconsciously in the grave for the resurrection as “when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live” (John 5:25). So, do you believe the Bible account, or do you believe there is another way to return from the grave before the resurrection in spirit form or some other form like the pagans of old believed?

Sunday, June 29, 2025

Job 16:21 O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man [pleadeth] for his neighbour!

Moses had intercessory prayer with God when he pleaded to God for the lives of the Israelites when God told Moses that He was ready to destroy them and have Moses lead others instead (Exodus 32:30-33). So, do you plead to God for lost souls, especially those you know, like friends and family?

Friday, June 27, 2025

Job 16:20 My friends scorn me: [but] mine eye poureth out [tears] unto God.

Do supposed friends that are not so friendly bother you, or do you keep a strong connection with God diminishing their impact in your life when they do not treat you respectfully?

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Job 16:19 Also now, behold, my witness [is] in heaven, and my record [is] on high.

No wonder Paul wrote, “we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1). Heavenly observers see everything we do, especially God. So, what does your record reveal? Is it a lost condition because the things of the world have choked Christ out of you (Matthew 13:22)? Is it a mostly good but not all good resulting in being wholly lost (Matthew 6:24)? Or, have you accepted the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8) and are empowered (2 Peter 1:3) “to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6) having a Christ-like character (2 Corinthians 3:18)?

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Job 16:18 O earth, cover not thou my blood, and let my cry have no place.

Now, Job is not wanting to enter the grave. He does not want to be in that place. A Christian should have that attitude, as well, realizing that they can be an instrument in God’s hand while walking on the earth instead of being buried by it. Of course, if the desire is to use God’s time for selfish purposes, then never mind. So, how are you spending your time while above ground? To further the gospel or to use selfishly?

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Job 16:17 Not for [any] injustice in mine hands: also my prayer [is] pure.

Now Job could not find anything that he did wrong at his hands, and even his prayer was believed to been pure because he knows that impure prayers are not heard. Impure prayers are not just about asking for things we should not be asking for or asking for forgiveness while we plot our next sinful activity. Impure prayers are stated as, “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination” (Proverbs 28:9). So, have you turned away from the Ten Commandments making your prayers impure and even abomination to God, or have you turned towards them and keep them making the prayer pure?

Monday, June 23, 2025

Job 16:16 My face is foul with weeping, and on my eyelids [is] the shadow of death.

Streaks on the face are common after crying along with having shadowy eyes because of the inability to sleep. Those who will be lost can suffer from these symptoms, but the good news is that there is a remedy. “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). So, do you suffer the symptoms of potentially being lost, or have you repented of your ways and looking forward to meeting Jesus?

Sunday, June 22, 2025

Job 16:15 I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, and defiled my horn in the dust.

Sackcloth is a form of repentance, and whatever power he professed to have, represented by the horn, had become humbled. Job had fallen upon Christ, the stone, and became broken (Matthew 21:44). Though Job did nothing to be in such a low place, he described perfectly well what a guilty person ought to do if they want to see God and live. So, is pride in your way, or have you humbled yourself living the life of a true Christian, which is a Christ-like character (Galatians 3:27)?

Friday, June 20, 2025

Job 16:14 He breaketh me with breach upon breach, he runneth upon me like a giant.

The wicked who go up against God does not stand a chance. Though Job thought that was his situation, which it was not, it does make a person think. We are but created beings by God who oversees the entire universe. So, have you recognized your smallness in comparison to God and appreciate how much He personally loves you to have sent His Son?

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Job 16:13 His archers compass me round about, he cleaveth my reins asunder, and doth not spare; he poureth out my gall upon the ground.

God’s archers are the angels and the wicked will not be spared along with their insides coming out to the ground. That is what Job thought was going to happen to him or it at least felt like it. Dying instantly at the hands of an angel is better than what the wicked will really be facing: “The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 13:41-42). Remember, a wicked person is simply a person not repentant of their sins (Jeremiah 8:6). Now, have you repented of your sins and will escape the flames of hell, which means, you get to inherit God’s kingdom?

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Job 16:12 I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder: he hath also taken [me] by my neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up for his mark.

That is what God will do for the wicked, but Job was misunderstood. He did not see what was going on yet. God did not give Job the insight at this point. But the last generation is going to receive a mark. It is called the Mark of the Beast and will be targeted for destruction, but do you have the more important thing, the Seal of God (Revelation 7:3-4, Revelation 9:4)?

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Job 16:11 God hath delivered me to the ungodly, and turned me over into the hands of the wicked.

That is what Job may have thought, but unbeknownst to him, He was still in God’s hand, but if we are not in His hand, that is who we are delivered unto. So, do you hear Jesus’ voice and follow Him (John 10:27) to stay in His hand (John 10:28), or are you doing your own thing thinking you are in His hand?

Monday, June 16, 2025

Job 16:10 They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me.

And how did Job deal with being smitten upon his cheek, figuratively speaking? “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Matthew 5:39). Yes, he is bringing it to their attention, but as they gaped upon him, we do not see resistance from Job. He took it quietly until it was his turn to speak. So, do you exercise such self-control, or do you quickly cut them off and rail back on such people?

Sunday, June 15, 2025

Job 16:9 He teareth [me] in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me.

Job thinks he is feeling God’s wrath and his enemies look on for the kill, but if this were happening to you, would you still be able to say, “Praise ye the Lord”?

Friday, June 13, 2025

Job 16:8 And thou hast filled me with wrinkles, [which] is a witness [against me]: and my leanness rising up in me beareth witness to my face.

All the conversations accusing Job has caused Job to feel like he is shriveling up with wrinkles like a prune and becoming thin in the face. Now, do your conversations with others who are down cause people’s hopes to dry up or be encouraged to look on the brighter side of things? Are you and encourager or discourager?

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Job 16:7 But now he hath made me weary: thou hast made desolate all my company.

Job was tired out by the visitor, Eliphaz, just yapping, and he was successful in causing all that the others had said to become dried up too. Now, are you careful not to manipulate the conversation with useless knowledge tiring out the host and even their friends?

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Job 16:6 Though I speak, my grief is not asswaged: and [though] I forbear, what am I eased?

Though Job had a turn to speak, it did not relieve anything, nor did his tolerating of the bad advice, though he bore it patiently, give him any ease. So, have you ever said your peace of mind and it did not bring relief to your soul? Hopefully, it still had an effect on others in a positive way.

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Job 16:5 [But] I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage [your grief].

Do your words encourage people and bring relief in their time of need, or do they feel worse after listening to what you have to offer as advice?

Monday, June 9, 2025

Job 16:4 I also could speak as ye [do]: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you.

Job is using reverse roles here in which he is basically saying, “If you were in my shoes, how would you like it if I simply accused you of things and shook my head at you?” So, do you consider putting yourself in the other person’s shoes to get a sense of the impact of your words and actions happen to be, or do you just speak your mind not caring how it is received?

Sunday, June 8, 2025

Job 16:3 Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest?

Some people really do like to talk and do not know when to stop. That is what Job was addressing, especially since they were speaking vain, untrue, unproductive words. What was in these people to provide such answers and so boldly against Job for the reason of his situation. Now, do you trust the advice of humans or of God (Psalms 118:8)?

Friday, June 6, 2025

Job 16:1-2 Then Job answered and said, I have heard many such things: miserable comforters [are] ye all.

Job was in danger of being “a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20). All the counsel provided was nothing short of destructive. At least Job saw through their counsel labeling it properly. So, are you a person “that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise” (Proverbs 13:20)? In other words, do you choose your friends wisely?

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Job 15:35 They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit.

That is what the lost do, but do you conceive goodness (Galatians 5:22), bring forth blessings (Proverbs 28:20), and live in the truth (1 John 3:18)?

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Job 15:34 For the congregation of hypocrites [shall be] desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery.

This verse is for the average Christian since worldly people are not hypocrites. They lie, cheat, and steal, and everyone expects it, but a Christian, which is a person to be Christ-like, are the hypocrites. They profess to be of Christ when they act like the devil. We know “Christ” refers to Jesus and “ian” means “in character like”. Unfortunately, most Christians act nothing like Jesus as they too continue to lie, cheat, and steal, maybe not so grandly as the worldling, but there is hardly a difference between the old life and the new that is supposed to occur (Romans 6:6). So, are you spiritually part of the congregation of hypocrites, or are you a “true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23)?

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Job 15:33 He shall shake off his unripe grape as the vine, and shall cast off his flower as the olive.

Another way of stating this is that “he becometh unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22). Now, do “the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful” (Mark 4:19), or are you a fruitful child of Jesus?

Monday, June 2, 2025

Job 15:32 It shall be accomplished before his time, and his branch shall not be green.

No, the branch shall not be green for we were told that “the flame shall dry up his branches” (Job 15:30), “and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch” (Malachi 4:1). To be dry is to be without nourishment. Spiritually speaking, we are nourished by God through prayer, which is the connection we have with God Who is the One to nourish us, and the Word (1 Timothy 4:6). So, are you receiving enough nourishment?

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Job 15:31 Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity: for vanity shall be his recompence.

Those deceived who trust in vanity will not only have vanity as their enjoyment, but the recompense is a lost state and eventual destruction. Jesus told us not to be deceived for any reason so much so that in Matthew 24, it is stated 4 times (verses 4, 5, 11, 24). So, are you taking the precautions so as not to be deceived by fortifying the mind with the Word of God, or do you really think you can discern deception by your mere evaluation not realizing that you are already deceived for even thinking that way?

Friday, May 30, 2025

Job 15:30 He shall not depart out of darkness; the flame shall dry up his branches, and by the breath of his mouth shall he go away.

We get more insight on those branches from Malachi 4:1, 3, which says, “For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do [this], saith the LORD of hosts.” Eliphaz, supposed friend of Job, is not describing an existing hell but the grave followed by hell fire that does not only dry up the branches but reduces them to ashes, at which point, there will be no breath left in that soul that is lost. That is what is called the “second death” (Revelation 21:8), which there is no coming back from. So, are you living towards going to Heaven, or are you living carelessly and may face these consequences?

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Job 15:29 He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, neither shall he prolong the perfection thereof upon the earth.

The lost will not be rich, especially compared to the saved who will have crowns (1 Peter 5:4), harps (Revelation 15:2), along with the mansions (John 14:2), walking the streets of gold (Revelation 21:21), and even a country estate (Isaiah 65:21). The lost will have nothing and all that they have now will be burned up (2 Peter 3:12). So, do you serve the riches of here and now, or are you living towards those riches that will be bestowed upon the saved?

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Job 15:28 And he dwelleth in desolate cities, [and] in houses which no man inhabiteth, which are ready to become heaps.

Here is a glimpse at Satan dwelling in desolate cities during the millennium as “all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the LORD, [and] by his fierce anger” (Jeremiah 4:26), which is better known as the second coming. In fact, “[there was] no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled” (Jeremiah 4:25), which parallels the end of Revelation 19, which again is the second coming. Therefore, do you really want to serve sin and Satan when that is his future, or do you want to serve “the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37) Who alone offers “eternal life” (John 3:15)?

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Job 15:26-27 He runneth upon him, [even] on [his] neck, upon the thick bosses of his bucklers: Because he covereth his face with his fatness, and maketh collops of fat on [his] flanks.

It does not matter how big of a person someone physically is, including muscle faces and muscle legs and arms. They are no match for God. So, do you think you can make God out to be whatever you want Him to be, or do you recognize that we are created beings and He is God, the Almighty?

Monday, May 26, 2025

Job 15:25 For he stretcheth out his hand against God, and strengtheneth himself against the Almighty.

“This is that [spirit] of antichrist” (1 John 4:3). Now, to show if you are against God or with God, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16).

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Job 15:24 Trouble and anguish shall make him afraid; they shall prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle.

Somebody not having a relationship with God will easily be troubled and have anguish as they are facing what is coming. They will easily be afraid for the future, in fact, “Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken” (Luke 21:26). And the king that will rise up against such a person is none other than the “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16). So, are you at peace with God while the world around is crumbling, or are you feeling an oncoming heart attack regarding the future?

Friday, May 23, 2025

Job 15:23 He wandereth abroad for bread, [saying], Where [is it]? he knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.

With bread usually referring to the Word of God (Matthew 4:4), evidently a wicked person cannot find it. Oh, they may have a Bible, but they cannot make heads or tails out of it. And being judged for living in darkness is what he anticipates the verdict to be when God declares, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still” (Revelation 22:11). So, are you able to see the light of God’s Word, or are you in darkness?

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Job 15:22 He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, and he is waited for of the sword.

And of that sword, Hebrews 4:12 states, “For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” So, an unbeliever is not just those that are non-Christian, but it includes all Christians who do not believe the Bible to be the Word of God! So, do you believe the Bible to be the Word of God, or do you go upon impressions of what you think is right?

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Job 15:21 A dreadful sound [is] in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.

Satan does not like a Christian to prosper and will come upon them to try to destroy them. Now, if you were to lose everything, how would it affect your relationship with God?

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Job 15:20 The wicked man travaileth with pain all [his] days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor.

People committing sin may think they are enjoying themselves, but if they could only experience true surrender of all sins to Jesus and live a life free from wickedness, how much better they would feel. So, have you experienced that newness in life, or are you still excusing certain sins preventing you from such an experience?

Monday, May 19, 2025

Job 15:17-19 I will shew thee, hear me; and that [which] I have seen I will declare; Which wise men have told from their fathers, and have not hid [it]: Unto whom alone the earth was given, and no stranger passed among them.

Eliphaz is relying upon tradition and that is condemned of God when it supersedes the Bible for Jesus said, “Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?” (Matthew 15:3), and He also said, “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition” (Mark 7:13). So, do you rely upon church fathers to dictate doctrine, or do you turn to the Word of God and His Commandments instead?

Sunday, May 18, 2025

Job 15:16 How much more abominable and filthy [is] man, which drinketh iniquity like water?

Hardly anyone resists sin these days despite being told, “Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin” (Hebrews 12:4). So, are you resisting sin, or are you drinking up sin like it is water?

Friday, May 16, 2025

Job 15:15 Behold, he putteth no trust in his saints; yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight.

God does not put trust in people, even the saints, as we are erring human beings making the heavens surrounding this planet unclean. However, to glorify God, do you at least give your best effort as a Christian to be able to be trusted, especially by unbelievers, and not be found as a liar?

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Job 15:14 What [is] man, that he should be clean? and [he which is] born of a woman, that he should be righteous?

Basically, no one can clean or make themselves righteous in their own merits. Even those who keep all of God’s commandments understand that all their commandment keeping does not save them. Remember though, it is “not the hearers of the law [are] just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified” (Romans 2:13). So, all those that do not keep God’s commandments, unless honestly unaware of the true meaning of this verse, are not justified and will be lost. Those who fear that they will appear to be cleansing themselves or making themselves righteous by keeping the commandments and therefore run from commandment keeping are being deceived out of God’s justification. Now, do you keep the commandments properly knowing that it has no merit in being saved, or do you try to downplay their importance in a saved relationship with Jesus carelessly breaking the commandments?

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Job 15:13 That thou turnest thy spirit against God, and lettest [such] words go out of thy mouth?

Job is innocent of the accusations being leveled at him. He is being accused of using God and His Word to justify himself when there is not a known sin that he is holding onto that needs justified. In the modern language, it would be similar to someone being caught in a lie and they saying, “May God strike me with a bolt of lightning if I’m lying!” Now, when you sin, do you justify the sin with the Bible when you know it is sinful, or do you submit to God’s Word instead?

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Job 15:12 Why doth thine heart carry thee away? and what do thy eyes wink at,

What carries people away into sin is “the lusts of their own hearts” (Romans 1:24), which could be after food, people, and other objects. And “He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow” (Proverbs 10:10). A lot of times people wink while telling a story that is not true. It is a type of underhandedness. So, is there something in your heart that you crave after? And is your “communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay” (Matthew 5:37) as Jesus directed?

Monday, May 12, 2025

Job 15:11 [Are] the consolations of God small with thee? is there any secret thing with thee?

So, do recognize God’s comfort, consoling efforts as being important in your life, or do you consider them a small matter and focus on complaining instead?

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Job 15:10 With us [are] both the grayheaded and very aged men, much elder than thy father.

This is yet another criticism of Job where it is expected that the gray headed person automatically knows better than personal experience. Wisdom at and old age is earned and not granted as Proverbs 16:31 states, “The hoary head [is] a crown of glory, [if] it be found in the way of righteousness.” So, do you respect a person of older age and of a gray hair whose way was in righteousness, and if you happen to be that older aged person with gray hair, was your way and insight founded in righteousness?

Friday, May 9, 2025

Job 15:9 What knowest thou, that we know not? [what] understandest thou, which [is] not in us?

Job is being falsely accused of having an ego appearing as a “know it all” when it comes to God. For use, no one is especially endowed of God to be the “go to” person to know what the Word of God has to say. All of us have the ability to study it properly for ourselves, using the guidance from Isaiah 28:9-10. Now, some people are more advanced in knowledge because of what they have been years in accumulating, but that does not make them special, to be honored as the one with all the answers. “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me” (Psalms 56:11). “[It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man” (Psalms 118:8). So, where do you put your trust?

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Job 15:8 Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?

Basically, Job is being accused of knowing God’s wisdom and keeping it to himself. That is the complete opposite of what a child of God does, and certainly not what Job was doing. First of all, God’s wisdom is accessible by all using His method of Bible study found in Isaiah 28:9-10, comparing scripture with scripture and gathering all the verses on the subject. Then that wisdom, as light, is to be sent to the world. So, are you studying the Bible and doing it correctly along with sending your knowledge of God’s ways to anyone and everyone willing to listen?

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Job 15:7 [Art] thou the first man [that] was born? or wast thou made before the hills?

No. Adam was the first man to be made (Genesis 1:27), and Cain was the first to be born (Genesis 4:1). Certainly, Job was not made before the hills were; only the angels were made before the hills. So, Eliphaz (Job 15:1) is basically taunting Job. Now, do you give into people who taunt you by getting all worked up, or do you, for the most part, ignore them by keeping silent?

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Job 15:6 Thine own mouth condemneth thee, and not I: yea, thine own lips testify against thee.

Jesus said something similar: “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37). So, are you careful of what words you speak?

Monday, May 5, 2025

Job 15:5 For thy mouth uttereth thine iniquity, and thou choosest the tongue of the crafty.

The Bible teaches that sin is a choice. No wonder Joshua commanded, “choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Joshua 24:15). Paul reiterates it by stating, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16). So, do you choose to be careless, choose to sin, choose not to care, or do you acknowledge that sin is a choice and by the grace of God you are making wise choices not to continue in sin?

Sunday, May 4, 2025

Job 15:4 Yea, thou castest off fear, and restrainest prayer before God.

There is no wonder that the last day message starts with “Fear God” (Revelation 14:7). Even Christians do not fear to walk in sin. Prayer is hardly offered to God as well. But, do you fear God, which is to hate evil (Proverbs 8:13) and regularly communicate with God through prayer and His Word?

Friday, May 2, 2025

Job 15:3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?

The Bible says, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 1:18), but it certainly needs to be an intelligent conversation and not with unprofitable talk nor making requests that do no good, like winning a game. God does not favor one team over another, in fact, it is all foolishness to Him. So, do you reason with God intelligently or foolishly?

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Job 15:1-2 Then answered Eliphaz the Temanite, and said, Should a wise man utter vain knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind?

And the answer is no. Vain knowledge and worthless wind from the east, even destructive wind (Genesis 41:6) is not becoming of a godly person. Many Christians can name the starting line up of their favorite teams and be full of hot air bragging of how great their team happens to be but cannot name the twelve tribes of Irael or the names of the twelve disciples. So, what knowledge are you filling your head with?

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Job 14:22 But his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn.

An out of touch parent may still feel, it is just that they feel for their own skin and mourn for their own soul. That is quite selfish. Again, we ought to be glad that God is not out of touch. In fact, Jesus is described quite well in Hebrews 4:15 as being in touch: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). So, do you see how involved Heaven is towards you?

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Job 14:21 His sons come to honour, and he knoweth [it] not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth [it] not of them.

Parents who are out of touch with their children are oblivious to the high honors they may receive or the difficulties that they may experience. Now, are you glad that our Heavenly Father is not out of touch with you and that Jesus is aware of everything we go through, in fact, “he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted”?

Monday, April 28, 2025

Job 14:20 Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away.

The lost are no match against God for God prevails always, and the lost will not be able to plead a single reason to justify their lost state, therefore, their countenance will change and will be sent away from the holy city. What an empty feeling that will be especially since the fires of hell are next. So, are you making sure you are not going to experience that but rather preparing for the joy of eternal life instead?

Sunday, April 27, 2025

Job 14:19 The waters wear the stones: thou washest away the things which grow [out] of the dust of the earth; and thou destroyest the hope of man.

This is about a lost man who is worn down like wearing out a stone and all the increase of that person is washed away like the growth of things out of dust, which we are made from. There is no hope for a lost soul, but have you turned your eyes upon Jesus instead of what this earth has to offer?

Friday, April 25, 2025

Job 14:18 And surely the mountain falling cometh to nought, and the rock is removed out of his place.

A person entering into a lost state is like a mountain that used to stand in beauty now has crumbled into nothingness. That person is also compared to a rock that had a purpose for the place that it was at but being removed – not just moved but actually removed. So, do you see the tragedy of where Satan tries to lead people and “are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11)?

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Job 14:17 My transgression [is] sealed up in a bag, and thou sewest up mine iniquity.

Metaphorically described by Job, our sins are collected and fastened, but they are in the books. Only confession to Jesus of our sins can remove them and loosen them for “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). So, do you have any unconfessed sins, or has God freely forgiven you because you have confessed them all? This is grace at the finest act for there is no other way to be saved.

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Job 14:16 For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin?

Are you aware that getting away with something may fool another person, but God watches everything? We ought to thank God that He allows us time to repent and not strike us down immediately.

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Job 14:15 Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.

Do you believe God answers your prayers, even in a manner different from your expectations?

Monday, April 21, 2025

Job 14:14 If a man die, shall he live [again]? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.

The change referred to here is described by Paul: “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:51-54). Until then, Job and almost everyone else is still held captive in the grave, with the three exceptions of Elijah (2 Kings 2:11), Moses (Jude 1:9), and Enoch (Genesis 5:24). So, do you see there is a specific moment that everyone, including the dead, will finally receive immortality and not beforehand, or is Constantine’s paganism still holding sway 1700 years later with a form of spiritualism?

Sunday, April 20, 2025

Job 14:13 O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!

Job knew that he would rise again but not until after God’s wrath was past. According to Revelation 15:1, “I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.” The seven last plagues, being the wrath of God, have not past yet; therefore, Job is still unconsciously asleep along with everyone else who have died, with a few exceptions of Elijah (2 Kings 2:11), Moses (Jude 1:9), and Enoch (Genesis 5:24). So, do you believe the Bible and Job’s expectation of death, or are you listening to the pagan ideas of entering into the spiritual realm?

Friday, April 18, 2025

Job 14:11-12 [As] the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up: So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens [be] no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.

Job declared that we sleep upon death, unconsciously of course, but it is not until the heavens are no more that we become alert again. That happens at the second coming. “And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places” (Revelation 6:14). This matches 1 Thessalonians 4:16, which says, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” That is exactly what Job stated. So, do you believe the Bible’s rendition of the state of the dead, or do you believe the demonic, paganistic concept of a spirit world, even that of being in Heaven immediately? [Yes, Elijah (2 Kings 2:11), Moses (Jude 1:9), and Enoch (Genesis 5:24) are already in Heaven.]

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Job 14:10 But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where [is] he?

To give up the ghost is an unusual phrase regarding the breath of life, but nonetheless, that is exactly what it refers to. It does not refer to a ghost entity living within us that when we die gets to escape. The word “ghost” is synonymous with the word “spirit” as in the use of “Holy Ghost” and “Holy Spirit” like it is stated in Luke 4:1 using both references: “Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.” Now the word “spirit” and the word “breath” are also synonyms. Job 27:3 says that “the spirit of God [is] in my nostrils” while Genesis 2:7 says what is also in the nostrils: “And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Basically, there is no such thing as ghosts. So, despite what the Bible says about the word “ghost”, do you believe in spooky entities known as ghosts, or do you see that it is merely the breath of life reference?

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Job 14:8-9 Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; [Yet] through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.

Here is a good example of rebirth. The old life has been cut down leaving but dying roots and the dead stump, but through a bit of watering, new birth of a new life can spring forth. “Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). So, are you in a new life or still in your old life?

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Job 14:7 For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.

Jesus said it more directly, “whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 16:25). So, do you believe if you give your life to Jesus, including physical sacrifice if called for, that you would be resurrected and enter God’s kingdom, or do you live for now not believing in a resurrection?

Monday, April 14, 2025

Job 14:6 Turn from him, that he may rest, till he shall accomplish, as an hireling, his day.

Being watchful over someone as they work all the day long actually interferes with most workers, so it is asked that the man, symbolic of more then a single person, be left alone to complete the daily tasks as a hired servant. Now, do you work just the same under a watchful eye, or do you do better when not being observed? How about your relationship with God, as we are all His servants?

Sunday, April 13, 2025

Job 14:5 Seeing his days [are] determined, the number of his months [are] with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;

With 12 months in a year, 840 months may seem to be quite a few months, but it is merely only 70 years. What is that as compared to thousands of years that this world has been around? And of those thousands of years, a human being has a small portion that is cut off or determined. It is but a speck of time. Now, do you use that speck of time to bring glory to God or yourself?

Friday, April 11, 2025

Job 14:4 Who can bring a clean [thing] out of an unclean? not one.

We are all spiritually unclean “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). There is no human that can make us clean and prepared for Heaven, so do you accept the blood of Jesus instead to make you clean?

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Job 14:3 And dost thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee?

Job is questioning their judgment. They do not have all of the facts. How can they accuse him of anything since all they are doing is grasping at straws. Now, when people try to give you advice or even judge you but they do not understand the whole picture, do you evaluate their advice based upon that, or do you just blindly accept their advice, or do you even just fly off the handle completely rejecting their advice? Remember, not all advice is bad, even if they do not understand everything, but only you are to live with how other people’s advice is applied.

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Job 14:2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.

Today, it would be mowed down, but either way, our lives are but momentary. Now, with the time you have, do you serve yourself or God?

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Job 14:1 Man [that is] born of a woman [is] of few days, and full of trouble.

Compared to the history of the world, twenty-five thousand days, which is about seventy years, is but a few days. Compared to eternal life, it is but a speck of time, yet in that short life span, we seem to create a lot of trouble by sinning. We create so much trouble that Jesus had to come here and die for our sins. Now, have you ceased from causing trouble by ceasing from your sins by the grace of God (Romans 6:1-2)?

Monday, April 7, 2025

Job 13:28 And he, as a rotten thing, consumeth, as a garment that is moth eaten.

What is being described is the fact that the lost will be consumed and not rot in hell throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity as there is no purpose for that. David even stated it: “But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD [shall be] as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away” (Psalms 37:20). No wonder hell is referred to as the “second death” (Revelation 2:11, 20:6, 20:14, 21:8). Now, in contrast, “I [am] the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed” (Malachi 3:6). The saved are “not consumed” since they shall live forever and ever. So, do you serve a vengeful God who will punish a lost person who lived a mere seventy years on earth and shall burn gazillion upon gazillion upon gazillion years and still burn after that without ceasing, or do you serve a merciful God Who will put the lost out of their misery burning with hell fire for a period matching their lost ways?

Sunday, April 6, 2025

Job 13:27 Thou puttest my feet also in the stocks, and lookest narrowly unto all my paths; thou settest a print upon the heels of my feet.

Feet in stocks or shackles prevents running but evidently allows a person to continue to walk their path. Symbolically, it simply means that they cannot run ahead on decisions too quickly. Now, in this case, even the path is scrutinized, so much so, that each step is traced by markings. So, do you harp on people about their poor decision making and scrutinize every choice they make, or do you provide simple warnings to help avoid bad decisions but still allow that person to make the poor choice if they choose to do so? Maybe it has happened to, where you feel that every decision you make is being watched.

Friday, April 4, 2025

Job 13:26 For thou writest bitter things against me, and makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth.

Do people drum up things of your past that you have confessed and forsaken, especially from your youth? Remember, Satan is using those people, so do not let them get you down, and God does not allow them to hold any impression upon His decision to have cleansed you.

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Job 13:25 Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? and wilt thou pursue the dry stubble?

Who would try to scare a leaf and chase after dry stubble? Sounds more like a person that is on a substance abuse trip. So instead, will you “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8)?

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Job 13:24 Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and holdest me for thine enemy?

Another way of saying this is, “Why can’t you look me in the face, and why do you consider me your enemy?” People who judge others without evidence are just opinionated. And do not say we should not be judging! The Bible is clear in many verses that we are, such as, “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?” (1 Corinthians 6:2). Now, do you simply hold strong opinions against others for no reason at all, or do you require evidence before passing judgment about someone?

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Job 13:23 How many [are] mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin.

We are not to ask other human beings to count our sins and reveal our transgressions. With God, it most definitely ought to be practiced. “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if [there be any] wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalms 139:23-24). Of course, God does this as we study His Word for, we will be convicted of our sins, and then, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). So, are you using the Word of God to clean up your life, or are you trying to remain in ignorance because you are afraid of what may need cleaning up? “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19).

Monday, March 31, 2025

Job 13:22 Then call thou, and I will answer: or let me speak, and answer thou me.

When in discussion with someone, is it a fair exchange where both sides get to voice their position, or is it one-sided with one person doing all of the talking, even questioning, but not giving the other side an opportunity to speak or even answer? If it is a one-sided conversation, are you the victim or the perpetrator. In any case, one-sided conversations are not of God.

Sunday, March 30, 2025

Job 13:20-21 Only do not two [things] unto me: then will I not hide myself from thee. Withdraw thine hand far from me: and let not thy dread make me afraid.

Job’s supposed friends were very controlling and forceful to the point they made Job to be afraid. Now, are you that type of friend exhibiting that type of satanic character, or do you find yourself to be compassionate while offering advice to issues knowing full well that the suggestions you make may or may not be adhered to but leaving the choice to the individual to make freely, even if they make a bad decision?

Friday, March 28, 2025

Job 13:19 Who [is] he [that] will plead with me? for now, if I hold my tongue, I shall give up the ghost.

Have you ever had something you needed to say that you would just die if you could not say it?

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Job 13:18 Behold now, I have ordered [my] cause; I know that I shall be justified.

So, Job has collected the evidence and is about to present it, which will vindicate Him. If that would only happen in today’s world. It seems the justice system ignores the evidence and the innocent are found guilty way too often, or the guilty get off way too often. It is just the signs of the times. “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20). Now, are you seeing this as another sign that Jesus is coming back soon and He will set the record straight?

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Job 13:17 Hear diligently my speech, and my declaration with your ears.

Jesus said the same thing: “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15). So, are you listening, which includes obeying, what Jesus said, referring to the Bible?

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Job 13:16 He also [shall be] my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him.

Many hypocrites today speak as pastors in which they tell everyone that the commandments are nailed to the cross, taken out of the way, while they await the “lawless one”, even the antichrist. If there is no law, then there will never be a “lawless one”. If there is to be a “lawless one”, then God’s law must still exist. There is no other combination. Now, that is just one hypocritical item, but it is enough to ask, do you allow hypocrites to be declaring salvation to you, or do you seek salvation by God through His Word (John 17:17)?

Monday, March 24, 2025

Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

We indeed shall be slain if we are found holding onto our own ways despite trusting that God would be just in the matter. Although God accepts us as we are, we are expected to not stay as we are. “Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). So, do you really think you are allowed to stay in your sinful ways and still go to Heaven, or do you realize that it is foolishness to hold onto worldliness when eternal life awaits us?

Sunday, March 23, 2025

Job 13:14 Wherefore do I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in mine hand?

Do you risk your own life and take control of your own life instead of depending upon God for help?

Friday, March 21, 2025

Job 13:13 Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak, and let come on me what [will].

So, do you give others a chance to speak as Job requested, or are you like Job’s friends that control the conversation not letting anyone get a word in that may even be different from your own?

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Job 13:12 Your remembrances [are] like unto ashes, your bodies to bodies of clay.

Basically, there is no evidence of a memory like notes being reduced to ashes, which is unrecallable, and clay bodies are not very useful as they cannot move, yet both mind and body are to be used for the glory of God. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). So, how are you doing on glorifying God in your thoughts and actions?

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Job 13:11 Shall not his excellency make you afraid? and his dread fall upon you?

No wonder the last day message states, “Fear God” (Revelation 14:7). Many are not afraid of God. They have no concern about God’s dread falling upon them, especially in the form of the seven last plagues (Revelation 16). They are so selfishly living their lives justifying all they do, but do you fear or respect God to live in obedience to Him?

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Job 13:10 He will surely reprove you, if ye do secretly accept persons.

God will reprove everyone if any sin is done in secret let alone accepting the words of a person over God’s Word. So, do you take the word of a pastor who tells the congregation that the standard of God, the Ten Commandments, are no longer binding and people can live as they please, or do recognize that God has standards and any pastor says otherwise is a false teacher (2 Peter 2:1)?

Monday, March 17, 2025

Job 13:9 Is it good that he should search you out? or as one man mocketh another, do ye [so] mock him?

David was not afraid to be searched: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if [there be any] wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalms 139:23-24). Now, are you willing to be searched by God? Do you respect God or mock Him?

Sunday, March 16, 2025

Job 13:8 Will ye accept his person? will ye contend for God?

Do you accept God as He is without making Him into what you want Him to be, especially accepting of sinful practices, and will you fight for God’s character, especially when it is under attack so much today?

Friday, March 14, 2025

Job 13:7 Will ye speak wickedly for God? and talk deceitfully for him?

Those who speak in the name of God without properly knowing God through His Word are deceivers. Now, are you listening to them or even going by your own opinion, or are you searching the scriptures to get to know the true God?

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Job 13:6 Hear now my reasoning, and hearken to the pleadings of my lips.

If the words of God are being spoken, we ought to listen to that reasoning and hearken to the words, but if not, we ought to have no regard for opinions. So, do you research the messages spoken with the Word of God (Acts 17:11), or do you accept blindly that which is spoken in the name of God?

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Job 13:5 O that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom.

The Book of Proverbs has something to say about that! Proverbs 6:2 says, “Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.” Proverbs 10:19 says, “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips [is] wise.” So, do you speak a lot of words that can ensnare you, or are you wise to speak carefully?

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Job 13:4 But ye [are] forgers of lies, ye [are] all physicians of no value.

Those that do not speak for God forge lies because that is how they make their money. If they taught the truth of God, they would not be so popular. Likewise, physicians today are mostly sorcerers proving no value to the patient for they get the patient hooked on medicines for life. So, are you careful to who you listen to?

Monday, March 10, 2025

Job 13:3 Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.

Do not be taken back by this statement as God does say, “let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18). It just so happens that when people honestly reason out every detail, God is correct. None have been able to change God as “The LORD [is] righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works” (Psalms 145:17). So, have you really considered the impact of every thought and action that if God allowed just a smidgen of sin that it would impact negatively in some manner disrupting total bliss and holiness, or do you think God’s ways are just too strict and that God actually permits much more than what the Bible seems to condemn?

Sunday, March 9, 2025

Job 13:2 What ye know, [the same] do I know also: I [am] not inferior unto you.

In today’s lingo, we would call this “stating the obvious”. That was Job’s response to his supposed friend pointing things out that Job already knew and going as far as even belittling Job. So, when you offer help or advice, are you careful not to make the person you are trying to help feel inadequate, or do you think your opinion is superior to everyone else’s positions and you let them know it?

Friday, March 7, 2025

Job 13:1 Lo, mine eye hath seen all [this], mine ear hath heard and understood it.

Have you seen the movement of God active in your life? Have you, more importantly, heard or read the Word of God and understood it to the point of keeping it?

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Job 12:25 They grope in the dark without light, and he maketh them to stagger like [a] drunken [man].

Heads of state without God grope in darkness, and they stagger as if they are drunk, which they certainly are. They even go as far as saying things like a drunkard, especially invoking God into things when they are not godly at all. Again, do you really think they have your best interest at heart and are doing the will of God?

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Job 12:24 He taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to wander in a wilderness [where there is] no way.

Without compassion for the people, it is like being lost in the wilderness as they try to govern. This explains why God says, “I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 11:19), as He is the great heart surgeon. Depending on the direction of the heart exchange, either good or bad results will occur respectfully. Now, do you pray that the proud heart is removed from you and given a heart that loves God and loves others?

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Job 12:23 He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them [again].

Nations prosper and collapse by the hand of God, so since nations come and go, just how much homage do you pay to your nation?

Monday, March 3, 2025

Job 12:22 He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the shadow of death.

On this subject, Jesus said, “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). So, have you come to the light allowing the darkness to be seen for what it is worth, even to that of death?

Sunday, March 2, 2025

Job 12:21 He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty.

Would you look up to heads of state when God can reveal His contempt about them even making it known to the public, and would you be afraid of those who are mighty, influential, etc. when God can weaken them at His will making them appear foolish? Overall, do you respect God and acknowledge Him as the Almighty?

Friday, February 28, 2025

Job 12:20 He removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged.

God is able to remove the words of trusted speakers revealing how they cannot be trusted, and take away the understanding of those who are aged, which appears very descriptive of Alzheimer’s disease. We are so dependent upon God for our words and thoughts despite the rehearsing of speeches and doing everything to preserve memories, including consuming many blueberries and doing puzzles. So, do you recognize that God’s Word is superior to human speech and His wisdom exceeds the intellect of scientists and scholars?

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Job 12:19 He leadeth princes away spoiled, and overthroweth the mighty.

Princes indeed have been spoiled by the instruments of God’s choosing, and those that consider themselves mightier than their opponents are no challenge to God as He has also proved from time to time. Just look at how many victories Israel had won, when the obeyed God, as they “[were] the fewest of all people” (Deuteronomy 7:7). So, do you see how God can beat back the mighty foe of Satan and spoil him by taking away his victims to be saved instead?

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Job 12:18 He looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle.

Basically, God “removeth kings, and setteth up kings” (Daniel 2:21). Even pagan kings can serve God’s purposes. Now, do you believe there is a purpose for God having the current president in position, good or bad?

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Job 12:17 He leadeth counsellors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools.

That is because Jesus is our true counsellor (Isaiah 9:6) and judge (John 5:22). So, do you take sound advice from humans without consulting God spoiling their advice and fear earthly judges who look like fools, or do you go to God and seek His counsel as well as respecting God as Judge?

Monday, February 24, 2025

Job 12:16 With him [is] strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver [are] his.

When it says that the deceived and the deceiver are His, that means that they will be in God’s hands to be destroyed at His will “For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch” (Malachi 4:10). That is going to be a fearful day to the lost when God executes it. Now, have you been deceived away from obedience to the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:8), which includes keeping His Word (John 14:23) and His commandments (John 14:15), or are you faithful to “obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29)?

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Job 12:15 Behold, he withholdeth the waters, and they dry up: also he sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth.

With God able to hold back the rain that there is drought, like in Elijah’s day, or let them loose that they flood the earth, like in Noah’s day, how much more do you respect and acknowledge the power of God?

Friday, February 21, 2025

Job 12:14 Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening.

These are the mighty works of God in which Sodom, Babylon, and other places remain broken down by the hand of God to the point of never being rebuilt, and Ananias with Sapphira were well shut up being struck dead. Now, do you acknowledge God to be all mighty?

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Job 12:13 With him [is] wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.

So, do you rely upon God for wisdom, strength, counsel, and understanding, or do your consult for popular opinion with friends and family even a pastor for advice despite what the Bible says?

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Job 12:12 With the ancient [is] wisdom; and in length of days understanding.

Do you see that wisdom and understanding is gained through much experience and even a long life, or do you think wisdom and understanding is easily obtainable at a young age?

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Job 12:11 Doth not the ear try words? and the mouth taste his meat?

Jeremiah 15:16 tells us, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” And Jesus being the Word said, “For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed” (John 6:55). So, will you try God’s Word and taste of its meat?

Monday, February 17, 2025

Job 12:10 In whose hand [is] the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.

Job 12:10 In whose hand [is] the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Job 12:9 Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?

Do you acknowledge God to be the Creator of all things, or do you just chalk it all up to happenstance?

Friday, February 14, 2025

Job 12:7-8 But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.

If we study nature properly, it should give evidence of the creator for even Daniel was “skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science” (Daniel 1:4), unlike the “oppositions of science falsely so called” (1 Timothy 6:20). So, do you accept God’s science or atheistic science?

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Job 12:6 The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth [abundantly].

In Jesus’ day, He had something to say about those prospering robbers: “It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves” (Luke 19:46). Today, the robbers proclaim the false gospel of prosperity. Jesus was not very prosperous, nor was Paul or any of the apostles. Sure, there were some who were wealthy, like Nicodemus, but that was the exception. Of course, Nicodemus emptied himself of his vast wealth, along with the other wealthy, to support the church. Now, the reason that the prosperity gospel is a lie is because if a person truly had the love of Christ, they would spend their funds on saving souls and not adding mansion to mansion or car to car or etc. So, are you using your excess wealth for gratifying yourself or saving souls?

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Job 12:5 He that is ready to slip with [his] feet [is as] a lamp despised in the thought of him that is at ease.

The lazy are quick to criticize those that are striving to accomplish something but may make mistakes, especially unintentionally. It is called a learning experience, but those of a critical heart that do not even attempt anything amount to nothing. It is better to try and fail than to not try at all. A critical heart is never a good thing. Being a lazy person is well condemned in the book of Proverbs. The combination of both is certainly not wise, but are you wise and give forth your best effort each day, no matter how small or large the task is, despite the criticisms?

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Job 12:4 I am [as] one mocked of his neighbour, who calleth upon God, and he answereth him: the just upright [man is] laughed to scorn.

Are you one that calls upon God being obedient to all of God’s commands and are mocked by others as well as being laughed to scorn towards, or are you the one doing the mocking and laughing towards those that are faithful and obedient to God?

Monday, February 10, 2025

Job 12:3 But I have understanding as well as you; I [am] not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these?

On top of the sarcasm, Job is striking back at the insult given to himself by his supposed friend, Zophar. Job is declaring that he has as much understanding of God’s ways as does Zophar. Today, to test if someone has the proper understanding of God’s way is to ask two questions. The first question is, are you regularly in the Bible, the Word of God? If no, then you are going on human impression or relying on human interpretation, like from a pastor, who may be in error but would not know that because of the lack of searching the scripture. The second question is, are you into God’s Word properly as outlined by Isaiah 28:9-10, gathering all verses on the matter and weighing the evidence, or do you just pick a verse that supports your beliefs ignoring all others that are contrary to your belief. If it is the latter, then again, that is human understanding and not a godly understanding. So, are you regularly in God’s word studying by the only method God provides?

Sunday, February 9, 2025

Job 12:1-2 And Job answered and said, No doubt but ye [are] the people, and wisdom shall die with you.

Well, that is one way to tell someone that they are unwise, foolish, an idiot. Not every verse is justification for action, even when done by a supposedly upright person “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Everyone has their breaking point. In this case, we have sarcasm that ought not be copied by example. So, are you keeping your sarcasm in check, or do you let it fly without restraint?

Friday, February 7, 2025

Job 11:20 But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope [shall be as] the giving up of the ghost.

There are no such things as ghosts. There is no such thing as an entity that is released either. To clarify the biblical definition of the word “ghost”, Jesus equated it with the word “spirit”: “And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost” (Luke 23:46). Now, again, do not think this refers to a spirit and something called the “spirit world”. The Bible tells us where this spirit resides before death. “All the while my breath [is] in me, and the spirit of God [is] in my nostrils” (Job 27:3). Although Job just equated another synonym, let us confirm the synonym by finding what actual resides in the nostrils: “And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). The word “ghost” is synonymous with the word “spirit” which is synonymous with simply being the “breath of life”. That means that the wicked people’s hope in eternal life is dead. In other words, when a wicked person dies in their wickedness, there is no hope for eternal life (Ezekiel 3:19). So, while you are still living, have you forsaken all your wickedness, which includes any sinning, by the grace of God?

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Job 11:19 Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make [thee] afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee.

That is because when a person is dead, they are unconscious of the activity happening around them “For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten” (Ecclesiastes 9:5). Now, do you believe in a conscious disembodied state, or do you see the importance of the grand resurrection when Jesus returns (John 5:28-29)?

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Job 11:18 And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig [about thee, and] thou shalt take thy rest in safety.

Do you have this kind of hope, like Zophar tried to explain to Job, being secure in Jesus? “That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:7).

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Job 11:17 And [thine] age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.

Part of having eternal life is to become rejuvenated -- no aches, no pains, no canes, no aging anything. Are you looking forward to such an experience, or do you think that is hard to believe?

Monday, February 3, 2025

Job 11:16 Because thou shalt forget [thy] misery, [and] remember [it] as waters [that] pass away:

All the misery here on earth will one day be forgotten when we start experiencing eternal life. Are you looking forward to forgetting all your miseries?

Sunday, February 2, 2025

Job 11:15 For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear:

If our heart is right and we have forsaken all iniquity (Job 11:13-14), then we shall be able to look up without having a spot of sin upon us and will not fear Jesus coming again, but have you confessed your sins so that Jesus is able to cleans you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9), or are you still holding onto sin?

Friday, January 31, 2025

Job 11:13-14 If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him; If iniquity [be] in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.

This is good advice regarding our relationship with God. We are told, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not” (1 John 2:1). “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin” (1 John 3:9). So, is your response to “prepare to meet thy God” (Amos 4:12), or is it to remain careless regarding sin?

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Job 11:12 For vain man would be wise, though man be born [like] a wild ass's colt.

A vain man becoming wise despite being born as some wild animal? That is called conversion. Being saved is not about an acknowledgement but a change. Jesus told us, “If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). So, are you converted or simply entitled?

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Job 11:11 For he knoweth vain men: he seeth wickedness also; will he not then consider [it]?

Just because God does not act immediately against vain men and wickedness, do you really think God is turning a blind eye to the evils in the world today, or do you see it as both mounting evidence against the lost (Matthew 16:27) as well as being “longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9)?

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Job 11:10 If he cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder him?

God has the power to do all those things, so do you believe in a being that can hinder God, or do you acknowledge Him as the Almighty and know that there is no such being to hinder God?

Monday, January 27, 2025

Job 11:9 The measure thereof [is] longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

In continuing to measure God in comparison to things, God is longer and broader than these objects providing us with a picture of the vastness to God and making us realize we are but a speck. So, do you agree with Paul who penned, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33), or do you try to contain God in a box?

Sunday, January 26, 2025

Job 11:8 [It is] as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?

This “heaven” is actually the sky while “hell” is actually the grave. So, knowing God is way high up there, in which the lack of flight in Job’s day meant it was very much unreachable. Likewise, without modern equipment, digging in the ground was quite challenging, so the grave was sufficient distance to understand that it was deep. Now, despite modern equipment that can easily launch satellites into the sky and equipment that can dig beyond six or more feet down, do you still understand that God is beyond finding out?

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Job 11:5-6 But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee; And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that [they are] double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee [less] than thine iniquity [deserveth].

This friend of Job certainly has it all figured out. He knows there is a sin in there somewhere that Job is covering up. There are some in church that do that today. They hunt for improper behavior so to call someone out for their supposed sin. Obviously, if it is a real sin, that is different, but these people exaggerate situations turning innocence into evil. Now, you would not be one of those, right? Also, if you are the victim, do you turn the cheek or get into an argument?

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Job 11:4 For thou hast said, My doctrine [is] pure, and I am clean in thine eyes.

Understanding proper doctrine is important, despite what preachers say today. “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” (2 John 1:9). So, do you have the doctrine of Christ or of man?

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Job 11:3 Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?

Just because a person, like a politician, seem to be emphatic about a statement explaining a weird situation, a lie does not comfort the people. In fact, many times it stirs up the people, and this is where conspiracy theories are born. People know that what they are being told is a coverup, and inquisitive minds will begin to uncover it. So, do you accept lies as an explanation on matters, or do the lies cause you to investigate further?

Monday, January 20, 2025

Job 11:2 Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified?

It depends. “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit” (Proverbs 26:4-5). If someone who is foolish talks and talks and are foolish, to answer them will make themselves appear foolish also. However, if a person who talks and talks and are foolish but no one answers them, then the talker will think they are justified, correct, knowledgeable when they are not. Just because someone can talk a good talk does not make them right. Now, do you talk a lot about things you do not know about, or are you concise with your words?

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Job 11:1 Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,

Zophar means "sparrow", which Jesus spoke of: “Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31). “But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:7). Despite the words of Zophar, a personal relationship with God should have been more important to Job than his relationship with Zophar and only rejecting the negativity would prove that. So, do you consider opinions from your friends more important than God’s Word, or do you sense that a true personal relationship with God is far more important than the opinions of your friends?

Friday, January 17, 2025

Job 10:22 A land of darkness, as darkness [itself; and] of the shadow of death, without any order, and [where] the light [is] as darkness.

Job continues his description of the grave and not of a burning place called hell. As everyone knows, flames give off light. Therefore, the phrase “light is as darkness” would be quite contrary. Besides, Job never mentions fire or burning. Also, we know the devil is not currently exercising the position of warden of hell since he is upon the face of the earth as “your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Additionally, it would be so unfair of God to have an unbeliever burning in hell for thousands of years while Hitler and many other modern leaders that responsible for millions of deaths to be burning only about a hundred years so far. A burning hell active right now just does not make sense nor is it biblical. And please do not quote the parable (Matthew 13:34) about the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). That was an allegory not to be taken literally. So again, do you really believe God works with the devil to keep the unsaved burning in some prison after death, or do you believe Job is simply describing the confines of the grave?

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Job 10:21 Before I go [whence] I shall not return, [even] to the land of darkness and the shadow of death;

Now, Job is not contradicting his own words. Earlier, he had stated, “[As] the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no [more]” (Job 7:9). The land of darkness is not the place of hell run by the devil. The place of darkness is simply the grave, for he states that it is also “the shadow of death”. In death, it is very dark. It is so dark that a person is unconscious. And by stating that he would go to a place and not return, the grave certainly is that place. So, do you really think there is a place burning right now called hell, run by an absentee warden as he himself, “the devil” is “as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8), or do you believe the wicked are waiting for their punishment unconsciously (Ecclesiastes 9:5)? By the way, if Satan did run a place called hell, then would that not make God copartner with the devil? And since when does the devil cooperate with God anyways?

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Job 10:20 [Are] not my days few? cease [then, and] let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,

Compared to eternity, our days are indeed few. Psalms 90:10 tells us that “The days of our years [are] threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength [they be] fourscore years”. Seventy or eighty years is not much. Those that have a bonus amount of time is still not much time. But in that time, do you glorify God during the few days given by living a godly life, or do you glorify yourself by doing whatever you please?

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Job 10:19 I should have been as though I had not been; I should have been carried from the womb to the grave.

His wife revealed that she was not all that godly (Job 2:9). Job figures that all his children died without hope of eternal life. So, to Job, it looked like there was really no value in his existence. However, it is the unseen reality that matters and not necessarily the seen. So, do you evaluate things based on just the physical realm, or do you bring into consideration the spiritual realm?

Monday, January 13, 2025

Job 10:18 Wherefore then hast thou brought me forth out of the womb? Oh that I had given up the ghost, and no eye had seen me!

We are back to Job wishing that he died at childbirth so that no one would have gotten to, not only see him, but to get to know him. Now, can you count the positive influences, even the blessings that you have had on others that makes your birth a service of God, or do you only see the negative aspects of your life and wonder why God allowed you to be born?

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Job 10:17 Thou renewest thy witnesses against me, and increasest thine indignation upon me; changes and war [are] against me.

No one likes change, but how we react to it determines our character. When things do not go according to schedule, many people get upset and even throw an adult fit. Others will roll with the change, despite not liking the change. So, what character trait do you present to all who are witnessing your reaction, especially if you claim to be a Christian?

Friday, January 10, 2025

Job 10:16 For it increaseth. Thou huntest me as a fierce lion: and again thou shewest thyself marvellous upon me.

Again, Job thinks God struck him with losses and illness, yet Job sees the marvelous workings of God upon himself. Now, are you able to see God’s blessings through all the misery you may be experiencing in your life?

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Job 10:15 If I be wicked, woe unto me; and [if] I be righteous, [yet] will I not lift up my head. [I am] full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction;

What Job was going through indeed a wicked person ought to suffer, yet if he be righteous, then he shall not raise the possibility that God is in error, although confused while being in affliction. Now, everything evil that happens to you, do you think God is punishing you, or do you see the hatred of Satan against you for being righteous person, assuming that you are?

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Job 10:14 If I sin, then thou markest me, and thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity.

What Job is referring to is the continuance of sin without repentance or confession “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). God is only “ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee” (Psalms 86:5). It is not until “we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Keep in mind that if we do not confess our sins, He is “keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]” (Exodus 34:7). So, are you guilty by continuing to sin and therefore will not be acquitted of your sins but be found guilty and condemned to hell, or have you confessed all of your known sins, repented of them, and by the grace of God have become an overcomer as “whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world” (1 John 5:4)?

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Job 10:13 And these [things] hast thou hid in thine heart: I know that this [is] with thee.

Job may have been stretching the application of things, but to declare that he can read God’s heart is no different than many declaring they know God without knowing their Bibles. Besides, God says, “For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). So, are you one to think for God, or do you see your proper position related to God as being His creation and being subject to God?

Monday, January 6, 2025

Job 10:12 Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.

Though Job has requested death for his suffering, he recognized that God was preserving him. We may not realize why we ought to continue to live while going through times of trouble, but afterwards, have you recognized God’s purpose in extending your life, especially in the form of teaching or witnessing to others?

Sunday, January 5, 2025

Job 10:11 Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews.

Yes, God has created us through and through, or do you believe we evolved from goop?

Friday, January 3, 2025

Job 10:10 Hast thou not poured me out as milk, and curdled me like cheese?

Although God can have His way with us, that is not His style. He has given us the freedom to choose our path. “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16). Which path do you choose?

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Job 10:9 Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again?

Again, we are reminded that the only place promised after death is the dust “for dust thou [art], and unto dust shalt thou return” (Genesis 3:19). God did not promise any other place. So, just where do you think God promised a person goes after death?

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Job 10:8 Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me.

God is responsible for the creation of every human being, but yes, God will destroy His creations in the end. “Fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them” (Revelation 20:9). And referring to the devil, “Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never [shalt] thou [be] any more” (Ezekiel 28:18-19). Said to the righteous, “And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do [this], saith the LORD of hosts” (Malachi 4:3). So, were you expecting life eternity for the lost, or do you realize that life eternity is promised only to the saved?

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Job 10:7 Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and [there is] none that can deliver out of thine hand.

God indeed knows if we are wicked or not, and it is true, that if we are condemned, there is none to deliver out of the hand of God. On the other hand, if we listen to Jesus, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28). So, which is it? Are you going to be destroyed by God for none to stop Him, or saved from the evil beings in this world because of His protective care?

Monday, December 30, 2024

Job 10:5-6 [Are] thy days as the days of man? [are] thy years as man's days, That thou enquirest after mine iniquity, and searchest after my sin?

No, God’s days are not numbered as are man’s days. The toil of years is not like the toil of a man for a day’s work. God does not need to enquire or question about iniquity or sin; He knows even the condition of the heart. Now, do you struggle with the existence of God from eternity past and into eternity future, or are you satisfies with God, “whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2) and “from everlasting to everlasting” (Psalms 106:48)?

Sunday, December 29, 2024

Job 10:4 Hast thou eyes of flesh? or seest thou as man seeth?

Sounds like what Paul wrote. “The carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Romans 8:7). Also, Isaiah wrote, “For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 55:8). All three sources basically beg the question, do you see God’s Word that satisfy personal desires, called the flesh, or do you see God’s Word demanding change in your life?

Friday, December 27, 2024

Job 10:3 [Is it] good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?

Here we have Job once again questioning God. God is being questioned on the oppressiveness of losing all but his life. Job even goes as far as to question God on despising the very existence of Job himself having ever been created as a work of God’s hands. So, do you attribute every evil that happens to you or someone you care about on God, or do you consider the bigger picture involving Satan’s hand in the matter?

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Job 10:2 I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me.

David said it this way: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if [there be any] wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalms 139:23-24). Do you ask God to reveal your sins to you so you can confess and forsake them by the grace of God?

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Job 10:1 My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.

In other words, Job was tired and exhausted in dealing with all he had to deal with and was not going to hold back but speak his mind. That is not necessarily a good thing. In speaking whatever we want to speak, it has a tendency to lead to saying things that we shall regret later. So, in your trials of life, do you speak your mind, or do you do your best to refrain knowing that it may cause unnecessary consequences?

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Job 9:35 [Then] would I speak, and not fear him; but [it is] not so with me.

Job is feeling the rod of correction and the fear of God is terrifying Him, as stated in Job 9:34 and now confirmed here. To be scared of God is to know they are guilty, though Job cannot recognize what is making him appear guilty. He just knows he is being corrected. More importantly though, are you holding onto sin making you guilty, or are you letting go of the sins and the things in this world receiving God’s mercy to be “presented faultless before the presence of his glory” (Jude 24)?

Monday, December 23, 2024

Job 9:34 Let him take his rod away from me, and let not his fear terrify me:

That is God’s “rod of correction” (Proverbs 22:15) that Job is referring to, and when someone is guilty of sin, they live in terrifying fear as they will be facing the judgment without being able to stand. Although, those who are no longer guilty are to also fear God (Psalms 66:16), it is not with terror but of respect and obedience. Now again, Job cannot find anything that he would be guilty of but he is being made to ponder the reason for the correction and why terror is welling up inside as if he is fooling himself about forsaking all sin. Now, can you be part of saying, “we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9) and therefore are not guilty and can stand before God in the judgment having Jesus as the Advocate (1 John 2:1), or is there some sin you are holding onto and justifying it to be alright?

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Job 9:33 Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, [that] might lay his hand upon us both.

Job recognized that there was no mediator between he and his friends. Thank God we have a Mediator between us and the Father – Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). Now, do you accept this Mediator or are you looking for a different way into Heaven?

Friday, December 20, 2024

Job 9:32 For [he is] not a man, as I [am, that] I should answer him, [and] we should come together in judgment.

It is true that God is not like a man, a human, but so many Christians disrespect God treating Him like that. They refer to Him as the “man upstairs”, or they see Jesus as one of the pals that will go along with the sinful practice at hand. So, just how do you treat God? Is it with respect or disrespect?

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Job 9:30-31 If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean; Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me.

The reason Job’s efforts of cleansing himself does not appear sufficient is because the only way to wash is in the blood for “the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). The word “ditch” is synonymous with the word “pit”, and we have to put our dependency upon God, for “O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit” (Psalms 30:3). And of course, Job’s own clothes would abhor him for “all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Instead, this prayer ought to be prayed: “Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me” (Psalms 71:2). So, are you saving yourself or is Jesus your Savior, not in sin, but from sin?

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Job 9:29 [If] I be wicked, why then labour I in vain?

If Job were wicked, why does He care for God and want to obey Him then? That would all be vain. If he was a wicked person, just forget God and be as wicked as desired since there is no salvation in being wicked and serving God. So, are you pretending to be a Christian while enjoying sin? If so, just go and enjoy sin because “Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). If you are not a wicked person, then continue to “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12).

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Job 9:27-28 If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my heaviness, and comfort [myself]: I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that thou wilt not hold me innocent.

On the contrary, the Bible says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). So, if a person repents from all their complaining, repents of all their focus upon their heaviness called depression, etc., they will be forgiven and declared “faultless” (Jude 24) or innocent. Now, do you believe if you confess every sin and forsake them by the grace of God that you too can be presented innocent by the blood of the Lamb, as if you did not sin?

Monday, December 16, 2024

Job 9:26 They are passed away as the swift ships: as the eagle [that] hasteth to the prey.

Recounting the days going by quickly (verse 25), they are compared to swift ships and an eagle after a prey. Now, you may not be experiencing days going by that swiftly, but the important thing is, are you using each day properly in the eyes of God?

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Job 9:25 Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.

Some translations take the word “post” and use the word “runner” instead. The fact that the days pass away quickly without contributing any good is a sad situation nonetheless. Being covered in boils and becoming instantly poor with a wife holding a grudge against an innocent man and his friends labeling him as a sinner would contribute to this feeling. It is understandable, but Job could still be encouraging to others if he chose to do so. Now personally, do you allow all the negativity in your life to prevent you from doing any good in this world, or despite the aches and pains of life, do you still present yourself as being pleasant and kind as possible with helpfulness thrown in there too?

Friday, December 13, 2024

Job 9:24 The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces of the judges thereof; if not, where, [and] who [is] he?

Today, we really can say that the earth is in the control of the wicked and the judges have been paid off, playing political games, forwarding agendas, etc. Many will ask where God is in all of this. Many will also ask what type of God do we serve to allow all this. First, God is sadly observing the results of people believing Satan’s lies. And second, the type of God we serve is that of allowing the freedom to choose. And until, even among the Christians, we acknowledge all of God’s ways as being right and true without exception, God cannot just simply prolong this misery on earth by intervening every single time. He has to let it run the course to put misery out of its misery. So, do you blame God for not stepping in to protect the innocent, or do you see that the final stages are being set to finish this satanic experiment off, which started in Heaven (Revelation 12:7)?

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Job 9:23 If the scourge slay suddenly, he will laugh at the trial of the innocent.

Again, Job sees himself being slowly scourged by God, yet after searching for any known sin in his life, he declares himself as being innocent as he cannot fine any. Many Christians see suffering as only the result of sin. They become unsympathetic towards those that suffer, especially in the form of finances. They say, “If that person were godly, they would not have such a financial setback, therefore, they must be doing some serious sinning to get that type of punishment from God!” This is completely erroneous as Jesus Himself suffered much, even financially. That in no wise meant that Jesus sinned. Now, do you think every affliction is the result of sin, or can you see the glorification in the suffering as unfallen angels witness the aggression of Satan?

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Job 9:22 This [is] one [thing], therefore I said [it], He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked.

God can destroy both, but that is not the true situation. Job, though he was blameless, was allowed to suffer at the hands of Satan and not God. The wicked usually are destroyed by their own wickedness, but God does, from time to time, send a flood, rain fire, open the earth, etc., or the saints would have no heavenly help. Now, when you suffer and it is not because of sin in your life, do you see it as your opportunity to glorify God, or do you simply declare, “What does it matter!”?

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Job 9:21 [Though] I [were] perfect, [yet] would I not know my soul: I would despise my life.

Again, Paul stated, “I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). Though he did not know that he was perfect, he certainly despised his life: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:15). So, do you brag about how good you are, or do you simply cooperate with “the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23)?

Monday, December 9, 2024

Job 9:20 If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: [if I say], I [am] perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.

Paul says it this way: “I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). Just because we cannot claim perfection right now, do you press towards the mark of God’s high calling anyways, or are you just a careless Christian in name only enjoying worldliness?

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Job 9:19 If [I speak] of strength, lo, [he is] strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time [to plead]?

“The LORD God [is] my strength” (Habakkuk 3:19). “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). So, are you relying upon God to be your strength in resisting the devil (James 4:7), and for the judgment, have do you accept “the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7)?

Friday, December 6, 2024

Job 9:18 He will not suffer me to take my breath, but filleth me with bitterness.

Although God does control the breath of life in every soul and can cut off the supply at any time, on the other hand, anyone can understand that after losing one’s children and wealth along with the wife being against him, bitterness would be filling up Job. Now, how much do appreciate every breath you take as being a gift from God?

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Job 9:17 For he breaketh me with a tempest, and multiplieth my wounds without cause.

From a depressed person’s perspective, this is Job’s view of God at this moment. Job cannot find a reason for what is going on yet God is able to do these things, but looking back at Job’s experience, “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose” (Ephesians 1:11). And the purpose was to show the universe how faithful a fallen human being could be. So, when things break down around you, how faithful are you, or do you just moan and complain?

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Job 9:16 If I had called, and he had answered me; [yet] would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice.

In our own voice, we are indeed not heard, but Jesus said, “whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you” (John 15:16). So, do you make your prayer requests in Jesus’ name or your own, if you even make a prayer request?

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Job 9:15 Whom, though I were righteous, [yet] would I not answer, [but] I would make supplication to my judge.

Even a righteous person knows not to speak against one of God’s ways as being in error (Job 9:14) but simply plead for mercy from the Judge. Now, do you appeal to God for mercy?

Monday, December 2, 2024

Job 9:14 How much less shall I answer him, [and] choose out my words [to reason] with him?

Despite the fact that God says, “let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18), we have to evaluate things in a godly manner. So, when we meet a rule of God and we see no harm in breaking it, if we really have the best interest at heart, we will see that God’s forbiddance is actually the better path. Now, do you reason from God’s Word that He is right and all His ways are righteous, or do you dare argue with your own words based upon feelings trying to get your way?

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Job 9:13 [If] God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him.

When faced with God’s anger against the proud, do you lose your pride, or do you risk being crushed by His anger?

Friday, November 29, 2024

Job 9:12 Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou?

God may provide us with things but He also allows it to be taken away, hence the verse-by-verse stepping through the book of Job. But are you alright with that, or do you get upset with God by asking, “God, why did you allow this to happen?”

Thursday, November 28, 2024

Job 9:11 Lo, he goeth by me, and I see [him] not: he passeth on also, but I perceive him not.

Jesus said something similar about the Holy Spirit: “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). There is more unity in the Word of God than many scholars lead people to believe or should we say, to disbelieve. Are you one to give ear to these so-called religious scholars that teach the Bible contradicts itself, or do you believe that “God is not [the author] of confusion” (1 Corinthians 14:33)?

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Job 9:10 Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number.

Since God can do great things and even wonders that humans cannot figure out, how much more do you trust that God “is able to keep you from falling” (Jude 24), which is falling into sin of course, since He also is able “to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 24), which is without the recognition of having sinned?

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Job 9:9 Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south.

Speaking of Orion, which is in the eastern sky usually, Jesus said, “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:27). So, do you have a new interest in looking at the night sky?

Monday, November 25, 2024

Job 9:8 Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.

And God proved it when, regarding His disciples, “Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea” (Matthew 14:25). Do you see this as a prophecy as well as a miracle?

Sunday, November 24, 2024

Job 9:7 Which commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; and sealeth up the stars.

Part of last day events are described in Joel 2:10: “The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.” Again, are you ready for the second coming, or are you drunk with the ways of the world?

Friday, November 22, 2024

Job 9:6 Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble.

And this event happens yet in our future: “Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven” (Hebrews 12:26). “For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it [is] a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry [land]; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts” (Haggai 2:6-7). This is describing the second coming. Are you ready for it?

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Job 9:5 Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them in his anger.

That is called holy anger. God does not wake up in a bad mood and take it out people like humans do. He has no rush hour traffic to get Him upset and make the office feel miserable like humans do. Humans can mock Him, blaspheme Him, and His wrath is not moved, but mess with His saints, and He will send a flood, burn cities, open the earth to swallow the rebellion, and evidently overturn mountains. So, are you worth God getting angry over, or are you part of the reason God does get angry by persecuting the saints even by simple jokes?

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Job 9:4 [He is] wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened [himself] against him, and hath prospered?

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33). Have you tried challenging God and won, or do you recognize how mighty and wise He is?

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Job 9:3 If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.

Although we are to reason with God (Isaiah 1:18), all one thousand times we will find that God is right. So, do you think God’s rules are unfair, allowed to be slightly broken, or completely disregarded, or do you realize that God’s commands are there for a reason, and if we do not understand what purpose they serve, still conclude and reason that God knows best and so follow them anyways?

Monday, November 18, 2024

Job 9:1-2 Then Job answered and said, I know [it is] so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?

Have you accepted Jesus as your only means to be justified with God (Galatians 2:16-17)?

Sunday, November 17, 2024

Job 8:22 They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought.

Can you imagine when Jesus returns what all those that hate on true Christians are going to realize at that moment? That they were on the wrong side of things and now they are lost forever.

Friday, November 15, 2024

Job 8:21 Till he fill thy mouth with laughing, and thy lips with rejoicing.

In continuation of verse 20, “Behold, God will not cast away a perfect [man], neither will he help the evil doers”, the ones that will laugh and rejoice are the perfect ones. That laughter is not like a person telling a funny joke and the response is laughter. It is more in recognition that the saints shall be finally vindicated. Just when the evil doers seem to have the upper hand, Jesus will break through to catch His faithful people. “And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this [is] our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this [is] the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation” (Isaiah 25:9). So, do you look forward to this great day of rejoicing, or are you part of those that put down those that are living holy lives?

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Job 8:20 Behold, God will not cast away a perfect [man], neither will he help the evil doers:

Jesus said, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). That is a command, and Jesus never commanded that which could not be fulfilled. Sure, no one is perfect, as in, “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), but by the grace of God, we do not have to continue sinning. “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not” (1 John 2:1). “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God” (1 John 3:9). So, do you believe you can be perfect from this moment forward?

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Job 8:19 Behold, this [is] the joy of his way, and out of the earth shall others grow.

And when one plant is uprooted, surely another shall take its place. The question in every generation is, are your roots secure in the truth, in Jesus?

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Job 8:18 If he destroy him from his place, then [it] shall deny him, [saying], I have not seen thee.

Now, if that plant (verses 16-17) is uprooted or destroyed, the place where they were will be as if it had never existed. This is the fate of the wicked. Even Psalms 37:10 speaks to this point along with several other verses: “For yet a little while, and the wicked [shall] not [be]: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it [shall] not [be].” So, our choice is to have eternal life or be as one who never existed (John 3:15). Which choice do you make?

Monday, November 11, 2024

Job 8:17 His roots are wrapped about the heap, [and] seeth the place of stones.

This is no different than Jesus’ parable about the seed sower where He stated, “And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture” (Luke 8:6). Plants growing among the rocks may wrap their roots around the stones but have no depth, therefore, Satan can pluck them up at will. Now, do you have any depth in your relationship with God or is it superficial?

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Job 8:16 He [is] green before the sun, and his branch shooteth forth in his garden.

Now a different picture is being painted. Job was like a green plant even under the scorching sun and branched out from his garden. This is but an introduction to the point to be made but it is reference to Job prior to his fall into calamity. Now, do you appreciate the days when all is well with you, or do you take them for granted, not realizing that one day, those days may change for the worse?

Friday, November 8, 2024

Job 8:15 He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand: he shall hold it fast, but it shall not endure.

Our houses may not stand, especially in hurricanes. We may brace them up but they will not endure forever. There is nothing as dependable as God seeing He is from everlasting to everlasting. So, how much do you put trust into things that will fall apart, rust, break, rot, etc., as opposed to investing in God, in prayer, His Word, etc.?

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Job 8:13 So [are] the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish:

People forget God by forgetting His ways, His commandments, His teachings. Those that claim to be Christian and yet, act like the devil shall perish as hypocrites. Now, do you avoid such association by choosing to “keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3), or do you use religious excuses to sin?

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Job 8:12 Whilst it [is] yet in his greenness, [and] not cut down, it withereth before any [other] herb.

To have plants in greenness but as soon as it is cut down it becomes withered is like the parable of Jesus regarding the sewing of seed. “And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away” (Mark 4:5-6). Now, can your Christianity face the challenges and attacks through Satan’s agents, primarily, unbelievers, or at the first sign of ridicule, do you wither away?

Monday, November 4, 2024

Job 8:11 Can the rush grow up without mire? can the flag grow without water?

Some plants grow best in mire, swampy, marshy lands. Flags need water for growth. We need God for us to live for He is “life” (John 14:6). So, each morning, do you thank God for the gift of another day?

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Job 8:10 Shall not they teach thee, [and] tell thee, and utter words out of their heart?

Again, traditions from past generations are only to be followed when in compliance with the Word of God. So, do you put traditions above or below the Word of God?

Friday, November 1, 2024

Job 8:9 (For we [are but of] yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth [are] a shadow:)

That ought to put things into perspective. The word “shadow” is best understood as temporary. The Bible says in regards to our temporary time of life here on earth, “The days of our years [are] threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength [they be] fourscore years, yet [is] their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (Psalms 90:10). So, what is a mere seventy or eighty years in comparison to eternity? Now, are you doing all to make the most of these seventy or eighty years of life, or are you preparing for life eternity instead?

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Job 8:8 For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers:

Finding out what prior generations have learned is not a bad idea, but to insinuate, as recorded in other verses, that Job lacked that knowledge and evidently had committed some serious grievance against God that his forefathers would not have committed. Now, following prior generations just because they are part of the family tree is called tradition. And when tradition conflicts with the knowledge of God as revealed today, then we have a choice. Could you be guilty of “laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8), or do you build upon prior generation’s knowledge letting the scriptures lead?

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Job 87 Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.

We begin small but should end with great increase, and in modern society, it should be with a great retirement package, according to those that think wealth determines the results of the blessings of God. Now, are you subject to thinking that in the last years of your life that if you are wealthy, you are blessed of God, and if you are not wealthy and have to work until the day you die, you have been cursed of God, or do you see that what is actually important to God is the spiritual relationship with Him despite the value of the fortune?

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Job 8:4-6 If thy children have sinned against him, and he have cast them away for their transgression; If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty; If thou [wert] pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous.

In modern examples, the same false accusation could be spoken of as, “If you were right with God, then you would not struggle so much”, “If you were right with God, you wouldn’t be sick”, etc. Jesus struggled a lot; Paul had a health issue that God would not take away; Elijah had plenty of problems; etc. So, do you think people who suffer in one form or another are not of God, or do you see, perhaps, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby” (John 11:4) along with other challenges in life, beyond sickness, still is for God’s glory?

Monday, October 28, 2024

Job 8:3 Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice?

We serve a “God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he” (Deuteronomy 32:4), therefore, He does not pervert judgment nor justice. He does not act like us humans who can be bribed, or in a bad mood, or maybe in a good mood, that may affect our decisions. So, do you believe that God can pervert judgement and justice, or do you believe in a just God?

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Job 8:1-2 Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said, How long wilt thou speak these [things]? and [how long shall] the words of thy mouth [be like] a strong wind?

Today, we call it blowing hot air. Job is being accused of lying. Some friend Bildad happens to be, who automatically thinks all that Job said was a bunch of lies. Do you have people in your life distrusting you as well when you are speaking the truth? Just how do you handle it? “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit” (Proverbs 26:4-5). If you answer back, you may look foolish. If you do not answer back, they become proud and boastful. It is a “no win” situation.

Friday, October 25, 2024

Job 7:21 And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I [shall] not [be].

He really thought that this body plague was going to be the end of his life. He still held out towards God for being pardoned, so he did not give up on the possibility of eternal life. Now, have you ever suffered so much that you came close to letting go of God, or were you faithful throughout your experience?

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Job 7:20 I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself?

Job is just seeking the reason for his loss and condition, though a bit abrasively. God is known for preserving people, so if Job were struck because of His sin, what sin was it? Why was Job the target of God’s displeasure? Now, applying it to us, are you able to not get all your questions answered and live with the lack of answers while trusting God’s will is being done, or do you have to get all the answers making room for doubting that “God is love” (1 John 4:8)?

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Job 7:19 How long wilt thou not depart from me, nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle?

God does not depart from us. It us who depart from God. And as long as we are living and breathing, God will keep drawing us to Him. Now, have you been so depressed and trying to self-medicate with the ways of the world that you wonder at what point God will give up on you? No need to think that for we are told that God is willing to be “pulling [them] out of the fire” (Jude 1:23).

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Job 7:18 And [that] thou shouldest visit him every morning, [and] try him every moment?

Mornings indeed can be trying, especially in Job’s situation, but do you consider starting off each day with prayer, committing yourself to serving God the whole day long?

Monday, October 21, 2024

Job 7:17 What [is] man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?

How valuable is a human to God? “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19). Gold, silver, gems could not pay for a single human but only the blood of Christ, the most valuable of all items. And just how much do you appreciate that price paid for you?

Sunday, October 20, 2024

Job 7:16 I loathe [it]; I would not live alway: let me alone; for my days [are] vanity.

Basically, Job thought the rest of his life would be vain, worthless, amount to nothing of importance. Once again, no one but God knows the future, as Job would eventually find out how wrong he was for thinking this way. If you feel the way Job stated things, is it possible that you could be wrong also? God does not create junk. You and I are worth something even the blood of Christ. That is a very expensive price to pay but Jesus paid it. So, will you live as if you are worth something, especially towards God? “I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20).

Friday, October 18, 2024

Job 7:15 So that my soul chooseth strangling, [and] death rather than my life.

Job once again returns to his depressing state of wishing some form of death to occur rather than living in his suffering situation. Now, if you face suffering, do you wish death as well, or do you see it as an opportunity to demonstrate the trust you have in God to observers who may be unbelievers giving God the glory?

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Job 7:13-14 When I say, My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint; Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions:

Now, that is a wrestles night’s sleep. That is not very restful at all. But, when you suffer such restlessness, how is your attitude in the morning towards others who are innocent of causing you that night’s grief?

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Job 7:12 [Am] I a sea, or a whale, that thou settest a watch over me?

Ever have someone that thinks that you need watched after for whatever reason? It is understandable when a person is up in age or very young, but typically not so much while middle aged, yet there are people that insist on keeping an eye on someone. If that person was a danger to themselves or demonstrates uncontrolled behavior, again that may be normal to set a watch on a person. But in Job’s case, he did not need to be treated like those who go whale watching or sea watching. Now, when you suspect that being done to yourself, do you handle it calmly like Job?

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Job 7:11 Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

So, Job may not be the best example to follow here, though it is a natural reaction to the pain and suffering he was experiencing. Since complaining serves no purpose and fixes nothing, how much effort do you give in resisting becoming a complainer?

Monday, October 14, 2024

Job 7:10 He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him any more.

When someone dies, they do not go back to their house in any form – spirit, soul, body, etc. There will not even be a sensation of existence, as the word “place” does not necessarily refer to the house as the word “house” was already used in the verse. That means, all those people who can contact the dead are agents of Satan. No wonder there was an order of God against such people: “There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things [are] an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). And no, things did not change in the New Testament (Acts 16:16-18) for God does not change. So, are you sensing anything from a departed love one? Be careful because Satan is after you.

Sunday, October 13, 2024

Job 7:9 [As] the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no [more].

There is no haunting of houses, visiting the living, or even walking the streets of gold. When a person dies, that person waits until the “shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God” then “the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). This is called “the resurrection of life” (John 5:29) when “all that are in the graves shall hear his voice” (John 5:28). So, do you believe what the Bible teaches of an unconscious waiting for the second coming, or do you believe in spiritualism, the spirit or soul of a person roaming somewhere?

Friday, October 11, 2024

Job 7:8 The eye of him that hath seen me shall see me no [more]: thine eyes [are] upon me, and I [am] not.

Ever feel like death is coming on and just feel like accepting the fate that awaits? Seeing that we do not know the future, as Job did not, let us be careful in giving up hope, for as you know, Job did recover and became well blessed. So, when everything seems dark, do you give up, or do you depend upon the will of God holding onto some glimmer of hope?

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Job 7:7 O remember that my life [is] wind: mine eye shall no more see good.

Job, in his depressed situation, states that his life just blew away and that he will not recover to see the good in life anymore. Although Job was not boasting, Proverbs 27:1 tells us to “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” We do not know what will happen tomorrow, bad or good, so despite what God just told us, do you typically tell everyone, especially in a depressing manner, what tomorrow will be like by saying things similar to, “What’s the use? We’ll just do it all over again tomorrow”, or do you allow God to change up the matter and bring a different than expected day especially if we cooperate with Him?

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Job 7:6 My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.

A weaver’s shuttle is a tool used with yarn that has swiftness to it. Poor Job saw the days go by quickly without hope of improvement, which was truly a sad and depressing situation. Now, in periods of your life when day after day things are not going well and there is no sign of improvement, do you give into depression by eating that which you ought not or in quantities that are gluttonous, even wasting away time, etc., or do you make the best of the situation as possible, given whatever things are holding you back?

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Job 7:5 My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust; my skin is broken, and become loathsome.

That is serious suffering, and yet, Job does not turn against God nor does he curse God. Now, in your minor inconveniences of life in comparison, do you keep as a Christian, or do you turn against God and act un-Christlike?

Monday, October 7, 2024

Job 7:4 When I lie down, I say, When shall I arise, and the night be gone? and I am full of tossings to and fro unto the dawning of the day.

His sores kept him awake all night, but for us, we may be kept awake all night for other reasons, especially those things out of our control, like noisy neighbors or not feeling well for instance. But the important question is, how is your attitude towards others in the morning being that you lack sleep? Would Christ approve of your attitude?

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Job 7:2-3 As a servant earnestly desireth the shadow, and as an hireling looketh for [the reward of] his work: So am I made to possess months of vanity, and wearisome nights are appointed to me.

In the shadows, less than proper work can be conducted. A hireling is motivated by their paycheck. As for Job, all he foresees is vanity, worthlessness. And the desire for sleep will not be rewarded with rest but that which cause people to be further wearied, like awaking often, being uncomfortable, etc. In all of this, would you still be able to be a pleasant person in the morning, or if you do not get your right rest, are you very grumpy, being short with people, making people backoff from your presence?

Friday, October 4, 2024

Job 7:1 [Is there] not an appointed time to man upon earth? [are not] his days also like the days of an hireling?

And David answers this by writing, “The days of our years [are] threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength [they be] fourscore years, yet [is] their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (Psalms 90:10). Those that live into their 80s, 90s, or even 100s must be of the strongest humans to live. Overall, the days that you are living, do you realize that you are a hireling, a laborer, or as Paul asks, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)?

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Job 6:30 Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things?

Jesus said it differently: “Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?” (John 8:46). Can the same be said about yourself? Is there iniquity on your tongue, or do you watch your tongue? Can anyone point to what you say or do as being perverse, or have you become an overcomer of your sins by the grace of God?

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Job 6:29 Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yea, return again, my righteousness [is] in it.

Job is pleading that they would stop saying that he had committed iniquity or sin and even asked that righteousness would be spoken of instead. Now, how do you react when people paint you in a bad light, speaking lies and other distortions? Do you get defensive? Do you threaten? Or do you turn the other cheek?

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Job 6:28 Now therefore be content, look upon me; for [it is] evident unto you if I lie.

Almost all Christians are liars. They profess to be of Christ but live like the devil. They make excuses to disobey God and act selfishly even using religious reasoning. So, can people’s erring opinions of you be changed to the truth by simply examining your life, or do you mislead people as well with how you conduct yourself?

Monday, September 30, 2024

Job 6:27 Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig [a pit] for your friend.

That is not the signs of a good friend, but do you look for the welfare of the fatherless, helping children in need who are without fathers as best as you can as opportunity arises, and do you avoid setting up a friend to be teased or made fun of all for a practical joke, which is a mental game or pit?

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Job 6:26 Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, [which are] as wind?

Those in desperate situations may cave to reproving words from humans who are motivated by an agenda, but do listen them or do you cling to the ways of God no matter what?

Friday, September 27, 2024

Job 6:25 How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove?

Job just told his friend that his words were not right. When right words are spoken, they have force behind them. When wrong words are used, what does all the arguing fix, reprove, cause a change? So, when you argue with others, are using the truth or just your point of view?

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Job 6:24 Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.

So, are you a prideful person who makes excuses while someone is trying to teach understanding, or a humble person, like Job, who will listen and not be talking?

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Job 6:23 Or, Deliver me from the enemy's hand? or, Redeem me from the hand of the mighty?

Again, it is being asked a different way from yesterday as if to say, “Did I ask you to deliver me from the enemy or even redeem me from those that are mightier than myself?” “Did I ask you for your assistance?” Now, are you a type of person that is pushy with your help, or do you ask if they need help?

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Job 6:22 Did I say, Bring unto me? or, Give a reward for me of your substance?

Another way of saying this is, “Did I ask you to give me anything?” So, when you get unsolicited advice, and wrong advice at that, do you question the person by asking, “I don’t remember asking you for your opinion”?

Monday, September 23, 2024

Job 6:21 For now ye are nothing; ye see [my] casting down, and are afraid.

People who make judgment calls based on only what they observe, especially those of a fearful nature, are nothing, yet so many people allow opinionators to influence their decisions. Yes, we ought to seek counsel (Proverbs 11:14), but ultimately, we have to weigh their counsel with the bias they may have. And if that bias is unjustified, it should lessen the impact towards our decision. So, how much do you let opinionated people influence your life as opposed to wise advisors? Do you live on the likes and dislikes from social media?

Sunday, September 22, 2024

Job 6:20 They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed.

What this verse is telling us is that the troops had hoped for victory but left disappointed and confounded not understanding how they could have lost. People sometimes are overconfident, and it is the simple mistakes that bring defeat to themselves. Those that have given the same presentation many times can easily forget the presentation files. Those that run a race may forget their socks or shoes. Those that are ready to cut the grass may have forgotten to check the gas can to see if they have enough gas. So, are you careful about being too confident that you slack off in ensuring all the details, especially when it comes to salvation? “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16). “Give diligence to make your calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10).

Friday, September 20, 2024

Job 6:19 The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.

Tema means "desert" while Sheba means "seven" or "an oath". A dry oath is called legalism, going through the motions without feeling. In relationship with God, He says, “whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17). So, in all that you do, is it dry formalism or is it with thanks to God?

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Job 6:18 The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and perish.

Just about all that this world has to offer is nothing compared to what God promises for eternity. So, do you have your heart set on those things that will perish or upon those things that will last into eternity?

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Job 6:17 What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.

The same sun that gives warmth to the soul brings melting to the snow and ice. With both objects being cold, it would be a good thing if cold hearts would melt at the hearing of the gospel. Has your heart completely melted to the gospel, or is there still traces of ice left behind?

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Job 6:16 Which are blackish by reason of the ice, [and] wherein the snow is hid:

Now Job describes the brooks and streams with ice and snow in them, which to be hidden is to be melting and absorbed into the streams and brooks. That causes a swelling, and seeing that the topic is about deceitfulness, that means deceitfulness swells and can be like an overwhelming flood. The flow would also be quite forceful. And so it is today, where we cannot trust anything, especially the media to provide us with the whole truth or even any of the truth, but do you trust God’s Word, to reveal the truth for these last day events that are playing out now revealing the lies of the media?

Monday, September 16, 2024

Job 6:15 My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, [and] as the stream of brooks they pass away;

When Job said that they “pass away”, they are forgotten, and in the end, if such people continue to be deceitful, “As the whirlwind passeth, so [is] the wicked no [more]: but the righteous [is] an everlasting foundation” (Proverbs 10:25). The wicked, who all them that practice any amount of sinning without repentance, shall be no more. Only the righteous get eternal life. So, you may not be deceitful, but are you practicing any sin and will be as water droplets that flow downstream and pass away, or do you confess all your sins having Jesus forgiving them (1 John 1:9) and will be part of those that receive everlasting life?

Sunday, September 15, 2024

Job 6:14 To him that is afflicted pity [should be shewed] from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.

In pity, there is an importance of God’s last day message in Revelation 14:7 being the opposite of what Job experienced. It contains the message to “Fear God, and give glory to him”. Not only are we not to forsake the fear of the Almighty, but we are to change our way of thinking to actually “Fear God”, which is more than simple respect. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). So, are you doing your whole duty?

Friday, September 13, 2024

Job 6:13 [Is] not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me?

If Jesus dwelling in the heart is the source of help, the answer to the question is “Yes, help is in us”; however, if the question is about our own abilities, then the answer is “No, for in me dwelleth no good thing, not even help in such a time”. “Our help [is] in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Psalms 124:8). And when a person, such as Job, has so numerous catastrophes all at once, it is understandable that wisdom would be at a loss. It is difficult to make a wise decision when all has been taken away, including health. So, what is your source of help?

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Job 6:12 [Is] my strength the strength of stones? or [is] my flesh of brass?

No! Our strength is in God, Who “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:3-4). Our flesh is far more than brass. God “will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir” (Isaiah 13:12). So, is your strength and value in God, or do you mind the value or opinions of mere mortals?

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Job 6:11 What [is] my strength, that I should hope? and what [is] mine end, that I should prolong my life?

Is your strength found in God (Exodus 15:2) and your end being eternal life (Romans 6:22)?

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Job 6:10 Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.

Evidently, Job was not afraid to speak of his faith with others. Now, do you conceal your relationship with God, or are you not afraid to pray in public and even speak of God to others?

Monday, September 9, 2024

Job 6:9 Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!

Would you still have faith in God’s will being done if you knew today was the day that God was going to cut off you off, cause you to die, make you cease to be living?

Sunday, September 8, 2024

Job 6:8 Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant [me] the thing that I long for!

Do you expect every request to be answered by God as if He is a genie in a lamp, or do you earnestly press your petition to God seeking to do His will realizing “no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Psalms 84:11), says God?

Friday, September 6, 2024

Job 6:7 The things [that] my soul refused to touch [are] as my sorrowful meat.

In the prior verse, Job described tasteless food that has no salt and the white of an egg also being tasteless. Though we may want to eat those things expecting more from them, it is best to deny ourselves. And spiritually speaking, do you participate in the things of a worldly nature that has no benefit (no taste), or do you refuse to touch it and in turn, do as Jesus said, “deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24)?

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Job 6:6 Can that which is unsavoury be eaten without salt? or is there [any] taste in the white of an egg?

Being without taste, applied to the Christian of today, is unattractive, meaning, if a Christian does not portray true Christianity, like the unsavory article of food or the white of an egg, no matter what the Christian has to offer, it will not be palatable. So, do you act like a Christian or just say you are while acting like the world, of which Jesus said, “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14)?

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Job 6:5 Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass? or loweth the ox over his fodder?

When your needs are met, do you complain about your needs needing to be met, or do you acknowledge God in providing for your needs and are content?

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Job 6:4 For the arrows of the Almighty [are] within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.

Although it was Satan’s infliction, God did allow it for the sake of removing any doubt that may be generated by the false accusations of Satan (Opener to Job 1 and 2). His false accusations could have planted seeds of doubt in the unfallen angels’ minds, and God simply rejecting Satan’s requests to inflict such intensity upon Job could appear as Satan being correct. Angels cannot read minds, so only allowed demonstrations can occur, however, God operates within a particular constraint: “God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]” (1 Corinthians 10:13). So, God does not rebuke Job for pointing the finger as God still takes responsibility for the actions of Satan, however, do you attribute all evil that happens as acts of God, or are you able tor recognize Satan’s hand in the matters?

Monday, September 2, 2024

Job 6:3 For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up.

Burdens as heavy as wet sand is indeed heavy, even to the point of choking back words, but if you do experience such burdens, do you cling to God in prayer, or do you distance yourself wondering why God is letting these awful things happen to you?

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Job 6:1-2 But Job answered and said, Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together!

Job is asking that his grief and calamities would be justly weighed in the balances of judgment. Unfortunately, human beings make a lot of wrong assumptions and tip the balances in their perspective or even in their own likes and dislikes, which may not be so helpful to the person needing help, especially when offering advice to them. Unless a person actual experiences the situation, it is with great difficulty to be able to fully understand it. So, how closely do you properly weigh situations before offering your advice?

Friday, August 30, 2024

Job 5:27 Lo this, we have searched it, so it [is]; hear it, and know thou [it] for thy good.

Job’s friends appear to have the facts because they searched it out as completely as humanly possible, and in their results, Job ought to take their advice if he knows anything for his own good. Unfortunately, facts alone are not what rules the universe. They did not appear to have the facts of what took place in Heaven (introduction to chapters 1 and 2), of which Job was unaware at this point as well. His friends’ facts were simply studying the results with tainted opinions intermixed. In the future, when the Mark of the Beast is about, they will also be quoting facts, but the faithful will have something better on their side … God. So, do your facts allow for God to interject, or are you just blindly following the science?

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Job 5:25 Thou shalt know also that thy seed [shall be] great, and thine offspring as the grass of the earth.

When we walk with the Lord, these are some of the promises He provides: offspring so numerous and great, of course they too have free will, and disobedience is never great. So, are you walking with the Lord and ready to receive His blessings and teaching your seed to also walk with the Lord?

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Job 5:24 And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle [shall be] in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin.

Tabernacle and temple are synonyms, in which the Bible says of the word “temple”, “know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Therefore, if we are right with God, our being will be at peace. No sin will be permitted with our bodies because no one would want to defile their tabernacle if they have that proper relationship with God. “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God” (1 John 3:9). So, do you justify sin in your life, or do you avoid sin as much as possible only realizing that “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1)? This is not to make an opportunity to sin, but rather encourage a person to get up after falling and “Fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) and “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

Monday, August 26, 2024

Job 5:23 For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.

Stones in a field is like being solid as a rock. As for the wild and ferocious beasts being at peace with humans, that is because “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:6-9). It is another way of saying that the saved get to experience that on the new earth. So, are you as firm in your beliefs like a solid rock while looking forward to the time of enjoying the company of beasts that can destroy us here today but not on the new earth?

Sunday, August 25, 2024

Job 5:22 At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.

Destruction, including World War III, famine, and even the wild beasts are not to cause fear among Christians as opposed to the unconverted: “Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken” (Luke 21:26). So, are you at peace with God despite what is happening all around, or are you fearful of even the rumors of things coming?

Friday, August 23, 2024

Job 5:21 Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.

That destruction is the seven last plagues (Hosea 13:14) as found in Revelation 16. Now, are you in Christ and have no fear according to psalms 91, or do you fear what is coming because your trust in God wavers?

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Job 5:20 In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword.

Oh, innocent people may perish still, but remember, “fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). If we were to die by famine, we shall still be redeemed from death through the resurrection. If we were to die by the sword, we shall still be redeemed from the power of the sword through the resurrection. So, how much do you trust God with your soul, or do you idolize the body and will do anything to preserve it?

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Job 5:19 He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.

Another way of saying this is, “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee” (John 5:14). Six is a reference to evil, hence the reference to six-six-six and the evil beast, and seven is a reference to Jesus. Jesus not only delivers us from hell but of the sins of the world (1 John 2:2). All addictions can be broken through Jesus Christ. Now, do you have faith in that statement, or do you not believe that Jesus is “able to keep you from falling” (Jude 1:24)?

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Job 5:18 For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.

Remember, “Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder” (Matthew 21:42-44). It is better to go through the process of being broken, becoming sore, even wounded, so that He then can make us whole, heal us, make us new. So, are you willing to go through this process, or are you looking for another way that really does not exist?

Sunday, August 18, 2024

Job 5:16 So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth.

One group has hope while the other does not. Over and over in the Bible, we see two groups: Those that serve “sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness” (Romans 6:16). Which do you serve? Hope in eternal life or iniquity that leads to the second death?

Friday, August 16, 2024

Job 5:15 But he saveth the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty.

Just remember, God does save from sure death, wrong words, and from those mightier than themselves in a physical manner, however there is a spiritual application, especially when it comes to martyrs. They are still saved, just not physically. If it glorifies God, furthers the gospel message, our mortal lives may have to be laid down, but all is not lost. So, do you still see God’s words as being true when approached by either a physical understanding or a spiritual understanding?

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Job 5:14 They meet with darkness in the daytime, and grope in the noonday as in the night.

While the lost are in darkness, we are to be in the light. “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness” (1 Thessalonians 5:5). Not knowing what it truly means to be saved, the relationship between faith and works as well as grace and law, who the antichrist is, what the mark of the beast is, etc. can be very detrimental to one’s salvation. So, are you in darkness about these and other serious topics of the Bible or in the light?

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Job 5:13 He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.

Those that plan to do evil, by the hand of God, will end up being taken by their own craftiness, their own traps, their own snares. Those that are of the world claiming to offer counsel, especially those of a “progressive” nature, will be turned upon their heads showing that they do not know as much as they thought they did. So, do you distance yourself from such people as did Daniel, as recorded in chapter 2, or are you easily taken in, especially when it comes across in the form of the news media passing along so-called expert advice?

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Job 5:12 He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform [their] enterprise.

Why are we not at World War III yet? Why has the Mark of the Beast not been implemented yet? Why have the kings in Revelation united and given the antichrist supreme power yet? Because it is not time yet, therefore, all their efforts to bring forth these things before God wants them have been disappointed or thwarted, even causing what should be a sure thing to not come about. Although God does not control people, do you see that God still keeps everything in check?

Monday, August 12, 2024

Job 5:11 To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety.

Jesus said, “he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 14:11), and “Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). So, are you humble and mourn or too proud for your own good?

Sunday, August 11, 2024

Job 5:10 Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields:

Jesus said in regards to the rain that “your Father which is in heaven … sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). Now the question is, are you just or unjust? Remember, to be just, “not the hearers of the law [are] just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified” (Romans 2:13).

Friday, August 9, 2024

Job 5:9 Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:

God indeed does great things, even things that we are not aware of. So marvelous are His things that He does while they are unable to be numbered. So, just how grateful are you for all the things He does?

Thursday, August 8, 2024

Job 5:8 I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:

Do you commit your cause to God, or do you look to human opinions who have far less understanding of the situation than you do?

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Job 5:6-7 Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground; Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.

We know that inanimate objects like dust and the ground cannot cause affliction and trouble as they do not have a mind, yet it seems that trouble is all around us and it appears to grow from the sparks thereof. But, how do you handle such trouble and affliction? Is it like the way of Christ, Who went as far as to be “like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth” (Acts 8:32), or with fits of rage?

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Job 5:5 Whose harvest the hungry eateth up, and taketh it even out of the thorns, and the robber swalloweth up their substance.

Eliphaz is really becoming pressing with his accusation against Job as if Job were a lost soul, yet it is prophetic. Those who think they shall survive the last days by stock piling food, by running a farm to be self-sufficient, are going to see their fields ransacked not even allowing fruit to grow in the thorns. And that which is hidden for safekeeping will be robbed. We will have to depend upon the ravens, manna falling from Heaven, or some other means that God will provide for Jesus said, “pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day” (Matthew 24:20). That stock pile will eventually have to be abandoned. Now, do not misunderstand. Saving food for general time of need and being self-sufficient with a farm so you do not have to buy the influenced produce at the markets is very much recommended. Everything ought to be kept in right perspective. So, are you part of those that “fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth” (Luke 21:26) planning human solutions, or is your trust in God to provide?

Monday, August 5, 2024

Job 5:4 His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the gate, neither [is there] any to deliver [them].

Children of the foolish are far from being saved. They shall be crushed or kept out at the gate as many lost souls will press against and want in. There shall be no deliverer or savior for the lost. So, whatever influence you may have upon children today, is it foolishness or godly?

Sunday, August 4, 2024

Job 5:3 I have seen the foolish taking root: but suddenly I cursed his habitation.

We all have seen the foolish take root, in fact, it seems foolishness is the rule of the day around the world, but are you contributing to the foolishness or do you curse the habitation of it?

Friday, August 2, 2024

Job 5:2 For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.

Do you harbor wrath or uncontrolled anger? Are you envious of anyone? If so, may I invite you to surrender it to Jesus through prayer? It will only destroy you and they certainly are not worth it.

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Job 5:1 Call now, if there be any that will answer thee; and to which of the saints wilt thou turn?

Keep in mind that when Eliphaz asked Job which saint he would turn to, it was not an invitation to run down the list of supposed saints in Heaven. Saints are people here on earth (Colossians 1:2). So, Eliphaz is inviting Job to find another righteous person (saint) among them for further advice. Who would Job turn to is the question. But the question to you right now is, do you recognize that living and breathing human beings are referred to as saints in the Bible? Are you one of them (a godly person)?

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Job 4:21 Doth not their excellency [which is] in them go away? they die, even without wisdom.

Things of the earth, no matter how excellent they happen to appear to us, will go away and die. So again, are you wise in what you invest in?

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Job 4:20 They are destroyed from morning to evening: they perish for ever without any regarding [it].

Even brand-new houses on day one begin to decay, insects move in, etc. Eventually, there will be no remembrance of them as they will perish. So, once again, what are you investing in? Are you satisfied with a home that meets your needs, or do you keep moving to bigger and “better” homes?

Monday, July 29, 2024

Job 4:19 How much less [in] them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation [is] in the dust, [which] are crushed before the moth?

In comparison to verse 18, if God does not trust His servants and charges His angels with folly, we see that everything earthly will eventually come to nothing making us aware that trusting in earthly things is an untrustworthy choice. Therefore, what do you invest in? Earthly things or God’s Work?

Sunday, July 28, 2024

Job 4:18 Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly:

When it comes to the acts of God, He does not put trust even upon faithful servants nor expect unfallen angels to carry out everything perfectly. Only God is perfect in all His ways. That does not mean these servants or angels are sinning for good people have made mistakes that are not sinful acts. So, how much expectation do you have for your pastor to walk and teach perfectly? Is it without question, or do you, once again, make sure by the Word of God that all is right (1 John 4:1)?

Friday, July 26, 2024

Job 4:16-17 It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image [was] before mine eyes, [there was] silence, and I heard a voice, [saying], Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?

The answer is “No” to both questions. “[He is] the Rock, his work [is] perfect: for all his ways [are] judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he” (Deuteronomy 32:4). That does not mean we cannot be just, but we never can be more just than God. “Every word of God [is] pure: he [is] a shield unto them that put their trust in him” (Proverbs 30:5). That does not mean we cannot be pure, but we just cannot be more pure than God. We are told, “call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22). “Now the just shall live by faith” (Hebrews 10:38). So, are you just and pure, or do you think you cannot even do that much even by the grace of God?

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Job 4:15 Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up:

Let us be careful of every spirit being of God for there are “seducing spirits” (1 Timothy 4:1). Now, do you attribute every supernatural thing to God, or do you “try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1)?

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Job 4:14 Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake.

Although we are to “Fear God, and give glory to him” (Revelation 14:7), it is “the devils also believe, and tremble” (James 2:19). If we are committing sin, absolutely we should tremble, but if we are sanctified by God (1 Thessalonians 5:23), we ought not be in that condition. So, do you Fear God properly, or do you tremble?

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Job 4:13 In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men,

Did you know sleep is a gift from God (Psalms 127:2), especially deep sleep? So, do you pray for this gift?

Monday, July 22, 2024

Job 4:12 Now a thing was secretly brought to me, and mine ear received a little thereof.

This is a fancy way of saying that Eliphaz listened to gossip and believed a bit thereof. Now, just how much gossip do you pay attention to, or do you go to the person being gossiped about for the facts or at least their side of the story?

Sunday, July 21, 2024

Job 4:11 The old lion perisheth for lack of prey, and the stout lion's whelps are scattered abroad.

When there are fortified Christians, the power of Satan’s temptations perishes, who is that old lion. The evil angels are also scattered about being the lion’s whelps. This is the work of Christ in us to defeat the purposes of Satan and his angels. So, how is Christ working in you today?

Friday, July 19, 2024

Job 4:10 The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken.

These are references to Satan since “the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). With broken teeth, broken voice, broken roaring, he is defeated, and Christ is the victor. Now, does Satan still roar, have a voice, and have his teeth set against you, or is Satan powerless because Jesus has defeated Him in your life?

Thursday, July 18, 2024

Job 4:9 By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed.

This is the fate of the lost. They will perish and they will be consumed. Jesus even said this: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). The lost do not go to a place of perishing for they “perish”. That is a finality. No eternal life at all in any form. Only the saved are provided eternal life. And “the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD [shall be] as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away” (Psalms 37:20). So, do you think there is some form of eternal life for the lost, or do you agree that the Bible teaches that only the saved get eternal life?

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Job 4:8 Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.

So, do you participate in iniquity or wickedness and then wonder why or even blame God for the poor condition you are in or the bad experience you are having?

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Job 4:7 Remember, I pray thee, who [ever] perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off?

Nowhere in the Bible can we find an innocent person, one who is not aware of their sins (Acts 17:30), be declared as being eternally lost. Nowhere in the Bible can we find a righteous person be declared as being eternally lost either. We know that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16), and “evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth” (Psalms 37:9) both of which point to the end result of “not perishing” and “not being cut off”. So, are you innocent and not committing known sins and living the expected righteous life by the grace of God?

Monday, July 15, 2024

Job 4:6 [Is] not [this] thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of thy ways?

To “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13) shows the fruit of a good relationship with God in that we then can have confidence knowing we are doing the right thing having hope in eternal life as we walk in the uprightness of God’s ways, which should be our ways. Although there is no merit for doing this, it is the fruit of the indwelling Christ. So, is Christ dwelling in you, or does Satan with his worldliness ways dwell there instead?

Sunday, July 14, 2024

Job 4:5 But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.

“[If] thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength [is] small” (Proverbs 24:10). So, when trouble comes upon you, do you faint at the initial onset showing weakness, and if it really touches you hard, is your relationship with God troubled? Just because evil comes upon you does not necessarily mean that God has forsaken you, unless you have forsaken Him.

Friday, July 12, 2024

Job 4:4 Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees.

When you speak, is it like Job using words that are uplifting, encouraging, even strengthening, or do you claim to be a realist while speaking words of discouragement?

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Job 4:3 Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.

As Job is being complimented, we pause to ask, “Do you instruct many in the ways of God by example or even actual instruction, and do you help those in need by jumping in and helping, even if it means to just hold a door open?”

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Job 4:1-2 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, [If] we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking?

Are you impatient when someone speaks contrary to your thoughts? Of course, those that seem to offer unwarranted opinions, as possibly Eliphaz did, can be quite irksome, however, do you still maintain self-control nonetheless?

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Job 3:26 I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.

Do you seem to live from one trouble to the next? Does it seem like there is no safety found anywhere, no rest to be had, no quietness of thought? It can be very taxing. It can agitate a lot causing a person to be on edge and easily irritated. Many unnecessarily lash out even towards those that are innocent. So, how is your self-control? If you lose it easily, how is your connection with God since “God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]” (1 Corinthians 10:13)?

Monday, July 8, 2024

Job 3:25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.

Have you ever experienced something like that? There is something you fear that is probably going to come upon you and then it does, be it catching the flu, losing a job because of downsizing, a car finally quitting, etc. Now, how did you handle the situation? Did you plan for a backup strategy, or simply hoped it would not happen? Were you close to God in prayer beforehand and not shaken when the thing came upon you, or did your relationship decrease a bit because you thought God was going to prevent it from happening? Just how strong is your faith under these situations, what responsibility do you take in dealing with them?

Sunday, July 7, 2024

Job 3:24 For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters.

Sighing and roarings are a couple of the ingredients for depression. Those feelings may be real, but with a person of God, today being known as a true Christian, “gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13). So, does Satan have the upper hand over you keeping you in depression, or do you cling to Jesus and have your hope in Him to deliver you from these things?

Friday, July 5, 2024

Job 3:23 [Why is light given] to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in?

The words “Why is light given” are added words by the translators. We do not know for sure what the words really are as some modern translations state that it is “Why is life given”. Modern translations are suspect translations, but there is no use of trying to investigate, in this case, if it is “light” or “life”. The word “life” fits with the number of death requests that Job is spouting off. Why should a man continue to live when God has allowed all these difficulties to come upon them? And in the King James Version, why should a man continue to receive the knowledge of God, the light, when all these calamities surround that person? We may never know why these difficulties and calamities are allowed even to us, but this do know, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Now, we are not saying Job sinned, but wallowing in darkness is not healthy spiritually speaking, and so God still gives the opportunity to come to the light. So, when difficulties arise in your life, do you turn inward and wallow in “woe is me” thoughts, or do you look to the light of life in Jesus knowing that whatever may happen, it is for God’s glory?

Thursday, July 4, 2024

Job 3:22 Which rejoice exceedingly, [and] are glad, when they can find the grave?

Job is stating that the people in misery and of bitter soul would rejoice exceedingly and be glad when they are done with this life and enter the grave. How depressing! Jesus says, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly” (John 10:10). So, do you wallow in your depression, or do you claim the promises of Jesus?

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Job 3:21 Which long for death, but it [cometh] not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures;

Now, those that are in misery and those that are bitter in soul long for death and seek after it despite the riches found in hidden treasures. Life is not easy, but to focus upon misery and upon bitterness makes for a life full of unnecessary aches and pains brought on by such mental anguish. The best way to deal with misery and bitterness is to determine if things can be fixed. If not, then make the most of the life that remains as it would be fruitless to continue day in and day out to spend even thoughtful energy towards it. If can be, then act on a plan to get it fixed, even if much time has to be involved. So, what is your plans in dealing with misery and bitterness?

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Job 3:20 Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter [in] soul;

Light or knowledge is not given just to those living a satisfactory even a great life, but it is also given to those that are in misery. Eternal life is even offered to those that are bitter in soul for God “will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 11:19). So, do you pray for this heart transplant?

Monday, July 1, 2024

Job 3:19 The small and great are there; and the servant [is] free from his master.

Again, speaking of death, all are basically equal no matter the earthly greatness or the lack thereof. And there is no worry about the work owed to an employer, master, etc. upon death. So, are you spending much of your time trying to achieve greatness when, in the end, it will not matter?

Sunday, June 30, 2024

Job 3:18 [There] the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor.

If people went to Heaven or Hell at death, they would hear the voice of the oppressor -- Satan. So, do you believe we shall not hear the voice of the oppressor, or do you believe contrary to the scriptures?

Friday, June 28, 2024

Job 3:17 There the wicked cease [from] troubling; and there the weary be at rest.

It is true that when a person is dead, the wicked can no longer participate in troubling. Also, those that are weary, for whatever reason, are at rest when they die for the Bible teaches the death is a sleep in over six dozen Bible verses including: “the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:15-16). So, just where do you place “the dead in Christ”? If you say Heaven praising God, the Bible says, “The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence” (Psalms 115:17).

Thursday, June 27, 2024

Job 3:16 Or as an hidden untimely birth I had not been; as infants [which] never saw light.

And we are back to Job wishing he was not born or at least been a stillbirth. It is actually a miracle that a child is born with all that goes on in a woman’s body. There is the hope the woman’s body does not reject the growing child, environmental concerns, nutritional concerns, and many other scenarios that just makes the whole process a real miracle. So, just how much do you appreciate the miracle of life?

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Job 3:15 Or with princes that had gold, who filled their houses with silver:

But what is gold and silver enough to fill houses worth if we do not understand salvation properly and do not have salvation?

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Job 3:14 With kings and counsellors of the earth, which built desolate places for themselves;

Such people in these positions build magnificent homes by worldly standards, but in reality, they are spiritually desolate and will become physically desolate at Christ’s coming if they have not already become such. So, where is your treasure invested? In earthly satisfaction or heavenly places?

Monday, June 24, 2024

Job 3:13 For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest,

Some times we speak too much and it creates unrest. Have you considered to listen more than you speak?

Sunday, June 23, 2024

Job 3:12 Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?

I am not sure how many different ways Job can lament of his existence but he had a desire that after he was born to question why did his mother’s knees prevent him from crashing to the earth to die. Instead, his mother laid him on the lap with knees together and did what a typical mother would do … playing with a little baby. And then he is disappointed that his mother’s breasts worked for nourishment to sustain his life. There is evidently a series of events that Job is running through that he laments. For many verses, it was conception and then birth. Now it is the laying upon his mother’s knees and that of regular feeding via the breasts. Many people who are depressed do the same thing. They run through a series of woes of which there is just no stopping the express train of misery from rolling at high speed, with self-pity on board. If you are given to depression, do you recognize this train of calamities that you focus upon and seek help, or do you just continue to pile on the load of “woe is me” scenarios, even if they are exaggerations?

Friday, June 21, 2024

Job 3:11 Why died I not from the womb? [why] did I [not] give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?

To wish to have been stillborn is borderline selfish and sinful because as a father of such a child, I can say that it is one of the most heart wrenching things to go through. Evidently Job gave no thought of how his parents would have felt if he were stillborn. Depression is a serious matter that is very much a focus inward as opposed to God wanting us to focus outward in being a blessing to others. It is said, as a person helps another, they tend to forget their own woes. So, how helpful are you towards others?

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Job 3:7-10 Lo, let that night be solitary, let no joyful voice come therein. Let them curse it that curse the day, who are ready to raise up their mourning. Let the stars of the twilight thereof be dark; let it look for light, but [have] none; neither let it see the dawning of the day: Because it shut not up the doors of my [mother's] womb, nor hid sorrow from mine eyes.

These verses complete the regret that Job had regarding his birth and conception. As stated, he was quite depressed. It is understandable in that he did lose everything, including the lives of his children, and then be afflicted with disease as well. Now, he never cursed God, therefore he did not sin, but life is not always a bed of roses, as they say. However, if you are struggling with depression or know someone who is, will you seek proper professional help? Proper is finding the right Christian person and not just any professional counsellor or doctor.

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Job 3:6 As [for] that night, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined unto the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months.

Job’s continued depressing look at his birth and conception, of which, as you know, falls upon two different dates about nine months apart, shows humanity does have a limit, yet Job did not sin. In all our trials, no matter how intense, we always have to remember, God “will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Now, do you remember that phrase when suffering, or does the suffering cause it to disappear from view?

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Job 3:5 Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.

Job continues to lament the day he was born and the day he was conceived. This is serious depression, though understandable. Depression not handled properly, however, can lead to serious consequences, including death. Finding the right counsellor to talk to is the challenge, as the Book of Job will tell us in due time, but the Bible does say, “For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors [there is] safety” (Proverbs 24:6). Do you war against depression or other mental ailment, or do you cave in and do those things that will not help, in fact, could hinder recovery?

Monday, June 17, 2024

Job 3:4 Let that day be darkness; let not God regard it from above, neither let the light shine upon it.

As Job laments the day he was born and the day he was conceived, he is even telling God what He ought to do. Moses once said, “blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written” (Exodus 32:32). Then “the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book” (Exodus 32:33). If Moses could not tell God what to do, Job certainly could not. God created Job for a reason, and it is God’s intent that Job would fulfill it. In our case, regretting our birth would also be senseless. Each of was were born for a reason. That reason may not always be good as we have freedom of choice for “The LORD hath made all [things] for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil” (Proverbs 16:4), but nonetheless, we were born, even allowed to exist by the grace of God. So, have you ever regretted being born?

Sunday, June 16, 2024

Job 3:2-3 And Job spake, and said, Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night [in which] it was said, There is a man child conceived.

The pains had driven Job to the point that he regretted not only his birth but conception. To not exist is a hard thing to imagine. Think of all the lives that were touched to the positive, but such pain and suffering makes a person not able to see those things. Have you ever felt so down and overwhelmed that you wished you were never born? If so, how many lives would be changed for the worst because of the lack of good influence you had upon them?

Friday, June 14, 2024

Job 3:1 After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day.

Cursing a bad day, especially what Job was feeling at the time is not the same as cursing God nor is it sinful. It is acknowledging that all satanic forces have succeeded in removing the joy of the day. So, do you have days in which the blessings of the day are so outweighed that you are unable to see them and just declare the day to be a curse? If so, you are in company with Job. If you still can count your blessings, even better.

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Job 2:13 So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that [his] grief was very great.

That must have been serious grief that Job was going through to be respected with seven days of silence. Sometimes, just the presence of someone is all that is necessary to show that a person cares. Others look at such time as a waste and can be easily handled by buying a store-bought card and sending it through the mail. So, is there someone that you know that ought to have a visit from you, even if you have nothing to say?

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Job 2:12 And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.

Some people experience such ailment physically that it changes a person’s appearance to the point of not being able to be recognized easily. That did not stop these “friends” from showing Job some compassion. Now, would such a situation with a person you know cause you to make jokes, poke fun at, etc., towards that person, or would you also show compassion?

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Job 2:11 Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.

They may have had good intentions, but knowing how the story goes, comfort was the last thing they brought to him. So, do you have friends that may have good intentions but the execution of those intentions happens to be the complete opposite? In that case, do you offer forgiveness, or do you harden your heart towards them?

Monday, June 10, 2024

Job 2:10 But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

Are you able to “not sin with” your lips? Despite the harassment, even by the closest of people, such as a spouse, are you able keep yourself, by the grace of God, or do you lash out to put such an accuser in their place?

Sunday, June 9, 2024

Job 2:8-9 And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes. Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.

If there is anyone that should understand the character of Job, it would be his wife. She should have suspected that something outside of Job was a miss. A bit of investigation should have taken place instead of just jumping to conclusions. Basically, she blamed her husband for every awful thing that just took place between chapters 1 and 2 despite all the blessings experienced over the years, so much so, that she even wanted Job to die in a lost condition by first cursing God and then dropping dead. She was done with Job. Evidently, she was driven into being hysterical from losing all her children. Mothers do grieve the hardest, however, men do grieve as well, just not in the same manner. He did not need his wife to turn upon him on top of all that was going on. It makes it doubly worse. So much for her being his “help meet” (Genesis 2:18). It proves that humans, even the closest of humans cannot be relied upon. So, just how close of a relationship do you have with God? Enough to supply the lack of all human support?

Friday, June 7, 2024

Job 2:7 So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.

Of all things to smite Job with, Satan chose a very painful blow and one that would encompass the body just about everywhere and irritating the nerves unceasingly in which it would be easy to become ill-tempered and curse God but he did not. So, the next time you are suffering great pain and are tempted to turn your back upon God, will you remember Job’s endurance to encourage you to remain faithful?

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Job 2:6 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he [is] in thine hand; but save his life.

God puts Satan in check. Sure, God allows Satan to tempt us, even harm us, but it is to show the universe that we can be trusted that sin will not start again once all is settled and also strengthen us in character development. Satan is accusing us of not being able to resist sin and is trying to get himself back into Heaven while allowing disobedience, but that is just not going to happen. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]” (1 Corinthians 10:13). So, do you blame God for temptations because of what has to be proven out to all beings, especially to those that have never sinned, or do you see the bigger picture?

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Job 2:5 But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.

Would you curse God if you were inflicted with some serious ailment, be it a tumor, cancer, non-ceasing rash, leprosy, etc.?

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Job 2:4 And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.

Some people can endure severe pain while a splinter does another person in. Where is your threshold? What can Satan inflict on you that would cause you to curse God?

Monday, June 3, 2024

Job 2:3 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that [there is] none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.

Can God say the same about you? Do you walk as an upright person and by the grace of God living as Jesus said, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Do you fear God and shun all evil, or do you give sway to a little evil. Do you hold fast to your integrity despite suffering loss that God allowed Satan to conduct upon you?

Sunday, June 2, 2024

Job 2:2 And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

Again, this verse reveals that “the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Thankfully, as Jesus said, “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46). So, do you choose the god of this world and what he has to offer, or do you choose the God of Heaven and what He has to offer?

Friday, May 31, 2024

Job 2:1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.

Right now, Satan has freedom to travel and evidently, in Job’s day, Satan was allowed in the presence of God, but there is coming a time in which he will be bound to earth. “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years” (Revelation 20:1-2). That great chain is that of “chains of darkness” (2 Peter 2:4). So, are you looking forward to the time when Satan will finally be powerless and will not be able to harass us anymore?

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Job 1:22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

Many turn to alcohol, gluttony, drugs, carnal relationships, etc. when such sorrow touches their soul. Many people curse God for allowing the calamites to happen to them forgetting that we live in a sinful world and Satan is the one bringing havoc upon us, especially those of the true Christian community. The closer that we get to God, the stronger Satan will become towards us because he does not want us to cling to eternal life. But, in all that happens in this life, are you able to stand without giving into worldly temptations and sinning but bless God instead of foolishly blaming Him?

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Job 1:20-21 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, and said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

When disaster strikes in one form or another, a lot of people hesitate to come before God in the form of worship, let alone to be able to bless the name of the Lord with praises and thankfulness, but are you one that can worship God freely and without hesitation still and bless His name by being in Christian character as opposed to holding a grudge and badmouthing God?

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Job 1:18-19 While he [was] yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters [were] eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

Would you still be faithful to God if you lost all your children?

Monday, May 27, 2024

Job 1:17 While he [was] yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

The camels were used for transportation, so would you still praise God if you lost your vehicle or transportation allowance?

Sunday, May 26, 2024

Job 1:16 While he [was] yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

This equates to livelihood in which provides a living. In other words, would you still praise God if you lost your job?

Friday, May 24, 2024

Job 1:14-15 And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: And the Sabeans fell [upon them], and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

These are the tools a person may own. In modern times, farmers losing their tractors and everything that works the field. For business people, it could be computer equipment and mobile devices. So, would you curse God if all your tools were suddenly taken away, or would you still stay close to God?

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Job 1:13 And there was a day when his sons and his daughters [were] eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:

Now, there is nothing wrong with eating and drinking. The word “wine” may or may not be alcoholic. Some say it was. The word “wine” can refer to simply as grape juice. But even Jesus said, “as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:38-39). Without regards to the signs of the times, so many just enjoy one gathering after another or simply enjoying life as it comes their way with little to no discretion not knowing that it may be their last. So, is there anything that this world offers that would make you want to risk “tomorrow” instead of making sure your heart is right “today”?

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Job 1:12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath [is] in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Satan basically, cannot go beyond our strength to resist him. The reason we do fall, despite God measuring the temptation, is because we chose not to take the escape path, but what this also means is that God believes we can handle the temptation and as long as we stay in the state of being born-again, “whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith” (1 John 5:4). So, do you successfully resist the devil by taking God’s escape path, or do you consult your desires and let them interfere with your decisions and fall?

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Job 1:11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.

Would you curse God, distance yourself from God, etc., if you lost everything at once?

Monday, May 20, 2024

Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

And this is why, when we become a Christian that bad things still happen. Satan is trying to prove his ways are better than God’s ways, and all who will choose the ways of Satan will be lost in the end for he cannot provide the breath of life… only God can. But every soul that is well blessed of God, well protected from evil, Satan cries “foul” or “It’s not fair!” Satan wants to know if each person that follows God would still follow if the blessings were not there, as if the blessings are a bribe to do good. So, is Satan upset with your life because you walk so close with God that it seems that you have been well blessed and even hedged about with angels?

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Job 1:9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?

The same question can be posed towards us. Do you fear God to obey Him if everything were taken away from you in quick succession?

Friday, May 17, 2024

Job 1:8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that [there is] none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

Do you fear God, which includes keeping His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13), and eschew evil or sin?

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Job 1:7 And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

This verse reveals who has currently inherited the earth. It is Satan. Adam and Eve handed it over to him upon sinning. However, God has made a way of escape from his clutches. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). So, despite this being Satan’s world, have you chosen Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

The sons of God do not mean angels, especially thinking that they interacted with humans (Genesis 6:2) to create giants in the land (Genesis 6:4). Looking at this verse correctly, Satan is among them as if being in addition to the “sons of God”. In the most direct way, Adam should have been where Satan was, the representative of earth, for he was the son of God (Luke 3:38) for this planet. In other words, this was a planetary representation but since Adam sinned, Satan became the representative of earth (Job 1:7). So, do you equate “son of God”, outside of Jesus, as being angels or human beings?

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Job 1:5 And it was so, when the days of [their] feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings [according] to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

Parenting does not stop once a child moves out to be on their own. Parents need to intercede with God for their child’s salvation. So children, do you see your parents as naggers or intercessors in prayer? Parents, do you concern yourself of your children’s spiritual welfare, or do you simply declare that they are adults now and on their own?

Monday, May 13, 2024

Job 1:4 And his sons went and feasted [in their] houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.

As Jesus said once, “For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:38-39). Now, are you a partier, having grand feasts and celebrations, or do you watch yourself being careful to avoid the spirit of revelry?

Sunday, May 12, 2024

Job 1:2-3 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.

Everyone is blessed of God in one manner or another. We may not be the greatest of all men, but with what you have been blessed with, are you also responsible with it?

Friday, May 10, 2024

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name [was] Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

So, anyone telling you that a person cannot be perfect, think again! Although Job sinned “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), he practiced that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9), which means, “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 1:24). It is as if we never sinned, therefore, we are perfect. Now if we are engaged in sin without repentance, that is a different story. So, do you believe the scriptures and fear God while eschewing or avoiding evil, as did Job?

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Nehemiah 13:31 And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.

In this last verse of the Book of Nehemiah, may God also remember each one of us for the good having all of our sins forgiven. Is that your desire?

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Nehemiah 13:30 Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, every one in his business;

Cleaning up the mess; ridding of that which is unwanted; and assigning duties helps draw a person to God. It is the mess and those things that distract with lack of responsibility that gets people in trouble. This is not only about leadership but each of us can learn a lesson as well. So, just what responsibilities do you have, and are all of the distractions removed?

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Nehemiah 13:29 Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.

The ministers of today are to “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2). Instead, most of them criticize the scripture, undermine the integrity, and over all are “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness” (Jude 1:4). So, are you following such defilers today, or does your minister do his duty properly? And by the way, if your minister is female, you are already compromised.

Monday, May 6, 2024

Nehemiah 13:28 And [one] of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, [was] son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me.

Joiada or Jehoiada means "Jehovah knows"; Eliashib means "God restores"; and Sanballat means "strength". Jehovah knows all our sins, but “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9), and God is willing to restore us (Joel 2:25). In fact, Psalms 51:12 says, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me [with thy] free spirit.” Then by God’s strength, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:3-4). It is not the number of failures, but the final outcome! So, are you holding anything back from God who wants to give you the final victory over your sins?

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Nehemiah 13:27 Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?

When Christians marry unbelievers, it is considered a transgression against God. It is a sin. Truly, this would be a couple who live in sin. So, if you are not married yet, are you looking to be equally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14)? If you have influence upon an unmarried person, are you guiding them in right paths to dwell in (Proverbs 4:11)?

Friday, May 3, 2024

Nehemiah 13:26 Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.

Solomon was not excused for all that he had done, all of his sins, and all that he was led of women to do as it was his choice to marry not just a heathen, an unbeliever but a thousand of them (1 Kings 11:3). Despite being beloved of God, if Solmon did not repent, he would have been lost. Thank God he did repent showing another example of no matter how deep in sin we have been, we can be forgiven of God. So, are you holding back a relationship with God because you think you have gone too far? Think again!

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Nehemiah 13:25 And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, [saying], Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves.

That is a serious commitment to never exchange son or daughter with unbelievers. God does not change but the physical has become the spiritual: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). Though, we do not have to be so physical, especially since we could be sued over the matter and serve time in prison, just how committed are you to never allow someone to marry an unbeliever without at least giving them warning about God’s serious displeasure?

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Nehemiah 13:24 And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people.

And here we see the negative impact of marrying outside of the faith. In this case, it was the language spoken, and if they could not speak the Jews’ language, how well were they doing in the practices dictated by God? They were probably lacking. In most cases, it is the practices conducted that suffers or becomes confused. So, are you careful to preserve and to encourage relationships of the faith and not mixed relationships?

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Nehemiah 13:23 In those days also saw I Jews [that] had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, [and] of Moab:

Ashdod means "powerful" while the other two have no meanings. So, we turn to the verse itself and see that to marry outside of the faith, even as Christians today and not just Israelites of old, is forbidden of God (Deuteronomy 7:1-4), as God’s principles do not change (Malachi 3:6). The principle has not changed as stated in verse 4: “For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.” Even between denominations, this is a challenge but it must be so. Those that are careless about God and religion see nothing wrong with Christians marrying non-Christians, the practices between different denominations being blended despite some of them being complete opposite in doctrine, etc. Just what are the children truly to believe. It is Satan that causes people to say, “Don’t take it so seriously. As long as they believe in some form of God, they’ll be OK.” Nonsense! Either we serve the true God, or we do not. So, who do you serve?

Monday, April 29, 2024

Nehemiah 13:22 And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and [that] they should come [and] keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, [concerning] this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.

We truly are dependent upon God’s mercy, which does not diminish obedience to God. In fact, it ought to be because of His mercy that we become so convicted to live in obedience and not be “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness” (Jude 1:4). So, does God’s mercy drive you to obedience or disobedience?

Sunday, April 28, 2024

Nehemiah 13:21 Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do [so] again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no [more] on the sabbath.

Sometimes we have to become forceful against temptation. In this case, it was physical, but today, spiritually speaking, how forceful are you against temptation, or do you let temptation linger around a bit?

Friday, April 26, 2024

Nehemiah 13:20 So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.

Temptation to sin will always wait for the victim. It is our duty to keep the gates of our hearts closed, and we can do that by “his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:3-4). So, are you a partaker of the divine power or a denier (2 Timothy 3:5)?

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Nehemiah 13:19 And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and [some] of my servants set I at the gates, [that] there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.

Do you shut the gates, spiritually speaking? Do you personally shut off all temptations that comes your way, or do you evaluate the temptation first to see if there is any interest in it? Do you, for the home’s sake, also close out worldly influence having access to your home, which is a type of closing of the gates, or does Satan have free reign, both physically around the perimeter and electronically through the feed that comes into your televisions and even music playing devices?

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Nehemiah 13:18 Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath.

Have you learned the lessons taught to those that came before us, or are you repeating history by following the ways of man instead of God, especially in the form of traditions (Mark 7:9)?

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Nehemiah 13:17 Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing [is] this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?

Is the Sabbath profaned in your church? Do you profane the Sabbath?

Monday, April 22, 2024

Nehemiah 13:16 There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.

Some may look upon the men of Tyre as causing the breaking of the Sabbath, but where there is no demand, there is no instrument available to cause sinning. So, personally, do you have in your heart a desire for certain sins inviting Satan to cause temptation in your life, or are you able to claim as Jesus claimed, “the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me” (John 14:30)? A person cannot be tempted with things that a person does not desire.

Sunday, April 21, 2024

Nehemiah 13:15 In those days saw I in Judah [some] treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all [manner of] burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified [against them] in the day wherein they sold victuals.

Today, so many Christians have been taught that the commandments have been done away with, and if not, that the Sabbath has been changed. Oh, it indeed was changed in all who want to follow paganism as Constantine, claiming to be a Christian convert, forced a Christianized Sunday upon everyone, which is still practiced today. But still, people no longer accept a day of rest and can be found running to the store be it on Saturday or Sunday or both for that matter. They work all week long and then work for themselves on the weekends and we wonder, in general, why there are so many health and mental issues everywhere. We are not animals to be worked all seven days per week. God gave us a day of rest not as a restriction or punishment but as a day that we have no excuse but to become closer to God forming godly characters and being refreshed physically. So, will you consider not treading on the Sabbath and accept it as a gift?

Friday, April 19, 2024

Nehemiah 13:14 Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.

If our names are removed from the Book of Life (Exodus 32:32), all the good deeds go with it. There will be nothing in or favor when the judgment takes place, keeping in mind that we are not saved by our deeds for “we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved” (Acts 15:11). However, “they were judged every man according to their works” (Revelation 20:13). Our deeds reveal if Christ resides in our hearts or not. Serving sin and the worldly ways show that Satan and selfishness resides. Keeping God’s Word and His commandments reveals Christ is in our hearts. So, can you honestly ask God to not blot out your name or your good deeds, or are you oblivious to the role good deeds play in salvation?

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Nehemiah 13:13 And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them [was] Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office [was] to distribute unto their brethren.

Shelemiah means "repaid by Jehovah"; Zadok means "righteous"; Pedaiah means "Jehovah has ransomed"; Canan or Hanan means "he is merciful"; Zaccur or Zacchur means "mindful"; and Mattaniah means "gift of Jehovah". Jehovah has paid the price for our sins by Christ’s righteousness and ransomed us through His mercy by giving us this precious gift even the death of His own Son. Let us be mindful of these things. Now, will you “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment” (Hebrews 6:1-2)?

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Nehemiah 13:12 Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.

When it comes to tithing and offerings, do you “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Matthew 6:20)?

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Nehemiah 13:11 Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.

What is your relationship with the house of God? Have you forsaken it because you are too busy, do not get anything out of it? Heresy is one thing but excuses are just that … excuses.

Monday, April 15, 2024

Nehemiah 13:10 And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given [them]: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field.

True ministers of God should receive funds from supporters. Those minsters becoming multi-millionaires are thieves. Even office workers ought to receive funds to help further the gospel. So, are you supportive of true ministers and staff with your funds, or do you support the fake ministers that are simply getting wealthy, or do you just think all ministers can be full-time ministers and hold down full-time secular jobs simultaneously to support their families?

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Nehemiah 13:9 Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.

Are the chambers of your spiritual heart cleansed to receive the vessels of God, even Jesus Christ in?

Friday, April 12, 2024

Nehemiah 13:8 And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber.

Today, we call that disfellowship, which Paul even taught (1 Corinthians 5). Too many claim that wheat and tares are to grow together, but that is a misapplication. Open sin, especially being addressed by Matthew 18:15-18 without the result of success for conversion, is grounds for disfellowship. So, though it is uncomfortable, do you stand by disfellowshipping open and blatant sinners who do not want to repent, or are you quick to come to their defense?

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Nehemiah 13:6-7 But in all this [time] was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king: And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God.

Remote work may be of the same quality as onsite in certain positions, but when it comes to building up spiritual things of God, nothing beats being onsite, involved, engaged. So, how hands on are you in reaching people with the gospel?

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Nehemiah 13:5 And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded [to be given] to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.

Do you have a place in your heart, a spiritual chamber, to remember your offerings and tithes for the work of the ministry? Of course, we are not referring to the abusers of the means of the people with their multi-million-dollar lifestyle.

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Nehemiah 13:4 And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, [was] allied unto Tobiah:

Eliashib means "God restores" while Tobiah means "Jehovah is good". Jehovah indeed is good as David penned, “O taste and see that the LORD [is] good: blessed [is] the man [that] trusteth in him” (Psalms 34:8). And in His goodness, He restores a person back into the image originally intended as John 17:17 states, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth”, and “the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23). So, are you being restored to holiness, or are you still steeped in the degrading results of holding onto sin, even in the slightest?

Monday, April 8, 2024

Nehemiah 13:3 Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.

Do you separate yourself from unbelievers to serve the Lord? By the way, this does not mean you cease from speaking to them, but not hanging out with them as you used to allowing them to discourage you from committing your life to Jesus or lead you into worldliness is what we are referring to.

Sunday, April 7, 2024

Nehemiah 13:1-2 On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever; Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.

So, as an alternative of getting upset with enemies (Ammonites and Moabites), backstabbers (Balaam), etc., do you look to see how God redirects their efforts to bless you instead?

Friday, April 5, 2024

Nehemiah 12:47 And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified [holy things] unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified [them] unto the children of Aaron.

Israel means "God prevails"; Zerubbabel means "sown in Babylon"; and Levi means "joined to"; while Aaron has no meaning. God prevails over us being sown in Babylon or confusion or worldly, even working against God. Through Jesus Christ, we are joined to God through grace, by faith. So, are you on God’s side and have left Babylon behind because He has prevailed in your life, or are you still stuck in Babylon?

Thursday, April 4, 2024

Nehemiah 12:46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old [there were] chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.

We should not just refer to the days of old for singing praises to God and giving thanksgiving to Him. We ought to do that every day. So, do you?

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Nehemiah 12:45 And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, [and] of Solomon his son.

David means “beloved” and Solomon means “peace”. When Jesus was baptized, “lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). And Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). So, do you accept Jesus the beloved of God Who brought peace between Heaven and Earth to us?

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Nehemiah 12:44 ¶ And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.

Here, a treasurer was appointed. That person oversaw all that was to be gathered of the people. One of those items to be gathered was a firstfruits offering, which is different from the tithe. This is the initial results of the contents of the field in expectation for future abundance after that. Today, it would be like the first paycheck, since we do not deal in crops today as most people have been herded into the cities and suburbs and make transactions with exchange of money. What is interesting is that many who celebrate their first or new job will gather some people, a lot of times it is family members, and take them out to dinner in celebration. Instead, that same money should have been considered as an extra donation to God. That would be the less worldly way. So, if you do celebrate an initial income, be it a new business, new job, etc., do you consider the Lord in any of it?

Monday, April 1, 2024

Nehemiah 12:43 Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.

Religion is not a male dominant club. In fact, the husband is responsible to have all members of the family be worshipping the true God. It is to be carefully done, not in a dictatorial manner, but by leading them on through example, through group practice like having a morning gathering for a short moment of prayer and dedication and again in the evening, acknowledging the sins and pleading for grace. As Jacob once stated, “I will lead on softly … the children be able to endure” (Genesis 33:14). So, husbands, do you think your responsibility ends after a day of work, or do you see your responsibility starts before work and continues even after work?

Sunday, March 31, 2024

Nehemiah 12:42 And Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Eleazar, and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and Malchijah, and Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang loud, with Jezrahiah [their] overseer.

Maaseiah = "work of Jehovah"; Shemaiah = "heard by Jehovah"; Eleazar = "God has helped"; Uzzi = "strong"; Jehohanan = "Jehovah has graced"; Malchijah or Malchiah = "my king is Jehovah"; Elam = "eternity"; Ezer = "treasure"; and Izrahiah or Jezrahiah = "Jehovah will shine". The work of Jehovah is for the salvation of His people. Our prayers of contrition are heard by Jehovah and has helped us in our condition. “Let the weak say, I [am] strong” (Joel 3:10) for He has graced us, forgiven us, had mercy upon us. He is our King offering us to be with Him throughout eternity, so will you “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Matthew 6:20)? And, will you let the light of Christ shine through you?

Friday, March 29, 2024

Nehemiah 12:41 And the priests; Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, [and] Hananiah, with trumpets;

Eliakim means "God raises" or "God sets up"; Maaseiah means "work of Jehovah"; Miniamin means "from the right hand"; Micah or Michaiah means "who is like God?"; Elionai/Elihoenai means "unto Jehovah are my eyes"; Zechariah means "Jehovah remembers"; and Hananiah means "God has favoured". God is the one that “removeth kings, and setteth up kings” (Daniel 2:21). The work of Jehovah comes from the One at His right hand (Matthew 26:64), the one who is like God (John 5:18), Who is none other than Jesus Christ. Let us look to God with our eyes and He will remember His people for we are His favored ones. So, can you say to God, “I intreated thy favour with [my] whole heart” (Psalms 119:58)?

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Nehemiah 12:40 So stood the two [companies of them that gave] thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me:

Despite being different companies, despite being different rulers, they were united in the house of God doing God’s will. The will of God is most important for when Jesus returns, many Christians are going to be shocked. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). So, are you doing God’s will?

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Nehemiah 12:39 And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.

Ephraim, referencing being “fruitful in the land of my affliction” (Genesis 41:52), of which Jesus indeed was fruitful despite the daily afflictions by the church leaders in that day. The “old” is in reference to the fact that Jesus’ “goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2). The “fish” in reference to feeding the four thousand and five thousand. Hananeel or Hananel means "God has favoured" and indeed God the Father had favored Jesus His Son as a gift to all mankind. Meah means "hundred", as in having a hundred sheep and with one going astray, the Good Shepard (John 10:14) goes looking for it (Matthew 18:12-13). Being the Lamb of God is a “sheep”, and He was led away as a prisoner (Mark 15:6) despite doing nothing wrong. So, do you follow and live the life of Christ being a Christian appreciating all that Heaven has done, or do you live to your own ways?

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Nehemiah 12:38 And the other [company of them that gave] thanks went over against [them], and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;

Various commentators state that the tower of the furnaces was used for bread making. Interestingly, Jesus said, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). So, do you eat of the bread that Jesus gives?

Monday, March 25, 2024

Nehemiah 12:37 And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.

The references to both fountain and water symbolically has applications to us personally. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely” (Revelation 21:6). “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14). So, are you drinking of the heavenly waters or the polluted earthly waters? Are you more educated of the ways of God or of the world?

Sunday, March 24, 2024

Nehemiah 12:36 And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.

Shemaiah means "heard by Jehovah"; Azarael or Azareel means "God has helped"; Milalai means "eloquent"; Gilalai "weighty"; Maai means "compassionate"; Nethaneel means "given of God"; Judah means "praised"; Hanani means "gracious"; David means "beloved"; and Ezra means "help". Jehovah has heard and has helped, is eloquent in His response, weighty or mighty where necessary, but at the same time, being compassionate. God has given much and ought to be praised for it. He is gracious to those He considers to be His beloved, which is more than just David and John the disciple, for His children have chosen Him to be their God and will help them in all ways necessary. So, do you share these beliefs about God, or do you think He is uncaring and without compassion or grace?

Friday, March 22, 2024

Nehemiah 12:35 And [certain] of the priests' sons with trumpets; [namely], Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Michaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph:

Zechariah means "Jehovah remembers"; Jonathan or Jehonathan means "Jehovah has given"; Shemaiah means "heard by Jehovah"; Mattaniah means "gift of Jehovah"; Micah or Michaiah means "who is like God?"; Zaccur or Zacchur means "mindful"; and Asaph means "gatherer". Jehovah remembers His covenant. “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). So, Jehovah has given us a gift in the One Who is like God, which only points to His Son, Jesus Christ. “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God” (Philippians 2:6). Jehovah has heard our prayers to be saved. “The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless [us]; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron” (Psalms 115:12). And when Jesus returns, He indeed shall be the Gatherer. Will He be gathering you?

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Nehemiah 12:34 Judah, and Benjamin, and Shemaiah, and Jeremiah,

Judah means "praised"; Benjamin means "son of the right hand"; Shemaiah means "heard by Jehovah"; and Jeremiah means "whom Jehovah has appointed". Praise God for sending us His Son Who is at the right hand and has appointed to be our Savior because Jehovah has heard our cry to be saved from our sins. So, do you accept Jesus as your Savior, not only from the penalty of sin but from the actual sins themselves?

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Nehemiah 12:33 And Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam,

Azariah means "Jehovah has helped"; Ezra means "help"; and Meshullam means "friend". Jehovah is our Friend and we can call upon Him at anytime for help and He indeed has helped in the past giving evidence that He will help us even now. So, do you hesitate to ask God for help, or do you bring Him all you cares?

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Nehemiah 12:32 And after them went Hoshaiah, and half of the princes of Judah,

Hoshaiah means "Jehovah as saved" while Judah means "praised". Now, do you praise Jehovah for saving you?

Monday, March 18, 2024

Nehemiah 12:31 Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great [companies of them that gave] thanks, [whereof one] went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate:

The princes or leadership upon the wall, spiritually being a wall of protection and specifically being God’s Word, even His commandments, as stated before with Bible references, means that basically, “he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11), all of which serve leadership roles, for a particular purpose. “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). So, does your leadership lead you to a higher moral ground, even the obedience of God’s Word and His Commandments (Revelation 12:17), or do they attack God’s Word and His commandments?

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Nehemiah 12:30 And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.

The instrument that God uses to purify His people is His Word. “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently” (1 Peter 1:22). “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). So, just how much time do you give God each day for the purifying process?

Friday, March 15, 2024

Nehemiah 12:29 Also from the house of Gilgal, and out of the fields of Geba and Azmaveth: for the singers had builded them villages round about Jerusalem.

Gilgal means "a wheel, rolling"; Gaba or Geba or Gibeah means "hill"; Azmaveth means "strong unto death"; and Jerusalem means "teaching of peace". A wheel rolling is representative of movement, which a Christian ought to be both physically and spiritually. With our destination being the hill, but not any hill, we want to “dwell in thy holy hill” (Psalms 15:1), we shall be active agents. To get to the holy hill, we are expected to be strong unto death even “be thou faithful unto death” (Revelation 2:10) while teaching of God’s peace, which is basically the gospel of Jesus for He is “The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). So, how are you doing being active in sharing the story of how Jesus brought peace, even “reconciliation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:17)?

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Nehemiah 12:28 And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of the plain country round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of Netophathi;

Speaking of Jerusalem, we are going to be gathered into the “New Jerusalem” (Revelation 21:2). There, we shall also be singing. “And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] thy ways, thou King of saints” (Revelation 15:3). To be able to sing that song, we need to be following and experiencing God’s ways now. So, are you following God’s ways or your own?

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Nehemiah 12:27 And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, [with] cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.

There is also a spiritual wall of protection around us. A serious but lengthy study reveals that God hedges us about with His law (Isaiah 5:1-7, Isaiah 58:12-14). It protects us from sin and Satan. It also causes temptations to end. So, are you thankful for this wall of God’s law, or do you find every which way to excuse yourself from keeping the law?

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Nehemiah 12:26 These [were] in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe.

Joiakim or Jehoiakim means "Jehovah raises up"; Jeshua means "he is saved"; Jozadak or Jehozadek or Josedech means "Jehovah is righteous"; Nehemiah means "Jehovah comforts"; and Ezra means "help". Jesus was raised from the dead and through Him we are saved. He is our righteousness, our comfort, and our help. So, how often do you turn to Jesus throughout the day?

Monday, March 11, 2024

Nehemiah 12:25 Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, [were] porters keeping the ward at the thresholds of the gates.

Mattaniah means "gift of Jehovah"; Bakbukiah means "wasting of Jehovah"; Obadiah means "servant of Jehovah"; Meshullam means "friend"; Talmon means "oppressor"; and Akkub means "insidious". The gift of Jehovah is our Savior, Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23), but many waste away the opportunity provided. However, a servant of God will tell others of what a friend we have in Jesus, despite not everyone receiving it well. There are many that rise up against the message and messengers oppressing and doing insidious, deceptive, crafty things including “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:4). So, are you part of the true gospel messengers or one of the oppressors?

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Nehemiah 12:24 And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise [and] to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward.

Hashabiah means "Jehovah has considered"; Sherebiah means "Jehovah has scorched"; Jeshua means "he is saved"; Kadmiel means "God is the ancient one"; and David means "beloved". God is the ancient One for “Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting” (Psalms 41:13). And God has indeed scorched in the past showing what the reward of serving evil happens to be: “Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 1:7). But He has considered the human race and through His Son, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Jesus died and rose for His beloved bride, the church. Now, with all of this before us, “choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Joshua 24:15) keeping in mind that “the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23)!

Friday, March 8, 2024

Nehemiah 12:23 The sons of Levi, the chief of the fathers, [were] written in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.

Levi means "joined to"; Jehohanan or Johanan means "Jehovah has graced"; and Eliashib means "God restores". God is joined to us by offering us His Son, Jesus Christ, and He has graced us by justifying us and saving us by the shed blood of the Lamb. He then restores us to be obedient citizens of His kingdom giving us real victory over sin and Satan and not this fake Christianity that lets people lacking in restoration, continuing to destroy themselves by staying in sin. So, are you experiencing the restoration to godliness, or are you believing the lie that keeps you injured, broken, hurt?

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Nehemiah 12:22 The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, [were] recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.

Eliashib means "God restores"; Joiada or Jehoiada means "Jehovah knows"; Jehohanan or Johanan means "Jehovah has graced"; Jaddua means "knowing"; and Darius means "lord". God indeed can restore our souls even though He knows all of our sins for He has graced us even knowing of what may yet come upon us “For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee” (Psalms 86:5). So, do you repent of your ways and seek God’s grace when you sin?

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Nehemiah 12:21 Of Hilkiah, Hashabiah; of Jedaiah, Nethaneel.

Hilkiah means "my portion is Jehovah"; Hashabiah means "Jehovah has considered"; Jedaiah means "Jehovah has known"; and Nethaneel means "given of God". When we hear the words, “my portion is Jehovah”, we should be thinking of the actual Bible words, “choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Joshua 24:15), then God will consider our choice as He knows our hearts, and “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:4). So, who do you choose to serve?

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Nehemiah 12:20 Of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber;

Sallu or Salu or Sallai means "weighed"; Kallai means "swift"; Eber or Heber means "the region beyond"; while Amok has no meaning. As Job stated, when it comes to the judgement with God, “Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity” (Job 31:6). And when it comes to being swift, Malachi 3:5 states, “And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.” As for us being swift, “let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). And our responsibility, in the meantime, regarding the region beyond is “To preach the gospel in the [regions] beyond you, [and] not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand” (2 Corinthians 10:16). So, how will Go weigh you in His balances?

Monday, March 4, 2024

Nehemiah 12:19 And of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi;

Joiarib or Jehoiarib means "Jehovah contends"; Mattenai means "gift of Jehovah"; Jedaiah means "Jehovah has known"; and Uzzi means "strong". Jehovah indeed contends for our souls (Isaiah 50:7-8) by the gift of God that is in Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23), He has known how to gain the victory (1 Corinthians 15:57) for He is not only strong but is the “Almighty God” (Revelation 19:15). So, have you become the servant of God and are on the winning side of things, or do you still serve sin and Satan?

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Nehemiah 12:18 Of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

Bilgah means "cheerfulness"; Shammua means "renowned"; Shemaiah means "heard by Jehovah"; and Jonathan or Jehonathan means "Jehovah has given". “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance” (Proverbs 15:13). “And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly” (Daniel 9:15). “Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry” (Psalms 106:44). “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). So, do you have a cheerful countenance serving the renown God who has heard our cry despite our sinfulness Who has given us His Son as the solution to our problem?

Friday, March 1, 2024

Nehemiah 12:17 Of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin, of Moadiah, Piltai;

Abiah or Abijah means "Jehovah is (my) father"; Zichri means "memorable"; Miniamin means "from the right hand"; and Piltai means "my deliverances" while Moadiah has no meaning. Jehovah indeed is our Father as Jesus, Who is from the right hand of God (Acts 7:55), taught us to address Him by (Matthew 6:9). And Jesus is our deliverer, but the Father also gets credit being our deliverer for sending us His Son (John 3:16), making it so that we have two deliverers. And God indeed is memorable for many things. So, what is your relationship like with the Father?

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Nehemiah 12:16 Of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam;

Iddo means "His witness"; Zechariah means "Jehovah remembers"; Ginnetho or Ginnethon means "gardener"; and Meshullam means "friend". Jesus said that we are to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8), and He remembers His holy covenant (Luke 1:72). The Gardener that planted the vineyard (Matthew 21:33) or church is our Friend (John 15:14). So, how are you doing on witnessing, living the covenant, being part of His vineyard, and being His friend?

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Nehemiah 12:15 Of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai;

Harim means "dedicated"; Adna means "rest"; Meraioth means "rebellious"; Helkai means "my portion is Jehovah". There are people dedicated to keeping God’s rest day, in fact, “For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God” (Hebrews 4:8-9). And regarding this rest, “it remaineth” (Hebrews 4:6), “he limiteth a certain day” (Hebrews 4:7), and “he spake in a certain place of the seventh [day] on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works” (Hebrews 4:4). And for those that make every excuse to not enter into God’s rest, “rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee” (1 Samuel 15:23). Like Joshuah, “as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15), in other words, my portion is with Jehovah. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3). Do you love God enough to keep His commandments including entering into the seventh day rest that He says, “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath” (Mark 2:27)?

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Nehemiah 12:14 Of Melicu, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Joseph;

Malluch or Melichu means "counsellor"; Jonathan or Jehonathan means "Jehovah has given"; Shebaniah means "increased by Jehovah"; and Joseph means "Jehovah has added". Jehovah is “called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:4). By them, we have increased in righteousness (2 Corinthians 9:10). “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee” (Proverbs 3:1-2). Will you join in the praising of God for how Wonderful He is?

Monday, February 26, 2024

Nehemiah 12:13 Of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan;

Ezra means "help"; Meshullam means "friend"; Amariah means "Jehovah speaks" or "Yah(u) has promised"; and Jehohanan means "Jehovah has graced". God is our Help; He is our Friend; and He has promised to provide us with His grace, His forgiveness, His justification. So, are you doing your part? “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9)

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Nehemiah 12:12 And in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chief of the fathers: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

Joiakim or Jehoiakim means "Jehovah raises up"; Seraiah means "Jehovah is ruler"; Meraiah means "rebellion"; Jeremiah means "whom Jehovah has appointed"; and Hananiah means "God has favoured". Jehovah indeed raises us up from the uttermost rebellion called sin (Hebrews 7:25) and becomes ruler of our lives as His ways are righteous (Psalms 145:17) for He has appointed the favored One (1 Thessalonians 5:9), Jesus Christ to be our substitute, redeeming us for Himself (Titus 2:14). So, do you allow God to be ruler in your life, or are you still stuck in rebellion?

Friday, February 23, 2024

Nehemiah 12:11 And Joiada begat Jonathan, and Jonathan begat Jaddua.

Joiada or Jehoiada means "Jehovah knows"; Jonathan or Jehonathan means "Jehovah has given"; and Jaddua means "knowing". Jehovah knows all our failures but God “gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16), and knowing that fact ought to thrill our souls. So, how thankful are you for the gift of God, His Son?

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Nehemiah 12:10 And Jeshua begat Joiakim, Joiakim also begat Eliashib, and Eliashib begat Joiada,

Jeshua means "he is saved"; Joiakim or Jehoiakim means "Jehovah raises up"; Eliashib means "God restores"; and Joiada or Jehoiada means "Jehovah knows". A person is saved when God raises a person up from their sins, since Jesus said that “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Matthew 9:13). He then restores them because “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). He indeed knows how “to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). So, has Jesus saved you not only for Heaven but away from your old life of sinning into the higher plain of living righteously?

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Nehemiah 12:9 Also Bakbukiah and Unni, their brethren, [were] over against them in the watches.

Bakbukiah means "wasting of Jehovah" while Unni means "afflicted". Hebrews 11:24-25 states, “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.” That is better than wasting Jehovah’s time, talents, and life itself going along with the hottest trends of society. So, do you choose to stop wasting away time, especially on social media, and suffer social media withdraw?

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Nehemiah 12:8 Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, [and] Mattaniah, [which was] over the thanksgiving, he and his brethren.

Jeshua means "he is saved"; Binnui means "built up"; Kadmiel means "God is the ancient one"; Sherebiah means "Jehovah has scorched"; Judah means "praised"; and Mattaniah means "gift of Jehovah". God indeed is the ancient one or even “Ancient of Days” (Daniel 7:13). Jehovah has built up His church through His Son, Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:18) as He is the gift of God. And all who willingly join His church shall be saved. Those who do not shall be scorched of the sun in the very last days in the fourth plague (Revelation 16:8-9) and finally devoured by fire when hell ignites (Revelation 20:9). Jehovah is worthy to be praised. In fact, there is a prophecy speaking to this fact: “And [they that shall be] of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in” (Isaiah 58:12). So, are you part of what God is building up, or are you part of tearing it down?

Monday, February 19, 2024

Nehemiah 12:7 Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah. These [were] the chief of the priests and of their brethren in the days of Jeshua.

Amok has no meaning but Sallu or Salu or Sallai means "weighed"; Hilkiah means "my portion is Jehovah"; Jedaiah means "Jehovah has known"; and Jeshua means "he is saved". At some point, each of us are weighed in the heavenly balances hoping that we are not “wanting” because we would then be lost (Daniel 5:27). If we make Jehovah our portion (Psalms 73:26), He will know us as opposed to not knowing us and casting us away (Matthew 7:23). He will save us (Hebrews 7:25). So, have you made God your portion, your trust, and serve Him?

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Nehemiah 12:6 Shemaiah, and Joiarib, Jedaiah,

Shemaiah means "heard by Jehovah"; Joiarib or Jehoiarib means "Jehovah contends"; and Jedaiah means "Jehovah has known". Honest, soul wrenching prayers to God are heard and that gives Him permission to contend, to become involved in the battle for our souls. Even if Satan had the upper hand and we gave into the temptations and sinned, God has known that we failed, but “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). So, do you give God permission to intervene between you and Satan, or do you allow the guilt to be so overwhelming that you do not invite God in?

Friday, February 16, 2024

Nehemiah 12:5 Miamin, Maadiah, Bilgah,

Mijamin means "from the right hand", and Bilgah means "cheerfulness", while Maadiah has no meaning. From the right hand of God, we receive mercy through Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:64). As a result, we ought to experience “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance” (Proverbs 15:13). So, is your countenance cheerful knowing that Jesus “is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9)?

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Nehemiah 12:4 Iddo, Ginnetho, Abijah,

Iddo means "His witness"; Ginnetho or Ginnethon means "gardener"; and Abiah or Abijah means "Jehovah is (my) father". Jehovah, our Father, and Gardener in His vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7) as well as the field being the world. And by being fruitful, as in bearing the fruit of the Spirit, we are His witnesses for “ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). So, what does your life witness to the public of Christ?

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Nehemiah 12:3 Shechaniah, Rehum, Meremoth,

Shecaniah or Shechaniah means "dweller with Jehovah"; Rehum means "compassion"; and Meremoth means "elevations". Are you a dweller in prayer with Jehovah, Who has compassion upon you by offering His mercy and grace to you, and is able to elevate you above the ways of this world?

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Nehemiah 12:2 Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

Amariah means "Jehovah speaks"; Malluch or Melichu means "counsellor"; and Hattush means "assembled". When Jehovah speaks, through His Word or even consecrated ministers, He provides great counsel to the assembled, be it to one in personal study or a great congregation, but are you listening?

Monday, February 12, 2024

Nehemiah 12:1 Now these [are] the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

Zerubbabel means "sown in Babylon"; Shealtiel or Salathiel means "I have asked of God"; Jeshua means "he is saved"; Seraiah means "Jehovah is ruler"; Jeremiah means "whom Jehovah has appointed"; and Ezra means "help". Though we may be sown into Babylon or confusion (Genesis 11:9), if we ask of God to be saved, then we indeed can be saved allowing Jehovah to be the ruler of our lives through the one He has appointed, Christ Jesus, Who is our help. So, have you at least asked God to save you?

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Nehemiah 11:36 And of the Levites [were] divisions [in] Judah, [and] in Benjamin.

Judah means "praised" while Benjamin means "son of the right hand". Do you take time to praise the son of the right hand, referring to Jesus (Matthew 26:64), often?

Friday, February 9, 2024

Nehemiah 11:35 Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.

Ono means "vigorous" while Lod does not have a meaning. With but one definition, we are going to connect it with the context of the verse. A craftsman is a person that is really good at their work, whatever it happens to be. Doing it with vigor, with strength, with being energetic, makes it all the better and ends up with great results. Now, being a disciple of Christ, which is a different type of craftsman, do you do so with vigor?

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Nehemiah 11:34 Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,

Hadid means "sharp"; Zeboim means "speckled"; and Neballat means "hidden folly". Let us learn from the errors of Jacob. He was a sharp business dealer, where he became very wealthy over the “speckled sheep” agreement with Laban, however, there was a number of hidden follies: multiple wives that were jealousy of each other, his mother passing without him ever seeing her again once he left home, there was the lentil agreement with Esau, having Esau furious after stealing the blessing from Isaac, and his father being quite disappointed in him. So, have you learned to be careful about developing a sharp business mannerism?

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Nehemiah 11:33 Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim,

Hazor means "castle"; Ramah means "hill"; and Gittaim means "two winepresses". David the king of Israel dwelt in a castle, of which other kings probably ruled from as well, but only David is mentioned as using such as king of Israel. The place of the castle happens to be Jerusalem, also known as Jebus (1 Chronicles 11:5-7). In the New Jerusalem, better than a castle, the Ruler of the universe rules from Heaven, yet Jesus humbled Himself to suffer on a hill, named Golgotha for our sins. And when He comes again, “he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God” (Revelation 19:15). Another use of the “winepress” is on the positive side: “Thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress: [of that] wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him” (Deuteronomy 15:14), accounting for two types of winepresses – wrath and blessings. So, have you allowed the ruler of the universe to touch your heart with the sacrifice made on that hill of His Son receiving the winepress involved with blessings, or will you be receiving the winepress of the wrath of God?

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Nehemiah 11:32 [And] at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,

Anathoth means "answers to prayer"; Nob means "high place"; and Ananiah means "Jehovah clouds". Jehovah answers prayers. There is no doubt in that fact, but along with answered prayers, He is also preparing us for a higher place. In fact, “we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). So, do you go to God with your prayer requests, or do you dismiss them as being trivial, not believing in miracles, etc.?

Monday, February 5, 2024

Nehemiah 11:31 The children also of Benjamin from Geba [dwelt] at Michmash, and Aija, and Bethel, and [in] their villages,

Benjamin means "son of the right hand"; Gaba or Geba or Gibeah means "hill"; Michmas or Michmash means "hidden"; Ai or Aija or Aijath or Hai means "heap of ruins"; and Bethel means "house of God". Son of the right hand is none other than Jesus (Matthew 26:64), where “he bearing his cross went forth into a place called [the place] of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha” (John 19:17). After Jesus died on that hill, He was hidden away in Joseph’s new tomb (Matthew 27:59-60). What looked like a heap of ruins turned out three days later establishing the house of God, the church that He said He would establish (Matthew 16:18). Now, are you part of Christ’s church, or do you just play church?

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Nehemiah 11:30 Zanoah, Adullam, and [in] their villages, at Lachish, and the fields thereof, at Azekah, and [in] the villages thereof. And they dwelt from Beersheba unto the valley of Hinnom.

Zanoah means "cast off"; Adullam means "justice of the people"; Lachish means "invincible"; Azekah means "dug over"; Beer-sheba means "well of the sevenfold oath"; and Hinnom means "lamentation". “Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light” (Romans 13:12). “Justice and judgment [are] the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face” (Psalms 89:14). “Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD [is] at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come” (Joel 1:15). And “the pit be digged for the wicked” (Psalms 94:13). “Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them” (Genesis 21:31). “Hear ye this word which I take up against you, [even] a lamentation, O house of Israel” (Amos 5:1). So, we either cast off our sins by the grace of God or face the consequences as Jesus stands for the justice of the people. He is the Almighty, even invincible. The pit has been dug for the wicked. And God, keeping His oath as exampled by Abraham will lament and weep as He utters, “Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 18:31). So, have you responded positively to the power of the gospel to prepare to dwell with a merciful yet just God?

Friday, February 2, 2024

Nehemiah 11:29 And at Enrimmon, and at Zareah, and at Jarmuth,

En-rimmon means "fount of the pomegranate" and Jarmuth means "heights" while Zareah has no meaning. When a person thinks of a fount, they usually think of flowing water. Now, this is not a fountain of pomegranates. It is the fountain of the or from a pomegranate. In other words, what a pomegranate represents ought to be flowing from us. And according to Exodus 28:33, there were instructions given to make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet, where blue is connected to being true, specifically to the law being written on blue sapphire (Exodus 24:10-12); purple, of course, represents royalty (John 19:2-5); and finally, we have scarlet. Isaiah compares it to sin (Isaiah 1:18) and those sins symbolically were worn as a robe (Matthew 27:28). So, to be lifted up to new heights, even to Heaven itself one day, does God’s law, His royalty, and Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins reside in your heart?

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Nehemiah 11:28 And at Ziklag, and at Mekonah, and in the villages thereof,

Ziklag means "winding" or “twisting” while Mekonah means "foundation". So, will you allow yourself to live a life as if it were simply twisting in the breeze, or will you set your life on a firm foundation, even one that is built upon the Rock (Matthew 7:25)?

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Nehemiah 11:27 And at Hazarshual, and at Beersheba, and [in] the villages thereof,

Hazar-shual means "jackal village" while Beer-sheba means "well of the sevenfold oath". Jackal village is named as such in a negative manner. Usually, it means that a village will eventually not exist except for a population of jackals. This is very similar to the curse placed on Babylon in Jeremiah 51:37, which says, “And Babylon shall become heaps, a dwellingplace for dragons, an astonishment, and an hissing, without an inhabitant.” As for Beersheba, the Bible says, “And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What [mean] these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves? And he said, For [these] seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well. Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them” (Genesis 21:29-31). What extremes we have here. Desolation on one side and Abraham’s seven witnesses over a sworn oath for a well in which is used for watering in which Jesus said regarding Jacob’s well, “Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:13-14). So, are you choosing the path leading to desolation or the one that leads to the water that Jesus provides?

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Nehemiah 11:26 And at Jeshua, and at Moladah, and at Bethphelet,

Jeshua means "he is saved"; Moladah means "birth" or "race"; and Beth-palet means "house of escape" or "place of escape". When a person accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, he is saved. The new birth has taken place and the Christian then resides in the house or place of escape, escaping spiritually from the ways of the world where things that everyone else seems to be concerned about and caught up in happens to be unimportant to the true Christian. So, are you experiencing that escape, or do concerns about this, that, and the other thing wear you out every day?

Monday, January 29, 2024

Nehemiah 11:25 And for the villages, with their fields, [some] of the children of Judah dwelt at Kirjatharba, and [in] the villages thereof, and at Dibon, and [in] the villages thereof, and at Jekabzeel, and [in] the villages thereof,

Judah means "praised"; Dibon means "wasting"; and Jekabzeel means "God gathers". Now, Kirjatharba is one of several names used, referring to the land of Arba, of which, according to Joshua 14:15, we see Hebron is also a name for it. “And the name of Hebron before [was] Kirjatharba; [which Arba was] a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war.” And Hebron means “association”. So, we have “praised”, “association”, “wasting”, and “God gathers” in that order. Now, we indeed ought to praise God for as we are in association with Him, though we were wasting away in sin, He “came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). So, are you still wasting time with sin, or have you answered the call of repentance leaving sin behind?

Sunday, January 28, 2024

Nehemiah 11:24 And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, [was] at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people.

Pethahiah or Pethakiah means "freed by Jehovah"; Meshezabeel means "God delivers"; Zerah or Zarah means "rising"; and Judah means "praised". Paul wrote, “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:18), therefore to be freed by Jehovah is to be freed from sinning, the chains that bind us to Satan. Keep in mind that God is willing to deliver everyone who calls upon Him causing us to rise up from the dregs of this world and be placed in a position that we can show the praises of God. Nothing offers better praise than a known practicing sinner who is now clean and sober for Christ. So, has Jehovah freed you and delivered you from sin, or do you make excuses to stay in sin, including the use of Bible verses, because you do not want to let go of that which injures?

Friday, January 26, 2024

Nehemiah 11:23 For [it was] the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.

And the ultimate King shall give us our portion, if we are faithful. For others sadly, their portion is elsewhere: “cut him asunder, and appoint [him] his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 24:51). So, are you living a life that reveals that your portion is in Heaven or that of Hell?

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Nehemiah 11:22 The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem [was] Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers [were] over the business of the house of God.

Uzzi means "strong"; Bani means "built"; Hashabiah means "Jehovah has considered"; Mattaniah means "gift of Jehovah"; Micha means "who is like God?"; and Asaph means "gatherer". God is indeed strong (Psalms 24:8). He has built His church (Matthew 16:18). He considers us in our situation of needing a Savior, so as the gift of Jehovah, He gave us One Who is like unto Himself, as in being “like God” (John 3:16, John 10:30), as He is “Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:23). He is indeed the Gatherer (Matthew 12:30, 13:30, 22:10), but the question is, have you been considered gathered into His one fold (John 10:16)?

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Nehemiah 11:21 But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa [were] over the Nethinims.

Ophel means "hill"; Ziha means "parched"; and Gispa means "caress". Climbing up the hill of life can cause a person to become parched. What a person then needs is something that caresses the throat like water but not any water. Jesus says, “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14). So, are you quenching your parchedness with the proper water?

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Nehemiah 11:20 And the residue of Israel, of the priests, [and] the Levites, [were] in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.

Now, although we are promised mansions (John 14:2), we will also abide outside the city of New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2) in another inheritance having a country estate (Isaiah 65:21). But are you looking forward to the day that you will receive the mansion be able to go and build your country home, basically, finally experiencing eternal life?

Monday, January 22, 2024

Nehemiah 11:19 Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, [were] an hundred seventy and two.

Akkub means "insidious" while Talmon means "oppressor". We indeed face the insidious and even the oppressor “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]” (Ephesians 6:12). So, do you “take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13)?

Friday, January 19, 2024

Nehemiah 11:17 And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, [was] the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

Mattaniah means "gift of Jehovah"; Micha means "who is like God?"; Zabdi means "endowment"; Asaph means "gatherer"; Bakbukiah means "wasting of Jehovah"; Abda means "servant of Jehovah"; Shammua means "renowned"; Galal means "influential"; and Jeduthun means "praising". “The gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). No other can offer eternal life therefore, who really is like God? No one. He even endows us with what is necessary to be able to receive the gift (2 Peter 1:3-4) turning us into gatherers by being fishers of men (Matthew 4:19). We are either wasting Jehovah’s talents or are being an active servant of Jehovah. Keep in mind that “the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned” (Isaiah 14:20), which means that the righteous are renown and can be influential in lifting up people to praise God. So, how much do you appreciate the gift of God? Enough to be an active servant sharing the gospel?

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Nehemiah 11:16 And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, [had] the oversight of the outward business of the house of God.

Shabbethai means "sabbatical" and Jozabad or Josabad means "Jehovah has endowed". Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30). When we take a sabbatical from the ways of the world, He endows us to take on our responsibilities in an easier and lighter manner. For example, those that climb the corporate ladder to the neglect of their family and involvement with church find it so much easier being content at the position that provides the necessities of life. And when we keep God’s weekly day, not an hour, but a day of rest, we are endowed with His blessings in various ways even throughout the week. So, will you open yourself to the opportunity in your life to receive God’s endowment by taking a sabbatical from the way the world operates and follow God’s plan instead?

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Nehemiah 11:15 Also of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;

Shemaiah means "heard by Jehovah"; Hashub means "considerate"; Azrikam means "help against the enemy"; Hashabiah means "Jehovah has considered"; and Bani or Bunni means "built". Usually, when we feel pressed on every side, the Christian will pray to God for He is a help against our enemies. And our prayers will be heard by Jehovah as long as we comply with the conditions: “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination” (Proverbs 28:9). So, not every prayer is automatically heard, which does not mean with His ears but more of giving consideration towards it. He is considerate to the prayers of those living in obedience. So, is your life built upon the rock obeying His ways, or on sand obeying your own ways?

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Nehemiah 11:14 And their brethren, mighty men of valour, an hundred twenty and eight: and their overseer [was] Zabdiel, the son of [one of] the great men.

Zabdiel means "God is my endowment". He indeed gives us strength for when we face our sins, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26): “We [are] fools for Christ's sake, but ye [are] wise in Christ; we [are] weak, but ye [are] strong; ye [are] honourable, but we [are] despised” (1 Corinthians 4:10). So, is God your endowment providing the strength to overcome every temptation towards sin, or do you use the excuse that it is impossible to stop sinning?

Monday, January 15, 2024

Nehemiah 11:13 And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two: and Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,

Amashai means "burdensome"; Azarael or Azareel means "God has helped"; Ahasai means "my holder, protector"; Meshillemoth means "recompense"; and Immer has no meaning. All of our sins are as carrying burdens and some can be quite burdensome, especially those addictions “For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me” (Psalms 38:4). Not only has God helped those having such burdens, He tells us, “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved” (Psalms 55:22). God is our holder our Protector, in fact, “Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you” (Isaiah 35:4). So, have you laid your burdens at the cross and accept Christ’s help to be an overcomer allowing Him to save you?

Sunday, January 14, 2024

Nehemiah 11:12 And their brethren that did the work of the house [were] eight hundred twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah,

Adaiah means "Jehovah has adorned Himself"; Jeroham means "showing pity"; Pelaliah means "Jehovah has judged"; Amzi - "my strength"; Zechariah means "Jehovah remembers"; Pashur means "freedom"; and Malchijah or Malchiah means "my king is Jehovah". You may wonder how Jehovah adorns Himself. “And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him” (Malachi 3:17). It is with us. We are His jewels! Now, He does “pity his people” (Joel 2:18) for “in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old” (Isaiah 63:9), but He also has judged for “by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation]” (Exodus 34:7). However, He is our strength and remembers all those that have experienced the freedom from sin (John 8:32-36). He is our King (Revelation 19:16)! So, will you be one of His jewels, or do you love sin more and are still in bondage (John 8:33-34)?

Friday, January 12, 2024

Nehemiah 11:11 Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, [was] the ruler of the house of God.

Seraiah means "Jehovah is ruler"; Hilkiah means "my portion is Jehovah"; Meshullam means "friend"; Zadok means "righteous"; Meraioth means "rebellious"; and Ahitub means "my brother is good (goodness)". Jehovah indeed is the ruler (Revelation 12:5), and the portion or choice should be on the side of Jehovah (Joshua 24:15) for He is our Friend (Luke 12:4), our Righteous (Jeremiah 33:16), while we are rebellious (Daniel 9:9). It seems that my Brother (Hebrews 2:11), Jesus is the one that is good (Psalms 34:8) and can help us out of our rebellious attitude (Hebrews 7:25). So, has He done that for you?

Thursday, January 11, 2024

Nehemiah 11:10 Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin.

Jedaiah = "Jehovah has known"; Joiarib or Jehoiarib = "Jehovah contends"; and Jachin = "He will establish". Jehovah has known us and all the sins we have committed, however, He will still contend for our souls and is willing to establish us in righteousness for “let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it]” (Isaiah 1:18-20). So, will you be eating the good of the land (the new earth) or be slain by the sword when Jesus returns, where “the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh” (Revelation 19:21)?

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Nehemiah 11:9 And Joel the son of Zichri [was] their overseer: and Judah the son of Senuah [was] second over the city.

Joel means "Jehovah is God"; Zichri means "memorable"; Judah means "praised"; and Senuah or Hasenuah [with the art] means "bristling". The word “bristling” means to “stand up”. Jehovah indeed is God and worthy to be praised. In fact, one memorable praise act performed was that of anointing Jesus at the feast with contents in the alabaster box. “Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, [there] shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her” (Matthew 26:13). This woman felt much praise for her Savior to do this. She stood up despite the accusations against her, just as we are told to stand up for Christ. So, do you stand up for Jehovah?

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Nehemiah 11:8 And after him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty and eight.

Gabbai means "my back" and Sallu or Salu or Sallai means "weighed". Not only does God “have our backs”, “the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel [will be] your rereward” (Isaiah 52:12), where “rereward” is old English for rearward, meaning that they are the troops that bring up or protect the rear, the end of the march forward; but indeed, God has weighed every situation for “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]” (1 Corinthians 10:13). He goes before us as well as protecting us from behind, so with that type of military might, are you encouraged to “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil” (James 4:7) and do battle against the devil?

Monday, January 8, 2024

Nehemiah 11:7 And these [are] the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jesaiah.

Benjamin means "son of the right hand"; Sallu or Salu or Sallai means "weighed"; Meshullam means "friend"; Joed means "Jehovah is witness"; Pedaiah means "Jehovah has ransomed"; Kolaiah means "voice of Jehovah"; Maaseiah means "work of Jehovah"; Ithiel means "God is with me"; and Isaiah or Jesaiah or Jeshaiah means "Jehovah has saved". Jesus, the Son of the right hand, weighed His friendship with the human race and became God’s witness being the method of God’s ransom of the human race and the voice of God. All of this is the work of God. God is with us and has saved us. So, how do you respond to such love that “God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:17)?

Sunday, January 7, 2024

Nehemiah 11:6 All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem [were] four hundred threescore and eight valiant men.

Are you a valiant person? In the time of Jeremiah, he could not find such people: “they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth” (Jeremiah 9:3). So, despite being weak and frail physically, everyone still can be a valiant person if they stand for the truth. So again, are you a valiant person, one standing for the truth both in example and in teaching?

Thursday, January 4, 2024

Nehemiah 11:4 And at Jerusalem dwelt [certain] of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah; Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalaleel, of the children of Perez;

Jerusalem means "teaching of peace"; Judah means "praised"; Benjamin means "son of the right hand"; Athaiah means "Jehovah has helped"; Uzziah means "my strength is Jehovah"; Zechariah means "Jehovah remembers"; Amariah - "Jehovah speaks" or "Yah(u) has promised"; Shephatiah means "Jehovah has judged"; Mahalaleel means "praise of God"; and Perez or Pharez means "breach". The teaching of peace between God and man (2 John 1:3) should be praised for sending the Son of the right hand, Jesus (Matthew 26:64). Jehovah indeed has helped (Psalms 27:9) and my strength (2 Corinthians 12:9) to be an overcomer is in Jehovah. He remembers His people (Jeremiah 44:21), and when He speaks, when He promises, we can “trust in thy word” (Psalms 119:42) that He expects us to keep and obey (John 14:23) for He has judged us and the righteous will receive the “praise of God” especially towards those who are willing to stand in the breach sacrificing all to be part of the group that are known as “The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in” (Isaiah 58:12). So, do you make God your strength and fight in the spiritual warfare, or do you sit back enjoying what life has to offer figuring that it was simple thing that God did at the cross and you can just reap the benefits today?

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Nehemiah 11:3 Now these [are] the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, [to wit], Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.

Though we have mansions waiting for us in the New Jerusalem (John 14:2), we shall dwell outside of the city on the new earth (2 Peter 3:13), where “they shall build houses, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them” (Isaiah 65:21). The mansions, therefore, must be used when “it shall come to pass, [that] from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 66:23). Now, are you planning to be part of that experience, or are you enjoying this world instead?

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Nehemiah 11:2 And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.

And God shall bless us if we choose to willingly dwell in the New Jerusalem, like with eternal life. “For if there be first a willing mind, [it is] accepted according to that a man hath, [and] not according to that he hath not” (2 Corinthians 8:12). Are you willing to dwell in the New Jerusalem?

Monday, January 1, 2024

Nehemiah 11:1 And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts [to dwell] in [other] cities.

Thankfully, we do not have to cast lots to dwell in Jerusalem. Because of Jesus Christ, all will dwell in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 3:12)! Are you looking forward to it?

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Nehemiah 10:39 For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where [are] the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.

A lot of people do not realize that staff need to be paid for, especially in full time positions, meaning that a person cannot volunteer full time hours and hold another full-time job to support the family, therefore, “the labourer is worthy of his hire” (Luke 10:7). So, do you consider giving to support not just the minister but the staff along with the church facility, or do you really think it all should be on a volunteer basis?

Friday, December 29, 2023

Nehemiah 10:38 And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.

Should ministers pay tithe on the tithe that pays their salary? Yes. Is that the policy of your church?

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Nehemiah 10:37 And [that] we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.

Tithes, which is ten percent, of one’s increase (Deuteronomy 14:22) was to be brought to the Levites. They dealt with seed, foods, cattle, etc. because regular coinage was not a thing. Working with a monetary system is a whole lot easier these days. The Levites were the dedicated ministers of the day. Farming the land was an all-day chore. There was no way a person could do both the ministering in the temple and provide for one’s own family and so it was implemented well before a Levite even existed. Jesus would say later, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone” (Matthew 23:23). The tithing system did not cease as He said not to leave the other undone. Now, true ministers of our day are in the same situation. Though it can be done, but a true minister is to be active all week long seeking and saving souls, but those weekend only preachers who get wealthy off of the tithe are false Christs and bring repute to the tithing system. Just because there are thieves in the ministry does not mean the tithing system is to be done away with. It means that the people have to stop supporting the “prosperity” gospel, which allows the minister to become very prosperous at the expense of the congregation and dates back to even the time of the disciples, where it was thought that one’s wealth showed the blessings of God (Matthew 19:23), when that was not true. So, do you support godly ministers according to God’s plan, or the fake ministers who spend all week living off of selfishness, or do you not follow God’s support model at all, which is a form of selfishness (Malachi 3:8)? Remember, “All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Nehemiah 10:36 Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as [it is] written in the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God:

Firstborn sons did not become servants in the temple, but rather were brought up in a manner that it was expected for that son to take over the family inheritance. Nonetheless, the offerings provided were for ministering purposes freed up the priests to perform concentrated work and not having to worry about also providing for their family. Today, a minister is still dependent upon the giving from the hearts so as to be fully involved in the gospel work as well. Sure, there are many abusers of this system living in mansions and driving expensive cars, but that is not the fault of the system. It is the fault of people not investigating if the person is a type of “false Christ” (Matthew 24:24) or false Christ representative. So, do you have discernment, or do you throw out God’s financial support system out the window?

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Nehemiah 10:35 And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD:

Do you give to the house of the Lord? If you do, do you give of the firstruits or does the government get a portion first followed by rent or mortgage, vehicle payment, etc.?

Monday, December 25, 2023

Nehemiah 10:34 And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring [it] into the house of our God, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the altar of the LORD our God, as [it is] written in the law:

Instead of wood on a physical altar, do you “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1)?

Sunday, December 24, 2023

Nehemiah 10:33 For the shewbread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy [things], and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel, and [for] all the work of the house of our God.

And all these things pointed towards Jesus, hence why we are told, “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; [And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ” (Colossians 2:14-17). Now keep in mind that the sabbath days and sabbaths referred to both in Nehemiah and Colossians is not the Sabbath of the Ten Commandments. The context places theses sabbaths among the specific feast days that were also known as sabbath days (Leviticus 23:24, 32, 39) all of which have been blotted out and confirmed by the tearing of the sanctuary curtain upon Jesus’ death (Matthew 27:51). But, have you studied out the meaning of all of these things and appreciate how Jesus fulfilled them all?

Friday, December 22, 2023

Nehemiah 10:32 Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;

Do you consider helping with the expenses by supporting your church?

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Nehemiah 10:31 And [if] the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, [that] we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day: and [that] we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.

The human race needs a break from the rat race of all of the demands. Statistics of heart attacks reveals the necessity of it. These people would not buy or sell on the Sabbath, but people ignore it and do not rest anymore. Many Christians no longer even go to church, and if they do, many think that giving God an hour or two should appease Him. How much better do you think you would feel and think if you set aside the day where you refrained from all secular activity, being a vacation from the world once a week?

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Nehemiah 10:30 And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons:

Are you careful about allowing intermarriage with your children with other beliefs?

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Nehemiah 10:29 They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;

Entering into a curse is not a bad thing in this context since everything else listed is proper before the eyes of God. How it is understood is like saying, “May a curse be upon me if I do not obey the Lord”. That is entering into a curse. With that in mind, just how committed are you to obeying God? Do you gather fellowship with like believers while avoiding the influence of backsliders? Do you gather knowledge from consecrated leadership that leads towards obedience instead of listening to those making an excuse not to obey God using grace and faith as polar opposites? Are you committed to walk in God’s law, the Ten Commandments, which two copies of the original were written down and handed to Moses because the use of verbal was failing not believing that the Ten Commandments began with him for the original existed beforehand?

Monday, December 18, 2023

Nehemiah 10:28 And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;

Have you likewise separated yourself by keeping God’s commandments distancing yourself from the rest of the world who are enjoying breaking them through sinning?

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Nehemiah 10:27 Malluch, Harim, Baanah.

Malluch or Melichu means "counsellor" and Harim means "dedicated" while Baana or Baanah has no meaning. God is dedicated to saving us and offers to be our Counsellor. Will you take Him up on His offer?

Friday, December 15, 2023

Nehemiah 10:26 And Ahijah, Hanan, Anan,

Ahiah or Ahijah or Ahiyahu means "brother of Jehovah (Yahu)"; Canan or Hanan means "he is merciful"; and Anan means "cloud". Jehovah indeed is merciful, and even says, “whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother” (Matthew 12:50). And one day “shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27). Are you looking forward to seeing your eldest brother Jesus?

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Nehemiah 10:25 Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,

Rehum means "compassion"; Hashabnah means "Jehovah has considered"; and Maaseiah means "work of Jehovah". The work of Jehovah is to consider us and have compassion upon us. He has had so much compassion that “God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:17). So, how much do you appreciate God’s compassion?

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Nehemiah 10:24 Hallohesh, Pileha, Shobek,

Hallohesh = "whisperer"; Pildha or Pilha or Pileha = "slicing"; and Shobek = "free". In Bible reference, a whisperer is one who divulges secrets, a gossip. Such activity can and frequently does cut or slice into people. But God promises us that we can be set free from such activities along with all of our other sins. So, do you believe that “the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32), which is to be free from sin, or do you think your sins are too great to cease from?

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Nehemiah 10:23 Hoshea, Hananiah, Hashub,

Hosea or Hoshea or Oshea = "salvation"; Hananiah = "God has favoured"; and Hashub = "considerate". God indeed is considerate. “If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider [it]? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth [not] he know [it]? and shall [not] he render to [every] man according to his works?” (Proverbs 24:12). Therefore, at “the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30). And if we do repent, God favors us with salvation as the unrepentant will be lost. So, are you favored of God, or are you still holding out on salvation?

Monday, December 11, 2023

Nehemiah 10:22 Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,

Pelatiah = "Jehovah delivers"; Canan or Hanan = "he is merciful"; and Anaiah = "Jehovah has answered". We may pray to God day after day to be able to break an addiction, a sinful habit, whatever it may be that is in our life that is not of a Christian character, but it seems many times that it is not taken care of right away. We must persist and believe that Jehovah delivers, that He is merciful, and that one day we will be able to claim, “Jehovah has answered!” So, are you persistent with your prayer, or have you given up thinking there is no hope?

Sunday, December 10, 2023

Nehemiah 10:21 Meshezabeel, Zadok, Jaddua,

Meshezabeel = "God delivers"; Zadok = "righteous"; and Jaddua = "knowing". “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly (or righteous) out of temptations” (2 Peter 2:9). Do you believe you can avoid all sin by the power of God?

Friday, December 8, 2023

Nehemiah 10:20 Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,

Magpiash means "moth-killer"; Meshullam means "friend"; and Hezir means "swine". Our Friend Jesus has a moth killing recommendation -- take away the food source. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). And for those that persist on eating swine or even the mouse, be careful because our Friend Jesus has advice about that too: “For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many. They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one [tree] in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 66:15-17). So, have you accepted Jesus’ advice as your Friend?

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Nehemiah 10:19 Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,

Hariph means "a plucking off"; Anathoth means "answers to prayer"; and Nebai means "fruitful". In an answer to prayer to be made ready for Heaven, Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit” (John 15:1-2). So, are you being plucked off the vine, or are is Jesus cutting away the dead parts allowing making it so good fruit will appear on you?

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Nehemiah 10:18 Hodijah, Hashum, Bezai,

Hodiah means "majesty of Jehovah"; Hashum means "rich"; and Bezai means "conqueror". The majesty of Jehovah is that “ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9), and as for conquering, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14). So, how much do you appreciate what Jehovah has done?

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Nehemiah 10:17 Ater, Hizkijah, Azzur,

Ater means "binder"; Hezekiah or Hizkiah or Hizkijah means "Jehovah is my strength"; and Azur or Azzur means "he that assists". Jehovah indeed is our strength, and through that strength He assists us to be bound unto Him. “I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up [that which was] broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment” (Ezekiel 34:16). So, are you bound to God or Satan?

Monday, December 4, 2023

Nehemiah 10:16 Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,

While Bigvai has no meaning, Adonijah means "my lord is Jehovah", and Adin means "dainty" or "delicate". My Lord is Jehovah and He has a connection with a delicate woman for Jeremiah 6:2 says, “I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate [woman].” Now “Zion” means “Thou [art] my people” (Isaiah 51:16). So, are you one of God’s people having a delicate relationship with Him?

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Nehemiah 10:15 Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,

Bani means "built"; Azgad means "Gad is mighty"; and Bebai has no meaning. Genesis 49:19 defines Gad as, “Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.” It may appear Satan’s troop is overcoming this world. Sinful practices are not only going unpunished but is protected by law. But God, represented by Gad, has a troop that will overcome them at last. It is called the second coming where all the wicked will be slain and the righteous are rescued (Revelation 19). So, are you a participant in the sinful rebellion since it is so easy these days to get away with it, or are you on the side of the winning team, Jesus and His righteousness?

Friday, December 1, 2023

Nehemiah 10:14 The chief of the people; Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zatthu, Bani,

Parosh or Pharosh means "flea"; Pahath-moab means "pit of Moab"; Elam means "eternity"; Bani means "built"; while Zatthu has no meaning. Sin may appear as but an annoying flea but it will lead to the pit of Moab, the pit of hell. God is willing to have us built up for eternity instead but He does nothing against our will. So, who are you giving your will to? God through righteousness or Satan through sinning?

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Nehemiah 10:13 Hodijah, Bani, Beninu.

Hodiah means "majesty of Jehovah"; Bani means "built"; and Beninu means "our son". The majesty of Jehovah is built through His Son, Jesus Christ. He is ours because Jesus was given to us and we depend upon Him for our salvation. In other words, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). So, how much do you appreciate this gift? Is it enough to “keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight” (1 John 3:22)?

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Nehemiah 10:12 Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,

Zaccur or Zacchur means "mindful"; Sherebiah means "Jehovah has scorched"; and Shebaniah means "increased by Jehovah". The increase that Jehovah is mindful of is that He “maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16), referring to the church. In the process, He did have to use a bit of fire, like on Sodom and Gomorrah and elsewhere, but that is because He does check uncontrolled evil now and then. Of course, there is another scorching coming and that will be the last one -- it is called hell fire. So, are you increasing the body or preparing to be scorched? Keep in mind that although we are saved individually, God does operate through His church.

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Nehemiah 10:11 Micha, Rehob, Hashabiah,

Micha means "who is like God?", and Hashabiah means "Jehovah has considered". Rehob has no meaning. Now, truly everyone should ask, Who is like God? He has considered things. He even invites us to “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18). Basically, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Nothing more is asked of us but to confess, which means we have repented, which means we have chosen to cease from doing it, and then He just outright forgives us. No extra repetitive prayers afterwards, no extra donations, no extra sacrifice of our time, no anything. He freely forgives us, even all the determination to keep the commandments is not asked of us when it comes to forgiveness. Again, who is like God?

Monday, November 27, 2023

Nehemiah 10:10 And their brethren, Shebaniah, Hodijah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,

Shebaniah means "increased by Jehovah"; Hodiah means "majesty of Jehovah"; Kelita means "crippled"; Pelaiah means "Jehovah does wonders"; and Canan or Hanan means "he is merciful". The majesty of Jehovah is to work wonders being merciful to the crippled, which also provides increased strength to the recipient. As a case in point, “Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, [Thy] sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion” (Mark 2:9-12). So, do you recognize the wonderful mercy of God?

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Nehemiah 10:9 And the Levites: both Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel;

Jeshua means "he is saved"; Azanyahu or Azaniah means "Jehovah (Yahweh) hears"; Binnui means "built up"; Henadad means "favour of Hadad"; and Kadmiel means "God is the ancient one". Henadad is not going to be helpful here, but taking the phrase, “God is the ancient one”, Daniel 7:9, 13, 22 and else where up to seven reverences refers to God as “the Ancient of days”. And He does hear, especially the request for forgiveness and repentance, so that we can be saved, after which, we are then built up from living in sin into living as saints. Now, have you made such a prayer request and have been saved to be built up into perfection (Matthew 5:48)?

Friday, November 24, 2023

Nehemiah 10:8 Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah: these [were] the priests.

Maaziah means "consolation of Jehovah"; Bilgai means "my cheerfulness"; and Shemaiah means "heard by Jehovah". When we pray, we ought to believe that Jehovah hears us, that He will console or comfort us, and that He shall be our cheerfulness. In other words, “let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed” (James 1:6). So, do you pray with such confidence?

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Nehemiah 10:7 Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,

Meshullam means "friend"; Abiah or Abijah means "Jehovah is (my) father"; and Mijamin means "from the right hand". Our Father Jehovah, from the right hand (Colossians 3:1), “sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9) being our Friend, for Jesus said, “I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you” (John 15:15). So, do you accept this friendship?

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Nehemiah 10:6 Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch,

Daniel means "God is my judge", Ginnetho or Ginnethon means "gardener", and Baruch means "blessed". We are blessed having God as our Gardener because “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit” (John 15:2). This is in preparation for His judgment. So, will you allow God to prune away all the bad traits from you, especially sin, so He can judge you to have entrance into the kingdom, or will He simply be pruning you away because of your uncooperativeness?

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Nehemiah 10:5 Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,

Harim means "dedicated"; Meremoth means "elevations"; and Obadiah means "servant of Jehovah". As a servant of Jehovah, we ought to be dedicated to Him. In so doing, we shall be elevated above the worldly ways and walk in paths that lead to Heaven. So, how dedicated are you?

Monday, November 20, 2023

Nehemiah 10:4 Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch,

Hattush means "assembled"; Shebaniah means "increased by Jehovah"; and Malluch or Melichu means "counsellor". The purpose of being assembled at church is “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). That means we have received counsel from God and are increased in knowledge through His servants: “apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11). So, do you take messages from pastors and teachers seriously, or do you simply watch the time longing for the end?

Sunday, November 19, 2023

Nehemiah 10:3 Pashur, Amariah, Malchijah,

Pashur means "freedom"; Amariah means "Jehovah speaks" or "Yah(u) has promised"; and Malchijah or Malchiah means "my king is Jehovah". My King Jehovah speaks freedom for Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). And Paul followed up with, “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:18). So, have you been made free from sin?

Friday, November 17, 2023

Nehemiah 10:2 Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,

Seraiah means "Jehovah is ruler"; Azariah means "Jehovah has helped"; and Jeremiah means "whom Jehovah has appointed". Jehovah our ruler has helped all of us even if we have not recognized it. And “He hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:31). So, do you acknowledge His help to prepare us for the judgment, or do you think you are fine on your own and do not need and Advocate (1 John 2:1)?

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Nehemiah 10:1 [again] Now those that sealed [were], Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah,

Nehemiah means "Jehovah comforts"; Tirshatha means governor; Hachaliah means "whom Jehovah enlightens"; and Zidkijah has no meaning. In using Nehemiah, a type of governor, God comforted His people by enlightening them in the ways of God. That does not mean everyone cooperated and the work of Nehemiah was easy. On the contrary, it was a difficult task in which, as we have seen, required much effort, even drastic measures. So, is God enlightening you through His messengers, or do you think you are fine just the way you are?

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Nehemiah 10:1 Now those that sealed [were], Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah,

To be sealed is to be sealed through the Word of Truth by the Holy Spirit: “after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13). Yet, even many Christians reject the Word of God despite it being the tool to be used in sealing people. So, do you reject the sealing tool, the Word of God, or do you embrace it?

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Nehemiah 9:38 And because of all this we make a sure [covenant], and write [it]; and our princes, Levites, [and] priests, seal [unto it].

Now, have you made a covenant with God? God is trying to make one with you. “This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Hebrews 10:16-17).

Monday, November 13, 2023

Nehemiah 9:37 And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we [are] in great distress.

God allows the wicked to rule to cause saints to become pure. Through their wickedness the saints get angry and more determined to shine for God. When all is peaceful and well, people of God typically get lazy. Now, looking at today’s world, do you recognize that God must be getting ready to do something wonderful soon because of the rampant wickedness happening, even that which seems to go unchecked and is allowed to take place in the world and is being perpetrated upon people?

Sunday, November 12, 2023

Nehemiah 9:36 Behold, we [are] servants this day, and [for] the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we [are] servants in it:

Do you recognize that each of us ought to be thankful for all God has provided to us and ought to serve Him instead of our selfish ways?

Friday, November 10, 2023

Nehemiah 9:35 For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.

Are you following any minister that actually does not serve God despite claiming to serve God, that actually promotes sin instead of trying eradicate sin, like using catch phrases of “saved by grace and not the law”, “Christ nailed the law to the cross”, etc.? It is going to be a sad day for them and their followers if they do not repent: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21-23).

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Nehemiah 9:34 Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them.

So many preachers today preach that the Ten Commandments are no longer binding in one form or another. They are “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness” (Jude 1:4) by making grace an allowance to continue in sin. Do you really listen to these false preachers, or do you believe the words of Jesus who said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets” (Matthew 5:17)?

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Nehemiah 9:33 Howbeit thou [art] just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly:

Now God does allow adverse situations to come upon us to draw us unto Him, however the average person will ignore the guide book, the Bible, get into trouble, and then blame God for the awful situation they have created for themselves. We indeed do wickedly. So, do you learn from adverse situations that you find yourself in, or do you blame God and get angry at Him?

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Nehemiah 9:32 Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.

God holds His covenant before the people, which today is said as, “This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them” (Hebrews 10:16). Since “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), all need His mercy. Now, do not be troubled by what is going on with the leadership who do not hold up the standards. Do not even be troubled by all the people that flock to such leaders. Be sad for them, but stay true. “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh thee” (Psalms 91:7). So, are you staying true to God’s covenant by God’s grace, His mercy, or are you going along with the apostasy sweeping the church in both leadership and in the pews?

Monday, November 6, 2023

Nehemiah 9:31 Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou [art] a gracious and merciful God.

How much do you appreciate God’s graciousness and mercy towards you instead of sending that lightning bolt to consume you?

Sunday, November 5, 2023

Nehemiah 9:30 Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.

How much do you appreciate the patience of God through all of our disobedience to the prophets, especially all those that contributed to the books in the Bible? Or is God about to hand you over to the enemy, Satan, because you persist in ignoring God’s Word?

Friday, November 3, 2023

Nehemiah 9:29 And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.

And time did not unharden any necks for when Stephen was being stoned, he boldly proclaimed, “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye” (Acts 7:51). The Holy Spirit has always been present with the church. It was never God the Father of the Old Testament, the Son for thirty-three and a half years, and since Pentecost, the Holy Spirit now being in charge. All three were involved in creation, been involved in history, and is involved today. But, are you stiff necked resisting the conviction of the Holy Spirit as He reproves “the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8) all pointing to commandment keeping, or do you submit to the conviction by ceasing the sins, turning to Jesus to receive His righteousness, and being made ready for the judgment?

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Nehemiah 9:28 But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou heardest [them] from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies;

And every time we choose to go along with our enemy, Satan, into sin, when we repent of our sin, when we sincerely want to return to God, He hears our cry and delivers us. Some times it takes many times to be delivered, but victory is promised to those that continue to have faith in God, “which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). So, no matter how many times you have committed the same sin, will you continue to cry unto God to grant you the complete victory over whatever you are facing? They do not call it addiction for no reason. Addictions are hard to break but God is in the business of breaking them.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Nehemiah 9:27 Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest [them] from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.

Our enemy today is Satan. Our Savior is Jesus Christ. How often do you cry unto God for deliverance from Satan’s temptations?

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Nehemiah 9:26 Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.

And today, Christians use Bible verses against other Bible verses to do away with the Ten Commandments so they can live in disobedience. And whenever someone tries to show clear verses that tells all of us to still be keeping the commandments, they come out with name calling, throw away literature, prevent others from hearing it, and do other things against such people testifying for God. The bottom-line question is, did Jesus die to permit you to sin without consequence? Is that really what the cross was all about?

Monday, October 30, 2023

Nehemiah 9:25 And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness.

This should remind us of a prophecy before us: “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17). So, are you guarding against becoming “fat”, content the way you are and ceasing from growing in Christ, etc.?

Sunday, October 29, 2023

Nehemiah 9:24 So the children went in and possessed the land, and thou subduedst before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gavest them into their hands, with their kings, and the people of the land, that they might do with them as they would.

Today, before entering the heavenly promised land, God does not need to subdue the inhabitants as the enemies of God, the fallen angels, are not in possession of Heaven, however, Jesus indeed had to subdue the enemy standing between us and Heaven, primarily the devil but his angels as well. And subdued is exactly what Jesus did by going to the cross. “But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). And, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith” (1 John 5:4). “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Revelation 12:11). So, are you walking in Christ’s victory overcoming the ways of Satan in this world, or are you allowing Satan to hold you in bondage (John 8:32-34)?

Friday, October 27, 2023

Nehemiah 9:23 Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess [it].

Another large number is about to possess a different promised land -- the heavenly promised land: “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands” (Revelation 7:9). Are you planning to be one of those number?

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Nehemiah 9:22 Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.

In our case, we are promised to possess the heavenly Zion (Joel 2:1). Are you looking forward to that day?

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Nehemiah 9:21 Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, [so that] they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.

During the future tribulation, do you believe that God will do the same, which is, to sustain you for your needs?

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Nehemiah 9:20 Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.

Manna or “bread from Heaven” (John 6:31) along with water is significant symbolism towards the church: “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:26-27). So, are you being sanctified through the Word of God and washed clean by the water of the Holy Spirit?

Monday, October 23, 2023

Nehemiah 9:19 Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.

Also, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way,…”. As you see from Nehemiah, the way meant progression. The Israelites were not just camping in the wilderness -- they journeyed. When Jesus declares that He is the way, as He still declares it to us, it is progressive. Jesus leads us first to believe, but if we stop believing, stop following the way, we shall be lost. A one-time belief experience with Jesus is not all that salvation happens to be as salvation is progressive. That is what is meant by “If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Jesus did not say to just deny and take up the cross but to follow Him as He leads us closer and closer to Him until “with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). So, are you daily following the way, or are have you merely declared you are saved but following your own way?

Sunday, October 22, 2023

Nehemiah 9:18 Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This [is] thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations;

Today, people do not necessarily make molten calves and call it God, but they make God up in their mind of who He is and usually is very different than what the Bible describes. So, have you created your own god, or do you recognize the God of the Bible?

Friday, October 20, 2023

Nehemiah 9:17 And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou [art] a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

Many Christians today refuse to obey God’s Ten Commandments using the numerous misquoted Bible texts for reasons to not keep the commandments: grace, faith, it is legalism, it is works, once saved then always saved, no one can pluck me out of God’s hands, etc., etc. etc. No matter what logical and scriptural argument is given, there is no keeping them from returning to their old ways or unchanged ways of bondage to sin (John 8:31-34). God is ready and not automatically pardoning, being gracious and merciful. Again, He is only ready to forgive. He is waiting for us to “confess our sins,” then “He is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9), but that act of repentance means that we acknowledge breaking the Ten Commandments and get back to obeying them. Only “the doers of the law shall be justified” (Romans 2:13). Pardoning and His mercy and grace are for those keeping the commandments but have had a weak moment here or there for “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). The intent is NOT TO SIN! The intent is not to do away with the commandments but “we establish the law” (Romans 3:31). So, are you still refusing to obey God’s commandments with harden necks and full of rebellion listening to appointed captains which are today’s pastors that are actually “ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness” (Jude 1:4), or do you have “the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12)?

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Nehemiah 9:16 But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,

And many today harden their necks against keeping the commandments despite no one wanting to live next to an active murderer, rapist, thief, etc. And in this day and age, such people do remain on the streets. Oh, the rejectors of the commandments even use godly excuses to break the commandments of which are too numerous to list here, but when it comes down to it, do you really think Jesus died on the cross so that we can break the commandments without feeling guilty for doing so?

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Nehemiah 9:15 And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them.

There is another land that has been promised to those who shall be saved. Are you keeping your eye on it and journeying towards it, or are you distracted with the old places of this world and what it has to offer?

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Nehemiah 9:14 And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant

When this verse states that God made know the holy Sabbath, that was not the creation of the command to keep the Sabbath as many suppose it was. It was a bringing back that which was forgotten. They were in captivity for 400 years. During that time, they forgot God’s rest day, or at least they were made to forget it by Pharaoh’s force. This is what is meant by Pharaoh’s accusation against Moses, “ye make them rest from their burdens” (Exodus 5:5). God tried teaching them about the Sabbath before writing it down, which was put in place on earth back in Genesis 2:1-2 and referred in the Sabbath commandment of its pre-existence: “For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:11). It was made holy from the beginning with the expectation to be kept holy from the beginning. But, the object lesson of manna being available for only six days and the sixth one providing a double portion not to be spoiled by keeping it until the next day (Exodus 16:22), as was the case for any other extra gatherings on days prior (Exodus 16:20), was not enough: “How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?” (Exodus 16:28). See, the Ten Commandments and the Sabbath existed before God wrote them down for Moses. So, are you aware that God’s Ten Commandments always existed even before Moses received them, including the Sabbath?

Monday, October 16, 2023

Nehemiah 9:13 Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments:

Although God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, that is not when the commandments began for “Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws” (Genesis 26:5). The commandments turned from verbal to written is all that happened on Sinai for God tried to continue the verbal method in Exodus 16 with the manna but the Israelites refused to keep the Sabbath. Cain committed the first murder. How did we know that murder was wrong and Cain was guilty? Because the commandment, “Thou shalt not kill”, was established beforehand. Even the Sabbath was made known in the Garden of Eden before the first sin along with true marriage was known calling everything else indirectly to be adultery. That is because up in Heaven is the ark containing the original Ten Commandments (Revelation 11:19) established before an angel came into existence, otherwise, Lucifer did nothing wrong if “Thou shalt not covet” was not a rule. It was a rule that caused Satan to eventually be cast out of Heaven as he moved from mere coveting God’s throne to declaring war. God has always had the commandments and no kingdom is established and kept without them, and that is why the Bible tells of Moses, “thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount” (Hebrews 8:5). Everything, including the commandments, already existed in Heaven, however the stone tablets were the only thing that God carefully penned with His own finger providing a copy of the originals. Now, have you been talked into believing the lie that the commandments are done away with? Is God’s kingdom now lawlessness?

Sunday, October 15, 2023

Nehemiah 9:12 Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.

Are you led of God into more and more light, or are you stagnant in your Chirstian life since you think you are eternally saved anyways?

Thursday, October 12, 2023

Nehemiah 9:10 And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as [it is] this day.

Some of those signs and wonders will be repeated in the form of the seven last plagues (Revelation 15:1). This time, it will be for the whole world to see instead of just one country. The proud of today have placed themselves above the Bible. They even claim to be more educated than Bible believers. Now, are you one of them, or have you learned to submit your life to God’s Word?

Thursday, October 12, 2023

Nehemiah 9:11 And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters.

We see that the weight of each Egyptian that was drowned was due to the armament they were wearing as it was like being tied to a stone. It was heavy. But overall, spiritually speaking, do you believe that God is able to open a path way for you despite the depths of pressures all around you just like He physically did for Moses and the Israelites?

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Nehemiah 9:9 And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea;

God sees everyone’s affliction and hears everyone’s cry in prayer. Only “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination” (Proverbs 28:9). So, if your back is not turned to the law, then answers and rescuing ought to occur. Now, what are you suffering and praying for?

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Nehemiah 9:8 And foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give [it, I say], to his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou [art] righteous:

All the enemies shall be subdued. We may not be facing any of those enemies today but we do have enemies. Pagan Christianity is an enemy of true Christianity. Tradition placed above the commandments of God are an enemy to the gospel (Matthew 15:3, 6). So, has God made a covenant with you in that, “This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Hebrews 10:16-17)?

Monday, October 9, 2023

Nehemiah 9:7 Thou [art] the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham;

Did you ever wonder why certain people are chosen of God? It is because they are of “a contrite and humble spirit” (Isaiah 57:15). Does that describe your spirit?

Sunday, October 8, 2023

Nehemiah 9:6 Thou, [even] thou, [art] LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all [things] that [are] therein, the seas, and all that [is] therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.

Do you acknowledge God alone as the Creator, or do you mesh evolution into the creation record?

Friday, October 6, 2023

Nehemiah 9:5 Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, [and] Pethahiah, said, Stand up [and] bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.

As we already defined the names in the prior verse yesterday, we focus upon the second half of the verse, where our question this morning is, “Will you stand up to bless the Lord, not for a moment, but for ever and ever, blessing his glorious name?”

Thursday, October 5, 2023

Nehemiah 9:4 Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, [and] Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto the LORD their God.

Jeshua means "he is saved"; Bani means "built"; Kadmiel means "God is the ancient one"; Shebaniah means "increased by Jehovah"; Bunni means “built”; Sherebiah means "Jehovah has scorched"; and Chenani means "my station". The fact that there are three references to something being built is significant. We get a hint of what that “something” happens to be: God’s place or station is His sanctuary. Now the Ancient One, being God or Jehovah, had Moses build a sanctuary while traveling in the desert. This was replaced by Solomon’s temple, which was destroyed. After the captivity, a third sanctuary was erected and a prophecy about it came to pass: “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts” (Haggai 2:9). It is the one that the Prince of Peace, Jesus visited. And all who truly and not superficially believes upon Jesus are saved. In each erection of the temple, the significance increased to the point that the last one was actually more glorious than the prior two, of which the last one, Jehovah had scorched by the use of the Romans. By this time Jesus’ words had been fulfilled: “The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof” (Matthew 21:43), which happened in 34 A.D. at the stoning of Stephen, so by 70 A.D., the destruction of the temple, it was spiritually empty anyways. So, do you see significant increase in meaning of each temple?

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Nehemiah 9:3 And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God [one] fourth part of the day; and [another] fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.

Basically, they spent a half day in God’s Word, but do you even give God an hour a day studying His Word?

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Nehemiah 9:2 And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.

God asks us to be separate from unbelievers, which are the strangers of today. Oh, we may talk with them but to participate in the ways of the world, especially the allowance of a little sinning, is forbidden (2 Corinthians 6:14). So, do you confess your sins to God, or are you enjoying sins with unbelievers?

Monday, October 2, 2023

Nehemiah 9:1 Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them.

Do you take prayer time seriously, maybe not with wearing sackcloth and dirt, but how about fasting, which is not always about skipping meals? Or, are you just quick with a canned prayer and expecting miracles as a result?

Sunday, October 1, 2023

Nehemiah 8:18 Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day [was] a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.

Though the book of the law regarding feast days were but shadows pointing to Jesus (Hebrews 10:1), just how much time do you look into how Jesus has, is, and will fulfill those feast days, specifically outlined in Leviticus 23?

Friday, September 29, 2023

Nehemiah 8:17 And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.

We do not dwell in booths today nor physically celebrate these feast days, however there are other practices in the Bible that have been forgotten and with no biblical reason for the stopping of the practice, people have not bothered to pick them up again. Now, have you searched your soul, the Word, and found out what is pleasing to God and do so with gladness?

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Nehemiah 8:16 So the people went forth, and brought [them], and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim.

So, booths or tents were erected pretty much everywhere. Again, this feast represents the second coming, therefore, Jesus will gather His people from rooftops, courts, while in church, along the roads, pretty much everywhere. But the question is, are you ready where ever you are at?

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Nehemiah 8:15 And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as [it is] written.

The grabbing a hold of these branches ought to make us think of grabbing a hold on Jesus, for it is written, “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth” (Jeremiah 23:5). Jesus is the olive branch or peace (Isaiah 9:6), the evergreen of pine branch or everlasting life, the myrtle branch or everlasting sign (Isaiah 55:13), and the palm branches or victory (Revelation 7:9-17). So, are you grabbing a hold of Jesus and not letting go?

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Nehemiah 8:14 And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month:

The feast of booths is the seventh feast listed in Leviticus 23. Those feasts are representative of the ministry of Jesus from being our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), the first feast that is listed, all the way to the second coming, the last feast listed. Now, instead of practicing the feasts pointing to Jesus coming, since He already came the first time, we ought to study the feasts to se what Jesus has done, is doing, and will do. So, have you ever studied the feast days and their meanings? [If not, here is a video walk through them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qnvumfol2p4&t=1852s along with the notes https://haveonemind.com/doctrine_studies/05_Nailing_It_To_His_Cross.pdf ]

Monday, September 25, 2023

Nehemiah 8:13 And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law.

It is important for leadership to know God’s Word for how can they teach it properly to the people. I once showed a pastor over seventy verses stating the opposite of his beliefs. His response was, “You use too many verses.” There is a right way (Isaiah 28:9-10) and many wrong ways to study the Bible. Gathering all of the verses of the subject and weighing the evidence is the right way. Now, do you and the leadership in your church do that, or are is the pick and choose which verses out of context that appear to support a theory the method used?

Sunday, September 24, 2023

Nehemiah 8:12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.

Do you understand God’s Word, intent, command, transforming application, or do you just understand facts and figures staying on the surface level but not allowing it to reach the heart?

Friday, September 22, 2023

Nehemiah 8:11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day [is] holy; neither be ye grieved.

Today, we are in place of the Levites, holding the truth of the gospel. “That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ” (Ephesians 4:14-15). People are being pulled to this and that belief and if people would only study the Bible properly, they would find out that most of these beliefs are deceptive. So, are you helping to calm the tide of false doctrines and stilling the people, or do you not consult the Bible for true beliefs?

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for [this] day [is] holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Again, not every detail can be brought forward to our current day application, but this one thing is for certain: is the joy of the Lord your strength?

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Nehemiah 8:9 And Nehemiah, which [is] the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day [is] holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.

Talk about being moved to tears! But are you moved to tears to realize that every single sin committed is as if “they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put [him] to an open shame” (Hebrews 6:6). So, are you aware of the implication of sin, or are you careless thinking that Jesus did away with worrying about sinning by doing away with the law itself so sin is not tracked anymore?

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Nehemiah 8:8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused [them] to understand the reading.

Who on earth in your life is able to help you understand God’s Word?

Monday, September 18, 2023

Nehemiah 8:7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people [stood] in their place.

Jeshua means "he is saved"; Bani means "built"; Sherebiah means "Jehovah has scorched"; Jamin means "right hand"; Akkub means "insidious"; Shabbethai means "sabbatical"; Hodiah means "majesty of Jehovah"; Maaseiah means "work of Jehovah"; Kelita means "crippled"; Azariah means "Jehovah has helped"; Jozabad or Josabad means "Jehovah has endowed"; Canan or Hanan means "he is merciful"; Pelaiah means "Jehovah does wonders"; Levites being descendants of Levi means "joined to". We recognize the majesty of Jehovah (Jude 1:25) for His work (Hebrews 13:21) indeed is to be merciful (Exodus 34:6) for He has helped us (Hebrews 4:16) through His right hand being Christ (Psalms 17:7). Jehovah does many wonders (Job 9:10) including having Jesus join Himself to the human race (Romans 8:17), an insidious race at that, however, through Him we are saved (Galatians 6:14) and are built for the house of God (Ephesians 2:19-22). By taking a sabbatical from being King and Lord of the universe (Hebrews 2:16), He came to endow this crippled race (1 Corinthians 15:22) to be saved from being scorched by the fires (Zechariah 3:2). Now, how much do you appreciate all that Jesus did and gave up to save us? Enough to be instructed out of the law (Romans 2:18)?

Sunday, September 17, 2023

Nehemiah 8:6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with [their] faces to the ground.

This is the response of the people after Ezra read the Word of God. “Amen” means to be in agreement with it, so what is your response?

Friday, September 15, 2023

Nehemiah 8:5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:

How much respect do you show towards the Word of God?

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Nehemiah 8:4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, [and] Meshullam.

Ezra means "help"; Mattithiah means "gift of Jehovah"; Shema means "hear"; Anaiah means "Jehovah has answered"; Uriah or Urijah means "Jehovah (Yahweh) is my light (flame)"; Hilkiah means "my portion is Jehovah"; Maaseiah means "work of Jehovah"; Pedaiah means "Jehovah has ransomed"; Mishael means "who is what God is?"; Malchijah or Malchiah means "my king is Jehovah"; Hashum means "rich"; Hashbadana means "considerate judge"; Zechariah means "Jehovah remembers"; and Meshullam means "friend". People may ask, “who is what God is?” or simply “Who is God?” or even “What makes Him God?” Well, He is “my king is Jehovah” (1 Timothy 6:15), and He is my light (John 8:12). He hears us and He answers (Psalms 143:1). Now “ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Though He is our judge (John 5:27), He has remembered His people (Jeremiah 44:21) as a concerned and loving friend (Luke 12:4), He has ransomed us (1 Timothy 2:6), which is the work of Jehovah (Hebrews 7:25) by giving His Son as a gift to us (Romans 6:23). He is our help (Hebrews 4:16). Therefore, my portion, my life is with Jehovah. How about yours?

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Nehemiah 8:3 And he read therein before the street that [was] before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people [were attentive] unto the book of the law.

We too have ears. We too ought to understand. Jesus said, “Salt [is] good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; [but] men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Luke 14:34-35). And there are eight other references to those having ears just in the book of Revelation alone that we are to adhere to as well and are being called of God to the attention of certain matters (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22; 13:9). So, are you paying attention, or do you just dismiss these calls, these readings because you think it does not matter since you are already saved? That is exactly what the devil wants you to think – to dismiss God’s Word by using a religious excuse.

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Nehemiah 8:2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.

Are you able to hear the words of the law, or is your heart have animosity towards God’s law?

Monday, September 11, 2023

Nehemiah 8:1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that [was] before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.

Although we do not follow the book of the law in practice, as they were symbols pointing to Jesus, we still can be instructed out of the law. So, how much do you know about the book of the law pointing to Jesus as our High Priest (Hebrews 5:5) in the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 9:11)?

Sunday, September 10, 2023

Nehemiah 7:73 So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and [some] of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel [were] in their cities.

We have a city that we ought to be looking forward to dwelling in. It is called the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2), where Jesus has gone to prepare mansions for us (John 14:2). We just need to make sure we are part of spiritual Israel or true Christianity (Romans 2:28-29, Romans 2:28). So, are you a true Christians or one that is in name but taking part of the ways of the world?

Friday, September 8, 2023

Nehemiah 7:72 And [that] which the rest of the people gave [was] twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and threescore and seven priests' garments.

Everyone can contribute to the work of God no matter how grand or how small for every amount is helpful. Again, what do you contribute to the work of God financially?

Thursday, September 7, 2023

Nehemiah 7:71 And [some] of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver.

If the Lord has blessed you abundantly, do you abundantly support the work of God financially?

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Nehemiah 7:70 And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests' garments.

And what do you give to the work of spreading the gospel today?

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Nehemiah 7:68-69 Their horses, seven hundred thirty and six: their mules, two hundred forty and five: [Their] camels, four hundred thirty and five: six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses.

Horses, mules, camels, and asses are all traveling animals. These animals are made for a journey. This ought to remind us of the spiritual journey that we are on. That means that we ought to do that which necessary to survive through this life without getting attached to “stuff” as we are on a journey towards the Kingdom of God. This journey focuses upon character development for “we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). So, how is your journey going? Is it filled with distractions of entertainment tainting the character development, of have you shunned those distractions?

Monday, September 4, 2023

Nehemiah 7:66-67 The whole congregation together [was] forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore, Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom [there were] seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women.

How is your singing voice? Looking forward to that gathering of the congregation in Heaven, not only will we be able to sing, but we shall have harps as well: “And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, [and] over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God” (Revelation 15:2). That means that we shall also know how to play them. It is going to be greater than any earthly choir! So, are you preparing for the heavenly choir, or are you content with earthly music?

Sunday, September 3, 2023

Nehemiah 7:65 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood [up] a priest with Urim and Thummim.

According to Exodus 28:30, the Bible says about Urim and Thummim, “And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim.” In other words, judgment needed to take place before they acted. Now, they were worried about eating “of the most holy things”. In our judgment, we ought to be concerned on which side God shall declare us to be judged as: “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still” (Revelation 22:11). So, are you living a righteous and holy life by the grace of God, or are you still filthy with known sins in your life being excused as “God will understand”?

Friday, September 1, 2023

Nehemiah 7:64 These sought their register [among] those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.

There are no names to look up in the Bible Lexicon, and this verse seems very obscure to work for an application to us in these last days, but it does indeed apply. First, we need to realize that Christ “hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 1:6). However, when one looks at the genealogy or connection to justify this verse being applied to us, it is not a matter of being connected with other human beings as is with Jesus, our Brother (Matthew 28:10). If we are not, we too shall be put from the priesthood. So, are you connected to Christ, or are you going it alone?

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Nehemiah 7:63 And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, which took [one] of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name.

Habaiah means "Jehovah has hidden"; Koz means "thorn"; Barzillai means "my iron"; and Gileadite means "rocky region". “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field” (Matthew 13:44). Once we buy into the Kingdom of God surrendering our lives and wills, then we, “the most upright [is sharper] than a thorn hedge” (Micah 7:4). And we are not concerned about the consequences to those that reject the Word of God as it has pricked their hearts because Jesus does “rule all nations with a rod of iron” (Revelation 12:5) against all those that have received the Word as being among a rocky region, having stoney hearts (Matthew 13:20). So, is your heart the good soil instead and have become upright?

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Nehemiah 7:62 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.

Dalaiah or Delaiah means "Jehovah has drawn"; Tobiah means "Jehovah is good"; and Nekoda means "distinguished". Jehovah indeed is good and has drawn us unto him to be distinguished, “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). So, are you one of God’s distinguished people who is showing forth His marvelous light, or are still in the darkness of Satan?

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Nehemiah 7:61 And these [were] they which went up [also] from Telmelah, Telharesha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, nor their seed, whether they [were] of Israel.

Tel-melah means "mound of salt"; Tel-harsha or Tel-harsa or Tel-haresha means "mound of the deaf mute"; Cherub means "blessing"; Addon means "powerful"; and Immer has no meaning. Immer had two sons: “And of the sons of Immer; Hanani, and Zebadiah” (Ezra 10:20). They mean "gracious" and "endowment of Jehovah" respectfully. We are to be “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13), and despite setbacks in life, even as far as being deaf or mute or both, we still can be a blessing to others and show a powerful message of the endowment of Jehovah regarding His gracious ways. So, do you mope over your setbacks in life, or do you glorify God with whatever talents you have been entrusted with?

Monday, August 28, 2023

Nehemiah 7:60 All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, [were] three hundred ninety and two.

Solomon means "peace" while Nethinims were temple slaves. When we are sinning, we are slaves to sin, even slaves to Satan, but by the grace of God, we can be lifted up from our slavery like the prodigal son and be at peace with God. What a wonderful free gift! But have you let go of what enslaves you, and have you done so completely?

Sunday, August 27, 2023

Nehemiah 7:59 The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon.

Shephatiah means "Jehovah has judged"; Hattil means "doubtful"; Amon means "skilled workman" or "master workman"; while both Pochereth and Zebaim have no meaning. We are to be skilled workmen and women so that when Jehovah has judged, we are found doing what He told us to do, “Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13), which is to be busy in the work of God in one form or another. We ought not doubt our salvation if we “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). So, when you examine what you are doing, is it what God can judged as being faithful?

Friday, August 25, 2023

Nehemiah 7:58 The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,

Jaala or Jaalah means "ascending"; Darkon means "scatterer"; and Giddel means "very great". The one that had been the Scatterer shall also “gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon” (Revelation 16:16), which, in the Hebrew is known as Mount Zion and not Megiddo for it represents God’s people (Isaiah 51:16) in every age. Further, another name for Mount Zion is “the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north” (Isaiah 14:13), which “[is] mount Zion, [on] the sides of the north, the city of the great King” (Psalms 48:2). In the end, “a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands” (Revelation 7:9). One can say that it will be a very great multitude since they cannot number them. So, are you planning on being part of the assembly (Zion), or are you just leaving things to chance?

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Nehemiah 7:57 The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida,

Sotai means "changeful"; Sophereth means "writing"; and Peruda or Perida means "grain" or "kernel". Now, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed” (Matthew 17:20) and apply the writings of the prophets as found in God’s Word, which promises to sanctify us (John 17:17), then “with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). So, do you have that much faith to be changed through the writings inspired of God through His Word?

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Nehemiah 7:56 The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.

Neziah means "pre-eminent" and Hatipha means "seized". Pre-eminent means to be an expert, standing out, distinguished. Seized means to take hold of. And that is just what the gospel can do for us. Once it seizes us in a good sense, we “are changed into the same image from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Let us face it, either sin controls us leading to death or God’s Spirit does granting us eternal life (Romans 6:23). When it does happen, we become distinguished, in self-control, a better person. So, has the gospel taken hold upon you making you a better person than you used to be?

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Nehemiah 7:55 The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah,

Barkos has no meaning; Sisera means "battle array"; and Tamah or Thamah means "laughter". Oh, “the spirits of devils, working miracles, [which] go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty” (Revelation 16:14), which is what a battle array means, the strategic efforts to win the battle. However, God says, “I also will laugh at your calamity” (Proverbs 1:26), meaning, all the strategic planning is effortless against the one that shall win the battle, which is God. Just look at Revelation 19 to see what happens to these so called carefully laid out plans. The laughter is not that of a reaction to a joke where one grabs their belly over a humorous anecdote, but more of a huff in expression to imply, “You really think you can win the battle?” So, are you part of the plans putting you in position to fight against God, like all of the brainwashing going on in the movies and television that makes God out to be some evil being imposing laws that needs rebelled against, or are you on the side of God in keeping those laws that are best for us to live by?

Monday, August 21, 2023

Nehemiah 7:54 The children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,

Bazlith or Bazluth means "asking"; Mehida means "famous" or "noble"; and Harsha means "mute". Jesus once told a parable comparing Himself to a nobleman: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return” (Luke 19:12). In addition to that, Jesus was approached by a mute person once: “And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech” (Mark 7:32). Of course, the people that brought this deaf and mute person to Jesus was asking for a healing. The result was that “straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain” (Mark 7:35). Now, do you bring your own personal cares to this very nobleman named Jesus trusting that what He did for this mute person can be replicated towards your needs?

Sunday, August 20, 2023

Nehemiah 7:53 The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,

Bakbuk means "bottle"; Hakupha means "bent"; and Harhur means "inflammation". Jesus said, “Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved” (Matthew 9:17). So, if an old bottle, representing an unconverted person, is “bent to backsliding” (Hosea 11:7), that person will suffer great inflammation of the skin for it will be caused from burning (Deuteronomy 28:22), and the great burning is that of hell fire. So, are you still and old bottle pretending to be a Christian or a new bottle being converted into having a Christ-like character?

Friday, August 18, 2023

Nehemiah 7:52 The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephishesim,

Besai means "my treading"; Mehunim or Meunim means "habitations"; and Nephisesim has no meaning nor any other reference to children. At the second coming, Jesus shall be doing a whole lot of treading, even against the habitations of the lost. “And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God” (Revelation 19:15). “With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets: he shall slay thy people by the sword, and thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground” (Ezekiel 26:11). “For, behold, the LORD cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth” (Micah 1:3). So, will God be treading you down because you are caught up in the entertainments and distractions of the world, or will you stand as a faithful servant doing the work He commissioned to be done?

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Nehemiah 7:51 The children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Phaseah,

Gazzam means "devouring"; Uzza or Uzzah means "strength"; and Paseah or Phaseah means "limper". When we allow sin to devour our lives, we lack the strength to resist, even becoming limp or helpless. Thank God that “he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). So, are you allowing sin to devour your life, or are you allowing God to take away the sin (Matthew 1:21) “to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man” (Ephesians 3:16)?

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Nehemiah 7:50 The children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda,

Reaia or Reaiah means "Jehovah has seen"; Rezin means "firm"; and Nekoda means "distinguished" or “commanding great respect”. Jehovah sees all things (Psalms 139:7-13) and is firm about saving us that by sending His Son to die for us so that we may live (John 3:16) commands great respect. Now, do you respect God enough to obey His commandments, or do you disrespect God by living in sin but calling yourself a Christian or saved or something like that?

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Nehemiah 7:49 The children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar,

Canan or Hanan means "he is merciful"; Giddel means "very great"; and Gahar means "hiding place". When we enter into our hiding place, our prayer time, and confess our sins to God, He is very great for He is merciful! “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). There is nothing that God is not willing to forgive if one is confessing and repenting of it! So, are you confessing all of your sins, or are you committing the unpardonable sin (Matthew 12:31-32), which is the resisting of the Holy Spirit reproving of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8) along with being guided into truth (John 16:13)?

Sunday, August 13, 2023

Nehemiah 7:47 The children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon,

Keros means "ankle"; Padon means "ransom"; while Sia or Siaha has no meaning and there are no other references to Sia or even Siha. Now, one of the first public miracles that the apostles performed, specifically by Peter and John, involved ransoming a person from sin and a healing in the ankle. “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, [being] the ninth [hour]. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted [him] up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength” (Acts 3:1-2, 6-7). So, have you been ransomed from the grips of sin and even received a physical healing as a result?

Friday, August 11, 2023

Nehemiah 7:46 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth,

The Nethinims were temple slaves to assist the Levites. It certainly was a different time back then, but nonetheless, Ziha means "parched"; Hasupha or Hashupha means "stripped"; and Tabbaoth means "rings". “Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). “And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb” (Exodus 33:6). And rings were used in assembling the sanctuary, especially the one in the desert (Exodus 25:12-15, Exodus 28:23-28, etc.). So, do you thirst after righteousness, stripping yourself by the grace of God of all your idols, and going in the way of God which “[is] in the sanctuary” (Psalms 77:13)?

Thursday, August 10, 2023

Nehemiah 7:45 The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight.

Shallum means "retribution"; Ater means "binder"; Talmon means "oppressor"; Akkub means "insidious"; Hatita means "exploring"; and Shobai means "glorious". A great retribution or vengeance (Isaiah 59:17) will be poured out upon all those that bind themselves to iniquity (Hosea 13:12) listening to the great oppressor (Proverbs 28:16), Satan, who is insidious and encouraging the exploration of knowing both good and evil (Genesis 3:5) by experience. And everything that is done, including the vengeance upon the lost, is all to the glorification of God. What a glorious day it will be to the saved. So, are you listening to the suggestiveness of Satan, or do you “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7)?

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

Nehemiah 7:44 The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred forty and eight.

Asaph means "gatherer". Revelation 16:15-16 tell us about the gathering by Jesus Christ of the saved for “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.” This is NOT antichrist gathering for a physical battle over in the Middle East as falsely taught to most Christians. In the Hebrew Tongue, Armageddon is known as Mount Zion, which is a spiritual application towards the holy city of God in Heaven known also as the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2) for “The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 60:14). So, are you getting ready to be gathered into Heaven, into the New Jerusalem, into the Holy Mountain Zion, as part of “the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north” (Isaiah 14:13)?

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Nehemiah 7:43 The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, [and] of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four.

Jeshua means "he is saved"; Kadmiel means "God is the ancient one"; and Hodevah means "praise of Jehovah". A person is saved because the ancient one, “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Keep in mind that we, “Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:11). So, how much do you appreciate God sending Jesus to you and I? Enough to praise God and give Him glory by living in obedience to Him?

Monday, August 7, 2023

Nehemiah 7:42 The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.

Harim means "dedicated". Looking up the word “dedicated” throughout the scriptures in all of its forms (dedicate, dedicating, dedicated, etc.), we see physical objects, especially vessels, being dedicated to the house of God. Spiritually speaking, we are considered vessels (2 Timothy 2:21). So, are you a dedicated vessel to God?

Sunday, August 6, 2023

Nehemiah 7:41 The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.

Pashur means "freedom". Unfortunately, the use of freedom among many Christians is understood as the freedom to willingly sin, but that is a misinterpretation of scripture and will be deadly. Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). So, we must know truth. Paul wrote, “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:18) and “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life” (Romans 6:22). Sinning is not an option for a Christian, at least a true Christian. So, do you have the proper understanding of what it means to be free in Christ? One definition glorifies Christ while the other glorifies self, sin, and Satan.

Friday, August 4, 2023

Nehemiah 7:40 The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.

Immer has no meaning, so we turn to Ezra 10:20 regarding his sons: “And of the sons of Immer; Hanani, and Zebadiah.” Hanani means "gracious" while Zebadiah means "endowment of Jehovah". And God’s grace indeed is an endowment of Jehovah, but do you use it wisely to be “dead to sin” (Romans 6:2), or exaggerated allowing for a worldly life committing spiritual “lasciviousness” (Jude 1:4)?

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Nehemiah 7:39 The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.

Jedaiah means "Jehovah has known" while Jeshua means "he is saved". The Bible says, “Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name” (Psalms 91:14). So, is your love upon God or the things of this world?

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Nehemiah 7:38 The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty.

Senaah or Hassenaah means "thorny". There are fifty-four references to thorns. Three are most significant. The first states, “Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field” (Genesis 3:18). The second tells us, “And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put [it] upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!” (Matthew 27:29). And the third reveals, “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure” (2 Corinthians 12:7). So, are you appreciating the lessons to be learned among thorns, what Jesus suffered for your sake, and are dealing with spiritual challenges in your life?

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Nehemiah 7:37 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and one.

Hadid means "sharp" and no means "vigorous" while Lod has no meaning. And Lod has no mention of children in the Bible so we shall focus on “sharp” and “vigorous”. And a vigorous use of something sharp that is applicable to us or in the near future is found in Revelation 19: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes [were] as a flame of fire, and on his head [were] many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he [was] clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies [which were] in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God” (Revelation 19:11-15). And that sharp sword that he judges the nations with is none other than the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12). So, is the sharp sword cutting out sin from your life as you daily search the scriptures, or will the sharp sword cut you down at the second coming because the Word of God is not something you submit to?

Monday, July 31, 2023

Nehemiah 7:36 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.

Jericho means "its moon". Some compare the moon to the sun in which the moon has no light of itself but reflects the light of the sun, though dimmer. We are told in Psalms 84:11, “the LORD God [is] a sun and shield” (Psalms 84:11). The moon has been compared to people (Genesis 37:9). Therefore, we ought to reflect the light of God as the moon reflects the light of the sun. Jesus even said, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). So, are you lined up with God to reflect as much light as possible, or has the world dulled your reflection?

Sunday, July 30, 2023

Nehemiah 7:35 The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.

Harim means "dedicated". God is dedicated to saving us that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16), but are you dedicated to serving Him or self?

Friday, July 28, 2023

Nehemiah 7:34 The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.

That means we already addressed Elam before since this refers to the “other Elam”. That was back on verse 12, where we found out that Elam meant "eternity". So, we ask again, is that on your mind, or are you more wrapped up with what this world has to offer?

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Nehemiah 7:33 The men of the other Nebo, fifty and two.

Nebo or Nabu means "prophet". The Bible says, “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). Jesus is about to come back soon, so do you think that God would still keep His Word and show us things by a prophet or prophets, or do you think all prophesying ended at the close of the Bible in the first century?

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Nehemiah 7:32 The men of Bethel and Ai, an hundred twenty and three.

Bethel means "house of God" while Ai or Aija or Aijath or Hai means "heap of ruins". And that is exactly what the temple, the house of God, was in the days of Daniel and being rebuilt under Nehemiah. It happened again under the Roman authority in 70 AD and has not been built ever again. However, there are many Christians who misinterpret scripture into thinking that yet another temple will be built here on earth when in fact the next temple to be built is underway in Heaven for we “are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone]: In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:20-22). “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). So, are you a lively stone to be added to the spiritual house, or are you still playing around with a heap of ruins and earthly stones?

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Nehemiah 7:31 The men of Michmas, an hundred and twenty and two.

Michmas or Michmash means "hidden", and “[It is] the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings [is] to search out a matter” (Proverbs 25:2). Keep in mind that Jesus Christ “hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:10). So, are you searching out the hidden things of God that only His subjects are able to discern by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14), “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15)?

Monday, July 24, 2023

Nehemiah 7:30 The men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty and one.

Ramah means "hill" while Gaba or Geba or Gibeah also means "hill". The most important hill is Zion: “Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion” (Psalms 2:6) where “Zion,” is “the hill of Jerusalem” (Isaiah 10:32). And before us is “the holy city, new Jerusalem” (Revelation 21:2) that the redeemed will be in. So, do you “Strive to enter in at the strait gate” (Luke 13:24), or are you taking a different path as “broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction” (Matthew 7:13) but thinking you are still headed to Zion?

Sunday, July 23, 2023

Nehemiah 7:29 The men of Kirjathjearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty and three.

Kirjath-jearim means "city of forests"; Chephirah means "lioness"; and Beeroth means "wells". As for the city of forests, the closest Bible verse on the topic is in Isaiah 41:19-20: “I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, [and] the pine, and the box tree together: That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.” The only verse that uses the word “lioness” is in Ezekiel 19:2, which says, “A lioness: she lay down among lions, she nourished her whelps among young lions.” And Isaiah 12:3 states, “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” So, does the hand of the Lord nourish you unto salvation?

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Nehemiah 7:27 The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.

Anathoth means "answers to prayer". God is our answer to prayer, but did you know that we also have a part to play in answers to prayer? The man with the withered hand had to put forth his hand before it was healed (Matthew 12:10-13). To pray and do nothing treats God as a magician. To pray and become active multiplies our ability for a miracle to happen. And then regarding answers to prayer, remember, it is in God’s time and in God’s way. So, how active are you when you pray, and are you patiently praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)?

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Nehemiah 7:26 The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight.

Beth-lehem means "house of bread (food)" while Netophah means "dropping". According to Psalms 78:24, it says, “And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven.” This is the greatest dropping of food upon the human race. He dropped food in Elijah’s hands as well: “And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook” (1 Kings 17:6). And when the time comes that we will not be able to buy or sell (Revelation 13:17), God will again provide by some means for “bread shall be given him; his waters [shall be] sure” (Isaiah 33:16). So, do you trust to God to provide food in the time of need, or are you stockpiling for that time your own food in which thieves will more than likely come after causing one to consider arming oneself, which just might not be the way of God?

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Nehemiah 7:25 The children of Gibeon, ninety and five.

Gibeon means "hill city". God’s “hill city” is none other than “Mount Zion”. “Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion” (Psalms 2:6). “I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill” (Psalms 3:4). “LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?” (Psalms 15:1). “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?” (Psalms 24:3). “Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God [is] holy” (Psalms 99:9). In fact, According to Revelation 16:16, Jesus and not the antichrist “gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.” The gathering of them is the saved. Armageddon in the Hebrew Tongue is Mount Zion. In other words, Jesus comes in verse 15 and in 16 takes the saved to Heavenly Zion, God’s holy hill, the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2). So, are you planning to gathered into Heaven or gathered in Mount Megiddo to fight over some land that is not so holy?

Sunday, July 16, 2023

Nehemiah 7:24 The children of Hariph, an hundred and twelve.

Hariph means "a plucking off". And that should remind us that no one can be plucked off easily from God’s hand. In fact, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand” (John 10:28-29). But do you know that this is a conditional promise? “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” (John 10:27) appears right before those two often quoted verses ending with a colon making it connected to them and placing a condition upon them. If we stop listening to the voice of God and stop following Him as in His ways, then we are pluckable. So, do you constantly stay in God’s Word obeying all that He commands, or are you off and wandering about doing whatever you like thinking that you are saved?

Friday, July 14, 2023

Nehemiah 7:23 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and four.

Bezai means "conqueror" as we are to be. “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37). So, are you “born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith” (1 John 5:4)?

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Nehemiah 7:22 The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight.

Hashum means "rich". The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 4:8, “Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.” Being focused upon the godly, we become rich for “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich” (Revelation 3:18). So, are you rich in spiritual matters that will last throughout eternity or earthly matters which will perish?

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Nehemiah 7:21 The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.

Ater means "binder" while Hezekiah or Hizkiah or Hizkijah means "Jehovah is my strength". It is Jehovah’s strength that binds us to Him, in fact, “I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up [that which was] broken, and will strengthen that which was sick” (Ezekiel 34:15-16). “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:2-4). So, are you bound to Christ or Satan?

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Nehemiah 7:20 The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five.

Adin means "dainty" or "delicate". And what does God think of the word “delicate”? “I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate [woman]” (Jeremiah 6:2). God compares His people as to a comely, delicate woman. Are you part of this description, or are you part of the rebellious, apostate, lawless harlot that is also used as a female symbol when those claiming to be of God are backsliding (Jeremiah 3:8)?

Monday, July 10, 2023

Nehemiah 7:19 The children of Bigvai, two thousand threescore and seven.

Bigvai has no meaning, so we turn to Ezra 8:14 regarding his sons: “Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seventy males.” Uthai means "helpful" while Zabbud has no meaning. Now, “The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:6). Is He your Helper?

Sunday, July 9, 2023

Nehemiah 7:18 The children of Adonikam, six hundred threescore and seven.

Adonikam means "my lord arose". Has your Lord arose, or is he still in the grave?

Friday, July 7, 2023

Nehemiah 7:17 The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty and two.

Azgad means "Gad is mighty". Now the question is, do you really believe that He is mighty even to separate you from your addictions, every sin, everything ungodly in your life?

Thursday, July 6, 2023

Nehemiah 7:16 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight.

Bebai has no meaning, so we turn to Ezra who tells us about his son: “Of the sons also of Bebai; Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, [and] Athlai” (Ezra 10:28). Jehohanan means "Jehovah has graced"; Hananiah means "God has favoured"; Zabbai means "pure"; and Athlai means "whom Jehovah afflicts". Jehovah provides grace to His favored people, who are those that choose to be on God’s side and willing to be made pure through the allowed afflictions. “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried” (Daniel 12:10). So, are you going through the purification process, or are you resisting it?

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Nehemiah 7:15 The children of Binnui, six hundred forty and eight.

Binnui means "built up". Interestingly, the last day people, which spans more than a generation for it is a time period leading up to the second coming, has a work to do: “[they that shall be] of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in” (Isaiah 58:12). The spiritual path is stated as, “Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight” (Psalms 119:35). And the breach in God’s law was made under the earlier part of antichrist’s reign when it would “think to change times and laws” (Daniel 7:25). And this is how “all the world wondered after the beast” (Revelation 13:3). So, are you assisting in building up and restoring God’s law that has been trampled these many generations, or are you part of the group that tramples all over God’s law, even using so-called biblical reasons: grace, faith, once saved/always saved, just believe, etc.?

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Nehemiah 7:14 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.

Zaccai means "pure". Jesus said, “Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). So, how is your heart?

Monday, July 3, 2023

Nehemiah 7:13 The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five.

Zattu has no meaning, so we are going to turn to his sons: “And of the sons of Zattu; Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, and Jeremoth, and Zabad, and Aziza” (Ezra 10:27). Elionai/Elihoenai means "unto Jehovah are my eyes"; Eliashib means "God restores"; Mattaniah means "gift of Jehovah"; Jerimoth or Jeremoth means "He is Most High"; Zabad means "he endows"; Aziza means "strong". We are to see through Jehovah’s eyes, and when we see sin in our life, God restores through the gift of Jehovah being Jesus Christ, His Son. He is the Most High and endows us to be strong to resist the devil. So, how is your resistance in God’s strength working out?

Sunday, July 2, 2023

Nehemiah 7:12 The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.

Elam means "eternity". Do you have your eyes set upon eternity?

Friday, June 30, 2023

Nehemiah 7:11 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand and eight hundred [and] eighteen.

Pahath-moab means "pit of Moab"; Jeshua means "he is saved"; and Joab means "Jehovah is father". Our Father is able to save even from the pit of Moab, the pit of this world. The Bible does say, “He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). So, has God pulled you out of this world, or are you still hanging onto some sinful activities?

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Nehemiah 7:10 The children of Arah, six hundred fifty and two.

Arah means "traveler", and that is what we are doing. We are traveling through this world to get to the next. We are not to settle in and make ourselves comfortable with the distractions that the world has to offer. We are pilgrims, which is another way saying traveler. So, are you a traveler or have you become distracted?

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Nehemiah 7:9 The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.

Shephatiah means "Jehovah has judged". Not by coincidence, before Jesus shows up symbolically in Revelation 14:14, warning messages are provided to the last day people on earth, which is not just the last group of people to live but a period of time spanning multiple generations known as the last days. And in those last days as they continue even now and until time is completed, part of the message contains, “the hour of his judgment is come” (Revelation 14:7) where “he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:31). And when it is done, it will be declared, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:11-12). Indeed, Jehovah has judged, is judging, and will continue to judge until He is done, and when your name comes up, what will He declare of you?

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Nehemiah 7:8 The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.

Parosh or Pharosh means "flea". David, who was chased by Saul, considered himself to be a flea: “Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains” (1 Samuel 26:20). So, despite being considered a flea, a speck, do you still recognize that God cares for you personally (Matthew 10:30-31)?

Monday, June 26, 2023

Nehemiah 7:7 Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, [I say], of the men of the people of Israel [was this];

Zerubbabel means "sown in Babylon"; Jeshua means "he is saved"; Nehemiah means "Jehovah comforts"; Azariah means "Jehovah has helped"; Raamiah means "thunder of Jehovah"; Nahamani means "merciful"; Mordecai means "little man"; Mispereth means "number"; Nehum means "comfort"; and Israel means "God prevails". Bilshan, Bigvai, and Baana or Baanah have no meanings. So, connecting what we do know while applied to these last days, according to Revelation, we are in Babylon, but the faithful are saved. While going through Babylon, God comforts His people with the Comforter of course (John 14:26). And in times of need, God helps us. To the wicked, all of God’s actions comes across as thunder. To the righteous, He is merciful for He keeps “mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]” (Exodus 34:7). Though we are little in His sight, we can be among the number, hopefully among the one-hundred-forty-four-thousand (Revelation 7:4). Again, God comforts His people by reassuring us that He will prevail. So, are you on God’s side despite what is going on in the world fulfilling prophecy right before our eyes?

Sunday, June 25, 2023

Nehemiah 7:5-6 And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein, These [are] the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city;

These are not the “endless genealogies” (1 Timothy 1:4) that one ought not “give heed to”. This was for the purpose of order, setting things back to the way they used to be before the captivity. But do you, in this day and age, spend your time seeing who you are related to of which most are unsaved anyways, or do you live “forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before” (Philippians 3:13)?

Friday, June 23, 2023

Nehemiah 7:4 Now the city [was] large and great: but the people [were] few therein, and the houses [were] not builded.

There is much work to be done and yet so few to do it. Oh, we are not talking about building physical houses today. We are talking about winning souls, building spiritual houses. So, despite the overwhelming need, do you progress in saving souls, or are you indifferent to them, even thinking that it is the minister’s responsibility?

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Nehemiah 7:3 And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar [them]: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one [to be] over against his house.

Are you a watcher over your household guarding against every avenue that Satan attempts, especially through electronic devices, or do you think it is no big deal?

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Nehemiah 7:1 Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed, That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he [was] a faithful man, and feared God above many.

As Jesus said, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much” (Luke 16:10). So, are you faithful in the littles of life?

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Nehemiah 6:19 Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. [And] Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

This is the same politics of today. The media, for instance, will report all of the good and ignore all of the bad for politicians they like but despite the people they hate doing the right thing, everything evil, even the hint thereof, is reported. The same is with various issues, where the proper choice is made to look evil while the evil way is promoted as the better choice. The question is, do you see through these bias outlets, or do you believe everything presented?

Monday, June 19, 2023

Nehemiah 6:18 For [there were] many in Judah sworn unto him, because he [was] the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.

Shecaniah or Shechaniah means "dweller with Jehovah"; Arah means "traveller"; Jehohanan means "Jehovah has graced"; Meshullam means "friend"; and Berachiah or Berechiah means "Jehovah blesses". If we dwell with Jehovah through prayer, His Word, and obedience to Him as we travel through this world on our way to the heavenly kingdom, Jehovah, our friend, will provide the grace sufficient for us and bless us. So, will you dwell with Jehovah each and every day through prayer and in His Word?

Sunday, June 18, 2023

Nehemiah 6:17 Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and [the letters] of Tobiah came unto them.

As Jeremiah 20:10 states, “Report, [say they], and we will report it”, indeed it was reported. So, how would you like that every move of yours was reported to your enemy? Do you report other people’s moves to their enemies?

Friday, June 16, 2023

Nehemiah 6:16 And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard [thereof], and all the heathen that [were] about us saw [these things], they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.

Perseverance, endurance, faithfulness all, in time, will give glory to God. It may be trying at times, but eventually, even our enemies shall recognize the hand of God. So, how is your faithfulness to God, or do you look for compromise to keep the peace?

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Nehemiah 6:15 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth [day] of [the month] Elul, in fifty and two days.

Those that are known as “The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in” (Isaiah 58:12) have taken more than twenty-five days to repair, in fact, it has been more than twenty-five weeks, more than twenty-five months, even more than twenty-five years, a lot more. How many more years we have to go, God only knows. But are you repairing the spiritual breach or breaking it down?

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Nehemiah 6:14 My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.

Who do you listen to? Preachers who create nothing but fear or may even completely ignore the present truth because they are fearful themselves, or do you listen to those that preach fulfilling prophecy and point to our blessed Hope as we successfully navigate through the tribulation days before us?

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Nehemiah 6:13 Therefore [was] he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and [that] they might have [matter] for an evil report, that they might reproach me.

Nehemiah was able to avoid being afraid, avoid sinning, and avoid having evil reported of him. In all that you do, are you careful to make sure no one can point a sin happening in your life?

Monday, June 12, 2023

Nehemiah 6:12 And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.

There are prophets of God and false prophets. And in our day, there is no difference. In fact, Jesus stated, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15), which also means there are true prophets still among us. And if we substitute “preacher” for “prophet”, we definitely can state that there are false and true preachers despite almost all of them claiming to be Christian. We know this to be true because many doctrines conflict between denominations. Both preachers cannot be correct. So, are you able to discern the true from the false? Are you willing to discern? “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

Sunday, June 11, 2023

Nehemiah 6:11 And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who [is there], that, [being] as I [am], would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.

Nehemiah had a God given purpose; therefore, he believed in a God given protection. So, when you know you are doing something God wants you to do, is it your practice to rely upon God for protection while you do it?

Friday, June 9, 2023

Nehemiah 6:10 Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who [was] shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.

Shemaiah means "heard by Jehovah"; Dalaiah or Delaiah means "Jehovah has drawn"; and Mehetabeel or Mehetabel means "favoured of God". God hears everything, be it true or false. God also is ready with drawn sword to go to battle commissioning His protective angels especially upon those that are favored of God. To be in favor or loved of God, we are told, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love” (John 15:10). So, are you abiding in God’s commandments?

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Nehemiah 6:8 Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.

Nehemiah saw through their objective and called it like Jesus identified. “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:19). So, do evil people distract you by the evil that comes out of their hearts?

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Nehemiah 6:7 And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, [There is] a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.

So, the lies continued. There were no prophets to announce this. There was no king in Judah. And for there to be a moment of counsel then to discuss these things is preposterous. “Let me exaggerate about you and then let us meet to discuss these matters.” It is nothing more than the same attempt to tell Nehemiah to stop what he was doing, come on down for a meeting, and there to have him slain. Of course, they were not as blunt about it. And Satan is not so blunt with his distractions for us, and yet, the result is the same – death. “You are too full of yourself. You think yourself better then others. Come, let us have a drink, or a joint, or some other mind-altering substance that if continued will end in death.” If it were that blatant, would you participate in it?

Monday, June 5, 2023

Nehemiah 6:6 Wherein [was] written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith [it, that] thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.

We cannot control the actions of others, and surely this was a great distraction by bringing up false charges. Did they have any real evidence for this? Remember, every action has both a positive and a negative to it. Building a wall is usually done for protection against enemies, which is a positive and the truth in this situation, but wall building can be for rebellion and separation and that was the exaggeration, which was a lie, that was being presented in the letter, also being a threat. Nonetheless, lies are what typically gets the enemy their way. It happens in politics all the time. Just because a bill was passed does not mean they hate other people, but it is made to look that way. So, do you listen to the lie of a given situation or do you try to figure out the truth of the matter?

Sunday, June 4, 2023

Nehemiah 6:5 Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;

And when milder methods of the devil do not accomplish the task of shutting down God’s work, a more intense step is sure to follow. So, when you are doing God’s work and more serious action is taken by the enemy, is that enough to intimidate you?

Friday, June 2, 2023

Nehemiah 6:4 Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.

The devil does not stop after one attempt at distracting a person from the mission, in fact, he does not stop after four attempts. The important thing is, are you consistent in your response to the devil as Nehemiah was to Sanballat and Geshem, or depending on the temptation, do you waver a little encouraging the devil to continue to tempt in a particular area?

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Nehemiah 6:3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I [am] doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?

Most Christians are distracted with simple thing like television, sporting events, politics, etc. So, do you let anything distract you from doing such a great work for God?

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Nehemiah 6:2 That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in [some one of] the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.

Not every invitation has a good purpose. Many stories have been told of “setups” in schools of the world to embarrass a student. So, are you able to discern the truth about invitations as did Nehemiah?

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Nehemiah 6:1 Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and [that] there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)

Sanballat means "strength"; Tobiah means "Jehovah is good"; and Geshem or Gashmu means "rain". Jehovah indeed is good, and He strengthens us by the rain, both “the early and latter rain” (James 5:7). The early rain works repentance upon the heart while the latter rain strengthens us to do the work (Job 37:6-7). So, when the enemy hears that you may be working to repair the breach, that you are part of those that “shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in” (Isaiah 58:12), are you ready to face them in God’s strength, Who is good, and provides the necessary rain?

Monday, May 29, 2023

Nehemiah 5:19 Think upon me, my God, for good, [according] to all that I have done for this people.

Can God think upon you as serving the good of others, or do you have a streak of selfishness to deal with?

Sunday, May 28, 2023

Nehemiah 5:18 Now [that] which was prepared [for me] daily [was] one ox [and] six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.

Symbolically, we ought to reject the false religious position of the government, the pretended care for the people, the pretended welfare of our country. We are in a type of bondage more so today, where the notion of protecting freedom of religion around the world is just rhetoric when it is under attack here in our own country and allowed to take place despite the laws on the books. So, do you reject the falsehoods from the government, or do you really think they have our best interest at heart? Mind you, this is in no wise a call to do anything but act like Jesus did under Roman authority – change one heart at a time for these things must come to pass.

Friday, May 26, 2023

Nehemiah 5:17 Moreover [there were] at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that [are] about us.

Nehemiah practiced a certain principle: “A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly” (Proverbs 18:24). So, do you show yourself friendly?

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Nehemiah 5:16 Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants [were] gathered thither unto the work.

When working for the Lord, even personal distractions were not allowed to interfere. So, how dedicated are you to the work of God?

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Nehemiah 5:15 But the former governors that [had been] before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.

Those in higher powers, especially with congress, presidency, and yes, governors, they outwardly seem to appear to be helpful to the people but in reality, they are stealing the very life from the citizens because of greed for money and/or power. Now, do you recognize that greed in our politicians, or are you taken in by the right words they say?

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Nehemiah 5:14 Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, [that is], twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.

How committed are you to the service of God? Are you willing to forsake the feeding of propaganda by the government and choose to be following the Word of God instead?

Monday, May 22, 2023

Nehemiah 5:13 Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD. And the people did according to this promise.

Do you take your commitments in the eyes of God seriously, or will you be shaken out in the end?

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Nehemiah 5:12 Then said they, We will restore [them], and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.

So, here we have the right thing being done. Evidently, not all oath taking is condemned. Jesus had made mention of such. “But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King” (Matthew 5:34-35). What is condemned is the careless statements like, “May God strike me dead if I’m lying!” But when it comes to actual godly agreement, that is different. Too bad a mere statement was not good enough. So, can people take you at your word, or do you have to utter an oath, a promise, even sign a document for simple transactions?

Friday, May 19, 2023

Nehemiah 5:11 Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth [part] of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them.

When a person has been wronged, just saying, “Sorry”, is not sufficient. Restoration, the trying to make things right, is the expectation of God upon every Christian. So, are you a “words only” Christian when you wrong someone, or do you try your best to fix things in an attempt to restore that person back to the position that they were in before the offence?

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Nehemiah 5:10 I likewise, [and] my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury.

Sure, requesting payment to cover the cost and make a reasonable living is allowable, but especially towards fellow brethren in hard times or situations, charging interest should be reconsidered. And those that charge an extraordinary amount of interest, like credit cards do, is outright greedy and controlling. So, how careful are you in your financial interaction with fellow brethren and sisters?

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Nehemiah 5:9 Also I said, It [is] not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?

When people do not fear God, they treat their fellow human beings miserably. Those that do fear God know who the real enemy happens to be. So, do you fear God or not?

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Nehemiah 5:8 And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing [to answer].

What could they say? They were guilty. They were taking advantage of people in a bad situation. Obviously, they did not stop to consider the humanity, the compassion that they ought to have thought about. When faced with guilt of any wrong doing, would you persist in lying your way out, or would you remain silent as these people demonstrated?

Monday, May 15, 2023

Nehemiah 5:7 Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them.

Making money off of the unfortunate in time of need is robbery against thy neighbor. Now, do you take advantage of those in need, or are you sympathetic and try to help?

Sunday, May 14, 2023

Nehemiah 5:6 And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.

When you see people at a disadvantage, do you develop holy anger, permissible by God?

Friday, May 12, 2023

Nehemiah 5:5 Yet now our flesh [is] as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and [some] of our daughters are brought unto bondage [already]: neither [is it] in our power [to redeem them]; for other men have our lands and vineyards.

This is despicable that fellow “church members” would allow such to happen to their own people. They are equal people but one is in bondage while the other is enjoying their gain. Unfortunately, such treatment between “church members” is not just an historical occurrence. “But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues” (Matthew 10:17). Right there in the synagogues or, in today’s terms, churches will be scourges. That is church member against church member. So, do you have any animosity towards those that simply want to follow the Bible, or are you one to receive criticism for wanting Bible doctrines and not human made doctrines?

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Nehemiah 5:4 There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute, [and that upon] our lands and vineyards.

Today, people borrow to pay taxes, including property taxes. It is tough times that we live in, and it shall continue to become financially challenging on purpose as we near the end of time. But is your mind on money, or doing the Lord’s work?

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Nehemiah 5:3 [Some] also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.

There is another dearth coming. “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find [it]” (Amos 8:11-12). Nothing will be able to be sold to buy it either. In fact, now is the time to “Buy the truth, and sell [it] not; [also] wisdom, and instruction, and understanding” (Proverbs 23:23). So, are you appreciating God’s Word today, or do you continuously put off exploring it?

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Nehemiah 5:2 For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, [are] many: therefore we take up corn [for them], that we may eat, and live.

All people want is to simply take care of their families, but it appears the version of the story playing out today, the elite are not happy with letting people getting on with their lives. The elite make it so difficult that the bare necessity to sustain life is obtained, like obtaining mere corn, and even then, that is being sought after to be taken away. So, are you feeling the financial pinch that will continue to get worse ushering in the Mark of the Beast, or are you alright with how the world’s economy is headed?

Monday, May 8, 2023

Nehemiah 5:1 And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews.

As we shall see in this chapter, there is much infighting among God’s people. If the devil cannot destroy from without, he will cause division from within. Jesus even said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand” (Matthew 12:25). Now, defending the truth is one thing that may rightly cause division, but those that try to tear down the standards of God by slinging mud is another thing. On which side do you stand?

Sunday, May 7, 2023

Nehemiah 4:23 So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, [saving that] every one put them off for washing.

We are not in the same physical place where we have to wear the same clothes while being on guard from enemies, but there is a clothing that we ought never take off while the enemy of our souls continues to roam about “as a roaring lion … seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). So, do you keep this armor on all of the time?

Friday, May 5, 2023

Nehemiah 4:22 Likewise at the same time said I unto the people, Let every one with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and labour on the day.

Instead of taking the risk of being attacked by leaving Jerusalem for a home in another town and then return in the morning under the same risk, so the workers stayed in the city of God and were protected. We too shall stay in Jerusalem and be protected for “John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). “And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, and shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them” (Revelation 20:7-9). But the important thing today is to abide with God now so we can be inside the New Jerusalem when the fires of hell are unleashed upon the wicked. “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23). “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love” (John 15:10). So, are you abiding in God today by keeping His Word and the Ten Commandments?

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Nehemiah 4:21 So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.

Some times people may feel that their duty contributes very little to the spreading of the gospel due to their own limitations. Just keep in mind, the half of the men that stood with spears contributed very little physically by just standing there watching, however, they were a great deterrent to the enemy allowing the builders to get as far as they did. So, do you consider your role unimportant in the scheme of things regarding the work of God, or do you see everyone has a role to play and to do so faithfully keeping in mind that not duty is insignificant?

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Nehemiah 4:20 In what place [therefore] ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.

And since we serve the same God today, do you believe He will fight for you even now? Do you invite Him to fight the evil in your life including addictions, habits, and outright sins?

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Nehemiah 4:19 And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work [is] great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another.

And it is so today spiritually. The work to take not just any gospel but “this gospel of the kingdom” (Matthew 24:14), which is outlined in Revelation 14:6-12 symbolically with angels as “having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” (Revelation 14:6), must continue to be taught. Those having the true gospel are far from one another as if each were all alone despite some others having the same denominational name yet are just playing church. Now, are you part of the true gospel mission or are you just playing church and socializing, singing “feel good” songs, getting a pep talk instead of conviction to become changed into God’s image, etc.?

Monday, May 1, 2023

Nehemiah 4:18 For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and [so] builded. And he that sounded the trumpet [was] by me.

The next trumpet we will hear is not going to be from Nehemiah, as he is dead, but “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). In the meantime, are you doing the work of God, not building physically but spiritually, and resisting the devil (James 4:7)?

Monday, May 1, 2023

Nehemiah 4:18 For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and [so] builded. And he that sounded the trumpet [was] by me.

The next trumpet we will hear is not going to be from Nehemiah, as he is dead, but “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). In the meantime, are you doing the work of God, not building physically but spiritually, and resisting the devil (James 4:7)?

Sunday, April 30, 2023

Nehemiah 4:17 They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, [every one] with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other [hand] held a weapon.

So, are you working for God while resisting the devil?

Friday, April 28, 2023

Nehemiah 4:16 And it came to pass from that time forth, [that] the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers [were] behind all the house of Judah.

It takes multiple types of people to accomplish the work of God in this world filled with wickedness, especially on the frontlines like giving Bible studies, conducting meetings, etc. No wonder Jesus with His disciples He had “sent them two and two” (Luke 10:1) and not alone. Though one was not a bodyguard for the other, temptations are severe, even the temptation of doing half-hearted work due to meeting hardened hearts. As we are scattered all over the world today, it becomes difficult to pair up with a like believer to share the gospel, but do you look for willing workers to help anyways? Are you willing to help others that are active in sharing the gospel?

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Nehemiah 4:15 And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.

Just because God provides does not mean we have no to work to do. James even penned, “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works” (James 2:18). So, does your work reveal you have true faith, or do you just claim faith but your lifestyle shows that you are still in the devil’s prison?

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Nehemiah 4:14 And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, [which is] great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.

Jesus also said, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). So, are you afraid of what other human beings can do to you, or do you live as God expects and let the consequences be handled by God Who will fight for us?

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Nehemiah 4:13 Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, [and] on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows.

For us today, do you “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11)?

Monday, April 24, 2023

Nehemiah 4:12 And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us [they will be upon you].

Satan’s army of angels are willing to attack us from all directions as well. The number ten, though I do not doubt that it was literally said ten times, also serves as a symbolic number referring to being “all inclusive”, even to mean “complete”. For instance, we have Ten Commandments that are all inclusive of addressing all of our thoughts and actions. Therefore, “For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:36-37). So, through Christ, are you conquering the temptations to sin through resisting the taunting from the fallen angels all the day long, or are they correct and are having an easy time causing you to fall as their easy prey?

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Nehemiah 4:11 And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.

Satan wants our work of spreading the gospel to cease as well. He does it through persecution, but mostly by stealing our time having us distracted with sports, TV, movies, video games, novels, climbing the corporate ladder, getting degree after degree in education, etc. He also uses indifference as well where hardly a Christian will think about the work of soul winning as a responsibility of a true Christian. So, has Satan caused you to cease the gospel work, or do you serve God completely avoiding such distractions?

Friday, April 21, 2023

Nehemiah 4:10 And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and [there is] much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.

It is just like Satan to put many distractions in the way like the rubbish before Judah. It causes a waste of energy to remove those distractions and then be too tired to get back to the responsibility we had in the first place. Do keep in mind that those distractions do not have to be sinful. It can be simply household tasks getting in the way of time with God in His Word. So, how much time do you spend with distractions as opposed to the God given task to be completed?

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Nehemiah 4:9 Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.

Do you pray to God over a matter and do your part in the process by cooperating with God, or do you go it alone, or do you just pray to God and do nothing expecting God to perform a miracle when He has given you abilities to cooperate with Him?

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Nehemiah 4:7-8 But it came to pass, [that] when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, [and] that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth, and conspired all of them together to come [and] to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it.

Satan is also wroth today for “the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17). And there is in the works a conspiracy building where “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH” (Revelation 17:5) is conspiring with “merchants” (Revelation 18:3), “kings of the earth” (Revelation 18:3), “sorceries” or pharmaceutical industry (Revelation 18:23), and the children of apostasy (Revelation 2:23). They will all work to hinder the true gospel message, as revealed in Revelation 14, from going forth. Do keep in mind that it will not work for God is greater, but we are getting ahead of ourselves. So, are you on the side of hinderance or promoting the true gospel message?

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Nehemiah 4:6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.

If you recall, just a few verses prior, Sanballat was taunting the Jews. And instead of responding, what we see is that the people had a mind to work. That teaches us to stay focused upon the work and not be distracted. Believe it or not, every Christian has a responsibility to teach the gospel, the true gospel, to others. We are to give a certain warning of what is coming, in other words, the right message and not the “everyone has their own beliefs” message. We are not to be distracted with the threat of World War III, economic collapse, rioting, election fraud, false accusations against well known figures, Super Bowl, World Series, etc. So, are you a person that has a mind to work, or are you easily distracted with what the world has to offer?

Monday, April 17, 2023

Nehemiah 4:4-5 Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked [thee] to anger before the builders.

In the last days, the world will be marshalling in the image of the beast, which is being built now as it is a spiritual thing and not a physical thing, and will be ushering in the Mark of the Beast. All that do not comply will be despised so much so that the enemies of God will “make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17). Grace is what covers iniquity and there will be none upon those that have the Mark of the Beast. Even their sins shall not be blotted off the record books of Heaven “for the hour of his judgment is come” (Revelation 14:7) but will be visible to be read when “judgment was given to the saints” (Daniel 7:22) that even John “saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them” (Revelation 20:4). So, are you serving God in obedience to His commandments and His Word, or are you working against God by criticizing the commandments, the Word, and even those that are trying to keep them, provoking God to soon poor out the seven last plagues?

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Nehemiah 4:3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite [was] by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.

This exaggerated statement is nothing new with Satan, in fact, he uses it with today’s bullies. For instance, those that are against homeschooling will claim that such kids do not know how to socialize. The question is, will you be intimidated by these bullies or stay the course God has set before you?

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Nehemiah 4:2 And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?

Satan does the same thing today. It does not matter if the question is true or not. The goal is to put doubt in people’s minds, rally them to be against the good cause, and shut the progress down. So, are you able to see past the hyped-up headline articles and form a proper opinion, or are you subject to mass suggestion?

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Nehemiah 4:1 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.

In parallel, when a person chooses to become a true Christian (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) and wants to build up a character representative of the life of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23), the devil quickly hears of it and becomes wroth (Revelation 12:17) and fills up with great indignation even to the point of mocking such a decision for he will then make every effort to discourage that young Christian. Now those that claim to be a Christian and yet continue in their old lifestyle (1 John 3:18), Satan is not that upset with. He counts them as his own still. So, do you draw the wrath of Satan, or does he approve of your decision?

Monday, April 10, 2023

Nehemiah 3:32 And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.

Every detail was repaired, right down to the parts that required the goldsmiths and the merchants. In a matter of weeks, a house can be erected, but it is months before the people can move in. That is because it is quick to build up walls and floors and roofs, but it takes time to work with the intricate things that polish off the “move in” stage. And so it was in the repairs that the intricate items were not forgotten. Are you careful in all things to take care of the intricate things, the small details, like those pesky little character flaws surrendering them over to God?

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Nehemiah 3:31 After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner.

Malchijah or Malchiah means "my king is Jehovah" while Miphkad means "command". King Jehovah has a kingdom or He would not be King. All kingdoms have rules, otherwise it would not be a kingdom but simply be a meaningless reference. In other words, an act of the King is to command and the subjects obey. Now, why would Christians think that Jehovah would cast away these rules? If He did, He would be casting away His kingdom and no longer be a King. So, recognizing that Jehovah is still King, are you one of His subjects obeying His commandments, or are you simply claiming the title while trying to cast away the kingdom through rebellion and rejection of His commandments (Daniel 7:25)?

Friday, April 7, 2023

Nehemiah 3:30 After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber.

Hananiah means "God has favoured"; Shelemiah means "repaid by Jehovah"; Hanun means "gracious"; Meshullam means "friend"; and Berachiah or Berechiah means "Jehovah blesses". Zalaph has no meaning. Jehovah, our God, our friend (John 15:13), has indeed favored us by being so gracious and blessing us by paying back our debt of sin through Jesus Christ’s perfect life, death, and resurrection. There are some that take advantage of His gracious act by continuing in sin, and worse, the preachers of this theology are really “ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness” (Jude 1:4). One would think the listeners would reject Satan’s lie of this false gospel, but instead, “they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). So, do you accept the “saved in sin” gospel with a false hope, or do you choose to stand with the truth despite being told, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24)?

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Nehemiah 3:29 After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate.

Zadok means "righteous"; Shemaiah means "heard by Jehovah"; Shecaniah or Shechaniah means "dweller with Jehovah" while Immer has no meaning. Basically, the righteous, when they dwell with God through prayer and obedience, those prayers are heard by Jehovah for “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination” (Proverbs 28:9). So, do you dwell with God all day and every day, or do you do your own thing and maybe pray here or there but seeing no real answer?

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Nehemiah 3:28 From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against his house.

So, in front of the priests’ houses, each one individually, did the repairs that were necessary. Who could enjoy the view seeing a holy work needed to be done but neglect it? Evidently, not these priests as they performed the repairs. So, when you see a work to be done for God, do you pitch in, or do you figure someone else will do it?

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Nehemiah 3:27 After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel.

Tekoites has no meaning, but since they are from Tekoa, that means "a stockade", and Ophel, as stated before, means hill. Here we see that God can bring people from Satan’s stockade, a form of bondage, to His holy hill, even Mount Zion. Now, has God brought you from Satan’s clutches unto Himself?

Monday, April 3, 2023

Nehemiah 3:26 Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto [the place] over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.

Nethinim were “temple slaves assigned to the Levites and priests for service in the sanctuary”, while Ophel means "hill". According to 2 Chronicles 27:3, it says, “He built the high gate of the house of the LORD, and on the wall of Ophel he built much”, referring to “Jotham” (2 Chronicles 27:1) who “did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 27:2). Therefore, taking the word “hill” as something godly, David asked, “LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?” (Psalms 15:1). Certainly, it is not those forced to work for the Lord that shall dwell in Zion, the holy hill, but who delight to be part of the work of the Lord. Do you delight to work for the Lord, especially in sharing the gospel?

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Nehemiah 3:25 Palal the son of Uzai, over against the turning [of the wall], and the tower which lieth out from the king's high house, that [was] by the court of the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh.

Uzai has no meaning while Palal means "judge"; Pedaiah means "Jehovah has ransomed"; Parosh or Pharosh means "flea". Jehovah is our judge, but He has ransomed us from the death penalty we deserve through offering His son in our place. A flea is a blood sucking insect. And there are many that claim the blood of Jesus while continuing in known sin. Such is the life of a Christian flea. The ransom really is the fact that “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:20-21). Jesus’ righteous life has been given to cover our sinful life, not in a manner that are sins simply covered up, but rather taken away that we become ambassadors for Christ showing the power over sin. That is the living gospel. So, are you an ambassador for Christ showing deliverance from sin (Psalms 79:9) or a flea in sin trying to suck the blood?

Friday, March 31, 2023

Nehemiah 3:24 After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece, from the house of Azariah unto the turning [of the wall], even unto the corner.

Binnui means "built up"; Henadad means "favour of Hadad"; and Azariah means "Jehovah has helped". As stated before, Hadad is in reference to a false god, but Jehovah has helped by building up a resistance from participating in such temptations. And we can take advantage of that resistance if we “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). So, do you enjoy the false gods of entertainment that keeps people hypnotized into loving what the world has to offer, or have you taken advantage of the victory provided that builds a separation from the world enjoying the blessings of God instead?

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Nehemiah 3:23 After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub over against their house. After him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah by his house.

Benjamin means "son of the right hand"; Hashub means "considerate"; Azariah means "Jehovah has helped"; Maaseiah means "work of Jehovah"; and Ananiah means "Jehovah clouds". The “son of the right hand” is none other than Jesus for “Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God” (Luke 22:69). Jesus indeed is considerate, and Jehovah has greatly helped by the work He does since it is “God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). All of this is to prepare us to “be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). So, has your will changed to serve God in obedience, or is your will still selfish?

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Nehemiah 3:22 And after him repaired the priests, the men of the plain.

We have no names to reveal definitions of. We know that, even today, we are to be “The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in” (Isaiah 58:12) if we focus upon the activity but every verse has been about that activity and will be even until the end of the chapter. So, let us focus upon the word “plain” and become “men of the plain”, spiritually. Some Christians will have fantastic days and everything they touch is a blessing to those that they come in contact. Other days, they may feel down, tired, worn out, and dabble a bit in sinful activity, which may be as simple as gluttony, eating junk food, doing something that compounds the downward feeling, etc. This is an example of a peak and valley Christian. God does not want that type of Christian, but He does want steady Christians. He wants the same Christian be it a sunny day or a rainy day. He wants Christian that when things become challenging, the world knows who to go through to receive good insight. A plain is flat, resembling consistency in one’s life. So, are you a steady, consistent Christian despite feelings, circumstances, etc., or do you change your relationship from day to day, from circumstance to circumstance?

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Nehemiah 3:21 After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz another piece, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib.

Meremoth means "elevations"; Uriah or Urijah means "Jehovah (Yahweh) is my light (flame)"; Koz means "thorn"; and Eliashib means "God restores". Jehovah is our light that can lift us up to high elevations away from any thorn that may be at our side, even like what Paul had suffered (2 Corinthians 12:7). Jehovah is able to restore us into His image. So, are you following God, the light, as revealed in His Word (Psalms 119:105) and commandments (Proverbs 6:23) so He can lift you up from the low life of sin unto high elevations, even unto Heaven itself?

Monday, March 27, 2023

Nehemiah 3:20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning [of the wall] unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.

Baruch means "blessed"; Zabbai means "pure"; and Eliashib means "God restores". Jesus said, “Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Do keep in mind that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), therefore, the pure in heart were not born that way. God had to restore them first. So, have you been restored to become pure in heart, or does your heart still continuously chase after the things in this world?

Sunday, March 26, 2023

Nehemiah 3:19 And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning [of the wall].

Ezer means "treasure"; Jeshua means "he is saved"; and Mizpah means "watchtower". Jesus said, “the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure” (Matthew 13:44), which results in being saved for “when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field” (Matthew 13:44). And from there, God sets a watch upon Him. So, have you found the treasure yet and have given up everything in your life that displeases God?

Friday, March 24, 2023

Nehemiah 3:18 After him repaired their brethren, Bavai the son of Henadad, the ruler of the half part of Keilah.

Bavai has no meaning; Henadad means "favour of Hadad"; and Keilah means "fortress". Hadad is in reference to a false god, but we need not worry because God is our fortress, as stated yesterday when the name came up also. Therefore, no matter what the world builds up falsely, even if when they “cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed” (Revelation 13:15), remember, God is our fortress. Now, do you “fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28)?

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Nehemiah 3:17 After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part.

Rehum means "compassion"; Bani means "built"; Hashabiah means "Jehovah has considered"; and Keilah means "fortress". Jehovah has considered our situation and has had compassion upon us. In this world are devils filled, but Jehovah has built a fortress in which we can be safe for “The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer” (2 Samuel 22:2). So, when you are tempted, do you flee to our Fortress, God?

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Nehemiah 3:16 After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Bethzur, unto [the place] over against the sepulchres of David, and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty.

Nehemiah means "Jehovah comforts"; Azbuk means "strong devastation"; Beth-zur means "house of the rock"; and David means "beloved". Jehovah is able to comfort, even through strong devastation, His beloved of which all who are in Christ are considered His beloved, and as a result, we are part of the house of the rock, which is the house of Christ for “that Rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:4). Jesus even told us “upon this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18), where the word “this” applies to Jesus. Therefore, the house of Christ is His church, not a denomination, but a link to the heavenly church of which all who live up the knowledge of God are apart of. So, are you a member of the house of Christ, or are you just loyal to a denomination with man-made rules?

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Nehemiah 3:15 But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David.

Shallun means "retribution"; Col-hozeh means "all-seeing"; Mizpah means "watchtower"; and David means "beloved". Putting it all together, God indeed is “all-seeing” as the “watchtower” is a viewpoint that can sell over all things. He shall give what is due to each soul in the form of “retribution” for “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:11-12). To His beloved, He will give eternal life. To others, eternal damnation, which does not mean suffering eternally in damnation but rather a damnation that will stand eternally. So, do you choose to be unjust and filthy or righteous and holy?

Monday, March 20, 2023

Nehemiah 3:14 But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Bethhaccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

Malchijah or Malchiah means "my king is Jehovah" while Beth-haccerem means "house of the vineyard". Rechab has no meaning. Remember that God’s vineyard is God’s church (Isaiah 5:7) as opposed to the field which is the world (Matthew 13:38). Jehovah is to be acknowledged as King, especially in His church, which means that He is a Ruler. Now, as a member of His church, do you acknowledge Jehovah as King by allowing Him to rule your life, or do you do your own thing while just claiming to be saved?

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Nehemiah 3:13 The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.

Hanun means "gracious" while Zanoah means "cast off". God is so gracious that He, upon confession and repentance, will “cast all my sins behind thy back” (Isaiah 38:17) and “wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19). So, what are you waiting for? Confess your sins and forsake them and they shall graciously be removed from the heavenly books of record!

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Nehemiah 3:12 And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.

Shallum means "retribution"; Hallohesh means "whisperer"; and Jerusalem means "teaching of peace". Retribution is synonymous with “vengeance”, of which we are told that “the vengeance of eternal fire” is going to happen (Jude 1:7). A “whisperer” is a person who tames. And again, we see Jerusalem mentioned and is equated with “teaching of peace”, which is what the gospel is all about. God’s vengeance has been tamed by Jesus Christ, not for every inhabitant but those that accept the gospel of peace between God and man. So, have you accepted the gospel, which “is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Romans 1:16) and not just a mere acknowledgment but a real power in the life to live the godly life (2 Peter 1:3)?

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Nehemiah 3:11 Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.

Malchijah or Malchiah means "my king is Jehovah"; Harim means "dedicated"; Hashub means "considerate"; and Pahath-moab means "pit of Moab". The first three definitions are full of positive meaning. Our king is truly Jehovah, and we are to dedicate our lives to Him and consider His ways above our own. As for the “pit of Moab”, we ought to realize that Moab descends from the lineage of Lot (Genesis 19:37), born from a very illicit relationship with his daughters (Genesis 19:36). Moab also was an enemy of Israel (Numbers 22) even pagan (1 Kings 11:33). Paganism is associated with Satan, of course. What we see in this verse are the two sides of the controversy between God and Satan, good and evil, obedience and disobedience. Which side are you dedicated to?

Monday, March 13, 2023

Nehemiah 3:10 And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph, even over against his house. And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of Hashabniah.

Jedaiah means "praised of Jehovah"; Harumaph means "split nose"; Hattush means "assembled"; and Hashabniah means "whom Jehovah regards". Being praised of Jehovah and being regarded by Jehovah should remind us of Job: “the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that [there is] none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” (Job 1:8). We ought to choose wisely who we assemble with because Job’s friends did not turn out to be friends after all, which is pretty much the story between Job losing everything and being blessed in the end. Symbolically, it would feel like we were punched in the face, in the nose specifically, possibly splitting it open to have friends like that, even a wife who said, “curse God, and die” (Job 2:9). A broken nose is severely painful. So, can Jehovah regard, even praise you before others, or are you disappointing Him by allowing sin in your life?

Sunday, March 12, 2023

Nehemiah 3:9 And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem.

Rephaiah means "healed of Jehovah; Hur means "hole"; and Jerusalem means "teaching of peace". Sin leaves a hole in us, emptiness, even a feeling of unworthiness. Jehovah can heal us of these things. That is what the gospel is all about, which is the teaching that there is peace between God and man through His Son, Jesus Christ. So, are you feeling that something is missing in your life? If so, will you turn to Jehovah for healing?

Friday, March 10, 2023

Nehemiah 3:8 Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths. Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of [one of] the apothecaries, and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall.

Uzziel means "my strength is God"; Harhaiah means "fear of Jehovah"; Hananiah means "God has favoured"; and Jerusalem means "teaching of peace". So, are you one of God’s favored people because you make Him your strength and fear Him through obedience to all that He commands accepting the peace offering between God and man, which is through Jesus Christ His Son, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)?

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Nehemiah 3:7 And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river.

Meronoth does not have a definition, but Melatiah means "Jehovah delivered"; Jadon means "thankful"; Gibeon means "hill city"; and Mizpah means "watchtower". In the parable form Jesus, a watchtower is put into His vineyard (Mark 12:1). It is an instrument used in observation of the vineyard so as to address those things that need addressing as they become revealed. In the church, which is today’s vineyard, that would be sin that needs addressed. And the job of the elder or pastor is not just to point out sin in our lives but to lead us to the only one that can deliver us from sin and that is Jehovah, of Whom we should be thankful for seeing not only can we be delivered from our sins but done so freely. And in the end, “he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon” (Revelation 16:16). Jehovah shall gather us into the hill, which in the Hebrew tongue is “the mount of the congregation” (Isaiah 14:13), even the name of Zion (Isaiah 51:16), where the “new Jerusalem” (Revelation 21:2) is located. So, how thankful are you towards Jehovah for delivering you from your sins?

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Nehemiah 3:6 Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

Joiada or Jehoiada means "Jehovah knows"; Paseah or Phaseah means "limper"; Meshullam means "friend"; and Besodeiah means "with the counsel of Jehovah" or "in the secret of the Lord". With that provided through the Bible Lexicon, we make the connection that Jehovah knows our sins for He knows everything, “for he knoweth the secrets of the heart” (Psalms 44:21). When we sin, we are not whole just as one who has a limp, as He has told others, “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee” (John 5:14). But we can go to our friend, for He is “a friend of publicans and sinners” (Matthew 11:19) not in sin but to save us from sin (Matthew 1:21). We counsel with Him through prayer and “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). So, do you see God as a being with a checklist trying to keep people out of Heaven, or as a friend who we can go to and be made whole no matter how damaging the sin is to our soul?

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Nehemiah 3:5 And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord.

Many who consider themselves nobles spiritually by declaring themselves to be saved will dismiss any work to perfecting Christian character. Why should they when they do not think they could be lost? So, are you like one of these worthless nobles or do you see that once a person accepts the free gift of salvation that it is our role to allow God to perfect our lives to be the witnesses for the kingdom (1 Thessalonians 5:23)?

Monday, March 6, 2023

Nehemiah 3:4 And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.

Meremoth means "elevations"; Uriah or Urijah means "Jehovah (Yahweh) is my light (flame)"; Koz means "thorn"; Meshullam means "friend"; Berachiah or Berechiah means "Jehovah blesses"; Meshezabeel = "God delivers"; Zadok means "righteous"; and Baana or Baanah has no meaning. Jehovah our light is high above the elevations of the earth. A thorn comes from the evil one as Jesus told a parable about sowing seed and some fell among thorns to choke the Word of God (Matthew 13:7). Therefore, our friend, which is Jehovah, blesses. He delivers. And He provides us with His righteous gift – Christ our Righteousness! So, do you still allow one thorn of temptation in your life, or has Jehovah delivered you from all thorns?

Sunday, March 5, 2023

Nehemiah 3:3 But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who [also] laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

Hassenaah means "bristling" which is defined as “to make aggressive or angry”, which is fitting if they are angry at having to keep thieves out. Keep in mind, not all anger is bad. Justified anger, which is holy anger is acceptable – just look at Jesus when He got angry at desecrating the holy temple as they were cheating people with their money-making schemes (Matthew 21:12-13). So, do you exercise holy anger and keep unholy anger subdued, or do you just get angry over everything?

Friday, March 3, 2023

Nehemiah 3:2 And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri.

Jericho means "its moon"; Zaccur or Zacchur means "mindful"; and Imri means “strength”, we connect the definitions together as we are the moon, where we reflect the rays of the sun being God (Malachi 4:2). We ought to be mindful of what little strength we have of our own as compared to what God can provide, but too many people believe and trust in their own strength instead, hence why we fall so easily to the prey of Satan. Isaiah tells us a similar conclusion by stating, “Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips: In the day shalt thou make thy plant to grow, and in the morning shalt thou make thy seed to flourish: [but] the harvest [shall be] a heap in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow” (Isaiah 17:10-11). Basically, if we forget the source of our strength, which is God, and go it alone in our strength, despite the efforts to work with promising things, in the end, it will be a heap of ruin bringing sorrow. So, are you mindful of your limited strength?

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Nehemiah 3:1 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.

By first being focused upon the sheep gate to house the sheep that will be used in the sacrifices, we see the building begins with Jesus being first and foremost as the sheep, specifically the lambs, pointed to Jesus representatively. And it is the same today. There is no building up the church without first building a connection with Jesus, the Lamb of God. Now, how strong is your connection with Jesus?

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Nehemiah 2:20 Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

Do you believe God shall prosper you as well as you give forth effort to build up His church today through personal example of living the Bible and by helping others to see God’s truth?

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Nehemiah 2:19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard [it], they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What [is] this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?

Taking the meanings of each of these three names, we get Sanballat being "strength", Tobiah meaning "Jehovah is good", and Geshem or Gashmu referring to "rain". Putting it together, “My strength is in Jehovah Who is good and ‘the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain’ (Zechariah 10:1).” Basically, we can stand up to the enemies of God in the strength and power of the latter rain. So, have you made God your strength?

Monday, February 27, 2023

Nehemiah 2:18 Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for [this] good [work].

The hand of God is always good to us, and so, is your response to God’s goodness a willingness to serve Him, especially in building up the broken wall of the Ten Commandments?

Sunday, February 26, 2023

Nehemiah 2:17 Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we [are] in, how Jerusalem [lieth] waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

Likewise, we too are to build the walls for the church. The walls are God’s commandments, as noted in Isaiah 58:12-14: “And [they that shall be] of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, [from] doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking [thine own] words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].” So, are you building up the Ten Commandments or tearing them down?

Friday, February 24, 2023

Nehemiah 2:16 And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told [it] to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work.

It is said, “Tell those that need to know what you are doing and those that do not need to know, keep silent.” That is because those that do not need to know tend to have an opinion despite not being involved with the work. The opinion is usually negative and discouraging. Therefore, it is wise to not tell them of the plans until the work is done. Even thieves have a code they operate by: The less people that know, the less likely of being found out. So, just how many secrets are you keeping from those that do not need to know about your plans?

Thursday, February 23, 2023

Nehemiah 2:14-15 Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king's pool: but [there was] no place for the beast [that was] under me to pass. Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley, and [so] returned.

The high place allowed no access but the low place of the valley did. Now, as we turn to spiritual representation, many minds are considered intelligent but too often they are too intelligent that they provide no access when it comes to God. Down in the lower regions of our bodies where sin dwells however, a lot of times the cry for a better life goes out to God becoming open to Him, acknowledging that we need a Savior. So, what in your being allows access to God? Is it shut off like the intelligent Nicodemus once was (John 3:1-21), or is it like the sinful demoniacs from the tombs (Luke 8:26-39)?

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Nehemiah 2:13 And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.

Evils indeed had come upon Jerusalem, with the most important spiritual point of the walls being broken down and the gates being consumed. The walls in our life are God’s rules found in the Bible and specifically in His commandments for “Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing” (Ecclesiastes 8:5). Even the gates are representative of observing God’s laws (Deuteronomy 31:12). The gates would be access points. Spiritually, when we allow access by what we watch, listen to, and even the rest of the senses permitting sinful things to pass through, it weakens our relationship with God. So, what is the status of the walls and gates of protection in your life?

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Nehemiah 2:11-12 So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days. And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I [any] man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither [was there any] beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon.

The time that we are given upon this earth, which is far more than a mere three days, we do not need to tell of our intentions of what we shall do to build up the church, which is spiritually the New Jerusalem. That is between God and us personally. That is because the more that the unconverted know, the more they will interfere. As Nehemiah is our example as a Christian, do you simply go about doing God’s will in your life, or do you seek approval from the unconverted, even those in the church?

Monday, February 20, 2023

Nehemiah 2:10 When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard [of it], it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

Sanballat and Tobiah represent the devil and his servant or servants. He is not happy when a person not only chooses to be a true Christian, but when that person attempts to enlighten others with the truth. So, is Satan also grieved exceedingly for your choice to seek after the spiritual welfare of others?

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Nehemiah 2:9 Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.

God also sends us protection as angels. Sometimes we may not think we have God’s protection but eternity will reveal otherwise. Of course, it depends upon our walk in life. If we are set to do evil, we cannot expect God to protect us, but when we are about the responsibilities that we are to fulfill, indeed, God will send us His army. So, are you confident to go wherever God sends you?

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Nehemiah 2:8 And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which [appertained] to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

We cannot build up the church of God ourselves. We are dependent upon His blessings, not so much with timber, but “if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is” (1 Corinthians 3:12-13). In this case, it is the gold, silver, and precious stones that will survive fire, in which God “will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir” (Isaiah 13:12). That is what builds the spiritual house. So, are you going through the purifying fiery trials realizing “the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7)?

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Nehemiah 2:7 Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;

Letters indeed have been given to us as well, except it is not to enter into a physical, earthly land. God has given us epistles, books, the scriptures, and they are to convey us over into the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2). Are you reading and applying them to your life?

Monday, February 13, 2023

Nehemiah 2:6 And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.

For us to build up the church, the amount of time we need is our entire life. Are you willing to, for the rest of your life, “deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” [Jesus]?

Sunday, February 12, 2023

Nehemiah 2:5 And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it.

Judah, representing the church, is in need of building up and away from today’s worldliness. The survival depends upon committed standard bearers to call sin by the right name. Can God count upon you to be one of His standard bearers living and teaching the Bible truth?

Friday, February 10, 2023

Nehemiah 2:4 Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.

Whenever you are in a situation, not this one exactly, but any situation, do you, in your mind, quickly lift up a word of prayer to God, or do you go it alone?

Thursday, February 9, 2023

Nehemiah 2:2-3 Wherefore the king said unto me, Why [is] thy countenance sad, seeing thou [art] not sick? this [is] nothing [else] but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid, And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, [lieth] waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?

Is your countenance sad over the condition of today’s church, or are you part of the problem? The commandments lay waste. The straight and narrow way (Matthew 7:14) of obedience are consumed with fire. Just try brining up the subject of obedience and doctrines with today’s Christians, they form fire in their eyes. It is a pitiful representation of the power of God in Christian lives. How can an unofficially declared Christian nation as the United States be in such turmoil, be involved in such debauchery, even turning to atheism? The porn industry would have long been shutdown if every Christian avoided such, but the fact is, it is a thriving business because the “we are not saved by works” Christians go and enjoy it causing a demand for more. The same is true with the use of widespread drugs, the foul mouth lyrics in songs, etc. We do not need censorship. All we need is for all of the Christians to not support it. The demand would cease and the filthy industries would go bankrupt. But that is just it. The condition of the church is enjoying and are entertained by the sins as 2 Timothy 3:1-5 predicted causing a demand for more debauchery. So again, do you weep for the condition of the church, or are you part of the problem?

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Nehemiah 2:1 And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, [that] wine [was] before him: and I took up the wine, and gave [it] unto the king. Now I had not been [beforetime] sad in his presence.

We also should take all of our sadness to God instead of posting it on social media, telling others of our dreariness, etc. Yes, Nehemiah left this incident to slip, but in general, gloomy Christians present a wrong message, especially when our gloominess cannot be fixed by those that we tell. Of course, we are not referring to deaths in the family and like major issues, but bad days at work, around the house, etc., need not be shared and should not be. It only brings people down. If someone could actually help, that is one thing, but most gloomy people tell others of their gloominess expecting them to pity, to share in their gloominess, or in all honesty, experience a form of drawing attention to oneself. So, gloomy experiences are going to happen and happy frequently, so do you go to God or to social media and friends?

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Nehemiah 1:11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.

Too bad many Christians do not fear God today. How we know this is because Revelation 14 symbolically represents the second coming in verse 14 and prior to that, there are messages of warning presented. These messages would be unnecessary if the majority of Christians were already adhering to them. Therefore, when one of the messages contains the words “Fear God” (Revelation 14:7), that tells us that the Christian world at large do not fear God, but do you fear, respect, obey God?

Monday, February 6, 2023

Nehemiah 1:10 Now these [are] thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.

There is much confusion among Christians today of where works, especially keeping the commandments, and grace come in regarding redemption. Most Christians are taught that Old Testament followers had to keep the commandments to be saved while Christians are under grace, but that is a lie since grace is defined by Moses as concise as can be and nowhere else in the Bible (Exodus 34:9). And the New Testament encourages commandment keeping despite most preachers not preaching on those verses. Overall, all human beings are redeemed one and only one way – by God, through Jesus Christ. Now, the lack of works, the lack of commandment keeping among Christians shows a careless regard to what redemption really means, which is a saving not only from the penalty of sinning but from sin itself. Therefore, truly redeemed people will keep the commandments as a fruit of being redeemed. And, Jesus said, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20). That means, living in defiance of the commandments, despite claiming to be a Christian, even saved, is still a lost soul. However, a person keeping the commandments may fall into one of two categories. The ones thinking that they shall now be saved because they are keeping the commandments shall also be lost ignoring that we are saved by the blood of the Lamb. Those that just keep the commandments because they are saved will be saved. So, of these three groups of Christians, are you ignoring the commandments; thinking you will be saved because you keep the commandments; or are you keeping them because you have been redeemed?

Friday, February 3, 2023

Nehemiah 1:7 We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses.

The main reason for not keeping the commandments is that ministers and teachers are lying to the congregations, saying that grace and faith replaces the commandments and that once a person is saved, they cannot be lost, which is another way of saying, “I give up my freedom to choose to stop being a Christian by entering into selfish way of life, even sin, and am stuck being a Christian forever against my will”. So, have you come out of the fact that many ministers are actually “ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness” (Jude 1:4), or do you like the cheap gospel that provides all of the promises and none of the cross bearing despite Jesus saying, “If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24)?

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Nehemiah 1:6 Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.

With corruption in the church today, do you pray as Nehemiah prayed, even Daniel for that matter (Daniel 9:5), for the church and in the fact that he included himself as part of the blame?

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Nehemiah 1:5 And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8) and declared that He is the “I am” (John 8:58) of the Old Testament that was with Abraham (John 8:56) and therefore leading Nehemiah does not change. Therefore, all Christians that claim to be saved by grace and are not keeping God’s commandments are going to be sadly disappointed in the end as they actually believe God does change. Mercy is for those that love Him, of which Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15), and is specifically for those that “observe his commandments”, which is to keep them. In other words, true grace is for the commandment keeper who had “oops” moments. Each break of the commandment requires the death penalty, but Jesus paid the price and offers His righteousness to take care of our “oops” moments, even if it were selfishly planned and committed but repented of. Grace is in nowise intended for those that simply want to enjoy the sins of the world, be it physically or even entertained by it. So, do you serve the God Who does not change keeping His commandments, or do you serve yourself enjoying what the world has to offer claiming to be saved by grace?

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Nehemiah 1:4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned [certain] days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.

How do you feel towards Christians who claim to be Christian and yet, they live like the devil? Do you judge them and roll your eyes like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day? Or do you weep for them and pray that their eyes be opened all the while trying to lead them to the light of truth because you love their souls just as a modern Nehemiah would do?

Monday, January 30, 2023

Nehemiah 1:3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province [are] in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also [is] broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.

The remnant today are very much in great affliction for “the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17). Further, the walls known as the Ten Commandments are indeed broken down and the gates are burned since it is up to the remnant of today to “build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in” (Isaiah 58:12). So, are you part of the remnant building up or restoring the Ten Commandments or are you part of the team breaking down the walls of the Ten Commandments?

Sunday, January 29, 2023

Nehemiah 1:1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and [certain] men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.

The Jews that escaped were not jail breakers but were released from being servants of the Medes and Persians. Nehemiah was looking for a status update about life back in the homeland, specifically the status of rebuilding Jerusalem. Many in the last few centuries have also escaped from the tyranny of the Dark Ages, much thanks to the reformation that caused us to choose to stay in ignorance adhering to the main church in town or come out from there into Bible truth. So, what report would be provided back if the same question were asked of us? Basically, how is our relationship with Jesus going, and what is the status of building up the spiritual Jerusalem, continuing the protest?

Friday, January 27, 2023

Ruth 4:18-22 Now these [are] the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron, And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab, And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon, And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.

Pharez means "breach"; Hezron means "surrounded by a wall"; Ram means "high" or "exalted"; Amminadab means "my kinsman is noble"; Nahshon means "enchanter"; Salmah means "garment"; Boaz means "fleetness"; Obed means "serving"; Jesse means "I possess"; and David means "beloved". Putting it in story format, we have a breach, which we are to be “The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in” (Isaiah 58:12). That breach is found in the wall of protection for this wall is high and exalted pointing to the Ten Commandments for we are told, “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe [and] to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth” (Deuteronomy 28:1). All involved in repairing the bread are our noble kinsmen. Now, to prevent us from repairing the breach are enchanters, which is classed with witches and sorcerers (Deuteronomy 18:10, Jeremiah 27:9), but the true garment of Christ’s righteousness is revealed in the fruit of our fleetness or swiftness in serving the Lord. When this is being exercised, we possess or hold onto our beloved, Jesus. So, are you a repairer of the breach that has been made in the wall of protection, even God’s Ten Commandments, or have you been drawn away by the enchanters with bewitching lies of nailing the law to the cross keeping the breach open?

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Ruth 4:17 And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he [is] the father of Jesse, the father of David.

Obed means “serving”; Jesse means “I possess”; and David means “beloved”. While we serve the Lord, we possess, we have, we are clinging to our Beloved. Do you cling to Him for your very life?

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Ruth 4:16 And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.

Just as in the time of Moses when He was to talk to the rock but ended up striking it twice (Numbers 20:10-11) ruining the symbol of Christ being struck once and then speaking to Jesus through prayer from then on, the church at the time of Jesus’ birth failed at living out the symbolism. Naomi represents the church. The child represents Jesus. To nurse it is to bring the child up in proper doctrines, to become strong in the faith. The church failed. If it were not for homeschooling, we would not have had a Savior. It was clear that the education of the church was different from that of Jesus because the knowledge of Jesus was brough into question: “the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?” (John 7:15). So, do you follow Jesus’ teachings or those of modern-day Pharisees who teach church doctrines instead of Bible doctrines?

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Ruth 4:15 And he shall be unto thee a restorer of [thy] life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.

Jesus is the ultimate Restorer. In fact, He is willing to restore the image of God in each one of us by removing the image of Satan from us, which is there through sinning. So, are you willing to surrender all of your sins and be restored into the image of God?

Monday, January 23, 2023

Ruth 4:14 And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed [be] the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.

And Elizabeth said to Mary, “Blessed [art] thou among women, and blessed [is] the fruit of thy womb” (Luke 1:42), keeping in mind that Jesus Himself is famous in all Israel being that “this [child] is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel” (Luke 2:34). So, has Jesus raised you up into a godly life, or are you still in a state fallen in sin?

Sunday, January 22, 2023

Ruth 4:13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son.

Remember, though Ruth is the physical wife, the purpose was to raise a child for Naomi’s sake. And now, remembering the agreement made by the Godhead was for Jesus to be brought forth through the church, known as Israel at the time. This would be no ordinary child but the Savior. Now, do you accept the Savior, or are you trying to find eternal life elsewhere or even nowhere?

Friday, January 20, 2023

Ruth 4:12 And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the LORD shall give thee of this young woman.

All of this colorful language is basically stating, “Let there be an heir.” And in regards to Jesus, “in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds” (Hebrews 1:2). So, do you serve the Heir of all things, Jesus?

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Ruth 4:11 And all the people that [were] in the gate, and the elders, said, [We are] witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem:

The purpose of the church is to build up and not tear down. The church tears things down when they provide an easy gospel, water down the message, tell people that they can stay in their sins. The Holy Spirit, in the church, “gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12). So, does your church lead you towards perfection, or is it quick to point out being saved by grace and any works frustrates grace, which is a lie because the devil does not want you being godly?

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Ruth 4:10 Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye [are] witnesses this day.

Jesus also made a purchase. It is for “the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). And as “being dead in your sins” (Colossians 2:13), He raised us up “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away” (1 Peter 1:4). Again, are you responding positively to this purchase, or are you resisting His offer?

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Ruth 4:9 And Boaz said unto the elders, and [unto] all the people, Ye [are] witnesses this day, that I have bought all that [was] Elimelech's, and all that [was] Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.

As Boaz said to the elders that he has redeemed the land (Ruth 4:4), after the Godhead decided that Jesus would die for the human race, the plan was announced before the angels, and then, obviously, it was carried out for “by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us]” (Hebrews 9:12). Though He invites the whole world to accept the redemption price that was paid, not everyone does. They reject this free gift going on with their selfish lives. But have you accepted redemption from Christ?

Monday, January 16, 2023

Ruth 4:8 Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy [it] for thee. So he drew off his shoe.

This is like the Godhead making the decision for redemption of the human race, it fell upon Jesus to carry it out and not the Father. “Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me” (Hebrews 10:5). “For verily he took not on [him the nature of] angels; but he took on [him] the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:16-17). So, how much do you appreciate that Jesus took on our nature and became one of us, not a s spirit but as human being?

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Ruth 4:7 Now this [was the manner] in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave [it] to his neighbour: and this [was] a testimony in Israel.

Not in the too far past, a handshake was all that was needed to make a binding agreement. Now, lawyers are involved. This lack of being able to hold people to a handshake or the use of a shoe today is as predicted “because iniquity shall abound” (Matthew 24:12). So, do you see that in even the little things in life how it has become corrupted with iniquity?

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Ruth 4:6 And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem [it] for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem [it].

Now, at first, if this represents a meeting of the Godhead, how could such a rejection from the Father take place? In actuality, God the Father could not have His Son watch as the Father took on humanity. We are the inheritance. Then we would not be brothers and sisters of Christ but with the Father making Jesus our Son, and that would have truly complicated matters. Therefore, the Father could not accept the opportunity to take on humanity but Christ alone could, making us all children of God, the proper inheritance, even “that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Galatians 4:5). So, are you glad to have been redeemed by Christ to become a child of God?

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Ruth 4:5 Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy [it] also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.

Naomi, representing the church, and Ruth, a Christian example, are involved in the transaction. The purchase is of the church and all of the members. That is a big price to pay that only God can take care of. No angel, no human could ever give enough for the church, which is Christ’s bride. So, are you part of God’s church or man’s church? If what you follow is soundly sustainable by the Bible, the answer is God’s church. If it is not, for whatever reason, be it your own opinions or the rules of a church superseding the Bible, then it is man’s church.

Monday, January 9, 2023

Ruth 4:3 And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which [was] our brother Elimelech's: And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy [it] before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem [it], redeem [it]: but if thou wilt not redeem [it, then] tell me, that I may know: for [there is] none to redeem [it] beside thee; and I [am] after thee. And he said, I will redeem [it].

Now, instead of looking at it as physical land, let us look at it spiritually. The land can represent the population of the world. The inhabitants can be thought of as being worldly people serving sin and Satan as Boaz and the kinsman represent the Godhead. Even the elders, like in the time of Jesus, teaching false doctrines. Therefore, before the world has their way, and before the elders present false teachings, the Godhead decided to redeem the land by sending Jesus, our Redeemer. This of course, “according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (2 Timothy 1:9). That does not mean that everyone of the world will accept the price paid, but nonetheless, He “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). That is a big “might” as the majority reject it and do not go through the purification process to become zealous of good works. So, have you responded positively to the redemption offered through Jesus Christ?

Sunday, January 8, 2023

Ruth 4:2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down.

In comparison with God, instead of ten men of the elders, Revelation 4:4 says, “And round about the throne [were] four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.” Usually, such an arrangement is for observation purposes or judging. So, what does Heaven observe in your life?

Friday, January 6, 2023

Ruth 4:1 Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.

If we consider Boaz representing God, then the next kinsman would also be part of the “Godhead” (Acts 17:29). The most important meeting of the Godhead took place to put together the plan for dealing with sin. Daniel even saw a meeting between God the Father, the ancient of days, and the Son of man, being Jesus: “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, [one] like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him” (Daniel 7:13). As a result of the “dealing with sin” meeting, “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). So, how much do you appreciate that decision as opposed to just wiping out this planet?

Thursday, January 5, 2023

Ruth 3:18 Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.

The same is told to us: “Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalms 46:10). Are you able to be still when you are supposed to be still waiting upon the Lord, or are you like King Saul who quickly became impatient under trying circumstances (1 Samuel 13:8-11)?

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Ruth 3:17 And she said, These six [measures] of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.

None of us, represented by Ruth, should be empty either in going to church, represented by Naomi. Each of us ought to have at the very least a testimony like the demoniacs had (Mark 5:10-20). So, what is your testimony of what Jesus has done in your life?

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Ruth 3:16 And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who [art] thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her.

Naomi, representing the church, and Ruth, representing today’s Christian, shows that we ought to be able to tell what has been done to us in the form of blessings and give a testimony. “[Be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). So, are you ready always to tell of God’s blessings and the reason for your hope?

Monday, January 2, 2023

Ruth 3:15 Also he said, Bring the vail that [thou hast] upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six [measures] of barley, and laid [it] on her: and she went into the city.

God also bestows upon us blessings to be taken and shared. So, are you sharing God’s blessings with others?

Sunday, January 1, 2023

Ruth 3:14 And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.

For whatever reason, Boaz wanted to keep the activity of Ruth a secret. This is not the only time a secret was desired to be kept; for instance, Jesus said to a man with leprosy, “tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them” (Luke 5:14). Jesus had His reason to not have divulged such activity, but not everyone listened, resulting in uncomfortable situations. So, do you respect God when He commands, “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:6)?

Friday, December 30, 2022

Ruth 3:13 Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, [that] if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, [as] the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.

In like manner, God the Father allowed Jesus to take up the role of kinsman towards the church, the bride (Revelation 22:17) for yesterday we found that the Father has committed all judgment to His Son. With Boaz, he is still questioning his duty at this point. This is not so with the relationship between the Father and the Son “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Therefore, Jesus has taken on the responsibilities towards His church as you may remember, “judgment must begin at the house of God” (1 Peter 4:17), which is the church. So, are you ready to stand before Jesus and give account of your life?

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Ruth 3:12 And now it is true that I [am thy] near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.

Now, with Boaz representing God, there is none closer to us Christians, as represented by Ruth, than God is to us, however, do keep in mind that even as Boaz was willing to comply with surrendering Ruth to the other kinsman if that would have been the case. Now, in a similar action on a different topic, “the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son” (John 5:22). With Jesus being our Judge and also our Advocate or Attorney (1 John 2:1), we ought to be well taken care of. It is when we try to claim our own righteousness that we get in trouble or not needing any righteousness whatsoever. So, how much do you appreciate the fact that Jesus is our Judge and Advocate?

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Ruth 3:11 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou [art] a virtuous woman.

Proverbs 31 describes such a virtuous woman as well, but keep in mind that Proverbs 31 is the description of God’s church and not just any woman, of which each of us are representatives thereof. So, are you virtuous?

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Ruth 3:10 And he said, Blessed [be] thou of the LORD, my daughter: [for] thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.

Ruth demonstrated a growth in grace, where Jesus compared it to, “the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come” (Mark 4:27-29). But another characteristic of Ruth is a comparison with today’s Christianity, where many Christians go chasing after young, vibrant, enthusiastic preachers preaching another Jesus different from the Bible, or are caught up with the rich and wealthy preachers hoping to become rich as well. That would be the prosperous gospel, but truly known as the greedy gospel. Rather, we ought to choose whatever preacher preaches the truth and prepares people to meet God face to face. So, who are you listening to and are you growing in grace each day?

Monday, December 26, 2022

Ruth 3:9 And he said, Who [art] thou? And she answered, I [am] Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou [art] a near kinsman.

With Ruth representing today’s Christians and Boaz representing God, we come to God asking for Him to spread His robe of righteousness upon us so “that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1) and daughters too (2 Corinthians 6:18). So, do you pray for God to do this as depicted in Zechariah 3, or do you feel that your own righteousness is sufficient, or worse, do you expect Christ’s righteousness to permit a sinful lifestyle?

Sunday, December 25, 2022

Ruth 3:8 And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.

The church, represented by the woman for God said, “I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate [woman]” (Jeremiah 6:2), should be at the foot of God, represented by Boaz. She should be submissive to every command of God! As part of God’s church, are you submissive to God’s ways?

Friday, December 23, 2022

Ruth 3:7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.

Like a few days ago, we again see reference to Ruth laying at the feet of Boaz. Ruth, symbolizing God’s people, and Boaz, representing God, we have another example of being at the feet of Jesus as we see at the time He walked among us, it is said, “And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind [him], and touched the hem of his garment:” (Matthew 9:20). To touch the hem is to be at the feet of Jesus. It is a sign to show respect that He is Lord and we are not but a servant. Again, do go to Jesus on your knees regularly, being at His feet?

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Ruth 3:6 And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.

Not only was Ruth, who represents Christians today, saying to Naomi, representing the church, that she would do as told, but Ruth actually did it! In other words, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). So, do you give God only lip service, speaking kind words and even maybe some promises but failing to follow through, or are you a person of your word that whatever you state, you will do to the best of your God given abilities?

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Ruth 3:5 And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.

And that is what a Christian should respond back to a church that follows the Word of God, keeping in mind that a church is not referred to here as a building or some human structure. So, what is your response when shown God’s will through His Word?

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Ruth 3:4 And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.

Martha “had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word” (Luke 10:39). In fact, we find many who humbled themselves at the feet of Jesus. “And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house” (Luke 8:41). “Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid” (Luke 8:35). And there are others. But do you humble yourself at the feet of Jesus willing to do all that is told to do?

Monday, December 19, 2022

Ruth 3:3 Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: [but] make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.

In a spiritual sense, through prayer and confession of sins, David said, “wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalms 51:7). We are also told to “anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see” (Revelation 3:18). And in regards to the raiment, we are told that “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27), which we call, “Christ’s righteousness.” So, have you done these things?

Sunday, December 18, 2022

Ruth 3:2 And now [is] not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.

As Boaz is representative of God, Boaz is showing that God also works well into the night, in fact, God works all night and all day for our salvation. Have you responded to His work?

Friday, December 16, 2022

Ruth 3:1 Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?

God has given us rest and is taught by the true church of God, represented by Naomi. In fact, “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9) despite all the preachers trying to do away with the commandment pertaining to it. People are not being told “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief” (Hebrews 4:11). “For he spake in a certain place of the seventh [day] on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works” (Hebrews 4:4). Keep in mind, Jesus did not do away with the Sabbath or replace it, “For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day” (Hebrews 4:8). He did not speak of another day despite rising on a Sunday. He never said, “Now keep this day that I rose upon and gave the Holy Spirit upon.” In fact, the apostles, specifically Paul, kept numerous Sabbaths, as recorded in the book of Acts. One place, he purposely left a fully pagan town to go out into the country just to keep the Sabbath (Acts 16:13). At one place, he kept 78 of them in a row (Acts 18:4, 11). So, do you keep the day of rest God intended for the healing from our work week, or do you follow the lie perpetrated upon most Christians working constantly in one form or another?

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Ruth 2:23 So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.

Barley and wheat are not by chance used here. That combination leads us to Deuteronomy 8:7-8, which says, “For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey.” But instead of God leading His people to a physical “good land” these days, He is leading us to Heaven. Again, Naomi, which is Ruth’s mother-in-law, representing the church, is a place where God’s people are to dwell. And working with Boaz, a representative of God, and his maidens, representative of angels, is how we ought to be working or are to “occupy till” Jesus is “come” (Luke 19:13), which is the second coming. So, do you dwell with God’s people, the church, cooperating with God’s angels being prepared for Heaven and helping others to prepare as well?

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Ruth 2:22 And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, [It is] good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.

For us, it is good to stay in God’s field instead of treading upon Satan’s as his is a snare for our eternal life. So, where do you walk? In God’s pathway or Satan’s?

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Ruth 2:21 And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.

And the scriptures say, as we look at this spiritually for us as exampled by the relationship of Ruth, representing today’s Christians, and Boaz, being a symbol of God with his men being representative of angels of God, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways” (Psalms 91:11). So, do you sense the watch care that God places around us with His angels as Ruth sensed with the workmen around her?

Monday, December 12, 2022

Ruth 2:20 And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed [be] he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man [is] near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.

And in relationship to Jesus, it is said, in Hebrews 2:11, “For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified [are] all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren” (Hebrews 2:11). And in relationship to God, we are told, “When ye pray, say, Our Father” (Luke 11:2). That is pretty near of kin to us as well. So, do you treat Jesus and God the Father as distant beings or as beings that are close, near to us, family?

Saturday, December 10, 2022

Ruth 2:12 The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

Have you come to trust the Lord completely with your life like Ruth exampled?

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Ruth 2:19 And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day [is] Boaz.

Even Naomi recognized the generosity of Boaz and his servants, like the church recognizing God’s blessings and his servants, the angels. Do you recognize the generosity of God personally?

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Ruth 2:18 And she took [it] up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed.

Remember, in our story line on a spiritual basis, Naomi, the mother-in-law, represents the church. Therefore, Ruth practiced “all that believed were together, and had all things common” (Acts 2:44). She did not compare the effort put forth, for Naomi was too old to put forth any effort but of course was in great need. So, are you watchful for those in the church who are of an honest need, and are efforts made to help them out of their need?

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Ruth 2:17 So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.

She did not quit late morning when it became hot, nor in the afternoon when the day was becoming long, but in the evening when the day was complete, so it is with us spiritually. Do you seek the Lord all day while you go about your tasks, or is it just when there is food served or just a good night prayer?

Monday, December 5, 2022

Ruth 2:15-16 And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not: And let fall also [some] of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave [them], that she may glean [them], and rebuke her not.

Just like God watches tenderly over us and commands His angels to be compassionate upon us, so Boaz did the same with his servants. More than likely Ruth recognized the extra blessing when she came across the handfuls left behind. Do you recognize some times the protective care, the opening of the way before you that the angels provide?

Sunday, December 4, 2022

Ruth 2:14 And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched [corn], and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.

Again, with Boaz being the Godlike figure and Ruth being representative of a Christian, we are told similarly about provision being provided for, “He shall dwell on high: his place of defence [shall be] the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters [shall be] sure” (Isaiah 33:16). So, do you serve the living God who will take care of you in every time of need, or do you completely rely upon yourself?

Friday, December 2, 2022

Ruth 2:13 Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens.

Let it be known that “among the righteous [there is] favour” (Proverbs 14:9), even favor from God. And God indeed will comfort us for it is said, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you” (John 16:7). And God does indeed speak friendly to His people. But to be a handmaid or servant of the Lord, yet not originally born that way, it is said, “God is able to graff them in” (Romans 11:23). We are His adopted sons and daughters (Galatians 4:5). So, how does that make you feel to be part of God’s family even though you were born as one of Satan’s before becoming born-again?

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Ruth 2:11 And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and [how] thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.

Again, with Boaz playing the role of God, He sees all that has been done in Ruth’s life matching a true Christian experience. Paul brings out in Romans 7 that we are all married to Satan because we simply choose to sin and live in sin, until we are born again. That relationship must die before being married to Christ. And “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37), yet Ruth is the example of not letting such family relationships, especially when parents are unconverted, to get in the way of seeking after God. People that become born again come unto other people of like faith (Hebrews 10:25) and experience a new relationship. So, are you following Ruth’s spiritual example, or are you allowing family relationships to get in the way, even the connection to your old life allowed to still be alive, or have you completely cut off all sinful tendencies by the grace of God and do not listen to unconverted family members trying to keep you in your old life?

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Ruth 2:10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I [am] a stranger?

Did you know that we are strangers when we transgress God’s law? “I [am] a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me” (Psalms 119:19). So, why should we, as law breakers, today, find grace? “But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they” (Acts 15:11). So, do you know that we find grace only through the merits of Jesus Christ?

Monday, November 28, 2022

Ruth 2:8-9 Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens: [Let] thine eyes [be] on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of [that] which the young men have drawn.

Here, Boaz is playing the role of God in His watch care over His people, Ruth as an example. Even down to taking care of her thirst, we are told of God, “He shall dwell on high: his place of defence [shall be] the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters [shall be] sure” (Isaiah 33:16). He directed where to harvest or glean as He orders the church even today regarding souls. “But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come” (Matthew 10:23). He sets His protection as well, “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). So, are you involved in seeking after souls, and relying upon God’s provisions?

Sunday, November 27, 2022

Ruth 2:7 And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house.

Reaping, spiritually used, is gathering of souls. Ruth did so all day from the early morning until this conversation took place. “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both [shall be] alike good” (Ecclesiastes 11:6). “And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth” (John 4:37), therefore, “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and [then] cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest” (John 4:35). “And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together” (John 4:36). So, how active are you in leading souls to Christ and away from sin and Satan?

Friday, November 25, 2022

Ruth 2:6 And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It [is] the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab

Ruth, the damsel from Moab, had come out of paganism and into God’s territory. Paganism can exist even in Christianity. The expectation to keep certain holidays and if you do not then you are not a real Christian, would be one of those examples. The Bible never instituted special holy days to be kept religiously upon Christians. Another pagan item is found in “Christian jewelry”. Jewelry in general is considered part of honoring the gods. God is honored in plain dress by putting off such things (1 Timothy 2:9). So, what paganism ought you to leave behind and come over to God’s ways?

Thursday, November 24, 2022

Ruth 2:5 Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel [is] this?

If the same were asked of you, on a spiritual sense, can someone respond, “They are the Lord’s!”?

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Ruth 2:4 And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD [be] with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee.

How society has turned such a blessed exchange into a simple “hi” these days causes one to miss out. How sad it is to not greet people in the name of the Lord, but that is where we are in society. So, do you ever try to work God into your greeting one another, especially with strangers?

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Ruth 2:3 And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field [belonging] unto Boaz, who [was] of the kindred of Elimelech.

Evangelists may come to town, conduct a seminar, reap a number of souls, and then move on, but not all souls are usually reaped in such a setting. There are those that are timid, fall behind in learning, are in need of one-on-one attention, etc. Ruth, the gleaner, represents that person that is careful for those left behind. So, do you feel satisfied when an evangelist, a pastor, or some other church official draws a crowd and you watch people accept Christ into their lives, or are you one that also looks for the stragglers to work with and nurture individually?

Monday, November 21, 2022

Ruth 2:2 And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after [him] in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.

The field, when parables are told, is where souls are to be harvested. The ears of corn should remind us of the parable, “For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come” (Mark 4:28-29). So, how willing are you to work the field, help the sickle gather the fruit?

Sunday, November 20, 2022

Ruth 2:1 And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name [was] Boaz.

Elimelech means "my God is king" while Boaz means "fleetness", which means “to be quick”. In other words, Naomi, representing the church, depends upon the wealth of Heaven, which is not just a financial reference, for our God is King and He will act quickly to meet our needs (Matthew 6:8), just not necessarily in our expected time, but when we get to Heaven and review the books, we shall see all the perfecting timings of God. So, do you rely upon God’s perfect timing or are you impatient?

Friday, November 18, 2022

Ruth 1:22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

Bethlehem is a city inside of the country of Israel. Moab is a pagan country. So, during the harvest, they returned to Israel after living in pagan lands, where the true God can be worshipped. Likewise, the Bible teaches that all that are brought back to God are part of a great harvest, in fact, Jesus is described in Revelation 14:14 as, “the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.” That symbolic sickle is used in harvesting souls. And they shall be harvested into spiritual Israel, specifically, “the holy city, new Jerusalem” (Revelation 21:2). So, have you or are you returning to Israel allowing Jesus to harvest you?

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Ruth 1:21 I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why [then] call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?

Naomi is not doing as well as Job did, but nonetheless, this should remind us, that even all of the blessings bestowed upon us in the form of physical gain, it will all be left behind and we shall enter Heaven empty handed. When we arrive in Heaven, we certainly will not be depressed about leaving houses, cars, even friends and family behind. So, are you careful in what you accumulate as it will all burn up in the end?

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Ruth 1:20 And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.

Here is where we have a most direct parallel to end time events. Naomi means "my delight" while Mara means "bitterness". Such a switch in descriptions is similar to the prophecy in Revelation 10 where, a message that states there is no more time (Revelation 10:6) will sound very sweet (Revelation 10:9), even delightful, but it would end in bitterness (Revelation 10:10), even a great disappointment. Just as Naomi had to move on from this bitter experience, so the people involved in this sweet and then bitter prophecy are told, “Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings” (Revelation 10:11). So, do you understand Revelation 10, and are you involved in the preaching of the correct message to the world that is contained in the messages found from that “little book” (Revelation 10:2) that became opened to the world (Revelation 10:2)?

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Ruth 1:19 So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, [Is] this Naomi?

Bethlehem is not only the home of Naomi, but as we know, Jesus was born there. Interestingly, Ruth is mentioned in Matthew’s genealogy (Matthew 1:5). On a different note, the people being stirred about wondering if the person returning home happens to be Naomi could parallel the thought of what people may think of us. In other words, when people do something surprisingly, people begin to wonder, “Is that the person we knew?” The reaction is both for something wonderful as well as evil. People are shocked to learn that they lived next to a serial killer, just as an example. But what do people associate with you, if anything?

Monday, November 14, 2022

Ruth 1:18 When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.

Ruth is an example of what Christians ought to be towards God. “For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end” (Hebrews 3:14). So, are you steadfast in the faith not allowing temptations of the world to lead you away from God?

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Ruth 1:16-17 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, [or] to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people [shall be] my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, [if ought] but death part thee and me.

This is an excellent example of what all of us should be like as Jesus even stated: “If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). So, do you deny all the worldly living, resisting the temptation to participate in those things, and follow Jesus however He leads?

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Ruth 1:15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.

So, Orpah is an example of those that become a Christian and then so easily turn back to their old gods: addictions, belly (Philippians 3:19), worldly gain, etc. The sad part is that many of them retain the Christian title, but that is all they retain for sadly they shall be lost, but have you been determined to stay away from your old gods and stay true to the true God?

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Ruth 1:14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.

Treating Naomi as representing the church, some church members, like Orpah, go through the formality of things, through the motions. She may have been sincere, but it was still just an act of affection. Such people lack the spiritual depth. Others have a deeper experience like Ruth. They embrace all that there is regarding church, in fact, they usually cannot get enough of church in regards to the learning time, sermon messages, etc. So, are you a formality Christian or are you a completely committed Christian?

Monday, November 7, 2022

Ruth 1:12-13 Turn again, my daughters, go [your way]; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, [if] I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.

Naomi has nothing to offer these two young ladies. That means to stay with Naomi is motivated out of pure love, and that is our test as well. When there is nothing to gain, do you still do that which is right?

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Ruth 1:11 And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? [are] there yet [any more] sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?

Here is the test of perseverance by stating the obvious, even with discouraging words. It is like the many times Elijah told Elisha to stay put but Elisha pressed on (2 Kings 2). It is like the parable that Jesus spoke of regarding the man that had friends drop by in the dark of night and causes the neighbor to get up and provide the friend with loaves of bread (Luke 11:5-9). So, do you persist with God in prayer until an answer is provided, or do you pray once and are done?

Friday, November 4, 2022

Ruth 1:10 And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people.

Please notice that both women were going to go with Naomi. It is like the ten virgins, where “five of them were wise, and five [were] foolish” (Matthew 25:2). It is also like many who claim to be Christian while the few others are Christian. “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8). So, do you have just good intentions, as both young ladies had, of being a Christian, or do you have the endurance to live as a Christian as “he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22)?

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Ruth 1:9 The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each [of you] in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.

Naomi was allowing them to return to their homes that their husbands had either purchased or built, but it would be difficult to live in such a house with the constant reminder of a husband lost to death. A widow’s life was not easy. Many died. Today, there various agencies, government assistance programs, and other support is available. It does not mean the widow’s life is any happier, but we take these things for granted today when, back in the day, outside of family, there was nothing available. But still, have you considered the life of a widow, especially one with children, as Malachi 3:5 encourages us to lend assistance to?

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Ruth 1:8 And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.

This was a test just as we are tested everyday and all day. We are not forbidden to do anything. We may partake in anything we want. We also must face the consequences of our decisions though, just as Paul brought out in not so clear language: “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12). Jesus hopes that we would choose complete obedience to Him and shun all that is evil. “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14). So, do you choose live in accordance to God’s will or your selfish will?

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Ruth 1:7 Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.

These two women are not blood related but are family through marriage. Naomi was willing to treat them as her own daughters despite the marriages ending upon death. In this sense, one can say that the daughters were adopted. This ought to remind us of the verse that says, “ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). And also that “we might receive the adoption of sons” (Galatians 4:5). We have been adopted by the greatest Father of all. So, how much do you appreciate that?

Monday, October 31, 2022

Ruth 1:6 Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread.

Returning to the land of Israel after first leaving it to go into a pagan country only to return to Israel is what we see here. This is an example of many today. They may be born into Christianity, choose to leave, but Jesus always welcomes a sincere and repentant sinner back into His fold. Have you found yourself in that situation? Remember, we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

Sunday, October 30, 2022

Ruth 1:5 And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.

While in reality, losing two sons on top of losing her husband is a very sad and traumatic situation and should not be considered lightly. Spiritually though, with the children Mahlon meaning "sick" and Chilion meaning "pining", it is good to hear that sickness and pining ceased. So, have you any pining or spiritual sickness caused by sin in your life that by the grace of God, can cease if you surrender them to Him?

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Ruth 1:3 And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.

Upon remembering that Elimelech means "my God is king" while Naomi means "my delight", and the children Mahlon means "sick" and Chilion means "pining", in this verse we could apply the application that “Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25) while the church calls the sick and pining unto her for healing, being the physical representative of Christ, for “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14). So, do you belong to a church, or do you trust solely in your understanding of God independent of any church?

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Ruth 1:4 And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one [was] Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.

Orpah means "gazelle" while Ruth means "friendship". Like Tabitha of the New Testament, also named after a female gazelle is an animal that runs quickly darting here and there. Tabitha made many friends in this manner, running quickly from place to place, so much so that when she died (Acts 9:37), “all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made”, where Dorcas was another name for Tabitha. Eventually, Peter raised her back to life (Acts 9:40). So, are you like a gazelle, quickly running here and there to make friends through the service you can offer, be it clothing, food, or whatever, or do you ignore your neighbors not even knowing their names after being in the neighborhood so many years?

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Ruth 1:2 And the name of the man [was] Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.

Elimelech means "my God is king" while Naomi means "my delight". Unfortunately, for their children, Mahlon means "sick" and Chilion means "pining". As for the places, Bethlehem Judah means "house of bread (food)" while Moab means "of his father". So, the true God is King of whom we delight in. He invites the sick and the pining, as well as others, for He shall “heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you” (Luke 10:9). Only God’s kingdom is where we find the house of bread that our Father is very willing to provide to us. So, do you go to God each day for the bread or Word of God and be healed from what sin has caused?

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Ruth 1:1 Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.

There is nearly a famine in our land. “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD” (Amos 8:11). Hardly any preacher preaches the Word of God. If they quote the Bible, it is with very few verses, like one, two, maybe three. Singing and praising God seems to be the draw of crowds. Down is sermon time, which is mostly people’s opinions. Bethlehemjudah journeyed to another country that appeared better suited. Have you considered that If you find yourself lacking the feeding from God’s Word, maybe you should consider a different church or denomination until you find one that is better suited for character transformation (Ephesians 4:11-12)?

Monday, October 24, 2022

Esther 10:3 For Mordecai the Jew [was] next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.

Joseph was also second to the king, and Moses was in the line of succession to be king or pharaoh. There was also Daniel who served in two governments along with his three friends in the government of Babylon. Just because someone has a government position does not make them traitors to the faith. They just might be in position to do something for God’s people. However, this ought not encourage us to actually run for office, as that is a distraction from our godly purpose in life. So, do you respect true Christians in government positions, or do you automatically condemn them for being there?

Sunday, October 23, 2022

Esther 10:1-2 And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and [upon] the isles of the sea. And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?

Not only are these things written in the Bible that unbelievers attack, but they are also written in the secular chronicles of Media and Pesia waiting for archeologists to uncover providing more evidence that the Bible is not some book of fables. So, do you treat the scriptures as the Word of God or mere fables?

Friday, October 21, 2022

Esther 9:29-32 Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim. And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, [with] words of peace and truth, To confirm these days of Purim in their times [appointed], according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry. And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.

Also written in a book is the words of peace and truth for the last days. It is not a call for an annual feast day but rather a call to “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters” (Revelation 14:7). A call that coincidently, though we do not believe in coincidence, happens to be quoting right out of the Ten Commandments, specifically, a quote right out of the Sabbath commandment saying, “made heaven and earth, the sea” (Exodus 20:11). So, have you or will you study that call from Revelation 14:7 that those who adhere to the call acknowledge it to be Bible truth and brings peace to the soul?

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Esther 9:26-28 Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and [of that] which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them, The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their [appointed] time every year; And [that] these days [should be] remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and [that] these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.

Three days in a row now we see a remembrance of the event, a day to be kept, or in this case, two days that commemorated the experience back then. Again, we do not advocate creating holidays or holy days, but we ought to remember prophetic events that have come to pass. As already stated, there is the appreciation of the call from Martin Luther back to Bible principles made on October 31. There is also the recognition, in one form or another, for the existence of the United States. As a third prophetic remembrance, in fact, it is the third through ninth, as various Jewish feast days happen throughout the year, we ought to give it a thought of how Jesus has, is, and will fulfill each one, “For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7), “Christ the firstfruits” (1 Corinthians 15:23), along with Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement, and Ingathering, the last to be fulfilled at the second coming. Now, do you see Christ fulfilling each one of those feasts?

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Esther 9:23-25 And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them; Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that [is], the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them; But when [Esther] came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

Those that plot evil against God’s people will come back upon themselves. Even as antichrist leads the world into darkness, one of the plagues is that of darkness: “And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds” (Revelation 16:10-11). So, do you have anything evil to do with God’s people, or are you part of the group that Jesus will defend against the enemy?

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Esther 9:20-22 And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that [were] in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, [both] nigh and far, To stablish [this] among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly, As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

Like we said yesterday, God is not looking for us to create anymore holidays, but there are biblical prophetic days that we ought to remember. We named one yesterday that did not require so much Bible content to explain, and we shall give another. For instance, Satan has been making Americans feel guilty for being part of the United States by instigating certain people who believe we ought to give the land back to the previous owners, be it Mexico or Native Americans or both. In reality, it was ordained in Bible prophecy. Besides, there is not one land that was not taken from another previous owner today. Now, the end of Revelation 12 is about the church under attack. In verse 15, it is so persecuted that there was no place to practice one’s religion in a free manner. Verse 16 tells us “The earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth”. That is the activity of what would lead to becoming the United States, a country that permitted religious freedom, eventually. Therefore, we ought to count it a joy that the United States was formed in which the separation of church and states permits for “another beast” or nation “coming up out of the earth” or sparsely populated area; “and he had two horns like a lamb” or separated powers that are Christ-like (Revelation 13:11), however, persecution is going to return for eventually and even now “he spake as a dragon” or will make laws to take away that separation (Revelation 13:11). So, do you appreciate that the United States exists and initially provided a haven for religious freedom, or do you go along with the groups demanding we return the land to “its rightful owners”?

Monday, October 17, 2022

Esther 9:17-19 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. But the Jews that [were] at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth [day] thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth [day] of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar [a day of] gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

In our day, we ought not make holidays here and there, but there are days that ought to be remembered, especially those of Bible prophecy. We will not list them here as each would require its own study, but this one example for Bible believers ought to come to mind. Those that celebrate Halloween ought to be careful because the day of Satan covers up a prophetic call to get back to the Bible as it is the day that Martin Luther called his beloved church back to following the Bible on certain topics instead of following counsels and even other church leaders who made up various rules conflicting with the Bible. So, do you remember other biblical prophetic days?

Sunday, October 16, 2022

Esther 9:15-16 For the Jews that [were] in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand. But the other Jews that [were] in the king's provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,

Again, the Jews were practicing the future written rule “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). If they laid their hand on the prey, then it would look like they were no longer defending themselves but on the attack. They did not want to give the impression they were on the attack but to reveal self-control. So, how much self-control do you have when it comes to the appearance of evil? For the gospel’s sake, do you refrain, or do you potentially risk a negative appearance to the unconverted?

Friday, October 14, 2022

Esther 9:14 And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons.

Haman, a type of antichrist, had ten sons. Paralleling in the book of Revelation, we have “the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast” (Revelation 17:12). These will come to power with the antichrist for a short period of time unlike Haman’s sons, but the fact that Haman was out to slaughter the Jews, antichrist will want to slaughter the faithful (Revelation 13:15-17), and working with antichrist is ten kings, which are yet to be revealed. Kings, representing governments, and it ought to create concern, a carefulness of how much one trusts in them. So, just how much trust and dependency do you have upon the governments of the world, even your own?

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Esther 9:13 Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which [are] in Shushan to do to morrow also according unto this day's decree, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged upon the gallows.

Esther, representing the church, is about to see the destruction of the main wicked characters. Likewise, “Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked” (Psalms 91:8). It will not be a pleasant reward but nonetheless, they shall receive their reward. So, do you “Strive to enter in at the strait gate” (Luke 13:24) to witness the destruction of the wicked, or are you enjoying the ways of the world?

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Esther 9:11-12 On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king. And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? now what [is] thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what [is] thy request further? and it shall be done.

More than five hundred will be slain in defense of God’s people in the near future. In fact, all who are not going to Heaven shall be slain. What is our petition? To be delivered! “And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this [is] our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this [is] the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation” (Isaiah 25:9). So, are you waiting upon the true God or distracted by the false ones?

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Esther 9:6-10 And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men. And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha, And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha, And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha, The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.

Most of these location references have no given meaning, so to put together the meanings of these locations to receive a message from the names of the locations is not possible. Therefore, we shall be focusing upon the last verse, in which the Jews practiced the principle, “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). The spoil was rightfully theirs, however, by taking it, that would have sent a wrong message to others that observed. The purpose of this slaying was to defend themselves by permission of the king through Esther’s law. To take the spoil is an action that is taken usually by the offensive side crossing the line from being a defender and now becoming the offender. But, do you avoid the appearance of evil in your life despite nothing really wrong with the choice of practicing it, taking it, whatever it happens to be?

Monday, October 10, 2022

Esther 9:5 Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.

At the second coming, we will not smite our enemies but they will be slaughtered by the sword. “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh” (Revelation 19:11,15,21). So, are you on God’s side following the Word of God, or will you be part of the slain giving even religious excuses for not obeying God’s Word?

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Esther 9:3-4 And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. For Mordecai [was] great in the king's house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.

The same happened to Daniel and his friends as well as Joseph. When a person is consecrated to God, God only knows the possibilities and responsibilities that will be bestowed upon that person. “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much” (Luke 16:10). So, how faithful are you towards God?

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Esther 9:2 The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.

“What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?” (Romans 8:31). “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight” (1 John 3:22). Can you expect God to be for you because you keep His commandments?

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Esther 9:1 Now in the twelfth month, that [is], the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)

The enemies of God’s people at the end of time will also be surprised. Just when the enemies are ready to “cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed” (Revelation 13:15), then “heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war” (Revelation 19:11). So, are you going along with the agenda that leads to eradicating God’s people who do not put climate change above the dominion granted in the Garden of Eden, who do not inject themselves with experimental drugs, who are religious and protect life, etc.? [All those groups listed have threatened bodily harm and even death towards those that do not go along with the agendas.]

Monday, October 3, 2022

Esther 8:17 And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.

Up until the seven last plagues, those that are not Christian can become Christian for after the plagues begin, “no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled” (Revelation 15:8). That is why today is the day to become a Christian and not put it off. Then, after the plagues, when Jesus breaks through the clouds, “it shall be said in that day, Lo, this [is] our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this [is] the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation” (Isaiah 25:9). So, have you become a Christian already and looking forward to the day of gladness and rejoicing?

Sunday, October 2, 2022

Esther 8:16 The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.

The Christian can have light, gladness, joy, and honor too. Christ is our light that we ought to be glad and joyful about. And it should be considered an honor to be chosen by Him. So, do you walk in the light and does it make you feel glad and joyful along with a sense of honor?

Friday, September 30, 2022

Esther 8:15 And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.

True blue, pure white, purple royalty -- one ought to be glad being wrapped in these things. Are you true and pure and considered one of “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9)?

Thursday, September 29, 2022

Esther 8:14 [So] the posts that rode upon mules [and] camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.

The decree back then went out on the popular means of transportation. Today, it would be instantly received in every country thanks to the technology we have today. Only the decree of the future is not to save God’s people but to “kill” (Revelation 13:15). So, are you aware of Satan’s plans or are you “ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11)?

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Esther 8:13 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province [was] published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.

As the decree went forth to every land in the kingdom, according to the end of Revelation 12:17 and the second half of Revelation 13, all the world will be involved once again in persecuting, even wanting to kill God’s people. Instead of a decree to save the people, the decree will allow for hunting down God’s people. The only deliverance will come in Revelation 19 when Jesus comes to save His people. So, are you going along with worldwide activities being on the side of the persecutors, such as climate change, orientation movement, certain lives matter, etc.; or are you daily choosing God’s side through obedience to Him and His ways and will become the persecuted?

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Esther 8:10-12 And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed [it] with the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, [and] riders on mules, camels, [and] young dromedaries: Wherein the king granted the Jews which [were] in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, [both] little ones and women, and [to take] the spoil of them for a prey, Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, [namely], upon the thirteenth [day] of the twelfth month, which [is] the month Adar.

Although the Jews were allowed to defend their lives on the day that was appointed for their extermination, no such decree will be written for God’s people in the future according to Revelation 13. The best we see is in Revelation 14: “Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). They simply stand on the faith of Jesus, as Jesus will be their Deliverer. “And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this [is] our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this [is] the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation” (Isaiah 25:9). So, how is your faith, your trust, your belief of Jesus?

Monday, September 26, 2022

Esther 8:9 Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that [is], the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth [day] thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which [are] from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.

The future decree written by the church (Mordecai) through the government (the king’s allowance) also goes far and wide – it goes “to them that dwell on the earth” (Revelation 13:14). Mordecai’s dictation saved the Jews in his day, but in Revelation 13, the religious who usurp power to dictate worship (Revelation 13:12, 15) through the governments of the world will be at the loss of religious freedom to those that are faithful to God. Again, are you concerned about the call for church and state to be broken down, the beginning of fulfilling Revelation 13?

Sunday, September 25, 2022

Esther 8:7-8 Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews. Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king's name, and seal [it] with the king's ring: for the writing which is written in the king's name, and sealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse.

The king was willing to rectify the situation as far as possible by handing over Haman’s property to Esther and having Haman hung but to undo the law to slaughter all Jews on sight was not reversible. No law made was reversible. However, as long as Esther did not write a law to undo it, she was free to write any law she wanted for her people in response to that event soon coming. In other words, the church (Esther) was permitted to make governmental law (the king’s approval). In this case, that relationship saved the Jews. In the future, when the church dictates to the country, even to world governments, those true to God’s ways will be found to be left out and eventually persecuted. That is what Revelation 13:11-17 is all about, especially mentioning the word worship. To bring morality back to this country, Christian principles we once held but lost to immorality having the ascendency so many years, moral laws will be passed once the two principles of the separation of church and state (two horns of Revelation 13:11) has been broken down. And when those laws conflict with the Bible, that is when they “went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17). Although we agree that morality is in great need of being restored, are you careful to also guard the separation of powers to achieve it, or are you encouraged by the Christian Nationalism that is on the rise breaking down the wall of separation?

Friday, September 23, 2022

Esther 8:5-6 And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing [seem] right before the king, and I [be] pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which [are] in all the king's provinces: For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?

All that the church (Esther) appealed from the government (the king) seemed reasonable. Too bad today’s government is not so. It seems that there is an all-out war against Christianity, conservative values that includes many religious values, squashing free speech, and more. So, are you expecting things to get better or worse for Christians in this country, the United States, with all the so-called protective laws to exercise religion freely?

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Esther 8:4 Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king,

Today, the ultimate King holds out His scepter to the church. “But unto the Son [he saith], Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness [is] the sceptre of thy kingdom” (Hebrews 1:8). Do you accept the scepter of righteousness from God?

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Esther 8:3 And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.

Here we see the church (Esther) appealing to the government (the king) for protection. Right now, we have many protections in place in our country, like “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”, but unfortunately those protections will become meaningless, yeah, they are already becoming such by having closed down all of the churches recently and had arrested and fined ministers for defiance, and then making places of worship follow certain rules, etc. It is going to get worse. So, do you appeal to the government for protection or to God?

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Esther 8:1 On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he [was] unto her. And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.

So, the persecuted received the rewards while the persecutor received their demise. This very much plays out again on a broader scale: “Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see [it]” (Psalms 37:34). So, are you one that resists messages of God in His Word disliking His people, or are you one that is receiving God’s messages through His Word as one of His people?

Monday, September 19, 2022

Esther 7:10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.

Very similarly, God’s wrath will soon be poured out upon the guilty for John “saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God” (Revelation 15:1). And Job states, “O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!” (Job 14:13). Therefore, at some point with the seven last plagues, God’s wrath will be satisfied as well, ending the period of plagues. God has been quite patient with our disobedience, but He has appointed a time period that punishment shall be handed out. We just want to make sure we are not part of the disobedient group and receive of those plagues. “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God” (1 John 3:9). So, are you excusing sin in your life being part of the disobedient group, or do you confess all of your sins and “Strive to enter in at the strait gate” (Luke 13:24), which means, by the power of God to forsake sinning?

Sunday, September 18, 2022

Esther 7:9 And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.

So, Haman will get a taste of his own medicine. Unfortunately, that will be all Haman gets to do seeing that the end result will not allow Haman to be any further trouble. So, are you careful not to plan retaliation against someone as it may be used against you but rather leaving it in God’s hands instead, or do you risk repercussions and move forward with an unforgiving heart with the plans anyways?

Friday, September 16, 2022

Esther 7:8 Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther [was]. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.

So, on top of all that Haman brought upon himself, potential rape charges were about to be levied, even though that was not was going on. Haman did not consider the appearance of his actions. Many Christians do not either despite the Bible stating, “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). So, are you careless in your actions that could be misunderstood bringing a bad witness upon the name Christian, or are you careful in your actions providing a good witness for Christ?

Thursday, September 15, 2022

Esther 7:7 And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath [went] into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.

Here, the state (king) is siding with the church (Esther) and ready to deal with the persecutors (Haman). In the future, the three characters will have a different result for the state (the beast of Revelation 13:11 with two horns) shall encourage the persecution of the true church by the state siding with the false church (the beast in Revelation 13:1-2 referred to in Revelation 13:12 to be worshipped) to allow the persecutors to prevent anyone to “buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name” (Revelation 13:17) and “cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed” (Revelation 13:15). And as you see, there are actually four players involved: state, false church, persecutors, and true church or the persecuted. So, despite good biblical intent, do you really want to support church and state unification that will lead to the persecutions?

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Esther 7:6 And Esther said, The adversary and enemy [is] this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.

In this union of church (Esther) and state (king), Haman should be afraid since he is guilty, but in the future, when church and state unite (Revelation 17:2), it will be once again for “the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus” (Revelation 17:6), however, we will not be guilty before God for those who persecute the saints and made martyrs “went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17). Now, are you keeping the commandments of God instead of man-made excuses or rules, and are you keeping God’s testimony, even His Word, despite all of the attacks upon the Bible?

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Esther 7:5 Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?

As usual, the state is clueless in religious matters. The state cannot be trusted to protect the true children of God. They enact laws that are for the population and not always what is right. Of course, we do not want church and state to unite because it always ends up persecuting God’s people. But the point is that none of us ought to think that the state will do the right thing in all cases. We cannot claim to God as a defense, “Well, it was the law of the land!” So, how much do you put your rights in the hands of clueless legislatures?

Monday, September 12, 2022

Esther 7:3-4 Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request: For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage.

In reference to Satan, Jesus said, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10). God’s people have always been marked for destruction. It is not sufficient for God’s people to be few in number (Deuteronomy 7:7). Satan wants total annihilation of all resemblance of God to gain complete authority of the planet for he tries to “deceiveth the whole world” (Revelation 12:9). God’s people in the last days are those “which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17). The rest or the population “went to make war with the remnant of her seed” (Revelation 12:17). So, are you keeping God’s commandments and His Word, or are you part of the warring faction by dismissing God’s commandments and making excuses to declare the Bible as being useless?

Sunday, September 11, 2022

Esther 7:2 And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What [is] thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what [is] thy request? and it shall be performed, [even] to the half of the kingdom.

The church, represented by Esther, need no bribes, no worldly encouragement, no riches whatsoever to deliver the message. So, does your church take such bribes from the governments of the world? Did they take part in the financial government programs and now are pushing the agenda?

Friday, September 9, 2022

Esther 7:1 So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen.

What a combination! Church (Esther), state (king), and the enemy of God’s people (Haman) met together. Revelation brings out another combination in which a fallen church (“the great whore” of Revelation 17:1) joins with, not just one king, but “kings” (Revelation 17:2) along with the enemy or enemies of God’s people (other fallen churches by the word “harlots” in Revelation 17:5, merchants in Revelation 18:23, and the pharmaceutical industry using the Greek word for “sorceries” being pharmakeia in Revelation 18:23). At the same time, the true church is present because the great whore is “drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus” (Revelation 17:6). So, are you alarmed at the call for the division between church and state to be removed?

Thursday, September 8, 2022

Esther 6:14 And while they [were] yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.

That is just like the devil. When people contemplate doing the right thing, where there was a slight moment of reasoning with Haman as he discussed the unlikelihood of carrying out his plans successfully without injury to himself, the devil rushes in with some urgent need. In this case, Haman was rushed off to the banquet, but today, out of the blue, people will receive a phone call, a text message, or something like that, which demands immediate attention breaking the contemplation of performing a righteous act. The urgency may not be sinful, but it accomplishes the thwarting of a person in decision time. So, have you put religious matters above the cares of the world, or does every interruption become an emergency, especially at the moment of a religious decision?

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Esther 6:13 And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every [thing] that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai [be] of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.

Despite Haman’s friends and wife telling him that his plans will not work now, this would have been a time that he should have repented and stopped moving forward with evil plans by confessing his erroneous ways right away, however, that was not the case nor will it be the case in the last days with the antichrist and the followers. “And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds” (Revelation 16:8-11). The fourth plague still does not cause people to repent of their evil deeds, and the fifth one specifically for antichrist, the beast, does not cause it to repent either. So, have you ever tried committing a sinful deed and been shown that the possibilities of carrying it out is pretty much zero but you go ahead anyways? Repent next time! Do not allow such stubbornness in the life, let alone the evil.

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Esther 6:12 And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.

This sorrow, this shamefulness, it is not because he realized the errors of his way, it is because things became difficult to carry out his plans to kill Mordecai along with his people. If the king treated Mordecai so well, he realized that he was now carrying out plans that would go against the king. And that is what every person does when they mistreat a Christian or make fun of Christianity. They are not really fighting against the Christian; they are fighting against God. As a Christian, do you realize that every attack upon you is not actually against you but against God?

Monday, September 5, 2022

Esther 6:11 Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.

The real King will also set us on high, only the enthusiasm will be grander because Haman was just faking it while he was plotting Mordecai’s death. “Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name” (Psalms 91:14). “But I [am] poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high” (Psalms 69:29). “To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety” (Job 5:11). “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe [and] to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth” (Deuteronomy 28:1). So, is your love set upon God; are you sorrowful; have you humbled yourself taking the low position; and do you listen to the voice of God following all that He commands? If the answer is yes to all of it, then you will be set on high!

Sunday, September 4, 2022

Esther 6:10 Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, [and] take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.

How does one carry out the orders of the king upon someone that one hates? If Haman can choose to follow the king’s orders for a day upon such a person he hated, then we ought to be able to carry out the King’s, God’s orders, like loving our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 19:19), loving our enemies (Matthew 5:43-45), and other such commands. So, how loving are you towards these people?

Friday, September 2, 2022

Esther 6:7-9 And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour, Let the royal apparel be brought which the king [useth] to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head: And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man [withal] whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.

Unless one practices “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 19:19), this is quite selfish of Haman when he finds out that it is not for him. Many people are still like children. They make sure they get treated exactly the same as another or better. If a cookie were split between two children, most would grab for the one side that is slightly bigger than the other. Some people never grow up, especially when unconverted. So, do you have a double standard in which if you could choose how to be treated that it would be better than if you could choose how others are treated?

Thursday, September 1, 2022

Esther 6:5-6 And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in. So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?

Thinking of how great one is, a form of selfishness and pride, blinds people. Instead of waiting to see the king’s intent, Haman is already thinking that the question is referring to himself. So, how much do you exalt yourself in your thoughts and disappointed when people are not actually referring to you?

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Esther 6:4 And the king said, Who [is] in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

Timing is not by coincidence with God. If the king rewarded Mordecai right away, it would not have offset the evil purpose of Haman. So, do your plans get thwarted, messed up, etc. because of timing either from God or by Satan, and are you able to determine which it is and adjust accordingly?

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Esther 6:3 And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.

And Mordecai did not complain about not being rewarded because people of God do that which is right because it is right. So, do you look for a reward after doing the right thing, or do you just do the right thing because it is the right thing to do?

Monday, August 29, 2022

Esther 6:2 And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.

Mordecai foiled the plot of an assassination an attempt on a pagan king of all people. He could have kept silent, but instead, he chose to try to save a life. This is the danger of politics today. When a prominent person in politics dies, many, but not all, on the other party celebrate it. That is so sad that people are happy about another person’s death! This is what politics has become. Any death, especially to a person that is probably outside of Christ, should sadden us, even if we do not like them. So, would you be willing to say something if put into that position, even if it were not all the way to an assassination attempt? Would you be willing to lend assistance to a mean and nasty neighbor if they needed help?

Sunday, August 28, 2022

Esther 6:1 On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

Not every sleepless night is because we ate too late, had a lot on our minds, was anxious about something, but may be providential. Timing is usually involved to determine this, like it happened with this king. But speaking of trying to get a good night sleep, are you careful to prepare for it by making sure your food is digested well before turning in, doing what is necessary to clear the mind of weighty matters by possibly writing out a list and maybe actions planned, and have determined what matters can and cannot be controlled by ourselves limiting anxiousness?

Friday, August 26, 2022

Esther 5:14 Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

Usually, when one person is a bigot, a prejudice person, etc., they usually hang out with others of a like mind. So, it would be no surprise that Haman would get such bad advice from the company he invited, even from his own wife. Now, are you listening to bad advice from your friends, or are your thoughts godly and you have friends that are also godly?

Thursday, August 25, 2022

Esther 5:13 Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.

Such animosity towards another destroys the soul, but do you currently hold animosity towards someone? If it is something forgivable, then forgive. If it is something of a covetous nature, let it go.

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

Esther 5:12 Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.

Reading into circumstances is not always safe. One ought to wait to see how things transpire before assuming things, in other words, get the whole picture before one sets their expectations. So, do you easily jump to conclusions given a bit of coincidental circumstances?

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Esther 5:11 And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all [the things] wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.

It is natural to tell a spouse of great things that has happened, but to brag before his friends? We ought to be careful. Unless we are glorifying God, all the great things that transpires in our lives ought to be appreciated but calmly appreciated. Knowing the story of Haman, we know pride is involved, which motivated the bragging. Basically, “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips” (Proverbs 27:2). So, do you let others into areas of your life bragging of your own accomplishments and achievements, or are you reserved about such things?

Monday, August 22, 2022

Esther 5:10 Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.

Bad people are not always bad. Haman was able to exercise self-control. That is actually part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). God uses labels to describe people that will be lost. They are not bad continuously but are called wicked and even evil. So, when you hear that God labels people as being wicked or evil, do you eliminate anyone who actually does some good in addition to their personal sinful practices?

Sunday, August 21, 2022

Esther 5:9 Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.

Just remember, “Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18), as most of us know the end in which Haman will be the destroyed one, this proverb is most fitting towards Haman. So, do you have a forgiving heart or one that is prideful expecting people to treat you in a certain manner?

Friday, August 19, 2022

Esther 5:7-8 Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request [is]; If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.

In essence, Esther could have divulged the concern then and there, but she basically said, “Thank you for coming to this banquet. Now, go and come again and then will I tell you.” There must have been a purpose back then for this action, but in general, the Bible teaches, “Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee” (Proverbs 3:28). So, do you make people work unnecessarily extra for something you want to give to them, even if it is mere words?

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Esther 5:6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What [is] thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what [is] thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.

The church, represented by Esther, is not interested in kingdoms of this world for we are connected to the heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:18). Interestingly, the name of the first of two banquets was known as wine. Wine, especially unfermented, represents doctrine (Matthew 9:17), showing that the church is to provide doctrine and not this fluffy “Jesus loves you” stuff that keeps people in their sinning habits. Yes, Jesus loves everyone, but He also corrects those that are not following His doctrine (Revelation 3:19). So, are you interested in gaining what the world has to offer, or are you spreading God’s doctrine?

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Esther 5:5 Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

When it comes to the Christian invitation, many think that politicians are too caught up in their activities to seriously consider God in the truest sense, therefore, the church’s invitation is usually towards the middle class. Not even the poor are considered for the gospel as they are usually treated as someone for works of kindness is to be shown towards by feeding them, giving them clothes, etc. But the gospel is for everyone: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). That includes the politicians. So, does your church extend the gospel invitation to politicians, or when it comes to politicians, is it more of a campaign to have the politician vote our way but their relationship to God is not considered?

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Esther 5:4 And Esther answered, If [it seem] good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.

Esther, representing the church, offers food, only the real church of today ought to be providing spiritual bread to all they that are invited. It is not to be just a good sermon, but it is “For the perfecting of the saints” (Ephesians 4:12). So, does your church feed this well, or is it just filler with no nutrition?

Monday, August 15, 2022

Esther 5:3 Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what [is] thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.

This is typical government mentality believing that they own everything. God is the owner, and He entrusts things into human hands. The wicked misuse those things and eventually they shall lose their grip of thievery. So, in regards to property, how oppressive is your government, like with property taxes, be it local, state, or federal level?

Sunday, August 14, 2022

Esther 5:1-2 Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on [her] royal [apparel], and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, [that] she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that [was] in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.

If an action, even from a pagan king, needs to take place for God’s purpose, it will happen for God is in control at all times, and as He made it possible for Esther to approach the king, so He will make it possible for us to accomplish our task without worry. Now, how much do you put your trust in God’s will be done, or do you stress about situations?

Friday, August 12, 2022

Esther 4:17 So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

Mordecai, a member of the church, followed Esther’s command, representing the church, as the Bible compares a woman to represent such since it is called the bride of Christ and explicitly states, “I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate [woman]” (Jeremiah 6:2). Then, we ought to follow the commands of the church, as long as they are in accordance with God’s Word. When they are in accordance with society, as many denominations have lightened up on sin so as to be more acceptable, then we are not to follow. Fasting and prayer is in accordance with God’s Word, and so it was acceptable to obey the command. Now, do you follow God’s Word over what your denomination teaches, or has your denomination convinced you that the Bible is an ancient book that is not applicable today, full of errors, and therefore, church doctrines are superior and ought to be followed?

Thursday, August 11, 2022

Esther 4:15-16 “Then Esther bade [them] return Mordecai [this answer], Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which [is] not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”

Fasting and prayer for an earnest and serious situation is a practice that we ought to consider when facing major issues as well. So, how strong is your prayer life?

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Esther 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, [then] shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for [such] a time as this?

Timing is everything. People are put into place at the right time and for the right purpose despite not feeling up to the task like Moses and others. These people did not have greater abilities than others but were people who submitted to the will of God, and God did mighty things through them. Many would rather run to their pastor to deal with challenges, like giving a Bible study or perform other witnessing tasks thinking that it is the pastor’s job. But do you see yourself being in the right moment to be used of God to reach souls yourself? To even deal with religious matters?

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Esther 4:13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.

Some times members, not leaders, know what the right thing to do happens to be. When compromise is prevalent and leaders are bought, the true church shines through consecrated members. And it takes a lot of tact and patience through the grace of God because to blast the truth without skill alienates people, and without patience, there is no giving of time to lead others along who are in ignorance, keeping in mind, we are to seek and save every soul possible. “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). So, how tactful are you when you realize you know the truth to a matter when the church leadership seems to be misguiding?

Monday, August 8, 2022

Esther 4:12 And they told to Mordecai Esther's words.

Though these are simple words, Esther, representing the church, with her messengers, referred to as “they”, and a member of the church being Mordecai, if properly conducted, God’s people ought to follow the words provided by the church, for “he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12). However, some times, like in this case, as we saw in verses 10 and 11, there is hesitancy on the part of the church to move in the right direction. In fact, today, many times the structure part of the church are fully compromised following the rules of the government instead of duty to God. So, what does your church do? Relay the dictates of government demands and rules like Esther did to Mordecai, or fulfill the duty God assigned her?

Sunday, August 7, 2022

Esther 4:10-11 Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai; All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, [there is] one law of his to put [him] to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.

Jesus also knew the risk and Rome, the government, physically put Jesus to death, but “Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25). Likewise, the church ought to be willing to endure whatever is cast at her to do the right thing. So, is this the church you belong to, or does your church compromise with the government? Keep in mind that the church is not necessarily a denomination as it is an assembly of like believers that may be a remnant of the church at large.

Friday, August 5, 2022

Esther 4:9 And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.

With Esther representing the church and Mordecai a member in the church, Hatach would be a messenger, of which God uses angels as messengers: “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches” (Revelation 22:16). Even Jesus said, “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10), where the perfect church resides – Heaven. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man” (John 1:51). And we are invited to have a connection with it, and we do so through prayer. So, how do you do with listening to the messengers of God’s church, His kingdom, as it is mostly referred to as?

Thursday, August 4, 2022

Esther 4:8 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew [it] unto Esther, and to declare [it] unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.

The church has an obligation to do what they can to protect God’s people and not be going along with man-made mandates and rules that interfere with God given rights like, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). So, is there safety in your church or do they help push the agenda of the government along?

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Esther 4:6-7 So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which [was] before the king's gate. And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king's treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.

Even today, money is being exchanged without a care for the average citizen, let alone for a true Christian. The Bible says, “and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies” (Revelation 18:3). Just look at all the “allowed” monopolies that were permitted to stay open, and how many small businesses were crushed in the past couple years under the guise of a health emergency. And the wealth continues to poor out of the average citizens into these billionaires that encourage activities that simply are out to kill us. So, are you careful about the media narrative realizing that basically everyone pretending to have our best interest really has money and control motivating them?

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Esther 4:5 Then called Esther for Hatach, [one] of the king's chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it [was], and why it [was].

Esther, representing the church symbolically, ought to know the answers to the questions posed, hence her investigation. For us, through study (2 Timothy 2:15), through counsellors (Proverbs 11:14), and especially through the fact that the Holy Spirt has given into the church “some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12). These are not just any personnel but consecrated personnel seeking the perfection of the saints. So, are you being taught the answers to the serious biblical questions of the day, of the hour, or are you indifferent?

Monday, August 1, 2022

Esther 4:4 So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told [it] her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received [it] not.

Using queen Esther as a symbol of the church and Mordecai as one of the members, in fact, a leading member, the church is to lead people to Christ to receive of new raiment, the robe of His righteousness and allow Jesus to “Take away the filthy garments” (Zechariah 3:4) of sin. But there is a time also to have different garments. For all of the abominations that are taking place in the church, we ought to “weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where [is] their God?” (Joel 2:17). This is spiritual sackcloth. So, do you sense that sin is running a muck throughout the church, and have you put on spiritual sackcloth by weeping and praying to God about it, or do you think it is fine that members of the church look and act like the world?

Sunday, July 31, 2022

Esther 4:3 And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, [there was] great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

Backing off of the decree paralleling with the Mark of the Beast for this post, Christianity is under attack even now. It seems that every uncouth thing is practiced and permitted to be flaunted, while Christianity appears to be despised, forbidden to exercise with constitutional rights, etc. So, are you fasting, weeping and wailing along with being in spiritual sackcloth and ashes over the matter, or do you find humor in putting down Christianity in media, public schools, and elsewhere?

Friday, July 29, 2022

Esther 4:1-2 When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry; And came even before the king's gate: for none [might] enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth.

Even in great displeasure, Mordecai respected the rules, unlike protestors today that burn down businesses, beat up people, destroy vehicles, loot, etc., all under the guise to their right to protest. Destruction of property and even murder is not respectful nor operating in the confines of the law when protesting. And all of the officials that permitted such are just as guilty, but of course nothing shall be done on this side of the second coming because it is part of the agenda to create animosity between people so that it acts as distraction from the real agenda. Now, do you support violent protesting or peaceful ones?

Thursday, July 28, 2022

Esther 3:15 The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.

The decree at the end of time that will “cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed” (Revelation 13:15), will also go forth in haste. Therefore, more people have to be warned about the truth regarding Revelation 13 and the movement of this country, the last world influencing power, is headed towards. So, are you aware of the progress of this prophecy in Revelation 13, or are you among the larger percentage of Christians that throws the fulfillment into the future making it not applicable to today’s Christian?

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Esther 3:14 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.

Keeping in mind that “all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Corinthians 10:11) means that the law of the land that will permit “kill on sight” all those faithful to God who will “not worship the image of the beast” (Revelation 13:15) will come in the same way. A day shall be chosen to eradicate these people who will not comply. That is why it is so scary to see the attitudes of people, of governments during this exaggerated illness time forcing people, while not calling it force, to comply. People losing jobs, unable to open their businesses, having had churches closed, etc. is force! So, what is your attitude towards those that are not wearing the cloth over their mouths nor participating in the injection? It will be the same attitude come the Mark of the Beast.

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Esther 3:13 And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, [even] upon the thirteenth [day] of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and [to take] the spoil of them for a prey.

And eventually, the same shall be sent forth as a law to all lands against any and all people who do not go along with setting up the image to the beast. “And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed” (Revelation 13:15). Society will eventually be tired of the non-compliant people. There will probably be a “good reason” for compliance that the non-compliant will see through and resist. Seeing that it involves worship, the non-compliant will quote the first or second commandment declaring only God should be worshipped. So, are you going along with all the silly dictates today being scared into having foreign material injected into the body, going along with outrages effects upon life all because of cyclical activity of the earth, etc., or are you resisting now building up strength to resist the image worship later?

Monday, July 25, 2022

Esther 3:12 Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that [were] over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and [to] every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring.

Today, the president of the United States signs a bill into law or signs an executive order, it is usually done before media attention and it is disbursed far and wide. Of course, communication between the White House and the governors does take place in the background as well as publishing it in multiple languages these days. Things are not much different. The bottom line is that the new law is enacted, and everyone is to know. The one law we hope continues to be delayed is that of setting up the image as well enforcing the Mark of the Beast (Revelation 13) allowing us the freedom to share our faith. So, are you making good use of the time that is running out?

Sunday, July 24, 2022

Esther 3:11 And the king said unto Haman, The silver [is] given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.

Judas also received silver (Matthew 27:3) to betray Jesus (Matthew 10:4). He also had people with him too (Matthew 26:47). Seeing that both Judas and Antichrist are known as the “son of perdition” (John 17:12, 2 Thessalonians 2:3), we conclude that the same thing will be repeated yet again. So, are you ready to be betrayed, or will you be on the side of the betraying?

Friday, July 22, 2022

Esther 3:10 And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy.

Similarly, there is a ruler of this planet that is for evil as well and a being that the ruler uses to work the works against true Christians. In similar action of the ring that the king gave to Haman showed authority, that action is repeated by “the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority” (Revelation 13:2). The evil ruler is “the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan” (Revelation 12:9), and the agent he uses is known as the beast or antichrist. Now, are you aware of the Christian’s enemy?

Thursday, July 21, 2022

Esther 3:9 If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring [it] into the king's treasuries.

Ultimately, the government would make a law that would destroy God’s people but today, this scene shall be repeated because in the end of time, a country with Christian principles (“horns like a lamb” - Revelation 13:11) will eventually turn forceful through her laws (“spake as a dragon” - Revelation 13:11) against the people who resist going along with the world wide movement (“should make an image to the beast” - Revelation 13:14, “cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed” - Revelation 13:15). So, are you going along with everything the governments of the world are joining in together, or are you resisting? Are you taking the government suggested cure and going along with concerns for humans hurting the earth?

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Esther 3:8 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws [are] diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it [is] not for the king's profit to suffer them.

And true Christians are dispersed throughout and scattered to bring light of truth to as many communities as possible. We do not follow the rules of society that conflict with God’s rules, in fact, many, even of supposed Christians, are unaware of God’s true rules, the commandments, making us “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). So, are you one of the true Christians looked upon as peculiar, or do you go along with all that the governments enact as acceptable?

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Esther 3:7 In the first month, that [is], the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that [is], the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, [to] the twelfth [month], that [is], the month Adar.

This process of picking a day to destroy the Jews took a year to decide. That is a lot of time harboring the bad feelings, yet many people go to their graves harboring the same type feelings towards others. That means they are going into the graves with unforgiven hearts, and Jesus said, “if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15). With the Father not forgiving such people, that means that they are lost for eternity. So, are you harboring any ill will that ought to be forsaken?

Monday, July 18, 2022

Esther 3:6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that [were] throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, [even] the people of Mordecai.

So, Haman makes the issue much larger than it really needs to be by involving the destruction of all of the Jews instead of dealing with just one person. This is nothing short of a temper tantrum that he never outgrew, but many other adults are like that. One little thing goes wrong with a task and the whole project is scrubbed, done away with, ceases. People do not have to be involved to repeat the same childish activity. Exaggerating the situation can happen with objects as well and often do. Now, do you have childish tendencies, or have you outgrown the impatience, the allowance of frustrating moments to wreck everything?

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Esther 3:5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.