I have been troubled by the book of Job since I was a child. Job was rich. He owned 100's of cattle. He had 10 children. Life was good. God was proud of him Then He allowed Satan to destroy Job's life to test him.
WHY DOES GOD LET BAD THINGS HAPPEN
This week 3 things happened to clear my mind.
Greys Anatomy
Kevin's forum on evil
Bible Study book The Women of Easter
Greys was about bad things. An abusive husband and fiancé. A new mother who died shortly after giving birth. A 12 year old black boy shot by police while going in the window of his own home. He forgot his keys.
April a Doctor on the show is portrayed as a Christian. She is becoming distressed at bad things happening and thinks of Job. Where was God as Job suffered. He was winning a bet with Satan. She thinks... Jesus said My God why hast Thou forsaken me. Job asked the same question. April feels God has forsaken her as the last scene shows her in a bar meeting a man and then a scene of them in a shower. Millions watch her give up on God and give in to evil.
Kevin's forum on evil fit right into this week. This world is evil. We are born into it. Someone brought up Job which made me think of my questions.
That night I read the first chapter of our new Bible study book The Women of Easter. The story is about Mary and Martha. Their brother is dying and they call for Jesus. He is slow to come and Lazarus is dead. Jesus wants to teach His followers that He will soon die and that death isn't the end. There is life after death.
Life is temporary. It goes by in a flash. Ask any 80 year old. God wasn't concerned about what happened to Job's children and possessions. God is concerned about what we learn to prepare us for the community of Heaven. Enjoy what you have on earth but only attach yourself to God.
Monday, January 29, 2018
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Coffee or Tea with Sandi
I remember as a child how easy it was to live in the moment. I would lie in the grass letting the sun warm my face as I watched the airplanes overhead. Then as an adult I couldn't wait for things to happen. I can't wait for my wedding day. I can't wait for this child to be born. I can't wait for the opening day of my new business. I was always thinking of tomorrow. And when tomorrow came I was thinking of the next big moment. Now in retirement, I find it difficult to relax and enjoy the moment. How many beautiful quiet moments have I let slip thru my fingers.
I must learn to live today, enjoy today. Stop and listen for the one who may need a kind word or a helping hand. Life will end today for someone.
Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
I must learn to live today, enjoy today. Stop and listen for the one who may need a kind word or a helping hand. Life will end today for someone.
Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Monday, April 13, 2015
Coffee or Tea with Sandi
I was feeling like an island that Sunday. You know, when you are having a pity party of one, Sometimes you feel like no one cares, you must fend for yourself because the world has chewed you up and spit you out. Sue came over and asked "How is your brother-in-law?" Suddenly the light came on and I didn't feel alone anymore.
Some may ask "Why do I need to go to church?" The answer is simple, we need human contact. We are not an island. We need to share concerns and just love for one another. God knew when He created Adam that he needed a mate to share the ups and downs,
We get into trouble when we spend time thinking that we are the important person in this world. Our concerns become small when we take the time to look around. And look around we must. We must learn to feel for others. The more concerned we become for others the less we have time for our own worries.
How do we do this?
Pray: Father put me in front of someone who needs an encouraging word.
Listen: Pay attention to the prayer list on Sunday morning.
Invite: Do you really know the person who sits in front of you every Sunday? Invite them to breakfast next Sunday.
Volunteer: Ask the church assistants if help is needed. Are there people to visit? What programs are available? If there aren't any, start them.
Make an effort: Talk to someone new each Sunday. Learn something new (maybe their name).
Read the Bible: Galations 5:13-15 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: you shall love your neighbor as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, beware less you be consumed by one another.
Some may ask "Why do I need to go to church?" The answer is simple, we need human contact. We are not an island. We need to share concerns and just love for one another. God knew when He created Adam that he needed a mate to share the ups and downs,
We get into trouble when we spend time thinking that we are the important person in this world. Our concerns become small when we take the time to look around. And look around we must. We must learn to feel for others. The more concerned we become for others the less we have time for our own worries.
How do we do this?
Pray: Father put me in front of someone who needs an encouraging word.
Listen: Pay attention to the prayer list on Sunday morning.
Invite: Do you really know the person who sits in front of you every Sunday? Invite them to breakfast next Sunday.
Volunteer: Ask the church assistants if help is needed. Are there people to visit? What programs are available? If there aren't any, start them.
Make an effort: Talk to someone new each Sunday. Learn something new (maybe their name).
Read the Bible: Galations 5:13-15 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: you shall love your neighbor as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, beware less you be consumed by one another.
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