WISDOM ~ the FEAR of God

JOB 28

Inspired thots

What is most important in life? It takes Wisdom to answer this question. The ANSWER leads to Eternal Bliss. At the 'End of the Day', it is only GOD who matters. Hence, the WISE seeks God because there is a Reverent Fear of God.

The reverent fear directs one to focus on God and His ways just as it did with Job. JOB 28:28 concurs with Proverbs 1:2-5. Only God alone is worthy of our praises and BEING. Fear God and live; He will take us through.

Hence, evolve our lives around God alone!

Remain Steadfast in God Alone

JOB 25 - 27

Inspired thots

How IMPORTANT to remain STEADFAST in God alone when the circumstances are not rosy! Trials and temptations may come with persecutions and sufferings; one may not know what is in God's mind and heart and feel He is far away (or as some preacher says, "God is on Holiday").
All the more, the child of God needs to HOLD ON to the TRUTH learned and applied. Do not divert or digress from the RIGHT Path. God will deliver... He will return 'from holiday'.

Others may tease, jeer, intimidate or provoke without true understanding but the righteous will come out refined when he keeps steadfast in God.

The Lord God Has the FINAL Say

JOB 23 & 24

Inspired thots

Things that happen in life are under the instructions of the Lord; hence, it is useless for one to fret over it. God is in control of EVERY situation on earth in each person's life. No one can find Him if He does not answer but He is Omnipresent. How easy for Him to close one's eyes from finding Him but He is gracious and merciful to know our ways.

God knows BEST and He will not let His righteous stumble or fall. His hand of protection is upon the righteous. Let God be God!

Half Truths Are Fallacies

JOB 22

Inspired thots

How important to know God and His word accurately; the right application is also crucial to a righteous walk with God. Indeed God is Almighty that one may not know the full intent of His heart unless He chooses to reveal. Hence, it is the foolish who would apply his own understanding to God and His ways. Isaiah 55:8,9 comes to mind that God's ways are always higher than our ways.

It is better to keep quiet and wait on God pleading with Him alone on all matters than depend on our own insight. Proverbs 3:5,6 comes to mind. Speaking half truths is generating fallacies about God for we are not wise even in our own eyes.

We may offer possibilities in counsel to another but that should be exercised with loving gentle care... EEC ~ Exhort, Encourage and Comfort as per Prophetic and Anointing ministering. God will answer in due time.

The TRUTH Shall Prevail

JOB 20 & 21

Inspired thots

No one knows his or her own condition better than the person. Hence, it is not necessary to 'counsel' the sufferer. A believing sufferer would have God speak to him/her personally and it is up to them to take the right course of action to correct themselves if there should be any iniquity within. Or it could be a matter of Job's case where God allows trials to come.

Nevertheless, the Truth shall prevail over time if one is patient; and one would be patient if one knows God and His ways. How important then to read and know God's words for self at least.

When ALL Else Looks Bleak

JOB 19

Inspired thots

The book of Job is really difficult to follow. The thoughts are all over; the words so rich; the meaning so deep. Perhaps that is how suffering can affect the sufferer...

No words can ease the pain and suffering... no one can truly empathize; one may try to sympathize but may end up criticizing. Only the sufferer knows his own condition.  Only to GOD alone can Job turn to and hold steadfast to. There is only FAITH and HOPE in God for His mercy and grace when all looks bleak.

True BUT Not Accurate

JOB 17 & 18

Inspired thots

Job was suffering and expressed it through words to his friends; it is a common reaction from the sufferer but in reality, NO ONE really understands the FULL impact and feelings of the sufferer except the latter. Hence, when Job lamented on his sufferings, his friends could not empathize. They kept insisting that only the wicked suffer; hence, Job was wicked.

One can offer many TRUE words in a situation BUT the words may not be ACCURATE. God must be sought for the RIGHT answers for the situation. God is So amazing; who can understand HIM?

There is TRUTH in Job's friends' words of advice or understanding BUT it was not applicable to Job. Hence, the wise would seek God on the situation before speaking; whether for self or on behalf of another.

Plea to God Alone

JOB 16

Inspired thots

Job suffered so intensely that he knows he can only plea to God for deliverance. Indeed his soul is so vexed that he is prepared for death; yet it alludes him. Who else can he turn to? Even his friends cannot help him ~ physically, spiritually or emotionally.

"From whence does our help come from?" Psalm 121 ~  My help comes from the Lord, who made Heaven and earth! The only source of HOPE and HELP is God alone! Children of God should plea to Him who can deliver and protect even when all seems hopeless. There is no other.

Man's Folly

JOB 15 & 16

Inspired thots

Man is foolish in thinking himself to be wise; Job's friends chided him for his iniquities that caused him to suffer as a consequence. It is  easy to speak words to one who is suffering without empathy; but it is all foolishness to think that one has the answers and form words according to our own wisdom. It is folly!

The ways of God are so high that we cannot fathom if He does not reveal; we can only plea for His grace and mercy and remain faithful to Him for our deliverance. Words do not suffice and become foolish when more is spoken.

Our Lives are in God's Hands

JOB 14

Inspired thots

Job acknowledges the Majesty of God Almighty. No one can question God. Man's time on earth is fleeting; hence, it is better and wiser to acknowledge God as the Almighty and plea for His mercy and grace while living on earth.

Nothing prevails against God; nature and man fall under the plan of God. It is better to submit to Him who is able to keep one from falling and wasting away than struggle on our own efforts.

A Strong Relationship with God Brings One through Tribulation

JOB 12 & 13

Inspired thots

It is important to have a strong relationship with God that one knows his or her position in all situations; hence, one would not be swayed by the adversity or deception that would be prevalent. Job was in that position of solidarity with his God that though he suffered, he knew he had not sinned against God to bring on the adverse circumstances. Job KNEW his God and himself.

Too many words in times of difficulty are worthless and can cause more trouble than help. As Job said, "silence is our wisdom". It is better to say nothing at all in certain circumstances. Let God be God. No one can question His ways. Trusting Him is the best resolve for He will not let His children's feet stumble.

When one knows God and has experienced His ways, it is easy to wait and endure worldly tribulation.

Not a Bed of Roses All the Time

JOB 11

Inspired thots

All that Zophar said seemed very logical but the Christian life is NOT a Bed of Roses ALL the time. Just like the rose, there would be a fragrance but there may be pricks of the thorns. Hence, one does not assume BLESSINGS from God only even if one is righteous all the time; which one cannot be due to our sinful nature.

Even with Job who was righteous, God chose to allow him to suffer to prove to Satan Job's faithfulness. Only by the grace and mercy of God, that we are not punished according to our iniquities. The wise would be humble and seek God's mercy and forgiveness.

God is GOD

JOB 9 & 10

Inspired thots

Job's speech acknowledged that God is Almighty! He knows who God is and no man can contend with Him in any matter. He knows who he himself is before God; there is no point in contending with God who does not need to declare His ways to feeble man.

Though Job has searched himself and confirmed he has not sinned, he does not know why God caused him to suffer. No one is worthy to question the Almighty; one can only plead MERCY with God. One has to be humble and remain faithful no matter what the circumstances may be until God delivers. Only God can give the GRACE to go through the difficult period. Only His mercy and grace can see us through trials and sufferings until the complete work is done in us to His glory.

God Does Not Work on a Formula

JOB 8

Inspired thots

Job's friend, Bildad, started advising him. The words of advice are very sound but need not apply to the current situation. God does not work on a formula; it is not an Equation that is to be applied at all times in all situations.

God may have other purposes that one may not be aware of. One must remember the wise Faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; hold on your faith in God even when He does not answer to your call.

No ONE TRULY UNDERSTANDS God's Ways

JOB 6 & 7

Inspired thots

Job is miserable in his sufferings; all sorts of thoughts come to taunt him which is common to one who is in great suffering and feels helpless in the situation. It is BEST to resolve EVERYTHING in God than strive and let God be GOD and in control though there is no true and full understanding of His ways. 

One can only hope and pray for God's mercy and grace to be new and everlasting to take one through each day as with Job in his suffering. An anguish and bitter soul will speak a lot of discouraging words; hence, it is Best to KEEP QUIET and Stay Focused on God alone.

It is HARDER to See the Light from the Pit

JOB 4 & 5

Inspired thots

The book of JOB is quite difficult to decipher. The language is too poetic to discern the true meaning; it could be an underlying truth pertaining to the circumstance. The words are referring to EVERYTHING.

Only Application remains true from the chapters. There are TRUTHS to what is said but these may not be connected or applied rightly to the current situation of Job. Indeed God is SUPREME; no one knows HIS ways.

It is SO easy to GIVE ADVICE when one is not party to the situation; it is HARD to see the Light when one is at the pit. 

But sometimes, it is just a matter of SUBMITTING to God! 

Do NOTHING at all!

God HEDGES In His People

JOB 3

Inspired thots

Job opens his mouth to lament on his sufferings; while it is good to express oneself to gain some emotional relief, it opens up one to other arrows of offense. Job's friends start to 'advise' and imply other aspects of his sufferings but all Job's lamenting was his agony in his current situation.

He acknowledges God is with him even in the misery as 'light'  is given. He understood that God has HEDGED him in although he does not know why he is given to suffer (v23). But one of Job's weakness in his righteousness is that he Feared! (v25) And fear and dread gave a step into Job's life for trouble. 

If Christians believe they are 'hedged in' by God's loving hands, there is no fear as our God protects and blesses.

Saying NOTHING At All

JOB 2

Inspired thots

Sufferings can be quite painful and discouraging that it is better to keep Quiet than try to Console the sufferer. The more one says, the more bad feelings and thoughts are riled up; the easier to fall into temptation and sin.

Job's friends started off well by being there with him for days without a word as they empathize with him through his ordeal. I wonder if Job wondered whether he might die or what is God's purpose in it all? Was he prepared to meet his Maker? I believe Job was ready; he did all he could to ease his sufferings. It is better to be alone in suffering so that one can stay focused before God. This is not a case for 'the more the merrier'.

Godly Parents' Responsibility

JOB 1

Inspired thots

It may be the responsibility of PARENTS to cover their children with prayer and intercede for them BUT it is still the CHILDREN's individual RESPONSIBILITY to establish an intimate and personal relationship with God.

Although Job prayed on behalf of his children, there was no record that he passed on his Faith Legacy to them who indulged in merry making most of the time. Hence, disasters struck.

Knowing God is a PERSONAL relationship; no parent can bring their child as a tag along. The BEST legacy a parent can give the child is to establish the LOVE and FEAR of God in the heart through Deut. 6:7.

Right Time in God's Time

Esther 8-10

Inspired thots

Esther, Mordecai and the Jews defended themselves against Haman's plot to annihilate the Jews. Great favor  by king Ahasuerus was found with Esther and Mordecai who rose the ranks. All's well ends well; it is God's hand of moving events with His people.

God's timing is the best; one should not rush into matters without consulting God and waiting on Him. Fasting and praying are essential to prepare the self to hear from God. 

When the Jews defended themselves against their enemies, they overcame them with no plundering of the spoils. Focus is not on material gains but their lives. God honors the integrity of His people.

God's Favour

Esther 6 & 7 

Inspired thots

Evil doers will not get away with their wickedness if the righteous people of God humble themselves before Him to seek His protection. Those who humble themselves before God will find HIS Favour and Blessing.

Queen Esther did not make her request immediately before the king as she waited for God's leading. How important to be patient for God's timing of favor to come upon those who seek Him.

God's Hand is ALWAYS upon His people who trust in Him.

Every Person His/Her Role

Esther 4 & 5

Inspired thots

There is a ROLE for every person on earth as the Lord God created each one for a purpose. Man is like a vessel used by the Lord; some for noble use and others for ignoble use (2 Tim. 2:20)

Esther was one of noble use in the destiny of the Jews with Mordecai. She submitted to her role with a full heart of seeking God joined by her people through prayer and fasting.

Haman was one of ignoble use who did not cleanse himself to be noble; he plotted against the destruction of the Jews and pride himself of his wealth and success but Pride comes before a Fall. Haman had already acquired so much but he was dissatisfied with Mordecai's insubmission; just a small issue became a thorn in the flesh for him when he cannot be generous in heart. Bitterness harbored leads to other types of infestation that kills the soul.

A Willing & Available Instrument for God

Esther 2 & 3

Inspired thots

All things work for good to those who love God; who are called according to His purpose... Romans 8:28

Esther came onto the scene as instrumental in God's plan; she was brought up and trained by Mordecai to be obedient and submissive with a godly character and an attractive countenance. Hence, Esther found favor with men, king Ahasuerus and God.

How important to be WILLING and AVAILABLE to be a useful instrument for God. God can use ANYONE; hence, it is a privilege to be God's instrument.

The Ordained Order of God on Man & Woman

Esther 1

Inspired thots

Since the beginning of Adam and Eve, God had it in His plan to have the MAN honored for He created man in His own image. (Gen 1:26,27) hence, it is not surprising that the rulers of the earth in olden days were men like king Ahasuerus. His kingdom reigned from India to Ethiopia. He had all under the sun with a beautiful queen.

Why exactly did queen Vashti not enter the king's presence as commanded is baffling because women are supposedly more submissive in days of old? But she acted rashly to cost her her crown and royal status. But the king took on wise counsel to re-establish man's supremacy in the land by removing Vashti as his queen. It is also part of God's plan to bring Esther into the royal courts.

All things work for good by God who is in control. One must keep alert to God's ways of working and be obedient to His leading and leadership.

Strong & Faithful Leader

Nehemiah 12 & 13

Inspired thots

How important to have a strong and faithful leader to help keep the flock on the right direction. How surprising that the people of Israel does not seem to have a personal relationship with God but walked their faith through leaders only. They sway to the right and left as stirred.

Nehemiah had to take on the leadership role although he was a layman leader. He still had his job as wine bearer to king Artaxerxes. Nehemiah had a strong relationship with God and walked in God's ways faithfully. But when he is not around, the people got swayed so easily.