You can mock me later!!!

Reading: Job 20-21 and John 15

Scripture: Job 21:2-3, Keep listening to my words, and let this be your comfort. Bear with me, and I will speak, and after I have spoken, mock on.

Thoughts: When we get confronted with opposing points of view or someone with a different opinion from our own. I know that I have this tendency to take it as an attack on who I am. So, do we sit down and let the view be spoken or are we quick to jump in with our rebuttal before the controversial or opposing view has been fully stated. Do we actually listen before we speak or are we coming up with what we are going to say as they are speaking? Job sitting here listening to the mocking of himself and God finally speaks up and what does he said, “Hold on and listen to me before you start you mocking again.” He did not tell them to shut up, but that they had their time and now it is his. I feel like there are times that I’m needing to be reminded to sit and listen to God. I hear something from God and because we only hear and see in part once I hear something, I feel like I need to respond. God is not always done speaking when I feel the need to interrupt him and start putting my two cents in. Not only is active listening good when you are in a conversation with people, but it is good when trying to listen to God. 

Prayer: Father God, I thank you that you hear us and listen to us even when we are off base and running after things that may not be for us. I thank you that you are always there to lead us and guide us. I thank you the you are refining and molding us every day. I ask that you help us to quiet ourselves, open our hearts and ears to hear all of what you have for us. I ask that you help us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. 

My way or the Highway

Reading: Job 9-10 and John 10

 

Scripture: Job 9:12, Behold, he snatches away; who can turn him back? Who will say to him, ‘What are you doing?’

 

Thoughts: As I went over my reading today several times seeking something, listening for something to stand out. On the third time through Job 9 this section of Job where he is asking who can change God’s mind. There are so many controversial topics out there both inside the church and out in the world. Humans have a tendency to have such a high opinion of their way of thinking and about what they think is right or wrong that instead of asking the Fathers will be done or his insight into a situation, we try telling him in our requests what we think is right. I know that there are those out there who think differently then I do. God is the creator and the judge He knows how it was created to be and what is sin. Let us listed more and ask that we be transformed into his image instead of trying to stuff him in a box we marked God.

 

Prayer: Father God you are so wonderful, your ways are higher than my ways your thoughts are greater than my thoughts. I thanks you for all you are doing in my life. I ask that you open my eye and ears to see and hear you more clearly. I ask that you soften my heart of stone and help me to be your hands and feet. 

Why are you talking to me???

Reading: Genesis 6-8 and John 4

Scripture: John 4:9, The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)

Thoughts: We as Gentiles are seen nearly as low as the Samaritans and if you were a woman in that time you, we not seen as much, yet Jesus asked her for a drink. Before truly knowing God and the gift of Christ’s forgiveness I felt just as unworthy and unclean and probably asked a similar question. Why would God want to be in a relationship with me when schools and pears have tried to beat into me all the inadequacies? God does not look at what we have done or where we have been but calls us to come into relationship with Him. As we spend more time with Him and in His Word seeking Him the more, we want to change.   

Prayer: Father God you are so wonderful, your creation cries of your existence and your wonder. I thank you for all you have done for me and through me. I thank you that even though I do not deserve anything you still call to me and welcome me into your family. I ask that you help me to hear when you say go and when you say stop that I can walk in your ways.