Book of Job Chapter 11

Book of  Job 

Chapter

 11

1. Then Zophar the Naamathite answered: 2. "Should a multitude of words go unanswered, and should one full of talk be vindicated? 3. Should your babble put others to silence, and when you mock, shall no one shame you?

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 11 verses 1 to 3)

Oh God my Father even during our times there are many who are trying to mock Your name, by their political views, or by spreading a reality that is totally contrary to Your teachings by promising us a heaven on earth that can never be. However as Roman Catholics and even Christians, we are to rise up in a spirit of unity and proclaim the truth so much that these false voices will be silenced. However, another way by which such voices can be silenced is, by the way, we live our daily lives and the decisions that we make, based on Your Will and the message of the 'Good News' and not according to the ways of the world. Amen.



4. For you say, 'My conduct is pure, and I am clean in God's sight.' 5. But O that God would speak and open his lips to you, 6. and that he would tell you the secrets of wisdom! For wisdom is many-sided. Know then that God exacts of you less than your guilt deserves.


(Book of  Wisdom Job Chapter 11 verses 4 to 6)


Oh God my Father many times we consider ourselves as being pure and righteous, however in truth we are not as good as we think we are. It is only by means of you my God that we are able to become fully aware of our real self, meaning both the positive aspect and even the not so positive. This is a form of wisdom that  the world cannot give because nobody knows our real self because there are always areas of ourselves that we are not fully aware of. However even though as humans we are guilty of our sins You are so merciful that You decrease the degree of our guilt, but at times, we remain accusing and not forgiving ourselves for the rest of our lives.



7. "Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty?


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 11 verse 7)




Oh God no matter how much we meddle in philosophical and scientific enquiry we can never unravel the mysteries concerning You such as that of the Holy Trinity. We can never know what You are thinking or why particular events happened to that person or even to ourselves.



8. It is higher than heaven-what can you do? Deeper than Sheol-what can you know? 9. Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. 10. If he passes through, and imprisons and assembles for judgment, who can hinder him? 11. For he knows those who are worthless; when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it?


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 11 verses 8 to 11)


Oh God, there is nobody like You. Your wisdom is infinite as is Your love and justice. You never turn Your back or face on anybody who is in need or is in trouble. Either directly or indirectly by means of us, You answer our pleas especially if we are in deep trouble pain or anguish as were Your people when in Egypt. Amen.



12. But a stupid person will get understanding, when a wild ass is born human.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 11 verse 12)


Oh God according to the given example a stupid person may never gain understanding, however even to the person who appears to be stupid, You can make that person a professor Amen.



13. "If you direct heart rightly, you will stretch out your hands toward him.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 11 verse 13)


Oh God if we are on the right track, following Your ways we cannot fail to experience You in our daily lives, for You are closer to us than our own skin and bone. You speak to me in many ways by means of my conscience, Your message of hope that you give me every day when meditating on Your Good News and even by events that take place for my own good. I thank You for being so close to me and forgive me when I still commit sins, even though You are so close. Amen.



14. If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and do not let wickedness reside in your tents. 15. Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be secure, and will not fear.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 11 verses 14 to15)


If you have access to alcohol which may be your weak point or pornography block the sites on Your browser or put Youtube on safe mode and forget the password so that you can never reverse it. Put a lock on the cupboard where you store your alcohol and throw away the key, anything to keep you and me from falling into that particular  sin again Amen



16. You will forget your misery, you will remember it as waters that have passed away. 17. And your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. 18. And you will have confidence, because there is hope; you will be protected and take your rest in safety. 19. 19. You will lie down, and no one will make you afraid: many will entreat your favor. 20. But the eyes of the wicked will fail; and all way of escape will be lost to them, and their hope is to breathe their last."


(Books of Wisdom Job Chapter 11 verses 16 to 20)



Oh God what a perfect description of the outcome of those of us who place our trust in You my God and Father. You wish that we let go of our past hurts and maybe abuses and let the murky waters flow away in the river of life so that fresh new waters of life in the Holy Spirit can move in and take its place. When doing so our lives will change because now our lives are renewed or updated in Your Spirit. It is not my sinful self that is alive even though in the flesh people see me, but it is the power of the Holy Spirit is that dwells in my being. Indeed, this message brings with it new hope and a new fervor for life and thus greatly boosts our confidence, and even though the enemy may confront us from all sides we will remain untouched for we are living in God's confidence empowered by the power of the Holy Spirit of God. Amen.



I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:-



Oh God, I pray that I also learn to place my total trust in You! If I were to base my self-esteem on the feedback I get from human beings I can consider myself as being a total failure in life. However every time I experience a stab in the back from those around me, every time I am negatively criticized You renew my spirit and give new life to me. I thank You again and again my God and Father in You only do I place my trust Amen. 

Book of Job Chapter 12

Book of  Job 

Chapter

 12

1. Then Job answered: 2. "No doubt you are the people, and wisdom will die with you. 3. But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know such things as these?

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 12 verses 1 to 3)

Some people may think that others are good people while they may not be so good or not good at all, however in truth only God is the Supreme good. It is by His grace and mercy that we experience small particles of this goodness, for it is not natural for goodness to dwell in us, for by nature we have a selfish self that considers our needs over and above that of others. However although we are familiar with the teachings found in Your Good News we do not apply them in our lives. You give us all the tools to live a life according to Your will, however, oh God my Father we do not always use them.


4. I am a laughingstock to my friends; I, who called upon God and he answered me, a just and blameless man, I am a laughingstock.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 12 verse 4)



Oh God my Father because I believe in You, I am a laughingstock, because I proclaim my faith in You I am a laughing stock because I believe in the message of the 'Good News' I am also a laughing stock. Because I believe in You as Master Creator and not in Darwin and his chimps, I am a laughing stock. Because I am a creationist based on Your Bible and not an evolutionist based on science I am also a laughing stock. Because I still believe that my marriage can be restored again to a better state than it currently is and not file for separation or divorce, I am considered as being a laughing stock. However oh God, even though I am considered as being a laughing stock by the world my faith in You and Your promises will still remain firmly embedded in my mind and in my heart. Amen.


5. Those at ease have contempt for misfortune, but it is ready for those whose feet are unstable.


(Books of Wisdom Job Chapter 12 verse 5)


Oh God my Father in this world, there are those who are living a life of commodity and riches, however there are many people in the world who are not that well off comparatively and there are still those who scrape the bottom of the poverty line on all levels of existence, meaning, education, economy among others, however some of us suffer on earth and like Lazarus of the New Testament finds their fulfillment and compensation in Your presence.


6.  The tents of robbers are at peace, and those who provoke God are secure, who bring their god in their hands.


(Books of Wisdom Job Chapter 12 verse 6)


Oh God, my Father some of us may think that the world or even You are unfair, because those of us who commit wicked and negative acts are well off and secure, and those who are not so well off or even very poor are experiencing the worst experiences that can exist on earth.


7. "But ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; 8. ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. 9. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?


(Books of Wisdom Job Chapter 12 verses 7 to 9)


All of nature finds its roots in You my, God and Father whether we accept it or not. Everything was created in You and moreover everything is under Your control, from the smallest organism to the largest mammal or human Amen.


10. In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being.


(Books of Wisdom Job Chapter 12 verse 10)


Oh God my Father if we only believed the truth of this verse we would not need to be diagnosed with symptoms of depression or anxiety. Our lives are in good hands and we need not worry about anything, if we accept all that happens as being in Your control Amen.

11. Does not the ear test words as the palate tastes food? 12. Is wisdom with the aged and understanding in length of days? 13. "With God are wisdom and strength; he has counsel and understanding.


(Books of Wisdom Job Chapter 12 verses 11 to 13)



Oh, God my Father although ,You are the source of infinite knowledge, You do not use it against us to trap and catch us in our crooked ways. On the contrary, You use knowledge to make us aware of ourselves and of possible solutions to our problems. Your knowledge and counsel are far better than that of the world which at times is contrary to Your ways and values, therefore, it is wise to place our trust in You and not in the ways of the world Amen.


14. If he tears down, no one can rebuild; if he shuts someone in, no one can open up. 15. If he witholds the waters, they dry up, if he sends them out, they overwhelm the land.


(Books of Wisdom Job Chapter 12 verses 14 to 15)


All things including nature oh God. my Father are under Your control whether we accept it or believe it or not. Even though we try to find a scientific theory to explain such natural phenomena You have all the answers because all comes from You and is under Your control Amen.



16. With him are strength and wisdom; the deceived and the deceiver are his. 17. He leads counselors away stripped, and makes fools of judges.


(Books of Wisdom Job Chapter 12 verses 16 to 17)



Oh God my Father in order to be of help to us, You are able to manipulate the traps of the evil ones in our favour. Your wisdom outweighs that of the world, therefore, You are able to catch the deceivers in their crooked ways and enable Your justice to be fulfilled Amen.


18. He looses the sash of kings, and binds a waistcloth on their loins. 19. He leads priests away stripped and overthrows the mighty. 20. He deprives of speech those who are trusted, and takes away the discernment of the elders. 21. He pours contempt on princes, and looses the belt of the strong. 22. He uncovers the deeps out of the darkness. and brings deep darkness to light.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 12 verses 18 to 22)


Oh God my Father there is none like You, for You are able to make the high and mighty of this world appear weak and foolish, the proud to become humble, You are a just God who is able to bring to the surface secrets that we had rested assured that nobody would ever discover, for nothing is unknown to You my God and Father.


I invite those who are praying on this chapter to join me in the following song and prayer, Oh God there is none like You!

There is none like You!


23. He makes nations great, then destroys them; he enlarges nations, then leads them away. 24. He strips understanding from the leaders of the earth, and makes them wander in a pathless waste. 25. They grope in the dark without light; he makes them stagger like a drunkard.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 12 verses 23 to 25)



Oh God my Lord and Father hallowed be Your Name forever and ever, I thank You for all You interventions in the past present and future of human development. You are able to turn the course of nature and even change the outcomes of the decisions of world leaders by if necessary manipulating their words so that the planned harm or deception will not take place.



Oh God I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:-



Oh God, my Father Your ways are unimaginable but true and just, Your love is infinite, Your judgement is beyond our comprehension. Even though it seems that the evil one is scoring one point after another against You, the evil spirits are no match for Yor are an awesome God!

Book of Job Chapter 18

Book of Job 

Chapter

 18

1. Then Bildad the Shuhite answered; 2. "How long will you hunt for words? Consider, and then we shall speak. 3. Why are we counted as cattle? Why are we stupid in your sight?

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 18 verses 1 to 3)

Oh God my Father at times we make ourselves, blind and deaf to the feedback of others and listen to nobody but ourselves. Although it is proper to have a good relationship with You my, God, we cannot put aside our relationships with others, for You may also be trying to pass on a message to us, by means of others.


4. You who tear yourself in your anger shall the earth be forsaken because of you, or the rock be removed out of its place?


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 18 verse 4)


Oh God my Father, during moments of anger, we either tear at ourselves or tear at others or end up tearing at You. I also pray for Your mercy during such moments of anger, for I also have issues of anger to deal with. Moreover oh God my Father, for the sake of even one righteous person, You would have spared Sodom from its destruction, that is how much we are of value to You! Amen.



5. Surely the light of the wicked is put out, and the flame of their fire does no shine.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 18 verse 5)


Oh God my Father, even though the fame of the evil and wicked may appear to be outstanding it has its end but Your grace and our acts of love and mercy based on Your will  endure and last forever Amen.


6. The light is dark in their tent, and the lamp above them is put out. 7. Their strong steps are shortened, and their own schemes throw them down.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 18 verses 6 to 7)


Oh God my Father woe to us when we lose all traces of You in our lives, for even the faintest ray of light in our lives becomes darkness so much that we loose all contact with You and even with ourselves. Our lives will become a living state of chaos, that prevents us from seeing Your ways. I pray oh God that You still have mercy on us, especially during such moments for we do not know what we are doing when we are in such a state Amen.


8. For they are thrust into a net by their own feet and they walk into a pitfall. 9. A trap seizes them by the heel; a snare lays hold of them. 10. A rope is hid for them in the ground a trap for them in the path. 11. Terrors frighten them on every side, and chase them at their heels.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 18 verses 8 to 11)


Oh God my Father throughout the course of live as You know we are constantly tested by You in order for us to keep on growing. On the other hand, the evil one sets one booby trap after another in order to hurt us and take our souls or by persuading us to turn against You. I pray for Your support oh God for I am weak and prone and can never get it right for in some way or other I stumble and put my foot in it Amen. I pray for Your mercy oh God.


12. Their strength is consumed by hunger, and calamity is ready for their stumbling. 13. By disease their skin is consumed, the firstborn of Death consumes their limbs.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 18 verse 12)


Oh God my Father I thank You for giving me Your Faith which is spiritual strength. Even though I lack in physical strength You have chosen to compensate me in faith Amen.  


13. By disease their skin is consumed, the firstborn of Death consumes their limbs. 14. They are torn from the tent in which they trusted and are brought to the king of terrors.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 18 verses 13 to 14)

 
Oh God my Father in order to make us turn back to You, in faith, You strip us off our personal security, that may be wealth, possessions and even personal skills so that we learn to depend totally on You and not on our security. Amen.



15. In their tents nothing remains; sulfur is scattered upon their habitations. 16. Their roots dry up beneath, and their branches wither above. 17. Their memory perishes from the earth, and they have no name in the street. 18. They are thrust from light into darkness, and driven out of the world. 19. They have no offspring or descendant among their people, and no survivor where they used to live. 20. They of the west are appalled at their fate, and horror seizes those of the east. 21. Surely such are the dwellings of the ungodly, such is the place of those who do not know God."


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 18 verses 15 to 21)




Oh God my Father, when we do not live according to Your ways, we become like a plant that slowly withers and dies, because it is not being cared for or given the correct environment in which to grow. I pray oh God that we are always aware of our spiritual life and the consequences of neglecting it, for life on earth passes but our souls remain alive forever, both in heaven and in hell Amen.




 

Book of Job Chapter 17

Book of Job 

Chapter

 17

What do you get if you cross a parrot with an alligator?

A creature who bites your head off and says  "Who's a pretty boy now!"

1. My spirit is broken, my days are extinct, the grave is ready for me. 2. Surely there are mockers around me, and my eye dwells on their provocation.

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 17 verses 1 to 2)

Oh God my Father at times, we focus more on what others say or think about us, than what You and I think about ourselves. Everyone has a personal bias including ourselves, therefore, we need to filter all feedback given to us and not accept it on receiving it. It would be better for us to focus on You and Your Word than on what the people of the world say to or about us. Amen.



3. "Lay down a pledge for me with yourself; who is there that will give surety for me?



 (Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 17 verse 3)



Oh God, my Father there is none like You, and only in You can I ever feel loved and secure. The world offers surety and security, however, it is never totally secure, for during our times even the greatest security systems can be hacked, therefore, it is useless to depend on the world for our security Amen. 




4. Since you have closed their minds to understanding, therefore you will not let them triumph.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 17 verse 4)


Oh God my Father now I understand why certain people believe in You and some do not. For those who do believe this is a great and precious gift. For those who still have their minds closed, we are to pray so that one day You will penetrate their darkness Amen.



5. Those who denounce friends for reward the eyes of their children will fail.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 17 verse 5)



Oh God my Father our actions do not go unaccounted for. It seems that  the consequences of our own sins pass on to our children and their children, therefore we are to always be aware of our actions for the consequences may be both positive and negative Amen. 



6. "He has made me a byword of the peoples, and I am one before whom people spit. 7. My eye has grown dim from grief, and all my members are like a shadow. 



(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 17 verses 6 to 7)



Due to the fact oh God my Father that I choose to follow You and not the ways of the world, others may look upon me with scorn as If i considered myself to be a good person. Moreover, the first mistake that I do will be used against me and supported with alot of pomp and ridicule for the world expects us to be perfect meaning without sin. What the world does not realise is that we follow You because we are sinners and not because we are good people, we are patients in need of healing, and therefore need constant therapy from our doctor who is You, my God and Father. Amen.



 8. The upright are appalled at this, and the innocent stir themselves up against the godless.



 (Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 17 verse 8)



Oh God my Father the trap that we can easily fall into is that of becoming judgemental against those who do not believe in You. Instead of helping them in the process of their conversion, we create blockages by means of our attitude and end up doing more harm than good.



9. Yet the righteous hold to their way, and they that have clean hands grow stronger and stronger.



(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 17 verse 9)



Oh God my Father, the more You keep an eye on us and help us to stay in a relationship with You the stronger we get because we draw our energy from You. The power of Your love is the driving force that keeps me going every day of my life Amen. 



10. But you, come back now, all of you, and I shall not find a sensible person among you. 



(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 17 verse 10)



Oh God my Father we have many wise people in the world, for the sciences and technology are advancing at an alarming pace, however, all our knowledge and discoveries at times tend to make of us people who are rebellious to the will of God and very proud which is not sensible at all. I pray that You give us the needed balance in order for us to live a balanced life in knowledge behaviour that reflects our faith in You Amen.



11. My days are past, my plans are broken off, the desires of my heart.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 17 verse 11)



Oh God, my Father I also had many plans and desires, I had planned to have a happy family based according to Your will and that together we would give You praise and worship, however, my marriage is deteriorating throughout each passing day. You permitted me to enrol in University and to graduate as a Social Worker, but still You did not want me to stay for long in this area! I do not understand Your ways my God and Father but I still believe that You are in control and one day all will be restored according to Your plans for us as a family and as individuals Amen.



12. They make night into day; 'The light,' they say, is near to the darkness.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 17 verse 12)



Oh God, my Father the choice between heaven and hell is ours to make, however as You said, light and darkness cannot dwell together. Since the beginning You separated light from darkness, therefore, we are not to allow darkness to dwell in our lives, for we are children of the light and not of the darkness Amen.



13. If I look for Sheol as my house, if I spread my couch in darkness, 14. If I say to the Pit, 'You are my father, and to the worm, 'My mother,' or 'My sister,' 15. where then is my hope? Who will see my hope? 16. Will it go down to the bars of Sheol? Shall we descend together into the dust?"


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 17 verses 13 to 15)



Oh God my Father if my sister or mother happen to be as skinny as a worm, that would have been a compliment, but to somebody who is a bit fat like me, it may be an offence. If we treat animals better than we treat humans or on the same level or far better it is as if we are calling the worm my sister as indeed we are. Hospitals for animals such as dogs are being built while people are dying in other places due to a severe lack of medical and human resources.



Oh God my Father, I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:  


Oh God my Father, even though at times in the 'Old Testament' You are portrayed as being a harsh, and at times, an impersonal God, I still hold You as my one and only loving Father. I would, therefore, like to dedicate this chapter to You and all the fathers of this world including priests and monks, whom we also address by the title of 'Father'. Amen. Happy Father's Day to all. Amen. Thank You, Jesus, for this special day.

 












 

Book of Job Chapter 16

Book of  Job 

Chapter

 16

^{1.  Then Job answered ; 2. "I have heard many such things; miserable comforters  are you all. 3. Have windy words no limit? Or what provokes you that you keep on talking? 4. I also could talk as you do, if you were in my place; I could join words together against you, and shake my head at you. 5. I could encourage you with my mouth, and the solace of my lips would assuage your pain.}

^{(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 16 verses 1 to 5)}

^{As Job emphasized the attitude of those accusing him is one that violates the rules of empathy which require that the helper imagines himself in the person's situation and also reflect how that person could feel or behave in his or her situation. This is the major key to understanding another person. In order to get an idea about how empathy functions I invite you to click on the following link:-}

The meaning and use of empathy 



6. "If I speak, my pain is not assuaged, and if I forbear, how much of it leaves me? 7. Surely now God has worn me out; he has made desolate all my company. 8. And he has shriveled me up, which is a witness against me; my leanness has risen up against me, and it testifies to my face.

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 16 verses 6 to 8)




Oh God my Father many times even the helper is in need of help, and how painful it feels when one cries out for help and understanding and does not find it, or else is confronted by criticism instead of finding understanding. I offer You oh God such situations, however this is not new to You, for up to the last seconds of Your life, those present kept on taunting You with insults that cut to the heart, which were enough to rip Your heart out, but You kept Your vision and trust on God the Father and You were not abandoned or forsaken, therefore during such moments we are to have the same attitude and perspective that we are not abandoned even though our situation seems to be humanly hopeless. Amen.


9. He has torn me in his wrath, and hated me; my adversary sharpens his eyes against me.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 16 verse 9)


Oh God my Father the enemy is glaring against me, the evil one really hates me. He is attacking me from all sides, trying to persuade me to lose hope in You my God and Father. Many things are happening all at once, an error in my computer is compelling me to use a slow computer thus hindering my progress, my marriage is in a mess, all I have is You my God and Father.


10. They have gaped at me with their mouths; they have struck me insolently on the cheek; they mass themselves together against me.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 16 verse 10)


Oh God the world gives us many messages when in a situation, many people tend to choose divorce or separation. These are the modern trends that compel us to behave according to these norms. I pray oh God my Father that I never adopt such ways of thinking and behaviour even though my situation is not that good Amen. Oh God I trust in You, to solve all our issues, for I have exhausted all my cards Amen.

11. God gives me up to the ungodly, and casts me into the hands of the wicked. 12. I was at ease, and he broke me in two; he seized me by the neck and dashed me to pieces; he set me up as his target; 13. his archers surround me. He slashes open my kidneys, and shows no mercy; he pours out my gall on the ground.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 16 verses 11 to 13)


Oh God, my Father when we are passing through a hard time, we feel that all hell has broken loose and the feeling of awfulness takes control over our thoughts and emotions as if all the bad things are happening only to us in the world and not to others.


14. He bursts upon me again and again; he rushes at me like a warrior. 


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 16 verse 14)


Oh God my Father Your arrows are not ones that bring death and sorrow but of love. You test us again and again for our own good so that like a sculpture that is in process You remove the extra pieces of stone until You make of us a majestic masterpiece. Amen


15. I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, and have laid my strength in the dust. 16. My face is red with weeping, and deep darkness is on my eyelids, 17. though there is no violence in my hands, and my prayer is pure.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 16 verses 15 to 17) 


Oh God my Father even though Job was experiencing great moments of physical and emotional anguish he remained firm in prayer and humility. Help us oh God to be likewise in such situations and adopt a state of redemption and humility because this is a bridge in our relationship with You Amen. Humble people have space for You in their hearts but the proud are already full of themselves Amen.


18. "O earth, do not cover my blood; let my outcry find no resting place. 19. Even now, in fact, my witness is in heaven, and he that vouches for me. 20. My friends scorn me; my eye pours out tears to God, 21. that he would maintain the right of a mortal with God, as one does for a neighbor. 22. For when a few years have come, I shall go the way from which I shall not return.


(Book of Wisdom Chapter 16 verses 18 to 22) 


Oh God I lift up my heart only to You, for You are the only one who really and truly understands me and knows me as I am with all my strengths and weaknesses. Other people do not even try to understand me or show concern for me. Many people reason logically or legalistically and never consider what others are feeling, others even try to persuade You to even think like them in order to get their way or justify even negative actions, without considering that one day we will all be accountable for our actions in Your presence Amen. 



Oh God my Father I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:



Oh God my Father, I thank You for loving and understanding me and loving me just as I am and not as You would like me to be. Thank You for being my refuge and consolation especially during times of trouble and tribulations Amen

 

Book of Job Chapter 15

Book of  Job 

Chapter

 15

1. Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered: 2. "Should the wise answer with windy knowledge, and fill themselves with the east wind? 3. Should they argue in unprofitable talk, or in words with which they can do no good?

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 15 verses 1 to 3)


Oh God, my Father it seems that the more we grow in wisdom the more our belief decreases, because the temptation is that of reasoning and basing all on theoretical proof instead of on faith, which is a big mistake, because all knowledge has its root in You and not in the findings of the world. Even before the great philosophers reached their conclusions, You already knew the answers to their arguments. Oh God may we argue if necessary out of faith that is if necessary backed up by scientific and philosophical arguments and use sciences such as archaeology to back up the faith instead of refuting it Amen.


4. But you are doing away with the fear of God, and hindering meditation before God. 5. For your iniquity teaches your mouth,  and you choose the tongue of the crafty. 6. Your own mouth condemns you, and not I; your own lips testify against you.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 15 verses 4 to 6)


Oh  God even though we try to disclose the truth by saying lies, Your truth will always surface, and even stands against us when we are doing negative actions that we consider as being wrong. I pray that before we decide on a decision we stop and consider the consequences of our actions and discern if the action is in favour or against Your will Amen.


7. "Are you the firstborn of the human race? Were you brought forth before the hills? 8. Have you listened in the council of God? And do you limit wisdom to yourself?


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 15 verses 7 to 8)


Oh God my Father Your servant Job is being put to the test. In other words, Eliphaz is telling Job, "Who do you think you are, do you think all knowledge is embedded in You, or do you consider yourself as being with God when he created the world?" 


At times oh God my Father, we may consider ourselves as being an authority in our own sector of life. Even though I have been meditating and praying on Your Word for the last 14 years I do not claim to be an authority, or even equal to those who were inspired to write the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church.  In all our wisdom oh God my Father we are to retain our humility Amen.


9. What do you know that we do not know? What do you understand that is not clear to us? 10. The gray-haired and the aged are on our side, those older than your father.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 15 verses 9 to 10)


Oh God my Father You give worldly wisdom to those who are of the world, but spiritual wisdom to those who are of the spirit. At times, those of the world do not understand this form of wisdom and do their utmost to contradict it.


11. Are the consolations of God too small for you, or the word that deals gently with you?


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 15 verse 11)


Oh God at times I also ask the same question to myself. Are not Your consolations enough for me and is not Your love not enough for me, then why do I expect the approval and gratitude and even the love of others, Oh God my Father I have learnt it the hard way that there is no greater love for me than Your love and there is also no consolation greater than Yours. Amen.


12. Why does your heart carry you away, and why do your eyes flash, 13. so that you turn your spirit against God, and let such words go out of your mouth?


Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 15 verses 12 to 13)


Oh God my Father our spirit wishes to follow You, we love and thirst for You but our body is in constant, struggle with our souls and makes it hard for us to be one with You. At times, we say words that we do not mean which reflect our brokenness, however in truth, our souls yearn to be with You Amen.


14. What are mortals, that they can be clean? Or those born of woman, that they can be righteous?


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 15 verse 14)


Oh God my Father and my good friend Job, whoever said that humans are clean, from the moment of our conception we are tainted by sin, up to the end of our lives we are constantly  harrassed,  by the forces of evil Amen.


15. God puts no trust even in his holy ones, and the heavens are not clean in his sight; 16. how much less one who is abominable and corrupt, one who drinks iniquity like water!


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 15 verse 15)



Oh God my Father You are the boss or greatest manager of the world. You wish that we place our trust in You and You also place Your trust in us. However there would be issues that are known only to You and Your Father such as that of the end of times, which have been not been yet revealed in concrete details in the sense of dates and times, for this is not our business to know it as You once had said to the apostles. Amen.


16. how much less one who is abominable and corrupt, one who drinks iniquity like water! 17. "I will show you; listen to me; what I have seen I will declare- 18. what sages have told, and their ancestors have not hidden, 19. to whom alone the land was given, and no stranger passed among them.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 15 verses 16 to 19)


Oh God that we listen to You and Your 'Good News' as much as we listen to the world. May we choose to drink from the pure waters flowing from You instead of that foul water contaminated with impurities such as sin that flows from the world Amen.


20. The wicked writhe in pain all their days, through all the years that are laid up for the ruthless. 21. Terrifying sounds are in their ears; in prosperity the destroyer will come upon them. 22. They despair of returning from darkness and they are destined for the sword.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 15 verses 20 to 22)


Oh God my Father although wicked people seem to have the upper hand they are the ones who are in pain for by means of their negative acts they are transferring their hurt on  others. They might even consider as pleasure the fact that the more they make others suffer, this will compensate for their own pain. I pray oh God my Father that we seek healing, instead of revenge or forms of negative compensation such as inflicting pain on others. Amen


23. They wander abroad for bread, saying, 'Where is it? They know that a day of darkness is ready at hand; 24. distress and anguish terrify them; they prevail against them, like a king prepared for battle. 25. Because they stretched out their hands against God, and bid defiance to the Almighty, 26. running stubbornly against him with a thick-bossed shield; 27. because they have covered their faces with their fat, and gathered fat upon their loins, 28. they will live in desolate cities, in houses that no one should inhabit, houses destined to become heaps of ruins; 29. they will not be rich, and their wealth will not endure, nor will they strike root in the earth; 30. they will not escape from darkness; the flame will dry up their shoots, and their blossom will be swept away by the wind.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 15 verses 23 to 30)


When we decide to wander on our own without Your help we are on a collision course with our destruction for we are walking in a blind alley. Even though our objective may be under our very noses we may not see it, for our sinful situation or state of being, hinders us from seeing or experiencing the real reality based according to Your will. When we are in such a state, we wonder here and there go to seek the help of that professional or another, but still we remain in darkness until we decide to turn back to You my God and Father. 



31. Let them not trust in emptiness, deceiving themselves; for emptiness will be their recompense.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 15 verse 31)


Oh God my Father as spoken by my friend Job how right You both are. When we invest in that is of the world it is as though we are investing in smoke or darkness, for all that is worldly is subject to decay and corruption and is limited by time and space, but all our investments in You will last forever Amen.


32. It will be paid in full before their time, and their branch will not be green. 33. They will shake off their unripe grape, like the vine, and cast off their blossoms, like the olive tree. 34. For the company of the godless is barren, and fire consumes the tents of bribery, 35. They conceive mischief and bring forth evil and their heart prepares deceit."


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 15 verses 32 to 35)


Oh God my Father the victory is always yours, it is no use for us to seek revenge, for You are my avenger. I pray that You assist me in my situation because I greatly need Your help Amen.


Oh God, my Father I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer.



Oh God, my Father I pray that You awaken us out of our alienation. May our focus be totally on You and not on ourselves.  I also pray that you free us from our selfish self that we may be considerate of others and their own needs. Thank You, God my Father. 

Amen

Book of Job Chapter 14

Book of  Job 

Chapter

 14

1. "A mortal, born of woman. few of days and full of trouble, 2. comes up like a flower and withers, flees like a shadow and does not last.

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 14 verses 1 to 2)

Oh God, my Father many people hold the maxim that life is short and that one is born spends a short period of time and then dies. Some question if life is really worth living or not when given these circumstances or facts of life. However when placing our life in Your hands, and when having a craving for You, even one second of life means a bridge that is delaying the process leading to coming to live in Your presence, that is if You find me worthy of being accepted in Your presence, because I feel that I still need more points to score a pass mark in the exam of heaven!




3. Do you fix your eyes on such a one? Do you bring me into judgement with you? 4. Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? No one can.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 14 verses 3 to 4)


Oh God my Father, there is none like You, You are the only one who can do the impossible. You are able to open the womb that was medically declared impossible to bear children and make it fertile, You are able to reverse the consequences of death on people who had even died and were brought back to lives and others who were supposed to have died due to the nature of the accident that they had experienced but because You had wanted to use them further as Your 'instruments of faith' You spared them from what appeared to be a declared death according to the criteria of the world. My God and Father, there is none like You. Amen, we are forever to bless Your name.


5. Since their days are determined, and the number of their months is known to you, and you have appointed the bounds that they cannot pass, 6. look away from them, and desist, that they may enjoy, like laborers, their days.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 14 verses 5 to 6) 



Oh God, my Father it is a fact that our time on earth has been prescribed by You even before we were born, and nothing that we do or say can extend the limit planned by You. However if we had to live a life without Your presence that life would not be worth living. I pray oh God my Father that even for one second You never remove Your eyes and hand off me, for I am weak and will end up going against Your will. Amen.

7. "For there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its shoots will not cease. 8. Though its root grows old in the earth, and its stump dies in the ground, 9. yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth branches like a young plant.


(Book of Wisdom Chapter 14 verses 7 to 9)


Oh God my Father if there is hope in a tree surely as humans we have much more to have hope especially if we place our hope in You. As much as the roots of the tree revive on sensing water, our souls also revive when making an experience of You. You are enough to replenish our physical and spiritual thirst Amen.


10. But mortals die, and are laid low: humans expire, and where are they? 11. As waters fail from a lake, and a river wastes away and dries up, 12. so Mortals lie down and do not rise again; until the heavens are no more, they will not awake or be roused out of their sleep.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 14 verses 10 to 12)




Oh God my Father and my friend Job, if we did not know the answer to the question of life after death our lives on earth would have no meaning at all, for to struggle and labour nad then die dies not make sense at all, however to die and be reunited with God our Father is the true meaning of life Amen.


13. O that you would hide me in Sheol, that you would conceal me until your wrath is past, that you would appoint me a set time, and remember me! 


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 14 verse 13)




Oh God my Father, that You conceal me close to Your heart, for only there can I experience Your love and be and feel happy. Amen. Even though oh Father at times I make You angry by my disobedience, however, on the other hand, I know that You still understand and love me. Amen.




14. If mortals die, will they live again? All the days of my service I would wait until my release should come. 15. You would call, and I would answer you; you would long for the work of your hands.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 14 verses 14 to 15)


Oh God my Father, I also consider my life as being work in Your service. Every day of my life is a day working in Your kingdom. Every person whom You send me or permit to contact me, via email, telephone or acquaintance I consider as being sent by You. These are all opportunities by which I can talk about You with others and help others grow in faith, as You have been helping me to grow by means of many others throughout the years up to this very day Amen.




16. For then you would not number my steps, you would not keep watch over my sin; 17. my transgression would be sealed up in a bag and you would cover over my iniquity.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 14 verses 16 to 17)




Oh God, my Father many think that You are like a detective always ready to catch us in our ways, however, although You are just kind and merciful Yo cannot turn a blind eye on our sins and therefore we need to experience the consequences of our sins Amen. 



18. "But the mountain falls and crumbles away and the rock is removed from its place; 19. the waters wear away the stones; the torrents wash away the soil of the earth; so you destroy the hope of mortals. 


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 14 verses 18 to 19)



Oh God although matter and the ways of the world pass away Your ways and values as based on the "Good News" and entire Bible will remain forever. Moreover, our hope is not based on stones and rivers but on You alone Amen.


20. You prevail forever against them, and they pass away; you change their countenance, and send them away. 21. Their children come to honor, and they do not know it; they are brought low, and it goes unnoticed. 22. They feel only the pain of their own bodies, and mourn only for themselves."


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 14 verses 20 to 22)




Oh God my Father at times we become so selfish and alienated that it is as if we are living in a cloud or circle, thinking only of our feelings, thoughts, wants and needs, that at times go over and above the needs of others. 




I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer oh God. my Father:-




I pray oh God, my Father that gradually or even now You strip me of my natural self, my natural selfish feelings, thoughts and inclinations that I become more like You and less like me. I also pray oh God that this will not be only a one-time prayer, but the goal of my life. Amen

Book of Job Chapter 13

Book of  Job 

Chapter

 13

1. "Look, my eye has seen all this, my ear has heard and understood it. 2. What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you. 3. But I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue my case with God.


(Book of Wisdom Chapter 13 verses 1 to 3)


Oh God my Father as humans we may acquire knowledge and become equal to each other. We may also argue with each other on an equal footing, however in order to take our case before You my, God we would need to have a faith of steel and wait for your reply and this may take time not as in human cases. 


4. As for you, you whitewash with lies; all of you are worthless physicians. 5. If you would only keep silent, that would be your wisdom!


(Book of Wisdom Chapter 13 verses 4 to 5)


Oh God Job is accusing his friends who are trying to help him as being liars. At times as even Job states, it is better to keep our silence than say many words, for at times silence is golden. Therefore oh God I pray that You give us the wisdom to discern when to speak and when not to Amen. During my training I was taught to become accustomed and friendly with silence, today I realize that You speak even during such moments of silence.




6. Hear now my reasoning, and listen to the pleadings of my lips. 7. Will you speak falsely for God, and speak deceitfully for him? 8. Will you show partiality toward him, will you plead the case for God? 9. Will it be well with you when he searches you out? Or can you deceive him, as one person deceives another?



(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 13 verses 6 to 9)


 Oh God, when we start rationalising we end up asking many questions for which many times we have no answers. However if we address our issues in a spirit of prayer, You will surely give us the needed answer, insight, illumination or even intervention. However if we continue asking ourselves questions only we will be like the dog who goes around in circles trying to catch one's own tail.




10. He will surely rebuke you if in secret you show partiality. 11. Will not his majesty terrify you, and the dread of him fall upon you? 12. Your maxims are proverbs of ashes, your defenses are defenses of clay.



(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 13 verses 10 to 12)


Oh God my Father if we show partiality to the ways of the world over that of Your holy will we will surely experience the consequences. However as in the case of Job's declaration, we have many words and declarations but when it comes to sticking to those words and promises there is nothing to substantiate them. Indeed, they are of clay that melts when exposed to heat. Many times we have pledged our word to follow You and abstain from committing this and that sin, many promises have come to nought when we were put to the test. It is only by Your grace that we can ever be faithful to You my God and Father Amen.





13. "Let me have silence, and I will speak, and let come on me what may.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 13 verse 13)




Oh God my Father what an important resource silence is. During such moments of silence we are able to listen to Your voice instead of ours and that of the world Amen.


14. I will take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 13 verse 14)


Oh God my Father it would be much better if we placed our lives in Your hands instead of in ours, for we would feel much more loved and secure, for Your ways are much better than ours Amen. 





15. See, he will kill me; I have no hope; but I will defend my ways to his face. 16. This will be my salvation, that the godless shall not come before him.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 13 verses 15 to 16)


Oh, my friend Job, God is your saviour, he has decided to die for your sins and even mine, although he had no such reason to be crucified. Oh, Job You do not need to defend yourself before Him, for He will defend You instead. He is your counsellor, psychologist, lawyer and justice itself. Everybody is welcome in my God's eyes and presence even those who do not believe in Him, because He believes in all of us and He has never sent anybody away. He has space for everybody in His heart and mind.




17. Listen carefully to my words, and let my declaration be in your ears. 18. I have indeed prepared my case; I know that I shall be vindicated. 19. Who is there that will contend with me? For then I would be silent and die.


(Book of Wisdom Chapter 13 verses 17 to 19)


Oh God my Father You love us so much that You never turn away Your clients. Even though we think we are prepared and just to be in Your presence, as humans we still depend on Your love and mercy. In order to be vindicated, we have the greatest warrior of them all who is God Almighty. he will fight our wars not with missiles but with love. You are able to intervene in any situation and turn the course of events iso that a peaceful settlement is established. If God is with us nobody can stand against us! While in this spirit of praise and worship I invite you to click on the following link and join in the praise and worship by joining in prayer by means of  this powerful song:-




If our God is with us who can stand against us


20. Only grant two things to me, then I will not hide myself from your face; 21. withdraw your hand far from me, and do not let dread of you terrify me. 22. Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you reply to me.




(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 13 verses 20 to 22)


Oh God my Father at times we know not what we pray. What a disaster it would be if You ever had to remove Your hand from us, even for one millisecond. Job who had been close to You may have felt Your presence closer than others and that he felt crushed by it, however even through times of tribulation we cannot make it on our own. It is as if Job is telling You 'Please give me a break from these trials and then I will communicate with You". However even Your Son asked You that if it was Your will You take the chalice of the Passion away from Him, but Jesus also added the important finishing touch to His prayer which was 'May Your will be done!". Amen.



23. How many are my iniquities and my sins? Make me know my transgression and my sin.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 13 verse 23) 





Oh God when we feel just and righteous in Your sight, when we sin we do not realize in which area of our life we have sinned in. When in such a situation oh God my Father I feel that it is right to run an examination of our conscience so that when in such a disposition we can open or souls to You and You can show me where I have sinned against You and others. Amen.



24. Why do you hide your face and count me as your enemy? 25. Will you frighten a windblown leaf and pursue dry chaff? 26. For you write bitter things against me, and make me reap the iniquities of my youth. 27. You put my feet in the stocks, and watch all my paths; you set a bound to the soles of my feet. 28. One wastes away like a rotten thing, like a garment that is moth-eaten.



(Book of Wisdom Chapter 13 verses 24 to 28)




Oh God, my Father I thank You for keeping track of my goings everywhere I go You are there before me always guiding me along the paths of life. There are moments when I feel Your presence and feel totally secure, however, there were moments when I acted according to my own agenda when I felt scared and insecure, however even during these moments You were always with me as much as before and maybe even more than before. I would like to end this chapter with a link that leads to the popular prayer footsteps in the sand.


Footsteps in the Sand