Book of Job Chapter 9

Book of  Job 

Chapter

 9

1. Then Job answered: 2. "Indeed I know that this is so; but how can a mortal be just before God?

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 9 verses 1 and 2)

Oh God, You are so good and in fact, all goodness is found in You. However, on the contrary, we are not as good as You due to our sinful condition without Your intervention we can never be as good or holy as You. Therefore, I pray oh God that You help us in our deficiencies so that we could merit to be considered as being just in Your eyes.



3. If one wished to contend with him, one could not answer him once in a thousand. 4. He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength who has resisted him, and succeeded?

(Book of Wisdom Chapter 9 verses 3 to 4)


Oh God our wisdom can never match Your wisdom and logic. Even though we try to use reasoning and logic in order to understand what You mean by this and that situation, we can never be sure, for Your holy Spirit enlightens us in different ways in order to help us make head and tail of a given situation, which today may be considered to be negative and in the future when giving it to You may develop to be a purely positive situation. Oh God my Father, You are in control of our lives. There is no situation that is greater than You! No crisis or war can ever be beyond Your control, for You are able to manipulate an evil scheme or situation in our favour so that we can be out of harms way.



5. he who removes mountains, and they do not know it, when he overturns them in his anger; 6. who shakes the earth outs of its place, and its pillars tremble; 7. who commands the sun, and it does not rise; who seals up the stars; 8. who alone stretched out the heavens and trampled the waves of the Sea; 9. who made the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the chambers of the south; 10. who does great things beyond understanding, and marvelous things without number, 11. Look. he passes by me and I do not see him; he moves on, but I do not perceive him. 


(Book of Wisdom Chapter 9 verses 5 to 11)


Oh God we realize Your love might and power as in the case of Job, however when we are deep down in our sorrows even if You come and pat us on the back or give us a big hug we may not recognise You for both our minds and soul are hindered by means of our emotional state from doing so. We become egocentric and start focusing mainly on ourselves and start justifying our actions even though they are not justifiable at all.



12. He snatches away: who can stop him? Who will say to him, 'What are you doing?'

(Book of Wisdom Chapter 9 verse 12)


Oh God Job is correct in saying that nobody is worthy of challenging Your Supreme Authority, however, many during our times have long since trying to prove that You do not exist. However when doing so they are digging their own grave and slab and the pathway to their destruction.



13. "God will not turn back his anger; the helpers of Rahab bowed beneath him.

(Book of Wisdom Chapter 9 verse 13)



Oh God my Father You are so loving and kind. Even though we give You many reasons, for being angry at us, You always show us love and mercy.



14. How then can I answer him, choosing my words with him? 15. Though I am innocent, I cannot answer him; I must appeal for mercy to my accuser.

(Book of Wisdom Chapter 9 verse 14  to 15)


Oh, Job my friend, with God my Father you do not need to choose or be careful in what we think or say, for before the actual idea is created in our brain God is already aware of it!. Moreover, as in the given circumstances Job's accuser is not God but the Devil who has been given permission to test Job, and from this evil spirit, there is no chance of mercy because mercy only comes from You my, Father.



16. If I summoned him and he answered me, I do not believe that he would listen to my voice.

(Book of Wisdom Chapter 9 verse 16)


As in the case of us, humans we may be under the impression that our prayers are not heard or answered, however in both respects we are wrong oh God, for not even one of our prayers that we offer to You is ever wasted. Even though You may not be as prompt as we  would wish You to be to answer or prayers, in Your own 'God' time You always give us an answer at the proper time.



17. For he crushes me with a tempest, and multiplies my wounds without cause; 18. he will not let me get my breath, but fills me with bitterness. 

(Book of Wisdom Chapter 9 verse 17)


Oh God what misconceptions we have of You! If we believe that You are a Father of love, how can we make such declarations about You?



18. he will not let me get my breath but fills me with bitterness.

(Book of Wisdom Chapter 9 verse 18)


Oh God, You are my only hope and my salvation, in You I find refuge, consolation and the only reason for remaining alive in this valley of death. Those who place their trust in You invest in life, however, those who do not invest in death. Amen.



19. If it is a contest of strength, he is the strong one! If it is a matter of justice, who can summon him?

(Book of Wisdom Chapter 9 verse 19)


Oh God, indeed there is nobody who can match You or outmatch You in strength justice and even love. The social concept of Justice can easily be corrupted, however, Your justice is pure and irreversible. It is justice beyond justice and nobody is worthy of contesting it. Amen.


20. Though I am innocent, my own mouth would condemn me; though I am blameless, he would prove me perverse. 21. I am blameless; I do not know myself; I loathe my life.


(Book of Wisdom Chapter 9 verses 20 to 21)


As in a court oh God my Father all that is said can be used against us, however, You are a just and loving Father who is aware of all our actions, and therefore, do not need to actually hear the truth from us, because even before we commit an act You are already aware of it. You love us so much that You try to make us aware of our sins instead of giving us what we deserve.



22. It is all one; therefore, I say, he destroys both the blameless and the wicked.

(Book of Wisdom Chapter 9 verse 22)


Oh God my Father, verse 22 is a perfect example of when we come to conclusions based on generalisations  When doing so we are concluding that without absolute proof we are placing all people in one category, regardless of the possibility that there might be one in a million who happens not to fall into the category that we created as in the example "All S is P". As in the case of Job who is implying that You oh God considers both the good and the bad as being both worthy of destruction. In truth accidents happen to both the good and the evil or not so good, however, those of us who take unnecessary risks with probability, are more at risk of experiencing accidents than others. Therefore, it is not always the will of God, for You oh God take no pleasure in seeing us experience such negative acts.



23. When disaster brings sudden death, he mocks at the calamity of the innocent.

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 3 verse 23)


Oh, Job my friend this is truly a false accusation and I will personally intervene for how can I call God my Father as a loving Father if he takes pleasure in my calamities. Indeed oh God even though we consider ourselves as being good people, however, deep down in our hearts, we may have experienced disappointments which have left marks of hurt and resentment to You my God, that are expressed during such moments of anguish and pain. Oh God, when we cannot make sense of our world and all that we experience as humans we tend to place the blame on You. Forgive us oh God of this irresponsible action and attitude. Amen.



24. The earth is given into the hand of the wicked; he covers the eyes of its judges - if it is not he, who then is it?


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 9 verse 24)


Oh God, many people think that t he world has become totally dominated by the evil which is cropping up like weeds in many areas of life both the spiritual and the secular. It truly seems to be that many rulers are either blind to the current situation or have accepted it as a given and are turning a blind eye to the current situation. I leave the judgement of you oh God for I am also weak in my actions and judgements and am therefore not worthy of passing judgement. Amen.



25. "My days are swifter than a runner; they flee away, they see no good.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 9 verse 25)


Oh God, My Father the clock never stops ticking, it is something that we cannot stop, however, we are to make good of the time that You have lent us and not waste a second of it. I pray oh God my Father that You grant me enough time to publish all the books of the Bible in this form and share it with many others. Then You can take my life. I also wish that I will continue to grow with my family and continue witnessing and praising and thanking You for the important events, that we have been experiencing and that You have planned for us to experience in the future. Amen



26. They go by like skiffs of reed, like an eagle swooping on the prey. 27. If I say, 'I will forget my complaint; I will put off my sad countenance and be of good cheer,' 28. I become afraid of all my suffering, for I know you will not hold me innocent.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 9 verses 26 to 28)


Oh God, my Father when we are experiencing such pain and anguish the temptation is to give up and put the issue aside as if it did not exist, even though we are more than aware of our pain. It may also be the case in our relationship with You, my God and Father. After a long period of praying for healing and this never comes we may start feeling depressed. We might be given the impression by doctors that we need to learn how to live with the pain or condition, however, You do not wish that we remain in such as a state. Job's situation was there until the test was over until the devil was proved wrong in his wager with God and not forever.



29. I shall be condemned; why then do I labor in vain?


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 9 verse 29)


Oh God, my Father when we start using reasoning a bit too, much we at times start asking the wrong questions which lead us to even questioning Your and our very existence, and even the reason for still being alive, which may even plunge us into a cloud of depression if pushed beyond its limits. Oh God, You are the answer to all our questions. In You we find all the needed answers, however at the time, we do not understand what You intend to mean by means of Your answers, for our wisdom is no match when compared to Yours. It is only with Your divine illumination that we manage to understand critical issues in our lives.



30. If I wash myself with soap and cleans my hands with lye, 31. yet you will plunge me into filth, and my own clothes will abhor me.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 9 verse 31)


Good morning my God and Father I am surprised at how patient You are with our negative attitude to life. Negative attitudes bring negative outcomes and, therefore, negative behaviours. Although we consider ourselves as being Roman Catholics or Christians if we have such an attitude we are not reflecting our belief in You my God.



32. For he is not a mortal, as I am, that I might answer him, that we should come to trial together.

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 9 verse 32)



Oh my, God, we discredit You so much. Although we may not always see You with our human eyes, through our conscience we can sense if we are doing something good or bad. Amen



33. There is no umpire between us, who might lay his hand on us both. 34. If he would take his rod away from me, and not let dread of him terrify me, 35. then I would speak without fear of him, for I know I am not what I am thought to be.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 9 verses 33 to 35)



Oh God, unlike Job I pray that You never lift off me Your rod of discipline. Although it is not always easy to walk according to Your will, without Your correction I would not be better off than If I were to live life according to my wishes and desires which are not always according to Your will. Oh God may You always be my guide and point of reference. I love You and place my whole love faith and trust in You even though I am still a sinner. Amen.



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

What is one of the greatest notes found in music?

'B Positive'


Oh God even if life is hard at times we are to place our faith in You and rise up to continue our journey for even from what seems to be a negative You oh God can change into a positive. Amen.

Book of Job Chapter 8

Book of  Job

 Chapter

 8

1. Then Bildad the Shuhite answered: 2. How long will you say these things, and the words of your mouth be a great wind?

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 8 verses 1 to 2)

Oh God when we speak from our minds or from the flesh the logic is different from when we speak as according to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.



3. Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert the right?

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 8 verse 3)


How right you are Bildad, God can never be corrupt, for he is justice itself. In the New Testament Your instructions are clear, say Yes to what is rightfully true and say No, to what is not! Anything else meaning lies is the fruit of evil.


4. If your children sinned against him, he delivered them into the power of their transgression. 5. If you will seek God and make supplication to the Almighty, 6. if you are pure and upright, surely then he will rouse himself for you and restore to you your rightful place.


(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 8 verses 4 to 6)


Oh God, You love us so much that You would never deliver us to downfalls and tragedies. When we decide to sin against You, we will suffer the consequences of our actions. As humans to be pure and upright is not our lot, but it is only due to Your holy presence that we can ever live a life according to Your will. Amen.


7. Though your beginning was small, your latter days will be very great.

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 8 verse 7)


Thank You, God, for sending positive people in our lives. Even though the times appear to be challenging we are to remain firm in our faith and keep our focus on You, my God and not on ourselves, or on the situation.


8. "For inquire now of  bygone generations, and consider what their ancestors have found; 9. for we are but of yesterday, and we know nothing for our days on earth are but a shadow.

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 8 verses 8 to 9)


Oh God, when we look back at the times of our ancestors we find a lot to learn. Although they lacked in science knowledge and technology, with all their resources and lack of resources they were living well. Today we lack nothing and our lives are dominated by cases of suicide, depression and even permission for euthanasia. If we only have the faith of our ancestors, if we learn from the lessons that You taught them our lives would be more spiritually and socially healthy.


10. Will they not teach you and tell you and utter words out of their understanding?

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 8 verse 10)



Oh God is there anybody who does not know about You. Knowledge is widespread and coming out of our ears, however, we are still ignorant in relation to spiritual issues, which if we arrive at a situation where we are put to the test regarding our faith, may even be an issue that determines life from death.


11. "Can papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Can reeds flourish where there is no water? 12. While yet in flower and not cut down, they wither before any other plant.

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 8 verses 11 to 12)


Oh God, I would also like to pose a question. Can faith in You grow in families where nobody speaks about Your name? Can Faith nourish and bear fruit in families who are alienated by plans for a career, worldly ambitions, money, fashion, class symbols and such lifestyles? The end of such people's lives comes upon them without ever knowing what hit them. Although in our eyes such people may appear successful, their end is even worse than their beginning.


13. Such are the paths of all who forget God; the hope of the godless shall perish.

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 8 verse 13)


Oh my God and Father those who place their trust and hope in You are never disappointed, for although our deliverance from a situation requires time as in all things it is granted by You that it will happen when the time is according to Your timing, however for those who do not believe and trust in You time appears to be longer, so much that at times we  decide that we cannot wait longer and some have even taken their lives in a spirit of desperation. I pray oh God that we always place our trust in You.


14. Their confidence is gossamer. a spider's house their trust. 15. If one leans against its house it will not stand; if one lays hold of it, it will not endure.

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 8 verses 14 to 15)


Oh God in this day and age we rely totally on technology and statistics, however, both are not a hundred percent reliable. If our data becomes stolen or hacked or even, corrupted through a power cut, or infected before it has been backed up, it becomes worthless, therefore, in truth, it is not water tight. What is totally secure  is our faith in You, my God and Father.


16. The wicked thrive before the sun, and their shoots spread over the garden. 17. Their roots twine around the stoneheap; they live among the rocks, 18. If they are destroyed from their place, then it will deny them, saying. I have never seen you.'

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 8 verses 16 to 18)


Oh God the acts of the proud appear beautiful and worthy of praise that they receive from many others, however, pride does not last forever for one person's fame in time is replaced by that of another who at times proves to be better. However, the work done in secret with people who are not at all popular as in the case of poor people lasts forever. Although no popularity is gained from doing such acts, You who are aware of such acts of kindness approves of such acts of charity and love and this is of what is most valuable. Amen.


19. See, these are their happy ways, and out of the earth others will spring. 20. "See, God will not reject a blameless person. nor take the hand of evildoers. 21. He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouts of joy. 22. Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, and the tent of the wicked will be no more."

 (Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 8 verses 19 to 22)


Oh God, You accept and love us as we are with both our strengths and our weaknesses. Although the world is cunning and corrupt, You are justice itself. Therefore, even though we experience moments of tribulation and even injustice, these moments are only moments, that drift away like rain clouds after they have released their contents meaning the water that they have been sent to water the earth with for our livelihood.  By means of how we react to a stressful situation, without knowing, we could be of an example to others who are experiencing the same situation. On seeing us place our trust in God, and keeping our lid on, they may also consider doing the same. Moreover, those, who may have planned such situations may even learn an important lesson and decide not to continue doing such negative acts.


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


Oh God my Father, I would like to thank You for the periods of tribulation, that I have experienced in my life and at times I am still experiencing. Although at times I use the expression that life really stinks, on reflecting I realize that if I keep my focus on You and simply live the day, one day at a time and remain firm in my relationship with You life is not so bad after all. I pray that during the peak moments of my stressful life You give me a positive attitude so that I can remain calm and place my trust in You. Amen

  

Books of Job Chapter 7

Book of  Job 

Chapter

 7

1. "Do not human beings have a hard service on earth, and are not their days like the days of a laborer? 2. Like a slave who longs for the shadow, and like laborers who look for their wages, 3. so I am allotted months of emptiness, and nights of misery are appointed to me.

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 7 verses 1 to 3)


Oh God it is true that in order to live our daily lives we need to work hard to earn a living, however this is part of our duty to work and get paid for the work we do. Job is feeling so much pain and anguish that he is comparing his physical pain to the wages of the labourer. It is as if it is his fault that all this calamity befell him. In truth this was the work of Satan who wished that God would test Job in order to see if he would remain faithful to God.


4. When I lie down I say, 'When shall I rise?' but the night is long, and I am full of tossing until dawn.  5. My flesh is clothed with worms and dirt; my skin hardens, then breaks out again. 6. My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and come to their end without hope.

(Books of Wisdom Job Chapter 7 verses 4 to 6)


Oh God this is the cry of those who are in pain but do not accept their pain as being the will of God. Many people in such circumstances are living such harsh lives that they lose hope in You and in their chances of ever being cured to their previous state of health.  Oh God how I wish we were more concerned or concerned as much for our spiritual welfare as much as we are of our physical welfare, because sin also conditions our life and creates in us a state of spiritual degradation.


7. "Remember that my life is a breath; my eye will never again see good. 8. The eye that beholds me will see me no more; while your eyes are upon me, I shall be gone.

(Books of Wisdom Job Chapter 7 verses 7 to 8)


Oh God if we all kept it in mind that we are only pilgrims on this earth and that our long term home is not on earth but in heaven, our attitude  to life would be completely different. We would not have excessive material concerns or anxiety for we would have the awareness that our greatest investment is in You, where no worldly hacker can take our place in heaven, only the evil spirit of Satan, from which I pray that You protect us day and night.


9. As the cloud fades and vanishes, so those who go down to Sheol do not come up; 10. they return no more to their houses nor do their places know them any more.

(Books of Wisdom Job Chapter 7 verses 9 to 10)


Oh God how true is the reality of hell that many take for granted and think that while on earth they can behave as they wish, however the consequence of hell will always be available for those aim in life has become to merit such a negative place. If one is still not convinced of the truth of the reality of hell please click on the following link:-

The existence of hell


11. "Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

(Books of Wisdom Chapter 7 verse 11)


Oh God one thing that we are experts at doing is complaining. Even though You treat us with the greatest love and care we still find something to complain about. We are so ungrateful in how we deal with other humans and even with You my God and Father.


12. Am I the Sea, or the Dragon, that you set a guard over me?

(Books of Wisdom Chapter 7 verse 12)


On reflecting oh God we are all potential hazards and therefore we are all to be careful what we think do and say. Therefore we are all to set a guard on our mouths, for anything we say in life can be used against us in many different circumstances, and once we communicate something this cannot be reversed.


13. When I say, 'My bed will comfort me, my couch will ease my complaint,' 14. then you scare me with dreams and terrify me with visions 15. so that I would choose strangling and death rather than this body.

(Books of Wisdom Chapter 7 verses 13 to 15)


Oh God how weak and foolish we are when we are in pain and agony, however on the other hand You keep on raising awareness like never before. When praying on this verse You make me aware that this body is just a vessel that contains our soul by which we can communicate with You and others. The body can offer us no form of pleasure but only moments of fun and gratification and this is only when we are in our prime, because when we become of an age, the speed of physical and mental deterioration increases. death becomes our neighbour throughout each passing day.


16. I loath my life;  I would not live forever. Let me alone, for my days are a breath.

(Books of Wisdom Chapter 7 verse 16)


Oh God my Father that we all have this verse printed in our minds and souls. When we feel sick we feel that death is on our doorstep and that we have limited time at our disposal. However nobody knows for sure when our last second of life will be. Therefore we are to be always ready, for it may be closer than we think.


17. What are human beings, that you make so much of them, that you set your mind on them, 18. visit them every morning, test them every moment?

(Books of Wisdom Chapter 7 verses 17 to 18)


Oh God I also question, why You love us so much! Every day of our life You care for us, so much that we cannot live without You.


19. Will you not look away from me for a while, let me alone until I swallow my spittle? 20. If I sin, what do i do to you, you watcher of humanity? Why have you made me your target? Why have I become a burden to you? 21. Why do you not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity? For now I shall lie in the earth; you will seek me, but I shall not be."

(Books of Wisdom Chapter 7 verses 19 to 21)


Oh God I pray that You never remove Your eyes of me even for one second, because I cannot live without You. Oh God even though as in the case of Job we turn on You and ask You what did I do to You to merit all this pain, Your answer would be everything, for without You we can do nothing good. When You permit us to endure difficult situations from the point of a human it may seem to be that You are using us as Your target, but really and truly such situations are moments of growth.


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


Oh God when You created us to be humans due to our sin life on earth was never promised to be a bed of roses.  However when we offer our tribulations to You our lives change, so much that when we accept all situations as happening according to Your will even the most negative of situations becomes a positive. Therefore instead of complaining about our transgressions our attitude is to be one of thanksgiving for by means of such situations You continue the process of growth on both, our spiritual, social and psychological areas of our lives. 









  

Books of Job Chapter 6

Book of  Job 

Chapter

 6

1. Then Job answered: 2. "O that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances!

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 1 to 2)

Oh God that our negative traits are compared against our positive traits in the eyes of humans. Oh God we try to reason on the same lines with you as we reason with humans.


3. For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash. 4. For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 3 to 4)


During such moments of stress my God we tend to not have control over what we think and say, and we might end up saying things that we would not have in normal circumstances. However You are always with me and Your arrows of love are always like that of Cupid injecting me with love.


5. Does the wild ass bray over its grass, or the ox low over its fodder? 6. Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt, or is there any flavor in the juice of mallows? 7. My appetite refuses to  touch them; they are like food that is loathsome to me.

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 5 to 7)


Oh God when our lives are lacking Your holy presence we are like food that is lacking in the basic ingredient which gives it taste, value and nourishment. If we are not careful our lives can become really boring so much that nobody and nothing on this earth can give us fulfilment.


8. "O that I might have my request, and that God would grant my desire; 9. that it would please God to crush me, that he would let loos his hand and cut me off! 10. This would be my consolation: I would even exult in unrelenting pain; for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 8 to 10)


Even though Job appears to be desperate in pain and anguish and as a consequence is asking You to end his life he still admits that Your Word and his faith in You is still present. I agree with Job in the sense that although death may be viewed negatively it is not a negative but a positive. I agree that it would be a great consolation to be reunited with You and not a downfall. My greatest wish is also to be reunited forever with You my God.


11. What is my strength that I should wait? And what is my end that I should be patient?

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verse 11)


Although we proclaim that we are Christians or Catholics oh God if when put to the test, we do not place our trust in You we are not worthy of proclaiming this truth. When experiencing such stress in the garden of Gethsemane You did not reject Your calling or attempt suicide in an act of desperation but sought the comfort of prayer to Your Father. Therefore we in such a situation we are to do likewise and listen for Your voice who speaks in such moments of sorrow and bitterness.


12. Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh bronze? 13. In truth I have no help in me, and any resource is driven from me.

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 12 to 13)


Oh my God, by our own devices we are weak as butter, however when we place our trust in You, we become as courageous as lions and as strong as a fortress. All we need is to place our trust in You and we have nothing to worry about.


14. "Those who withhold kindness from a friend forsake the fear of the Almighty.

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verse 14)


As You know oh God the saying says that a friend in need is a friend indeed. This is one of many qualities that as a loving Father You show to us. You are God, the Father and also god our friend. There is no other friend but You. Amen


15. My companions are treacherous like a torrent-bed, like freshets that pass away, 16. that run dark with ice, turbid with melting snow. 17. In time of heat they disappear; when it is hot, they vanish from their place
 

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 15 to 17)


Oh God my Father and my best friend. You are indeed the best of friends. Unlike the type of friends mentioned by Job You are always there for me ready to, love and support me, in the good times and also in the bad which may not be the bad, but better more I prefer to call these times, times of testing.


18. The caravans turn aside from their course; they go up into waste, and perish. 19. The caravans of Tema look, the travellers of Sheba hope. 20. They are disappointed Ted because they were confident; they come there and are confounded.

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 18 to 20)


Oh God those who look upon Job are muddled or perplexed. They ask in awe, how come such a good and God fearing person could ever end up in such calamity? Does not God help those who love and follow him?


When using such criteria based on the logic of the world one tends to arrive at such conclusions, however when considering that even You were not spared from the tribulations of this world the conclusion is "So what?" If the world treated You so bad it will not treat us any better. Therefore when the world treats us badly this is an honour for the treatment given to us was also fit for a king. The King of Kings. Therefore it is an honour and not a downfall or calamity as some may perceive it.


21. Such you have now become to me; you see my calamity, and are afraid.

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verse 21)


Instead of accepting calamities as being the discipline of God. we become full of fear and become confused. When adopting such an attitude  in relation to others, they sense our fear and become more depressed and discouraged. Therefore when in the presence of people in such situations we are to empathise and be positive in order to encourage others by our presence.


22. Have I said, 'Make me a gift? Or; 'From your wealth offer a bribe for me? 23. Or;  Save me from an opponents hand'? Or; 'Ransom me from the hand of oppressors'?

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 22 to 23)


Oh God Job is stating that he never asked for the help of his friends. This is very common when we are enduring such painful situations. We feel unable to accept the fact that we have a problem and even worse that we are to seek support from all people in our networks such as family or extended family or from support systems such as found in the Social Welfare System. However having said all this our greatest help, can come only from You. You are a shoulder to cry on and vital means of support.


24. "Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone wrong

(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verse 24)


Oh God my Father even though we have knowledge available at our finger tips, exploding from everywhere around us, we still use the argument that we do nor know for our defence. However during moments of crisis even though the situation appears to be crystal clear we still cannot make head or tail of our situation. Oh God as a sinner every day of my life I pray that You show me where I have gone wrong, so that I can avoid making the same mistakes twice and this would help me improve my life both spiritually and even socially and psychologically.


25. How forceful are honest words! But your reproof, what does it reprove? 26. Do you think that you can reprove words as if the speech of the desperate were wind? 27. You would even cast lots over the orphan and bargain over your friend.

(Book of Wisdom job Chapter 6 verses 25 to 27)


On reflecting on this verse I felt like giving Job a piece of my mind, for I feel that he was pushing his luck in Your presence. If it was not for Your love for us, You would surely put up with our behaviour and would immediately penalise us for our actions.


28. "But now, be pleased to look at me; for I will not lie to your face, 29. Turn, I pray, let no wrong be done, Turn now, my vindication is at stake. 30. Is there any wrong on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern calamity?

(Book of Wisdom Chapter 6 verses 28 to 30)


As Job may  not have considered, God does not take pleasure in seeing His sons and daughters experience such terrible pain! He surely does not smile but shows love, empathy and kindness. God is aware that it is the pain that is causing Job to reason in such a way, Pain changes our thinking feelings and most of all our behaviour.


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


Oh God I pray for those who are experiencing any form of pain and anguish, that can be physical, emotional or even spiritual. I also pray that You empower us with Your Spirit of truth  I pray that You make of us positive people who accept anything in life as part of Your plan for us and be thankful and positive instead of feeling lonely and depressed. Amen

Books of Job Chapter 5

BOOK OF 

JOB 

CHAPTER 

5

1."Call now; is there anyone who will answer you? To which of the holy ones will you turn?

(Job Chapter 5 verse 1)

To whom can I ever turn if not to You. You are my father and my salvation. Even though I am a sinner You still give me Your love and support. You made me and therefore You are more than aware of my weaknesses and my shortcomings as a human, however even so You never rejected me.


2. Surely vexation kills the fool, and jealousy slays the simple. 3. I have seen fools taking root, but suddenly I cursed their dwelling.

(Job Chapter 5 verses 2 to 3)


When we wonder away from You oh God we are open prey. Our selfish and evil natural self can easily get the better of us. Moreover the evil one may easily make profit of the state of anger or sin that we are in and create in us feelings of jealousy and more anger that sinful bondage that help us remain in this dreadful state.



4. Their children are far from safety, they are crushed in the gate, and there is no one to deliver them.

(Job Chapter 5 verse 4)


I thank You God that You Yourself chose to be the means of my salvation. I am oppressed but not overcome for even though I am oppressed by my world, we walk together triumphantly like two allies in battle against the forces of evil.


5. The hungry eat their harvest, and they take it even out of the thorns; and the the thirsty pant after their wealth.

(Job Chapter 5 verse 5)


Oh Job how right you are. The poor always earn their living with much agony and strain, and the rich are always planning how to become richer and increase their earnings. However what is really important is our relationship with god our Father. We can be rich and happy with God, but on the other hand we can be rich and end up being unhappy people, for although we may be rich in possessions if we do not have God we are still empty. There will come a time when all the riches of the world will never be able to replace Your presence and will never satisfy the wishes of humanity. It is like pouring water into a bucket that has a hole in it. Water will always leak out and the bucket of our lives our thirst will never be satisfied if not with You oh God.


6. For misery does not come from the earth, nor does trouble sprout from the ground; 7. but human beings are born to trouble just as sparks fly upward.

(Job Chapter 5 verses 6 to 7)


Indeed oh God from the moment of our birth we have inherited a sinful nature, but a holy soul that is Your presence dwelling in us. Throughout each day of our lives our soul is in conflict with the wishes, needs and desires of the flesh within us that at many times are in conflict with the presence of the Holy Spirit of God who dwells in us. Now that it is winter in Malta every morning my body which craves for the warmth of comfort of my bed with my family, however every morning at 6.00 am You wake me up oh God to spend time with You in prayer. Amen. There are moments oh God when the body gets the better of me and I wake up later thus sacrificing this bounty of time that we spend together which I really miss during such moments.  I thank You oh God for these moments of fellowship with You every day of my life.


8. As for me, I would seek God, and to God I would commit my cause.

(Job Chapter 5 verse 8)


Oh God to You I commit my case. As a human I face persecution both internally and externally. Each day I wage the battle of choosing between my feelings, the ways of the world, and acting according to Your will which is the best decision of all. I am faced with a situation in relation to the accident that I had where the guilty party is not claiming responsibility for the damages and I am constrained to keep on waiting till the person is convinced by all parties to do so. I thank You for resolving the issue with the Water and electricity Company which has now reimbursed us with the credit that we previously had. Amen.


9. He does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number. 10. He gives rain on the earth and sends waters on the fields; 11. he sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.

(Job Chapter 5 verses 9 to 11)


Oh God when we are feeling depressed we tend to focus on the negative however when we do so, we take for granted the many acts of goodness as mentioned that You do on our behalf, such acts such as sending the rain that we may consider as being trivial that we cannot survive without them. I thank You oh God for these simple but important things Amen.


12. He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success.

(Job Chapter 5 verse 12)


Oh God even though as sinners we have the capacity to make negative plans, out of that same evil plan or negative intention You have the power and capacity to turn the  planned negative outcome into a positive one in our favour.


13. He takes the wise in their own craftiness; and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end.

(Job Chapter 5 verse 13)


Oh God even though we have greatly advanced in artificial intelligence and the sciences, so much that we think we are as good as You and are meddling in areas that we should not, Your knowledge surpasses all human intelligence and knowledge and that we can never out mach You no matter what and how!


14. They meet with darkness in the daytime, and grope at noonday as in the night.

(Job Chapter 5 verse 14)


Oh God have mercy on us, for although we think we have become wiser and advanced on many levels we are still living a life of confusion. On the one hand we say that we believe in social justice on the other hand we demand that the people of Africa, the same people whom in the course of time we have plundered their resources. 


15. But he saves the needy from the sword of their mouth, from the hand of the mighty. 16. So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth.

(Job Chapter 5 verses 15 to 16)


Oh God I thanking You for saving me from my own self, for at times I am not in control of what I say and think. I thank You for those situations when You saved me by intervening on my behalf by means of others, who at the time had a clearer vision than myself. I also thank You for giving me the appropriate words during particular circumstances by which I can be of help to others instead of causing harm and pain.


17. "How happy is the one whom God reproves; therefore do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. 18. For he wounds, but he binds up; he strikes, but his hands heal. 19. He will deliver you from six troubles; in seven no harm shall touch you.

(Job Chapter 5 verses 17 to 19)


Oh God what a torrent of consolation and love. Even though we are sinful by nature, You use the trials of life as discipline so that we can continue growing as humans and as Your sons and daughters. As it is written although You permit us to experience tribulations You also give us the needed support love and consolations at the right time. Therefore when we are experiencing such a negative time, do not consider it negative but positive for it is not an act of hate but an act of love, the holy discipline of God who inflicts but also heals. Amen.


20. In famine he will redeem you from death, and in war from the power of the sword. 21. You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, and shall not fear destruction when it comes.

(Job Chapter 5 verses 20 to 21)


Oh God if You would also protect me from my own tongue and even from that of others. At times the environment at both home and work are so hectic that I cannot control my tongue and end up saying and doing things that later on I  will forever regret. I pray for self control by the power of Your Holy Spirit amen.


22. At destruction and famine you shall laugh, and shall not fear wild animals of the earth. 23. For you shall be in league with the stones of the field, and the wild animals shall be at peace with you.

(Job Chapter 5 verses 22 to 23)


Oh God when we wander away from You we also wander away from civilisation and start living a life that is far from the accepted norms of civilisation as we know it. Gradually we start breaking one norm after another and start degenerating to a state of nature, thus leading to the loss of human dignity.


24. You shall know that your tent is safe, you shall inspect your fold and miss nothing. 25. You shall know that your descendants will be many, and your offspring like the grass of the earth. 26. You shall come to your grave in ripe old age, as a shock of grain comes up to the threshing floor in its season. 27. See, we have searched this out; it is true. Hear, and know it for yourself."

(Job Chapter 5 verses 24 to 27)


When placing our trust in You I know that we lack in nothing. As in the case of Abraham and even Job they were promised and given in abundance, however we are to be faithful to You even during moments when the going appears to be tough as in the case of Job. It is a real pity that when we are experiencing such bitter moments our focus instantly shifts on to ourselves and not on God.


Oh my God and Father I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer that is dedicated to those of us who are experiencing feelings of depression and suicidal thoughts.


I invite all readers of this chapter to join me in this prayer by clicking on the following link:-

Prayer for depression anxiety and stress

Books of Job Chapter 4

BOOK OF JOB 

CHAPTER 

4

1. Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered: 2. "If one ventures a word with you, will you be offended? But who can keep from speaking? 3. See, you have instructed many; you have strengthened the weak hands. 4. Your words have supported those who were stumbling, and you have made firm the feeble knees. 5. But now it has come to you, and you are impatient; it touches you, and you are dismayed.

(Job Chapter 4 verses 1 to 5)

Oh God as in the case of Job I am also experiencing a difficult situation. throughout the course of life, I have also helped many people who lacked in both skills, faith and confidence, however now I am in a situation where I need help and I have the choice of either admitting that I need help oh God, or U become proud and rebellious and refuse others counsel. Oh God there is no better counsellor than Yourself and Your Word, however I appreciate those people whom you bring me in contact with in order to be of help, support and assistance. Today I was asked what I counsel I would give to a person, whose marriage is gradually falling apart. 

Oh God my response was that when I chose my wife I gave my word before God and it is not right to go against the word that I gave, even though the situation is not that good  Oh God I will always keep in mind that my first loyalty is to You and that this is more important than anything. I gave my word that I will be faithful in both the good times and the bad and this means a lifelong commitment.


6. Is not your fear of  God your confidence and the integrity of your ways your hope?

(Job Chapter 4 verse 6)


Oh God this is a very important question for all of us to ask and answer. In truth where are we placing our confidence, maybe in our career that could one day come to an end? In our wealth and prestige that has no guarantee? In our family or friends that can also be no more. Our confidence oh God is to be placed in You alone, for You are my fortress and my salvation and only in You that I seek refuge and comfort.


7. "Think now, who that was innocent ever perished? Or where the upright cut off? 8. As I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same.

(Job Chapter 4 verses 7 to 8)


Oh God many people reason as did Job. One may expect nothing disastrous to happen in life because we may be living a good life based on Your will. Even though we do our best to obey Your ways, we were never promised a bed of roses. In fact You the LORD set us a perfect example of what the world can offer us, and if the world treated the LORD bad, it cannot us His servants any better. I find this oh God of great consolation. I consider my tribulations as a continuation of Your passion on earth and try to accept all as being according to Your holy will.


9. By the breath of God they perish, and by the blast of his anger they are consumed. 10. The roar of the lion, the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions are broken. 11. The strong lion perishes for lack of prey and the whelps of the lioness are scattered.

(Job Chapter 4 verses 9 to 11)


The devil is like a ferocious lion whose hunger for our souls is never satisfied. He groans and roars in anger when he sees our souls being saved because this evil spirit is condemned forever. This fact makes him become more angry and as a consequence the devil continues to vent his anger on humanity in more bitter and evil ways than ever.


12. "Now a word came stealing to me, my ear received the whisper of it. 13. Amid thoughts from visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on mortals, 14. dread came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones shake. 15. A spirit glided past my face; the hair of my flesh bristled. 16. It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes; there was a silence, then I heard a voice; 17. 'Can mortals be righteous before God? Can human beings be pure before their Maker?

(Job Chapter 4 verses 12 to 17)


Job raises a very important issue. As humans we are not perfect, however oh God when You begin relating with us, our lives can change and we will start feeling and thinking like You. As in the case of Job feeling depressed and lonely we feel disturbed both in our physical environment and even in our dreams. Our spirit becomes troubled and even during our time of rest we become troubled and start doubting if we can ever be perfect before God. However even though we are imperfect due to our sinful nature You oh God can change that sinful nature into one that is blessed and holy, for You oh God called us to be holy therefore this not something that is impossible for You willed it to be possible, so much that You Yourself called us to be holy.


18. Even in his servants he puts no trust, and his angels he charges with error; 19. how much more those who live in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed like a moth.

(Job Chapter 4 verses 18 to 19)


This is a gross generalisation from Job because as much as there were angels who manifested distrust as in the case of Satan and his evil colleagues, there were others such as the Archangel Mark and angel Gabriel who served You oh God with full faith and confidence.


20. Between morning and evening they are destroyed; they perish forever without any regarding it, 21. Their tent-cord is plucked up within them, and they die devoid of wisdom.'

(Job Chapter 4 verses 20 to 21)


In contrary to Job's reasoning oh God we do not die in disgrace but in dignity for before we are placed in the ground a holy ritual of blessing is done and we are blessed again and again with the dignity of the sons and daughters of God.


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

Oh God I thank You for Your encouragement by means of Your Word that is found in the Bible. I thank You for the trials and tribulations that I am enduring during this time of my life. I also pray for others who may be experiencing different situations. I pray for the people of Syria who are being slaughtered. The good people are being slaughtered with those that we consider as being not so good because of their actions, however we are doing the same wrong. They are killing, we are killing on a greater scale. I pray oh Jesus that You bring this wave of blood shed and waste of life to an end. I invite all who will read this chapter to join me in this prayer Amen.

Books of Job Chapter 3

BOOK OF JOB 

CHAPTER 

3

1. After this Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. 2. Job said: 3. "Let the day perish in which I was born, and the night that said, 'A man-child is conceived."

(Job Chapter 3 verses 1 to 3)

Oh Jesus during such moments of stress we tend not to see clearly and end up placing the blame on ourselves without considering that the event that took place such as the death of a loved one may have been according to Your will, and that even though such an event has negative consequences, You still are able to bring out the positive on our behalf.

4. Let that day be darkness! May God above not seek it or light shine on it. 5. Let gloom and deep darkness claim it. Let clouds settle upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.

(Job Chapter 3 verses 4 to 5)


Although Job is feeling depressed due to his pain and agony, he is simply angry at himself and feeling sorry that he was ever born. As we all do in such situations of loss we may place the blame on ourselves and start cursing ourselves and even ask You oh God the reason why You created us, if we had to experience such bitter moments. Our logic during such moments is, as if we are better than others and therefore, do not deserve to experience such events. However in truth all that happens to us is according to Your will whether we like it or not.


5. Let gloom and deep darkness claim it. Let clouds settle upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.

(Job Chapter 3 verse 5)


What we say and how we say it reflects who we are and the state of mind that we are in at the time. Oh Jesus this is the same as what You said about the tree and its fruit. In a few minutes we can determine if a person is a positive or negative person. Oh God I pray that You will always be at the heart of our arguments. May we always include You and the way You think, reason and love when dialogue with others especially unbelievers or people who are passing through a tough time.


6. That night-let thick darkness seize it! let it not rejoice among the days of the year; let it not come into the number of the months.

(Job Chapter 3 verse 6)


Oh God when we are feeling downcast our spirits tend to be focused on ourselves and not on you. Even days that usually bring us joy tend to bring us sadness and unhappiness.


7. Yes, let that night be barren; let no joyful cry be heard in it.

(Job Chapter 3 verse 7)


Although Job is up to his ears in pain and sorrow he does not curse You in anger, but humbly places the blame upon himself and upon the day of his birth. However although it is natural reaction to blame oneself, on a long term this behaviour is very dangerous, for it breed both long term feelings of guilt and anger at oneself that could lead to long term negative consequences such as self-harm which in extreme can also lead to severe bodily harm or even death. Therefore as You forgive us of our sins we are already to forgive ourselves of our shortcomings.


With reference to this important issue of self-forgiveness I invite you to click on the following link:-

How to forgive our selves


8. Let those curse it who curse the Sea, those who are skilled to rouse up Leviathan.

(Job Chapter 3 verse 8)

According to Job who is still wallowing in a state of pain and anguish is still cursing the day of his birth and is asking that this day be cursed by those who are able to curse the sea and stimulate the old and ancient sea monster to act in horror and might. With reference to the Leviathan our on line sources have the following to share with us:-

The Leviathan


9. Let the stars of its dawn be dark;let it hope for light, but have none; may it not see the eyelids of the morning -10. because it did not shut the doors of my mother's womb, and hide trouble from my eyes.

(Job Chapter 3 verses 9 to 10)


During moments of crisis oh God I also felt like going back into my mother's womb, I also felt like wishing that I was never born, however when the situation improved, I thought otherwise and thanked You oh God for having included me as part of Your creation.


11. Why did I not die at birth, come forth from the womb and expire?

(Job Chapter 3 verse 11)


Oh Jesus this at times is also one of my questions, however in the harsh silence of the situation You answer this delicate question. God's answer is that You created me for a reason, one which at the time I may not understand. However You, see the big picture and has everything under control.


12. Why were there knees to receive me, or breasts for me to suck?

(Job Chapter 3 verse 12)


God answers "Because I love you so much that I care for you Job and Vince and many others and so I wanted you to be loved and nurtured for I want to use you to fulfil My will and be of an example for others.


13. Now I would be lying down and quiet; I would lying down and quiet; I would be asleep; then I would be at rest 14. with kings and counselors of the earth who rebuild ruins for themselves; 15. or with princes who have gold, or who fill their houses with silver.

(Job Chapter 3 verses 13 to 15)


Job wishes that he was dead and at rest. There was a time when I also wished that I was dead. I felt so depressed that I felt jealous for a dead person, because he is resting and I am still not. However this is a very selfish attitude of mine because before that person had reached his point of departure and merited eternal rest, that person also lived ones trials and tribulations.


16. Or why was I not buried like a stillborn child. like an infant that never sees the light? 17. There the wicked cease from troubling and there the weary are at rest.

(Job Chapter 3 verse 16 to 17)


Oh God many people hold the same opinion such as Job that on the point of death all comes to an end, however on the contrary death is not an end but a new beginning that continues from where we left on earth. Therefore now is the time to invest in our spiritual account that will be redeemed in Your presence with interest when we meet You in heaven.


18. There the prisoners are at ease together; they do not hear the voice of the taskmaster.

(Job Chapter 3 verse 18)


When we are deep in sorrow it as if we are experiencing death. Nobody can communicate with us verbally and in turn we cannot do so with others. We are all rowing the same boat that is going around in circles and getting nowhere. However as believers in You oh God we will dive out the boat of desperation and make the leap of faith and place our trust in You and the flame of hope will always burn in us.

19. The small and the great are there, and the slaves are free from their masters.

(Job Chapter 3 verse 19)


Oh God really and truly among the dead there is no discrimination because we all have to experience death. Moreover all source of power of rich over the poor will also come to an end There will be one ruler that is You and we will be all Your subjects and not employees of our worldly bosses or rulers.


20. "Why is light given to one in misery, and life to the bitter in soul, 21. who long for death, but it does not come, and dig for it more than for hidden treasures; 22. who rejoice exceedingly, and are glad when they find the grave?

(Job Chapter 3 verse 20 to 22)


Oh God when we are in job's depressive state of mind, we cannot distinguish light from darkness. Even though Job loved You and always placed You as a priority in his live You still permitted him to experience such moments of tribulation, however although he was undergoing such traumatic times Job did not curse You or turn against You. This is an example for me and all.


23. Why is light given to one who cannot see the way, whom God has fenced in? 24. For my sighing comes like my bread, and my groaning are poured out like water. 25. Truly the thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me. 26. I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest; but trouble comes."

(Job Chapter 3 verses 23 to 26)


For those who are familiar with psychology, it is clear oh God that Job is referring to what is known as being the "Self-Fulfilling Prophecy" where our thoughts are supported by our feelings which are then transferred by actions. If I think or fear that if I go out on Friday the the 13th I will get run over by a car there is a high chance that this will happen. Fortune tellers make their profit by manipulating this theory against their own clients. In order to grasp the full concept and theoretical framework I invite you to click on the following link:-

Explaining the Self Fulfilling prophecy


Job says the things that I fear befall me and this is what in truth happens. The more we fear a situation oh God the more it happens to us. Therefore oh God instead of living these negative thoughts and feelings we are to feed our brains with positive scripts based on Your Gospel in order to counteract these negative thoughts and even negative people who in their negativity transmit and or impose their thoughts on others thus making us feel worse than ever. Therefore whenever we feel like disinfecting our souls and brains from negative concepts we can do so by means of positive citations based on the Bible. Again I invite you to click on the following link and let the messages flow into every part of your being so that we become positive thinkers and start living a holy and happy life as God meant it to be since the time of our creation.


Positive affirmations based on scripture



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

Oh God I would greatly like to thank You for the good works that You have permitted to happen and even for those that were not so nice. I believed that all that takes place in life happens for reasons that I do not always understand. However I am convinced that You are in the driving seat of my life, and I can never have a better driver than You. Forgive me oh God when I tried to do things my way instead of waiting on You. You know how much I find it hard to wait my Father and end up rushing situations and at times make them worse than they already are. I pray that You bless me with the gift of perseverance so that I will learn how to wait on You and be patient until You choose to deliver me from my situations. Amen.






  

Books of Job Chapter 1

BOOK OF JOB 

CHAPTER 

1

1. There was once a man in the land of Uz whose name was job. That man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.

(Job Chapter 1 verse 1)

Oh God how much I would like to be like your servant Job blame less, God fearing and who turned away from evil. I pray that You give me this strong graceful blessing and willpower to be able to be strong enough to overcome my sinful self and be free from the clutches of evil both within me and in my environments. 

2. There were born to him seven sons and three daughters,  3. He had seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred donkeys, and very many servants; so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east.

(Job Chapter 1 verse 2 to 3)


Although Your servant Job was the richest man in his territory he was still a humble person. If I had to interview Job regarding his greatest treasure I am sure that he would say that You oh God were his greatest treasure followed by his family. If we had to stop and reflect we could all find different answers to this question.

4. His sons used to go and hold feasts in one another's houses in turn; and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them.

(Job Chapter 1 verse 4)


Job's family was very close. All the members were united in You oh God and they were also united with each other as one big and loving family. However what kept them together as a family was their love for You my loving God. The family that prays together has its firewall activated against the forces of evil and only with the permission of God in order to test us and not to harm us that You oh God permit the evil one to penetrate this wall of love grace and mercy.


5. And when the feast days had run their course, Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, "It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts." This is what Job always did.

(Job Chapter 1 verse 5)


Oh God the secret of the unity and faith in Job was prayer, especially prayer for the sanctity of his family. Fort hose of us who have children and even for each other it is healthy to pray for each other so that when we are away from home, for reasons of work, play and or leisure we are protected against any sin that we may commit. The prayer is also to compensate for such sins. Oh God You are aware of my weaknesses. I have no worthy father on earth who would pray for me everywhere I go therefore I pray on You my Father and my God to do so. Amen thanks be to God and may His name be glorified at all times and not slandered.

6. One day the heavenly beings came to present themselves before the LORD,  and Satan also came among them.

(Job Chapter 1 verse 6)


It is astounding oh God how even in the presence of angels and holy environments that evil spirits such as Satan can have access and enter among the angels.


7. The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered the LORD, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it."

(Job Chapter 1 verse 7)


Verse 7 helps us to always keep in  mind that Satan is subject to God's authority and that as a being is also accountable to You oh God for his malicious actions. On the other hand this verse shows us the degree of hate that this master of evil has for the world. His intention is that of trampling the world under his feet. He despises the world so much that he humiliates it to the lowest degree possible that is under his lower extremities.


8. The LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil."

(Job Chapter 1 verse 8)


Oh God You speak so highly of Your servant Job! As much as You love him he surely loves You. This is the type of relationship that I wish to have with You that, of a loving and caring father who speaks highly of his sons and daughters and not one who is always critical and a source of destruction of ones self-esteem and dignity.


9. Then Satan answered the LORD, "Does Job fear God for nothing? 10. Have you not put a fence around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11. But stretch out your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face."

(Job Chapter 1 verses 9 to 11)


It is very interesting how much Satan is aware of our nature and our strengths and weaknesses. It is more interesting that in the background behind the scenes these debates regarding our life on earth take place between the evil one and You. At times You may choose to test us in order to see if we remain faithful to You. This may be the fruit of the evil one who may have raised an issue about us in Your presence during one of such many sessions or case reviews of our life on earth. One of the issues oh God that Satan may try to use against me is the issue of stress. Indeed my threshold of stress is not so high and at times I crack and become angry during such moments. However during such moments I still feel You close by even though my sinful nature gets the best of me and I end up reacting at times even negatively. The evil one may ask You to place me under stress and then You will see if I remain faithful to You. I pray that You give me the spiritual power to endure such tests and pass with flying colours!


12. The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, all that he has is in your power; only do not stretch out your hand against him!"So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

(Job Chapter 1 verse 12)


Oh God You love us so much that You permit Satan only to harm our property but not our souls, which is the most important part of our selves.


13. One day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in the eldest brother's house, 14. a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were feeding beside them, 15. and the Sabeans fell on them and carried them off, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; I alone have escaped to tell you."

(Job Chapter 1 verses 13 to 15)


Now that the devil had been given the permission to test Job many, incidents had started to take place. Where the devil is involved death and bloodshed is present for he hates us and longs to claim our souls as his own. At times oh God as in the case of Job it is Your hand at work that is lovingly testing us, however is all the time harassing us by means of such events, however the evil spirit is always under your control and each time good comes out of evil.


16. While he was still speaking, another came and said, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them: I alone have escaped to tell you."

(Job Chapter 1 verse 16)


Oh God when You permitted Satan to test Job you gave him authority to use natural forces such as thunder and other natural disasters. However it could be that by means of such disasters You could be passing a message to us.  You may be trying to show us that their are areas in our lives that still need to be fixed and that we need to let You be the God even over that particular sin or habit.


17. While he was still speaking, another came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three columns, made a raid on the camels and carried them off, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; I alone have escaped to tell you."

(Job Chapter 1 verse 17)


At times oh God the persecution of the evil one becomes so strong that one disaster follows the other. This could be considered as a ripple effect where one situations conditions or is conditioned by another. However it is very consoling for me to keep in mind that even when the storms reach their peak in my life You are always there to tell the seas to calm down and the winds to control themselves so that they will not harm me or others. Oh God you love me so much and even others, that from which appears to be a complete state of chaos You are able to bring order as in the beginning when You created the earth. Therefore if anyone is facing  what seems for us to be a crisis, do not feel alone and make negative decisions but turn on God Your loving Father in a spirit of prayer and adoration and He will deliver you for He is all love and is in control of all situations. It is good to keep in mind oh |God that all these events took place because You gave the evil one the permission to do so, in order to test us, therefore otherwise nothing could have taken place and Job would have remained under Your wing of protection as I pray that we always will be. Amen.


18. While he was still speaking another came and said, "Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house, 19, and suddenly a great wind came across the desert, struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead: I alone have escaped to tell you."

(Jon Chapter 1 verses 18 to 19)


The evil one is able to use any resources at hand including nature in order to harm us. At any moment this hated spirit can unleash its anger on us and attack both our selves, our property and even our friends or family. However we are to rest assured that although the devil seems to have the upper hand God is always victorious over all such situations even though people may still die or perish. What is of peak importance is the well being of the soul more than that of the body, for it is the soul that will exist forever and not the body.

As in the case of the incident that took place in Malta, in a split second the devil can cause accidents that claims the live of innocent people. As in the following an event in order to raise money in aid of charity in a split second ended up in a disaster where many people were seriously injured. I invite you to click on the following link:-

Split second incident


20. Then Job arose, tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell on the ground and worshiped. 21. He said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." 22. In all Job did not sin or charge God with wrongdoing.

(Job Chapter 1 verses 20 to 22)


Oh God may we all be like Your faithful servant Job. May we accept all as being according to Your will. As You know oh God You are also permitting me to be tested. I feel that my life is gradually falling apart. All hell is breaking loose on me. I am facing a great injustice with the insurance of the person who crashed into my car, the water and electricity agency is also being unjust in its practise and are implying that I pay a bill that is totally incorrect in its computation since I have solar panels and am compensating for the electricity that I am consuming. Last of all I am experiencing a lack of love from those who are closest to me and this really hurts. I feel lonely and at times I feel that I have no reason to continue living. However oh God You are my consolation and this encourages me to accept all that is happening as one big test that I am being tested with. Instead of committing suicide I come to You oh God and bless Your name instead of cursing both myself and You. Blessed be Your name oh God.


Oh God I would like to end this first chapter of the Books of Wisdom with the following song that is in itself a song of prayer, blessing and worship. It is called "Blessed is the name of the LORD". I encourage you to click on the following link and join me in this prayer.


Song and Prayer Blessed be the Name of the LORD