When Tragedy Occurs

We have changed focus here and went to the book of Job. Once again we have here a man of God,who has an abundance of worldly possessions. It is unclear when exactly the story of Job took place. Job lived in the land of Uzi, which was a territory to the east of Canaan. Scholars do not know for certain what time period Job lived in, but it seems likely that he lived at about the time of the patriarchs of Israel; that is, he lived during the time of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is unclear whether this happened early on or later. Or even whether Job was the author. We look at Job, an usually reflect on his patience. Another lesson we should learn is one in perserverance. Job never denounced his faith in God. Even to the point of wishing he hadn't been born. In the worst of times, he depended on God.


Passage Job 1:14-15:

14And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them:

15And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.


This was the first of four tragedy's that Job would encounter. This lesson only mentions two. It doesn't talk about the loss of his camels and sheep. We are aware that Job was a very wealthy man. He possessed 700 oxen and 300 asses. These animals are taken away by the Sabeans, a group of traveling raiders. Which is probably why they were in the city of Uz, at the time. They were like land pirates, in bibical days. These people may have been from the land of Sheba in southwest Arabia-present day Yemen. They had taken all of Job's livestock, and killed his servants overseeing them. It's safe to assume they engaged in strongarm tactics. Leaving only one person alive, to go and tell Job what has happened.

Passage Job 1:18-19:

18While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:

19And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

As Job injested this life changing event. He was rendered silent, all he could do was moan. He was hit with his second tragedy. Job was the father of seven sons, and three daughters. While they were all visiting his eldest son's home eating and drinking wine. I guess you could call it a party of sorts. A windstorm came and destroyed the house where they were. Again leaving only one to go and tell Job what has happened. Can you imagine everything you love, disappearing before your eyes.


Passage Job 1:22:

22In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

After all this adversity, Job remained strong in his faith. He was surrounded by people who didn't share his convictions. They figured with all this sudden turmoil. He must have done something wrong, to make this happen. In the midst of all his troubles, at his lowest point. His wife even told him, "to curse God and die". He still didn't denounce or blame God, for his troubles. He depended on God to bring him through these times. It's amazing how those who you trust, or you think should know you best. Are so quick to abandon you, and give up on you. Unlike God, he never leaves your side.

Passage Job 3:1-3:

Job 3
1After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day.

2And Job spake, and said,

3Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived.

Passage Job 3:11:

11Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?


Job finally speaks out, he wishes he hadn't been born. Unlike most people would react. He still doesn't blame God for his troubles. Everything that happens is allowed by God, that doesn't mean he is the perpetuator. All our suffering is a result of sin.In times of trouble, it's only human to wonder "why me". As we mature in our faith, we see things differently. Job was put to the test. Having everything taken away from him, except his very life. When we look at Job and what he went through. It gives credence to the fact. Everything that doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger.

Next Weeks Lesson 4/ 2/ 06

When Tragedy Occurs

Bible Background * Job 1-3

Printed Text * Job1 14-15, 18-19, 22; 3: 1-3, 11

Devotional Reading * Psalm 22: 1-11

A Hymn Of Praise To The Creator

I was about to not be excited about this particular lesson. I figured it would be more of the same, as the last few weeks. Then as I began to read the "In Focus" part of the lesson it finally hit me like a ton of bricks. We can never thank God enough for all he has done in our lives. When you think of the relationships you have formed. The people you have loved and those that have loved you. You can't help but give him praise. As Christians our salvation is Jesus Christ. Let's not forget who our creator is. We thank God the father for his son Jesus. He is our intercessor to get closer to our father, God the Creator.

Psalm 145
1I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.
2Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.
3Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.

Here David is saying that he will never stop praising Gods name. To all that have ears to hear. In bibical days the word kingdom could very well have been in reference, to a particular province. Here David is saying wherever he might be, God is his King. Everyday that we live is a reason and opportunity to praise the name of God without ceasing. God is the only one worthy to be praised. We can't begin to thank God for his greatness and all he has done.

Passage Psalm 145:4-7:
4One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.
5I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.
6And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.
7They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.

The joy you experience in your walk with God, shouldn't be something you keep secret. You should pass it on, to those that come behind you. I will talk about all the good things God is responsible for. We will also speak about the things done by God that we don't like. Think about hurricane Katrina, and the Tsunami. Those acts were committed by God also. That provides the opportunity for us to draw attention to Gods goodness. Before the end of time all shall come to know, exactly who God is and his will. Not only will they know the truth, they will confess. As people who already know. We should be doing exactly what David is talking about. We should be doing the same thing.

Passage Psalm 145:8-10:
8The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
9The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
10All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.

Unlike man , God is gracious, merciful and slow to anger. If it were left up to you, would you be as indiscriminating? In all honesty, I don't think that I would. The will of God, through the sacrifice of his son Jesus Christ. Is that everyone join his kingdom. Our mere existence is proof. We are not deserving of all that God does for his people. If it was due to our earnings. We all would have a negative balance. God is benevolent beyond measure. Everything God does, is witness to his works. Those who have come to the light, never stop giving God praise.


Passage Psalm 145:11-13:
11They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;
12To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.
13Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

Even those who find reason to dispute his word, will eventually have to admit the truth. God is good, and all that he has created. He possesses power, the human mind cannot even imagine. So when the false prophets and faulty doctrines play out. Even they will be singing the praises of God almighty. In this lesson we give God praises for four things. One he is worthy. Two he is wonderful. Three he is merciful. Four he is everlasting. David in these Psalms gives praises to God, for all these things.

Next Weeks Lesson 3/ 27/ 06

A Hymn Of Praise To The Creator

Bible Background * PSALMS 145

Printed Text * PSALMS 145 : 1-13

Devotional Reading * PSALMS 150

God Created Us And Knows Us

In this lesson our objective is to come to understand, that God is all power. He is omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent. We should know that nothing exceeds the scope, of his infinite wisdom. As we encounter struggles in our daily lives, we must expect the power of God to sustain his followers. In lifes most intimate struggles, and trying times. We as believers must discipline ourselves, to submit ourselves totally to the will of God.

Psalm 139
1O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

2Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

3Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

These verses emphasize the the omniscience(all knowingness) of God. Here the Psalmist acknowledges God, knowing everything about everything. He is aware of our past, as well as our future. Where we're going, and where we've been. Where we will take a stand, and where we will fall short. He knows my thoughts, before I have them. God knows everything.


Passage Psalm 139:7-14:

7Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

8If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

9If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

10Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

11If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

12Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

13For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

14I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

The next point we stress is that God is with us always. No matter what you're going through, God is always there. In times where it seems like we are alone. We are in the presence of his grace. Once we accept his promises it is our guide. It is interesting how the author uses darkness, to illustrate the illumination of the word. Once we accept Gods guidance in our lives. We are not lost where ever we are. We have the eternal light of faith. Depending on our own understanding we are easily lost. We will find ourselves in places where we won't be able to see what's ahead presents a challenge for man. To God darkness and light are the same.


Passage Psalm 139:23-24:

23Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

24And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Lastly we observe the fact that only God, has the power to make a pure change in our lives. In order to see change we must be willing to totally submit. That is a major obstacle for many who prescribe to the faith. We must be willing to open our hearts to Gods correction. We don't possess the ability to make unbiased decisions. God relieves us of that task. If we are willing to ask him into our lives to straighten us out

Next Weeks Lesson 3/ 19/ 2006

God Created And Knows Us

Bible Background * Psalm 139

Printed Text * Psalm 139: 1-3, 7-14, 23-24

Devotional Reading * Psalm 100

God Created Wonderful Things

The Psalms are a collection of poems and songs, in observance of the first five books of the bible. The Psalms are a continuum of praises to God for his goodness. Last week we talked about the profundity of the earths atmosphere. Which we are a integral part. This week we focus on the undeniable fact. Since we are aware of this miracle. That we should always give thanks to God almighty, for his wonderful creation. When you give it some thought, how could you not?

Psalm 104
1Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

2Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:

3Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:

4Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:

In the first verse, we are giving God the highest praise. Everything that God has made is good and acceptable. Since all creation is good and purposeful, the creator must be the same. Light is used to illustrate awareness. To come to understand the magnificance of our surroundings, could be compared to coming out of darkness. When we look at the sky, as far as we can see it exists. It's like a curtain between the window of heaven, and the earth below. Have you ever wondered what's on the other side? God started with nothing, but the desire to create someone to worship him. That's the only thing we have to offer God is praise. He possesses everything else. All that truly serve him, are just an extension of his light. We as Christians should all be like ignited matches. Fire and light both emanate the same thing. The ability to see the goodness of God.

Psalm 104


5Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.

6Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains.

7At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away.

8They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them.

9Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.

God was the creator of all things, in the beginning of time. He established in creation, the boundaries that will last eternally. Psalms are in response to the first five books of the bible. Having the benefit of written scripture. We are aware these are the days of Noah. It refers to the entire earth being covered with water. It's equal to you and me, putting on a coat or pair of pants, to cover our bodies. God has the power to use the elements to do the same with the earth. We read in the book of Genesis, during the time of Noah. God released the waters and the entire earth was flooded. At Gods command the waters receded. The waters returned to where we now coexist with it's power. Scripture teaches us that the next time it will be with fire. When the end comes this time it won't involve water.


Psalm 104


10He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills.

11They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst.

12By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches.

13He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.


We must remember who wrote the Psalms to visualize what is being said here. The writer was reflecting on the atmosphere around them. If we recollect a lesson in Geography we remember Israel, is a dry and hilly place. God has made provisions for all that he created. In last weeks lesson we used the bird as an example. Have you ever seen a bird in need of shelter, or one keeled over dead from starvation? Only our heavenly father controls the rain. His chambers is a term used to indicate Gods residence, or where he lives. We can only imagine what it's like. That being a place man hasn't seen. For all his creation, God has made provisions. Since man is his crown and glory, and we have been given dominion over all. Why would we look anywhere else for direction, other than God?

Next Weeks Lesson 3/12/2006

God Created Wonderful Things

Bible Background * Psalm 104

Printed Text * Psalm 104: 1-13

Devotional Reading * Psalm 104: 31-35

God Made Us Special

Today we take our printed text from the book of Psalms. We refer to Psalms as a book, like all the other books in the bible. A book usually contains chapters and verses. What do you call a book, that only contains other books. The book of Psalms is made up, of 150 separate books. Some also refer to them as poems. To be accompanied by the music of the harp, some might call them songs. Their were several writers, who contributed to the book of Psalms. The majority of them, were written by King David and the sons of Korah. Though in no particular order, they represent the first five books of the bible written by Moses. Creation, deliverance, salvation, praise and devotion. This particular book in Psalms, defines the greatness of Gods creation of the earth. In spite of all the things God created, he left his handiwork under mans dominion. Considering such a great responsibility, man must be special in Gods eyes.

Psalm 8
1O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

The first verse establishes the excellence of God, throughout the entire earth. Everything in existence, was formed by his hands. The greatest accoutrements of Gods creation, are beyond this earth. Our eyes haven't seen the wonder of God. We can't begin to imagine the greatness of God, it exceeds our imagination. Imagine what King David would have thought, had he seen the things we are familiar with today. All that was , is and shall ever be, has been ordained by God. Ecclesiastes 1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Can you imagine something so spectacular? The human mind, not even being able to perceive it. That's the extent of Gods greatness, it can't be measured.

Psalm 8
2Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

The order has been set in motion from the start. God has put in defense mechanisms, to protect us from our inception. Man was equipped to overcome the pitfalls of the earth, before they were established. Here we have a parable using babes and sucklings. Let's put ourselves in the place of children. Better yet let's use newborns. At that point in life, you are totally vulnerable. If it wasn't for the grace of others, where would we be? The same relationship you have, with those that take care of you at that point. Should resemble your uninhibited praise and trust of God. Trusting in him for your deliverance, in whatever situation. He has put up barriers to protect and sustain you.


Psalm 8
3When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

When you take a look at all around you. How could you not be in constant awe and reverence? There are just too many things no one can explain. As intellectual as man has become , he hasn't matched the wonder of Gods creation. Every individual has his own set of fingerprints. No one has the same exact DNA. The hairs on your head are numbered. In this vast world, there is no other like you. When you think of your uniqueness, you can't help but know God loves you.

Psalm 8
4What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

5For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour

When we look at Gods admiration for man, we must go back to the book of Genesis. After he created everything else, then he created man. The world was designed to meet the needs of man, made in his own image. The angels were in heaven, you couldn't get much closer to God than that. Man was made just a little lower than them, that's pretty high standing. We are given dominion over the earth. That's a position of high esteem. This is not a reason to cower under the greatness of God, instead to know you are a great work yourself. You are an heir to the throne. That gives you carte blanche to greatness in Gods kingdom.


Psalm 8
6Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
7All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
8The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
9O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

Man was created by God, to oversee the earth and all thereof. Having such a responsibilty and honor. We should be always thanking our father, for the honor bestowed upon us. As I read this verse, this scripture comes to mind:
Matthew 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

God had given everything it's divine purpose and place. The animals have been given provision to sustain life. If god took care of the birds, surely he will provide for you his child. The other side of that is, that we as children of God. Have an added responsibility.
Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Since we as children of God, have been given so much. Technically everything we have. It's only fair that we should want to give back without hesitation. Has God done anything for you today you couldn't do for yourself?

Next Weeks Lesson 3/ 5/ 2006

God Made Us Special

Bible Background * Psalm 8

Printed Text * Psalm 8

Devotional Reading * Genesis 1: 26-31

New Quarter

This quarter examines the "wisdom literature" that is found in the book of Psalms,Job,Ecclesiastes and Proverbs. These texts emphasize our relationship to God, since we are the work of his hands, as well as our relationship to God's larger world. These scriptures not only help to make us appreciate how mighty God is, but how we are made in his own image and should give him continuous glory and praise.