[We had no earthly possessions when we came into the world; we cannot have less going out of it. What we have the Lord gave: as it was His FREE GIFT, He has a right to take them up again when He pleases; and we owe Him gratitude for the time he has permitted us to enjoy these gifts. Job was just informed that everything he had, including his children, was all lost!] “At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. THEN HE FELL TO THE GROUND IN WORSHIP and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; MAY THE NAME OF THE LORD BE PRAISED. In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.” (Job 1:20-22) [He did not give way to any action, passion, or expression, offensive to his Maker. He did not charge God with acting unkindly towards him, but felt as perfectly satisfied with the hardship which the hand of God had allowed, as he was with the privileged circumstances and health which he enjoyed. This is the matter that gave the strong and vivid coloring to the character of Job; in this, and in this alone, he was a pattern of patience and resignation!] “So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. SHALL WE ACCEPT GOOD FROM GOD, AND NOT TROUBLE?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.” (Job 2:7-10) [Oh, please Abba Father, help us to see from Job’s attitude that there is NOTHING more important than our relationship with you!] “Now, Lord, consider their threats and ENABLE YOUR SERVANTS TO SPEAK YOUR WORD WITH GREAT BOLDNESS. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And THEY WERE ALL FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND SPOKE THE WORD OF GOD BOLDLY.” (Acts 4:29-31) [Any other doctrine, and any other name, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites and infidels will tolerate, but the doctrine which is according to godliness, proclaiming salvation through the blood of Christ crucified, they will not tolerate. If their doctrine were not the truth of God it could not be so unpopular; there is such a hostility in human nature against all that is good and true, that whatever comes from God is generally rejected by wicked men. So let us go forth IN THE JOY OF THE LORD TODAY, no matter what we may face!]
Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that WE WILL BE ENABLED TO SPEAK GOD’S WORD WITH GREAT BOLDNESS EVERY DAY!
-Bill Stockham
