Going Through – Job 2

2:2 The enemy is watching when things are going well. This is why it’s important to be diligent in your faith.

2:4-7 You will be tested, but God will be with you.

2:9-10 It’s especially important to have a good support system when you’re going through trials.

2:10 “But Job replied, “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” So in all this, Job said nothing wrong.” NLT

2:10 In good times and bad, our job is to remain faithful to God.

2:10 It’s easy to praise and worship God when things are good, but can we praise and worship when life is difficult?

2:11-13 Lack of support makes it harder and can cause us to make poor choices.

Friends…
2:11 Come and see about you when times are bad, not just in good times.
2:11 support you when you’re going through trials. Even when it’s difficult, a friend will walk those difficult journeys with you or sit in your mess with you.
2:12 Job’s friends didn’t mourn in front of him, they kept their negativity to themselves. They knew Job didn’t need that.
2:13 Friends don’t always have to talk, just being there can mean so much.

Support Your Church – Ezra 1 & 2

1:1-4 God’s kingdom benefits when we do what God has assigned us to do.

1:1-6 Support your church with your service and finances.

1:1-11 Work with others to build up your church community.

2:60-63 You can go home after a long absence, but things won’t be the same.

2:68-69 Give offerings to build and support your church.

Boundaries – 2 Kings 10

Most of this chapter addresses BOUNDARIES.  We have to be protective about who and what we allow into our lives and homes.  I think of it as a fence around what I love – anything that could harm them can’t come in.  It’s another area I struggle with, so I study it, and know a lot about it.  Putting it into practice is not as easy as studying it.  My favorite book on this subject is called Boundaries: When To Say Yes, How To Say No To Take Control Of Your Life, by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend (Christian authors). 

10:2-3 Always be at your best because an opportunity can arise at any moment.

10:5-7 Sin must be taken out by the root, or it will continue to grow and multiply.

10:5-9 Taking evil/sin out of your environment may require the help and support of others.  Removing evil/sin from your life can cause conflict and problems, (but it’s worth it. Change is never easy).

10:10 God does what He said He will do.

10:11-14; 17 You will get caught up in the mess if you associate with evil people.  (Some think it’s okay to associate with evil people as long as they don’t do what the evil person does… this is not true.  It’s a very slippery slope.)

10:18-27 The idea that a statue or idol has the same power as God is an illusion that ultimately leads to destruction.

10:30 The actions of parents affects their children.

10:29-31 You can be a person who does great things for God and still fall into sin.  No one is perfect.  Don’t get too proud of your position and accomplishments.