If anyone knows Melissa…

Day 159 – A Year in the Bible – Psalms 21-25

______

PSALM 21 – BLESSINGS OF GOODNESS

Thou Preventest Him with the Blessings of Goodness
The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; And in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, And hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah. For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: Thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head. He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, Even length of days for ever and ever. His glory is great in thy salvation: Honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him. For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: Thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance. For the king trusteth in the LORD, And through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved. – Psalm 21:1-7

In Psalm 20 David prayed and believed for victory and now in Psalm 21 that victory has happened.

Preventest – to act ahead of; precede; to anticipate; to forestall

God went before him (the king) with His blessings of goodness.

What were those blessings of goodness?
– God settest a crown of pure gold on his head
– He asked life of God and God gave it him
– Even length of days for ever and ever
– God’s glory is great in God’s salvation
– Honor and majesty hast God laid upon him
– God has made him most blessed for ever
– God has made him exceeding glad with thy countenance
– Through the mercy (lovingkindness, faithfulness, goodness) of the Most High God he shall not be moved – he shall never be shaken

When I think about the goodness of God, I think about this verse – Exodus 33:18-19: And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and i will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

His glory is His goodness and His goodness is His glory. 

Father, Help us to pray to YOU for our victory. Believe You for our victory. Praise You for the victory given. We ask in Jesus Name! Amen!

______

PSALM 22 – THOU ART MY GOD FROM MY MOTHER’S BELLY

I Was Cast Upon Thee from the Womb
I was cast upon thee from the womb: Thou art my God from my mother’s belly. – Psalm 22:10

God sees, hears and responds to the afflicted
For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard. – Psalms 22:24

God has seen the afflictions put on you, and He is not okay with it. He has heard your cries, and if He hears, He responds. Who has He put on His mission to pray for you, command His healing for you, to witness to you. Are you that someone for another? If so, have you set off on your mission, or have you asked God to send someone else? First, though, I ask myself, have I?

______

PSALM 23 – FOR HIS NAME’S SAKE

He Leadeth Me in the Paths of Righteousness
He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. – Psalm 23:3

God will display His fruit (in your life) to your enemies.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. – Psalms 23:5

Your enemies may think they have you under their thumb and that you are defeated… but God will raise you with a great display and celebration right in front of your enemies. Why? For His Name’s sake!!!

______

PSALM 24 – WHO SHALL ASCEND INTO THE HILL OF THE LORD?

Our dirty hands and heart bind us
Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. – Psalms 24:3-5

If you want to enter into the holy places of God, you must have clean hands and a pure heart. You must live in holiness. Sin of any kind cannot and will not stand in His holy place!

______

PSALM 25 – LET INTEGRITY AND UPRIGHTNESS PRESERVE ME

Teach Me Thy Ways!
Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. – Psalms 25:4-5

All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and testimonies. – Psalms 25:10

What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. – Psalms 25:12

Oh Lord, give me a holy fear and teach me in the way You choose for me! Teach me Your paths and Your truths, my God!

Let me not be ashamed
O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee. – Psalms 25:20-21

Day 158 – A Year in the Bible – Psalms 16-20

______

PSALM 16 – THOU WILT SHEW ME THE PATH OF LIFE

Psalm 16 is a beautiful expression of trust in God attributed to King David. It speaks of finding refuge in God, the joy of being in His presence, and the assurance of His faithful care. The psalm also contains Messianic prophecy, with verses 8-11 pointing towards the resurrection of Christ. This psalm is a source of comfort and inspiration for believers and includes one of my all-time favorite verses and promises of God.

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy; At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. – Psalm‬ ‭16‬:‭11‬ ‭

The LORD is the Portion of Mine Inheritance
The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: Thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; Yea, I have a goodly heritage. – Psalm 16:5-6

Neither Wilt Thou Suffer Thine Holy One to See Corruption
I have set the LORD always before me: Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: My flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; Neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy; At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. – Psalm‬ ‭16‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ ‭

______

PSALM 17 – HIDE ME UNDER THE SHADOW OF THY WINGS

Psalm 17 is a prayer for protection and justice, where the Psalmist asks God to defend him against his enemies and to vindicate him from false accusations.

Hold Up My Goings in Thy Paths
Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. – Psalm 17:4-5

Keep Me as the Apple of the Eye
Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings. – Psalm 17:8

I Shall Be Satisfied, When I Awake, with Thy Likeness
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. – Psalm 17:15

______

PSALM 18 – THE LORD IS MY ROCK AND MY FORTRESS AND MY DELIVERER

Psalm 18 is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness, protection, and deliverance. The psalmist declares that God is his rock and fortress. He describes the difficult circumstances in which God saved him and acknowledges it was only through God’s strength and power that he overcame his enemies.

I Will Love Thee, O LORD, My Strength
I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: So shall I be saved from mine enemies.- Psalm 18:1-3

It is God that Girdeth Me with Strength
For who is God save the Lord? Or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and markets my way perfect. He markets my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places. – Psalm 18:31-33

He Delivered Me, Because He Delighted in Me
He brought me forth also into a large place; He delivered me, because he delighted in me. – Psalm 18:19

Thy Gentleness Hath Made Me Great
As for God, his way is perfect: The word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God save the LORD? Or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, And maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, And setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, So that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: And thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, That my feet did not slip. – Psalm 18:30-36

The LORD Liveth and Blessed Be My Rock
The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; And let the God of my salvation be exalted. – Psalm 18:46

God Protects, Provides, and Shows Unending Mercy to His Anointed Ones
It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me. He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man. Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name. Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore. ~ Psalms 18:47-50

______

PSALM 19 – THE TESTIMONY OF THE LORD IS SURE

The Fear of the LORD is Clean, Enduring For Ever
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. – Psalm 19:7-10

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable, O Lord
Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. – Psalm 19:11-14

______

PSALM 20 – WE WILL REMEMBER THE NAME OF THE LORD OUR GOD

Some trust in chariots and some in horses
Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel. We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfil all thy petitions. Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. – Psalms 20:4-8

Day 157 – A Year in the Bible – Psalms 11-15

______

PSALM 11 – HIS COUNTENANCE DOTH BEHOLD THE UPRIGHT

The Righteous LORD Loveth Righteousness
The LORD trieth the righteous: But the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: This shall be the portion of their cup. For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; His countenance doth behold the upright. – Psalm 11:5-7

______

PSALM 12 – PURE WORDS

For the Oppression of the Poor
For the oppression of the poor, Or the sighing of the needy, Now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. – Psalm 12:5

The Words of the LORD are Pure Words
The words of the LORD are pure words: As silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, Thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. – Psalm 12:6-7

______

PSALM 13 – CONSIDER AND HEAR ME, O LORD MY GOD

My Heart Shall Rejoice in Thy Salvation
How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?

Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: Lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; And those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

But I have trusted in thy mercy; My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me. – Psalm 13:1-6

______

PSALM 14 – HAVE ALL THE WORKERS OF INIQUITY NO KNOWLEDGE?

Psalm 14 contains some insights regarding the foolish (or the wicked). The psalmist shares not one or two but twelve things about the foolish. Additionally, he writes about five things concerning the nature of God. It’s fascinating to observe how the text sheds light on the characteristics of the foolish, which are often our own, and how God searches for anyone who seeks Him and lives according to His ways.

The LORD Looked to See if There Were Any that Did Understand
The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, There is none that doeth good. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there were any that did understand, And seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: There is none that doeth good, no, not one. Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? Who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD. There were they in great fear: For God is in the generation of the righteous. Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, Because the LORD is his refuge. Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad. – Psalm 14:1-7

Twelve Characteristics of Fools

• Deny the existence of God (Ps. 14:1)
• Live corrupt lives 
• Do abominable works 
• Are without understanding (Ps. 14:2) 
• Ignore God–do not seek Him 
• Are not good, not one (Ps. 14:1,3) 
• Have all gone astray from God (Ps. 14:3) 
• Have become filthy in life 
• Live in ignorance of God (Ps. 14:4) 
• Destroy God’s people 
• Never pray 
• Oppress the poor (Ps. 14:5)

Facts About God in Psalm 14

• God looks down from heaven
• God waits from His children to call on Him
• God dwells among His people
• God is a refuge to the poor
• God reserves the right of vengeance for the mistreatment of His children
  
  (lists taken from Dake Study Bible Notes)

______

PSALM 15 – WHO SHALL ABIDE IN THY TABERNACLE?

Psalm 15 describes those who dwell in God’s presence. What stood out to me was the importance of living a blameless life, speaking truth, and treating others respectfully and fairly. 

Who Shall Dwell in Thy Holy Hill?
LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, Nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; But he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, Nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved. – Psalm 15:1-5

Day 156 – A Year in the Bible – Psalms 6-10

______

PSALM 6 – THE LORD HATH HEARD MY SUPPLICATION

The LORD Will Receive My Prayer
The LORD hath heard my supplication; The LORD will receive my prayer. – Psalm 6:9

______

PSALM 7 – JUDGE ME, O LORD ACCORDING TO MY RIGHTEOUSNESS

The Righteous God Trieth the Hearts and Reins
The LORD shall judge the people: Judge me, O LORD, According to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me. Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: For the righteous God Trieth the hearts and reins. – Psalm 7:8-9

______

PSALM 8 – WHEN I CONSIDER THE WORK OF THY FINGERS WHICH THOU HAST ORDAINED

What is Man that Thou Art Mindful of Him?
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, The moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, And hast crowned him with glory and honour. – Psalm 8:3-5

______

PSALM 9 – ARISE, O LORD, LET NOT MAN PREVAIL

The LORD Shall Endure For Ever
But the LORD shall endure for ever: He hath prepared his throne for judgment. And he shall judge the world in righteousness, He shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: For thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. – Psalm 9:7-10

That I May Shew Forth All Thy Praise and Rejoice in Thy Salvation
Have mercy upon me, O LORD; Consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, Thou that liftest me up from the gates of death: That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation. The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: In the net which they hid is their own foot taken. The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah. The wicked shall be turned into hell, And all the nations that forget God. For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: The expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever. – Psalm‬ ‭9‬:‭13‬-‭18‬

That the Nations May Know Themselves to Be But Men
Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: Let the heathen be judged in thy sight. Put them in fear, O LORD: That the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah. – Psalm 9:19-20

Six Requests of David

• Have mercy upon me (Ps. 9:13)
• Consider my trouble
• Arise, O Lord (Ps. 9:19) 
• Let not man prevail
• Let the heathen be judged 
• Put them in fear (Ps. 9:20)
  
  Three Reasons for the Six Requests
• That I may show forth all Your praise to Israel (Ps. 9:14) 
• That I may rejoice in Your salvation
• That the nations may know they are but men and not God (Ps. 9:20)

______

PSALM 10 – THE LORD IS KING FOR EVER AND EVER

Thou Art the Helper of the Fatherless
Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand: Forget not the humble. Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? He hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it. Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: The poor committeth himself unto thee; Thou art the helper of the fatherless. Break thou the arm of the wicked And the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none. – Psalm 10:12-15

Lord, Thou Hast Heard the Desire of the Humble
The LORD is King for ever and ever: The heathen are perished out of his land. LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: Thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may no more oppress. – Psalm 10:16-18

Day 155 – A Year in the Bible – Psalms 1-5

______

PSALM 1 – NOR STANDETH IN THE WAY OF SINNERS

He Shall Be Like a Tree Planted by the Rivers of Water
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; And in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That bringeth forth his fruit in his season; His leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. – Psalm 1:1-3

The Way of the Ungodly Shall Perish
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. – Psalm 1:6

______

PSALM 2 – ASK OF ME

Thou Art My Son; This Day Have I Begotten Thee
I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. – Psalm 2:7-9

______

PSALM 3 – THOU, O LORD, ART A SHIELD FOR ME

My Glory and the Lifter Up of Mine Head
LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; My glory, and the lifter up of mine head. – Psalm 3:1-3

______

PSALM 4 – THE LORD WILL HEAR WHEN I CALL UNTO HIM

The LORD Hath Set Apart Him that is Godly for Himself
But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: The LORD will hear when I call unto him. – Psalm 4:3

For Thou, LORD, Only Makest Me Dwell in Safety
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: For thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. – Psalm 4:8

_____

PSALM 5 – FOR THOU, LORD, WILT BLESS THE RIGHTEOUS

Let All Those that Put Their Trust in Thee Rejoice
But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: Let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; With favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield. – Psalm 5:11-12

Day 154 – A Year in the Bible – Job 40-42

______

JOB 40 – BEHOLD NOW BEHEMOTH

He is the Chief of the Ways of God
Behold now behemoth, Which I made with thee; He eateth grass as an ox. Lo now, his strength is in his loins, And his force is in the navel of his belly. He moveth his tail like a cedar: The sinews of his stones are wrapped together. His bones are as strong pieces of brass; His bones are like bars of iron. He is the chief of the ways of God: He that made him can make his sword to approach unto him. Surely the mountains bring him forth food, Where all the beasts of the field play. He lieth under the shady trees, In the covert of the reed, and fens. The shady trees cover him with their shadow; The willows of the brook compass him about. Behold, he drinketh up a river, and hasteth not: He trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth. He taketh it with his eyes: His nose pierceth through snares. – Job‬ ‭40‬:‭15‬-‭24‬ ‭

______

JOB 41 – CANST THOU DRAW OUT LEVIATHAN

Who Hath Prevented Me that I Should Repay Him
Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? Or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down? Canst thou put an hook into his nose? Or bore his jaw through with a thorn? Will he make many supplications unto thee? Will he speak soft words unto thee? Will he make a covenant with thee? Wilt thou take him for a servant for ever? Wilt thou play with him as with a bird? Or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens? Shall the companions make a banquet of him? Shall they part him among the merchants? Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? Or his head with fish spears? Lay thine hand upon him, Remember the battle, do no more. Behold, the hope of him is in vain: Shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him? None is so fierce that dare stir him up: Who then is able to stand before me? Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him? Whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine. – Job‬ ‭41‬:‭1‬-‭11‬ ‭

______

JOB 42 – BUT NOW MINE EYE SEETH THEE WHEREFORE I ABHOR MYSELF

I Know Thou Canst Do Everything
Then Job answered the LORD, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, And that no thought can be withholden from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? Therefore have I uttered that I understood not; Things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: But now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent In dust and ashes. – Job‬ ‭42‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭

Ye have Not Spoken of Me the Thing that is Right but My Servant Job Hath
And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job. – Job 42:7-9

Also the LORD Gave Job Twice as Much as He Had Before
And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. – Job‬ ‭42‬:‭10‬ ‭

‭

Day 153 – A Year in the Bible – Job 37-39

______

JOB 37 – STAND STILL AND CONSIDER THE WONDROUS WORKS OF GOD

Dost Thou Know the Wondrous Works of Him Which is Perfect in Knowledge?
Hearken unto this, O Job: Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God. Dost thou know when God disposed them, And caused the light of his cloud to shine? Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, The wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge? – Job 37:14-16

He is Excellent in Power and in Judgment
Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: He is excellent in power, and in judgment, And in plenty of justice: he will not afflict. Men do therefore fear him: He respecteth not any that are wise of heart. – Job‬ ‭37‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭

______

JOB 38 – WHO IS THIS THAT DARKENETH COUNSEL BY WORDS WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING?

Declare, If Thou Hast Understanding
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel By words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; For I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? Or who hath stretched the line upon it? – Job 38:1-5

Who Put Wisdom in the Inward Parts?
Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? Or who hath given understanding to the heart? Who can number the clouds in wisdom? Or who can stay the bottles of heaven, When the dust groweth into hardness, And the clods cleave fast together? Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? Or fill the appetite of the young lions, When they couch in their dens, And abide in the covert to lie in wait? Who provideth for the raven his food? When his young ones cry unto God, They wander for lack of meat. – Job‬ ‭38‬:‭36‬-‭41‬ ‭

______

JOB 39 – DOTH THE EAGLE MOUNT UP AT THY COMMAND?

Will the Unicorn be Willing to Serve Thee?
Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, Or abide by thy crib? Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? Or will he harrow the valleys after thee? Wilt thou trust him, because his strength is great? Or wilt thou leave thy labour to him? Wilt thou believe him, that he will bring home thy seed, And gather it into thy barn? – Job‬ ‭39‬:‭9‬-‭12‬ ‭

Gavest Thou the Goodly Wings Unto the Peacocks?
Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? Or wings and feathers unto the ostrich? Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, And warmeth them in dust, And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, Or that the wild beast may break them. She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not her’s: Her labour is in vain without fear; Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, Neither hath he imparted to her understanding. What time she lifteth up herself on high, She scorneth the horse and his rider. – Job‬ ‭39‬:‭13‬-‭18‬ ‭

Hast Thou Given the Horse Strength?
Hast thou given the horse strength? Hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? The glory of his nostrils is terrible. – Job‬ ‭39‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭

Doth the Hawk Fly by Thy Wisdom?
Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, And stretch her wings toward the south? Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, And make her nest on high? She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, Upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place. From thence she seeketh the prey, And her eyes behold afar off. Her young ones also suck up blood: And where the slain are, there is she. – Job‬ ‭39‬:‭26‬-‭30‬ ‭

______

Job and his friends gave words without knowledge. Words not taken to the Father to be empowered by the Holy Ghost before we speak them are words that darken the counsel given. Even flattering words that appear to build up will lose their purpose if they do not come from our Father in heaven.

Please help me, Holy Ghost, be mindful that every word from my mouth is of You (or the flesh or enemy). Help my words to be a light to those they are intended to reach. Help them to be ripe with understanding because they came from Your heart and mouth. In Jesus’ Name I ask. Amen!

Day 152 – A Year in the Bible – Job 34-36

______

JOB 34 – HIS EYES ARE UPON THE WAYS OF MAN

He Seth All His Goings
For his eyes are upon the ways of man, And he seeth all his goings. There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. For he will not lay upon man more than right; That he should enter into judgment with God. He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, And set others in their stead. Therefore he knoweth their works, And he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed. He striketh them as wicked men In the open sight of others; Because they turned back from him, And would not consider any of his ways: So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, And he heareth the cry of the afflicted. When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? And when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? Whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only: That the hypocrite reign not, Lest the people be ensnared. – Job‬ ‭34‬:‭21‬-‭30‬ ‭

______

JOB 35 – SURELY GOD WILL NOT HEAR VANITY

Judgment is Before Him
Surely God will not hear vanity, Neither will the Almighty regard it. Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, Yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him. – Job‬ ‭35‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭

______

JOB 36 – NEITHER CAN THE NUMBER OF HIS YEARS BE SEARCHED OUT

I will Fetch My Knowledge from Afar
Elihu also proceeded, and said, Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee That I have yet to speak on God’s behalf. I will fetch my knowledge from afar, And will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. For truly my words shall not be false: He that is perfect in knowledge is with thee. – Job‬ ‭36‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭

Behold, God is Great
Behold, God is great, and we know him not, Neither can the number of his years be searched out.
Job 36:26

Day 151 – A Year in the Bible – Job 31-33

______

JOB 31 – DOTH NOT HE COUNT ALL MY STEPS

A Covenant with Mine Eyes
I made a covenant with mine eyes; Why then should I think upon a maid? For what portion of God is there from above? And what inheritance of the Almighty from on high? Is not destruction to the wicked? And a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity? Doth not he see my ways, And count all my steps?
Job 31:1-4

Here, Job speaks of a covenant he made with his eyes. He references it toward looking upon and lusting after a woman, but we can lust for many things of this world. Wealth, position, titles, ease. We look upon what others have, and we think if only we had that. We compare, and the thought develops that it would make us or our lives better in some way. That is lust. Lust bears the seeds of jealousy.

Unchecked jealousy brings strife. And as we continue to feed and water jealousy and strife, the Bible says there is confusion and every evil work.

We need to make a covenant with our eyes—a covenant not to allow our eyes to compare and covet. We need to cut jealousy off before it takes root (confess), and if it has taken root, we need to pull it up by the root (repent) and burn the root and any seed that has dropped along the way (go and sin no more). It is evil and if this evil is not dealt with as the horrible sin it is, it will lead to every evil work and destruction. It leads to an eternity in hell.

Help us, LORD! Please help me!

For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
James 3:16

—-

Twelvefold Innocence Declared by Job

1. I was not guilty of lust for women (Job 31:1-4).

2. I was not guilty of deceit or vanity (Job 31:5-6).

3. I was not guilty of dishonesty (Job 31:7-8).
– If my step has turned out of the way
– If my heart has walked after my eye
– If any blot has cleaved to my hands

4. I was not guilty of adultery (Job 31:9-12).
– If I have been deceived by a woman
– If I have waited at my neighbor’s door to sin with his wife

5. I was not guilty of injustice (Job 31:13-15).

6. I was not guilty of inhumanity (Job 31:16-23).
– If I have withheld from the poor
– If I have caused the eyes of the widow to fail
– If I have eaten food selfishly, by myself
– If I have not given of my food to the fatherless
– If I have not given to the man brought up with me
– If I have not given to the woman who guided me from my youth
– If I have seen any perish for lack of clothing
– If I retained the necessary covering from the poor
– If his loins have not blessed me for the covering supplied
– If he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep
– If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless
– If I refused to defend my help when tried in the gate

7. I was not guilty of covetousness (Job 31:24-25)
– If I have made gold my hope
– If I have put confidence in fine gold
– If I rejoiced because of wealth
– If I rejoiced because my hand was successful, making me rich

8. I was not guilty of idolatry (Job 31:26-28).
– If I beheld (in worship) the sun
– If I beheld (in worship) the full moon
– If my heart has been secretly enticed (to deny God in idolatry)
– If my mouth has kissed my hand (after it touched an idol)

9. I was not guilty of malignity/malice (Job 31:29-31).
– If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated m
– If I lifted up myself when evil found him
– If I spoke a curse to his soul
– If men of my tabernacle insisted on taking vengeance on him

10. I was not guilty of inhospitality (Job 31:32).

11. I was not guilty of hypocrisy (Job 31:33-37).

12. I was not guilty of fraud (Job 31:38-40).
– If my land cries against me
– If the furrows likewise complain
– If I have eaten the fruits of the land without paying for them
– If I have caused the owners to lose their life by oppression

(list from Dake Study Bible notes)

The words of Job are ended – Job 31:40b

______

JOB 32 – ELIHU SPEAKS

Elihu Justified Himself Rather than God
So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he. When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled. And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; Wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion. I said, Days should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom. But there is a spirit in man: And the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. Great men are not always wise: Neither do the aged understand judgment. Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion. – Job‬ ‭32‬:‭1‬-‭10‬ ‭

There is None of You that Convinced Job
Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, Whilst ye searched out what to say. Yea, I attended unto you, And, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, Or that answered his words: Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man. Now he hath not directed his words against me: Neither will I answer him with your speeches. -Job‬ ‭32‬:‭11‬-‭14‬ ‭

I Know Not to Give Flattering Titles
Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; It is ready to burst like new bottles. I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer. Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, Neither let me give flattering titles unto man. For I know not to give flattering titles; In so doing my Maker would soon take me away. – Job‬ ‭32‬:‭19‬-‭22‬ ‭

______

JOB 33 – ELIHU CONTINUES TO SPEAK

My Words Shall Be of the Uprightness of My Heart
My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: And my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. The Spirit of God hath made me, And the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. If thou canst answer me, Set thy words in order before me, stand up. Behold, I am according to thy wish in God’s stead: I also am formed out of the clay. Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, Neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee. Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, And I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. Behold, he findeth occasions against me, He counteth me for his enemy, He putteth my feet in the stocks, He marketh all my paths. – Job‬ ‭33‬:‭3‬-‭11‬ ‭

Why Doest Thou Strive Against God
Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man. Why dost thou strive against him? For he giveth not account of any of his matters. For God speaketh once, Yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falleth upon men, In slumberings upon the bed; Then he openeth the ears of men, And sealeth their instruction, That he may withdraw man from his purpose, And hide pride from man. He keepeth back his soul from the pit, And his life from perishing by the sword. – Job‬ ‭33‬:‭12‬-‭18‬ ‭

Hold Thy Peace and I shall Teach Thee Wisdom
Lo, all these things worketh God Oftentimes with man, To bring back his soul from the pit, To be enlightened with the light of the living. Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: Hold thy peace, and I will speak. If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: Speak, for I desire to justify thee. If not, hearken unto me: Hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.– Job‬ ‭33‬:‭29‬-‭33‬ ‭

Day 150 – A Year in the Bible – Job 28-30

______

JOB 28- THE FEAR OF THE LORD, THAT IS WISDOM

Where is the Place of Understanding?
But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof; Neither is it found in the land of the living. The depth saith, It is not in me: And the sea saith, It is not with me. It cannot be gotten for gold, Neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, With the precious onyx, or the sapphire. The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: And the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: For the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, Neither shall it be valued with pure gold. – Job 28:12-19

Whence Then Cometh Wisdom
Whence then cometh wisdom? And where is the place of understanding? Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, And kept close from the fowls of the air. Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears. – Job 28:20-22

To Depart from Evil is Understanding
God understandeth the way thereof, And he knoweth the place thereof. For he looketh to the ends of the earth, And seeth under the whole heaven; To make the weight for the winds; And he weigheth the waters by measure. When he made a decree for the rain, And a way for the lightning of the thunder: Then did he see it, and declare it; He prepared it, yea, and searched it out. And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding. – Job 28:23-28

______

JOB 29 – I PUT ON RIGHTEOUSNESS ANDIT CLOTHED ME

Oh That I Were as in Months Past
Oh that I were as in months past, As in the days when God preserved me; When his candle shined upon my head, And when by his light I walked through darkness; As I was in the days of my youth, When the secret of God was upon my tabernacle; When the Almighty was yet with me, When my children were about me; When I washed my steps with butter, And the rock poured me out rivers of oil; When I went out to the gate through the city, – Job 29:2-6

The Princes Refrained Talking and Laid Their Hand on Their Mouth
When I prepared my seat in the street! The young men saw me, and hid themselves: And the aged arose, and stood up. The princes refrained talking, And laid their hand on their mouth. The nobles held their peace, And their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth. When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; And when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me: Because I delivered the poor that cried, And the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: And I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: My judgment was as a robe and a diadem. I was eyes to the blind, And feet was I to the lame. I was a father to the poor: And the cause which I knew not I searched out. And I brake the jaws of the wicked, And plucked the spoil out of his teeth. Then I said, I shall die in my nest, And I shall multiply my days as the sand. My root was spread out by the waters, And the dew lay all night upon my branch. My glory was fresh in me, And my bow was renewed in my hand. – Job 29:7-20

The Light of My Countenance They Cast Not Down
Unto me men gave ear, and waited, And kept silence at my counsel. After my words they spake not again; And my speech dropped upon them. And they waited for me as for the rain; And they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain. If I laughed on them, they believed it not; And the light of my countenance they cast not down. I chose out their way, and sat chief, And dwelt as a king in the army, As one that comforteth the mourners. – Job 29:21-25
______

JOB 30 – NOW MY SKIN IS BLACK UPON ME AND MY BONES ARE BURNED WITH HEAT

Now They Abhor Me and Flee from Me
And now am I their song, Yea, I am their byword. They abhor me, they flee far from me, And spare not to spit in my face. Because he hath loosed my cord, and afflicted me, They have also let loose the bridle before me. Upon my right hand rise the youth; They push away my feet, And they raise up against me the ways of their destruction. They mar my path, They set forward my calamity, They have no helper. They came upon me as a wide breaking in of waters: In the desolation they rolled themselves upon me. Terrors are turned upon me: They pursue my soul as the wind: And my welfare passeth away as a cloud. – Job 30:9-15

Now My Soul is Poured Out Upon Me
And now my soul is poured out upon me; The days of affliction have taken hold upon me. My bones are pierced in me in the night season: And my sinews take no rest. By the great force of my disease is my garment changed: It bindeth me about as the collar of my coat. He hath cast me into the mire, And I am become like dust and ashes. I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and thou regardest me not. Thou art become cruel to me: With thy strong hand thou opposest thyself against me. Thou liftest me up to the wind; thou causest me to ride upon it, And dissolvest my substance. For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, And to the house appointed for all living. – Job‬ ‭30‬:‭16‬-‭23‬ ‭

Did I Not Weep for Him that was in Trouble?
Howbeit he will not stretch out his hand to the grave, Though they cry in his destruction. Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? Was not my soul grieved for the poor? When I looked for good, then evil came unto me: And when I waited for light, there came darkness. My bowels boiled, and rested not: The days of affliction prevented me. I went mourning without the sun: I stood up, and I cried in the congregation. I am a brother to dragons, And a companion to owls. My skin is black upon me, And my bones are burned with heat. My harp also is turned to mourning, And my organ into the voice of them that weep. – Job‬ ‭30‬:‭24‬-‭31‬ ‭