Job 31:1-37
As Christians we're called to live with clean hands and a pure heart. Sometimes I wonder exactly what that looks like, you know, the details. Well, Job 31 provides a lot of answers in this area. Godly living is laid out verse after verse. By the time I got half way through this passage my mind was a little overwhelmed, though, because there were so many examples of both things to do and not to do as a Christian. You could almost use this chapter as a kind of checklist.
So how did Job 31 hit you? How will you apply Job 31 to your life today? Tami W.
We have to meditate and study and stew on the word. That is our foundation. Then we have to guard ourselves on what we watch and hear for entertainment. ( junk in junk out) I noticed that when i started watching the type of movies and the type of music that i listen to and went to wholsome tv and music the thougts started to change. The eaiser sin is recongnized, I watched this movie called the time changer and that was an eye opener for me. Their was so much that i took for granted. THIS got me started to watch more christian movies. I watch the hallmark channel more and so forth. We have to guard ourselves every hour and minute these days on our entertainment and our actions. We need to ask ourselves what would jesus do, would he like this movie, or this song and so forth.
I know that i may sound prudish but since doing so i am more happy and content and peacefull in my life.
After reading this passage I began to really meditate on: If people were asked to respond anonymously on what they thought of my integrity or character, what they would say. I hope those things would be pleasing to the Lord. Then I began to pray the song: Give me clean hands, give me a pure heart, let me not lift my soul to another, oh God let me be a generation that seeks, seeks you face oh God of Jacob.
i have been struggling with purpose. I truly believe that there is more to life than working (both on my job & in church).yes we should serve & fellowship at but god wants more from us than that. God want us to save souls & let our light shine every where we go. I don't feel like I am doing what god purposed me to do & that bothers me. I don't want to leave this earth, see god & disappoint him. God has done so much for me & I owe him for sparing my life. Yet I don't know where to begin. Some of the things mention in job convicted me because I am falling short. I pray for god's forgiveness & i pray that he changes me on the on the inside.I pray that some day he will be able to use me is a mighty way.
Reading Job 31 really puts what is right and wrong in the eyes of the Lord. We know some things that are right or wrong with God, but some we don't think about. I agree, it is like a check list of do's and don'ts in being a Christian in every sense of the word. Not jus a Christian in word, but in every aspect of our life.
When looking at Job 31, I will review my daily walk based on the standards listed in the passage. I will work on aligning my life with the way the Job led his.
Job was specifically chosen by God. God knew that Job would not relent to anyone but God. As Woodrow Kroll mentioned in one of the devotions this morning (my understanding) Job's trust (faith) in God was even more than His patience. So if we are to live with clean hands and a pure heart we have to keep in God's Wordm believe the Word and trust Him. He made sure His Word is available to us and to those who have not heard it as yet, will, soon. So instead of watching soap operas, read His word and when we need to watch a movie as Wanda says, choose the ones that will uplift us to be better persons and to serve God.
In today's world there are so many things happening that we must spend some time praying to God and asking for His mercy, His compassion and forgiveness. Pray for the people of Haiti and all those providing help and support to them. Pray that the support will be used wisely to put in good infrastructure and feed the people. Pray for the USA and other nations that are seeing trying times, pray for the poor, the needy, the homeless, the orphans and widows and last but not least pray for the Church so that we all will be one. God placed us on earth not to be selfish but to love, keep His commandments and pray for each other.
May His light shine on us today and may we walk in the path He has paved for us. Thank you for your love and support.
Kathy,
Thanks for sharing your heart. I can so identify with your comments. (Actually, I'm guessing a lot of us probably can.) I certainly don't have all the answers but here are a couple of thoughts for you (and me) today. The fact that you're concerned about doing what God has purposed you to do and feeling convicted by some of the examples in Job is huge. That tells me that your heart is in the right place and you are likely more tuned in to God and His purpose for you than you think. We all fall short (trust me, I know this first hand) and I've found praying about those shortcomings really helps me focus on God and trust in whatever He has for me. I'll pray for you today and I'd sure appreciate if you'd do the same for me. Tami W.
It's so awesome that we have such clear cut examples, directly from the Word, of where our hearts should be, how we deal with others, and the importance of revering our Lord. This particular passage gives us a good place to start--and it's easy for us to translate these ideas from so very long ago to today--it's very poignant that these same ideals are just as difficult for us to adhere to as they were thousands of years ago. It also leaves us, as Christians, with no excuse. We cannot plead ignorance of how we are supposed to act, think, and live when it has been so clearly written for us to comprehend.
My heart goes out to Kathy as well, and I thank you for your honesty. One of the things that I have discovered is that God wants us to have time for rest, and He wants us to take the time to educated ourselves. This is absolutely biblical. There are times when I feel very strongly in my spirit that I need to take some time just to study the Word. As we grow in our relationships with Christ, we will receive new revelation--who hasn't had the experience of reading a scripture for 100th time, and get that ah-hah! moment, when something becomes more clear than it ever has before? So, often if I feel that the Lord isn't using me for something clear, or tangible, then maybe I should sign up for a class or a bible study. Prepare myself as the Lord leads me. It never, ever feels like I've wasted time:)
Anyway, I have babbled a great deal here today--I apologize for taking up so much space:) God Bless!
[Above comment is from a P4 participant--not P4 facilitator Tami Weissert.]