Job 12-15, 1 Corinthians 15:29-58, Psalms 39:1-13, Proverbs 21:30-31

What God said to me – Time flies – time drags – it seems like forever – it seems like yesterday – you see, your perspective of time is just that – a perspective.  It is different depending on your situation – when you were a child, Christmas seemed like it would never get here and the end of school seemed a long way off – for the grandparent it seems like just yesterday you were young, much less your children – you turned around and they were grown with families of their own.  In the overall scheme of eternity, your life is just a breath and if you are not careful, you will see your life as just a blip on a screen that had no impact.  You need to have an understanding of the extent of your days and that your life is transient and just a moment in eternity, but don’t let that knowledge cause you to feel useless or inadequate – instead focus on eternity – live for those things that are eternal.  Spend your time worshipping Me and obeying Me and walking with Me so the things on which you spend this precious time you have will have an eternal impact.

Job 8-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-28, Psalms 38:1-22, Proverbs 21:28-29

What God said to me – There is a famous quote, “nothing is certain but death and taxes.”  Although taxes can come and go, death does not.  Until I come again everyone is going to die.  The certainty is devastating for those who do not know Me.  For those who are My children however, there is hope and anticipation knowing that death is not the end, but the beginning – resurrection and new life are coming!  This truth should change the way you live – it should change your focus and priorities – it should change the way you interact with those who don’t know Me.  If you knew someone was dying of a disease and you knew the cure you wouldn’t hesitate to tell them.  Use every opportunity to share the gospel of hope to those who are dying.  When you live with an eternal perspective you will see things differently and live differently.  Live as a person of hope and share the good news.

Job 4-7, 1 Corinthians 14:18-40, Psalms 37:30-40, Proverbs 21:27

What God said to me – There is an age-old question – “why do bad things happen to good people?” – even more pointed – “why do bad things happen to My people?”  Look at Job – he was a righteous and a godly man and yet he suffered in ways that very few people in history have ever suffered.  As you ponder the answers and wrestle with the “whys” and “why nots” you find nothing that satisfactorily explains it.  It comes down to faith.  It comes down to trust.  It comes down to who “I AM” and My character.  “I AM” holy.  “I AM” righteous.  “I AM” good.  I cannot and will not act outside of that and in contradiction to who “I AM”.  I have a plan for each one of My children that is for their good and for My glory.  So, as you go through life and “bad things” happen, remember these truths.  You may not understand it.  You may not like it.  You may not agree with it, but you can in faith say, “I trust you Lord, do your work in Me.  You are always good and You are at work in Me for good.”  Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the convictions of things not seen.  Trust Me even when you don’t see it.