Pastor Bob DuPar
August 30, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Job 34:1-36:33; 2 Corinthians 4:1-12; Psalm 44:1-8; Proverbs 22:10-12

Observation

Job 34:12 is a great verse,

“It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice.”

2 Corinthians 4:4 is a good verse to remember when witnessing to our unbelieving friends,

“The god of this age (Satan) has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

The only difference between these friends and us is found in verse 6,

“But God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

Finally, 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 speaks of the power of God at work in us (“mere jars of clay” which contain Him - “treasure”),

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”

Application

In my times of hurt and pain I need to remember that “It is unthinkable that God would/could do wrong.”

I should not be surprised that my friends don’t see the truth about Jesus. Scripture makes it very clear why this is the case. But, I often forget. This is also why I need to be a “light set upon a hill for all to see.” (Matthew 5)

I pray for a life free of trials and problems, but I forget that my light (His light) shines brightest in the darkness, His strength is revealed most clearly in my weakness, and His joy in the midst of my unfavorable circumstances.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to see more of life from Your perspective. And, help me to allow Your light to shine in places where You call me to shine.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
August 29, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Job 31:1-33:33; 2 Corinthians 3:1-18; Psalm 43:1-5; Proverbs 22:8-9

Observation

I was impressed by Job’s words in 31:1 and don’t ever recall reading them before,

“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl.”

Job’s words in 31:32 reveal the heart of Job,

“No stranger had to spend the night in the street, for my door was always open to the traveler.”

I found Elihu’s words humorous. He refrained from speaking until chapter 32 because in his own words “I am young in years, and you are old…” He was apparently the youngest of Job’s so called “friends.” He has a very good point in 32:12,

“I gave you my full attention. But not one of you has proved Job wrong; none of you has answered his arguments.”

I really liked Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 3:16-18,

“Whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. …And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, the Spirit.”

Finally, Proverbs 22:9 was a great reminder and challenge,
“A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.”

Application

I need to grow more in the area of sharing what I have with those who are disadvantaged – whether it’s providing a place to sleep for someone or a meal for those who are hungry. Knowing and assessing the genuineness of needs often keeps me from responding quickly or sometimes at all.

Prayer

“Lord, thank You that through Christ I am able to behold You ‘unveiled.’ And, thank You that You are transforming me into Your image.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
August 28, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Job 28:1-30:31; 2 Corinthians 2:12-17; Psalm 42:1-11; Proverbs 22:7

Observation

I really felt for Job in 29:4-5 when he wrote,

“Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God’s intimate friendship blessed my house, when the Almighty was still with me and my children were around me.”

I have always loved Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 2:14-15,

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”

Finally, Psalm 42:8 stood out to me,

“By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me – a prayer to the God of my life.”

Application

I’m not sure that I’m always “the aroma of Christ” to those that I come into contact with - definitely something to work on. I’m reminded of the old saying, “You may be the only Jesus some people ever meet.”

Prayer

“Lord, thank You for satisfying the thirst of my soul and supplying every one of my needs. Thank You for Your faithfulness.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
August 27, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Job 23:1-27:23; 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11; Psalm 41:1-13; Proverbs 22:5-6

Observation

Job 23:8-9 sounds like the antithesis of Psalm 139,

“But if I go to the east, He is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find Him. When He is at work in the north, I do not see Him; when He turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of Him.”

Despite these feelings of abandonment and despair, Job still makes the following affirmation in verse 10,

“But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested (tried) me, I will come forth as gold.”

I’m impressed by Job’s insistence upon his innocence with his friends in 27:5,

“I will never admit you are in the right; til I die, I will not deny my integrity.”

David has an interesting corresponding thought about integrity in Psalm 41:12,

“In my integrity you uphold me and set me in Your presence forever.”

Finally, I liked 2 Corinthians 2:10-11,

“If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven – if there was anything to forgive – I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”

Application

There are times in our life when we feel like God has forgotten about us, or worse yet, that He doesn’t care. But, we need to hold onto the truth during these times. God created us. He knows us. And, He is molding us into His image. This isn’t always pleasant; in fact, most of the time it’s uncomfortable. He knows our limits and does not take us beyond them. In the end, we will emerge as gold.

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians indicate that when we fail to forgive others or leave issues unresolved, we allow Satan to have a foothold in our life.

Prayer

“Lord, I have trained up my daughter in the way she should go. Denise and I have walked with her and counseled her. Would You please continue to guide her, direct her and protect her as she journeys that path with You.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
August 26, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Job 20:1-22:30; 2 Corinthians 1:1-11; Psalm 40:11-17; Proverbs 22:2-4

Observation

I know this sounds blasphemous to admit, but it’s hard for me to view Job’s friend’s long-winded speeches as inspired Scripture. Yes, I believe that “all Scripture is God-breathed (divinely inspired) and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) But, there are points in the daily reading where I just want to say, “Enough! Give it a rest! And, leave Job alone.” Maybe it’s just me.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 gives perspective to our trials and hardships,

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

Paul adds to this thought a few verses later (9-10),

“But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. …On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us.”

Finally, I thought that Proverbs 22:4 was good,

“Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.”


Application

Sometimes God allows us to go through hard times so that we might come alongside of others to comfort them and encourage them with the same comfort and encouragement which we have received from God. The Lord also allows us to go through trials in order that we might depend upon Him and not ourselves. When our human resources and abilities fail we are force to rely upon His limitless supply.

Prayer

“Lord, thank You that even though I don’t enjoy tough times they are opportunities to draw closer to You and to learn more about Your all-sufficiency.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
August 25, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Job 16:1-19:29; 1 Corinthians 16:1-24; Psalm 40:1-10; Proverbs 22:1

Observation

Job 16:1-5 sounds like contemporary language rather than something that was written over 3,000 years ago. Job’s response is humorous and wise:

“I have heard many things like these; (you’re not telling me anything new, anything I haven’t heard before) miserable comforters are you all! Will your long-winded speeches never end? …I also could speak like you, if you were in my place. I could make fine speeches against you and shake my head at you. But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.”

I have always loved Job 19:25-27,

“I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. …in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him with my own eyes – I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!”

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 is great counsel for fathers and for all men in positions of leadership,

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.”

Finally, I love the way that Hebrews 10:5 records Psalm 40:6. “My ears you have pierced” (common practice with bond slaves), becomes “a body You have prepared for Me” when Christ quotes it.

Application

There are times when we are called to hold friends accountable for sin and to speak the truth in love. But, when someone is suffering, especially when it’s not resulting from sin, our words should bring encouragement, comfort and relief.

We need more courageous, strong men, firm in their faith, who do everything in love.

The way that we please God and serve Him is not through burnt sacrifice and offerings, but rather through offering up our body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1-2).

Prayer

“Lord, help me to stand strong in my faith, to be courageous; and, to do everything in love.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
August 24, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Job 12:1-15:35; 1 Corinthians 15:29-58; Psalm 39:1-13; Proverbs 21:30-31

Observation

Job’s sarcasm in 12:2-3 is hilarious. Basically he says, “O.K. as much as you thing that you’re the voice of authority and that wisdom will cease to exist when you die, I have a mind as well. I’m not in any way inferior to you!”

I have always been encouraged and challenged by Job 13:15,

“Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him.”

1 Corinthians 15:33-34 is great advice,

“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’ Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning.”

I heard of a church nursery that had the words of 1 Corinthians 15:51 over the doorway:

“I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed.”

Finally, I was encouraged by 1 Corinthians 15:57-58,

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”

Application

The challenge in giving advice to others is to not come off looking like a know-it-all. Godly advice seasoned with humility and acknowledgment of personal failure/imperfection goes a long way in increasing receptivity.

A healthy question to ask ourselves in relation to 1 Corinthians 15:33 is, “Who is rubbing off on whom?” Do I influence the company I keep or do they influence me? For good or for bad?

Because we have been assured of victory in Jesus, we must never tire of doing His work, knowing that an investment in the Kingdom is never in vain.

Prayer

“Lord, may the words of 1 Corinthians 15:58 characterize my life: ‘Steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”