September 1, 2018
Dearly beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, I greet and bless you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The blessed word that the Lord has given for you today is from the book of Job 42:12, “The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part”. Job lived in the land of UZ. He was blameless, upright and one who feared God and shunned evil. He was rich and wealthy. God considered Job as an upright man and so He tested Job to prove his uprightness.
One day, Job lost all his cattle, animals, wealth and finally lost all his ten children. It was the most terrible tragedy that struck Job like a thunder. Yet Job, in spite of all the loss, did not sin. Job 1:21 says, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord”. Even though his wife sneered at him by saying, “Do you still hold to your integrity? Curse God and die.” Job had great faith in God. He knew Gods power and authority. He also knew that God gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did. Job, having endured much tribulation, waited patiently for the Lord to bring about a change. Firstly, Job did not utter anything against God. He waited patiently and received double portion of blessing. If you too, like Job, wait for the Lord, you will also receive a double portion of blessing from the Lord.
Secondly, you need to be holy like Job. Job 1:5 says, “Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” He was very righteous and feared God. He even prayed for his friends and God accepted his prayers. If you are going through trials in your life, you should not look for some easy way to gain the peace of mind. You must not engage yourselves in sinful activities in order to get peace during the time of tribulation. God takes you through tribulation so that you may draw closer to Him. Hebrews 12:5-6 says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Therefore when you go through a period of tribulation you should return to God and not move away from Him. You should never backslide from God. You need ask God for forgiveness and repent of your sins and submit yourself to God.
This is the time when you need to draw closer to God. Be reverent to Him. Fear Him and obey His commandments. His ultimate intention is to draw you closer to Himself. God wants you not only to know the commandments but also follow them just like Job did. When you do so, God will be pleased with you. He will bless you more and more.
God bless you.
Prayer:
Our loving heavenly Father, we thank You for this blessed day. I submit your dear children into Your loving hands. Father, I pray that You may give Your children the grace to overcome all their problems. Help them to keep your commandments in their hearts and lead a righteous life. Be with them and bless all the works of their hands. In Jesus name we pray,
Amen.
