11/17 – 11/23

As human beings that cannot fathom the fulness of the thoughts and ways of our God and his creation, we sometimes want to falsely blame the bad things that happen on those who are enduring hardship, loss, or devastation (Isaiah 55:8). Like Job’s friends who assumed that bad things were happening to him because of something he had done, the Gospel of John reveals a time when Jesus’ disciples made a similar assumption. “As Jesus walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned: he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him’” (John 9:1-3 NRSV). The man was then healed by Jesus and was no longer blind but able to see (John 9:6-7).

 

This week we will continue reading the conversations between Job and his friends as they continue assuming he has endured horrific losses and hardships because of something he has done. Despite their accusations Job believes that he is blameless. If you did not read the first twelve chapters of this Old Testament book you are encouraged to read them before you begin reading the chapters for this week. The Study Bible notes for each verse and chapter might be helpful to read as you anticipate the conclusion of the book the following week. You are also encouraged to watch the Bible Project videos listed in this devotional to either gain a deeper understanding, or to be reminded of what you already know.

 

The format of this plan is designed for you to use as much or little as you have time to use each day. Below is a guide for the daily use of this devotional:

Each Day

• Read the Psalm
• Spend a few minutes in silence as you wait in the presence of the Lord
• Listen to and/or Sing a worship song or hymn
• Watch the video(s) before beginning to read on Monday
• Read the Bible verses for the day
• Pray
• Live according to your faith in Christ Jesus, doing good

 

 

DAILY PSALM:

READ PSALM 113 to begin your time set apart to be with and encounter the living God. Consider using the psalmist’s words as an opening prayer.

 

 

SILENCE & SOLITUDE:

You are encouraged to spend a few minutes quietly alone with God after reading the Psalm. You may find it helpful to sit, kneel, lay down, or walk as the message rolls around in your heart and mind.

 

 

LISTEN to and/or SING a worship song or hymn to help you respond to God. You may find it helpful to use the same song each day, or a different one on some, or all, of the days because of what the Bible verses bring to mind.

 

 

VIDEO TO WATCH:

You are invited to watch the third video from the Bible Project Wisdom Literature series using the link provided before reading verses from Job this week. If you did not watch the first two videos of the series about Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, you may want to watch them before watching the video about Job:

The Book of Job’s Wisdom on How God Runs the World by The Bible Project

 

Book of Job Summary: A Complete Animated Overview by The Bible Project

 

 

DAILY BIBLE VERSES:

Sunday – 1 Timothy 5:1-8; 6:6-19 (Practical Discipleship: Do Good)

 

Monday – Job 13:20-14:22

 

Tuesday – Job 15-16

 

Wednesday – Job 17-18

 

Thursday – Job 19-20

 

Friday – Job 21-23

 

Saturday – Job 24-26

 

 

PRAY:

You are encouraged to pray in response to the Lord and what the Holy Spirit revealed to you within the Bible verses. You may find it helpful to use these prayer suggestions as well:

 

Sunday – Pray to receive the grace, love, and fellowship God is offering you. Offer thanks and praises to our God. Pray for the people of Jesus’ Church throughout the world, including Catholics, Orthodox believers, and other Protestants. The “other Protestants” includes the Livingstone Anglican Church.

 

Monday – Thank and praise the Lord. Pray for those who are closest to you, including family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

 

Tuesday – Thank and praise our God. Lift up leaders and those who point others towards God.

 

Wednesday – Thank and praise the Lord. Lift up the worries and concerns you have for the world, people in need, as well as for yourself.

 

Thursday – Offer thanks to God for the many blessings you have been given and continue to receive. You may find it helpful to write them in a journal or somewhere you can read through the list again later.

 

Friday – Thank and praise the Lord our God. Confess your sins and failures, and ask for forgiveness as you forgive those who have sinned against you.

 

Saturday – Offer thanks and prayers of praise. You may find it helpful to kneel, lay on the floor, sit with your hands on your legs with palms facing up, or stand raising your arms as an expression of worship as you pray.

 

*If you do not have a Bible, consider downloading the YouVersion Bible App for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play for your smartphone or tablet. You can also use www.BibleGateway.com to look up and read various translations of Bible verses online.