We have encountered our first snowfall of the season. As a homeowner, I don't mind waiting until mid-January to have to shovel my walk, but it is still cold. I know God has a plan for the seasons and how all of this works, but I wouldn't have minded if he decided that snow could only fall on grassy areas. Just keep my sidewalk and driveway clear, and all is good! Of course, upping the temperature a bit would be nice as well, but who am I to complain?

We began reading about Job last week and will spend this week in this story some more. If you'll recall, this man went in a very short time from prominance and wealth to having his family and posessions wiped out, then his health shattered. I think I can handle a short winter season.

Yours in Christ,

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Day 2

One of Job's friends speaks out yet again. This time he asked if Job was smarter than them and proceeded to call Job a wicked man based on the suffering inflicted on him. If you really look at it, this guy lays it down hard on poor Job. I couldn't wait for Job's response. True to form he mentions their lack of comfort they give him with this visit. I'm surprised he didn't tell them to leave a long time ago, to be honest. Then Job actually praises God as he pleads with Him! The response from his friend this time is once again to stop talking and get to know God. I don't know about you, but these guys are getting on my nerves, and I wasn't even there!

Day 3

I like how Job starts this out. "If it is true that I have gone astray, my error remains my concern alone." I translate this into: "Back off and mind your own business." Of course they didn't. The reply is "This is what happens to wicked people." As before the man get's a pretty good tongue-lashing from Job.

Day 4

After Job defended himself to one friend, another picked up the fight. He even asked Job if he planned to continued in his evil ways and begged him to submit to God's plan for him. You can't see me now, but I'm shaking my head. The lesson for this story may be to consider what kind of a friend you are. When someone you profess to care about is hurting, what do you do? Is your comfort mixed with accusations and barbs that have no intent of helping the situation or at least providing some comfort? The next time you are in that situation, step back and evaluate your actions and words.

So Job pleaded his case to his friends...again...and one of his friends challanges his claim to righteousness...again.

Day 5

Job's response this time sounds a bit more decisive. He makes it pretty plain that he will never concede to the insults of these friends or deny his integrity in any way. He actually has a lot to say in this section. I don't think I could do it all justice. He does remind them that the fear of God is the path to understanding, and continues, reminding his friends of the respect he had held before.

Day 6

Job continues and insults the fathers of his friends. He then cries out to God. I got quite a tingle up my spine with his plea to God! Over and over he gives examples of terrible things that would warrant this punishment, but states that he did not do any of these things. This happened thousands of years ago, and I really feel for this guy even today.

Day 7

Another friend begins speaking. This one is younger than the rest, and was angry. Job had justifyed himself rather than God and these three friends had failed to refute Job for this. He throws his anger at Job and says that Job is not only sinful, but rebellious against God. Once again I will ask. What kind of a friend are you when times are hard for another? Do you have any family that is sick? Perhaps in a nursing home? Maybe a loved one is looking at the final months of life and you are not excited to visit for fear that you may have to witness their passing. What kind of a friend are you?

I thought I'd include a link to a fun site this week. When my son was about 6 months old, we got him an excersaucer. He could stand in the seat of it, jump around, and play with the onboard toys. But it is intended for use only until the child is able to walk. There was a warning on it not to use as a floatation device (I doubt it would float anyway) or as a sled. I wouldn't send my infant son into the deep end of a pool or down a snowy slope with or without such a device, but the warning was there nontheless. Here's a site with some other dumb warnings on products.