“There once was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless—a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil. 2 He had seven sons and three daughters. 3 He owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 teams of oxen, and 500 female donkeys. He also had many servants. He was, in fact, the richest person in that entire area. 4 Job’s sons would take turns preparing feasts in their homes, and they would also invite their three sisters to celebrate with them. 5 When these celebrations ended—sometimes after several days—Job would purify his children. He would get up early in the morning and offer a burnt offering for each of them. For Job said to himself, “Perhaps my children have sinned and have cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular practice.“ Job 1:1-5 NLT
Father God,
Most Bible Scholars place Job as living in the times of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, so this seems a good place to put him in my year through the Bible. A good family man whose children lived all around the area. And like most parent he was worried they did not always behave as they should. He had everything he needed but he still acknowledged his need of You. And took responsibility for his children and prayed that You might forgive them too.
It is a good place to start Lord. Even though we know the rest of the story he didn’t. He just lived one day at a time, doing the best he could, using the influence he had, and keeping in a right relationship with You.
It was what Jesus told us to do. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34). One day at a time. And we can trust You to be with us tomorrow just the same. So today we pause and give thanks and say sorry for anything we have done wrong or not done right and leave tomorrow in Your care.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Thursday 23rd January 2025
Golden oldie . . .
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Lyrics: Johnson Oatman Jr.