Job's Storm
Mood:  blue
Topic: Confrontation
Job 38:1-2 GW Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. "Who is this that belittles my advice with words that do not show any knowledge about it?

Do we spout so-called knowledge,? Do we complain and question God? Even turn away from Him when we don't like His answers or blame Him for our own bad choices?
Do we realize the arrogance of doing so?

Do we do so because our god is too small and we truly do not honor the God of all creation.

Do we need to respond like Job?

Job 42:1, 3, 6 Mkjv And Job answered the LORD and said, ... Who is he who hides counsel without knowledge? Therefore I have spoken what I did not understand; things too wonderful for me; yea, I did not know. ... Therefore I despise myself , and repent in dust and ashes.

Forgive me, Jesus, for speaking when You don't speak, for complaining when You don't follow my plans or timetable. Most of all forgive me for not listening, learning from and following Your principles and leading. Amen.

Standing Up
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog
Topic: Confrontation

Psalm 14:1 MKJV The fool has said in his heart, There is no God! They acted corruptly; they have done abominable works, there is none who does good.

When an awful crime is committed, people speculate how could anyone could do such and such. When judges aren't just, we're angry and don't comprehend. Yet, the answer is simple. Righteousness, justice, compassion, love emanate from God in Jesus.The further someone is from a relationship with Christ (regardless of what might be claimed), the less, good, honorable and just that person or society will be.

Laws do not change a person's heart. Only God can do that. If we want a society not rife with perversion and evil, Christ-followers must stand up, get our lives squared away with what is right and impact those around us with the gospel message of sin, sacrifice and salvation in Jesus Christ.

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Willing to Listing, Willing to Change
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog
Topic: Confrontation

Eccl. 7:5 GW It is better to listen to wise people who reprimand you than to fools who sing your praises.

But who wants to listen to those who confront, those who question, those who bring up uncomfortable truths?

Those in political situations attack. Celebrities shrug off and laugh.
The media ignores.

How do I handle being confronted? With anger or with an attitude of willingness to search out truth, even if it means making changes, apologizing, confronting my own weaknesses?

V.9 Don't be quick to get angry, because anger is typical of fools.

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Confrontation
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog
Topic: Confrontation

11 Cor. 7:9-10 GW But I'm happy now, not because I made you uncomfortable, but because the distress I caused you has led you to change the way you think and act. You were distressed in a godly way, so we haven't done you any harm. In fact, to be distressed in a godly way causes people to change the way they think and act and leads them to be saved. No one can regret that. But the distress that the world causes brings only death.

Often when we refuse to confront out of fear or embarrassment, we also close our minds to the larger picture. Everyone of us needs people in our lives willing to confront us when we get off track.

But confronting because we care is a sign of love, not dealing with problem is a sign we don't care enough. How can a problem be dealt with if it isn't recognized or with no guidance.

The truth all good parents know is that confrontation is part of being a loving parent--if we want children who understand right from wrong, and grow up to be individuals of integrity, responsibility and faith. It means we care.

Being a friend isn't so different. Do I care enough to lovingly confront when intervention is called for?

Proverbs 9:7-10a GW Whoever corrects a mocker receives abuse. Whoever warns a wicked person gets hurt. Do not warn a mocker, or he will hate you. Warn a wise person, and he will love you. Give advice to a wise person, and he will become even wiser. Teach a righteous person, and he will learn more. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.
 

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Caring Enough to Confront
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog
Topic: Confrontation

But I'm happy now, not because I made you uncomfortable, but because the distress I caused you has led you to change the way you think and act. You were distressed in a godly way, so we haven't done you any harm. In fact, to be distressed in a godly way causes people to change the way they think and act and leads them to be saved. No one can regret that. But the distress that the world causes brings only death. 11 Corinthians 7:9-10 GW

Often when we refuse to confront out of fear or embarrassment, we also close our minds to the larger picture. Every one of us needs people in our lives willing to confront us when we get off track.

But confronting because we care is a sign of love, not dealing with problem is a sign we don't care enough. How can a problem be dealt with if it isn't recognized or with no guidance?

The truth all good parents know is that confrontation is part of being a loving parent--if we want children who understand right from wrong, and grow up to be individuals of integrity, responsibility and faith. It means we care.

Being a friend isn't so different. Do I care enough to lovingly confront when intervention is called for?

Whoever corrects a mocker receives abuse. Whoever warns a wicked person gets hurt. Do not warn a mocker, or he will hate you. Warn a wise person, and he will love you. Give advice to a wise person, and he will become even wiser. Teach a righteous person, and he will learn more. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 9:7-10a GW

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http://IDealinHope.com/bookreviews