What is going on?

In my continued studies for credentialing, today's post is on the Book of Job. I am under no circumstances writing this as a scholar of the Old Testament or of Hebrew. My blog today is about observations on the circumstances of life and how to deal with them.

"Have you considered my servant, Job?  He is blameless and upright, a man who fears God."[1]

Job's life and character were discussed in the heavenlies without having a 'say-so' on the outcome. Not only did he have it all, it was all taken (except for a 'nagging' wife) in a matter of one day; and the next day his health was taken. Job could have easily asked, 'what is going on?'

How could Job continue to fear God and keep on trusting him? Maybe the bigger question is how can a loving God seem to ignore human suffering? If he is all powerful, and knows all things why doesn't he do something about all the suffering? And how do we stay strong in our faith when we have troubles and injustices in our lives?

I'll let Job (chapter 1, verse 21) answer that (after he was on his face in worship). Job said, "Naked I came...and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and...has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised."[1] This scripture has so much meaning and depth. We come with nothing, we'll leave with nothing; but in between when 'stuff' happens we can trust God and praise him in the circumstances and indignities.

There is an explanation for this from the notes in my Bible [2]; to help us better understand this verse. Understand that Job is not perfect, but his trust and reliance on the Lord is his high standard to follow. Job had doubts, anger, and a sense of isolation from God (in later chapters), but he also had experienced God's faithfulness in the past and knew that God would be faithful again. As Job, we must look to how God has blessed us in the past: our salvation, healing, insight into solutions for problems, strength in the midst of persecutions, and to helping overcome our doubts. God can handle our doubts, misgivings, our unbelief...he is always ready to hear our cry. But will he always be ready to give us a reason? What about the question of all the suffering in the world?

Please indulge me for a few minutes as I relay some good information that I have learned while taking the course on the study of the Old Testament. [3]

1] God's complete plan is not and will not be fully realized on this earth, but only in the age to come. It's a partial realization called "already, not yet". Very simply put it's like when we travel and I ask my husband are we there yet, he says, "we are already here, but not yet there" (kind of a midway point on the map). God's will has been partially fulfilled now but won't be completely fulfilled until the future. The unanswered questions may remain unanswered until we see him.

2] Remember the conversation God had with the devil? Though they spoke to each other, the devil was by no means equal to God in any way. He has no power, only God does.

3] In reading the Book of Job we can conclude that God tests and tries people. Walking through the trials and circumstances of life teaches us lessons on being faithful and having a pure and true belief that God is sovereign and in control.

4] Because of the nature of man we live in a sinful, fallen world. Horrible things happen; injustices, inequalities, unfairness...bad things. Some of the trials of our lives are because of this fallen, imperfect world. Yet God is compassionate and walks with us through this sinful, fallen world.

As we firmly hold on to the promise that God will never leave us or forsake us; that he loves us unconditionally, and that we can turn to him no matter what. Like Job, we can handle the question, 'what's going on?'

Notes:
[1] NIV Life in the Spirit Study Bible. 1992, 2003. Zondervan. Grand Rapids, MI.
[2] NIV Life in the Spirit Study Bible. 1992, 2003. Zondervan. Grand Rapids, MI. Job 1:21, notes Pg. 717.
[3] Old Testament Survey. 2006, 2010. Global University, Springfield, MO. Job: Perseverance in Suffering. Pg 124.

Always learning...

Part of the reason for my blog is it's a requirement for passing my next couple of classes towards getting my license to preach; I just received my certificate of ministry. The next level is what I'm working towards.

One of my bullet points for starting this blog is 'to blog for class projects'. Today's blog will incorporate that requirement.

The class I'm taking now is Old Testament Survey. It's very interesting. I have always enjoyed reading and studying the Old Testament. The stories, lives of the people, the interaction between groups of people, God's intervention time and again, all with lessons to be learned.

If I was to pick a favorite book of the Old Testament...I would not be able to! I have several...Ruth, Esther, Proverbs, yes even Leviticus (which is the many Laws God gave the Israelites).

Today's short subject is Ruth. If you have never read this book, please take the time. It's a love story that continues to this day. Ruth is a widow that returns to Israel with her mother-in-law. Through a series of events Ruth meets Boaz (her kinsman-redeemer) and becomes the Great-Grandma to King David.

This of course is a quick rendition (and hopefully accurate enough to understand). The interesting thing about Ruth is that not only is David part of her family, so is Jesus Christ...our Redeemer. Even those many years ago, God had a plan to use a humble widow to be an ancestor of Jesus.

Again, the God of the Old Testament flows through the New Testament to be sovereign in our lives. Ruth's story teaches us that not only did God love then, but His mercy and grace flow throughout history to love us today...through Jesus.

Amazing!!!

It's a new day

Writing is a really fun process. My questions is always, though, does it make sense or does it matter to anyone? Maybe writing is really for the writer. Anyway, I know I'll enjoy blogging because I like to write. I have years of journals and daily diaries...wonder if I should include some here some day? We'll see.

Today my post is going to include some background on our life and the reason for this blog.

My husband (Bill) and I are traveling Assembly of God Evangelists. We contact pastors to see if they would want us to come and preach at their church. We are invited by the pastor to preach and minister to their people. This is a wonderful, amazing responsibility. Bill is the preacher and I am the one who plays the keyboard and sings. We are a team. With the pastor and spouse we minister together to the church.

We have been doing this for 13 years now and are enjoying it very much. Considering, of course, we are in Florida now for another month it is easy to enjoy our life!!! We've ministered in the Midwest, Colorado, Arizona, Nebraska, Missouri, New Jersey, Kentucky, Georgia, and a new state this year...South Carolina. Each place has been (and will be) a blessing to us.

We have traveled overseas on several missions trips, too. That will be another blog...

This is the reason for the title of blog. With our suitcase packed, we are on our way to another place. We have concluded that our suitcase defines where our home is...even if traveling from Wisconsin to Florida or overseas, we are blessed to know that wherever that suitcase lands we are with each other and we are in the Lord's will.

Take care and remember to enjoy the journey...wherever you suitcase may land!!!

It's just the beginning...

What can I say, I'm going to join the world of 'blogging'. Can you believe it? But why start now?

Several reasons come to mind that include:

• This blog will create a tool to give you, the reader, more insight into our travels
• This will also help me hone my writing skills and give me the opportunity to put my thoughts down
• Since I'm working toward my ministerial credentials, it's part of my course work...
• It will give me the chance to share my faith in a different and hopefully successful way

As you can see it will be a great adventure. Just like our travels and just like life.

In recent days I've come to realize that God is Sovereign. No matter how good we are or how great things are going; or how bad things are going or (can it be?) how bad we are...God is Sovereign. He is in control, faithful, understanding, and filled with love for us.

Pack your suitcase and travel with me (us) as we continue on our journey.