08 July 2017

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Saturday, 08 July 2017

late and brief, for which apologies.

We've had stuff going on today.

First, The Great Yard Sale has been going on.  This is a thing being held at next-door niece's driveway, yard, and garage, under a few awnings to protect against rain, etc.  Supposedly, this is being orchestrated by Niece, but Dear Wife and her sister, the Niece's mom are part of it. 
Niece is very much In Charge.  Supposedly, they were starting around 10:00 this morning, but I looked outside at around 08:20 and Niece was out there running around.  Seems some would-be customers had already been there, WELL before the publicized starting time, and giving her a hard time for not being up and running.  So I helped raise the awnings, remove tarps, etc.  Wife was a little behind me.  And they were up and running by 08:45 or so.
Wife made a bit of money, and there were and remain some items that people had promised to let her know about.  We've got the take earmarked.  We have a noticeable gap in our roof coating, right on the ridge line of our hovel.  BAD one.   As any one who has ever bought the coating, it's expensive, particularly for those of us of very limited means.  Wife chanced upon a source that will get us two buckets of the stuff for a price we are able - just - to pay, and most of it is in my pocket now.  So, Lord willing, two weeks from now I'll be up on a ladder spreading a fiberglass reinforced roof coating on as wide and area as is possible, beginning with that visible gap.  Bit by bit, we're trying to get things fixed.  Now if we could find a trailer-sized tub at a reasonable price (they're smaller than the "standard") ......  We had intended to do that this month, but when Wife's dental problems hit, they took precedence, and must.  But we still have the eyes open.

Meanwhile, a very nice person (thank you Pastor) came by to help me try to repair the chariot.  We've been having an overheat issue, and next-door nephew used his discount to save me money on a gallon of antifreeze and a new thermostat.  So we put the new thermostat in, "blessing" the engine layout designers silently, and refilled the radiator.  Took a good half gallon or so.  Ran it a good while, all seemed in order.  So we cleaned  up and put things away and got about other things.  Then I got detailed to make a run to the Big Box store to swap out a canister of propane for our small tabletop grill.  So I took the chariot.  Looked great.  Wonderful!!  Then headed home.  A mile from home, started noting the temperature gauge going up and up.  Not into danger zone, but notably above where it had been and normally is.  So I got home, parked it.  Later, after the ladies decided that this edition of the Great Yard Sale was concluded, and I was again "volunteered" to haul stuff, collapse the awnings, etc. and we finally had a  long-delayed lunch (around 4 p.m.), I checked the radiator level, and had to add not quite a quart of radiator fluid.  So I don't think we're quite There yet.  I'll drive to church services in the morning, Lord willing, and we'll see more about it then.
I took another look at our calendar and Wife's Big Week of Seeing Doctors and Oral Surgeons is not this coming week, but the one after.


Wife was exhausted from all the yard sale stuff and all the intra-family tensions and the stress of being outside the house and dealing with strangers.  She can do it, and they don't realize it, but it stresses her greatly, and she's collapsed in her recliner for the last 2 hours, utterly exhausted from the ordeal.  We'll do what we call "grazing" for our late dinner (it's around 8 p.m. now) , meaning heating up leftovers in the refrigerator.  We make a strong effort to waste no food whatever, and are usually pretty successful at it.  And it makes scratching up a meal pretty painless.  Yes, we've found some ways that work for us.

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Our Old Testament passage is chapters 38 and 39 of the book of Job.
We've been reading quite a bit of the words of those who claimed to know the will of the Lord, and to speak for Him.  That's not always a great place to be, even if He's been pretty specific in sending someone to do that.  When He didn't, well             He just may show up.  He did here.

Job 38
1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, 2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? 3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. 4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. 5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? 8 Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? 9 When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, 10 And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, 11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed? 12 Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; 13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it? 14 It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment. 15 And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken. 16 Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth? 17 Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death? 18 Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all. 19 Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof, 20 That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof? 21 Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the number of thy days is great? 22 Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, 23 Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war? 24 By what way is the light parted, which scattereth the east wind upon the earth? 25 Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder; 26 To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man; 27 To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth? 28 Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew? 29 Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it? 30 The waters are hid as with a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen. 31 Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? 32 Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons? 33 Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth? 34 Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee? 35 Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go and say unto thee, Here we are? 36 Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart? 37 Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven, 38 When the dust groweth into hardness, and the clods cleave fast together? 39 Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions, 40 When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait? 41 Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.

Job 39
1 Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth? or canst thou mark when the hinds do calve? 2 Canst thou number the months that they fulfil? or knowest thou the time when they bring forth? 3 They bow themselves, they bring forth their young ones, they cast out their sorrows. 4 Their young ones are in good liking, they grow up with corn; they go forth, and return not unto them. 5 Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass? 6 Whose house I have made the wilderness, and the barren land his dwellings. 7 He scorneth the multitude of the city, neither regardeth he the crying of the driver. 8 The range of the mountains is his pasture, and he searcheth after every green thing. 9 Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib? 10 Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee? 11 Wilt thou trust him, because his strength is great? or wilt thou leave thy labour to him? 12 Wilt thou believe him, that he will bring home thy seed, and gather it into thy barn? 13 Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich? 14 Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust, 15 And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them. 16 She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not her's: her labour is in vain without fear; 17 Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding. 18 What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider. 19 Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? 20 Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible. 21 He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men. 22 He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword. 23 The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield. 24 He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage: neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet. 25 He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting. 26 Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south? 27 Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high? 28 She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place. 29 From thence she seeketh the prey, and her eyes behold afar off. 30 Her young ones also suck up blood: and where the slain are, there is she.





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Our New Testament passage is verses 1-21 of chapter 15 in the Acts of the Apostles.
Now the structure and doctrine of the church was really changing from the culture of the Jewish origins.
That split is still an issue, by the way.  There are those and several groups, who to this day teach that ALL (or most) of the Old Covenant must still be followed.  We know about the 7th Day Adventists, certainly, but it extends far beyond that.  For that matter, quite a few Christians still have their infant sons circumcised.  

Acts 15:1-21
1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. 2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. 3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. 4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. 5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. 6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. 7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. 8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; 9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. 12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. 13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: 14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. 15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, 16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: 17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. 18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. 19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: 20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. 21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.




07 July 2017

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Friday, 07 July 2017

G'day.
The Great Yard Sale (or is it Great Garage Sale?) continues.  Despite some nasty stormy weather.  The womenfolk are over there, having conversations that men are not welcome to overhear, or are on matters we really don't care much about.  Or both.  I went over and helped to make the morning preparation stuff, then was sent off.  Fine by me.





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The Old Testament reading for the day is chapters 35, 36 and 37 of Job.  THIS is the last of the words of Elihu.  It would seem that he too was what was once termed "worldly wise".  He was not the last of such.  Many of us at heart believe that if bad things happen, they are the result of bad actions that led to those results.  And that can happen, we all know of cases.  But sometimes, bad things happen to "good people", which is where most of us secretly class ourselves mostly, for reasons we don't see.  When we truly surrender our lives to the Lord, we are ceding our authority over events, and saying that we will trust Him no matter what.  MUCH easier to say than to carry forth.  Believe me, I know.
Now, a whole lot of what Elihu said was true, in a vacuum.  Not necessarily appropriate to the specific circumstances, but true.  As many of us know, it is possible to be both accurate and unhelpful while being unloving and having less-than-perfect motives.  Done that.

Job 35
1 Elihu spake moreover, and said, 2 Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's? 3 For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin? 4 I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee. 5 Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou. 6 If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him? 7 If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand? 8 Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man. 9 By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty. 10 But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night; 11 Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven? 12 There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men. 13 Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it. 14 Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him. 15 But now, because it is not so, he hath visited in his anger; yet he knoweth it not in great extremity: 16 Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.

Job 36
1 Elihu also proceeded, and said, 2 Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that I have yet to speak on God's behalf. 3 I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. 4 For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee. 5 Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom. 6 He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor. 7 He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted. 8 And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction; 9 Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded. 10 He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity. 11 If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. 12 But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge. 13 But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them. 14 They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean. 15 He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression. 16 Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness. 17 But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold on thee. 18 Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee. 19 Will he esteem thy riches? no, not gold, nor all the forces of strength. 20 Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place. 21 Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction. 22 Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him? 23 Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity? 24 Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold. 25 Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off. 26 Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out. 27 For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof: 28 Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly. 29 Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle? 30 Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea. 31 For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance. 32 With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt. 33 The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.

Job 37
1 At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place. 2 Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth. 3 He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth. 4 After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard. 5 God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend. 6 For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength. 7 He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work. 8 Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places. 9 Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north. 10 By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened. 11 Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud: 12 And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth. 13 He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy. 14 Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God. 15 Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine? 16 Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge? 17 How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind? 18 Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass? 19 Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness. 20 Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up. 21 And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them. 22 Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty. 23 Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict. 24 Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart.



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The New Testament passage before us today is chapter 14 in the Acts of the Apostles.
This is a glimpse of how the church began.  Against determined opposition on many sides and virtually everywhere they went.
And look at some of the place names, look on a map if you can.  Most of those places were situated in modern-day Turkey, those ancient cities now ancient ruins.
Look, for example, at Antioch.  Now called Antakya, in Turkey, on the Mediterranean just above Syria.  Hardly a stronghold of Christianity today, but it played a part.
Or Derbe, now Derbent, in central inland Turkey.
How about Iconium?  Now called Konya, also in central inland Turkey.
Now think about how they got from place to place.  LONG way from Jerusalem.  Areas far from each other, and neither quick nor easy to get to.  Without friends, without a support organization there already, without money.  But with the Lord, and that was enough.
Now, most of those areas are ruins, in regions oppressed by the evil doctrine that is Islam.  Seems hopeless now.  Seemed hopeless then, also.  God's not done yet.


Acts 14
1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. 3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, 6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: 7 And there they preached the gospel. 8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: 9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. 11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. 14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, 15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: 16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. 19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. 20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. 24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: 26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.

06 July 2017

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Thursday, 06 July 2017

Late and brief today.  I'm weary and not at my best in any case.
I got rousted out this morning to be doing more "fetch & carry" for the Great Yard Sale which began this morning.  I was occupied in various tasks in furtherance of that essentially all day.  I was able to sneak across the backyard around 10:30 and gobble a few biscuits for a much-delayed breakfast (while under cover of coming to get one of the numerous "I forgot, so you go get" errands).  "Lunch" was around 4:30 p.m. under similar cover.  That was after a "run" to the Big Box store to pick up something sorely needed and Right Now, using a borrowed vehicle, ours still being down.
It's 8:30 p.m. and I still had no dinner.  Doesn't bother me terribly as such: I haven't had the normal hunger response since I was too little to read and have often had crazy schedules so the body never really set in to the type of regular meal time need that most others have.

Tomorrow is likely to be much the same, and Saturday (the end, thank You Lord) of this event.  At which time, of course, I'll be "volunteered": to strike the tents (awnings actually) and commence hauling stuff back and forth again.
This is called "family time". 


And, having looked briefly at the news, primarily of wars and rumors of wars and much else, mostly bad, perhaps having one's attention focused on matters close at hand is not so bad.

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The reading in the Old Testament is chapters 33 and 34 of Job. 
Pretty much the whole gang of Job's "friends" have had their say, pretty much slamming him while he's down.  Some friends!

Job 33
1 Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words. 2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth. 3 My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. 4 The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. 5 If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up. 6 Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay. 7 Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee. 8 Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, 9 I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. 10 Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, 11 He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths. 12 Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man. 13 Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters. 14 For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; 16 Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, 17 That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. 18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword. 19 He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain: 20 So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat. 21 His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out. 22 Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers. 23 If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness: 24 Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom. 25 His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth: 26 He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness. 27 He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; 28 He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. 29 Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man, 30 To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living. 31 Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak. 32 If thou hast anything to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee. 33 If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.

Job 34
1 Furthermore Elihu answered and said, 2 Hear my words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge. 3 For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat. 4 Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good. 5 For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment. 6 Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression. 7 What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water? 8 Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men. 9 For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God. 10 Therefore hearken unto me ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. 11 For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways. 12 Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment. 13 Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world? 14 If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; 15 All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust. 16 If now thou hast understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words. 17 Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just? 18 Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly? 19 How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands. 20 In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand. 21 For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings. 22 There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. 23 For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God. 24 He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead. 25 Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed. 26 He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others; 27 Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways: 28 So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted. 29 When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only: 30 That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared. 31 Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more: 32 That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more. 33 Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest. 34 Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me. 35 Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom. 36 My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men. 37 For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.



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The reading from the New Testament today is verses 24-52 from chapter 13 in the Acts of the Apostles.
Paul and Barnabas have addressed the people, and the whole city is in tumult.  The message that they bring is eagerly welcomed by some, strongly condemned by others.  Their response is that, for their part, they will henceforth carry the Gospel to the Gentiles.  And from now on, we won't much see the name of Saul, but of Paul.  Changed mission.

Acts 13:24-52
24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose. 26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. 27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. 28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. 29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. 30 But God raised him from the dead: 31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. 32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, 33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. 34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. 35 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: 37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. 38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. 40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; 41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you. 42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. 43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. 44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. 48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. 50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. 51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.


05 July 2017

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Wednesday, 05 June 2017

Day after a holiday is always a weird one, particularly when it is dead center in the normal work week.  Based on far too many years' experience, I doubt that the rest of the week will be one of the more productive ones in quite a few workplaces, including several that I could name.  Several.  Back in my days at various levels of manufacturing engineering and quality engineering, particularly in the automotive sector, this entire week, and often either the one before or the one after, or sometimes (depending on requirements and schedules), all three. we often "down" for the whole operation.  Except, of course, for me and my people.  In automotive, this is frequently the time when the major changes needed to effect the "Model Change" work was done.  Not all of it, because there was generally a few weeks yet in the Old Model vehicles and components, but absolutely as much as could be accomplished.  For those unfamiliar, production on the New Models generally (in my time anyway) would occur around the 2nd or 3rd week of August, or thereabouts. I doubt that it's changed much in the last 3 years or so. 

We got to sleep late (for us) last night.  We have some Moslem neighbors on this street, the house is a big-time gathering place, and they've had quite a crowd, with just about all the males of any age bearing the name of Muhammad.  True.  And it's been Fireworks Central since last Saturday.  Not just little sparklers and such, but some BIG and VERY LOUD ones.  Monday night, they really didn't even get started until around midnight, Sunday night was a bit earlier and Saturday night a bit before that.  Last night, they were going and going and going until well past midnight.  I had occasion yesterday to drive (ride, actually: still having major car trouble) past the big local fireworks distributor.  They had a "buy one, get two free" sale going, and the place was packed.  I can remember when even those little sparklers were banned statewide, and mere possession could get you arrested or at least cited into court.  Now, it's like being on a mortar range.  "Common courtesy" seems to have fallen by the wayside at the same time.

Wife is next door.  With niece.  And my sister-in-law.  They've decided to have a reprise of the "yard sale" that they'd attempted a few weeks ago which led to nasty family squabble.  So they were "setting up" yesterday and today, with the Big Event starting tomorrow morning. All kinds of toys, shoes, clothing from Newborn to "mature" and everything in between, glassware and china, tools, car parts, etc. etc.  I was "volunteered into service to fetch & carry duty.  They're having female-type conversations on the back porch now, and males are not welcome, so I escaped.

Meaning that I'm home, and washing dishes and doing laundry.  Just put the third load in the washer.  Must be some of that "toxic masculinity", "male privilege", or "overarching patriarchy" that the feminazi's regularly inveigh against.  Or something like that.

I see on the news that a body has been found in a local motel, the body evidently in an advanced state of decomposition, such that the investigators had to wear oxygen masks because of the stench.  I have found a body in such a state, and during this time of the year.  The odor is something I don't wish to describe, and wish that I could have forgotten.  I believe that it was only about two weeks ago, perhaps less, that another body (or two) was found in the same low-end motel.  That previous case was attributed to overdose of heavy drugs.
I see on the same news site, a report that a woman overdosed at a local "4th of July" festival not terribly far from here.  She is in the hospital now, having been revived through use of Narcan, but these are just two cases from the last few days.  There are more, and will be more.
When I sometimes refer to the bad behaviors that a loss of hope and no knowledge of the Lord can bring, I have some strong reasons for saying that.  I've seen it, at closer range than I like, and have seen the dead eyes on those still walking around.  Yes, we need revival in our land, and soon too.  All of those who have passed like this, and those on the verge of it, have family, friends (probably) and a past.  Their descent into the grave will affect many others, and for those struggling with hopelessness already, will only add to that.

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Our reading in the Old Testament today is chapters 31 and 32 of Job.
Not to anger the "King James only" crowd, but I want to post this from the Holman Standard Bible version.  I think it's actually better, and certainly is accurate. And, yes, your mileage may vary.

Job 31

1 I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I look at a young woman?
2 For what portion [would I have] from God above, or [what] inheritance from the Almighty on high?
3 Doesn't disaster come to the wicked and misfortune to evildoers?
4 Does He not see my ways and number all my steps?
5 If I have walked in falsehood or my foot has rushed to deceit,
6 let God weigh me with an accurate balance, and He will recognize my integrity.
7 If my step has turned from the way, my heart has followed my eyes, or impurity has stained my hands,
8 let someone else eat what I have sown, and let my crops be uprooted.
9 If my heart has been seduced by [my neighbor's] wife or I have lurked at his door,
10 let my own wife grind [grain] for another man, and let other men sleep with her.
11 For that would be a disgrace; it would be a crime deserving punishment.
12 For it is a fire that consumes down to Abaddon; it would destroy my entire harvest.
13 If I have dismissed the case of my male or female servants when they made a complaint against me,
14 what could I do when God stands up [to judge]? How should I answer Him when He calls [me] to account?
15 Did not the One who made me in the womb also make them? Did not the same God form us both in the womb?
16 If I have refused the wishes of the poor or let the widow's eyes go blind,
17 if I have eaten my few crumbs alone without letting the fatherless eat any of it-
18 for from my youth, I raised him as [his] father, and since the day I was born I guided the widow-
19 if I have seen anyone dying for lack of clothing or a needy person without a cloak,
20 if he did not bless me while warming himself with the fleece from my sheep,
21 if I ever cast my vote against a fatherless child when I saw that I had support in the [city] gate,
22 then let my shoulder blade fall from my back, and my arm be pulled from its socket.
23 For disaster from God terrifies me, and because of His majesty I could not do [these things].
24 If I placed my confidence in gold or called fine gold my trust,
25 if I have rejoiced because my wealth is great or because my own hand has acquired [so] much,
26 if I have gazed at the sun when it was shining or at the moon moving in splendor,
27 so that my heart was secretly enticed and I threw them a kiss,
28 this would also be a crime deserving punishment, for I would have denied God above.
29 Have I rejoiced over my enemy's distress, or become excited when trouble came his way?
30 I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking for his life with a curse.
31 Haven't the members of my household said, "Who is there who has not had enough to eat at Job's table?"
32 No stranger had to spend the night on the street, for I opened my door to the traveler.
33 Have I covered my transgressions as others do by hiding my guilt in my heart,
34 because I greatly feared the crowds, and the contempt of the clans terrified me, so I grew silent and would not go outside?
35 If only I had someone to hear my [case]! Here is my signature; let the Almighty answer me. Let my Opponent compose [His] indictment.
36 I would surely carry it on my shoulder and wear it like a crown.
37 I would give Him an account of all my steps; I would approach Him like a prince.
38 If my land cries out against me and its furrows join in weeping,
39 if I have consumed its produce without payment or shown contempt for its tenants,
40 then let thorns grow instead of wheat and stinkweed instead of barley. The words of Job are concluded.

Job 32

(Elihu's Angry Response)

1 So these three men quit answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2 Then Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite from the family of Ram became angry. He was angry at Job because he had justified himself rather than God.
3 He was also angry at Job's three friends because they had failed to refute [him], and yet had condemned him.
4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were [all] older than he.
5 But when he saw that the three men could not answer Job, he became angry.
6 So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite replied: I am young in years, while you are old; therefore I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know.
7 I thought that age should speak and maturity should teach wisdom.
8 But it is a spirit in man and the breath of the Almighty that give him understanding.
9 It is not [only] the old who are wise or the elderly who understand how to judge.
10 Therefore I say, "Listen to me. I too will declare what I know."
11 Look, I waited for your conclusions; I listened to your insights as you sought for words.
12 I paid close attention to you. Yet no one proved Job wrong; not one of you refuted his arguments.
13 So do not claim, "We have found wisdom; let God deal with him, not man."
14 But Job has not directed his argument to me, and I will not respond to him with your arguments.
15 Job's friends are dismayed and can no longer answer; words have left them.
16 Should I continue to wait now that they are silent, now that they stand [there] and no longer answer?
17 I too will answer; yes, I will tell what I know.
18 For I am full of words, and my spirit compels me [to speak].
19 My heart is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like new wineskins.
20 I must speak so that I can find relief; I must open my lips and respond.
21 I will be partial to no one, and I will not give anyone an [undeserved] title.
22 For I do not know how to give [such] titles; otherwise, my Maker would remove me in an instant.

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Our New Testament reading is verses 1-23 in chapter 13 of the Acts of the Apostles.
(yes, this is from the KJV)

Acts 13:1-23
1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. 5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. 6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: 7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. 10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. 13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. 14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. 15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. 16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. 17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it. 18 And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness. 19 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot. 20 And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. 21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years. 22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. 23 Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:


04 July 2017

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Tuesday, 04 July 2017 otherwise known as INDEPENDENCE DAY!!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!
 Image result for symbols of freedom
 A safe and happy holiday is wished for all, certainly for all who may stop in here.  

We expect to be staying in.  Among other things, most of the parades, etc. have already occurred, and in any event the overheating problem on our 17-year-old vehicle has not been fixed, so we're not going to tempt fate, not on a holiday.
And given the propensity of the local citizenry to engage in HEAVY use of alcohol during these celebratory occasions, with the expected results of vehicular carnage, staying off the roads is probably the smartest move anyway.
When we lived just outside of Knoxville, Tennessee in that 1992-1999 era, there was a wonderful and HUGE fireworks display that would take place every year along the river at the Henley Street bridge.  Wonderful it was, we would take the kids and essentially "tailgate" with thousands of others for the show.  I understand that it doesn't take place any more, which is a shame.  
Other places where we have lived have other events.  The area in western Arkansas where we lived 1999-2004 has what they call a "Freedom Fest" with a 5k run, music and vendors, etc. on the town square all day, and fireworks at dark.  We used to enjoy it greatly.
But with the car situation, Wife's physical state, the drunk drivers about, and no kids of our own to take, as well as the fact that the "private enterprise" fireworks that have been going off in this neighborhood for the last several days have been more than enough for us, we're about satiated with the thing.  
But we hope that others enjoy the occasion.

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The Old Testament reading today is chapters 29 and 30 of the book of Job.
What do  you do when God just doesn't make sense?
Job is faced with that, and many of us have as well.  It's a universal question.  The "that's not FAIR!" cry is often heard from kids, but quite a few adults have at least thought the very same thing.  We somewhat understand it when bad results come from bad behavior.  We have a harder time when the linkage is either invisible or non-existent.  When good conduct, even by Biblical standards, lands us in trouble, and not from the world but, apparently, from the Lord.
Job, like many of us  perhaps, thought he was in good shape all around.  And then his world collapsed around him.   Been there?  I have.  It's an awful place to be.  We know, some of us at least, that the Lord knew a million years before, what would happen, and that it is not necessarily a mark of punishment.  Job's ordeal is a very old example of that, as are the ordeals of the martyrs and of Jesus Himself.  But it's hard to remember that when the alligators are snapping at you.
When we think, "we've got it all covered and under control", things can and sometimes do raise their heads and upset our expectations.


Job 29
1 Moreover Job continued his parable, and said, 2 Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me; 3 When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness; 4 As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle; 5 When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were about me; 6 When I washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil; 7 When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street! 8 The young men saw me, and hid themselves: and the aged arose, and stood up. 9 The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth. 10 The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth. 11 When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me: 12 Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. 13 The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. 14 I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem. 15 I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. 16 I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out. 17 And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth. 18 Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand. 19 My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch. 20 My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand. 21 Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my counsel. 22 After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them. 23 And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain. 24 If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down. 25 I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.


Job 30
1 But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock. 2 Yea, whereto might the strength of their hands profit me, in whom old age was perished? 3 For want and famine they were solitary; fleeing into the wilderness in former time desolate and waste. 4 Who cut up mallows by the bushes, and juniper roots for their meat. 5 They were driven forth from among men, (they cried after them as after a thief;) 6 To dwell in the cliffs of the valleys, in caves of the earth, and in the rocks. 7 Among the bushes they brayed; under the nettles they were gathered together. 8 They were children of fools, yea, children of base men: they were viler than the earth. 9 And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword. 10 They abhor me, they flee far from me, and spare not to spit in my face. 11 Because he hath loosed my cord, and afflicted me, they have also let loose the bridle before me. 12 Upon my right hand rise the youth; they push away my feet, and they raise up against me the ways of their destruction. 13 They mar my path, they set forward my calamity, they have no helper. 14 They came upon me as a wide breaking in of waters: in the desolation they rolled themselves upon me. 15 Terrors are turned upon me: they pursue my soul as the wind: and my welfare passeth away as a cloud. 16 And now my soul is poured out upon me; the days of affliction have taken hold upon me. 17 My bones are pierced in me in the night season: and my sinews take no rest. 18 By the great force of my disease is my garment changed: it bindeth me about as the collar of my coat. 19 He hath cast me into the mire, and I am become like dust and ashes. 20 I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and thou regardest me not. 21 Thou art become cruel to me: with thy strong hand thou opposest thyself against me. 22 Thou liftest me up to the wind; thou causest me to ride upon it, and dissolvest my substance. 23 For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living. 24 Howbeit he will not stretch out his hand to the grave, though they cry in his destruction. 25 Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? was not my soul grieved for the poor? 26 When I looked for good, then evil came unto me: and when I waited for light, there came darkness. 27 My bowels boiled, and rested not: the days of affliction prevented me. 28 I went mourning without the sun: I stood up, and I cried in the congregation. 29 I am a brother to dragons, and a companion to owls. 30 My skin is black upon me, and my bones are burned with heat. 31 My harp also is turned to mourning, and my organ into the voice of them that weep.




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The New Testament reading is chapter 12 of the Acts of the Apostles.
Need an example of occasions when faithfulness to the Lord gets you in trouble?  Here are several.  Again, this is a matter that the "prosperity gospel" preachers on TV generally gloss over, despite a few thousand years' of examples, and many taking place this very day around the world.
And yet, the Lord constantly does those things that a worldly-wise person would think impossible.  Including more than a few in the church, then and now.

Acts 12
1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. 5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. 9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. 11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the LORD hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. 12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. 13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. 14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. 15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. 16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. 17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place. 18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. 19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode. 20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country. 21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. 22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. 23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. 24 But the word of God grew and multiplied. 25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.