“Now gird up your loins like a man; I will ask you, and you instruct Me.  Job 40:7

As we continue to work through the book of Job, Job is in a very bad state of mind right now. He’s been attacked by Satan at all angles, lost his family, his wealth, and now even his health is being attacked. He’s at the point of being suicidal, cursing the day he was born. Job is as low as you can get right now

However God has a strong response for Job “Now gird up your loins like a man”

The term “Gird Up Your Loins” means to prepare and strengthen oneself for what is to come according to dictionary.com

God is telling Job , Stop having a pity party for yourself and get up because I’m about to bless you beyond your comprehension

Even though its natural for us to get down when things are not going well. Its easy to get depressed, anxious, stressed out, and even suicidal. God wants us to remain strong even in the storm. Even when Satan has attacked us from every angle, remember that God is still in control and we have the ultimate victory

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength Philippians 4:13

Remember you are not alone, don’t live in fear and defeated, turn to the One who has created the Heavens and Earth in Jesus Name Amen

Therefore Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?” John 18:33-34
While reading and studying scripture , its important to look at it from a “Jewish” perspective and not a “Gentile” view. When looking at this interaction between Pilate and Jesus, its important to understand the significance of the title “King of The Jews”.

This title is reference to being proclaimed “The Messiah” or “Christ”. The fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophesies where God became flesh and dwelt among us. This is obviously not a light title to claim, as its seen evident by the religious leaders.

So the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews’; but that He said, ‘I am King of the Jews.'” John 19:21

When Pilate ordered the sign “King of The Jews” be nailed on the cross with Jesus, the religious leaders were very upset. If this title had no significance then they wouldn’t have protested it. By Pilate mockingly naming Jesus “King of The Jews” he was actually fulfilling Biblical prophecy and confirming Jesus is The Messiah

Now notice the interaction Jesus has with Pilate, when Pilate asks him “Are you King of The Jews? He doesn’t respond by Yes or No, he asks Pilate “Are you asking on your own”? Jesus wants to know if Pilate actually wanted to know who Jesus is, or if he was just mocking him.

This is another example of Jesus revealing his deity as God in the flesh, and giving even those most wicked people, like Pilate, a chance at salvation

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding, Job 38:4

As we continue our look through the Book of Job, we see Job is still maintaining his innocence and wondering why he is being punished by God. Now as we learned from previous chapters, God is not punishing Job, but allowed Satan to test him. As we know God does not tempt anyone (James 1:13) all sin and evil comes from Satan

However God is getting a little annoyed by Job continually questioning his authority and purpose. I’m sure a lot of us can identify with Job in this situation. Job is currently enduring tremendous loss and suffering and obviously hes going to question God, why is this happening? Most of us usually end up doing this also, whenever things go bad, we have a tendency to blame God instead of the evil one Satan

God answers Jobs bickering and the same answer would probably go to us also. Where were we when God created the Heavens and The Earth? In other words who are we to even question God Almighty? We are like a speck of dust, a vapor in the wind, a  flower that withers away, yet we demand the Creator of the Heavens and Earth to appease us.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10

God is a loving and merciful God, however he deserves our respect and obedience. This is why “Fear of God” is the beginning of wisdom and understanding. Because when we finally shut our blasphemous mouths and finally listen, then we finally will get some wisdom and understanding.

Don’t allow your circumstances to determine your outcome, allow God to show you his power in Jesus Name Amen!

“I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom You have given Me; for they are Yours; John 17:9
Notice Jesus didn’t say he was asking on behalf of the entire world, but on their behalf, meaning Christians. When you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are set apart from the world. The question is , which one are you? Are you a Christian or an Anti-Christ? There is no in-between, you have either accepted Jesus as your Lord or Master or you denied him
The other day I heard someone saying “Why doesn’t God answer my prayers?” Often people like to use God as their personal genie. They deny his righteousness and embrace there sin, yet the want all of God’s blessings and protection. Sin is separation from God, when you refuse to repent your sins and continue to practice them, God can’t be near you
Then the Lord said, “Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote, Isaiah 29:3
People pretend to honor God with their words but their hearts are not clean. Religion can’t save your soul, only the blood of Jesus Christ can. You must repent of your sins, follow Jesus as your Lord and Savior, allow the Holy Spirit to work through you to become a new creature. Otherwise your religion is worthless!