October 22
Today’s Reading: Job 11–12, Acts
Scripture Focuses
“Shouldn’t someone answer this torrent of words? Is a person proved innocent just by a lot of talking? Should I remain silent while you babble on? When you mock God, shouldn’t someone make you ashamed?”
Job 11:2–3 NLT
“If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to Him in prayer! Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you.”
Job 11:13–14 NLT
“People who are at ease mock those in trouble. They give a push to people who are stumbling.”
Job 12:5 NLT
“For the life of every living thing is in His hand, and the breath of every human being… But true wisdom and power are found in God; counsel and understanding are His.”
Job 12:10, 13 NLT
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Reflection
Wow—with friends like this, who needs enemies?
Can you imagine losing everything—your possessions, your children—and then being struck with a painful disease? And in that brokenness, your friend calls your prayers babbling.
It’s true that when we sin, we should repent. But this wasn’t the case with Job. God Himself called him a man of integrity—whole, faithful, and upright. God took notice of that kind of character and was pleased with him.
Zophar assumed Job’s suffering meant guilt, but Job’s response showed something deeper: he already knew God. He said, “I know these things too.” Job knew God’s sovereignty and power; he just couldn’t see why this was happening.
Then Job said something that exposes human nature: “People who are at ease mock those in trouble.” How true that is. When we’re comfortable, we can easily judge others’ pain instead of showing compassion. Pride blinds, and comfort can harden hearts. That’s why we need our new nature in Christ—a heart that feels what God feels, that lifts up instead of pushes down.
And yet, the second part of this story is even more powerful: Job’s strength. He was the one in pain, yet he stood firm and refuted his friend’s false accusations. That kind of faith isn’t formed overnight—it’s built over years of worship, prayer, and time spent with God at the altar. Job’s strength flowed from his history with God.
When the storm came, his relationship with God became his anchor. His words weren’t just knowledge—they were testimony.
⸻
Lesson for Me
Job teaches me two things that matter deeply:
1.Don’t be like Zophar. Don’t assume, don’t judge, and don’t use “religious” words without compassion.
2.Be like Job. Let my strength come from knowing God long before the trial hits.
Integrity isn’t built in the storm; it’s revealed there. The secret to Job’s strength was his walk with God before the suffering began—a life rooted in worship, reverence, and trust.
I want that kind of faith—the kind that knows God so well that when I’m misunderstood, I don’t crumble. Instead, I rest in the truth that He knows me.
When others misjudge me or when life hurts, may I still speak truth with grace, anchored in the One who holds my life and breath in His hands.
⸻
Application Questions
•Do I respond with prayer and compassion when others are suffering, or do I rush to judge?
•What does my relationship with God look like before the storms come?
•How can I spend more time “at the altar” now—building a foundation that will hold in hard times?
•Who in my life might need encouragement instead of correction today?
⸻
Prayer 🙏
Lord, thank You for Job’s example of integrity and strength. Help me walk closely with You now, so when trials come, my faith will not fail. Keep me from pride and teach me to respond with the heart of Christ—gentle, patient, and full of mercy.
Let my wisdom come not from what I think I know, but from truly knowing You.
Anchor me in Your truth, and let every word I speak reflect Your love.
Amen.
⸻
🕊 Journaling Reminder
Sit quietly with Jesus. Ask Him what He wants to strengthen in you through this passage—what needs to change, or what He’s affirming. Write down what He shows you and thank Him for meeting you there.
Today’s Reading: Job 11–12, Acts
Scripture Focuses
“Shouldn’t someone answer this torrent of words? Is a person proved innocent just by a lot of talking? Should I remain silent while you babble on? When you mock God, shouldn’t someone make you ashamed?”
Job 11:2–3 NLT
“If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to Him in prayer! Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you.”
Job 11:13–14 NLT
“People who are at ease mock those in trouble. They give a push to people who are stumbling.”
Job 12:5 NLT
“For the life of every living thing is in His hand, and the breath of every human being… But true wisdom and power are found in God; counsel and understanding are His.”
Job 12:10, 13 NLT
⸻
Reflection
Wow—with friends like this, who needs enemies?
Can you imagine losing everything—your possessions, your children—and then being struck with a painful disease? And in that brokenness, your friend calls your prayers babbling.
It’s true that when we sin, we should repent. But this wasn’t the case with Job. God Himself called him a man of integrity—whole, faithful, and upright. God took notice of that kind of character and was pleased with him.
Zophar assumed Job’s suffering meant guilt, but Job’s response showed something deeper: he already knew God. He said, “I know these things too.” Job knew God’s sovereignty and power; he just couldn’t see why this was happening.
Then Job said something that exposes human nature: “People who are at ease mock those in trouble.” How true that is. When we’re comfortable, we can easily judge others’ pain instead of showing compassion. Pride blinds, and comfort can harden hearts. That’s why we need our new nature in Christ—a heart that feels what God feels, that lifts up instead of pushes down.
And yet, the second part of this story is even more powerful: Job’s strength. He was the one in pain, yet he stood firm and refuted his friend’s false accusations. That kind of faith isn’t formed overnight—it’s built over years of worship, prayer, and time spent with God at the altar. Job’s strength flowed from his history with God.
When the storm came, his relationship with God became his anchor. His words weren’t just knowledge—they were testimony.
⸻
Lesson for Me
Job teaches me two things that matter deeply:
1.Don’t be like Zophar. Don’t assume, don’t judge, and don’t use “religious” words without compassion.
2.Be like Job. Let my strength come from knowing God long before the trial hits.
Integrity isn’t built in the storm; it’s revealed there. The secret to Job’s strength was his walk with God before the suffering began—a life rooted in worship, reverence, and trust.
I want that kind of faith—the kind that knows God so well that when I’m misunderstood, I don’t crumble. Instead, I rest in the truth that He knows me.
When others misjudge me or when life hurts, may I still speak truth with grace, anchored in the One who holds my life and breath in His hands.
⸻
Application Questions
•Do I respond with prayer and compassion when others are suffering, or do I rush to judge?
•What does my relationship with God look like before the storms come?
•How can I spend more time “at the altar” now—building a foundation that will hold in hard times?
•Who in my life might need encouragement instead of correction today?
⸻
Prayer 🙏
Lord, thank You for Job’s example of integrity and strength. Help me walk closely with You now, so when trials come, my faith will not fail. Keep me from pride and teach me to respond with the heart of Christ—gentle, patient, and full of mercy.
Let my wisdom come not from what I think I know, but from truly knowing You.
Anchor me in Your truth, and let every word I speak reflect Your love.
Amen.
⸻
🕊 Journaling Reminder
Sit quietly with Jesus. Ask Him what He wants to strengthen in you through this passage—what needs to change, or what He’s affirming. Write down what He shows you and thank Him for meeting you there.