📖 Oct 24
Today’s Reading: Job 15; Acts 19–20
⸻
Scripture Focus (Job 15)
“Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied: ‘A wise man wouldn’t answer with such empty talk! You are nothing but a windbag. The wise don’t engage in empty chatter. What good are such words? Have you no fear of God?’”
— Job 15:1–4 NLT
⸻
Reflection
Are these really Job’s friends?
I asked this question because the way these three friends are treating Job—they sure seem more like enemies than friends. And yet, they were his friends… at least at first.
Yes—Eliphaz is one of Job’s three friends.
•Eliphaz the Temanite – the oldest and most experienced of the three. He speaks first (Job 4–5, 15, 22). His tone is “spiritual,” claiming his insight came from a vision, but he still wrongly accuses Job of hidden sin.
•Bildad the Shuhite – speaks next (Job 8, 18, 25). He bases his arguments on tradition—what the ancestors taught.
•Zophar the Naamathite – speaks last (Job 11, 20). He is the harshest, assuming Job deserves even worse.
They started out sitting with Job in silence—a beautiful act of compassion. But somewhere along the way, compassion turned into criticism. Instead of comforting Job, they began to correct him. Their words wounded more than they healed.
⸻
What Is a True Friend?
Scripture gives us a clear picture:
•“A friend loves at all times.” — Proverbs 17:17
•“There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” — Proverbs 18:24
•“Two are better than one… if one falls, the other can help him up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
A true friend doesn’t assume the worst; they walk with you through the valley. They pray first, speak gently, and point you to Jesus instead of pointing fingers.
⸻
Lesson for Me
A true friend loves at all times—through pain, misunderstanding, and even silence. If I’m a true friend, I won’t rush to fix or explain someone’s suffering. Instead, I’ll stay near, pray for them, and remind them of God’s faithfulness when they forget it themselves.
A true friend listens before speaking, prays before advising, and carries another’s burden with compassion. That’s the kind of friend Jesus is to me—and the kind I want to be to others.
And even here, I’m reminded—I can’t love or comfort others well without the help of the Holy Spirit. He’s the One who gives me the patience, wisdom, and grace to be that kind of friend.
⸻
📖 Acts 19–20
Scripture Focus:
“‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ he asked them.
‘No,’ they replied, ‘we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’
Paul said, ‘John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.’
As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied. … So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.”
— Acts 19:2, 4–6, 20 NLT
⸻
Reflection
Paul’s ministry in Ephesus shows what happens when believers live and serve in the power of the Holy Spirit. The people had already believed in Jesus, but they had not yet received the fullness of the Spirit’s power. When Paul laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came—and everything changed.
There are three distinct works of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life:
1.Drawn by the Spirit – The Spirit is the One who first calls us to Jesus. “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.” (John 6:44)
2.Indwelt by the Spirit – When we receive Christ, the Spirit takes residence in our hearts. “Having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” (Ephesians 1:13)
3.Empowered by the Spirit – This is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” (Acts 1:8)
This power isn’t for show—it’s for witness. It gives boldness to live for Jesus, to resist sin, and to fulfill God’s calling.
When Paul preached under this anointing, lives were transformed, idols were abandoned, and the entire city felt the impact. “The message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.” (Acts 19:20)
That same Holy Spirit is still moving today—drawing, filling, and empowering every believer who yields to Him.
⸻
Lesson for Me
Today, what I need most is the power of the Holy Spirit.
I don’t want to respond to anything in my flesh—I want to respond the way God desires, through His Spirit.
The Holy Spirit gives me hope when situations make me sad and faith when life feels heavy. He reminds me of God’s promises—
that He will not withhold any good thing from me,
that He turns all things around for my good,
and that His strength is made perfect in my weakness.
Even being a true friend is the work of the Holy Spirit in my life.
His role is everything—He empowers, comforts, teaches, and transforms me from the inside out.
The Holy Spirit also gives me power to share the gospel—to speak boldly for Christ. That is the most important purpose of this power: to advance the kingdom of God. I must get out of myself and ask, “Lord, how can You use me today to share Jesus with someone?”
I’m not without help, and I’m not without power.
Through the Holy Spirit, I can stand strong, walk by faith, and trust Jesus today.
⸻
Application
Ask yourself:
•Am I living in the power of the Holy Spirit or relying on my own strength?
•Do I invite the Holy Spirit into my daily decisions and relationships?
•Have I asked the Lord to baptize me afresh with His Spirit today?
•Is my life showing the same powerful effect that comes from walking closely with Him?
•Who can I share Jesus with today?
⸻
🙏 Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to live in me and empower me. Fill me again today with Your power and presence. Help me to respond in the Spirit, not in the flesh—to love when it’s hard, to forgive quickly, and to speak words that give life. Strengthen my faith, renew my hope, and let my life reflect the same power that spread through Ephesus. Use me today to share Jesus with someone who needs to know Your love. In Your name, Amen.
⸻
🕊️ Journaling Reminder
Sit quietly before the Lord and ask the Holy Spirit to fill every part of your heart. Write down what He reveals about areas where you’ve relied on your own strength instead of His. Listen for His encouragement—He wants to empower you to walk in victory and boldness today.
⸻
🌿 Takeaway
The Holy Spirit’s power changes everything—He gives strength to stand, faith to believe, courage to speak, and hope to keep going.
Today’s Reading: Job 15; Acts 19–20
⸻
Scripture Focus (Job 15)
“Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied: ‘A wise man wouldn’t answer with such empty talk! You are nothing but a windbag. The wise don’t engage in empty chatter. What good are such words? Have you no fear of God?’”
— Job 15:1–4 NLT
⸻
Reflection
Are these really Job’s friends?
I asked this question because the way these three friends are treating Job—they sure seem more like enemies than friends. And yet, they were his friends… at least at first.
Yes—Eliphaz is one of Job’s three friends.
•Eliphaz the Temanite – the oldest and most experienced of the three. He speaks first (Job 4–5, 15, 22). His tone is “spiritual,” claiming his insight came from a vision, but he still wrongly accuses Job of hidden sin.
•Bildad the Shuhite – speaks next (Job 8, 18, 25). He bases his arguments on tradition—what the ancestors taught.
•Zophar the Naamathite – speaks last (Job 11, 20). He is the harshest, assuming Job deserves even worse.
They started out sitting with Job in silence—a beautiful act of compassion. But somewhere along the way, compassion turned into criticism. Instead of comforting Job, they began to correct him. Their words wounded more than they healed.
⸻
What Is a True Friend?
Scripture gives us a clear picture:
•“A friend loves at all times.” — Proverbs 17:17
•“There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” — Proverbs 18:24
•“Two are better than one… if one falls, the other can help him up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
A true friend doesn’t assume the worst; they walk with you through the valley. They pray first, speak gently, and point you to Jesus instead of pointing fingers.
⸻
Lesson for Me
A true friend loves at all times—through pain, misunderstanding, and even silence. If I’m a true friend, I won’t rush to fix or explain someone’s suffering. Instead, I’ll stay near, pray for them, and remind them of God’s faithfulness when they forget it themselves.
A true friend listens before speaking, prays before advising, and carries another’s burden with compassion. That’s the kind of friend Jesus is to me—and the kind I want to be to others.
And even here, I’m reminded—I can’t love or comfort others well without the help of the Holy Spirit. He’s the One who gives me the patience, wisdom, and grace to be that kind of friend.
⸻
📖 Acts 19–20
Scripture Focus:
“‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ he asked them.
‘No,’ they replied, ‘we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’
Paul said, ‘John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.’
As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied. … So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.”
— Acts 19:2, 4–6, 20 NLT
⸻
Reflection
Paul’s ministry in Ephesus shows what happens when believers live and serve in the power of the Holy Spirit. The people had already believed in Jesus, but they had not yet received the fullness of the Spirit’s power. When Paul laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came—and everything changed.
There are three distinct works of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life:
1.Drawn by the Spirit – The Spirit is the One who first calls us to Jesus. “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.” (John 6:44)
2.Indwelt by the Spirit – When we receive Christ, the Spirit takes residence in our hearts. “Having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” (Ephesians 1:13)
3.Empowered by the Spirit – This is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” (Acts 1:8)
This power isn’t for show—it’s for witness. It gives boldness to live for Jesus, to resist sin, and to fulfill God’s calling.
When Paul preached under this anointing, lives were transformed, idols were abandoned, and the entire city felt the impact. “The message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.” (Acts 19:20)
That same Holy Spirit is still moving today—drawing, filling, and empowering every believer who yields to Him.
⸻
Lesson for Me
Today, what I need most is the power of the Holy Spirit.
I don’t want to respond to anything in my flesh—I want to respond the way God desires, through His Spirit.
The Holy Spirit gives me hope when situations make me sad and faith when life feels heavy. He reminds me of God’s promises—
that He will not withhold any good thing from me,
that He turns all things around for my good,
and that His strength is made perfect in my weakness.
Even being a true friend is the work of the Holy Spirit in my life.
His role is everything—He empowers, comforts, teaches, and transforms me from the inside out.
The Holy Spirit also gives me power to share the gospel—to speak boldly for Christ. That is the most important purpose of this power: to advance the kingdom of God. I must get out of myself and ask, “Lord, how can You use me today to share Jesus with someone?”
I’m not without help, and I’m not without power.
Through the Holy Spirit, I can stand strong, walk by faith, and trust Jesus today.
⸻
Application
Ask yourself:
•Am I living in the power of the Holy Spirit or relying on my own strength?
•Do I invite the Holy Spirit into my daily decisions and relationships?
•Have I asked the Lord to baptize me afresh with His Spirit today?
•Is my life showing the same powerful effect that comes from walking closely with Him?
•Who can I share Jesus with today?
⸻
🙏 Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to live in me and empower me. Fill me again today with Your power and presence. Help me to respond in the Spirit, not in the flesh—to love when it’s hard, to forgive quickly, and to speak words that give life. Strengthen my faith, renew my hope, and let my life reflect the same power that spread through Ephesus. Use me today to share Jesus with someone who needs to know Your love. In Your name, Amen.
⸻
🕊️ Journaling Reminder
Sit quietly before the Lord and ask the Holy Spirit to fill every part of your heart. Write down what He reveals about areas where you’ve relied on your own strength instead of His. Listen for His encouragement—He wants to empower you to walk in victory and boldness today.
⸻
🌿 Takeaway
The Holy Spirit’s power changes everything—He gives strength to stand, faith to believe, courage to speak, and hope to keep going.