October 26
Today’s Reading: Job 17; Acts 24–26
Scripture Focus
“My spirit is broken; I am ready to give up. My life is almost gone; the grave is waiting for me. God, give me some support. No one else will!”
—Job 17:1, 3 (ERV)
“This man is a troublemaker. He causes trouble with the Jews everywhere in the world. He is a leader of the Nazarene group.”
—Acts 24:5 (ERV)
“These men cannot prove the things they are saying against me now.”
—Acts 24:13 (ERV)
“They made many serious charges against him, but they could not prove anything. Paul defended himself, saying, ‘I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law, against the Temple, or against Caesar.’”
—Acts 25:7–8 (ERV)
“Paul said, ‘I am standing at Caesar’s judgment seat now. This is where I should be judged. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, and you know it.’”
—Acts 25:10 (ERV)
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Reflection
Job and Paul lived in completely different times, yet their experiences echo the same truth—both were falsely accused, misunderstood, and attacked by those who claimed to know God. Job’s friends misjudged his suffering; Paul’s accusers twisted his mission.
Behind both situations was the same enemy. Satan used people’s words and assumptions to wear them down, to silence truth, and to destroy faith. But their faith stood firm because it was real—rooted in their love for the living God.
Job honored God even when everything was taken from him. Paul kept preaching Jesus even when imprisoned and on trial. The battle was not against people; it was spiritual. The same is true for us.
“For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world.” —Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
When the enemy comes in through lies, discouragement, or accusations—whether whispered to our minds or spoken through others—we must remember who our Defender is.
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Lesson for Me
When the enemy attacks, I will not let fear or anger rule me. Like Job and Paul, I will hold my ground in truth. God knows my heart and will vindicate me in His time.
•Job’s faith endured pain and silence.
•Paul’s faith endured chains and trials.
•Both trusted that God sees, knows, and will act justly.
I will go to God first, let His Word quiet my heart, and trust Him to fight for me.
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.”
—Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV)
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Application Questions
•When have I felt falsely accused or misunderstood?
•How can I respond with faith instead of frustration?
•What truths about God’s character strengthen me in unfair situations?
•What Scriptures remind me that God is my Defender?
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🙏 Prayer
Lord, when accusations rise and the enemy tries to wear me down, help me to stand firm in Your truth. Strengthen my spirit when I feel broken like Job. Give me boldness like Paul to keep living for You no matter what others say. Thank You that You are my Defender, my Refuge, and my Righteous Judge. Amen.
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🕊️ Journaling Reminder
Sit quietly with Jesus. Ask Him to show you what He wants to strengthen in you when opposition comes—what truth He wants you to hold on to when the enemy tries to discourage or accuse.
Today’s Reading: Job 17; Acts 24–26
Scripture Focus
“My spirit is broken; I am ready to give up. My life is almost gone; the grave is waiting for me. God, give me some support. No one else will!”
—Job 17:1, 3 (ERV)
“This man is a troublemaker. He causes trouble with the Jews everywhere in the world. He is a leader of the Nazarene group.”
—Acts 24:5 (ERV)
“These men cannot prove the things they are saying against me now.”
—Acts 24:13 (ERV)
“They made many serious charges against him, but they could not prove anything. Paul defended himself, saying, ‘I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law, against the Temple, or against Caesar.’”
—Acts 25:7–8 (ERV)
“Paul said, ‘I am standing at Caesar’s judgment seat now. This is where I should be judged. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, and you know it.’”
—Acts 25:10 (ERV)
⸻
Reflection
Job and Paul lived in completely different times, yet their experiences echo the same truth—both were falsely accused, misunderstood, and attacked by those who claimed to know God. Job’s friends misjudged his suffering; Paul’s accusers twisted his mission.
Behind both situations was the same enemy. Satan used people’s words and assumptions to wear them down, to silence truth, and to destroy faith. But their faith stood firm because it was real—rooted in their love for the living God.
Job honored God even when everything was taken from him. Paul kept preaching Jesus even when imprisoned and on trial. The battle was not against people; it was spiritual. The same is true for us.
“For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world.” —Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
When the enemy comes in through lies, discouragement, or accusations—whether whispered to our minds or spoken through others—we must remember who our Defender is.
⸻
Lesson for Me
When the enemy attacks, I will not let fear or anger rule me. Like Job and Paul, I will hold my ground in truth. God knows my heart and will vindicate me in His time.
•Job’s faith endured pain and silence.
•Paul’s faith endured chains and trials.
•Both trusted that God sees, knows, and will act justly.
I will go to God first, let His Word quiet my heart, and trust Him to fight for me.
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.”
—Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV)
⸻
Application Questions
•When have I felt falsely accused or misunderstood?
•How can I respond with faith instead of frustration?
•What truths about God’s character strengthen me in unfair situations?
•What Scriptures remind me that God is my Defender?
⸻
🙏 Prayer
Lord, when accusations rise and the enemy tries to wear me down, help me to stand firm in Your truth. Strengthen my spirit when I feel broken like Job. Give me boldness like Paul to keep living for You no matter what others say. Thank You that You are my Defender, my Refuge, and my Righteous Judge. Amen.
⸻
🕊️ Journaling Reminder
Sit quietly with Jesus. Ask Him to show you what He wants to strengthen in you when opposition comes—what truth He wants you to hold on to when the enemy tries to discourage or accuse.