The Daily Dose

He knows what He is doing

_{For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being. ~ Job 12:10}

Job 12 is Job’s powerful response to his friends who claimed to know how God works. He essentially says, “Look around you—everything in creation knows who’s in charge.” Despite all the pain and confusion Job was going through, he boldly declared that God still held everything in His hands.

I remember times in my own life when I thought I had things figured out. Usually, it would be times when things didn’t go the way I wanted them to and like many people do, I blamed God and reasoned that there is no way I could know how things work because God could change the rules at any moment.  There were times in my life when everything seemed to fall apart at once, an unexpected detour, strained relationships, and personal disappointment. I was praying, but I wasn’t hearing answers. I was searching for understanding, but all I had was silence.

Then, one day, I sat outside on the roof of the porch of the apartment below mine with no words left to pray. I sat in stillness and took in the world around me. I looked at the trees swaying in the breeze and the birds moving from branch to branch, completely undistracted by the noise of life happening around them. That’s when I realized that creation is telling the real story. Just as Jobe pointed out in today’s reading: “For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being.”

That moment didn’t solve everything instantly, but it did settle something deep within me.  I knew I could trust that God still knew what He was doing.

You can trust Him too.  If you are struggling today and wondering how you got here, there are some practical things you can do to apply this truth in your life:

1. Spend intentional time outside. Even if it’s just a few minutes, observe how nature operates and the order of God’s created world. Let it remind you that He is also guiding your life.
2. Take inventory of what you can’t control. Write it down and hand it over to God. Job’s declaration wasn’t about having all the answers, it was about surrender and trusting God when he didn’t have the answers.
3. Speak truth even when others question your journey. Like Job, people might assume you’ve done something wrong when life gets hard. Stay grounded in the truth of who God is, not in the opinions of others.
4. Start each day with this short prayer:
   “God, I may not understand everything today, but I trust that Your hand is at work. Help me to see You in the middle of it.”

Here are some steps you can take to get started right now:

• Plan a quiet moment in your schedule this week, step outside, take a walk, or sit near a window.
• Ask God to help you see what Job saw, that His power is present, even when life doesn’t make sense.
• Begin a habit of noticing God in the ordinary. From the breeze in the trees to the sunrise in the morning, let every part of creation remind you that He is still in control.

Today I want to encourage you to remember that God is not absent in the middle of suffering. He is not unaware, and He hasn’t lost control. All of creation testifies to His power and wisdom. If the birds can trust Him to provide and the earth can yield fruit in season, then we too can rest in knowing that our lives are in capable hands.

When answers feel far away and trials feel unfair, lift your eyes to the One who shaped the world with wisdom and holds it together with His power. He’s not done with your story and He’s shaping it for something beautiful.

Today’s scripture reading: Job 12

1Then Job answered and said:

2“No doubt you are the people, and wisdom will die with you!

3But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you. Indeed, who does not know such things as these?

4“I am one mocked by his friends, who called on God, and He answered him, the just and blameless who is ridiculed.

5A lamp is despised in the thought of one who is at ease; It is made ready for those whose feet slip.

6The tents of robbers prosper, and those who provoke God are secure—In what God provides by His hand.

7“But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; And the birds of the air, and they will tell you;

8Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; And the fish of the sea will explain to you.

9Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this,

10In whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?

11Does not the ear test words and the mouth taste its food?

12Wisdom is with aged men, and with length of days, understanding.

13“With Him are wisdom and strength, He has counsel and understanding.

14If He breaks a thing down, it cannot be rebuilt; If He imprisons a man, there can be no release.

15If He withholds the waters, they dry up; If He sends them out, they overwhelm the earth.

16With Him are strength and prudence. The deceived and the deceiver are His.

17He leads counselors away plundered, and makes fools of the judges.

18He loosens the bonds of kings, and binds their waist with a belt.

19He leads princes away plundered, and overthrows the mighty.

20He deprives the trusted ones of speech, and takes away the discernment of the elders.

21He pours contempt on princes, and disarms the mighty.

22He uncovers deep things out of darkness, and brings the shadow of death to light.

23He makes nations great, and destroys them; He enlarges nations, and guides them.

24He takes away the understanding of the chiefs of the people of the earth, and makes them wander in a pathless wilderness.

25They grope in the dark without light, and He makes them stagger like a drunken man.

Journal:

• Where in my life do I need to trust that God’s hand is still at work?
• What is one area I’ve been trying to control that I need to place back in His hands today?
• Write a prayer of surrender and ask God to help you see Him more clearly in everyday moments.

People want to hear

Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”  Acts 9:21

You have a testimony. You have a story that matters. It may not feel dramatic or miraculous to you, but it is powerful because it’s yours. Even if your journey to salvation didn’t involved a life-altering moment like Saul’s encounter on the road to Damascus, your story holds the evidence of God’s grace and the power of His love at work in your life. The truth is that people are hungry to hear it.

Others may not know the peace of mind you now carry or the joy that keeps you steady. They might not understand what it means to be truly free, but when you speak about how Jesus changed your life, something begins to stir. The Holy Spirit takes the seeds of your words and begins to work in the hearts of those who hear.

In Acts 9:20–25, Saul, soon to be known as Paul, immediately began preaching that Jesus is the Son of God. Just days before, he was persecuting believers, and now he was proclaiming the very message he had tried to silence. People were shocked and confused. Some doubted, and others believed. But the impact of his bold testimony spread quickly. His transformation sparked conversations and opened hearts.

You can do the same. Maybe your story doesn’t involve a dramatic turnaround, but if you’ve had a personal encounter with Jesus, if He’s rescued, healed, or walked with you through hard seasons, you have a message the world needs to hear. People don’t just want to know about a God from ancient times; they want to know what He’s doing today and your life is living proof.

Here are some ways you can begin sharing your story:

• Start small. Share with one person, a friend, coworker, or neighbor, something God has done in your life recently. Keep it simple and heartfelt.
• Write it down. Jot down your salvation story or a moment when God came through for you. This will help you clearly communicate it when the opportunity comes.
• Pray for open doors. Ask God to show you who needs to hear your story and to give you the courage to speak when the time comes.
• Let your life speak. Your kindness, joy, and peace speak volumes. When people notice something different about you, they’ll be more open to hearing what makes you different.
• Keep praying. Once you share your story, continue to pray for those who heard it. God is always working, even when you can’t see it.

Today I want to encourage you to not underestimate what God can do through your testimony. Just like Saul’s story changed minds and opened hearts, your story can plant seeds that grow into life-changing encounters with the Lord Jesus. You may not see results right away, but every story told in faith carries eternal weight. Speak boldly and love deeply. Be willing to share what Jesus has done in your life. People want to hear. As you share and pray, trust that God is using your words to bring hope, healing, and salvation to those around you.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 9:20-25

20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.

21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”

22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.

23 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him.

24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him.

25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.

Journal:

• What is one specific way Jesus has impacted your life?
• Write out a short version of your testimony and ask God to show you someone who needs to hear it this week.

You are a disciple

Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”  Acts 9:10

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to be one of Jesus’ apostles in today’s world? How cool would it be to witness miracles, hear God’s voice, and be used in powerful ways like Peter, John, and the others? Maybe you’ve never considered it because you think those extraordinary works were only for those who physically walked with Jesus. But today, I want you to consider something else: the Holy Spirit is still at work and He wants to work through you.

In today’s passage, we meet a man named Ananias. He wasn’t one of the twelve apostles. He wasn’t a church leader or one of the deacons mentioned in Acts 6. Ananias was simply described as “a certain disciple.” He was a follower of Jesus, just like many of us are today.

Yet, God chose him a man of faith, for a remarkable task. The Spirit gave Ananias specific instructions, even the exact street address where he would find Saul (later Paul), who had just encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus and was temporarily blinded. God asked Ananias to go pray for the man who had been known for persecuting believers.

Understandably, Ananias had concerns. He had heard what Saul had done and questioned whether this was really safe. But instead of walking away, he talked with the Lord about it. God assured him that Saul had been chosen for a special mission and that his life was about to take a new direction. With that reassurance, Ananias took a step of faith based on what God told him and he went, laid hands on Saul, and watched as God restored his sight and transformed his life.

What’s powerful is that Ananias didn’t perform a miracle on his own. He simply obeyed God step by step. He trusted the Spirit’s guidance, and God did the rest.

That’s the same kind of life God invites us into today. You don’t need a title or platform. You don’t need to be a preacher, a prophet, or an evangelist. If you are a disciple, someone who follows Jesus, you are available to be part of what God is doing in the world today.

If you do not know how or haven’t followed His direction in a while, here are some points to help get you back on track:

• Start by doing getting into God’s Word and obey what He has already said. The foundation of being a disciple is obedience to His written Word. Start with what’s clear: receive salvation through Jesus, be water baptized, gather regularly with other believers, and grow in grace and truth. When you follow His Word, you position your heart to hear more clearly when He directs you personally.

• Stay connected to God in prayer. Create space to hear from Him. Set aside personal quiet time with Him each day and listen to anything that comes up from your heart.  Until you are sure of His leading, ask Him to make things plain and clear to you.
• Don’t ignore promptings or impressions on your heart, ask God who’s life you can be a part of impacting today.
• When you sense direction, don’t worry about having the full picture. Take the first step and trust God to guide the next.
• Be willing to act even when you feel uncertain. God will meet you with grace, wisdom, and clarity as you go.

You might be surprised by how God leads you. Like Ananias, your obedience could be the turning point in someone else’s story and yours.

Today I want to encourage you that you are not “just” a believer. You are a disciple. You are someone God sees, knows, and calls by name. When He speaks, He speaks to people just like me and just like you, ordinary men and women who are willing to say, “Here I am, Lord.” You don’t have to understand it all or be the most qualified. You just need to be available. If God worked through Ananias to launch the ministry of the Apostle Paul, imagine what He can do through your life when you simply listen and obey.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 9:10-19

10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” and he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.  

12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”

13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”

15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.

16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.

 Journal:

• What is something God may be asking you to do that feels out of your comfort zone?
• Write a prayer asking Him for clarity, courage, and the next step.

Then, write “Here I am, Lord” at the top of the page as a reminder that He can use you today.

Who are you?

“Can you solve the mysteries of God? Can you discover everything about the Almighty? Such knowledge is higher than the heavens—and who are you? ~ Job 11:7-8

All throughout Scripture, we see glimpses, and sometimes great detail of God’s character. One of the best ways to know Him is through His Word. Though we can never fully understand His nature or His ways, He wants us to know the depth of His love for us. He made it so obvious that He wants us to know His love by offering up His only Son, Jesus so we could be reconciled back to Him.

Of course, God is far beyond our human understanding. He wouldn’t be much of a God if we could shrink Him down to fit inside our limited reasoning. His ways are higher, His wisdom is infinite, and His reach has no limit.

In Job 11, Job’s friend Zophar speaks to him in a harsh and judgmental way. He lacks compassion and wrongly assumes that Job’s suffering is a punishment for sin. However, there is one important truth in what Zophar says: God is beyond human understanding. As Zophar states in Job 11:7–8, “Can you solve the mysteries of God? Can you discover everything about the Almighty? Such knowledge is higher than the heavens—and who are you?” His wisdom and power are far greater than anything we can grasp. They reach higher than the heavens and deeper than the underworld. But here’s the beautiful part: even though we’ll never fully understand everything about God, He still invites us to know Him personally. He doesn’t hide Himself from us. Through His Word, His Spirit, and His love, God reveals enough of Himself for us to trust Him, follow Him, and walk in relationship with Him every day.

God’s desire has always been relationship. He created people, not out of need, but out of love. He wanted a family, a people who would walk with Him, trust Him, and live in the power He provides. Through Jesus, He made a way not just for us to be saved, but to be joined to Him, to carry His Spirit and live with His grace working in our daily lives.

Here are some ways you can begin to apply this truth in your life:

1. Acknowledge your limitations.
   Let go of the pressure to figure everything out. Say out loud, “God, You are bigger than my questions. I trust You.”
2. Spend time with His Word.
   Read Scripture not just for answers, but to know the heart of the One who wrote it. Start with Job 11, Psalms 139, or John’s Gospel.
3. Pray with honesty.
   You don’t have to have fancy words. Just talk to Him. Tell Him what’s hard to understand and ask for peace, not always answers.
4. Look for His activity in your day.
   Pause throughout your routine and notice the ways God may be showing up, in provision, a kind word, a quiet moment of strength.
5. Live with confidence in His greatness.
   You may not know what tomorrow holds, but you know the One who does. That assurance gives courage, even when the future feels uncertain.

Today I want to encourage you that even though You may never have all the answers, and that’s okay. God didn’t ask us to solve every mystery, He asks us to trust Him. When Zophar asked, “Who are you?” (Job 11:8), the question wasn’t just about Job’s knowledge, it was a reminder of how small we are compared to God’s vastness. But here’s the powerful truth: even though we are small, we are seen, known, and watched over by our loving heavenly Father.

So, who are you?
You are a child of God. You are someone He created on purpose, for purpose. You are not forgotten. You are invited into a deeper walk with the God whose wisdom is beyond measure, but whose love is always within reach. When you feel overwhelmed or uncertain, remember that the One who holds the universe is holding you. You don’t have to know how it will all work out, you only need to know who He is, and that He is good!

Today’s scripture reading: Job 11

1 Then Zophar the Naamathite replied to Job:

2 “Shouldn’t someone answer this torrent of words? Is a person proved innocent just by a lot of talking?

3 Should I remain silent while you babble on? When you mock God, shouldn’t someone make you ashamed?

4 You claim, ‘My beliefs are pure,’ and ‘I am clean in the sight of God.’

5 If only God would speak; if only he would tell you what he thinks!

6 If only he would tell you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom is not a simple matter.

Listen! God is doubtless punishing you far less than you deserve!

7 “Can you solve the mysteries of God? Can you discover everything about the Almighty?

8 Such knowledge is higher than the heavens—and who are you?

It is deeper than the underworld—what do you know?

9 It is broader than the earth and wider than the sea.

10 If God comes and puts a person in prison or calls the court to order, who can stop him?

11 For he knows those who are false, and he takes note of all their sins.

12 An empty-headed person won’t become wise any more than a wild donkey can bear a human child.

13 “If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer!

14 Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you.

15 Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear.

16 You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away.

17 Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning.

18 Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety.

19 You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help.

20 But the wicked will be blinded. They will have no escape. Their only hope is death.”

Journal:

• Where in your life are you trying to figure things out on your own instead of trusting God’s greater wisdom?
• Write a prayer surrendering those areas to Him and thank Him for being far greater than anything you face.

No Pain, No gain

“My soul loathes my life; I will give free course to my complaint, I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. ~ Job 10:1

When I was young, my mom used to say, “No pain, no gain.” I didn’t understand what she meant at the time. It sounded harsh and didn’t really stick with me, until life brought me face to face with pain that felt unbearable.

There have been seasons when my heart hurt so deeply that I wished I could take it out and kick it away from me, just to make the pain stop. I remember questioning why God gave me emotions in the first place. Why did He create me with the ability to feel so deeply, especially when that meant experiencing hurt, disappointment, and heartbreak?

But in those raw, honest moments, the Holy Spirit gently reminded me: If we didn’t feel pain, we wouldn’t be able to fully experience joy, love, and happiness. The valleys in life help us treasure the mountaintops. The bitter makes the sweet even sweeter.

That’s when it truly clicked and I really began to understand: You can’t have victory without a battle. You can’t grow stronger without struggle. The greater the struggle, the greater the victory.

In Job 10, we hear the raw cry of a man who had lost everything, his health, his wealth, and his family. But Job’s greatest battle wasn’t just with his circumstances, it was with his emotions. He wrestled with grief, confusion, despair, and even anger toward God. He couldn’t make sense of the suffering he was enduring, and his heart was full of questions. Job wasn’t afraid to say what he felt. His soul was bitter, and he let his pain pour out in his words. Still, in the middle of all that emotional turmoil, he never turned away from God. His willingness to bring his full self, feelings and all, into conversation with the Lord shows us that God desires relationship even in our lowest moments.

Even in his pain, Job acknowledged God’s role in forming him, preserving him, and caring for him at one time. Though confused and hurting, Job was still speaking to God.  He knew that was where he would find answers and he knew it was the only place to get peace.

Here are some practical steps you can take when you are struggling:

1. Let yourself feel.
   Don’t bottle up your pain. Give yourself permission to grieve, question, and even lament, just like Job did. God can handle your honesty.
2. Take your pain to God.
   Job didn’t just vent to people, he brought his complaint to the Lord. In your pain, keep praying, even if your words are raw and messy.
3. Look for growth in the struggle.
   Ask God to help you see what He’s developing in you. Is it patience? Compassion? A deeper trust in Him? Ask Him to show you how He is turning that situation to bring something good from it.
4. Reach out for support.
   Pain can isolate us, but healing often happens in community. Find a trusted friend, mentor, or counselor to walk with you through it.
5. Reflect on past victories.
   Remember times when God carried you through before. Let those memories fuel your hope for what He’ll do again.

Pain is not pointless. Even when it feels overwhelming, it’s producing something in you. Strength. Endurance. Compassion. Faith. Job didn’t know how his story would end, but we do. God restored him and gave him double what he had before (Job 42:10).

Today I want to encourage you to consider that you may not see the gain right now, but God is working even in what hurts. Every tear you cry, every prayer you whisper, and every step you take through the valley is shaping you into someone who shows His glory. You will come out stronger. Wiser. Deeper in faith. The pain you endure today can produce the greatest victory you have ever had when you get it into God’s hands.

Today’s scripture reading: Job 10

1 “I am disgusted with my life. Let me complain freely. My bitter soul must complain.

2 I will say to God, ‘Don’t simply condemn me, tell me the charge you are bringing against me.

3 What do you gain by oppressing me? Why do you reject me, the work of your own hands, while smiling on the schemes of the wicked?

4 Are your eyes like those of a human? Do you see things only as people see them?

5 Is your lifetime only as long as ours? Is your life so short

6 that you must quickly probe for my guilt and search for my sin?

7 Although you know I am not guilty, no one can rescue me from your hands.

8 “‘You formed me with your hands; you made me, yet now you completely destroy me.

9 Remember that you made me from dust—will you turn me back to dust so soon?

10 You guided my conception and formed me in the womb.

11 You clothed me with skin and flesh, and you knit my bones and sinews together.

12 You gave me life and showed me your unfailing love. My life was preserved by your care.

13 “‘Yet your real motive—your true intent—

14 was to watch me, and if I sinned, you would not forgive my guilt.

15 If I am guilty, too bad for me; and even if I’m innocent, I can’t hold my head high, because I am filled with shame and misery.

16 And if I hold my head high, you hunt me like a lion and display your awesome power against me.

17 Again and again you witness against me. You pour out your growing anger on me and bring fresh armies against me.

18 “‘Why, then, did you deliver me from my mother’s womb? Why didn’t you let me die at birth?

19 It would be as though I had never existed, going directly from the womb to the grave.

20 I have only a few days left, so leave me alone, that I may have a moment of comfort

21 before I leave—never to return—for the land of darkness and utter gloom.

22 It is a land as dark as midnight, a land of gloom and confusion, where even the light is dark as midnight.’”

Journal:

• What painful moment in your life has God used or is He using to shape and grow you?
• Write out a prayer of honesty like Job’s.
• Let it be your reminder that no pain is wasted in the hands of your Redeemer.

God is not the One missing it

If someone wanted to take God to court, would it be possible to answer him even once in a thousand times? ~ Job 9:3

It’s amazing how quickly people are willing to blame God when things don’t go the way they hoped or prayed. I have heard many people say, “I guess it just wasn’t God’s will,” when they start something new and things don’t go as smoothly as they had hoped.  They make it sound like God randomly withholds blessings or ignores sincere requests. Like He makes everything up as we go through life instead of already having a plan in place. It amazes me that God gets the blame and that people rarely consider that they might be the one who missed it. All too often we forget to consider the role we play in outcomes. Could it be that we missed a step? Maybe we never asked for God’s plan in the first place. Maybe we prayed from assumption rather than from faith grounded in His Word?

Instead of seeking God’s heart and getting His direction first, we sometimes treat prayer like a last resort, hoping He’ll bless a path we’ve already chosen. But faith doesn’t operate in uncertainty. Faith requires a promise. And we find those promises by getting in the Word and spending quiet time with God daily. When we do, we’ll begin to sense His direction more clearly. Our prayers will then line up with His word and with His will, and our hearts become sensitive to where He’s already moving.  His desires become our desires.

Rather than aimlessly wandering through life and bumping into obstacles, we can invite God to make our path plain. We can pray, “Lord, open my eyes to where You’re leading. If I’m not walking in step with Your will, change my heart. Help me to desire what You’ve already planned for me.” God isn’t trying to withhold His best from you, He’s trying to get you to the best path He’s already laid out.

In today’s scripture reading, Job acknowledges a powerful truth: If we were to take God to court, He wouldn’t be the one found in the wrong. Not because He bulldozes His will over us, but because He never breaks His Word. He is consistent, just, and faithful, even when we don’t understand His ways. He’s not confused, absent, or distracted. His plan is perfect, even if our understanding is incomplete. When things don’t turn out the way we wanted, it’s not because God failed, it’s often because we didn’t fully tune in to what He was saying in the first place.

Here’s how to get started:

• Spend daily quiet time with God – Just 10-15 minutes reading Scripture and praying can tune your heart to His.
• Ask for clarity before you act – Don’t move on major decisions without seeking confirmation in prayer and God’s Word.
• Find a verse to stand on – Anchor your faith to a promise from God’s Word. Don’t just pray in general, pray on purpose.
• Be open to correction – Let God show you if you’re off course, and respond with humility instead of blame.

Today I want to encourage you to remember that God hasn’t forgotten you. He’s not playing a guessing game with your life. His path is already prepared and your life is already planned. Your role is to walk out that plan with Him. The more time you spend with the Designer, the more clearly you’ll see the design. Don’t be afraid to admit where you’ve missed it. That’s not failure, that’s humility and maturity. Let today be the day you get in tune with His purpose, knowing that His plan is better than anything you could try to make happen on your own.

Today’s scripture reading: Job 9

1 Then Job spoke again:

2 “Yes, I know all this is true in principle. But how can a person be declared innocent in God’s sight?

3 If someone wanted to take God to court, would it be possible to answer him even once in a thousand times?

4 For God is so wise and so mighty. Who has ever challenged him successfully?

5 “Without warning, he moves the mountains, overturning them in his anger.

6 He shakes the earth from its place, and its foundations tremble.

7 If he commands it, the sun won’t rise and the stars won’t shine.

8 He alone has spread out the heavens and marches on the waves of the sea.

9 He made all the stars—the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the southern sky.

10 He does great things too marvelous to understand. He performs countless miracles.

11 “Yet when he comes near, I cannot see him. When he moves by, I do not see him go.

12 If he snatches someone in death, who can stop him? Who dares to ask, ‘What are you doing?’

13 And God does not restrain his anger. Even the monsters of the sea are crushed beneath his feet.

14 “So who am I, that I should try to answer God or even reason with him?

15 Even if I were right, I would have no defense. I could only plead for mercy.

16 And even if I summoned him and he responded, I’m not sure he would listen to me.

17 For he attacks me with a storm and repeatedly wounds me without cause.

18 He will not let me catch my breath, but fills me instead with bitter sorrows.

19 If it’s a question of strength, he’s the strong one. If it’s a matter of justice, who dares to summon him to court?

20 Though I am innocent, my own mouth would pronounce me guilty. Though I am blameless, it would prove me wicked.

21 “I am innocent, but it makes no difference to me— I despise my life.

22 Innocent or wicked, it is all the same to God. That’s why I say, ‘He destroys both the blameless and the wicked.’

23 When a plague sweeps through, he laughs at the death of the innocent.

24 The whole earth is in the hands of the wicked, and God blinds the eyes of the judges. If he’s not the one who does it, who is?

25 “My life passes more swiftly than a runner. It flees away without a glimpse of happiness.

26 It disappears like a swift papyrus boat, like an eagle swooping down on its prey.

27 If I decided to forget my complaints, to put away my sad face and be cheerful,

28 I would still dread all the pain, for I know you will not find me innocent, O God.

29 Whatever happens, I will be found guilty. So what’s the use of trying?

30 Even if I were to wash myself with soap and clean my hands with lye,

31 you would plunge me into a muddy ditch, and my own filthy clothing would hate me.

32 “God is not a mortal like me, so I cannot argue with him or take him to trial.

33 If only there were a mediator between us, someone who could bring us together.

34 The mediator could make God stop beating me, and I would no longer live in terror of his punishment.

35 Then I could speak to him without fear, but I cannot do that in my own strength.

 Journal:

• 
  Where in your life have you been praying for something without first seeking God’s plan?
• Write down one area where you want to hear His direction clearly.
• Then ask Him to reveal a promise in His Word you can anchor your faith to and listen with expectation.

Grace over Guilt

He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. ~ Job 8:21

Sometimes it’s easy to see where others are missing it. You can notice the mess, the compromise, the poor choices and want to speak up. But the real question is: how to speak up? And even more importantly to consider is, should you speak up?

God’s grace is always the real answer. When we go to Him in prayer before we go to people with correction, we are able to get clear direction and come into agreement with His heart. As we pray for those who are struggling or straying, He brings supernatural wisdom at just the right time and in just the right way. What comes from prayer is usually laced with compassion and clarity, not condemnation.

But then there’s the other side of the story, when someone comes to you to point out where you’re missing it. Ouch. That’s not easy either. No one likes to be told they’re wrong. And sadly, when correction is delivered with pride or judgment, it rarely draws people closer to God. Instead, it heaps guilt, breeds resentment, and causes people to retreat into solitude.

In today’s reading, Bildad, one of Job’s friends tells Job that surely his children died because of their sin and that if Job were more upright, God would have already restored everything. While some of his words contain partial truth, God does honor integrity, and prayer is powerful, but Bildad’s delivery misses the heart of God.

Bildad assumes he knows what God is doing, and he offers a harsh and oversimplified explanation for deep suffering. That kind of response isn’t comforting or helpful.  In most cases, it’s harmful. It reduces grace to a transaction and turns the pain into punishment.

Here are some simple ways you can apply this message into your own life:

1. When others are struggling:

• Start with prayer. Ask God to soften your heart before speaking.
• Wait on God’s timing. His wisdom always comes with peace.
• Lead with love, not judgment. Correction should always lift, not crush.

2. When someone corrects you:

• Pause and pray before reacting. Even if the delivery wasn’t perfect, ask God to show you if there’s any truth in it.
• Resist guilt and condemnation. God’s conviction draws you toward Him, never pushes you away.
• Lean into grace. Remember that you are not defined by your worst moments. God is still writing your story.

Start today by following this steps:

• Spend 5–10 minutes in quiet prayer, asking God to help you see others through His eyes and to see yourself through His grace.
• Make a list of people you’re tempted to “fix.” Commit to praying for them this week before offering advice.
• If someone has corrected you recently, ask God to help you process it with humility, not shame. Be willing to grow.

Today I want to encourage you to not be like Bildad by trying to explain God’s ways through human reasoning.  Instead remember that grace doesn’t follow formulas. Grace sees the heart. Grace meets us in our mess. Grace restores what’s broken in ways that blame never can. God isn’t looking for perfection, He’s looking for those who will seek Him. Whether you’re the one giving the word or receiving it, remember: God’s ways are redemptive, not condemning. He desires to restore your joy, your purpose, and your peace. Lean into grace today. Let Him do the supernatural work in His perfect timing.

Today’s scripture reading: Job 8

1 Then Bildad the Shuhite replied to Job:

2 “How long will you go on like this? You sound like a blustering wind.

3 Does God twist justice? Does the Almighty twist what is right?

4 Your children must have sinned against him, so their punishment was well deserved.

5 But if you pray to God and seek the favor of the Almighty,

6 and if you are pure and live with integrity, he will surely rise up and restore your happy home.

7 And though you started with little, you will end with much.

8 “Just ask the previous generation. Pay attention to the experience of our ancestors.

9 For we were born but yesterday and know nothing. Our days on earth are as fleeting as a shadow.

10 But those who came before us will teach you. They will teach you the wisdom of old.

11 “Can papyrus reeds grow tall without a marsh? Can marsh grass flourish without water?

12 While they are still flowering, not ready to be cut, they begin to wither more quickly than grass.

13 The same happens to all who forget God. The hopes of the godless evaporate.

14 Their confidence hangs by a thread. They are leaning on a spider’s web.

15 They cling to their home for security, but it won’t last. They try to hold it tight, but it will not endure.

16 The godless seem like a lush plant growing in the sunshine, its branches spreading across the garden.

17 Its roots grow down through a pile of stones; it takes hold on a bed of rocks.

18 But when it is uprooted, it’s as though it never existed!

19 That’s the end of its life, and others spring up from the earth to replace it.

20 “But look, God will not reject a person of integrity, nor will he lend a hand to the wicked.

21 He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.

22 Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, and the home of the wicked will be destroyed.”

Journal:

• Am I quicker to correct others than to pray for them?
• Have I been resisting correction or growth because of pride or fear?
• Where in my life do I need to stop assigning blame and start receiving grace?

Make Every Day Count

 My days fly faster than a weaver’s shuttle. They end without hope. ~ Job 7:6

No matter your age or stage in life, you’ve probably come to realize just how quickly time passes. If you’re just stepping into adulthood, it may feel like high school was only yesterday. If you’re in the grandparenting season, it likely feels like just a moment ago that your own children came into the world. Time doesn’t slow down, it just slips by, especially when we’re distracted or discouraged. Even the longest, hardest days, those we wish would just be over, are often forgotten in the rearview mirror of life.

In Job 7, we see Job in deep despair. He is worn down by suffering, disillusioned by the injustice of it all, and overwhelmed by the seemingly endless stretch of painful days. His words are raw and honest. He describes his life as fleeting and hopeless, likening it to a weaver’s shuttle that flies by and is gone. He feels examined, tested, and misunderstood by God. His sense of time isn’t just about speed, it’s about significance. “What are people, that you should think so much of us?” (v.17). Job wonders if his suffering has any meaning.

But even in his pain, there’s a sobering truth in verse 18:

“For You examine us every morning and test us every moment.”

Every day is a test, a chance to decide whether we’ll give into bitterness or lean into belief. Whether we’ll complain or continue. Whether we’ll live for ourselves or live for eternity. Even when life is confusing and heavy, God is watching, refining, and inviting us to make this short life count every step of the way.

Here are some ways we can make our days count and not let them waste away:

1. Start with perspective.

Time is a gift, and you only get so much of it. Before you check your phone or scroll your feed, check in with God. Thank Him for the day ahead and ask Him to help you live it with purpose. Try starting your day with this short prayer:
“Lord, help me to see today through Your eyes and live it for Your glory.”

2. Make small intentional choices.

The eternal significance of your life is built on everyday moments:

• Instead of numbing your mind with TV or social media, take 10 minutes to read Scripture or journal.
• Call a friend and speak life into them.
• Choose to forgive or speak kindly, even when it’s hard.
• Ask, “How can I serve someone else today?”

3. Recognize every day as a test.

Job reminds us that life includes moments of testing. Not to harm us, but to reveal what’s in our hearts and shape our faith.

• When you feel impatient, pause and ask, “What is this moment testing in me?”
• When you’re discouraged, say, “This is hard, but I will not lose hope. God is still at work.”
• Let trials draw you closer, not further, from your purpose.

4. Focus on what outlasts today.

Our days are numbered, but the impact of our faith, words, and love will outlast us. Don’t just live for comfort, live for legacy.

Today I want to encourage you that even though Job’s words are heavy, they remind us that we’re not alone when we feel worn out, discouraged, or forgotten. God sees. God tests. And God redeems. Even in the hardest seasons, you can make each day count by living intentionally, focusing on what matters most, and allowing God to work through even your weakest moments. Your time may feel like it’s flying, but every moment surrendered to Him is never wasted.

You only get one life, make it count for eternity.

Today’s scripture reading: Job 7

1 “Is not all human life a struggle? Our lives are like that of a hired hand,

2 like a worker who longs for the shade, like a servant waiting to be paid.

3 I, too, have been assigned months of futility, long and weary nights of misery.

4 Lying in bed, I think, ‘When will it be morning?’ But the night drags on, and I toss till dawn.

5 My body is covered with maggots and scabs. My skin breaks open, oozing with pus.

6 “My days fly faster than a weaver’s shuttle. They end without hope.

7 O God, remember that my life is but a breath, and I will never again feel happiness.

8 You see me now, but not for long. You will look for me, but I will be gone.

9 Just as a cloud dissipates and vanishes, those who die will not come back.

10 They are gone forever from their home— never to be seen again.

11 “I cannot keep from speaking. I must express my anguish. My bitter soul must complain.

12 Am I a sea monster or a dragon that you must place me under guard?

13 I think, ‘My bed will comfort me, and sleep will ease my misery,’

14 but then you shatter me with dreams and terrify me with visions.

15 I would rather be strangled—rather die than suffer like this.

16 I hate my life and don’t want to go on living. Oh, leave me alone for my few remaining days.

17 “What are people, that you should make so much of us, that you should think of us so often?

18 For you examine us every morning and test us every moment.

19 Why won’t you leave me alone, at least long enough for me to swallow!

20 If I have sinned, what have I done to you, O watcher of all humanity?

Why make me your target? Am I a burden to you?

21 Why not just forgive my sin and take away my guilt? For soon I will lie down in the dust and die. When you look for me, I will be gone.”

 Journal:

• What is one area of my life where I’ve been wasting time or missing purpose?
• How can I invite God into that area today so I can make it count for Him?
• What would it look like for me to pass today’s “test” well?

We should pray          

Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.  Acts 9: 1-2

Can you imagine being hunted or targeted simply for your faith in Jesus? What if you had to live in hiding, constantly looking over your shoulder, unsure if soldiers would burst through your door because you dared to speak about God’s love? It’s hard to fathom. Most of us have never faced that level of persecution, but for the early Christians in the book of Acts, it was a terrifying reality.

In today’s passage, Saul, before his conversion, was actively seeking out believers, dragging them from their homes and imprisoning them simply because they followed Jesus. It’s a disturbing image. Even after Saul’s radical encounter with the Lord Jesus, many Christians were understandably hesitant to accept him. The very man who had once hunted them was now claiming to be one of them. It took great faith and discernment for believers like Ananias to trust God’s work in Saul’s life and welcome him as a brother.

Saul’s transformation is a powerful reminder of God’s ability to change hearts no matter how hardened or hostile they may seem. This is good news, especially as we look around at our world today. There are still places where believers are persecuted, where just saying the name of Jesus can lead to imprisonment or worse. Right now, the nation of Israel is under constant threat, surrounded by enemies and under attack. While we live in a nation where we are blessed with many freedoms, we cannot forget those who live in daily fear and turmoil.

Let today’s passage stir your heart, not just with gratitude for your own safety, but with compassion and urgency for others. We may not be able to fully understand the fear many live with, but we can pray.

Here are some things you can do to help the spread of Christianity around the world:

1. Pray for the persecuted church – Ask God to strengthen and protect believers around the world who are under threat and that they bold witness would reach the nations of the world.
2. Pray for Israel – Stand in the gap for peace, wisdom, and divine protection over the land and people.
3. Pray for your enemies – Just like Saul, no one is beyond God’s reach. Ask Him to reveal His love even to those who oppose His truth.
4. Be thankful – Be thankful for the freedom to worship and share your faith openly.
5. Stay alert – Be ready and willing to follow God’s lead in praying, giving, or going when He calls you to take a step of faith.

Today I want to encourage you to remember that God is still in the business of transforming lives and turning enemies into ambassadors of His grace. The same power that stopped Saul on the Damascus Road is at work today. Your prayers matter. Your faithfulness matters. Let your response to this world be rooted not in fear or frustration, but in intercession. We don’t have to live in fear of the enemy because we stand on the side of victory.

Take time today to pause and intercede for those who don’t have the same freedom you do. Ask God to raise up modern-day Sauls who will become Paul’s. People radically transformed by His love and truth.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 9:1-9

1 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest

2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.

4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”

Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.

8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.

9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

 Journal:

• Who is someone (or a group of people) I’ve seen as an “enemy” that I can begin to pray for today?
• What might God want to change in my heart through that prayer?

He makes it all fit

Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. ~ Acts 8:39

 You probably have a busy schedule. In today’s world, most people are stretched to their limits with activities, obligations, and endless to-do lists. My life is no different, between meetings, appointments, ministry, and family, I often wonder how I’ll fit everything into a single day.

Yet, in the middle of the hustle, there are moments when I sense a nudge to reach out to someone or help someone who may be struggling. I’ll be honest: I haven’t always been quick to respond. I’ve thought, “How can I possibly fit this in?” or “Maybe tomorrow when things slow down.” But the truth is, those gentle nudges are the voice of the Holy Spirit. And now that I understand that, I don’t want to miss those moments. When those opportunities come, I now pause and pray, “Lord, empower me to do what You’re asking, and help everything else fall into place and fit into the day” And He does it. Supernaturally.

In today’s reading, Philip was in the middle of ministry when God redirected him to a desert road. He didn’t know why, he just obeyed. There, he met a man searching the scriptures, and that moment led to the man’s salvation and baptism. As soon as Philip’s assignment was complete, the Holy Spirit carried him away to the next location. God made sure Philip was right where he needed to be, on time and in purpose.

God is still doing the same today. When you say yes to Him, even when it doesn’t seem to “fit” into your day, He moves things around in ways you could never do on your own. Your obedience opens the door for someone else’s breakthrough, as well as your schedule? God can stretch time in ways that make room for His plan and your responsibilities.

Below are a few ways you can implement this truth into your life:

1. Start your day with surrender. Before you check your calendar, ask God to guide your day and lead you to divine appointments.
2. Respond to nudges quickly. When someone comes to mind, send the text, make the call, or say the prayer. Delayed obedience can be a missed opportunity.
3. Pray for supernatural time management. Literally ask God to help you do more with the time you have. You’ll be amazed how things fall into place.
4. Keep margin in your schedule. Don’t overfill every hour.  Lave space to hear from God to interrupt with purpose.

Today I want to encourage you that you don’t have to carry the pressure of fitting everything into your day, especially when you’re following God’s lead. Just like Philip, your obedience can be the answer to someone else’s prayer. And just like Philip, God will take care of getting you where you need to go, right on time. He’s not asking you to do more; He’s inviting you to do what matters most.

So today, trust Him to make it all fit. Your calendar may feel full, but when your heart is open to God’s voice, you’ll always have room for His purpose.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 8:26-40

26 Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert.

27 So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship,

28 was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet.

29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.”

30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him.

32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,

So He opened not His mouth.

33 In His humiliation His justice was taken away, and who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.”

34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?”

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.

36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”

37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”

And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.

39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.

40 But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.

Journal:

• What’s one area of your life where you feel overloaded?
• Write a prayer asking God to help you surrender your schedule and trust Him to make it all fit.