Slavery, What the New Testament Has to Say on the Subject!

Reading Response Paper #2: The Book of Philemon

Wendy Glidden

HUM-114A-ON15-SU15: New Testament- Block 1

Professor: Dr. Lee

Colorado Christian University: College of Adult and Graduate Studies

May 23, 2015

We are told in our reading of Gundry that “Philemon became a Christian through Paul” (Gundry, pg 454). As brothers in Christ, they must have enjoyed a close relationship. We are also told that there were no church buildings for the early Christians to meet in, so the church meetings were held in individual homes. Since we learn in our reading that Philemon actually had a house church where Paul taught, one can assume they were close brothers in Christ who respected one another and loved one another greatly due to these verses:

[1] Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, [2] and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: (Philemon 1:1-2, NASB)

[7] For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. (Philemon 1:7, NASB)

[9] yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you, since I am such a person as Paul, the aged and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus. (Philemon 1:9, NASB)

On one hand, Paul points out that he could order Philemon to do as he wishes and on the other hand he points out that he loves and respects Philemon as a brother in Christ and with that being said, instead of ordering, he appeals to his understanding of the message of grace alone. Paul makes it clear in his opening that Philemon is more than just a believer of Christ; he is listed also as a worker. These combined verses speak very highly of a mutually respectful friendship.

It is clear in Paul’s letter that he believes Onesimus’ conversion to Christ changes the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus as more than simply master and slave. He even suggests the possibility that the reason Onesimus left the service of Philemon was all a part of God’s greater plan. Now instead of Onesimus being nothing more than a slave to Philemon, he is returning as a beloved brother in Christ:

[15] For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, [16] no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. (Philemon 1:15-16, NASB)

Seeing how Philemon and Paul were close brother’s in Christ, there is little room for doubt concerning where Paul stood on the subject of masters and slaves; no matter what position one held in life, when you were committed to Christ, everything you did, how you worked, how you treated others, it all was in obedience to the Lord, not man.

A quick read of several verses makes it clear that those who were slaves prior to being called are in essence freedmen while now being Christ’s slave. It is also just as clear how masters were to treat their slaves. These are a few of the verses Paul wrote through various letters regarding the relationship between master and slaves in general:

For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave. (1 Corinthians 7:22, NASB)

Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. [23] Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men, [24] knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. (Colossians 3:22-24, NASB)

Masters, grant your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven. (Colossians 4;1, NASB)

[5] Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of your heart as to Christ; [6] not by way of eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. (Ephesians 6:5-6, NASB)

[9] And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

When it comes to slaves and masters that find themselves in the position to minister to others, Paul makes it adamantly clear that in order to not have both doctrine and God spoken against, we must be respectful of one another, regardless of social position. (1 Timothy 6:1-2)

Paul also writes about the way that bondslaves are to behave toward their masters in his short letter to Titus. When you consider the ultimate truth; that we are to love one another as we love ourselves, it makes it impossible to deny how we are to behave towards one another, earthly slave and master alike. Without demanding that Philemon forgive Onesimus, Paul insinuates as a follower of Christ this should be a given on the part of Philemon. To ensure that there are no hard feelings between the two, Paul himself offers to reimburse Philemon any debt he may feel he is owed by Onesimus while also reminding Philemon that due to Paul’s teaching, he himself has gained more than he could ever lose and in essence is truly owed nothing:

[18] But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account; [19] I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand, I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self as well). (Philemon 1:18-19, NASB)

I truly think that Paul is quite a clever writer. He sends Onesimus back to Philemon with this letter knowing that as Philemon reads it, his heart will be softened in multiple ways. Not only will he have to accept Onesimus as a brother in Christ, he is most likely going to put him to work helping Paul as requested. How could he deny the very one who has risked his own life to share the good news with Philemon and so many others?

This letter certainly does not uphold slavery as an institution and at the same time it doesn’t really point to its demise. I think it highlights the truth that in this world, some of us are slaves and some of us are masters; some of us are employees and some of us are the bosses. Some of us have financial and material blessings and some of us depend on the kindness of strangers, and a few of us have been blessed to have walked in several of these shoes. No matter what our earthly position turns out to be, our role in this life is truly the same. We are to treat each other with kindness, love and respect always knowing that in the end we truly serve the same Master in heaven. In that respect, one could say that we are bondservants to Christ, even if we are considered to be free in man’s eyes.

When it comes to how I will apply what I have learned in both my ministry and my social life regarding this particular session, things have not really changed. For longer than I can remember, I have had the mindset that I don’t work or serve men alone. While I do love praise from my boss or my teachers, in the long run, all I do in this life, I do for the LORD.

When it comes to how I intend to treat others in the world, both through my ministry which in all honesty flows over into my social life, I am drawn to this Scripture:

[31] “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. [32] All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; [33] and He will put the sheep on His right and the goats on the left. [34] “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. [35] For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; [36] naked, and you clothed Me, I was sick, and you visited Me, I was in prison, and you came to Me’. [37] Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give you something to drink? [38] And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? [39] When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ [40] The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’

The only thing missing from this Scripture is forgiveness of transgressions. Paul makes it clear that this is something we should be willing to do for our Father in heaven has done as much for us. Since we are children of God, we should behave as Him. My favorite Scripture regarding forgiveness is this one:

[21] Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” [22] Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:21-22, NASB)

Christ is my LORD and Savior. He loves all of us. Much like Paul, I consider myself His bondservant. Therefore, I intend to serve Him all my days with all my heart, mind and soul, in all ways possible.

References

The MacArthur Study Bible, 2006, John MacArthur, Thomas Nelson Publishing

A Survey of the New Testament, 2012, Robert H. Gundry, Zondervan

Breaking Chains!

Today is fantastically fun filled friends and family Friday. I named it friends and family so that my focus would be on everyone. I have friends that don’t see themselves as my brother or sister in Christ. In my mind they just haven’t had their eyes opened to the truth yet. This world is loud. It is so overwhelming and fast and full of crap in all reality that most of us have never sat still long enough to have heard God speak to them, yet He speaks to all of us in one way or another.

No one is without excuse we are told within God’s word. He chases us. He has given us daily evidence of his existence, yet so many refuse to acknowledge him on a daily basis and many refuse to acknowledge him at all! I prefer to show where in God’s word I find such things. This truth can be found in the Book of Romans in the New Testament:

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities ~ his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:20 (NIV)

Once we come to know who we are in Christ, we should feel compelled to share the gospel, this gift of pure freedom, with everyone we come across. We need to share the love of God with the world, allowing His light to shine through us as we are also advised to do in God’s Word:

No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. ~ 1 John 4:12 (NLT)

God gave us the greatest gift a father could give His children. He allotted us free will. FREE WILL. This means we are FREE to choose how we want to live. I think a lot of people run from the Word of God because they don’t want to live according to the instructions laid out in His Word.

In religion, much like the Pharisees in the past, our teachers pound the law in hopes of changing the behavior of their followers. Christ taught by example. He lived the law. He also expounded the law and the so called teachers hated him for it. Why you may ask? Well because they enjoyed their positions. They enjoyed their power. Power can be quite a dangerous thing. I am certain all of us have witnessed those in authoritive positions that abuse their power.

What I love about reading God’s Word is that I understand that there is nothing I can do or say that will save me. It is not by works that I am saved, it is by grace through faith! Nothing more!

For it is by grace you have been saved through faith ~ and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God ~ not by works, so that no one can boast. ~ Ephesians 2:8-9

This morning on my way to an artist friend I met in jail, I was praying over several friends, binding the powers of Satan under the authority of Christ. I was mentally breaking chains and fervently praying in the Spirit. Visually I saw a hand that was cuffed to a chain, much like one would be found if they were in shackles and I was waving the sword of the spirit. The vision was so bold I questioned if I was to draw it and I even went as far as to ask God if he was going to give me another talent! When I shared this vision with the friend I was going to see, she said, “Get out of here!” She had just drawn something close to what I described to her!

I know without a doubt that she has been placed in my life for a purpose. Tracy is someone I met during my infamous 17 days in jail. She is also the one I mentioned in a previous blog and as of today she is who I have asked to be my maid of honor when Mike and I officially tie the knot in the eyes of the world.

I have called Mike my husband ever since we said our vows in front of only God. We had been together for one year and I was actually still legally married to someone else who had left me for another woman. I actually went to God and sought His blessing. This is the one and only person I have ever gone to God over when it comes to the matters of the heart. It is why I have gone to God over my relationship with Mike again and again.

Recently I became a member of New Hope Ministries. I desperately want to go back into the jail and minister to women. However, New Hope requires those in leadership positions to walk the VERY Narrow road. This brings me to Mike and I. While I consider him my husband in every way, the government and the world would not see it that way. Much like getting baptized after you accept Christ is a signal to the world that you are dedicated to the Lord, getting officially married under man’s laws will signal to the world where Mike and I stand in regards to one another.

I am not sure when the wedding will take place as we have talked about doing this literally for years but have never made the next step. I promise to keep you all in the loop. As I know, you will know. Honestly, I don’t know where I will be from day to day. That is part of what makes life an adventure!

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:14 (NIV)

While we can make plans, for the most part, we are not to worry about tomorrow. We are just meant to live each moment to the fullest. Be blessed my friends and my sisters and brothers in Christ and remember to be a blessing to all that cross your path!

Wendy, walks with God, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2015

Growing Your Faith

It is Fantastically Fun Filled Friends and Family Friday!! Can I get a whoop whoop?!? I recently finished reading my third book from beginning to end. It is the first time I have had the pleasure of doing that. I proofed and edited the chapters and still found errors I had missed in my first proof. It does not take away from the story and I found myself saying, "WOW!" as I finished the last page.

It is pretty cool when you find yourself captured and your faith growing as you read your own story. I guess its one way you know that you truly allowed God to write it.  I am in the process of notifying my publisher of the minor errors I found in print today and they should be taken care of quickly for the final print and any orders off Amazon over the weekend. I truly pray that word of this particular book gets out. I think by reading all three one's faith would surely grow by leaps and bounds and even the way you look at things will shift and all for the good. I am super excited to watch the words for my next book 'In the Midst of Spiritual Warfare' to fall on the paper. By encouraging others I have blessed myself 10 fold :D I truly get Paul's desire to encourage and share the good news. With that being said, here is a little something written by Paul. Taken out of Colossians, Chapter 1, beginning at verse 17:

17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation[g] under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Have you ever wondered if you are 'good enough' to get into heaven? Have you ever questioned how you could have an abundant life? If you answered yes to either question, I highly encourage you to check out my third book: You are Worthy Too: Angels, Answers, Signs and Wonders. I guarantee it will change your outlook. After you read it, share it. Should you love it, buy my other two books and keep your eyes open for my next book that will be out before summers end!

I like to share songs in many of my blogs but some of my readers cannot hear or watch them due to the device they are using at the time. Today I heard this song on my way to work, it is sung by Sara Groves and I think the title is 'The first song that I sing' ~ anyway, I love the melody as well as the message. These are the lyrics:

In the morning when I rise
Help me to prioritize
All the thoughts that fill my day

Before my schedule
Tells me that my day is full
Before I'm off and on my way

I want to praise you
I need to praise you
Let the first song that I sing
Be praises to my God and King

Before the curtains part
Before my day is starting
Before I make up the bed

Before the snooze alarm
Reminds me that it's morning
Before the dreams have left my head

I want to praise You
I need to praise You
Let the first song that I sing
Be praises to my God and King
(Praise the Lord, Praise Him)
(Praise the Lord, Praise)

Before my feet hit the floor, I'll praise you Lord, I'll praise you Lord
Before I fill my cup, I'll lift you up, I'll lift you up
Before I start my day, I'll sing Your praise, I'll sing Your praise
Before I start my car, before I get too far....

I want to praise You
I need to praise You, oh
Let the first song that I sing
Be praises to my God and King
(Praise the Lord, Praise Him)
The first song that I sing be praises..
Let the frst song that I sing be praises..
(Praise the Lord, Praise )
Let the first song that I sing
Be praises to my God and King

(First song that I sing)
Sing your praise to the Lord
(First song that i sing)
Come on everybody
(First song that I sing)

First song that I sing be praises..
(First song that I sing)
Come on everybody
First song that I sing be praises..
(First song that I sing)
Let the first song that I sing
Be praises to my God and King
(Stand up and sing come on, Hallelujah)
Let the first song that I sing be praises..
Come on everybody
(First song that I sing)

(Come on sing, sing, sing)
Before my feet hit the floor 
(Come on sing, sing, sing)
I am going to praise you Lord
(Come on sing, sing, sing)
First song that I sing
(First song that I sing)
(Come on sing...)
First song that I sing
(First song that I sing)
(Sing, sing, sing)
(Praise the Lord)
(First song that I sing)
(Come one sing, sing, sing)
(Praise the Lord)
(Praise the Lord)
(Come on sing..)
(Sing, sing, sing...)

Below for those who can listen and watch, here is her music video as well!

In the mean time, be blessed and be a blessing,

Wendy Glidden, walks with God, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2014

Super Silly Sing Song Saturday! Are you Smiling?

K-Loves Encouraging word on Saturday 7/20/2013

Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live.

~ Psalm 119:144, NLT 

Good afternoon everyone! I usually don't do much with my blog or my facebook groups on Saturday. I made a promise to my children that the weekends are for family not business. We do the needed mundane daily chores of course, but we focus mainly on God and enjoying our time together as during the week we don't get quality time. 

Many of you have seen various posts about Fantastically Fun-Filled Family Friday, but I have yet to title a blog titled Super Silly Sing Song Saturday! Today that changes! 

My 5 year old starts school this year and I was looking for her birth certificate when I ran across the school box. You know, that box that you put really rememberable things from your child's school years in. I had forgotten about the poem and creative writing folder I had created for Travis when he began the second grade a few years ago. It was the first time as a parent I had been assigned with homework when receiving my child's information packet for the next school year. 

In the sealed packet that Travis brought home was a letter from his  2nd grade teacher. Inside was a request for a decorated binder for creative writing. The instructions asked for us to create it in a way that would inspire our child with ideas they could write short stories about. 

It was my desire to have Travis remember all the fun things we did together as a family. It seemed back then he focused more on what he had not been able to do rather than reflect on the good times. This just made me try to get him to lighten up even more! When he used to get mad at me, I would sing this song to him:

Travis, it's a travesty.
Why are you so Mad At me?
I don't know what I did
You're just a little kid
Travis, it's a travesty.

Sometimes the song worked, other times it did not. The funniest Travis moment for me was when he was in kindergarten. He went in the morning and in the afternoon he ran calls with me. One day we ran home between school and my first estimate that afternoon only to discover Mike and the other children were not home and they had left the play room in shambles. I stopped short and exclaimed, "Travis! It's a travesty." He looked up at me as serious as a kid can and as he shook his head he said, "Oh no it's not!" He exclaimed, "It's a Marrisaty, a Marieity or a Michaelty but it is NOOOOOO travesty."  I laughed so hard I was on the floor in absolute stitches over it. You know what they say about "Out of the mouths of babes"!

When it came to this assignment, I thought long and hard about what might inspire Travis to find the silver lining in situations. I was drumming up ideas to help him find laughter in life. I wanted to provide him with a way to remember all the fun we had had that summer. I began with going through the pictures I had taken over the last year. Then, as I sometimes am, I was inspired to include a poem for him. Travis loves to build and create things and I thought if I gave him an idea of what he could do with pictures and words he might really enjoy learning how to express himself this way. 

So here I am 4 years later looking for Delilah's Birth certificate and I stumbled upon this: 

Reading, writing and arithmetic.

School is fun when you're not sick.

I won the award for going home first.

But being sick is the worst!

This summer I did a lot of stuff.

I still told my mom it was not enough!

I went camping and swimming and to the fair!

I had my mom shave off my hair!

I made a toolbox and rode a train!

I played outside in the rain!

I learned how to swim on my own!

Over the summer how I've grown!

I went down a water slide at Forest Pool

And jumped off the diving board ~ Very Cool

My grandma took me to the Zoo!

There was still so much I wanted to do!

I rode on a jet ski and got lost on the lake!

A map sure would have been wise to take!

Everywhere I went I would meet a new friend!

I wish that the summer was not at the end!

But the seasons they come and they go.

With each passing month I continue to grow.

With determination, I will learn something each day.

And with the spirit of childhood I will continue to play!

Good Luck in the 2nd Grade, Love Mom

2009-2010

There is a reason I renamed the weekends as well as the days of the week. I am sure I am not alone as the only parent who realizes being a parent is hard. You deal with little personalities and trust me many trials and tribulations over the years. I find focusing on Jesus not only helps me be a better person, it helps me be a better parent. It was in the process of me trying to renew my mind daily that I renamed the days of the week.

On Saturday I am reminded that singing praises helps my attitude when the house is falling apart. I try to remember to smile and remain calm through the chaos and to pray for help with what to say. I still find myself calling for order at times in a manner that is louder than I would care to admit, but I'm flesh. I'm human. The difference is I hear the holy spirit convicting me of my righteousness and I am reminded of who I am in Christ. I am sure I will be better at staying calm and getting order faster as well as softer over the next year. I know this will happen for daily I renew my mind with God's word. 

Today I encourage you to take the time to enjoy your family, your parents, your children, your friends and your loved ones. Live life abundantly. Enjoy the good times and be there for each other always. One of the best sounds in the world is laughter. 

Have a Super Silly Sing Song Saturday Everyone! On a side note here is the link to some children stories I wrote back when my oldest two were my only two! http://storiesiwrote4mychildren.blogspot.com/

If you find one you like, share it with others you think might enjoy them too. Have a blessed day everyone!

Father, today I pray that parents strive to pay attention to the wisdom you have shared through your word. I pray more parents share you with their children. I know helping my children build their relationship with you is the best gift I can provide them with. I pray I get better at parenting and encouraging. I am off to enjoy the day you have blessed me with. May the world take the time to smell the flowers, bask in your Love and learn more about You and Your promises so that they share the good news with their children as well as all they know. May we all enjoy more laughter.  In Jesus name I pray! Amen.

Wendy, Mom of many.

© Wendy Glidden 2013

Bad Things Happen to Good People!

Wild Wacky Wonderful Wednesday! Thank you Father for stations like K-Love and Moody Radio. Stations that cause my heart to leap with joy. Songs that hit home so close at times I find myself crying through my joy. Tears of Joy. I shed them more now than ever. I don't really know how I let the evil one trick me for so long. Me! I consider myself somewhat intelligent! How did I not recognize what was going on? I know the answer to that question now. I never got into The Word of God. I did not have a bible close by and I certainly did not go out of my way to pick one up. On the few occasions I did take a peak, I was checking out the last book. Revelations. Man was I ever missing out!

It's no wonder those that hear about Jesus and all He did for the first time get so excited. The gospels are awesome but the book of Acts, Romans and Hebrews are mind blowing. They are get up on your feet and get excited about life books. I am getting ready to find and go through "The Romans Study". If you want to know who you are in Christ, I've been told this is the study to do! Let me know if you are interested in doing this study as well. I think if you've been reading self help books this may just be the best one yet! What do you have to lose? Way less than you have to gain!

This week I have been under attack at every turn. My car broke down. I have not made it home before 9:30 either night. Does not leave much time to be still! Regardless last night I was trying to find the verse in the bible in Isaiah regarding honesty. I had heard a lesson on Moody Radio. It had to do with not destroying the city should God could find one honest man. Forgive me for I know not who was talking on Moody nor the program I was on. I think it was the financial one. The topic was honesty. This man said there were over 100 accounts in the bible where honesty is mentioned.  I did not find the one in Isaiah quickly, so I flipped to the back of my bible to see if there were verses listed under Honesty. I found only 3 listed in my bible and one of them happened to be in Job. I don't know why I get so drawn into Job but this is the second time I have gone to look something up in that particular book and have found myself reading chapters of it. I can almost hear Job. I have yelled out at the Heavens in such a manner and it makes me smile a little. Just knowing that I am not the first to get angry at God for my never ending trials. Particularly what I read last night. I brought my bible with me . . . let me find it.

I just have to type it out. It is so awesome. I am in my large print MacArthur Study Bible, Job, Chapter 6 & 7 in its entirety:


Job is a hard book for many. We struggle with the thought that God does not always leap in to rescue us from something. Prior to Chapter 6 and 7, Job's Friends suggest that the Innocent Do Not Suffer, therefore they assume that Job must have done something truly awful. Chapter 6 is Job speaking to his friends and chapter 7 he is directing his words to God!

With that being said, Let's Jump into the Book of Job, Chapter 6:

The Chapter Heading is: Job's Friends Are No Help!

Then Job answered, "Oh that my grief were actually weighted
and laid in the balances together with my calamity!
For then it would be heavier than the sand of the seas;
Therefore my words have been rash.
For The arrows of the Almighty are within me,
Their poison my spirit drinks;
The terrors of God are arrayed against me.
Does the wild donkey bray over his grass,
Or does the ox low over his fodder?
Can something tasteless be eaten without salt,
Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
My soul refuses to touch them;
They are like loathsome food to me.

Oh that my request might come to pass
And that God would grant my longing!
Would that God were willing to crush me,
That He would loose His hand and cut me off!
But it is still my consolation,
And I rejoice in unsparing pain.
That I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
What is my strength, that I should wait?
And what is my end, that I should endure?
Is my strength the strength of stones,
Or is my flesh bronze?
Is it that my help is not within me,
And that deliverance is driven from me?

For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend;
So that he does not forsake the fear of the Almighty.
My brothers have acted deceitfully like a wadi,
Like the torrents of wadis which vanish,
Which are turbid because of ice
And into which the snow melts.
When they become waterless, they are silent,
When it is hot, they vanish from their place.
The paths of their course wind along,
They go up into nothing and perish.
The caravans of Tema looked,
The travelers of Sheba hoped for them.
They were disappointed for they had trusted,
They came there and were confounded.
Indeed, you have now become such,
You see a terror and are afraid.
Have I said, 'Give me something',
Or 'Offer a bribe for me from your wealth'
Or 'Deliver me from the hand of the adversary',
Or 'Redeem me from the hand of the tyrants'?

Teach me, and I will be silent;
And show me how I have erred.
How painful are honest words!
But what does your argument prove?
Do you intend to reprove my words,
When the words of one in despair belong to the wind?
you would even cast lots for the orphans
And barter over your friend.
Now please look at me,
And see if I lie to your face.
Desist now, let there be no injustice;
Even desist, my righteousness is yet in it.
Is there injustice on my tongue?
Cannot my palate discern calamities?

My study notes include this: Job rebuked his friends with sage words. Even if a man has forsaken God (which Job had not) should not his friends still show kindness to him? He described his friends as being about as useful with their counsel as a dry river bed in the summer.

The Chapter Heading for Chapter 7 is: Job's Life Seems Futile

** Remember this Chapter Job is speaking to God.

"Is not man forced to labor on earth, And are not his days like the days of a hired man?
As a slave who pants for shade, And as a hired man who eagerly waits for his wages,
So am I allotted months of vanity and nights of trouble are appointed me.
When I lie down I say, 'When shall I  arise?'
But the night continues, And I am continually tossing until dawn.
My flesh is clothed with worms and a crust of dirt,
My skin hardens and runs.
My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle,
And come to an end without hope.

Remember that my life is but breath; My eye will not again see good.
The eye of him who sees me will behold me no longer;
your eyes will be on me, but I will not be.
When a cloud vanishes, it is gone,
So he who goes down to Sheol does not come up.
He will not return again to his house, Nor will his place know him anymore.

Therefore I will not restrain my mouth;
I will speak in the anguish of my spirit,
I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.
Am I the sea, or the sea monster,
That You set a guard over me?
If I say, 'My bed will comfort me, My couch will ease my complaint',
then You frighten me with dreams
And terrify me by visions;
So that my soul would choose suffocation,
Death rather than my pains.

I waste away; I will not live forever.
Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath.
What is man that You magnify him,
And that You are concerned about him,
That You examine him every morning
And try him every moment?
Will You never turn Your gaze away from me,
Nor let me alone until I swallow my spittle? (another way of saying "catch my breath")
Have I sinned? What have I done to you,
O watcher of men?
Why have You set me as Your target,
So that I am a burden to myself?

"Why then do You not pardon my transgression
And take away my iniquity?
For now I will lie down in the dust;
And You will seek me, but I will not be."


My study bible paints the Background and Setting of Each Book. Within this information, I found this, "This book begins with a scene in heaven that explains everything to the reader. Job was suffering because God was contesting with Satan. Job never knew that, nor did any of his friends, so they all struggled to explain suffering from the perspective of their ignorance, until finally Job rested in nothing but faith in God's goodness and the hope of His redemption. That God vindicated his trust is the culminating message of the book. When there are no rational or, even, theological explanations for disaster and pain, trust God."

I love this. You see, I think many of us go through this. I find it comforting to know I have not walked this road alone. Let us not forget the true way to treat a friend when they are going through their own trial. Let us not judge. Let us be thankful the burden is not ours and let us love our friends through all that comes their way. Let us pray for one another. Showing true sisterly and brotherly love.

Bad things happen to good people all the time. Satan wants us to believe it is Karma. You get what you deserve. My question is, 'Who decides what we deserve!? and 'What harm has an innocent baby ever caused?'

I know one truth, God loves us. Plain and simple. I don't know what could be more comforting to hear. My God loves me! Me!!! It's not hard for me to fathom He loves those I see as more deserving. It dumbfounds me that He also loves me. It's why the song Redeemed causes me to cry. When he says the line "All my life I have been called unworthy. Named by the voice of shame and regret. But when I hear you whisper 'Child lift up your head' I remember Oh God you're not done with me yet! I am redeemed." I am filled with so much abundant Joy I want to shout from the mountain tops! It really is good news my friends!

Father I come before you today singing your praises. I too felt like Job more than once. Wondering what I might have done to deserve such torment, such overwhelming pain. When I came to the end of my own strength and was weeping to you on my knees and you spoke to me, I have no words to express my gratitude Father. I was dumbstruck. After all my trespasses, you would answer such a foolish girl as myself. Just thinking about your love has me tearing up with streams flowing from my eyes. Thank you for your Grace. Thank you for your overwhelming love. Thank you for finding me worth answering, worth comforting. I am so very grateful. I ask today that you also go to my brothers and sisters who are facing their own battles. Those who are on their knees praying for help. Answer them Father. Speak to them as clearly as you have spoken to me. Speak to me again! Speak to me daily. Life is not the same without your presence. I know you are with me always. It is nothing compared to Hearing your calming voice. I love you Father. May my fellow brothers and sisters find their way home. Won't you call out to them loudly Father. In such a way as they cannot deny. We all need to feel your presence Father. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy,
Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013