God Speaks

Read or listen on BibleGateway.com

Watch TBR Day 016

We Respond

Biblical principle from the passage: 

The LORD God makes and keeps His promises no matter how long it takes. 

Related Verse(s): Genesis 17:15-18 fulfilled in 21:1-7;  Genesis 50:24-25 fulfilled in Joshua 24:32; Isaiah 40:3-5 fulfilled in Mark 1:2-3

Prayer based on the passage or principle:

Dear Promise Keeping God, thank You for all the promises You made that are reccorded in the Old Testament–especially those concerning the Messiah. So many of them You fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God and Son of Man, in his first coming. Many more You will fulfill in the end times and His second coming. Because of Your faithfulness to fulfill Your promises in the past, I can rest assured that I can trust You to keep Your word in my life. May I and many other people experience promises made–promises kept. Then we will tell others and bring You glory, LORD. AMEN

Applicable news item or story: 

I don’t know what promises God fulfilled in this man’s life or what he was faithful to carry out. But this is a man who carried a cross literally around the world. 

https://www.tbnplus.com/m/9oTKo3bY/tbn-remembers-arthur-blessitt?r=nRtc6X4I&play=1

and/or

http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2025/january/pilgrim-with-the-cross-arthur-blessitt-departs-to-heaven-after-taking-jesus-to-300-countries

God Speaks

Read or listen on BibleGateway.com

Watch TBR Day 015

We Respond

Biblical principle from the passage: 

God rescues, restores and sets things right.

Related Verse(s): Psalm 53:6; Romans 5:11; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Prayer based on the passage or principle:

O Awesome LORD God, like any good Father, You welcome Your children’s questions. We can bring anything to You, as long as we do so with respect and humility as Job did. Please speak to us out of the storms in our lives. You are the one who brings justice and deserves splendor, glory and majesty. You are greater than Behemoth and Leviathan. After all You created them.  I declare along with Job, “I know that You can do all things; no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. . . . My ears had heard of You but now my eyes have seen You.  Therefore I despise [humble] myself and repent in dust and ashes.” Since I see what You  did for Job, I thank You for rescuing me, restoring me and setting things right in my life.  May many other people do the same; for then we will bring You glory, LORD. AMEN

Applicable news item or story: 

This news article from CBN displays not only how God used intercessory prayer to rescue some young men from a dangerouus situation, but also how scripture application helps parents to raise godly children. Be sure to read and watch the video to the end. 

http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2025/january/god-supernaturally-answered-billy-grahams-granddaughters-prayer-to-rescue-2-christians-from-isis 

God Speaks

Read or listen on BibleGateway.com

Watch TBR Day 014 Job 38-39

We Respond

Biblical principle from the passage: 

Sometimes God chooses to speak directly to people whether verbally or symbolically. In Job’s case, God questioned Job’s knowledge of His greatness.

Related Verse(s): Genesis 1, 2 and 3; Genesis 12:1-9; Exodus 19:1-20:20

Prayer based on the passage or principle:

Dearest LORD God, You truly are the greatest. You created everything and keep it all functioning. You don’t answer to anyone else. When necessary You correct Your servants’ misconceptions about who You really are as You did with Job. Please help me to keep the right persception of Your character as I seek to follow You. In all my ways I want to bring You glory, LORD.AMEN

Applicable news item or story: 

The following are from the Bible App’s Daily Refresh for January 13, 2025

https://bible.com/bible/1588/1ch.29.11.AMP

Watch 1 Chronicles 29:11 by Andrew F Carter:

https://www.bible.com/en/videos/48382?orientation=portrait&utm_content=STORY_CLIP&utm_medium=SHARE&utm_source=YVAPP

Read this accompanying devotional:

The Ruler of Everything

If you were to look at a map of the world, you would see many different countries divided by territory lines. Each of those countries has a ruler who is responsible for what happens in those borders. Ever since the beginning of creation, humans have had ownership as rulers over portions of land.

It can be easy to look at the world and think those rulers alone have ultimate control over what happens within their land. As we look at Scripture though, we see that even though humans rule over various countries—it is God who truly rules over everything.

While many leaders have power over their land and people, God’s Word tells us that only God has true power. He is the One who created everything that exists, so He is the only one who is truly great and powerful. 

Everything on earth and in heaven ultimately belongs to God, and regardless of what happens in the world, God is still the ruler over everything. No matter what earthly rulers decide, God is ultimately in control of everything. This is why God is deserving of all praise and glory for His greatness and power. 

So take some time today to think about the greatness of God who made everything that exists, and yet still desires a relationship with His people. God is not some lofty ruler who makes decisions in a far off place, but He is present in the lives of those who call Him Lord. 

God Speaks

Read or listen on BibleGateway.com

Watch TBR Day 013 Job 35-37

We Respond

Biblical principle from the passage: 

God does eventually punish the wicked and reward those who turn to Him in repentance and faith.

Related Verse(s): 2 Samuel 22:1-51; Psalm 33:18-22; Acts 17:22-31

Prayer based on the passage or principle:

O LORD, You are the Great and Awesome God who is wooing people from the jaws of distress to spacious places of freedom in Christ Jesus. You are firm in Your purposes. Those who obey and serve You will spend the rest of their days in prosperity (of soul) and their years in contentment. But those who will not listen and who harbor resentment will perish in their affliction. People’s wealth or mighty efforts cannot sustain them in their affliction. But You, O God, are exalted in Your power. There is no one who can teach or correct You. People everywhere praise You in song. You govern the nations and provide for us in abundance. No human can fully understand Your actions. You do great things beyond our understanding. All we can do is come humbly to You in repentance and faith and receive Your mercy, grace and love. This is what truly brings You glory, LORD. AMEN  

Applicable news item or story: 

This YouTube video may have been AI generated (according to one person in the comments). and the story does not quite fit with Elihu’s comments to Job. However, I include it here because it is such a beautiful display of God’s love, mercy and grace.  

https://youtu.be/OnIKooq8XP0?si=DuVgAVya2KpayEE4

God Speaks

Read or listen on BibleGateway.com

Watch TBR Day 012 Job 32-34

We Respond

Biblical principle from the passage: 

Like Elihu, younger people may have something to contribute to the discussion of God and His ways. But like the rest of us, they don’t know everything God does. We all need to call on Him for wisdom.

Related Verse(s): 1 Kings 3:4-15; Proverbs 1:2-7; Isaiah 55:7-9; Jeremiah 29:11-14

Prayer based on the passage or principle:

O LORD God, You are the ultimate source of wisdom regardless of our age. Help us to truly rely on You, not on our own human perspective. You know the end from the beginning. Help us to ask You for wisdom as Solomon did. Please help leaders in our cities, states and nation to do the same. Then we will all bring You glory LORD. AMEN   

Applicable news item or story: 

Although not directly related to Job’s situation, the Supreme Court’s decision regarding TikTok will require much wisdom. May they look to the LORD God and His word for guidance.  

http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/politics/2025/january/supreme-court-seems-likely-to-uphold-tiktok-ban-amid-national-security-concerns

God Speaks

Read or listen on BibleGateway.com

Watch TBR Day 011 Job 29-31

We Respond

Biblical principle from the passage: Neither our avoidance of bad behavior nor our acting out of good behavior are the basis of God’s acceptance. It is only by His mercy expressed at the cross that we can approach God. It is only by His grace that He adopts us into His family and makes us co-heirs with Jesus.

Related Verse(s): John 1:9-13, 3:16; Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 4:5-7; Ephesians 6:10-18; Titus 3:5-6

Prayer based on the passage or principle:

Dear Father God, I agree with Job. Sometimes I long for the days when Your intimate friendship blessed my house whether in the past, as in Job’s case, or sometime in the future.  Please help me to avoid sin as he listed here. Also, Holy Spirit, help me to reach out and  bless other people as he did. I know that neither case earns me a place in heaven. It is only  by faith that we receive Your free gift of salvation. All You ask is that we rest quietly in Your love, acknowledge our inability to rescue ourselves, and receive the invition to a whole new life You have prepared for us. May multitudes of people around the world turn to You and receive this new life Jesus died and rose again to give them. This will bring You great glory, LORD. AMEN   

Applicable news item or story: 

Job summarized his life–the sinful behavior he avoided and the good works he did. In his estimation, it was a life well lived. President Jimmy Carter was another example of a life well lived. 

http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2025/january/jimmy-carters-life-and-faith-honored-as-4-us-presidents-attended-his-funeral 

Read or listen on BibleGateway.com

Watch TBR Day 010: Job 24-28

We Respond

Biblical principle from the passage: 

God has a special place in his heart for children and the most vulnerable in society. We should, too.

Related Verse(s): Psalm 103:13; Isaiah 18:8; Matthew 19:14; Luke 18:15-17

Prayer based on the passage or principle:

Loving Father God, You do see when children and other vulnerable people are being abused or mistreated. Please rise up and help those who cannot help themselves. Drive out those who are abusing their position in order to retain power over others. Raise up godly people to show compassion and kindness to women alone, foreigners and the truly poor through no fault of their own. Dominion and awe belong to You, O LORD. You have established order in heaven; restore it here on earth as well. We human beings cannot. We need You to step in and help the powerless and save the feeble. Give us our wisdom, LORD. Death and destruction are rampant upon the earth. We need You to rescue us from the lies of the wicked and to restore righteousness, integrity and justice. May increasing numbers of people fear the LORD, seek wisdom and shun evil. Then we will have understanding and honor You forever. AMEN  

Applicable news item or story: 

Part of this news article highlights the affects of the current war between Russia and Ukraine is having on the children of Ukraine. [Begins at 2:07 mark]

http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2025/january/american-conservatives-join-the-spiritual-frontlines-of-the-war-in-ukraine 

God Speaks

Read or listen on BibleGateway.com

Watch TBR Day 009: Job 21-23

We Respond

Biblical principle from the passage: 

There is no quid pro quo ortit for tat with God. Good things do happen to bad people, and bad things happen to good people. Only God knows what best fits His beautiful plan for each human being. Therefore, it is wise to do as Job said in 23:10-12, follow in God’s steps, keep to His way, obey His commands and treasure His words.

Related Verse(s): Psalms 44:18, 139:1-3; Johm 4:32, 34

Prayer based on the passage or principle:

O Father God, You are loving, holy, righteous and just. You have a good purpose behind everything that You allow. Horrific circumstances can happen to anyone: rich or poor, godly or ungodly. Jesus, as You did so long ago, speak peace to the firestorm and winds reported in the link below. Like Job, these people have lost everything. Some have even lost their lives. Use this tragedy to draw many people into Your kingdom-family, LORD, so that we may glorify You forever. AMEN

Applicable news item or story: 

http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2025/january/hurricane-force-wind-gusts-of-100-mph-fuel-inferno-as-30-000-evacuate-around-los-angeles

God Speaks

Read or listen on BibleGateway.com

Watch TBR Day 008: Job 17-20

We Respond

Biblical principle from the passage: 

Unless they turn to the LORD God to receive His free and loving offer of salvation in Christ, God will deal harshly with the wicked either in this life or in eternity. But the LORD God will eventually honor those who trust and obey Him. 

See Job 20:4-29 for a description of such a wicked person’s fate. However, one must not assume that when bad things happen to a person (like Job) that they are wicked. There may be an unseen reason behind their calamity (Job chapters 1 and 2). In fact these bad things, as in Job’s case, really came from Satan, his forces or the human beings he has influenced. 

Related Verse(s): Psalm 119:122; Proverbs 13:9; Isaiah 43:14a

Prayer based on the passage or principle:

Thank You, O LORD, that You have made a way through Jesus’ death and resurrection that if even the most wicked person will turn to You, receive Your free and loving offer of salvation in Christ, You will forgive and accept them into Your family. Otherwise, LORD God, You will deal harshly with them. Furthermore, You will eventually honor all those who trust and obey You. These judgments or rewards may come either in this life or in eternity. However, people must not assume that when bad things happen to a good person (like Job) that they are wicked. Nor should they assume that good things happening means that the person is right with You. Only You know people’s hearts and Your good purposes. There may be an unseen reason behind the calamity or blessing as in Job’s case. In fact, these bad things may really come from Satan, his forces or the human beings he has influenced. In it all, we can trust Your goodness and bring You glory, LORD. AMEN

Applicable news item or story: 

http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2025/january/prolife-bank-ceo-fired-for-his-faith-by-fortune-500-company-now-in-business-of-honoring-god 

God Speaks

Read or listen on BibleGateway.com

Watch TBR Day 007: Job 14-16

We Respond

Biblical principle from the passage:

In general people’s lives are short and full of trouble, but we have a representative in heaven to speak to God for us–Jesus Christ.

Related Verse(s): Psalm 23:1-6; Psalm 90:1-17; Hebrews 7:25 and 12:22-24

Prayer based on the passage or principle:

O LORD God, around the world people’s lives are short and full of trouble. No matter if we are rich, good looking and have many friends or if we are homeless, starving and have no one we can rely on, or if we are somewhere along the line between those two extremes, You are the only God who knows and truly cares. Jesus, You came to earth as the Son of God and the Son of Man.  You died and rose again so that we could have a representative in heaven to speak to God for us. Jesus, You  are always coming to Father God on our behalf. Thank You. AMEN

Applicable news item or story: 

http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/cwn/2023/february/jesus-is-real-god-is-real-heaven-is-real-woman-dies-and-visits-heaven-after-heart-attack