Job or job: Equipped

I'm studying the Book of Job. And as I was reading it this morning, a thought struck me—very simple, yet to me profound. 

The word "JOB" can be read one of two ways.

1) as a name: as in Job. "Job was a man who lived in Uz." Job 1:1.

2) as a responsibility: as anything a person is expected or obliged to do; duty; work.

As I continue to study the book of Job, I continue to realize that Job was chosen by God for a specific "job (responsibility)". Another thing that I came to realize is that God chose Job based upon Job's relationship with God. "Job was honest inside and out, a man of his word, who was totally devoted to God and hated evil with a passion." (Job 1:2). 

Job's relationship with God was key and very evident as Job endured each trial Satan sent his way. That solid relationship is even displayed throughout the conversations Job has with his "friends" who came to give their wisdom. Job had a solid understanding of God and no matter what happened to Job, He knew that God still was worthy of respect and honor.

Because of Job's relationship with God, God was able to give Job a very special job (responsibility)—to show that God is worthy of honor, worship, glory, and praise not because of what God does or doesn't do, but rather because of WHO God is. 

In Oct 2000, I injured my back. As the days, months, and years went by with no relief from the pain, a commitment I made to God in College in 1982 became very real. I had told God that I would..."BE whatever HE wanted me to be—WHERE EVER He wanted me to be." It wasn't up to me to "dictate" to God what I'd be or where I was to carry out my job (responsibility).

It's humbling to know that God has allowed me to interact so many others, all from my Daybed. I don't have to travel around the world. I don't have to be "perfect and pain-free" to be used by God. God has allowed me to be in pain so that I can accomplish the specific job (responsibility) He chose for me—sharing God's amazing, unconditional love.

I don't see my "pain" as a "disability" in fulfilling my God-given job (responsibility). Rather, I see my "pain" as a tool to fulfill the task given me. God equipped me with the tool necessary so that I could do the job God wanted me to do! Pain as allowed me to meet people whom I NEVER would have had contact if I wasn't 'disabled'. Pain has allowed me to have a greater understanding of what so many others endure on daily basis. And pain has taught me more about God and His amazing care and love for me. 

^"This is my life work: helping people understand and respond to this Message. It came as a sheer gift to me, a real surprise, God handling all the details. When it came to presenting the Message to people who had no background in God's way, I was the least qualified of any of the available Christians. God saw to it that I was equipped, but you can be sure that it had nothing to do with my natural abilities."  Ephesians 3:7, 8 (The Message)

Creating a positive day is about accepting the job (responsibility) God has planned for me—whatever that is, and where ever it may take me.

Laughs Supplied by God!

Nine years ago this past April, God gave me a very special birthday gift, Max, my parakeet. God knew that this little guy would provide much laughter. Last night was one of those nights that I couldn't help but laugh as Max's antics. 

I enjoy NASCAR. Last night I was watching the Sprint Cup Series Race on "RaceBuddy" and listening to PRN Radio online. Since I don't have cable, I couldn't watch the race on TV, but was glad to have free access to the action. 

When the race started, Max flew to my shoulder and watched the race on the computer with me. He seemed intent on the action. As soon as the first caution came out, Max flew to his cage to eat a snack! He was back on my shoulder just before the race "went green". It was so funny! There weren't many cautions last night, but the few times the yellow flag was thrown, Max went to his cage for snack.

At one point during the race, guess Max wanted a "closer look at the track". He flew to the MacBook and.... well I was able to capture this shot! 

Max decided the view from my shoulder was better, and shortly after the picture was taken, he flew back to me—where he remained until the checkered flag.

The only thing that I can't tell is who his favorite driver is. At one point during the race when Dale Jr's name was mentioned Max did say "happy". But I wasn't sure if Max was just "happy" watching the race, or if he likes Dale Jr. Maybe Max will let me know his favorite driver by the end of this Season. 

Creating a positive day, is about enjoying the special things God provides to make me laugh. And I'm so thankful that God gave me a little bird who provides many reasons to laugh!

More-Than-Enough

More-Than-Enough.

 Can anyone ever have

"more-than-enough"?

What does it really mean to have "more-than-enough"? Just think of pouring water into a glass—and not stopping when you reach the top. As the water overflows the glass, continue pouring. It's a "never-ending" flow of water. That's a great example of "more-than-enough". A constant overflowing, never-ending amount. 

Now, take that thought one step further. The "more-than-enough" comes DIRECTLY from GOD HIMSELF! Since God is the Creator of all, He is the source of everything, therefore, He NEVER can "run out"; for as the Creator is the ultimate source. 

What exactly is God, Himself supplying "more-than-enough" of—JOY!

"I have God's more-than-enough,

more joy in one ordinary day!"

Psalm 4:7 (The Message)

Joy is not based on circumstances, pain, illness, or any "earthly" thing. Rather JOY is given DIRECTLY from God to me. Joy is an inner-flowing peace that God supplies. Joy given by God is based on His love and care for me—and that love is UNCONDITIONAL, EVERLASTING LOVE. That's why the joy that God supplies is MORE-THAN-ENOUGH!

Just think. No matter how bad my headache is, no matter how high my pain level is, no matter how others treat me, no matter what the situation, GOD is supplying me with MORE-THAN-ENOUGH joy for an ordinary day.

Okay, so what if I'm having an "extra-ordinary-rotten" day—or as one author wrote, "Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day"? Doesn't matter! Remember the example I used at the beginning of this post—the overflowing water? God's joy is NEVER-ENDING! He continues to supply MORE-THAN-ENOUGH JOY for whatever type of day I am having!

What does that mean? In the midst of my pain, I can REJOICE in God's goodness. I can REJOICE in God's unconditional, never-ending love for me. I can REJOICE knowing that God is supplying me with MORE-THAN-ENOUGH joy—all I have to do is receive it and enjoy it. WOW!

And as I accept and 'drench' myself in God's more-than-enough joy, my terrible, horrible, no good day changes into a TERRIFIC, MAGNIFICENT, AMAZING day!

Creating a positive day is a "given" when I accept God's MORE-THAN-ENOUGH Joy!

Impact of Friends

"I say to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.'  As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight." Psalm 16:2-3 English Standard Version

"I say to the Lord, You are my Lord; I have no good beside or beyond You. As for the godly (the saints) who are in the land, they are the excellent, the noble, and the glorious, in whom is all my delight."  Psalm 16:2-3 Amplified Bible 

"I say to God, 'Be my Lord! Without you, nothing makes sense'. And these God-chosen lives all around—what splendid friends they make! Psalm 16:2-3 The Message

As I was studying The Book of Job, and the response of his "friends", God brought to mind lessons I've learned from people He introduced me to over the years. It was a joy to reflect on some of those people and the impact they each had/have in my life as they taught/teach me truths about God Himself and showing examples of living godly lives. 

This week God made me very aware of some of the purposes He has for introducing me to various people. 

Purpose 1: For me to share God's love 

Purpose 2: For me to help them grow in their spiritual lives

Purpose 3: To teach me more about Himself (God) 

Purpose 4: To teach me more about God's truths and living a life pleasing to Him

Purpose 5: To share joys and laughter

Purpose 6: To share sorrows and encourage each other

Purpose 7: To support each other through prayer

Often we don't know the impact we have in the lives of people we meet. But I'm learning more and more that I do have an impact on EACH person I meet. Am I impacting them in a positive way? Or am I having a negative impact? 

I have a dear friend who often says, "It's not about me." And that is true... it's not about ME, rather God should be shining through my life and radiating to those around me. My actions, attitude, words, tweets, Facebook posts (including pictures, etc), should be reflecting God and His goodness.

"And these God-chosen lives all around—what splendid friends they make!" I am VERY grateful for each "God-chosen friend" in my life. My life is much richer because of the impact they each have in my life. 

Creating a positive day is more fun
when you can share it with God-chosen friends!

Cares right down to the last detail!

Won another contest this morning! (No, not the *elliptical contest—still waiting to hear on that.) I won an Amazon.com gift card! Combining that to a gift card I got for my birthday from some VERY DEAR friends I'll be able to get a Dehydrator! When I reach Phase 4 on the Moore Health Idea Weight Loss program, I'll be able to enjoy homemade jerky, veggies chips, etc!

"God cares, cares right down to the last detail."

James 5:11 (The Message)"

When I received the gift card for my birthday, I picked out a dehydrator. I was going to buy it, but it was a bit more than the gift card. As I thought about the purchase, I knew I would not be a good steward if I spent additional money right now on the dehydrator. Especially, since I wouldn't be able to use it for several more months (when I reach Phase 4 of the diet program). 

I knew that when I was to buy the Dehydrator, God would supply the rest of the money needed. This morning, I won an Amazon.com gift card, so now I have enough to buy the dehydrator. I just love God's attention to details!

Once again God used a contest to provide for me. It's so cool how God continues to SHOWER me with gifts. 

*In my last few posts I spoke of trying to get an Elliptical. I found a contest for one, and am waiting to hear if I won. If I don't win the Elliptical, then I know that is not the machine God wants me to have, and I'll wait on His timing and provision to get a different Elliptical. God cares...cares right down to the last detail! That means, He'll supply the perfect machine for me at the perfect time. 

The fact that God cares—

cares right down to the last detail—

makes for creating a positive day!