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Esther-Job 7 Esther lived a life so much different than she could have ever planned or dreamed, yet she took courage in unthinkable circumstances & lived in a manner that brought glory and honor to God.

Job said, “God gives. God takes. God’s name be ever blessed. We take the good days from God-why not also the bad days? He raises up the down and out, He gives firm footing to those sinking in grief.” Then, amid all his pain & suffering, Job says, “What future do I have to keep me going?”

My days come and go swifter than the click of knitting needles & then the yarn runs out—an unfinished life! This ties in with Jan Silvious’ new book, Same Life, New Story, about remembering every day is a page on the story of my life, & I don’t want to have any blank pages. So, what’s the answer when I feel overwhelmed by life? I think it’s found in what JI Packer says.

What am I made for? To know God.
What aim should I set meyself in life? To know God.
What is the eternal life Jesus gives? Knowledge of God.
What is the best thing in life? To know God.
What in man gives God most pleasure? Knowledge of Himself.

So, while I might have lofty God-Dreams, & I do, the most important thing I can do in any and every day is to know God.

Job 8-25 God, unlike us, You’re not working against a deadline; You have all eternity to work things out. God is not concerned about my circumstances, He’s concerned about my character.

Job 26-42 I’m holding fast to my integrity, and not loosening my grip---& believe me, I’ll never regret it! God alone knows the way to Wisdom, He knows the exact place to find it. This is it-—Fear-Of-The-Lord—-that’s wisdom, and insight means shunning evil.

God’s answer to Job---Why do you talk without knowing what you’re talking about? God answered Job when he was in the eye of a violent storm. (Even in the storms of life, we must be still and listen for God’s voice.)

Job’s Answer—I’m convinced You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset Your plans. (Even tho Job never knew why all this happened.) I admit, I once lived by rumors of You; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears!

After all this, God called Job His friend, and had Job pray & intercede for the 3 that gave him bad advice. When Job did this (prayed for his tormentors), God restored and doubled his fortune!

Psalms 1-24 …thrill to God’s Word, chew on Scripture day and night. This is the secret to being blessed. And not with nice things and a well ordered life, but with a deep and intimate friendship with the King of Kings!

Worship God in adoring embrace. If you make a run for God, you won’t regret it! You, God, have put my life back together.

Early in the morning, I lay out the pieces of my life on Your altar & watch for fire to descend. Here I am, waiting for directions to get me safely through enemy lines.

God’s business is putting things right; He loves getting the lines straight, setting us straight! God takes the side of victims.

Psalm 15 Walk straight, act right, tell the truth. Don’t hurt your friend, don’t blame your neighbor; despise the despicable. Keep your word even when it costs you, make an honest living, never take a bribe. You’ll never get black listed if you live like this. My choice is You, God! First and only.

Psalm 18 God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before Him. When I got my act together, He gave me a fresh start. Now I’m alert to God’s ways; I don’t take God for granted. Every day I review the way He works; I try not to miss a trick. I feel put back together & I’m watching my step. God re-wrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to His eyes.

What a God! His road stretches straight and smooth. Every God-direction is road-tested. Everyone who runs toward Him makes it! Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work.

Psalms 25-45 I’m looking to You, God; show me how You work. School me in Your ways. If I keep my eyes on You, God, I won’t trip over my own feet!

I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: to live with Him in His house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate His beauty; I’ll study at His feet. That’s the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world. The perfect getaway far from the buzz of traffic.

Yesterday, we signed a contract on the sale of our house—contingent on the sale of the buyers’ home. After almost 3 years, it seems we are taking another step back to PA. More uncertainly & mixed feelings, but as I read Psalms today, I am again reminded of God’s grace & love, and my daily determination to put my faith & trust in Him. Not in the outcome of this contract, but in Him. My reading today concluded in Psalm 45, which has 2 verses the Lord used in my journey greatly three years ago when this whole walk started. “Listen to Me, O royal daughter, and take to heart what I say—forget your people and your family far away, for your Royal Husband delights in you. Honor Him, for He is your King.” What a comforting, confirming reminder of how to keep the first thing—my personal relationship with Jesus—first.

Psalms 46-70 Spread for Me a banner of praise. Serve High God a feast of kept promises (obedience). And call fro help when you’re in trouble. I’ll help you and you’ll honor Me. (Again, radical, extravagant, praise & thanksgiving in all that is going on.)

It’s the praising life that honors Me. As soon as you set your foot on the Way, I’ll show you My salvation.

Give me a job teaching rebels Your ways so the lost can find their way home. (WATW of Western PA)

I’ve worked up such a hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts. It’s the dry times & the hard times that have made me truly understand that God, and God alone, is my everything.

Psalms 71-90 Still, when I tried to figure it out, all I got was a splitting headache….Until I entered the Sanctuary of God. Then I saw the whole picture. Lord, always remind me that trying to figure You out gives me a splitting headache. When the questsions & obstacles come, remind me to enter Your sanctuary with praise & thanksgiving, no matter what I may see around me.

The beginning of a journey 3 years ago started with this—“What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.” (Ps. 84:5 NLT) Today, when the journey is pecking up momentum , this—“And how blessed all those in whom You live, whose lives become roads You travel” Ps. 84:5 MSG. Lord, I want my life to always be a road You travel.

Train me God, to walk straight…put me together, one heart, one mind. Lord, thank you for letting my heart and mind come together in the pursuit of this plan of Yours that You have given me.

Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well! …And the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us, confirming the work that we do. Oh yes, affirm the work that we do! Hallelujah! Praise Your Name, Lord!