We’ve all heard that phrase – 24/7 – until we’re sick to our stomachs. It’s become nothing more than a marketing phrase that means, “You have my full attention, my full dedication, my full cooperation and my full commitment, every waking moment of every hour.”
Basically, it’s a promise no one can keep. In other words, it’s bullshit.
Until now.
When I mentioned in my blog that I had recently lost my job, one of my regular woman readers suggested, facetiously, that I find a wealthy woman to take care of me. My first reaction was to laugh until I thought, “Hey, maybe she’s on to something here!”
So, I’m going to take her advice and put the following on my next dating profile. Ready?
To any woman that will have me, and can afford me, I can tell you honestly, that I am now available to you 24/7. Like Henry Fonda said during his role as Tom Joad in The Grapes of Wrath, “I’ll be there.”
Want someone to do your laundry?
I’ll be there.
Tired of paying a King’s ransom to have someone walk Fido walked around the block twice a day?
I’ll be there.
Want that dimmer switch, that hasn’t worked for years, to dim once again?
I’ll be there.
Tired of declining party invitations, or not taking that special vacation, because you hate to go on your own?
I’ll be there.
Looking for a little afternoon delight? Or some “delight” after anything at all?
I’ll definitely be there, 24/7.
The way I figure it, if many of the Fortune 500 companies can promise you their undivided attention, 24/7, why can’t I? And it seems to me that if the women on the dating sites are willing to sell their soul to any man whose waistline or ego are the only two things bigger than his financial portfolio, then why can’t I?
The fact is ladies, this is a chance of a lifetime. Before I move on to the next step in my career. Before I put myself back on the dating sites and get snapped up by someone who is infatuated with my charm, my communications skills, my passion and total honesty. Before any of that happens, I’m available 24/7 to someone who wants to take advantage of me…I mean take advantage of this situation.
“But doesn’t that mean that you are no better than a bad marketing slogan, or a woman who sells her soul for money?” you gasp in total surprise, and with mock disdain in your voice.
Of course not. I’m better than that. I plan to continue working, harder than ever before, but only on my writing, which will of course be inspired by you. I will continue to be my charming, thoughtful, passionate, honest self and you will be the beneficiary. I will continue to be humble, lean and hungry, but only for you.
Personally, I think this woman friend of mine stumbled on to something that really could work. And unless, you, my faithful readers, tell me otherwise, I’m seriously thinking that my next online dating profile will contain the words above, with the headline …
“Therefore men fear Him; He does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit.“ – Job 37:24 ESV
OK, I’ve officially had enough of Elihu. He is a highly eloquent, but loquacious young man who just doesn’t know when to shut up. While he has a lot of wonderful things to say about God in these two chapters, he still will not relent in his attacks on Job. He accuses Job of wickedness and assures him that he is suffering at the hand of God for his sinful actions. He tells Job to repent of his sins and all will go well with him. “If they listen and obey God, then they will be blessed with prosperity throughout their lives. All their years will be pleasant” (Job 36:11 NLT). Elihu’s is a simple and simplistic view of God. He keeps talking about the majesty and incomprehensibility of God, yet he seems to have God boxed in and figured out. He alone knows the ways of God. He even brags that he speaks on behalf of God. “Be patient with me a little longer and I will instruct you, for I still have words to speak on God’s behalf” (Job 36:2 NET). He even brags that his wisdom is perfect and complete. “For in truth, my words are not false; it is one completein knowledge who is with you” (Job 36:4 NET). But the wisest and most accurate thing Elihu says is found in the last thing he says. “Therefore men fear Him; He does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit” (Job 37:24 ESV).
If only Elihu would listen to his own counsel. Here is a young man who is wise in his own conceit. Not only does he have Job figured out, he has a handle on God as well. For all his spouting about God’s majesty and power, his god is really a small, petty, vengeful and reactionary god. But his god is not the God of the Bible. He doesn’t know or understand the ways of God. None of us do. Just about the time we think we have Him figured out, He surprises us. We will never know His ways. We can never predict His actions. But we can rest assured in His character. He is a loving God. He is a holy God. He is a righteous God. He is a God of judgment. But He is also a God of mercy. Where we get into trouble is when we start trying to determine what He is doing in the world or in the lives of those we know. We can jump to wrong conclusions and assume things like the earthquakes in Haiti or Chile were to punish them for their sins. We don’t know that. We can’t assume that. We cannot claim that. Because we do NOT know. Rather than try to figure out the why, we need to ask God what and how. What does He want us to do about it? How does He want us to react to it? We know God has a purpose. We know He has a plan. Our job is not to try and figure out the cause of what has happened, but to reach out in love and compassion to those who are caught in the midst of it.
I have no problem with Job’s friends pointing out that Job MIGHT have sinned and that his suffering is a result of that sin. But once Job denied it, they needed to move on and help Job seek God in the midst of it all. They needed to point Job back to God and keep him focused on the mercy and love of God. We need to do the same with those in our lives. We need to do the same with ourselves as we go through difficult times. Instead of looking for the reason behind what we are going through, we need to look for the God who is ultimately in charge of all that goes on in the world. We need to ask Him to examine our hearts, expose anything that needs exposing, but more importantly, open our eyes so that we might better see Him.
Father, help us to look for you in any and all circumstances. Not as our judge or executioner, but as a loving Father who has nothing but our best interest at heart. Help us to focus on You and not the circumstance. Help us to see You instead of searching for explanations. May we learn to be true friends and godly counselors to those you bring in our paths. Amen.
Ken Miller
Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org
Today we were not assigned any work in office……our boss wants us to take a respite as we had toiled last month without one……..But guess what!!!! We are supposed to utilize this time by reading for the certificate (Yeah! We are supposed to write an exam that too before March, 2010 end ). Ridiculous!! I am feeling like back to college sans fun. I am not averse to studying but reading that too for tech certificate…..yaaak…….. My day is full of ennui…….I am feeling drowsy……unfortunately there is no dormitory in our office…..…tried many ways to kill time and boredom but to no avail……..However, I look forward to this evening as I have been apprised of my sister’s arrival……. I might have lots of fun with her……chatting, cooking, eating, going on shopping spree, chit-chat, watching movies………loads of loads of fun…….may be my day is bored but who knows I might end up enjoying my evening like heaven……….see!! that’s why always be positive………
If you have been following the M’Cheyne Bible reading plan in 2010 you will be part way through the book of Exodus, Job, Luke and 2 Corinthians. Reading Job for the first time can be difficult as the speech moves between Job and his “friends”. This is one of those books in the Bible where you will benefit more if you read it in entirety in one sitting. This will allow you to place the conversations in their context. Depending on your reading and retention ability it may be quite a foreboding task to tackle 42 chapters in one hit. However for the average reader who is probably versed in the likes of Rowling, Clancy, Meyer, Gabaldon, Patterson, and others, Job barely compares in quantity.
The book opens with an introduction to a man named Job (pronounced “joh-b” not “job” as in what you do for a living). He is identified firstly as a righteous man (1:1) and then as a rich man (1:2). He was a man of prayer who cared deeply for his family and was concerned for their spiritual and temporal welfare (1:4-5). The scene switches to an encounter between God and Satan. They discuss Job and God permits Satan to harass him (1:12). Job loses his family, his fortune, but not his faith as he looks to God in worship and blesses his name (1:20-21). Another interchange between God and Satan ensues and this time God permits Satan to afflict him personally, but is not permitted to kill him (2:6). Job receives a plague of boils as a result. Following this Job is visited by three “friends” who decided together “to go and sympathize with him and comfort him” (2:11). The next twenty-nine chapters relate an interchange between Job and the friends. What this amounts to is a series of accusations by the friends that Job is guilty of some heinous sin and Job’s response or defense that he has “maintained his integrity” (2:3, 9, 27:5, 31:6). This is followed in chapters 32-37 by an outburst by a fourth, younger friend. Were the book to end there you might assume that the four “friends” had made a good case against Job. However in chapter 38, God himself joins the conversation and sets everyone straight.
Taken in isolation, the content of chapters 3-31 seem to provide sound and pithy counsel. Although the counsel sounds biblical and orthodox, it is given independently of God and without reference to the limitation of understanding the “friends” have concerning God’s sovereignty. Chief amongst their mistakes is trying to figure out “why” these calamities had befallen Job. Surely there must be some secret sin he is harboring, he has blasphemed or done some other evil to warrant his affliction. Why else would God allow this to occur? Job also, at first, seems preoccupied with the “why”. His response to the accusations is introspection and review and he concludes that he is not in the wrong, that God is acting unfairly (27:2) for not explaining (30:20, 31:35) “why” he was suffering.
However when God speaks, he reveals something of himself and his majesty, might and power and then demands Job answer him why he thinks he is a qualified judge.
“Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?” 40:8 (NIV)
When God finishes his cross examination of Job, Job realises his response ought to have been “How” not “Why”. How do I respond you Lord, no matter what the circumstances are that you bring me into? Job answers the question himself in 42:6 when he repents and worships. God then appoints Job as an intercessor or mediator for his three friends. Once their understanding is corrected they are able to genuinely comfort and console him (42:11) along with the remainder of Job’s extended family.
What do we make of this book? Hopefully we realise that regardless of our circumstances, wisdom, insight, understanding, length of time we have been a Christian, amount of Bible College or Seminary we have attended or any other attainment we’ve achieved, we don’t know the full story of what is happening behind the scenes and we don’t have to. The response to any condition we find ourselves, poverty or riches, health or sickness is not pondering “why”, rather asking “how”. Job started out on the right track.
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised.”
In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing. (1:20-22 NIV)
It wasn’t until some well meaning, albeit, self-righteous friends threw in their graceless reasoning that Job became confused and turned his “worship” into a “why”. Which brings out another application from this book. When others around us are suffering, our response should be comfort and consolation not presumption and judgement. Likewise in reverse for those that might be experiencing an “up” moment – don’t assume this makes them more spiritual or blessed than you are. In both cases, neither the suffering nor the surplus is conclusive proof of the state of their heart and what purposes God is working in their lives (Philippians 4:12-13). In either case we are called to encourage, comfort and strengthen our brothers and sisters. All too frequently if someone has a bit of a rough time and shows no sign of improvement we are tempted to write them off as deserving their plight. Indeed, we ALL deserve damnation (Romans 3:23, 6:23a). Isn’t it a tad arrogant to think yourself above reproach if you’re in a slightly better state than someone else? How sad that the saying, “There, but for the grace of God go I” has become a trite cliche and we have become callous to the opportunities to show mercy and kindness to others.
However the most valuable understanding of any book of the Bible comes from asking how it speaks of, or illuminates the person and gospel of Jesus. Just as God allowed Satan to afflict Job, so too he allowed the outpouring of his wrath against sin to be poured out upon Jesus. Jesus is the suffering servant, the one who, unlike Job, willingly laid down his life for our sake. (John 10:11, 17-18) Jesus had God’s perspective on his suffering and was able to approach the cross with joy (Hebrews 12:2) knowing the reward of the righteous awaited him as he provided for our redemption. Through his suffering Job came to a point of personal repentance and worship. Through suffering for our sins, Jesus enables us to repent and worship.
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV)
As you read and “consider Job”, make sure you also “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:3 NIV)
“It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right. Therefore I say: Listen to me; I too will tell you what I know.“ – Job 32:9-10 NIV
Someone once asked the question, “Why does youth have to be wasted on the young?” This somewhat sarcastic and tongue-in-cheek statement, made by an obviously older person, reflects an understanding about the abundance of energy and vitality that come with youth, but the wisdom that often seems to be lacking. In today’s reading in chapters 32 and 33 of Job, we get an up-close-and-personal glimpse into just what this looks like in the life of Elihu. This young man, full of vitality and energy, has been biding his time and biting his tongue, waiting for a chance to speak his mind. And once he opens his mouth, what comes out is not exactly flattering. Like Job’s three other friends, Elihu is well-intentioned but poorly informed. He is so ready to share his wisdom with Job, he is about to explode. “I am like a wine cask without a vent. My words are ready to burst out! I must speak to find relief, so let me give my answers: (Job 32:19-20 NLT). Elihu is like a volcano ready to explode. That should have been his first sign to take a deep breath and keep his words to himself. It reminds me of the warning of James: “My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry” (James 1:19 NLT). The Proverbs have a lot to say about choosing our words carefully and using them sparingly: “When words abound, transgression is inevitable, but the one who restrains his words is wise” (Proverbs 10:19 NET). “The truly wise person restrains his words, and the one who stays calm is discerning” (Proverbs 17:27 NET).
Elihu seems to have had a problem with restraint. He also suffered from a bad case of ego. I am amazed at how often he speaks of himself. His use of the personal pronoun has got to be an Olympic record. I lost track after 40. Elihu comes across as an arrogant and prideful young man who appears short on discernment. He has a lot of the characteristics of the fool described in the Proverbs:
The wise person accepts instructions, but the one who speaks foolishness will come to ruin. – Proverbs 10:8 NET
Those who are wise store up knowledge, but foolish speech leads to imminent destruction. – Proverbs 10:14 NET
The teaching of the righteous feeds many, but fools diefor lack of wisdom. – Proverbs 10:21 NET
Elihu seems to think that because he was made by God, he was qualified to speak for God. “I speak with all sincerity; I speak the truth. For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:3-4 NLT). That is a dangerous assumption for anyone to make. I can speak sincerely, but be sincerely wrong. I can speak what I think is the truth, but be flatly false in both my conclusions and my words.
Elihu’s pride are painfully apparent in the closing verses of chapter 33: “Pay attention, O Job, listen to me; Keep silent, and let me speak. Then if you have anything to say, answer me; Speak, for I desire to justify you. If not, listen to me; Keep silent, and I will teach you wisdom” (Job 33:31-33 NASB). WOW! The boldness of Elihu is amazing. I get embarrassed for him just reading his words. They come across as so pompous and arrogant it’s almost unbelievable. But then I have to think how many times I have probably come across the same way. Even in my “advanced” years. Elihu was right in one respect, wisdom doesn’t necessarily come with age. It comes from God. And it begins with a fear of God. “Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Proverbs 1:7 NLT). As I grow in my knowledge of God, I will grow in wisdom and discernment. I will increase in knowledge as well as discretion. I will seek to be wise, but not just in my own eyes. I will seek to be righteous, not just right. I will learn what it means to speak words of comfort, not just correction. I will have the heart of God, not just the words of God.
Father, before I attempt to speak for You, let me get to know You better. Help me bridle my tongue and limit my speech unless I know I have heard from You. Don’t let me assume I have the answers just because I have Your Spirit living within me. I know how easy it is to let my pride take precedence. I can speak my own words and fool myself into believing they are from You. And I end up doing more harm than good. So keep a watch over my mouth. Help me be quick to listen and slow to speak. And when I do speak, may I speak for you but because of You. Amen.
Ken Miller
Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org
In the next few months (3 to be exact), I’m going to be taking the biggest step of my life so far. I will be graduating from high school and going into college and life will be getting very real for me. I want to be able to share this experience and let people know what it’s like to grow up right now and the struggles and/or successes I run into in the next few years. I’m taking it upon myself to keep a journal, a chronicle, of the life everyone has gone or is going through and those who will see it in the near future.
Side note: Okay, honesty… What the HELL is with these photo sharing websites?! I look for pictures of the future and I get ninjas and ferris wheels? Does anyone know any good websites for some stock pics good for throwing up in this bloggity blogs?
Anyways… Me, future, college, WORK! I have to get a job eventually too. That should be a doozy. On a more serious note, I think many people get the wrong impression about my generation. We’re not the lazy, drug addicted, puss of a species people we’re made out to be. I’m going to set the record straight, and show a little piece of what I go through everyday, just for fun
So today was my first day at the new job – and I gotta say I think it went pretty well. Still lots of little odds and ends to get figured out – but I guess that’s too be expected. The toughest part of first days I find is meeting like a billion people, and feeling like you don’t remember any of their names. The department I work in at the new job is HUGE in comparison to my last job – so I’m hoping I’ll learn over time.
After work I decided to hit the gym, I ran a quick 2.5 miles on the treadmill in about 27 minutes, and then hurried home to catch The Bachelor . I’m 97% sure I know who he picks (I’ve heard rumors) and suffice to say, I’m not happy with his choice. Stupid Jake.
ANNND apparently Kate Gosselin is on DWTS – umm, yah – I knew we’d never get rid of her. Also – Gotta say, having a Pussycat Doll on the show seems a TAD unfair.
In other news, this weekend was a blast – it was so lovely to see my family. I loved every minute of it. Makes me miss them so much more.
When they arrived on Friday – Ryan was working for the day, so I took them out for lunch at a bar & grill called The Amsterdam Rhino nearby, then we wandered around 17th avenue a bit and bought a necessity ….
Mmmm… RED VELVET. <3
My mom and brother were pretty pooped on Friday night from all their Olympic travels, so we stayed in and watched the games on TV, accompanied by wine and homemade Ryan risotto. My mom loved it as much as I did. It was so nice of the boy to whip up his specialty for my family. It turned out to be a pretty exciting night for Canada. We won a boatload of medals …. yeeeaaah.
Saturday morning we slept in a bit and then went out to Smitty’s for breakfast – I had a feta and portobello omelette *I felt like this was one of the better options on the menu health-wise*. Then we headed over to tour around my new place of employment as my mom wanted to check it out. We came home and spent most of the afternoon – which had sunny +8 temperatures – walking around downtown, through Kensington and by the river. I gotta say it was really hard to not join in with all the runners on the river paths on such a gorgeous day. I guarantee the next time a chinook hits – I’ll be out there – such beautiful scenery. Later in the day my brother and Ryan headed out to the Saddledome to watch a Calgary Hitmen game (minor league hockey) – I think they had a blast. Meanwhile, my mom and I did what we do best – SHOP – and eat (sushi to be exact). We had a lovely time and now I can say that I am the proud new owner of …..
Behold The Infamous Power Suit.
Thanks Mom & Dad
Sadly, my mom and brother flew out at 7 am on Sunday (take a guess at what ungodly hour we had to get up at for that one…) because they wanted to make it home in time to watch the final Canada vs. USA hockey team. Canadians … we plan our vacations around hockey games … its entirely normal, lol.
OMG… was that game sooo worth it though – I don’t even watch hockey but that was INSANE. Best Game I’ve Ever Seen. Hands Down. When Crosby scored the winning goal – Ryan actually muted the television and I could hear cars honking and people cheering in the apartments all around us. It was madness. I like to say that this is probably the closest thing to what would happen if Toronto won the Stanley Cup. My dad and Ryan however, did not appreciate the sarcasm.
All in all it was a fantastic weekend, and I’m sooo looking forward to my first week on the job. I’ll promise I’ll keep blog updates as frequent as I can, despite the fact my schedule is going to be a tad busier from now on.
). Ridiculous!! I am feeling like back to college sans fun. I am not averse to studying but reading that too for tech certificate…..yaaak…….. 
I might have lots of fun with her……chatting, cooking, eating, going on shopping spree, chit-chat, watching movies………loads of loads of fun…….may be my day is bored but who knows I might end up enjoying my evening like heaven……….see!! that’s why always be positive……… 
