Thurs.’s Devo - Let’s Be Encouragers

Read: Job 16:1-19:29; 1 Corinthians 16:1-24; Psalm 40:1-10; Provers 22:1 Job called his friends ‘miserable comforters’. When he needed encouragement, they spouted off criticism. Job suffered by them if he defended himself and if he remained quiet. Job cried out to God but he needed a mediator between him and God. He begged God to defend his innocence since no one else would stand up for him. Job felt rejected by God, his friends, his servants, his wife, children and everyone he met. Job has almost lost his hope and is afraid he will die hopeless. He concluded that if he has sinned, that is his business and not his friends. But, he also believed that all his misery is coming from God… not Satan. He asked his friends to have mercy on him because God sure hasn’t. His only reprieve is that when he is judged then they will see that he was right. They should instead be afraid of their own judgment day. In Corinthians, Paul talked to them about a gift that all the churches where sending to the poor in the churches of Galatia. He suggested they give of their first fruits as soon as they were paid instead of waiting till he got there. Paul was hoping to be able to come and stay a while, the Lord willing. He was sending Timothy ahead of him and asked them to treat him with respect and honor. Apollos would also be coming later. Paul encouraged them to stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong and to do everything out of love. Lord, may that be our prayer also. We bless you today with our love and devotion and our lives. May we encourage others today.