Paul Harvey's 1978, "So God Made a Farmer." Job 11:1-20. In ch. 11, Zophar, who is even more ruthless than Job's other friends, rebukes Job's words (v. 1-6), misapplies God's wisdom (v. 7-12), and pleas for Job to change his mind (v. 13-20). Job's friends continue to misapply doctrine to try to figure out Job's situation rather than trust the Lord.

Presidents' Day. Job commentary reading. Job 10:1-22. Job expresses his desperation by challenging (v. 1-7), reminding (v. 8-12), blaming (v. 13-17), and making a morbid request (v. 18-22) of God. Job is frustrated with his frailty and becomes a bad example of dealing with grief.

Remarks on President McKinley. Job 9:1-35. Who can contend with God? In ch. 9, Job responds to Bildad's speech by expressing God's power (v. 1-13), God's arbitrary power (v. 14-24), and his own despair (v. 25-35). Believers must remember that suffering is in God's hands. While difficult, it can produce spiritual maturity and glory to God.

Nigerian mission story from Dan and Pat Hill. Job 8:1-22. In ch. 8, we study another misguided speech from one of Job's friends. Bildad gives a defense of God's justice (v. 1-7), proof from history (v. 8-10), illustrations from nature (v. 11-19), and a slim offer of hope for Job (v. 20-22). Not only is Bildad off the mark, but like us, he should not further discourage his friend.

The misunderstood importance of Job, according to Henry Morris. Job 6:1-7:21. In ch. 6, we study Job's defense of his complaining (v. 1-7), his despair (v. 8-13), his disappointment in his friends (v. 14-23), and his plea to them (v. 24-30). Then, in ch. 7, we review Job's pattern of misery (7:1-5) and his prayer to God (v. 6-21). God loves us and will help us endure misery.

Job 4:1-5:27. In ch. 4, Eliphaz rebukes Job (4:1-6), reasons about his suffering (v. 7-11), and reports a vision (v. 12-21). In ch. 5, Eliphaz continues his lament (5:1-7), advising Job to appeal to God (v. 8-16) to cease His disciplinary action (v. 17-27). Unlike Eliphaz, we should encourage, not criticize, fellow believers.

Job 3:1-26. In ch. 3, God uses poetry to describe Job’s despair. In response to his extreme circumstances, Job wishes he’d never been born (v. 1-10), had died at birth (v. 11-19), or would die now (v. 20-26). We must remember that our existence is to glorify God, even during times of misery.

Communion: The Lord Jesus Christ as our ransom (1 Tim 2:1-6). Review of steps we can take to renew our spiritual lives in the new year (Reading the Bible, Memorizing Scripture, Prayer Time, Spiritual Service, Giving, Witnessing, Missions, Helping others, Overcoming weaknesses, and Obedience to God). Lesson concludes with reading of James Thomas Fields’, “The Ballad of the Tempest.”

Heb 1:14. Study of angels continued, including their exaltation (Isa 6:3; Rev 4:8; Lk 2:13-14) and service (Mt 28:2, 5-6; Lk 22:43; 1 Pet 1:12).

Ps 148:1-6. A study of the creatures called angels (Ps 104:4), including their appearances to Zechariah (Lk 1:5-22), Mary (v. 26-38), Joseph (Mt 1:18-24), and the shepherds (Lk 2:8-14). Let’s share their enthusiasm in announcing the birth of our Lord to the world.