Rise Up! with John Kowalski

Job was a man who lost his wealth, his property, his children...everything. Satan claimed to believe that people only behaved righteously to get the rewards. He argued that God protected the righteous, giving them good reason to continue to be righteous. If this was true, then faith would be meaningless. Faith in God would not be a matter of belief and trust but simply a matter of self-preservation. God allowed this proposed test of Job, by Satan. The resulting conversations between husband and wife, long-time friends and even God himself brings us a lesson that many of us still struggle to live out to this day. Join me as I dive into the book of Job and pull out some life lessons, we all need.

References

Biblestudytools.com NIV Study Bible, Introductions to the Books of the Bible, Job

Hindson, Ed, and Elmer L. Towns. 2013. Illustrated Bible Survey: An Introduction. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic.

Plantinga, Alvin, The Freewill Defense https://youtu.be/n0tLRO8_qRI

Sproul, R.C. (Article) The Paraclete | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org

Sproul, R.C. (Podcast) Ultimately with R.C. Sproul - The Paraclete (google.com)

Walton, John H., and III, Tremper Longman. How to Read Job, InterVarsity Press, 2015. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/detail.action?docID=4081794.

Job was a man who lost his wealth, his property, his children...everything. Satan claimed to believe that people only behaved righteously to get the rewards. He argued that God protected the righteous, giving them good reason to continue to be righteous. If this was true, then faith would be meaningless. Faith in God would not be a matter of belief and trust but simply a matter of self-preservation. God allowed this proposed test of Job, by Satan. The resulting conversations between husband and wife, long-time friends and even God himself brings us a lesson that many of us still struggle to live out to this day. Join me as I dive into the book of Job and pull out some life lessons, we all need.

References

Biblestudytools.com NIV Study Bible, Introductions to the Books of the Bible, Job

Hindson, Ed, and Elmer L. Towns. 2013. Illustrated Bible Survey: An Introduction. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic.

Walton, John H., and III, Tremper Longman. How to Read Job, InterVarsity Press, 2015. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/detail.action?docID=4081794.

Plantinga, Alvin, The Freewill Defense https://youtu.be/n0tLRO8_qRI

Pride gets celebrated for an entire month every year. The world's obsession with pride does not end there. It is prevalent in television, media, politics, and even the church. How do Christ followers navigate a world in which pride is a virtue when we believe in a God who opposes the proud, and gives grace to the humble? C.S. Lewis said, "humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less." Can it really be that simple? Just as we are to consider ourselves in the world, but not of the world we should consider ourselves born of pride but still choose not to live in that sin.

Life in a broken world can be physically and mentally exhausting. So, how do we take care of ourselves properly. It is a balancing act between pride and humility. We have to love ourselves as God does without becoming self-indulgent monsters. The materialistic and naturalistic world sees the effort as pointless. They believe that if everyone just does whatever it takes to be happy the world will be a better place. What they fail to consider is what if whatever makes you happy destroys someone else? I suppose you have to care about something beyond yourself to care. For those of us who do care about our effect on others it takes effort and intentionality. Join me as I dig in, bare my heart, and try to figure out how to care for myself without caring for only myself.

The key to enjoying a Sabbath is planning your week to accommodate a time of revitalization. Rest and reconnection with God, family and friends, while reflecting the joy of the hope found in the Gospel of Christ is key to persevering in a relentless world. Join me as I discuss what sabbath is and why it is important in our lives. We will seek understanding together and try to help each other find ways to dedicate space to God through planning a relaxing, refreshing, and refueling sabbath. 

For a comprehensive list of sabbath ideas go to Sabbath Ideas: 450+ Sabbath activities for kids and adults! 

To hear Bob Goff's conversation with Tim Tebow, go to Dream Big Podcast with Bob Goff and Friends - Tim Tebow - Building A Life Full of Conviction (google.com)

As 2021 comes to a close consider helping some incredible non-profits meet the needs of those they serve;

Key of Hope - Unlocking the Future of Africa (keyofhope.org)

The House of Providence - Until Every Child Has A Home (thehofp.org)

The Warrior's Journey® — Helping Warriors, Leaders, and Families find the community and help they need. (thewarriorsjourney.org)

Home - Engage Your Destiny Honor. Hope. Healing.

What do your priorities look like? Are you as distracted by screens as I once was, as I can still be if I allow it? Who you allow to have your attention says a lot about who you are and what is important to you. What does a life of distraction do to you and those around you? Time management is becoming a lost skill but it may be essential in the life of a true follower of Christ. 

If you are looking for a career helping children lost by the system, consider a career with House of Providence. Visit thehofp.org for more information, to apply for employment, to volunteer, or to donate to the cause.  

Self Examination and confession are keys to being in relationships. Even our relationship with God can be affected by who we are and how we live. Claiming righteousness because of our works, actions, politics, or vaccination status does not convince God of our goodness, they are all just "filthy rags" that we cling to for comfort. Only the grace of Jesus Christ makes us righteous. Whether we choose to live in un-repented sin or claim sin so horrible that God would reject us we are really just succumbing to pride. We are lacking faith in God's love and forgiveness and putting ourselves above God. Join me to find out how to put our identity fully into Jesus and stop living in shame, denial or fear of sin.  

Spiritual Direction is important to every follower of Christ. Who you allow to speak into your life can have an impact on your worldview, your understanding of scripture and your dedication to your faith life. Giving a voice to worldly desires and values can distract you from what God wants for you. This week I discuss who and what should have a voice in your life and how to avoid bad influences.