Job Bible Sketch

2020 is an example

“By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast.” Job 37:10 ESV Bible verse hand lettering marker sketch.

 

Life’s journey includes meeting and passing through unexpected experiences.

Expectations may happen as we plan; yet, out of the blue, we are sometimes surprised! Situations come up without warning, or they may creep in gradually—for obvious or unknown reasons—prompting us to redirect our steps and take a sharp turn.

 

Atrocious events of 2020 have been surfacing like never before. Covid pandemic, vandalism, and derechos made news headlines exposing worldly evil, injustice, calamity, lies, fears, confusion, weakness, frailty and uncertainty. Through thoughts and actions, people react or adapt to changes by

• power trips to manipulate and control, fear or impose fear by abuse, numb with alcohol, indulge self-pity, self-isolation or mandate isolation, destruction, unfairly punish, blame-shift and inappropriate stubborn ways stemming from immaturity, pride, anger, and selfishness
  
• prayer, volunteering, creativity, kindness, compassion, helping, encouraging, sorrow, confessing wrong doings/thoughts, repenting, gratitude, and receiving/offering forgiveness are ways to reflect love—not earning—celebrating mercy and salvation in Christ
  

Each person has a unique combination of positive and negative behaviors. Emotional, physical, mental and spiritual health conditions may be all over the place at various intensities. We may become carelessly stuck or we may grow stronger in adversity.

On Superbowl Sunday I went outside to wander. Leisurely passing time before a social gathering, I remembered Kansas friends who would be cheering for the Chiefs. Fishing is a common sport for food and fun on Minnesota lakes—from shorelines, docks or boats in summertime and through a hole drilled in thick winter ice. What a positive thrill it is to notice the bait nibbled and bit! To successfully reel in the catch requires knowledge and skill; yet, often bait is untouched and sometimes fish get away. Those of us who don’t hunt and fish still enjoy outdoor adventures all year. The day was exceptionally mild for February so I skipped snow boots and put on walking shoes instead. I began to seek nature photography when I spotted a breathtaking scene—the sun beautifully lit a little village of ice fishing houses out on Lake Waconia. Roadways were plowed through the snow to accommodate traffic on the lake. Unknowingly, I crossed a spot where a shack had been parked and accidentally stepped into a slush covered ice fishing hole. Yikes—my leg was suddenly submerged below knee and I was extremely startled!  

Generally in this world, embarrassing, difficult situations, pain and suffering are the result of our sin and the sins committed against us. We are ignorant, fail to watch where we’re going, we take the wrong path, we are confused about multiple problems that pile up, we lack will-power, we become complacent, lazy or apathetic, we react badly and make decisions that aren’t good for others and for ourselves. Sometimes the reason we suffer is obvious, other times, we have no clue why bad things happen and we must suffer. Sometimes it is easy see the reasons other people suffer, yet we are blind to what brings about our own suffering. Things don’t sync as we’d hoped they would. We make mistakes, fall, become ill and suffer. Many aspects of suffering and horrible complexities we are faced with cannot be naturally explained or controlled. Evil is not rational.

“God isn’t the cause and source of sin and death. Yet God Himself makes use of the curse of sin—suffering and death—for His good purposes. In doing so, He most often works in a  hidden way.” —Matthew Harrison in Does God Will Suffering and Affliction?

Amazingly, there are things to be thankful for during unpredictable hard times. Praise our Creator!

 

Gratitude exploded within when it dawned on me that my accident could have been much worse. Instead of venturing further out to get the perfect shot I’d envisioned, this was the turn-around point of my journey. I re-focused, changed plans, turned around and walked home in squeaky, soaked shoes with a bloody skinned shin under the fabric of my icy cold lake water drenched pant leg. I’d remembered the incidents I’d heard of where people have died from falling into open water. Thankfully, I’m safe, I didn’t drop my camera, the painful wound is cleansed, the garments washed and dried with the convenience of two appliances I often take for granted. I have a new appreciation for the person who invented a new kind of clear bandage sticker I happened to have on hand because several months earlier I’d accidentally burned my arm on the oven door. Like my bad arm burn, I was able to address the problem without a big expense. I had time to add more rest to my routine while my bad leg scrape eventually healed over a long period of time, leaving only a scar and a memory to share.

 

We need the Bible to remind us what lasts and what doesn’t. 

 

To God be glory—in church we receive the faith that assures us we can submit our difficulties, pain, fears, frustrations, scars, resentful hearts and sorrows to our merciful Jesus who totally gets it, took our sin and died to save us. Hope is found in His sacrificial work and Him presently interceding for those who humbly receive His body and blood. When do we seek Him most? It’s when we are suffering. More often than we realize, God’s angels are protecting and delivering people from evil spirits, dangers and temptations that are part of the brokenness of the world and our own sinful desires. 

 

We need God’s Word to feed and remind us that there are mysteries our Creator has not revealed. God is almighty and is in complete control. Whew—we don’t need to explain and know it all! We only need to be honest and trust our Savior in everything. He provides faith which offers the ability to admit faults, rebuild, nourish, and persevere—all that is needed to keep moving forward. 

 

The Holy Spirit fills us with awesome gifts of grace, patience and healing. Faith works within us to push us to try hard to build up others and ask for forgiveness when we cause problems or fail to do all that we could’ve, would’ve, should’ve done. Christ suffered on behalf of all sinners. Those who don’t reject this gift of faith are enabled to joyfully continue the journey with sufficient strength for one day at a time.

“Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. … He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. … He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs; who can stand before his cold?” Psalm 147:1,3,17 ESV

 

The Bible invites us to look deeply into the troubles of life through eyes that trust in the merciful hope we have in Jesus.

In the light of Christ, freedom to be truthful is enjoyed. Aspects of Christian life may be compared to figure skating choreographed to a theme. Easy? Not at first—it takes practice—it becomes easier, yet requires effort and endurance. Creative, skillful, graceful movements to a dynamic rhythm in musical harmony is observed, learned, practiced, performed, celebrated. This excellence is not self-taught, but beginning the day we are physically delivered into earthly existence until the the day we exit and pass into the next life, we depend on parents and others to teach us about Jesus, support and help us move honestly through life’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges. Christians need church in order to belong and remain devoted to God—to join in and participate within a supportive network.

• Listen to a talk titled Elihu Proclaims God’s Majesty
• Watch a great video summary illustration of the book of Job

“The Lord shows He is our Redeemer, despite what we may suffer in this life.” The Lutheran Study Bible on the book of Job

Not all receive the prize. Great power, justice and pardoning love belong to us only by grace.

Some are waiting for a man-made vaccine, a cure for covid-19, or a variety of things to go their way before they go about living on the terms they perceive as how things should be. 

Our Creator provides man with knowledge and means to come up with solutions sometimes, yet this is not always so. We don’t know if the Lord will or won’t provide a vaccine or cure before He returns. We do know He patiently directs our steps as we trust in Him. His broad plan is to bring sinners to the Light and how He accomplishes this is beyond our speculation. God’s goodness is incomprehensibly immeasurable. We either reject His gifts or we respectfully receive them, pray and go about life as the Lord wills.  

A team of judges at an Olympic figure skating competition determine who receives the gold metal. On the Last Day, God is the one and only judge for the fallen people he created. He does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit; He rewards sinners who by Christ’s mercy and grace are eventually delivered into an eternal life with Him.

I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:25-27

Pray.

Dear God, replace our pride and fears with courage and Truth. Thank You for supplying Your perfect Son as our Savior and for faith to fully trust Your mercy. Amen.

Judges Bible Sketch

Seek Truth. Expose, fight, flee the mean, ugly, emotionally painful, physically harmful evil which stems from lies and temptations to sin.

Creation is impacted by the ugly effects of sin which surround us—corona virus pandemic, natural disaster, fear, broken relationships, doubt, guilt, sadness and more…

• Sin caused death
• What is sin?

People have or may become sick, sadly, many will die even though we wash hands, honor six-feet, use masks, develop treatments and vaccines to battle the corona virus COVOD-19.

Spiritually, we prepare for our earthly death because in the long-term big-picture, our story is not over then. Safe are people who are cleansed in Christ who took our punishment. In quarantine, midst this pandemic nontraditional Holy Week, let’s self-reflect on our lowest state. May we receive an overwhelming awareness of our own individual failures, weaknesses, need for our Creator’s provision for us—daily repent, take refuge in our Savior; then, last but not least, give thanks to Him in all circumstances!

“In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Judges 21:5 ESV Bible verse sketch—an artistic rendition: portrait of the state of humanity since the original fall into sin.

“The Lord provides for the tribe of Levi, and with that, the author proclaims with praise that that the Lord has kept all of His promises. We are not to become attached to the things of this world as though they have lasting value. The Lord provided the Levites with earthy cities that anticipated a better city, a heavenly one (Heb 11:16). Likewise, He promises that as we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness through Christ, He will grant us what we need for this life (Mt 6:33). • Heavenly Father, release us from worries and undue attachment to earthly things, so we might find our true joy in You and the enduring city awaiting us through Christ. Amen.” Luther’s Study Bible, CPH (learn more)

Our spirit may be willing to put God and others first, yet in reality, we are too weak to make it happen. 

• Sins may be
  
  • unrealized
  • known
  • subtle
  • obvious
  • physical
  • mental
  • emotional
  • spiritual
• Sins are deeply damaging to
  
  • ourselves
  • those we love
  • people we don’t know
• No one is immune to
  
  • sinning
  • sins committed against them
  • the effects of all sin
• Sin is difficult to
  
  • own up to
  • confess
  • ask to be forgiven
  • turn from
  • expose
  • correct
  • prevent
  • forgive
  • forget

Arrogance and pride make us blind and deaf to

• to have compassion for others’
  
  • weaknesses
  • needs
  • innocence
  • voice
  • emotions
• our need to take responsibility for our faults, but rather
  
  • blame-shift
  • make excuses
• our need to forgive people, preferring to
  
  • hold grudge
  • stop communicating
  • stop listening
  • isolate self
• the seriousness of
  
  • our own flaws
  • our need for personal confession
• the fact that
  
  • redemption in Christ is necessary
  • earning our own redemption isn’t possible
• blessings available in
  
  • Bible study
  • mental health counsel
  • help for substance abuse
  • receiving forgiveness 

It is possible to blatantly reject God without sorrow.

We aren’t robots—we may resist God’s generous desire for all to be saved. Unbelief causes sin to fester into an infection which desensitizes conscience—turns the cold heart hard. Grace and hope abound until the Day of Judgment when those who are apart from Christ enter eternal separation from God (hell) because of their

• defiance of God’s Law and Gospel
• irresponsibility to change bad behavior
• frigid tendency to lie
• stony refusal to confess sin
• rigid resistance of the Holy Spirit

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Ephesians 5:11 ESV

Thankfully, God provides The Way to live forever!

God’s Word in the Bible for us to read or hear reveals His purpose of Christ suffering at the cross unto death, His descent to hell and bodily resurrection by which He successfully washed away the sin of the world and defeated all evil. By grace, our Creator supplies victory—eternal life for all who receive the Holy Spirit’s gift of faith which trusts Truth.

“It all rests on Christ…The babe whose birth we celebrate came to give us grace. And He wants us to be completely certain of it, because it rests totally on Him.” — Pastor Harrison (read the post here)

Healthy living is nurtured by the Holy Spirit’s inspiration for us contained in The Bible. In our struggle against temptations, we can rely on Christ’s Word and Spirit to

• discern truth from lies
• maintain, build, strengthen, grow faith
• identify our sin, confess it and do our best to stay clean (even though we cannot do this perfectly as Christ did)
• receive grace to move forward, forgiven
• constantly pray His Word
• give confidence to share the faith
• discover how to help each other
• lead us to do God’s will
• provide a way out of temptation so we can endure it
• put praise for Him in our mouths
• encourage brothers and sisters in Christ
• be free from false guilt as parents to communicate His anger over children’s disobedience
• encourage us to plant “seeds”and pray unbelievers will receive faith
• work faith to bring us to Christ

“Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.’” John 8: 42-47 ESV

Mercy and promises in Christ

• the Light in whom all will be judged when He returns on the Last Day for those living in Truth and the believers who have gone before them
• who sees each heart of repentant believers viewing all sin as repulsive, knowing their Savior bled and bore the horrible punishment they deserve
• who protects, defends and delivers us from evil all who take refuge in Him
• whose sacrifice is finished and made us right
• who forgives—declares not guilty all who repent and trust Him
• in whom believers are never separated
• with whom believers will enjoy an eternal paradise

“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10 ESV

Give God glory for GRACE—God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8–9 ESV

“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12 ESV

“It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.” Luke 13:19 ESV

Dear Heavenly Father, refine and renew us. Help us let go of selfish grumbling, unhealthy controlling and manipulative manners. Forgive us for each and every sin Jesus took upon Himself in His suffering at the cross, paying the price to buy our salvation. Our faith trusts the certain hope that You will eventually destroy all evil and wipe away our tears. As the Holy Spirit trains us to live in Light and frees us to generously see others as You see them, having great value, fill us with your mighty power to care. Equip us with patience, kindness, and confidence to tell others about the relationship you want with everyone. Show us how we may serve You and others in Truth. Amen.

God is faithful to fulfill His promises. Don’t neglect the Holy Spirit’s nudging that would have you cling to Jesus. Peace ✝︎

If you’re using a phone, move down a bit and tap “view web version” to find a list of links for growth & enjoyment and other info that doesn’t show on the mobile version.

Joshua Bible Sketch

Peace in times of uncertainty, fear, loneliness, failure, anticipation, change, harshness, shame, blame, harm, suffering, exhaustion, pandemic, and death

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 ESV Bible verse sketchbook hand lettering doodle

God commands us to be strong and courageous and promises to be with us! We receive certain hope as we fear, love and trust Him above all.

• Freedom that comes from the fear of God (watch)
• Favorite Bible passage Joshua 1:9 (listen)
• Thy Strong Word talk on Joshua 1 (listen)

The Holy Spirit offers faith through baptism into Christ who provides…

• direction in this life
• care and compassion
• mysterious joy
• transformation and ability to love others
• gentle harmony with each other
• safety and protection
• forgiveness
• healing and comfort 
• grace
• mercy
• peace
• eternal life

God doesn’t hinder the prayers of those who live in an understanding way which honors others. 

• Heavenly Father, within your will and timing, we ask for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic; give effective care to those infected or afraid; protect and inspire those providing care, supplies and leadership.
• Creator, thank you for granting us strength and courage when we are weak and scared.
• Forgive us when we fall to temptation, when our vast flaws and inadaquacies—doubtful, negative thoughts, words and actions—misguide our own and others’ focus away from You.
• Move us to let go of arrogance, pride, stubbornness and selfishness. 
• Open our ears to listen to, absorb and grow in the Word. 
• Help us pay attention and really hear others well; then, allow us to reflect Your compassion, forgiveness, humility and grace.
• Remind us that we cannot earn Your forgiveness but You forgive in Christ’s Name. 
• Your ways are above ours—we cannot comprehend your presence, power and knowledge—we are in awe of your great love and mercy!
• Thank you for sacrificing Your perfect Son Jesus, to suffer, die and victoriously rise to intercede for and save us! 
• We sinners repent. We don’t deserve it, yet, we trust Your atonement and gladly rest in your promises of our resurrection and ultimate reunion with all believers together with You in heaven.
• Dear Father, Comforter, and Savior—remind us You are in control of life and death. You desire all to receive the faith You give in Your Word. You, alone, are the final judge of our individual hearts through the lens of Christ. 
• Thanks for being with us during these extraordinary times, here and wherever we go (or don’t go). 
• Guide us to patiently trust You, recognize, enjoy, and thankfully share Your grace, peace and gifts this day.

Amen.

I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5b NIV

Let the Word sink into your heart and mind

• Bible (read or listen)
• Deeper Bible study (learn more)

Deuteronomy Bible Sketch

The greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God

Life-changing days of social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19 disrupts our lives and causes many of us to focus on our compassionate Lord

• We pray for an end to this pandemic according to God’s will and timing
• We praise God for the unchanging truth of the Bible
• We give thanks to God who provides our needs of body and soul

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6:5 ESV

Peace is in Jesus who bore our sins on the cross.

So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:11 ESV

True love is Christ who is pleading God the Father’s mercy on behalf of sinful believers who confess and repent. Our Heavenly Father sees the work of His Son who died on the cross and rose on the third day for all people. Those who believe are forgiven and granted eternal life on the Last Day. Hearts of Christians are filled with thanksgiving and are moved to fight sin, love others, and share the Gospel. Mighty power of the Holy Spirit is given in faith to trust in the promises of Jesus. Patient endurance in suffering which God allows is worked in believers to help us grow in character and love. Our souls are filled with hope through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism which calls all to live according to God's will, renouncing the devil and all his works and ways, and to confess the faith in the one true Triune God.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28: 18-20 ESV

Knowledge of the Lord isn’t automatic—it must be learned and organized in high priority.

Church and school cancellations are set-up to protect people from the coronavirus. These changes effect how children and adults worship, learn, teach, and socialize. Like never before, it is important to dedicate time to be in the Bible, listen, browse, and subscribe to resources…

• Quick Tips for New Homeschoolers
• Home Congregation sermons, social links
  —You Tube
  —Facebook
  —Instagram
• Portals of Prayer
• Around the Word
• Worship Anew
• Lutheran Hour Ministries
• Church info and links
• Christian books and study materials

I lift up my eyes to the hills; from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 ESV