Job 2 - 6.18.25

Scripture

Job 2:11-13

When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads.Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.

Observation

Job was being tested. In Chapter 2, he is afflicted with painful sores all over his body. It was so bad, his wife encouraged him to curse God and die. But when his friends heard about the troubles that had come on him, they came to comfort him. They wept, and prayed, and grieved with him, and supported him in his trials.

Application

As I sit and think of the myriad of ways my church family has loved and supported me over the years, I am overwhelmed. I am exceeding thankful for the sisters and brothers in Christ who have supported me, mentored me, and walked alongside me since I was a teen. There are too many to name, but this is a very small example of ways my church family has been a friend to me:

They spoke truth and wisdom into my life as a teen from an unsaved family.

They gave me rides to and from church activities throughout the week, every week for years.

They paid for me to go to camp and other activities.

They taught me how to follow Jesus.

They expected more from me.

They loved and poured into my children.

When Casey was born and had to stay in the NICU, and I couldn’t drive because of a caesarean, they drove me to and from the hospital every day and watched my three little boys to make visits possible.

When my marriage fell apart, they supported me.

When Casey died, they sat with me, and prayed for me.

Whatever need I have, they rally around me.

They encourage me, love me, and inspire me to grow and be more like Jesus.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Proverbs 27:9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.

Prayer

Thank you so much for all the people you have put in my life, people who are filled with Jesus, people who meet needs and embody you. Please help me learn to be a better friend. Help me to listen for your voice and follow through when you speak to me about ways to encourage, pray for, and support others. Help me to love like you do.

- Debbie Dunn

2 Corinthians 6 - 6.17.25

SCRIPTURE:  2 Corinthians 6:14

“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”

OBSERVATION

Using the term “yoked together” is something some might not understand. A yoke is a device placed around the neck of two oxen that connects them for use in plowing fields or other heavy work. When two oxen are connected together, they both must perform the same task and can’t go opposite ways. The image of a yoke and oxen then explains why the scripture compares righteousness and wickedness, and then light and darkness. It would be impossible for either righteousness and wickedness or light and darkness to be connected together. They are both on opposite ends of the spectrum. There’s no way they can be connected and function properly.

APPLICATION

Some of you might know my story that I’ve shared in the past of a bad business decision I made with an unbelieving relative. I knew this scripture very well but figured I would put in place various safety measures that would protect me. Well, I learned a valuable lesson to NEVER second guess or think you can somehow work your way around any scripture. It won’t work and you’ll regret it.

This one scripture is very emphatic with a firm admonition:  Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. This is not saying we can’t be around unbelievers because then how would we be able to witness to others or live in the world? It’s basically saying don’t be in a close relationship or situation where you’re deeply connected with unbelievers. Your faith and beliefs will be compromised in one way or another.

“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

In addition to relationships, this scripture covers “yoking” yourself with worshiping idols, filling your life / mind with ungodly images or content or anything that can lead you down the wrong path. Remember a yoke will force you to follow where the other is leading.

In contrast, Matthew 11:29 – 30 talks about the yoke of Jesus “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Is there anything in your life that you’re yoked with that is compromising or keeping you from following Christ? Take some time, in prayer, and ask the Lord to guide you on the “yokes” in your life. Seek counsel with a trusted believer or with Pastor Levi or Pastor Katie if there’s a yoke that you need guidance or help to work through. Today can also be the day you take steps to take up your yoke with Jesus because His yoke is easy and light.

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for your Word which provides amazing and important guidance in life. Help me to be watchful of all the yokes in life. Forgive me, Lord, for the times I’ve been yoked with something that is opposite of you. Your yoke is all I need – to guide me, direct me, and give me peace that you’re leading me in the right path. How blessed we are to have your yoke – that is easy and the burden is light. Praise God for all the ways you care for us. In Jesus name, Amen!

- Mary Oberg

Psalm 126 - 6.16.25

Scripture

Psalm‬ ‭126:1-4, 6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, LORD, like streams in the Negev....Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”

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Observation

We’ve been set free from captivity because of Jesus Christ! 

“The Psalmist sang of a time when God set His people free from their captivity, and they were restored to Jerusalem (aka Zion).” -(Source: enduringword.com)

God wants to bring back captives from their sin, not so that He can bless us with more material possessions or fortunes. When this passage talks about restoring fortunes in verses 1 and 4, it is talking about bringing back the captives and being set free from bondage/slavery.

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” -1 John‬ ‭2:15-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

True joy is a result of a personal and deepened relationship with Jesus. Being free from captivity to our sin is the greatest gift we have received. 

Application 

Pursue true blessing and wealth through Jesus Christ and share that blessing with others. 

May we pursue what truly matters. Share the “wealth” He has given us with others so that they would be wealthy in the Lord as well.

“As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”” -Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.”” -Isaiah‬ ‭49‬:‭23b NIV‬‬

Who can I share the Good News of Jesus Christ with this week? 

Prayer

Dear Lord, 

Thank You that if we have a relationship with You, we already have every blessing that we need. Please help us to not keep it to ourselves, but to be salt and light to those around us. Please open our eyes to everyone in our circles who need You today. May we be bold to unashamedly proclaim You Jesus. Amen. 

-Michelle Gaddi