Job 1

Sometimes I think Satan has been given to much credit or power than he really deserves. Did you know that Job 1 describes Satan's attributes. He is not all knowing, he is not all powerful, he can only be in one place at a time. He is God's opposite in character and ability. He is a fallen creature, not a god with any true power. That is why Satan relies on deception so much because he has no real power. He tries to manipulate by "roaring like a lion" to create fear in our lives. If he can get us to believe a lie then he has the upper hand for the moment. In order for Satan to attack us God has to give him permission and only then God has placed severe limits on what he can try to do.

Holy Spirit Guidance #3, Acts 1

In Acts 1:8 Luke gives the two major themes of his book. The first theme is how the Spirit works to expand the Kingdom, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses...." and the second is the chronological order the book follows, "In Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

We can learn several things from the Book of Acts, most of the Spirit's leadings will come when we are doing work to expand the Kingdom, not personal decisions we are facing. Because that's true I believe, God expects us to walk in wisdom in our personal lives to know His will when He is seemingly silent. Eph 5:15-17, "Be careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise...Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."

In short, know that 1. God's Spirit is given to further the work of His Kingdom. 2. Most of the Spirit's leadings will come when we are working to expand the Kingdom. 3. God expects us to walk in wisdom in our personal lives to follow His will when it seems the Spirit isn't guiding. 4. God will always lead us in the footsteps of wisdom and His Spirit's "guidance" will not contradict that; Prov 4:11.

James 1, Trials

James 1:2-5 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

James 1:5 encourages us to pray for wisdom when we are being tested. The Greek conditional sentence assumes that those of us facing trials do lack wisdom. In this context the wisdom that God gives is understanding the nature and purpose of trials and knowing how to meet them victoriously. Such wisdom is available to the one who will "ask God" for it, not once only, but repeatedly (Gr., present tense). The promise is that "it will be given to him." There is nothing in God that keeps him from giving. More good news: When perseverance has finished its work, the believer will lack none of the needed virtues and strengths. That is what God is trying to do in us. In Short, the wisdom we pray for is too understand the nature and purpose of trials and know how to meet them victoriously.