August 4
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“After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.”  (Job 42:10, NIV)

Praying for our friends (particularly when they have rubbed us the wrong way — as friends are in an excellent position to since they are close to us and know our crimes and inconsistencies) can be a difficult choice.

In Job’s case, his friends began well at the beginning of his afflictions: They came to Job and sat with him for a week, saying nothing, but being present just the same.  Then, they began to give advice.  It was sincere advice, but it wasn’t intelligent advice.  Their advice grieved Job.

At the end of Job’s ordeal, it was time for reconciliation.  Job could have borne a grudge but, in obedience to God, Job prayed for his friends.

We can do our friends no greater service than to take what all we know of their crises, burdens, fears, and joys to the Lord in prayer.  (We impede the work of God when we choose to gossip, pontificate, and prognosticate about the situations of our friends.)

Pray for your friends, as only true friends can.   – Luther

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August 3
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“The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped.  But Paul shouted, ‘Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!’  The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’  They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your household.’  Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.” (Acts 16:27-32, NIV)

It isn’t about us.

When God permits the suffering of His saints without apparent cause; and when He allows pain and various humiliations into the lives of His children, we need to remind ourselves that it isn’t about us.

God so loved the jailer and his household that he permitted the illegal confinement and humiliation of two of His most productive people in order that through their faithful testimony in adversity His grand plan for humanity (e. g. the salvation of the world through Jesus) might be realized.

In our weakness, we would prefer that those in need would come to us in our bright, shining, sanctuaries of holiness.  However, it pleases God to send His people into the dark, adverse, and gritty places because that is where the light is most needed.  We are privileged to bear that light!  – Luther

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August 2
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“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.”  (Psalm 4:8, NLT)

We are reminded daily of the perils of our time: Disease, injury, war, pestilence, mayhem, shortages. . .  It is enough to keep you up at night!

Times were just as tough and uncertain in David’s time (and his time was probably a good bit tougher than we have it today).  Yet, David — the author of today’s psalm — declares that “in peace I will lie down and sleep.”

David did not derive his peace from his wealth, his military might, his physicians, or his own intelligence.  His confidence was based entirely on God.  We do well to do likewise.  – Luther

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