11-13-2013 – Genesis 3:6.  One of the traits of Satan is his tendency to twist the beauty of God’s creation for evil purposes. This tendency seems to strengthen mankind’s fascination. Perhaps this is why he is spoken of as appearing as an angel of light.

11-09-2013 – However, he would not seek to change the will of the Father or His purposes. So this is an example of how the Lord wants us to pray. When we say ‘Thy will be done,” he expects us to mean it.  In a human sense the situation was hopeless. There was no deliverance from the way of the cross. Yet that path provides hope for all humanity.

11-07-2013 – The hopelessness in the garden is not to be seen as spiritual, mental, or emotional hopelessness. Not even fear. But the basic instinct in all mankind for life. Jesus was not looking forward to being a martyr. That was not His purpose. Rather his desire was to serve his Father.

11-05-2013 – Jesus in the Garden before His death. I suppose hopelessness might be seen in the example of Jesus in the garden begging the Almighty God to spare His life.  However this example is different in some respects. Jesus above all wanted to please his Father. But he was no masochist. If his Father had a remedy other than the cross he would take it. 

11-04-2013 – Sitting in the ashes of despair, and hopelessness Job never loses sight that the Lord knows what He is doing and is in charge of all things. As is readily seen the most lasting and effective solution is crying out to the Lord for rescue in the face of hopelessness. It is instructive how the Lord handles such situations. He may save, rescue, protect, or enclose one in peace.

10-30-2013 – It is a masterful strategy. Through Job’s friends, Satan challenges Job’s moral integrity and intellectual ability. Job’s friends use impressive arguments that reflect biblical principles. Satan often induces godly men to attack the righteous using scriptural principles. It is instructive that Job lost everything possible to lose. Nothing remained. Friends, family, possessions, it is all gone.

10-29-2013 – This also fails for Satan wants betrayal not self-denial. Satan, immediately, without the Lord’s permission, orchestrates the betrayal of Job’s wife. Again, the strike at Job’s morale falls short. Job reminds his wife of the blessings from the Lord’s hand. Satan’s final attack comes in an assault from Job’s friends. Likely, for a year they rankle and besmirch as Job’s misery deepens.

10-25-2013 – Still Job will not deny God. Therefore, the adversary requests that the Lord allow him a further test. The physical well being is crucial for all of us. It affects morale. Knowing this about humankind Satan applies the principle to Job’s circumstances. “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face “So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes..” (Job 2:4-8).

10-24-2013 – Material possession, family ties, everything is torn asunder and Job is left crying in the dust.

10-22-2013 – Satan determines that the outcome of this initial thrust proved to be inadequate. Therefore, the adversary follows up with an attack on Job’s family. “While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you.” (Job 1:18-19).