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How to survive tough times
Recently we saw the terror and devastation of bush fires in the Blue Mountains of Australia. It was a tough time for those in the path of the fire. They didn't get much warning and had to escape for their lives. Afterwards, some returned to see their house in ruins. They searched through the rubble to recover what they could. What if our house and belongings are destroyed in a fire?
How do we respond when our dreams are shattered? When our relationships break down? When our health is threatened? Or when we are overcome by the emptiness of loneliness? Do we plunge into depression, despair and discouragement when there is disappointment, stress or tragedy? What can help us get through tough times?
Some say "when the going gets tough, the tough get going". But we will see that this is not God's way. Today we are looking at how to survive tough times. We will see from Ezekiel's vision that, because God will rescue us, we can survive tough times (Ezek. 37:1-14).
In particular, so we can survive tough times we will determine: Who will God rescue? How will God rescue? And when will God rescue?
Ezekiel was a Jew captive in Babylon. The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 586 BC was a tragedy for the Jews. Everything they lived for was gone and the Babylonian gods had triumphed over their God. They were devastated. The Bible says they had bitter memories in Babylon, "By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion" (Ps. 137:1-4NIV). They could no longer sing the songs of Jerusalem or play their musical instruments. Jeremiah described their misery; "Streams of tears flow from my eyes because my people are destroyed" (Lam. 3:48).
The verses before the vision say they were scattered and in exile because of their murder and idolatry (36:16-21) and they also predict Israel's restoration (36:22-38). The Jews will return to Israel from other countries. There will be a great spiritual revival and prosperity and other people will acknowledge God. God does the restoration, which is associated with their repentance. The words "I will", are mentioned 15 times in 15 verses. He will give them a new heart, a new spirit and forgive their sins.
The verses after the vision also predict Israel's restoration (37:15-28). The Jews from both Israel and Judah will return to Israel from other countries. They will have one king, "my servant David", who is Jesus Christ, a descendant of David. They will live as God's people and there will be no more idolatry. The result is that once again God will be their God and they will be His people (37:27).
The vision of the dry bones is about the restoration and revival of the Jewish nation because it's mentioned both before and after the vision. After they were plundered, scattered and captured it looked like the end of the Jews. It was a hopeless situation. But God said no; I will intervene.
Who will God rescue?
Ezekiel's vision is a valley full of dry bones. They had been dead a long time. There was no life in them. Then God brings them back to life, first as a body lying on the ground and then as a body with breath that stands up. God says, "these bones are the people of Israel" and He calls them "my people" (v.11). They had been slain in battle and they rose as a vast army (v.9-10). It's a picture of Israel's army slain by the Babylonians.
What else do the dry bones symbolise? In the vision they say "our hope is gone, we are cut off" (v.11). The dry bones illustrate the hopelessness of the Jews in Babylon. They are over 1,000 km from their homeland and their capital city and temple has been destroyed. Although they are God's special people they are spiritually dead with nothing to live for. Every day they are reminded of the demise of their nation and the Babylonian victory. They are captive in a foreign land with a foreign language (Jer. 5:15).
So, who will God rescue? His people. They will be rescued because they are God's people, not because of anything else that they had done. Because of this promise they can survive tough times.
In 1980, 52 Americans were hostages in the US Embassy in Tehran in Iran for 444 days. They were treated cruelly, beaten, placed in solitary confinement and threatened with execution. An American military operation planned to rescue them, but this was aborted after a helicopter crashed into a transport aircraft. In tough times we can feel like a hostage in a foreign land in a hopeless situation. It's not unusual.
Christians are the people of God today (1 Pt. 2:9-10). The Bible says we are citizens of heaven (Phil. 3:20). And we will also be rescued because we are God's people, not because of anything we have done. Like the Jews in Babylon, because of this promise we can survive tough times.
Now we know who God will rescue. But how will he rescue them?
How will God rescue?
In Ezekiel's vision, God says how it will happen;"I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life" (v.5-6). Also, " I will bring you back to the land of Israel … I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land (v.12-14). Notice that "I will" is mentioned 5 times. So it's all God's doing, they had no part in it. They didn't deserve it. He rescues them when they are in a seemingly hopeless situation and unable to rescue themselves. He's a God of grace. God does the restoration and brings them to repentance after Ezekiel called them to repent (33:11; 36:31).
In the rescue they would return to their homeland and there would be a spiritual revival. God used an illustration to help them understand it. He said, "I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them" (v.12). The rescue will be like a resurrection, where a dead body comes back to life. It's a radical change, from exile to their homeland and from spiritual death to spiritual life. The prospect of the rescue gave them encouragement and strength to endure the tough times.
It's all part of the big picture in the Bible of God rescuing people from their sinful ways. Ever since the time of Adam and Eve, people are spiritually dead. At that time, God promised that He would defeat Satan. Since then He has carried out His rescue plan. For example, He rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. After the times of king David, God promised the Israelites that a Messiah would come to lead them. He was the servant-king predicted by Isaiah (Is. 42, 49, 50, 52-53). The New Testament shows that Jesus was this Suffering Servant (Mt. 12:14-21). This shows why God will rescue. It's because it's His main plan for humanity and the universe. To restore it to be like He made it in the beginning. It's part of His character. He's a rescuing God.
God also promises that Christians will return to their homeland (Jn. 14:1-3; Phil. 3:20-21). But our home is not Jerusalem, but heavenly Zion (Heb. 12:22-24). This rescue will include resurrection, when the dead come back to life (1 Cor. 15:50-55). And it won't be a botched rescue, because it will be by the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. In this way, Christ is our Rescuer and Savior. This promise helps us survive tough times.
What about the promise of spiritual revival? When a person turns around to follow Jesus, they undergo a spiritual revival. They are now "in Christ", a new creation and indwelt by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19; 2 Cor. 5:17). Because of their spiritual revival, Christians can survive tough times (1 Cor. 10:13).
Now we know who God will rescue and how he will do it. But when will He rescue His people?
When will God rescue?
In Ezekiel's vision, God says when it will happen, "I will bring you back to the land of Israel … I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land (v.12-14). It's when they return to their homeland and are spiritually revived. This happened in part when some returned to Israel in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah. God used the Persian king Cyrus to defeat the Babylonians and allow these Jews to return to Jerusalem (Is. 45:1-8).
But the full extent of their restoration is yet to come; when their land will be like the garden of Eden (36:35), when all the 12 tribes will be united (37:15-22), and when their king will once again be a descendant of David (37:24-23). So there was a partial rescue after the exile, but their complete rescue is yet to come. Maybe this was illustrated in the vision when the bones came to life in two stages.
In 2006, two miners were rescued from a gold mine in Beaconsfield in Tasmania after being trapped underground for 14 days. When we go through tough times, we can feel trapped in a dark place with no way out. There were two stages to their rescue. First a 90mm hole was drilled to give them food, fresh water and for communication. Second a 1m hole was drilled to enable some miners to crawl in and get them out. In the first stage they were sustained. In the second stage they were released.
Likewise there are two stages to our rescue. First, through God's power when we chose to turn around and follow Jesus, we are rescued spiritually. We change from being spiritually dead to being spiritually alive. Second, through God's power when we die, our spirits go to be with the Lord and when Christ returns our bodies will be resurrected and changed (1 Cor. 15:50-55). So the two stages of our rescue are a spiritual revival, which sustains us in tough times; followed by a homecoming, which releases us from the tough times. At present we are half way. We can look back to stage one and ahead to stage two.
So, because through Christ's death and resurrection Christians have spiritual life which sustains us, we can survive tough times. And because of the promise of being with the Lord and released, we can survive tough times. Clearly we can only survive tough times, in God's power.
If you lack this power to get through tough times, then this is a reason to turn your life around to follow Jesus. The saying "when the going gets tough, the tough get going" is wrong because we don't need to toughen up and work hard to survive tough times. Instead, let's rely on God's saving power in Christ and His sustaining power in the Holy Spirit.
It would be wrong to use Ezekiel's vision to claim that God will remove our tough times on earth. Ezekiel probably died in Babylon before the partial return to the homeland (he would have been ~85 years of age if still alive when the first exiles returned to Judah under Zerubbabel in 538 BC). Even though he didn't reach stage 1 of the rescue, the promise helped him endure the tough times. Recently I spoke to a believer struggling with a chronic disease. He felt he had nothing to live for. He was disappointed in God, saying, "What's God doing about it? It would be a great witness if I was healed". In the Bible Abraham told the rich man in Hades, "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead" (Lk. 16:29-31). People are not convinced by miracles. How often do we pray for a miracle, when God promises survival through tough times on earth, not removal of these tough times? After all, we are in stage 1 of the rescue, not stage 2.
Because God will rescue us, we can survive tough times
So let's remember the vision of the dry bones that came back to life. When they were doing it tough in Babylon in the darkest period of their history, God gave the Jews comfort and strength. Because He promised to rescue them, they survived the tough times. Some of them returned to Israel and Christ was born about 500 years later. After another 2,000 years more Jews have returned to Israel and it is a nation once again. And God has promised there will be a spiritual revival when they recognise Christ as their Messiah in a coming day.
Because God is a rescuer, we can survive tough times. We have seen:
– Who He rescues: His people. In future, all believers will be fully rescued from their tough times.
– How He rescues: by spiritual revival and bringing us home.
– And when He rescues: partially now and fully later.
He has already rescued us and promises to rescue us even more in the future. This gives us encouragement and strength. Remember this promise when you are going through tough times.
Because we know that God will rescue us, we can survive tough times.
Written, November 2013
Resisting temptation
When you pay at a store or gas (petrol) station, have you been asked if you would like to buy something else with that? Then you see loads of snacks, fast food and sugary drinks. It's a food temptation called ambush marketing. We also have temptations in supermarkets, in shopping centres, in advertising, in marketing, in our entertainment, in technological hardware and software and even on our Facebook pages! We live in a sea of temptation.
Temptation entices us to do something that is sinful. Fortunately God has provided three ways to resist the temptations we face in life: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it" (1 Cor. 10:13NIV). The Greek word translated "temptation" and "tempted" in this verse can mean either outer trials that test our faith or inner temptations to sin. Here we will apply it to the inner temptations to sin.
Corinth was a wealthy pagan Greek city. Paul wrote this letter to their church to instruct them about problems that they faced. There were divisions in the church, they accepted sexual immorality, they were taking their disputes to pagan courts, they were abusing the Lord's supper, and there was false teaching about the resurrection of the dead. There were questions about married life, about eating food that had been sacrificed to idols, about church meetings, and about the use of spiritual gifts.
This verse comes from a passage on eating food that had been sacrificed to idols (1 Cor. 8:1-11:1). Paul begins by stating the principle that we shouldn't stumble a believer with a weak conscience by causing them to act against their conscience with regard to a debatable matter (1 Cor. 8). So Paul would not exercise his right to eat food that had been offered to an idol if there was a Christian present who thought this was sinful. Then he illustrates this principle (1 Cor. 10). First, although as an apostle Paul had the right to be supported financially by the church, he didn't claim this so that people couldn't say that he was preaching for money. Second, he followed the customs of those he was preaching to, so they would be more likely to accept the gospel message. Third, like an athlete he exercised self-control and discipline when serving the Lord so as not to miss his reward. Fourth, the Israelites lacked self-control. In the exodus God rescued them from slavery, but they were punished for idolatry, sexual immorality and grumbling to God (1 Cor. 10:1-10).
So this verse was written to a church that was out of control. They lacked self-control. It is Christian teaching on self-control. They needed to learn how to recognise the temptations they faced and how to resist these temptations.
Then the Bible applies what happed to the Israelites to us today (v.11). They are examples for us. They are warnings for us. The Bible was written for our benefit (Rom. 15:4). It has many lessons for us. The warning of this passage is spelled out "if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" (v. 12). To think we are "standing firm" against temptation means being confident or complacent about temptation. The warning is to be careful we don't yield to temptation. We all face temptation on a daily basis. We are all prone to giving in to temptation and sinning against God. We can all lack self-control.
Then three ways are given to resist temptation.
Temptation is normal
The Bible says, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind". So, "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience" (NLT). Sometimes we think why am I so weak? Why do I always yield to this sinful desire, and give in to that addiction? Why am I always being tempted?
But our temptations are not unique. Every temptation we face is "common to mankind". We all face temptation. Everyone is tempted. Temptation is normal for humanity. It's usual. It's common. So, don't be surprised when you are tempted. It happens all the time. Expect to be tempted. For example, Paul warns us to beware when helping someone who has been sinful, because we may also be tempted to sin (Gal. 6:1).
Because temptation is normal, it's not new. It's been around since the days of Adam and Eve. Temptation is not a modern invention. For this reason, we can learn from the temptations faced in Biblical times and the ways they were resisted.
The normal process of temptation
The normal process of temptation is described by James: "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death" (Jas. 1:13-15).
Temptation begins as an "evil desire" in our mind. Jesus said that "evil thoughts" lead to sin (Mt. 15:18-20; Mk. 7:20-23). Since the fall of humanity into sin we have a tendency towards evil desires. We are now self-centred. Given time, the temptation from an evil desire leads to sin and then to spiritual death and other consequences. Even if the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak (Mt. 26:41). The evil desire is influenced by Satan and our sinful nature. The process stops if we resist the temptation and there is victory over the temptation. So there is a choice to yield to or resist the temptation as shown in the diagram.
Satan is called the tempter (Mt. 4:3; 1 Th. 3:5). He tempts us in order to make us fail (1 Cor. 7:5). He entices us like a fisherman entices fish with bait or a lure. Satan is deceitful and seductive. He is our enemy (1 Ti. 5:14; 1 Pt. 5:8).
Temptation is not sinful. We know that Jesus was tempted by Satan, but didn't sin (2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pt. 2:22; 1 Jn. 3:5). But yielding to temptation is sinful.
So temptation is like when fish see a fisherman's bait or lure. If they eat it they are hooked. Otherwise, they can swim on their way. Likewise, if we take the bait when tempted then we are hooked and dragged away into sinful behavior and its consequences. That's the normal process of temptation. But if we don't take the bait and resist the temptation, we can continue serving the Lord.
The normal tools of temptation
The normal tools of temptation are described in this warning, "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" (1 Jn. 2:15-16).
This describes Satan's tools, the aspects of the sinful world that he uses as bait to lure us into sin. They are evil desires arising from:
- The lust of the flesh. This is our sinful human nature. Our sinful appetites.
- The lust of the eyes. This is what we see. It can also symbolise our minds. What we think about.
- The pride of life. This is boasting about what we have and what we do. Selfish ambition. Seeking to create a sense of envy, rivalry, and jealousy in others.
For example, the Israelites were tempted to eat, drink, indulge in revelry, indulge in sexual immorality, worship idols and grumble to God (1 Cor. 10:7-10). These are still normal temptations today. Have we ever been tempted to: eat too much, drink too much, party too much, commit sexual sins, let someone or something take the place of God in our lives, or complain to God?
So, temptation is a common experience of all human beings. But temptation is not only normal, it is also bearable.
Temptation is bearable
The Bible says, "And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear". So, "He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand" (NLT) and "He'll never let you be pushed past your limit" (Message). God doesn't promise that we won't be tempted, but He does promise to limit its intensity. Life is tough. Temptation is common. But there is no such thing as an unbearable temptation.
God knows our strength greater than we do. He knows how much we can handle, and how much we cannot. One of the basic principles of sports and athletic training is to strengthen us to do things we don't think we can do right now, to put more pressure on us than we think we can handle. And we discover we can handle it. This is what God does with us. He allows temptations when the pressure on, but it is controlled pressure. It will never be more than we can handle. Let's look at some examples of this.
Bearable temptations in the Old Testament
The heroes of faith in Old Testament times are listed in Hebrews 11. They endured much shame and suffering rather that give up on God. They could have avoided this by renouncing God. That would have been a great temptation to them. Instead they resisted this temptation and continued to trust God's promises.
Here's what they went through (Heb. 11:33-39). They faced the dangers of lions, fire and swords. They were tortured, flogged, imprisoned, jeered, murdered, homeless, persecuted and mistreated. Because they remained faithful, we know that their temptations were bearable. Also, Job remained faithful after he lost his family, his wealth and his health. His temptations were bearable.
Bearable temptations in the New Testament
Paul is one of the heroes of faith in New Testament. Here's what he went through.
2 Cor. 11:23-27: "I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews 39 lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked."
Paul would have been tempted to avoid all this by stopping serving the Lord. Because he remained faithful, we know that his temptations were bearable.
So, the temptations faced by God's people are bearable. But temptation is not only normal and bearable, it is also escapable.
Temptation is escapable
The Bible says, "But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it". So, "He will also provide a way of escape" (HCSB). Not only does God promise to limit the intensity of our temptations, He promises a way to resist them. God enables us to resist the temptation to sin. He will provide a way out for us.
The Bible says, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Ps. 46:1). When those heroes of faith faced their troubles, all human support was usually stripped away. They learnt that God alone strengthens us at these times. He gets us through life's temptations. In this sense, He is the way out. The way of escape. The Message says, "He'll always be there to help you come through it".
Joshua was told that God "will never leave you nor forsake you" (Dt. 31:8). David faced trouble without fear because God was with him (Ps. 23:5). God was close beside him. Likewise, God is with us in our temptations. He will not leave us or forsake us. He will provide a way of escape.
So, how did Joseph and Jesus escape temptations?
How Joseph escaped temptations
Joseph was a slave of Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard in Egypt. Potiphar put him in charge of his household. Here's how Joseph responded to temptation.
Gen. 39:6-12 "Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, and after a while his master's wife took notice of Joseph and said, "Come to bed with me!" But he refused. "With me in charge," he told her, "my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care … My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her. One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. She caught him by his cloak and said, "Come to bed with me!" But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house."
When Potiphar's wife tried to seduce him, Joseph "refused to be with her". He avoided the temptation as much as possible. Unlike Sampson, he didn't give in to the pressure that went on "day after day" (Jud. 14:17; 16:16-17). So let's avoid situations where we are likely to be tempted.
When Joseph was confronted again he "ran out of the house". He had an escape plan. We have fire escape plans, but do we have plans to escape temptations?
How Jesus escaped temptations
At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus was tempted by Satan (Mt. 4:1-11):
- To use His supernatural powers to satisfy his hunger by turning stones into bread.
- To jump from the highest point of the temple to test God's promise of protection and attract public attention.
- To avoid the suffering of the cross and take an easy shortcut to world domination.
In each case Jesus responded to temptation by quoting from the Bible. He answered, "It is written …". So Satan can tempt those controlled by the Holy Spirit, but they can resist him with the truths of Scripture. The Israelites knew, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Ps. 119:11). The truths of Scripture in our mind can protect us from yielding to temptation. Bible knowledge can help us to resist temptation.
Our mind is important. Let's think about "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things" (Phil. 4:8). Are the truths of Scripture planted in our mind?
Lessons for us
So let's be warned by the history of the Israelites of the danger of yielding to temptation. Don't be hooked and dragged away by Satan. Resisting temptation requires self-control, which is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). So the Holy Spirit helps us to resist temptation.
Remember the promise: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it" (1 Cor. 10:13).
Because temptation is normal, we can resist it.
Because temptation is bearable, we can resist it.
Because temptation is escapable, we can resist it.
Because temptation is normal and bearable and escapable, we can resist it.
God has given us these reasons to exercise self-control when we face temptations. Let's remember and use these ways to resist the temptations we face.
Written September 2013
Facing trials
Dealing with the difficulties in life
A month ago my nephew was rushed to hospital by helicopter with serious brain injuries after a motor cycle accident. Since this time he has been unconscious. There were anxious moments when the doctors operated to alleviate the swelling of the brain. The Christian faith of his family is being tested at this difficult time. Many questions come to mind during such trials, hardships and tragedies.
The Bible says that problems, trials and troubles are inevitable in our lives. Jesus said "In this world you will have trouble" (Jn. 16:33NIV). James wrote about "whenever you face trials of many kinds" (Jas. 1:2). We can't stop them happening. We can't control them. They are unforeseen and uncontrollable. Our only choice is how to respond to them.
So how does the Bible say that a Christian should respond when trials and troubles come our way? First, some bad responses. We shouldn't complain and grumble, rebel, have self-pity or give up. Looking at each of these in turn:
- Complain and grumble. Paul wrote "do not grumble as some of them (the Israelites) did" (1 Cor. 10:10). The Israelites constantly grumbled against Moses who had been appointed by God to lead them from Egypt to Canaan (Num. 16:41; 17:5). They complained and grumbled at Marah, at the desert of Sin, at Rephidim, after the spies explored Canaan, and at Kadesh (Ex. 15:22-24; 16:1-3; 17:1-3; Num. 14:1-3; 20:2-5). They complained when there was no water and they detested the manna that God provided for food (Num. 21:4-5). The Bible says not to be like them and act as though we know better than God.
- Rebel. The Israelites also rebelled against Moses and God. Miriam and Aaron talked against Moses (Num. 12:1-2). And after the spies explored Canaan, the people said "We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt" (Num. 14:4; Dt. 1:26-33). Then they disobeyed God by attacking the Amorites (Dt. 1:42-44). Also Korah and 250 men opposed the leadership of Moses and Aaron (Num. 16:1-3). The Bible says don't be like them and take matters into our own hands. Don't try to resolve problems in our own power. Don't boast that we can overcome difficulties in our own power. Such self-confidence downgrades God's care for us.
- Self-pity is self-indulgently dwelling on our own misfortune, sorrows or trials. For example, Moses asked to be excused from leadership and Jonah was more concerned about a plant that protected him from the hot sun than the children of Nineveh (Ex. 4:10-13; Jon. 4:8-11). They were focused on themselves. The Bible says don't be like them thinking only of ourselves and seeking the sympathy of others. Because when we focus on ourselves we can't focus on God or others. Those who pity themselves because of the circumstances of their lives fail to see God at work in them. Such self-pity is associated with self-centredness, loneliness and despair.
- Give up. The Bible says "do not lose heart" when facing hard times (Heb. 12:5). When he was suffering, Paul said, "we do not lose heart" (2 Cor. 4:1, 16). Giving up doubts God's care for us. When we feel like giving up, we should think of what Jesus went through: "Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (Heb. 12:3). So the Bible says don't give up on God in tough situations.
Second, some good responses to trials and troubles (Heb. 12:4-12; Jas. 1:2-12). Two of these evident in these passages of the Bible are:
- Endure and persevere. Hang in there to let God work in the difficult circumstances.
- Optimism. Be positive, not negative. Realise that God always has our best and eternal interests at heart (Rom. 8:28).
"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" (Jas. 1:2-4).
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (Jas. 1:12).
"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children" (Heb. 12:7).
Trials enable us to develop endurance and perseverance which leads to strengthened Christian character (Heb. 12:11). Paul said, "we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Rom. 5:3-4).
Our Christian faith is being tested. The physical trials of life enable a baby to grow into a child and then an adolescent and then an adult. Likewise the spiritual trials of life enable a Christian to grow more Christ-like and have the fruit of the spirit: "love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Gal. 5:22-23).
This is expressed in the song "Through It All" by Andrae Crouch which says:
I thank God for the mountains, and I thank Him for the valleys,
And I thank Him for the storms He's brought me through.
For if I'd never had a problem, I'd never know that God could solve them,
I'd never know what faith in His Word could do.
Through it all, through it all,
I've learned to trust in Jesus, I've learned to trust in God.
Through it all, through it all,
I've learned to depend upon His Word.
Lessons for us
So when things are tough, do we complain? Are we arrogant and defiant? Do we indulge in self-pity? Or do we give up? How has our character been moulded through it all? And how has our trust in God been affected through it all?
Let's persevere and grow more Christ-like through all the trials that come our way.
Also see – What's the use of trials
Written, August 2013
No hospitals in heaven
Today I visited my nephew in hospital. He was in a critical condition with head injuries after a motor cycle accident. As he lay in a coma I was reminded of the fragility of life and the contrast to spiritual life and heaven.
Accidents happen. When Jesus was on earth 18 people died when the tower of Siloam collapsed in Jerusalem (Lk. 13:4).
Physical life depends on an adequate supply of oxygenated blood to our vital organs. In the big picture, life is brief. It's transient. The Bible says it's like a cloud or mist that appears for a while and then disappears. It's also like a shadow and grass and flowers (1 Ch. 29:15; Job 7:6-10; Jas. 4:14; 1 Pt. 1:24). Life is unpredictable: "you do not even know what will happen tomorrow" Jas. 4:14 NIV).
Spiritual life is the main theme of the Bible. It says, "repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away" (Acts 3:19NLT). This life is robust. It's not interrupted by physical death (1 Th. 5:10). What a contrast to our physical lives!
Another difference is that there are no hospitals in heaven – God "will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Rev. 21:4). Also, there are no cemeteries there. What a contrast to the sufferings experienced on earth (Rom. 8:18).
Can you look forward to a time when there will be no hospitals or cemeteries?
Written, July 2013
Looking back and looking ahead
Based on a message given at my mother's funeral on 3 April 2013
A funeral usually involves memories and reflections of the life of the person who has died. But the funeral of a Christian can also look ahead in anticipation of what lies ahead.
Help from God the Creator
The source of a Christian's help and protection throughout life is described in Psalm 121NIV.
"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip—He who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm— He will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."
When this song was written about 3,000 years ago, God's people knew that the only reliable help and protection comes from the God who made the universe – "the Maker of heaven and earth". In this context the Hebrew word for "heaven" means the atmosphere and the stars and galaxies. A God with the intelligence and power to create the universe and populate it with living plants, animals and people was surely able to help them! The Bible says He was the source of life on earth whereas all other gods and philosophies are the product of the human imagination.
Unfortunately in our modern world we have largely lost this knowledge and this confidence. We have forgotten about God the Creator. Even though we have wonderful technology, science can't explain how matter was created from nothing or how life originated, and we often replace God the Creator with the idea that things created themselves.
So when we struggle in life where does our help come from? Some people go to counsellors for help who encourage them to get help from outside themselves. Because people usually can't solve their own problems, they need to get help from someone else. In a similar way, we all need "outside help" to sustain us and God the Creator is the ultimate outside help!
Psalm 121 ends with, "The Lord will watch your coming and going both now and forevermore". Here those who trusted God the Creator were promised that God would protect them throughout life and into the future. They could live with assurance and confidence that God would continue to help them. Likewise Christians can have the assurance that God will sustain them during their life and afterwards.
A different world
You may ask if God created everything in the beginning, why is there so much suffering in the world? The world today is very different from the one God made originally. We live in a different world. In the beginning it was a perfect world with harmony between God, people and the natural environment. But when people turned against their Maker, it changed and sin, evil, suffering and death came into the world. This change was caused by people like us. We live in a world with consequences – an act has a consequence and an effect has a cause. Because people turned against God our relationships have been ruined. We ignore God and are separated from Him, we can't get along with other people, and we exploit the natural environment. Another consequence is that the Bible says we are destined to eternal punishment. Because we are the cause of this problem, we need outside help. Because each of us is guilty, we can't help each other. The only reliable help available outside humanity is God the Creator.
Help from God the Lifesaver
Fortunately, God didn't only create the universe and the laws of nature in the beginning, but He also continues to sustain it. He is not only incredibly powerful, but He is also incredibly loving. We remember His special act of love at Christmas and Easter when we celebrate the unique birth and death of Jesus Christ. God knew that mankind was doomed to eternal punishment unless He provided them with outside help. He did this about 2,000 years ago when Jesus Christ lived on earth and died and came alive again. Jesus was unique; He was God living as a human being. He showed His power over our world by the miracles He did. When He died by crucifixion, He took the eternal punishment that we deserve. If we turn towards God by being sorry for our behaviour and accepting the fact that Jesus has taken the penalty for our sin, then He promises eternal joy instead of eternal punishment. This is called eternal life. So Jesus is like a lifesaver – He can rescue us from the eternal consequence of our selfish behaviour. In this way God is making a new creation and He gives us the choice of being a part of it. Although we spoilt God's original creation, and there is now sin, evil, pain, suffering and death, these will be absent in God's new creation. Instead we can be reconciled with God, we can love one another and we can look forward to the restoration of creation like it was in the beginning.
Because a Christian has accepted Jesus as their Savior they can have an inner assurance, joy and peace.
What happens when a person dies? Not only do the lungs stop breathing and the heart stops pumping. The Bible says that at death a person's invisible soul and spirit is separated from their body. If they trusted in Jesus the Savior, their soul and spirit goes immediately to be with God in heaven. After death they are enjoying a perfect place. That is why Paul could say, "To die is gain" (Phil. 1:21) and that he preferred to be "away from the body and at home with the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:8). So they are in a better place. Their death is a loss for us, but a gain for them.
But there is more! On Easter Sunday we recall that the body of Jesus was raised back to life after being buried in a grave. The Bible describes a coming day when the bodies of believers, who trusted in Christ the Savior will also be raised back to life:
"What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever. But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled, 'Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?' For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 15:50-57NLT).
This is also described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. As part of God's new creation they will have new bodies which won't wear out and die (1 Cor. 15:42-49; Phil. 3:21; 1 Jn. 3:2) and they will be transported to be with God in heaven – spirit, soul and new body. This will be a great victory over the sin, suffering and death of our world. That's why Christians can look forward confidently to the coming resurrection. There's victory ahead!
The hymn, "How great Thou art", summarises the greatness of God and the reasons for our Christian faith.
The first verse is about God the great Creator and source of life on earth. It says "Your power throughout the universe displayed". Do we see God's power in His creation?
The third verse is about Jesus Christ the great Lifesaver and source of eternal life. It says "On the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin". When we stand before God, will He be like a lifesaver or like a judge? If we turn towards God by confessing our sins we can be ready to meet Him.
The last verse is about the great resurrection when the bodies of those who have trusted in Christ will be raised and changed to be with Him forever. It says "When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation and take me home – what joy shall fill my heart". Are you ready to experience this joy?
Written, April 2013
Surviving the burdens of life – lessons from David
When I read Job and Psalms recently, I realised that Job and David both suffered life threatening situations and went through times of anguish and despair. In this article we look at David's trials and troubles when he was a fugitive.
David's burdens as a fugitive
David was a shepherd who became the king of Israel in about 1010 BC. But he had good times and bad times before this happened. In the good times he became king Saul's musician and armour-bearer. Then he killed the taunting Philistine champion Goliath, married Saul's daughter and was given a high rank in the army. Because of his military victories, he became a national hero.
ButSaul became jealous of David and when this developed into hatred, he tried to kill him. First he hurled a spear towards him on three occasions, which would have been terrifying as Saul was a head taller than anyone else (1 Sam. 9:2). Then he gave him a military mission hoping that he would die in battle. After these attempts on David's life failed, Saul remained David's enemy for the rest of his life (1 Sam. 18:28-29). Next, Saul commanded his men to kill David. They ambushed David's house, but his wife helped him escape that night.
David's life had changed drastically. He now feared for his life and was a fugitive on the run from Saul and his men (1 Sam. Ch. 19-30). David said, "there is only a step between me and death" (1Sam. 20:3). He fled to Samuel in Ramah where he was given refuge among the prophets (1 Sam. 19:18). When Saul discovered David's whereabouts, David escaped to Nob (1 Sam. 21:1-9), and then to Gath among the Philistines and from there to the cave of Adullam (1 Sam. 22:1-4; 1 Chron. 12:8-18) where 400 men joined him and accepted him as their leader. David's parents joined him too, but for their safety he took them to Moab east of the Dead Sea. A prophet then told him to move to the forest of Hereth. Meanwhile, Saul was so desperate that he ordered the murder of 85 priests and their families who had innocently given refuge to David at Nob (1 Sam. 22:11-19).
For a while, David found himself in the bizarre situation of fighting Saul's enemies and fleeing Saul at the same time. David and his men drove the Philistines from Keilah (1 Sam. 23:1-14) and then moved to the hill country of Judah to escape Saul in the deserts of Ziph and Maon. When Saul's forces almost caught David's men, they were called away to fight the Philistines. Then David escaped to En Gedi on the Dead Sea. After Saul arrived with 3,000 soldiers, David went to the region of Maon once again. David spared Saul's life on two occasions when Saul was hunting him (1 Sam. 24:10, 26:9). He was still loyal to the king.
David and his 600 men and their families then returned to Gath and settled in Ziklag because he thought he was safer amongst the Philistines. As Saul stopped searching for them, they were able to stay there for 16 months until Saul was killed in battle against the Philistines (1 Sam. 27:1-6; 31:1-6). David was probably a fugitive for about 4-5 years; assuming he was about 16 years of age when he defeated Goliath (2 Sam. 2:2,10; 5:4).
When David was on the run as a fugitive, he hid from his pursuers; Saul and his men. His life was in danger because Saul feared and hated him. Instead of addressing the Philistine threat, Saul's attention was diverted to the pursuit of David.
David's songs as a fugitive
Today we see people walking and running around with headphones listening to songs. Well David also had songs in his head, but he didn't need headphones because he was a singer, songwriter and musician!
Here are some songs that David composed when he was a fugitive, which show his feelings and responses to his burdens of life.
Psalm 59 is a prayer for deliverance when Saul's men ambushed David's house (1 Sam. 19:11-17).
"Deliver me from my enemies, O God;
be my fortress against those who are attacking me.
Deliver me from evildoers
and save me from those who are after my blood.
See how they lie in wait for me!
Fierce men conspire against me
for no offense or sin of mine, LORD.
I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me.
Arise to help me; look on my plight!" (Ps. 59:1-4NIV)
He trusts in God in such times of trouble and the song finishes with praise.
"I will sing of Your strength,
in the morning I will sing of Your love;
for You are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble.
You are my strength, I sing praise to You;
You, God, are my fortress,
my God on whom I can rely." (Ps. 59:16-17)
Psalm 7 is a prayer for deliverance from one of Saul's men.
"LORD my God, I take refuge in You;
save and deliver me from all who pursue me,
or they will tear me apart like a lion
and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me." (Ps. 7:1-2)
The song finishes with praise.
"I will give thanks to the LORD because of His righteousness;
I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High." (Ps. 7:17)
In Psalm 56 David experiences waves of fear and faith as he seeks refuge from Saul amongst the Philistines (1 Sam. 21:10-15; 27:1-4).
"Be merciful to me, my God,
for my enemies are in hot pursuit;
all day long they press their attack.
My adversaries pursue me all day long;
in their pride many are attacking me." (Ps. 56:1-2)
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.
In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?" (Ps. 56:3-4)
In Psalm 57 David fluctuates between faith in God and fear of his enemies when he is hiding from Saul in the cave (1 Samuel 22:1-2; 24:1-22).
"Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
for in You I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings
until the disaster has passed.
I cry out to God Most High,
to God, who vindicates me.
He sends from heaven and saves me,
rebuking those who hotly pursue me—
God sends forth His love and His faithfulness.
I am in the midst of lions;
I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords." (Ps. 57:1-4)
Even though God and his enemies were ever-present, the song finishes with praise.
"I will praise You, Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of You among the peoples.
For great is Your love, reaching to the heavens;
Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let Your glory be over all the earth." (Ps. 57:9-11)
In Psalm 142 David is overwhelmed with stress when he is hiding from Saul in the cave (1 Samuel 22:1-2; 24:1-22). So, he prays for deliverance.
"I cry aloud to the LORD;
I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.
I pour out before Him my complaint;
before Him I tell my trouble." (Ps. 142:1-2)
"I cry to You, LORD;
I say, "You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living."
Listen to my cry,
for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me,
for they are too strong for me.
Set me free from my prison,
that I may praise Your name." (Ps. 142:5-7)
Psalm 54 is a prayer for deliverance when the Ziphites betrayed David twice (1 Sam. 23:19-28; 26:1-4).
"Save me, O God, by Your name;
vindicate me by Your might.
Hear my prayer, O God;
listen to the words of my mouth.
Arrogant foes are attacking me;
ruthless people are trying to kill me—
people without regard for God.
Surely God is my help;
the Lord is the one who sustains me.
Let evil recoil on those who slander me;
in Your faithfulness destroy them." (Ps. 54:1-5)
He then offered praise and thanksgiving.
"I will sacrifice a freewill offering to You;
I will praise Your name, LORD, for it is good.
You have delivered me from all my troubles,
and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes." (Ps. 54:6-7)
Other songs
Some other songs may have been composed when David was a fugitive.
Psalm 13 is a prayer for deliverance from his enemies.
"How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
Look on me and answer, LORD my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
and my enemy will say, 'I have overcome him,'
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
But I trust in Your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in Your salvation.
I will sing the LORD's praise,
for He has been good to me."
So although David felt forgotten, depressed, humiliated faced the risk of death and defeat, he finished with praise.
Psalm 17 is a prayer for deliverance from enemies who had tracked him down.
"Keep me as the apple (or pupil) of Your eye;
hide me in the shadow of Your wings
from the wicked who are out to destroy me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me." (Ps. 17:8-9)
Psalm 31 is prayer and praise for deliverance.
"But I trust in you, LORD;
I say, 'You are my God.'
My times are in Your hands;
deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
from those who pursue me." (Ps. 31:14-15)
Psalm 109 is prayer for God's judgement of enemies.
"My God, whom I praise,
do not remain silent,
for people who are wicked and deceitful
have opened their mouths against me;
they have spoken against me with lying tongues.
With words of hatred they surround me;
they attack me without cause.
In return for my friendship they accuse me,
but I am a man of prayer." (Ps. 109:1-4)
Psalm 35 is a prayer to be rescued from those who taunted him. As usual, he finishes with praise.
"May those who delight in my vindication
shout for joy and gladness;
may they always say, 'The LORD be exalted,
who delights in the well-being of his servant.'
My tongue will proclaim Your righteousness,
Your praises all day long." (Ps 35:27-28)
Psalm 120 is a prayer for deliverance from lies and slander.
"I call on the LORD in my distress,
and He answers me.
Save me, LORD,
from lying lips
and from deceitful tongues." (Ps. 120:1-2)
Finally, in Psalm 22 David feels forsaken by God and rejected by people and surrounded by his enemies.
"Many bulls surround me;
strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
Roaring lions that tear their prey
open their mouths wide against me." (Ps. 22:12-13)
Lessons for the children of Israel
All these songs are recorded in Scripture for the benefit of God's people. What was the lesson for the children of Israel in Old Testament times? As a fugitive, David's life was in danger because he was outnumbered by Saul's men and he was under continual stress. How did he handle this burden and the fact that his father-in-law hated him? He used the weapon of prayer to get God's help; he said "Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you" (Ps. 55:22). He dealt with his burdens by directing them to the Lord. So, he laid the situation before God, recalled who God was, what God was able to do, and his status before God. He requested God's help, affirmed His power, and offered thanks and praise. It was a pattern of prayer and praise. After all, David said, "I am a man of prayer" (Ps. 109:4). He also said: "In the morning, LORD, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly" (Ps. 5:3). He prayed when his mind was clear and the temperature was cool. Being "a man after God's own heart", he was a model for the Jews to follow (1 Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22).
David's suffering was also prophetic of the suffering of the Messiah; they both felt forsaken by God (Ps. 22:1; Mt; 27:46) and they were both taunted with "let God rescue him" (Ps.22:8; Mt:27:43). Jesus was a descendant of David who suffered, yet was innocent. Like David, He responded to His burdens with prayer and endurance.
Lessons for us
First, are we like Saul or like David? Who do we trust? Saul trusted himself, but David trusted in God. David knew that God created the universe and rescued his nation from slavery in Egypt. Do we realise that God created the universe? Through trusting in Christ we can be rescued from the consequences of our sinful ways and have peace with God. That's real security.
Second, if we are trusting God, we need to be careful when applying Old Testament verses to us today because since then Jesus has come and the church has formed. God's people today are Christians whose sins have been forgiven by the death of Christ and who live under God's grace, not the children of Israel who lived under the Old Testament laws (Rom. 6:14).
Is David's pattern of surviving burdens by prayer, praise and endurance consistent with the New Testament? Yes it is, but with the following changes because of what Jesus and the apostles taught:
- Like Jesus, we are to love and pray for our enemies, instead of hating them like David (Mt. 5:44). Although David did respect Saul as king of Israel.
- We shouldn't pray vindictive prayers or seek vengeance on others like David in Psalm 109, but leave such judgment up to God (1 Cor. 5:13; 2 Pet. 2:9). Although vindictive prayers were proper for a Jew living under the law, they are not for a Christian living under God's grace. The time of God's vengeance will come after the church is raptured to heaven.
- Also, we should be willing to endure suffering, taunting and slander like Jesus did and not react against it like David (Mt. 5:11-12; 1Pet. 2:20, 23; 3:9)
- Today people are not our enemies like they were for David; instead it is our sinful desires that war against our soul (1 Pet.2:1). Our enemies are within; they are internal not external (Mt. 15:11, 19). They are spiritual not physical. Keep that in mind when you read the Psalms.
There are two similarities to note between today and David's time:
- As Saul's men followed David relentlessly, so our emotional and spiritual burdens follow us around.
- Prayer is still important for New testament believers: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6-7). Like David, let's be people of prayer.
So although our burdens are ever present, remember that our God is also ever present and that prayer and praise are essential for surviving the burdens of life.
Written, October 2011
Surviving the burdens of life – lessons from Job
Life inevitably has its peaks and valleys; its good times and its bad times; its easy times and its hard times. We all experience burdens of some kind. Life doesn't always go the way we would like it to. In this article, we look at what the Bible says about how to survive the burdens of life, which may be our circumstances, or our perceptions, or our fears and anxieties. In particular, we will focus on the example of Job who lived about 4,000 years ago, after Noah, the global flood and the ice age, but before Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation. He was a godly man with eight children who was wealthy with many animals and many servants.
Job's burdens
One day his animals were stolen and destroyed by lightning, his servants killed, and his children all died in a tornado (Job 1:13-19). Next there was health crisis when his body was covered with painful sores. They itched so badly that he scraped himself with a piece of broken pottery (Job 2:7-8). Because his wife couldn't bear to see him suffering so much, she said "Curse God and die" (Job 2:9NIV). He was tempted to give up on God; but he did not.
What a catastrophe! He lost his family, his possessions, his health and the support of his wife. His life was "full of trouble" and he suffered alone (Job. 14:1). He asked "Why me?" "What did I do to deserve this?"He put his questions to God. He called out to God for relief, but his prayers weren't answered (Job 30:20). His suffering was so bad that he cursed the day he was born and wished that he had died at birth because then he would be resting in peace instead of being in misery and turmoil (Job 3:1-26). He longed for death to release him from his difficulties and troubles. He was haunted by depression, mockery and pain (Job 30:1-31).
Job had a big problem. He thought his suffering was undeserved and unfair. Job was doing everything right when suddenly everything went wrong. That's why he protested to God. His burdens and emotional struggles raise questions such as: Why do godly people suffer? Will Job's faith endure or will he give up on God?
Job's friend's response
Four of his friends seek to comfort Job. Their debate is given in Job 3-37. Their argument was: God is righteous; He punishes the wicked; if Job is being punished it proved that he is wicked. But this is poor logic. Evil isn't always punished in this life and all human suffering is not a punishment from God. Not all suffering is a direct result of sin in one's life. For example, God can use suffering to refine the character of the godly. Instead, his friends only thought of God's justice and not His love and compassion.
But Job defends his integrity and strenuously claims his innocence (Job 27:1-6; 31:40). He is not a wicked person.
God's response
Finally God speaks. How will He deal with the problem of Job's suffering? Instead of answering Job's questions, God asks a series of questions that reveal His divine wisdom and power and Job's insignificance.
The first series of questions address the fact that God provides the conditions for life on earth (Job. 38:4-38). The examples given include: He created the earth; He provided water in clouds, rain, hail, snow, the water cycle, and the sea; He provided light; and He provided the stars of the universe. Then God asked Job, "Were you there when I made this?"; "What do you know about the natural world?"; "Can you do what I have done?". Scientists may understand aspects of how these components of our universe work, but God is their ultimate cause; He designed them and created them.
The second series of questions address the fact that God sustains life on earth (Job. 38:39 – 39:30): The examples given include: lion; raven, ostrich, hawk, and eagle; goat, donkey, ox, and horse. God asked Job, "Do you provide food for all these creatures?"; "Can you tame wild animals?"; "Did you design and create these creatures"; "Can you manage the creation as well as God does"? Of course, the answer is "no"! Job would have felt small and insignificant compared to God's might.
Job's first response
"Then Job answered the LORD: "I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer—twice, but I will say no more" (Job 40:3-5). Overwhelmed by God's divine greatness, wisdom and power, Job realised his insignificance. He couldn't answer God's questions, but he knew what the answers were. He felt so weak that he was speechless. But now that had no more to say, he was ready to listen to God.
God's second response
Then God responded again by asking questions about two of the greatest creatures He ever made. People debate about whether these are mythical or real and living today or extinct. The Bible says that they were real and it is clear that was familiar with these giant creatures (Job 40:15). Their description matches those of the largest dinosaurs, which are now extinct. Contrary to what many scientists say, the Bible teaches that people were on the earth at the same time as the dinosaurs.
Behemoth, which lived on the land, marshes and rivers, was "first among the works of God" (Job 40:19). This means that it was God's best, chief, foremost, greatest and supreme creation. Metaphors are used to convey that its skeleton seemed to be as hard as iron (Job 40:18). God asked Job, "Can you capture it?". Of course, Job couldn't control this monster; but God controlled the world.
Leviathan lived in the sea. "Nothing on earth is its equal—a creature without fear" (Job 41:33). "When it rises up, the mighty are terrified" (Job 41:25). Once again God asked Job, "Can you capture it?". If no one can stand up against it, no one can stand up before its creator. After all God made everything and runs the universe! God is much greater than any of His creation.
Job's second response
"Then Job replied to the LORD: I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me'. My ears had heard of You but now my eyes have seen You. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:1-6).
Job was overwhelmed by God's power and greatness and he repented of his arrogance in questioning God. He was ashamed and sorry for the things he had said. So through his suffering he gains an accurate impression of almighty God and his own failures and limitations. He thinks more of God and less of himself. He accepts his place in the universe and submits to God's will for his life. His faith endured the test of suffering. It proved that Satan was wrong; Job didn't curse God in his afflictions (Job 1:11; 2:5).
Although Job was, "blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil"; his trials led him to repent of his arrogance and pride (Job 1:8; 42:1-6). This domonstrates that pride is the root of all our sin.
The Christian view of suffering
Now we look at what the New Testament says about when God's people suffer. "They (our fathers) disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" (Heb. 12:10-12).
Christians are children of God; He is our spiritual Father. As human fathers discipline and train their children, so God disciplines and trains us. As fathers love their children and want the best for them, so God loves us and wants the best for us. Fathers train their children to become mature adults; but God trains us so that "we may share in His holiness". His goal is that we may become mature as our life becomes purified and the fruit of the Spirit grows. The result of the discipline and training is pictured as a harvest. Crops are harvested when they are mature. Christians are mature when they practice love, joy, peace, forbearance (or patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control and holiness (Gal. 5:22-23).
This discipline and training is painful like it was for Job. So the suffering that Christians endure isn't punishment, it is training and education. In many ways it is "no pain, no gain", because it is possible to go through trials and never have them do a thing for us if we complain all the time. But if we persevere, suffering leads to patience and hope: "suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Rom. 5:3). Job persevered: "Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy" (Jas. 5:10-11).
Christians are to endure hardship and suffering because it is divine discipline, "God is treating you as His children" (Heb. 12:7). We are to "Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (Heb. 12:3). If we think of all the suffering that Jesus went through for us, then we won't become weary and give up. It can sustain us through the burdens of life.
So, don't give up in the tough times. Persevere and endure. Hang in there like Job and Jesus did. Remember it is training for your spiritual growth. Job said "He (God) knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold" (Job 23:10). So the Christian view of suffering is to never complain or give up in despair.
Lessons for us
What can we learn from this? Firstly, the burdens of life don't necessarily cease at death. Although God has provided eternal life for those whose sins have been forgiven through the death of the Lord Jesus Christ, this is only available to those who have repented and turned to trust in God's provision like Job did. That is the only way to survive the burdens of life in the long term. The future is dark for those without God in their life. They are not survivors.
Secondly, we need to normalise burdens and suffering. Job suffered as a godly man. Even the godliest people suffer; it's part of the normal Christian life. We need to expect it and not be surprised when it happens. God doesn't always explain the reason for our suffering. But we shouldn't blame ourselves because suffering is not necessarily the result of our sins, although it is a characteristic of our sinful world.
Thirdly, suffering keeps us humble. By enduring the burdens of life we can realise that God controls the universe, not us. We need to submit to His will, rather that demand that God submit to our desires. So, the suffering of the godly has a purpose, even though we often don't realise at the time.
Fourthly, enduring suffering can be a great witness for the Lord. Job suffered. Jesus suffered. As a result, God was praised and served because He deserved it, no matter the circumstances, and not because of how they benefited, but despite the trials of life. Likewise, if we persevere in suffering, we demonstrate God's worth. We are given the privilege of suffering for Christ and demonstrating our faith in God by enduring life's trials (Phil. 1:29). What a witness that can be!
Fourthly, suffering develops endurance and perseverance. God's discipline and training also helps our growth towards spiritual maturity. So, don't give up in the tough times.
Fifthly, suffering tests our faith. Are we only serving God on the good times? That is a weak faith. Strong faith also serves God in the tough times; when you can say to God, not my will, but Yours be done. Because Job didn't give up on God, he was an example of great faith.
Don't be misled by people like Job's friends who say if we follow them we can be exempt from suffering. That we will be healthy, wealthy and wise instead of suffering the burdens of life. No one is exempt from the burdens of life, particularly the godly.
Finally, those who are suffering don't need advice. They are on the road to maturity. So don't feel sorry for them but join them and like Job we may learn more about God and more about ourselves in the journey.
That's how the Bible says we can survive the burdens of life.
Written, September 2011
Also see: Surviving the burdens of life – lessons from David


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Shaun Hays
Shaun Hays Reviews
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Currently Shaun is done traveling to festivals that have commissioned his art as centerpieces for 2014. Thank you we had a great year!
Egypt was a Huge success and loads of fun... You can see pictures on his
Facebook Fan page
Shaun constructed an amazing 3D illusion for the 2014
Flower Show on State St. in Chicago.
Shaun was hired to promote
Ashton Kutcher's
new Movie: "Jobs" in NYC. Three installments were done in Manhattan by Shaun Hays. Shaun pioneered yet another new way to seal his Chalk art so that pedestrian traffic would be unihibited. Thousands of people everyday walked, and rolled over his artwork. Several days later, it looked fantastic! Shaun is calling these works Chalk-Walkers (tm). Now, Shaun's works can also withstand EVEN RAIN*! The new process allows the public to enjoy his work year-round*!
See more by clicking on this link
Shaun's chalk Art tribute to the first responders of the World Trade Center on 9/11/2001 was featured during the "Chalk Urban Art Fest" in
. In 2012, Shaun created the world's first (and still - ONLY) functioning QR Code done in 3D chalk! "I wasn't sure that was humanly possible!", said Shaun about his featured work. Shaun became the first 3D chalk artist to grace the floors of the world famous McCormick Place in Chicago. It is America's largest convention center. Shaun has been featured at Navy Pier, North Beach, Lincoln Park, Lollapolooza, The John Hancock Plaza and many other prominent Chicago Lakefront sites. Shaun is still working on Chicago's first International Chalk Art Festival on the Lake but efforts have stalled and we will most likely not be seeing this dream until 2015. Details to come.
Shaun's theme this year is "Leveling Up!" - unleashing the best you! Shaun has been speaking to great acclaim at business leadership conferences and expos. Schools across the country, k-12 and colleges, are utilizing his unique communication skills to improve the educational experience of students and community. Shaun is speaking at National Conventions adding to his impressive list of clientele.
Ethan Alexander Hays was born to Faith and Shaun Hays on January 30th, 2012 just after midnight. He weighed 9 lbs, 4 oz and was 21.5 inches long. He is adorable. Shaun posts pictures of him all the time on Facebook if you want to see his chubby cheeks. Ethan was already featured on a t-shirt for Audiofeed Music Festival and was photographed for upcoming publications of Del Nor Hospital, in Geneva, IL. He is now 1 year and just photographed officially by Jimi Allen Studios in Aurora, IL.
Please visit http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/shaun+hays/all to purchase custom Metal or Acrylic Prints, Printed Canvases, iPhone Cases and more! . Meanwhile Shaun has been offering rare original artwork on Facebook every month. Go like his page you can be in on the offers!
Follow @shaunhays
Chalk Champ News
Who is Shaun Hays?
Chicago and (Inter)National Chalk Art Master
Speed canvas performances, 3D Chalk illusions
A professional, established presenter
Winner of the 2012 Culture Impact Award, Shaun is used by
Educational Groups, National Conventions, Expos, Government
Organizations and Charities to be the face and voice of their
group in key moments of challenge. He has great leadership
skill and keen insight.
A speaker who engages your audience with an
attitude altering message
You will love Shaun's charisma and honesty! He tackles
Challenging topics with fresh perspectives for amazing results.
An unforgettable entertainment Value
Shaun's ability to entertain any age group seems to have no
end. From his world-class, live artistry to his moving story
telling, comical theatrics, commanding voice and non-stop
energy... You simply will never forget him!
Direct Booking by email -
or call for personal service:
1 (312) 233-2620
Shaun Hays
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Barbara Boxer
Construction Resumes On Oakland International Airport Control Tower
Construction has resumed on the new control tower at Oakland International Airport. U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, D-California, who came to the airport Tuesday, warned that work could stop again unless Congress meets another funding deadline for the Federal Aviation Administration.
Sen. Boxer Touts Federal Transportation Bill In Bay Area
Her proposal would maintain the current levels for the Transportation Trust Fund for the next two years.
Marin Man Facing Charges Over Alleged Threats To Senator Boxer
A San Rafael man is set to be arraigned on charges that he made death threats against Sen. Barbara Boxer.
North Bay Man Sentenced To Time Served In U.S. Senator Threat
A former Marin County man has been sentenced in federal court in San Francisco to four months already served in jail for sending an email in which he threatened to shoot a U.S. senator unless the legislator voted to preserve endangered species protection for wolves.
Boxer In SF Calls For Major Afghanistan Troop Reduction
The 100,000 U.S. troops now stationed in Afghanistan should be trimmed to 10,000 to 25,000 within the next 18 months, Sen. Barbara Boxer said Friday.
Former California Treasurer Matt Fong Dies
Former California state treasurer Matt Fong, a Republican who lost a challenge to Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer, died Wednesday after a four-year battle with skin cancer.
ConsumerWatch: Walmart Accused Of Shortchanging Gift Receipts
Consumers who return gifts usually need a gift receipt to get a full refund. But some Walmart shoppers say they are only getting a fraction of the purchase price despite having the receipt.
Bay Area Lawmakers React To Bin Laden's Death
Bay Area leaders recognized the significance of the terrorist leader Osama Bin Laden's death but cautioned that the war on terror is far from over.
Senator Boxer Blasts Republicans Over Proposed Budget
U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer took House Republicans to task on Wednesday over their proposed budget plan.
California Senators Call For Emergency Inspections Of Nuke Plants
California Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein have asked the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to inspect two California nuclear plants built near earthquake faults to ensure they can withstand a major quake.


text:
Zuo Pulsar Ceiling Lamp:
- Max Bulb Watts: 25w
- Socket Size: 24*E12
- Bulb Type: Clear, G50
- Product Cover: Chrome
- Number of Bulbs: 24; Bulbs Included: 25
- Cord Length: 76.75"
Finish: Chrome
21.5"H x 22.6"Diameter
Furnished Over 1 Million Homes Since 1997...
I was very satisfied with One Way Furniture Service. I have referred them to many friends, family, and customers. Thank you. Kathy A. Eisele, Boston, MA
Product Review - Zuo Pulsar Ceiling Lamp
Furniture Brand
One Way Furniture is your one-stop shop for all of your furniture needs. With a wide selection of nearly every sort of home furnishing, One Way Furniture has a piece to fit any style of home decor in any price range. Whether your needs are for a contemporary furnitures, office furniture or furnishing for the home, One Way Furniture has just what you are looking for. ZUO
Weight & Size
Reference - Sku: 50028 - Zuo Pulsar Ceiling Lamp by ZUO


text:
According to figures released by Egypt's central bank, the country's gross domestic debt reached 83% of its gross domestic product (GDP) in March, Ahram has reported. Public debt climbed to EGP1.7trn at the end of last March, up from EGP1.65trn in December 2013 and EGP1.46trn in March 2013. Total external debt declined to $45.3bn in the third quarter, or 15.4% of GDP, down from the previous quarter's $45.7bn, but up from the previous year's $38.4bn.
All News Jul 12 2014
Jul 12 2014 All News
Saturday, July 12- 2014 @ 0:05 UAE local time (GMT+4) Replication or redistribution in whole or in part is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Mediaquest FZ LLC.


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Cheap ski holidays in hundreds of ski resorts worldwide.
Chalet Nebraska is a property in the French ski resort of Morzine. You can view more Morzine ski reviews or write your own review.
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Reviewed By Bud L (Gatlinburg, TN) Reviewed for a 2006 Chevy Silverado —12/25/2014 6:55 AM
great finish and function
Reviewed By Ernest G (CHELMSFORD, MA) Reviewed for a 2014 Chevy Silverado —12/25/2014 5:03 AM
This light bar looks great, basically like an OEM installation. Love the sequential cycling for the directional and the various modes for the running lights, brake, turn signals & back up lights. I purchased mine along with the 4-Pin connector. The toughest part of the installation was running the power wire all the way to the battery. Very strange that the kit doesn't come with a fuse which is required for any connection to the battery. Toughest part was determining back up wire! NICE
Reviewed By Dylan C (MISSION VIEJO, CA) Reviewed for a 1998 Chevy C/K 1500 —12/15/2014 9:22 PM
I previously had a putco pure led brake light with the clear lens... The left 3 cargo LEDs stopped working... I have my roof black on my truck and decided to get the smoked lens putco pure led brake light to match and it looks great, I do think the lens could be a bit darker though but other than that its a quality product so far, and the LEDs look great, very vivid color , the price is a bit steep on putco pure led brake lights, but I think its worth it if you want that custom look


text:
4 bed, 3.0 full bath. Immediate Occupancy on this Beautiful Ranch Home in Excellent Area. Maize School system. Specials PMore info
3 bed, 2.0 full bath. Charming rambling ranch on a short acre. Hardwood floors, 2 fireplaces. Huge kitchen w/tons of counMore info
5 bed, 3.0 full bath. New style in an established area! Enjoy this 5 bedroom home in a newer area in Wichita. Open floorMore info
3 bed, 1.0 full bath. Charming and UPDATED home! Come home to this traditional 3 bedroom, 2 car garage property that sitsMore info
3 bed, 1.5 full bath. Super cute home in College Hill! This 1. 5 story home is ready for new owners! This home has been wMore info
2 bed, 1.0 full bath. This fantastic home is move in ready. Home is centrally located, close to schools, close to shoppinMore info
2 bed, 1.0 full bath. Charming and HARD TO FIND home! Come home to this 2 bedroom, 2 car detached garage property that siMore info
5 bed, 4.5 full bath. Stunning brick 2-story home in Reflection Ridge with views of the golf course and 2 lakes!!! The maMore info
5 bed, 3 full bath. A new home community located North of 37th on Tyler Rd with homes starting inthe $180s.More info
3 bed, 2 full bath. BUEATIFUL CUSTOM BUILT HOME!! This recently custom built 3 bedroom home has the positional of beingMore info


text:
On This Day … 22 January
1838 – Therese Schulte was born in Germany 176 years ago to Frank Schulte & Elisabeth Forth. (3rd great-grandaunt)
1863 – Paul Hammang died in the Civil War in Stafford County, Virginia 151 years ago at 22 years old. (1st cousin 4x removed)
1864 – Joseph Lachovski Jr. was born in Germany 150 years ago to Joseph Lachovski & Elizabeth Kunath. (2nd great-granduncle)
1867 – John Bittles was born in Illinois 147 years ago to Samuel Bittles & Lydia Hodges. (1st cousin 4x removed)
1879 – Louis Garlick (24) married Maria Pendergast (23) in Will County, Illinois 135 years ago. (1st cousin 4x removed)
1883 – Mary Garlick was born in Lemont, Illinois 131 years ago to Thomas Garlick & Eliza Clark. (1st cousin 4x removed)
1889 – Julia Dowd was born 125 years ago in Illinois. (wife of Joshua Garlick Jr., 2nd cousin 3x removed)
1916 – Eleanor Schulte (18) married Lloyd Renaud (20) in Detroit, Michigan 98 years ago. (1st cousin 3x removed)
If you have information about any of these people or if you would like more information, please contact me!


text:
Use code HA9MWXdetails >* To Save 10% on orders $249 or more. Use promotion code HA9MWX during checkout. Discount does not apply to shipping charges, delivery surcharges, duties or customs fees and cannot be combined with any other offer. Promotion cannot be used on previous orders. This promotional offer may be modified or terminated at any time. Offer expires 12/27/2014 at 11:59pm ET.
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Find commute times to your work, school, gym and more.
The Carlyle
Contact this property
Floor Plans
Prices, specials, features and availability subject to change.
Property Features
- Security
- Gated Access
- Convenience
- Business Center
- Extra Storage
- On Site Maintenance
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- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
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- Full Concierge Service
- On Site Patrol
- Short Term Available
Units may feature
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
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- Hardwood Flooring
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- Outdoor
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Property Details
Come home to rest and relaxation at these Carlyle Apartments
Treat yourself to all the things you want and need in a new home! Our spacious floorplans include full size washers and dryers, plus large walk-in closets. The Carlyle is conveniently located in San Jose that you can just take a walk down the street to the Eastridge Shopping Center where there is a variety of stores and restaurants. Take a short walk or drive to Target, Starbucks, Ross, Safeway & many other shops and eateries on Capitol Expressway. Plus, San Jose is one of the most exciting cities in Silicon Valley. There's everything from shopping at Santana Row, professional sports teams including the Sharks, Earthquakes, and SaberCats, symphony and ballet performances, and amusement parks like Great America and Raging Waters. You can also relax at home and enjoy our heated spa, sparkling pool and fully equipped 24-Hr fitness center. Welcome to your new home at The Carlyle.
Leasing Information
Pet Policy
Dogs Allowed. Cats Allowed. Pets Accepted. Call for service animal policy.
Our lease terms are: Flexible - Call for Details (Please note that lease terms may vary, are subject to change without notice, and are based on availability. Inquire with property staff for complete details)
Pet Policy: 70 Pound Weight Limit. Maximum 2 pets per apartment. Restrictions: Pet Deposit $500. Pet rent $25 - $50 per month. We love all pets, but the following breeds/crossbreeds are not allowed: Pit Bulls (Staffordshire Bull Terrier), Dobermans, Rottweilers, Chow Chows, German Shepherds, Huskies, Mastiffs, Great Danes, Malamutes, Akitas and Wolf Hybrids. Breed restrictions are subject to change without notice.
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near San Jose, 95148Transit


text:
Batobus Paris
Discover Paris in 8 stops with Batobus: Eiffel Tower, Musée d'Orsay, St Germain des Prés, Notre-Dame, Jardin des...
Port de la Bourdonnais
75007 Paris
District : Eiffel Tower - Invalides> More info
Book with ParisinfoBook
Boats run every 20 to 30 minutes
Specially designed for visitors and walkers, the Batobus passes make it possible to get on the batobus as many times as you want over a specified period of time, saving you from waiting in the queue each time to buy new tickets.
Vehicle rental
|Type of vehicle
|Number of vehicles
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Availability (time) 24/7
Bus times : From 8 September to 10 April, between 10am and 7pm, boat every 15 to 25 minutes. From 11 April to 7 September, between 10am and 9.30pm, boat every 10 to 20 minutes.
Entrance fees and modalities>Currency converter
2 consecutive days pass: €18. Under 16s: €9. Concessions: €12
Annual pass: €60. Under 16s: €38.
|Minimum reduced fare
10 €
|Maximum reduced fare
12 €
Address details
Batobus Paris
Port de la Bourdonnais
75007 Paris
Telephone : +33 (0) 8 25 05 01 01 (0,15€/min) - Fax : +33 (0) 1 40 62 75 10Contact
Website : www.batobus.com
District : Eiffel Tower - Invalides
- Trocadéro
- Pont de l'Alma
Adapted to disabled people
- Physical
Access facilities offered to disabled people
Reduced rate for those with Emeraude or Améthyste cards.
More information on accessibility
- Physically disabled: due to the many steps required to access the quays and/or the boats, only the Eiffel Tower and Louvre stops are accessible to those in wheelchairs. However, an access ramp available on the boats is used to access these two stops.


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I'm using simple jQuery dropdown menu
What I need is: when someone clicks on submenu that element would be stay displayed under parent element…. Any suggestions would be appreciated, I did google it, can't find anything… Thanks.
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
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For a little over a year now I've been traveling around the world talking about BUG at various conferences. I've been to California, Sweden, Switzerland, California, Texas, California, Turkey, Oregon, California, and Belgium. Oh, and California. A few days back I finished up my tour right here in NYC at CommunityOne. I'm going to be taking some time off from travels (but not from work) in order to have a baby. Well, my wife is having the baby. The session went fairly well although I talked too long and didn't have enough time for demos. I presented a few slides on OpenEmbedded and a few people in the audience were already familiar with the project. It's been a good year, I've learned a great deal about presenting, about conferences, and about the technical PR world in general. It was a good run!
In other news Marcin's mailing list post regarding support for a stable branch of OpenEmbedded for commercial vendors (such as Bug Labs) was well received. I look forward to this developing and would love to see some commitments from other commercial companies that depend on the OE community.


text:
Photo: Getty Images
Our favorite Corvette-loving Veep Joe Biden wants you to know that, when it comes to b-ball, dude's got hops. That's right America, just because he's a white guy, don't think for a second that he can't jump. He will school you. He will school you like Harrelson schooled Snipes. During a Black History Month celebration at the Naval Observatory in D.C. last night, Biden boasted that, "I told the president, next game, I've got him. I may be a white boy, but I can jump." The trash talk came courtesy of former NBA player and current Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson being present at the event.
Of course, Biden was there to talk about more than just his skillz on the court. He also spoke about how he was influenced by the civil rights movement growing up and described his efforts to fight voting legislation in several states that would have turned back the clock on civil rights. "These guys never go away. Hatred never, never goes away," Biden said. "The zealotry of those who wish to limit the franchise cannot be smothered by reason." Let that be a warning to any racists out there. V.P. Biden will shut you down. He'll stuff you faster than Horace Grant stuffed Kevin Johnson during Game 6 of the '93 NBA finals.


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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 427
Zorro Always Gets The Ladies! (10-2-09 MNSSHP)
This was my family's first Not So Scary Halloween Party. We went last year on October 2nd. It was some of the most FUN I have ever had at WDW! And that's saying a lot!
Cast of Characters
From left to right:
Mom, 51 - Zorro's personal photographer
Alicia, 25 - pirate wench and my best friend
Dad, 51 - the one and only ZORRO!
Me, 27 - a newsboy from Disney's Newsies (the best movie ever!)
Sandy, 40ish - Zorro's maid and Alicia's mom
This was truly a magical day. In the beginning it was only suppose to be me, Alicia, and my cousin go to the party, but my cousin couldn't come to WDW so my Dad was going with us instead. During the whole trip, we befriended a ton of cast members. There was this one CM that found out my mom wasn't going to the MNSSHP. She said, "No, that won't work at all. Wait here" and came back about 10 minutes later with two extra tickets to the party for free!!! Thanks to that most awesome CM, my mom and Alicia's mom got to go with us!
We took some pics at Pop Century in our costumes.
Zorro always gets the ladies!
After that, we were on our way to MK.
We met a CM from Mississippi. WOOT! She was so excited to see a fellow Mississippian, she gave me a big bear hug
We arrived about 15 minutes before the party started. Lots of people were tredging out of MK. We didn't know what to first! I spotted a long line for the photopass in front of the castle. It didn't take too long to get up there. Thankfully we did the photopass, because it was our only group pic from the party.
After that, we trekked over to Adventurland.
Zorro Gets The Ladies (10-2-09 MNSSHP)
Hopping a Plane Alone with a Toddler...Yep, I'm Crazy (Jan. '13 TR)
Cast Member Appreciation! In memory of Mr. Bob who worked on Main Street USA
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Avis South San Francisco, CA Car Rentals (S6F)
Location Contact Information
Avis Car Rental
South San Francisco
South San Francisco
Address:Phone Number:
230 Harbor Way
South San Francisco, CA, 94080, U S A
(1.5 miles north of SFO)
South San Francisco, CA, 94080, U S A
(1.5 miles north of SFO)
650-588-5585Hours of Operation:
Sun 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sat 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sat 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Other Avis Locations near South San Francisco
Reserve a Rental Carclose window
Additional Location Information
- Rental vehicle must be returned during office hours.
NOTE: Some locations may have a key drop available. If customer chooses to leave the vehicle, the customer is responsible for the vehicle & all charges (including any damages the vehicle may have incurred during after hours) until the contract can be closed out on the following business day.
- Proceed to the Avis rental counter. Show your drivers license and identify yourself as a Preferred Renter to the Avis rental agent in order to receive your preprinted rental document and keys.
- Avis is located 1.5 blocks south of Grand Ave. Forbes Blvd becomes Harbor Way when it crosses Grand Ave.
Check Rates at South San Francisco
South San Francisco Rental Car Deals
Checkout now. Save more.Pay Now and Save Up to 30%
You could keep more money in your pocket with online PAY NOW rates. How much money you ask? Up to 30%. Just pay with a credit card at the time of reservation. If discounted PAY NOW rates are available for your car rental, you'll see a "PAY NOW ONLINE" rates advisory on the car selection page during your online reservation.Terms and Conditions
Prepay Terms and Conditions will be presented on Step 3 of the reservation process.
Avis Locations Near South San Francisco
- San Francisco Intl Airport Car Rentals - (1.0 miles)
- Sears Auto Center - Tanforan Mall Car Rentals - (1.0 miles)
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All Suites Deluxe Majestique Downtown Montreal3 Stars
366-368 Rue Sherbrooke West Ouest Montreal QC H3A 1B2
All Suites Deluxe Majestique is situated on the corner of Rue Sherbrooke O and Rue de Bleury, within a short stroll to Christ Church Cathedral. While in the area, travellers can admire the replica of St. Peter's Basilica at Cathedrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde.
The boutique hotel features 24 deluxe suites with private bathroom, desk and chairs, microwave, coffee- and tea-making facilities, DVD player, TV and high-speed Internet access. Units with kitchen and living are also on offer.
Guests at Deluxe Majestique in Downtown Montreal can savour Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at Moda restaurant on site. Diners also have direct access to nearby restaurants for other dining needs.
All Suites Deluxe Majestique Downtown Montreal provides concierge service to assist in ticket reservations, car service and airline bookings for guests convenience. Kid's programs and activities can also be arranged. The hotel also offers a business centre with fax and computer facilities (fees apply).
Hotel Facilities
- Business Centre
- Internet Access - High Speed
- Non-Smoking Rooms
- Swimming Pool - Outdoor
- Concierge
- Internet Access - Wireless
- Parking Facilities
- Dining Room
- Laundry Facilities
- Pets Allowed
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Cable / Satellite TV
- Dishwasher
- Ensuite / Private Bathroom
- Heating
- Kettle
- Microwave Oven
- Shower
- Toaster
- Alarm Clock
- CD Player
- Dryer
- Flat Screen TV
- Internet Access
- Kitchen
- Radio
- Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
- Voicemail
- Bathroom Amenities
- Colour TV
- DVD Player
- Hairdryer
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Kitchenette
- Refrigerator
- Telephone
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The staff was very impolite; when we arrived nobody was present at the reception (which is always empty), we had to call the other "twin" hotel Mari 1 and wait for someone to come. They reacted to our complaints very rudely and they even proposed us a refund of the deposit to go away, trying in this way to reverse the situation. A part of this, the small room is ok for the price and clean, and the location is perfect to move around Rome (either by foot or with public transports).
- Novice Nomad
- Anonymous
- Italy
- Male, 25-30
- (4 reviews)