WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET: A LIFE STORY IN MY OWN WORDS CHRONICLES A REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF FAITH AND RESILIENCE Mr. Ben E. Brady shares an honest memoir that reflects on hardship, redemption, and a lifetime of unexpected experiences shaped by enduring faith. New Braunfels, TX, — Mr. Ben E. Brady presents What You See Is What You Get: A Life Story in My Own Words, a compelling memoir that recounts a lifetime marked by extraordinary challenges, unexpected opportunities, and unwavering faith. From his premature birth in Lowell, Massachusetts, to careers and adventures that carried him across the United States, Brady's story offers readers a candid account of perseverance, personal growth, and spiritual transformation. In What You See Is What You Get: A Life Story in My Own Words, Brady reflects on the many chapters of a life that defies convention. His journey includes experiences ranging from performing music in neighborhood venues while sharing his Christian faith to serving as a Justice of the Peace in Texas, along with numerous other unexpected turns that reveal both personal struggle and remarkable determination. The inspiration for the memoir comes from Brady's desire to share his life exactly as he lived it, without embellishment or pretense. Looking back across decades of hardship, personal loss, professional change, and spiritual renewal, he recognized an opportunity to document the faith that sustained him through every season. His honest reflections encourage readers to see how perseverance, humility, and trust in God can shape even the most unpredictable life journey. Beyond recounting memorable experiences, the memoir explores broader themes of redemption, purpose, and the enduring influence of faith. Brady demonstrates that a meaningful life is not defined by perfection but by the willingness to continue moving forward despite adversity. His story emphasizes that God's grace often becomes most visible through life's greatest trials, offering readers encouragement to embrace hope and remain faithful through changing circumstances. What You See Is What You Get: A Life Story in My Own Words is written for readers who appreciate inspirational memoirs, Christian testimony, and true stories of resilience. It will resonate with individuals seeking encouragement through life's challenges as well as those interested in authentic accounts of personal transformation. Through thoughtful storytelling and heartfelt reflection, the memoir reminds readers that every experience, no matter how difficult, can contribute to a greater purpose. Mr. Ben E. Brady draws upon a lifetime of diverse experiences, public service, music, and Christian faith to offer readers a memoir rooted in authenticity and gratitude. His commitment to honesty and his willingness to share both victories and failures provide a compelling portrait of a life shaped by perseverance and grace. Through What You See Is What You Get: A Life Story in My Own Words, Brady leaves readers with a timeless reminder that faith can sustain hope through every chapter of life's journey. The book is now available — secure your copy here: https:/a.co/d/07qZMUfz For interview requests, or additional information, please contact: Mr. Ben E. Brady via DM

Embracing forgiveness and understanding, especially when it's challenging, can transform our lives. How do you nurture the strength to love in the face of adversity?

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: FRIDAY 28TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: REFUEL, RECHARGE, RELOAD, PART 2 MEMORIZE: "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost," Jude 1:20 (KJV) BIBLE READING: MARK 14:32-50 32 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. 33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; 34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. 35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. 37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? 38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. 39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. 40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him. 41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand. 43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. 45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him. 46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him. 47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me? 49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled. 50 And they all forsook him, and fled. MESSAGE: Yesterday, I mentioned that you should recharge your spiritual energy whenever you feel a hunger in your spirit. This is very important; however, you should also continue to refuel your spiritual energy even when you don't feel a spiritual hunger so that you can be prepared ahead of any emergency. This is what I refer to as 'extra oil'. Extra oil is the reservoir of prayers and fasting that you have previously done and the Bible verses you have memorised that will come in handy when you are suddenly faced with a challenge. That is why you should always pray, fast, and study the word of God more than you think is necessary, because on days when you need a quick spiritual surge of power, it is from the reservoir that you have built that you will quickly recharge your energy. For example, temptations can arise on a day when you are not fully charged, and you will need strength to resist them. It is from your extra oil that the strength will come. Likewise, if danger suddenly shows up or disaster strikes, you will need to switch to a war mode quickly, and that can only happen when you have a reservoir of oil in you. In such moments, you can start by speaking in tongues. As you speak in tongues, you will draw from the extra oil in your reservoir, and before long, you will feel a surge of power, and then you will be able to solve the problem at hand. However, nothing will happen if there is no extra oil in your reservoir, even if you speak vehemently in tongues when facing a disaster. Child of God, nobody prepares for war on a battlefield. Oftentimes, commanders and soldiers plan their battle strategies long before wars break out. In Matthew 26:36-44, the Bible recounts how Jesus spent time praying earnestly in the Garden of Gethsemane before he was arrested. While He prayed, His disciples slept; therefore, when challenges arose, they had no extra oil to draw from, so they fled. Peter denied Jesus, and all the other disciples fainted on the day of adversity because their strength was small (Proverbs 24:10). Beloved, pray more than you think is necessary before the day of adversity comes. Prayer is never a waste. Speak in tongues often, and spend ample time in God's presence so that when the day of adversity comes, you will have more than enough extra oil to draw strength from. PRAYER POINT: Father, please help me to immerse myself in prayer and give myself to the study of Your word daily. BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: EZEKIEL 16 - 17 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE HYMNAL 12 - ONWARD, CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS! 1. Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, Looking unto Jesus, Who is gone before; Christ, the Royal Master, Leads against the foe; Forward into battle, See His banners go. CHORUS Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, Looking unto Jesus, Who is gone before. 2. At the name of Jesus Satan's host doth Ilee; On then, Christian soldiers On to victory! Hell's foundations quiver At the shout of praise: Brothers, lift your voices, Loud your anthems raise. 3. Like a mighty army Moves the Church of God: Brothers, we are treading Where the saints have trod. We are not divided, All one body we One in hope and doctrine, One in charity. 4. Crowns and thrones may perish Kingdoms rise and wane; But the Church of Jesus Constant will remain: Gates of hell can never 'Gainst that church prevail; We have Christ's own promise And that cannot fail. 5. Onward then, ye people, Join our happy throng; Blend with ours your voices In the triumph song: "Glory, praise and honour, Unto Christ the King", - This, through countless ages, Men and angels sing. ‎PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL FRIDAY, 28TH AUGUST, 2026 REFUEL, RECHARGE, RELOAD II ‎ ‎PRAYER POINTS ‎ 1.Father, thank You for the infilling of Your Holy Spirit on me. Thank You for satisfying me with Your word, to encourage and to strengthen at all times. 2.Father, please help me to continually refuel, recharge, and reload my spiritual energy in preparation ahead of any emergency, in Jesus' name. 3.Father, please help me never to come to a point where I feel too full to refuel my spiritual energy rather, let my life continually enjoy spiritual supply of energy, in Jesus' name. 4.Father, please may I never run out of extra oil in my walk with You, help me to fill my spiritual tank with Your word, prayers and fasting such that my reservoir will overflow at all times, in Jesus' name. 5.Father, please help me not to relent in the place of studying the word, intensive prayers and continuous fasting such that when I am faced with challenges, i can emerge more than a conqueror, in Jesus' name. 6.Father, please give me strength to resist the devil and to overcome in times of temptations, in Jesus' name. 7.Father, please help me to regularly engage myself in spiritual exercises that will keep me battle ready in the days of adversity, in Jesus' name. 8.Father, please help me not to sleep nor slumber when I ought to watch and pray so I won't faint or flee in the day of adversity, in Jesus' name. 9.Father, please help me to pray more than necessary, immerse me in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and help me to spend ample time in Your presence daily, in Jesus' name. 10.Father, please help me to immerse myself in prayers and myself to the study of Your word daily, in Jesus' name. 11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ Please help him never to be disconnected from prayers and the study of Your word daily, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name ‎ ‎12.Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, with wisdom and favour. Answer all his prayers beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎13.Father, please let every challenge and temptations, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name. ‎ ‎14.Your personal petitions. ‎(Philippians 4:6) ‎ ‎15.In Jesus name I pray. ‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16) ‎ #GodBlessOurNation These prayers have no expiry dates! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus name.

Guidelines for living. August 27, 2026 Why You Should Cultivate Excellence in Your Life Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 The greatest accomplishments in life - believe it or not - are made not by the smartest people in the world but by those who didn't know enough to quit. They were the ones who kept trying, kept plodding, kept practicing, who kept investigating until they stumbled onto success. That fact was driven home to me when I was studying in the university. There were two men in my classes who were geniuses. Their IQs were way up there. At the end of a class, they slapped their books shut and generally didn't open them. They were smart. Frankly, I was among those who had to dig it out. People thought I was really gifted; no, I just knew how to work and to study. My parents spent hard earned money and sent me to school to study, not party. I knew why I was there and I made the most of the opportunity. Learning to apply myself was something I happened to grow up with, but everybody didn't have a dad who cut the handles off of brooms, making them short enough for me to use as a kid, or has you work alongside him. But you can learn to work. You can develop discipline yourself. You can set goals and eventually reach them. One of my heroes was Sir Edmund Hillary, who along with his Sherpa guide, Tensing, crested Mount Everest for the first time. Awesome achievement, and that before a lot of high-tech gear which climbers use today. When asked how he accomplished this when others had failed, he replied that when he was tempted to turn back, he took just one more step. William Carey, the father of modern missions, said that his greatest ability was to plod in the face of adversity. When Thomas Edison had tried 10,000 ways to produce an incandescent globe and hadn't succeeded, he was urged to quit. He responded that he had found 10,000 ways that wouldn't work. And he would eventually find one that did. He did! I've sometimes wondered how many determined, stubborn individuals we have today with that same tenacity. The foundation of our modern achievements was laid by thousands of unknown individuals who lived in obscurity and died unknown, who faithfully contributed to what has enabled us to send men to the moon, to circle the globe with communication, and to accomplish great and mighty things through technology and science. They laid the foundation; we have built upon their research, hard work, and trial and error. Their strength and energy, like a gradually falling barometer, were meted out in hard work, years of often-unrecognized service, and yes, blood, sweat and tears. But they did not quit. They did not look for something with less work and more money attached to it. I've been told that in an European Cathedral, high in the rafters where no one ever goes, are some intricate carvings of exquisite beauty, done by a master craftsman whose name has long since been lost to posterity. Why did he take time to do some of his finest work, using an abutment of wood that will never be seen by the public? He valued excellence. He took seriously the admonition of the Bible that instructs: "Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom" (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Cultivate excellence. Make it a passion. Refuse to let the world and our culture shove you into the mold of mediocrity. Thank God for teachers who inspire excellence, for mothers who have the patience to bring the best out of their children, for dads who have the patience to teach a little boy how to do something. Do it, friend. Someday, you will be very glad you did. Resource Reading: Ecclesiastes 9:1-10

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: REFUEL, RECHARGE, RELOAD, PART 1 MEMORIZE: "And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel." Hebrews 12:24 (KJV) BIBLE READING: LEVITICUS 17:11, MATTHEW 26:27-29 LEVITICUS 17:11 11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. MATTHEW 26:27-29 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. MESSAGE: God created man such that he would constantly need refuelling. That is why He made sure that every day would be followed by a night so that, if you have worked very hard during the day, you can sleep and refuel your energy at night. Also, after you have eaten breakfast and worked for some time, you are expected to take a break for lunch to refuel. The Almighty God created hunger to remind you that you are running low on energy, so you can go ahead and recharge by eating. In the same way batteries must be recharged from time to time so they can remain effective, you must constantly recharge yourself spiritually so that you will not become spiritually ineffective. Whenever you begin to run low on spiritual energy, there will be a hunger in your spirit, and you will feel the need to refill. When that hunger comes, please don't ignore it. Start fasting and praying immediately to recharge your spiritual energy. If you allow the hunger to persist, you will become weak, and this may cause you to faint in the day of adversity (Proverbs 24:10). God, in His infinite mercy, has also provided the Holy Communion as a very effective way for Christians to refuel spiritually. The wine of the Holy Communion represents the blood of Jesus, and since the life of the flesh is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11), then the life of Jesus is in His blood. You cannot drink the blood of Jesus worthily and remain weak. People who belong to occult groups understand the power of blood. When members of the occult want to receive more power, they are asked to make sacrifices that involve blood. The greater the power they seek, the greater the sacrifices required. In most cases, those who rise to the highest levels of such groups are asked to drink the blood of their victims for quicker and greater empowerment. As children of God, when we partake of the Holy Communion, we partake of the blood of our risen Lord. Today's memory verse tells us that the blood of Jesus speaks better things than that of Abel. When you are weak, the blood of Jesus will speak strength and might into you. Beloved, never wait until you are completely drained of your spiritual strength. Whenever you find yourself getting weak spiritually, partake of the Holy Communion to recharge yourself, and you will receive fresh energy from the endless life of Christ. KEY POINT: Partaking of the Holy Communion will refuel your spiritual energy. BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: EZEKIEL 13 - 15 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE HYMNAL 8 - I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR 1. I need thee every hour most gracious Lord; no tender voice like thine can peace afford. CHORUS: I need thee, oh, I need thee; Every hour I need thee! Oh, bless me now my saviour; I come to thee! 2. I need thee every hour, stay thou near by; temptations lose their power when thou art nigh. CHORUS: 3. I need thee every hour in joy or pain; come quickly and abide or life is vain. CHORUS: 4. I need Thee every hour Teach me Thy will; And Thy rich promises In me fulfill. CHORUS: 5. I need Thee every hour, Most Holy one; Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son! CHORUS: ‎PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL THURSDAY, 27TH AUGUST, 2026 REFUEL, RECHARGE, RELOAD I Prayer Point ‎ 1.Father, thank You for giving us the day, to work, and the night, for rest. Thank You for providing food and water to satisfy our hunger and thirst. 2.Father, thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in our weakness, and to fill us when we feel empty. 3.Father, please help me to constantly recharge myself spiritually, so I won't become spiritually ineffective, in Jesus' name. 4.Father, please help me never to ignore the need to refill when I'm running low on spiritual energy, in Jesus' name. 5.Father, please help me constantly recharge my spiritual batteries through regular fasting and prayers, in Jesus' name. 6.Holy Spirit, refuel my spiritual tank, and satisfy my hunger and thirst so I won't become weak and faint in the day of adversity, in Jesus' name. 7.Father, thank You for the power in the Holy Communion to refuel us spiritually; thank You for the life transforming power in the blood of Jesus, in Jesus' name. 8.Father, please help me to constantly drink the blood of Jesus worthily, so I won't remain weak, in Jesus' name. 9.Father, by the reason of the blood of Jesus which is the greatest sacrifice, I receive power to rise to the very highest level of greater spiritual empowerment and exploit, in Jesus' name. 10.Father, as I partake of the Holy Communion, let the blood of Jesus speak strength and might into me, in Jesus'name. 11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ Please grant him grace to remain spiritually refueled, recharged and reloaded for Your use, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name ‎ ‎12.Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, with wisdom and favour. Answer all his prayers beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎13.Father, please let every challenge and temptations, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name. ‎ ‎14.Your personal petitions. ‎(Philippians 4:6) ‎ ‎15.In Jesus name I pray. ‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16) #GodBlessOurNation These prayers have no expiry dates! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus name.

PROVERB OF THE DAY ( Proverbs 24) 1. Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; 2. For their heart devises violence, And their lips talk of troublemaking. 3. Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; 4. By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches. 5. A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; 6. For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety. 7. Wisdom is too lofty for a fool; He does not open his mouth in the gate. 8. He who plots to do evil Will be called a schemer. 9. The devising of foolishness is sin, And the scoffer is an abomination to men. 10. If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small. 11. Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. 12. If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds? 13. My son, eat honey because it is good, And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste; 14. So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul;If you have found it, there is a prospect, And your hope will not be cut off. 15. Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Do not plunder his resting place; 16. For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity. 17. Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not Let your heart be glad when he stumbles; 18. Lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him, And He turn away His wrath from him. 19. Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the wicked; 20. For there will be no prospect for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out. 21. My son, fear the LORD and the king; Do not associate with those given to change; 22. For their calamity will rise suddenly, And who knows the ruin those two can bring? 23.These things also belong to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment. 24. He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” Him the people will curse; Nations will abhor him. 25. But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, And a good blessing will come upon them. 26. He who gives a right answer kisses the lips. 27. Prepare your outside work, Make it fit for yourself in the field; And afterward build your house. 28. Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, For would you deceive with your lips? 29. Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.” 30. I went by the field of the lazy man, And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; 31. And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; Its surface was covered with nettles; Its stone wall was broken down. 32. When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction: 33. A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest; 34. So shall your poverty come like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.

PROVERB OF THE DAY ( Proverbs 24) 1. Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; 2. For their heart devises violence, And their lips talk of troublemaking. 3. Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; 4. By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches. 5. A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; 6. For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety. 7. Wisdom is too lofty for a fool; He does not open his mouth in the gate. 8. He who plots to do evil Will be called a schemer. 9. The devising of foolishness is sin, And the scoffer is an abomination to men. 10. If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small. 11. Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. 12. If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds? 13. My son, eat honey because it is good, And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste; 14. So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul;If you have found it, there is a prospect, And your hope will not be cut off. 15. Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Do not plunder his resting place; 16. For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity. 17. Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not Let your heart be glad when he stumbles; 18. Lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him, And He turn away His wrath from him. 19. Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the wicked; 20. For there will be no prospect for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out. 21. My son, fear the LORD and the king; Do not associate with those given to change; 22. For their calamity will rise suddenly, And who knows the ruin those two can bring? 23.These things also belong to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment. 24. He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” Him the people will curse; Nations will abhor him. 25. But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, And a good blessing will come upon them. 26. He who gives a right answer kisses the lips. 27. Prepare your outside work, Make it fit for yourself in the field; And afterward build your house. 28. Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, For would you deceive with your lips? 29. Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.” 30. I went by the field of the lazy man, And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; 31. And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; Its surface was covered with nettles; Its stone wall was broken down. 32. When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction: 33. A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest; 34. So shall your poverty come like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.

❤️WHY DO THE RIGHTEOUS SUFFER? Part 1 of 2. I would like to address one of the most puzzling and perplexing problems confronting the Christian today and that is why do the righteous suffer? In order to deal with this adequately, we're going to be looking at the book of Job. We read in Job Chapter 1:1f There was a man in the Land of Oz whose name is Job and that man was perfect and upright and one that feared God and turned away from evil. We continue to read in the book of Job how he lost everything, his family, his property, his possessions, and then lost his health with a loathsome disease. The universal problem of whether or not suffering is a sign of divine displeasure, and thus presupposes sin on the part of the sufferer, is the theme of the book of Job. The central problem of the book of Job is the central problem of humanity. Why do men suffer the way they do, and especially, why do the righteous suffer? Why are not godly, righteous, faithful obedient men and women always blessed? Why does it seem many of the ungodly prosper and are never in trouble? A Christian wonders why must I suffer this or that, or why must I go through this trial, or why do I have to experience all of this pain and adversity? I'm a Christian, I study the Bible, I love the Lord. I feel that I'm obedient, so why do I go through such long trials, hardships, and personal attacks? To make things even worse, many times there is no immediate answer and it's a real test of your faith as with Job. Is all adversity and suffering the direct result of sin? What is the basis upon which prosperity and adversity, blessing and misfortune, affliction and health happen to people? What is the basis upon which these things are distributed to men in this life? The principal aim of the book of Job is to disprove the popular theory that was held by many of the Jews and it's still popular today, that all suffering is a sign of God's displeasure and presupposes sin on the part of the sufferer. Inseparably related to the problem of suffering is the greater problem of evil and to consider one necessitates the consideration of the other. The problem of evil results from the clear fact that within the world that God created good according to Genesis 1, it was created very good! Within this world that God created good there is much that is now imperfect. It has become a world of suffering, sin, hate, warfare, oppression, evil and death. Now even a superficial observer will note that these two facts present somewhat of a dilemma. On the one hand Genesis 1 shows that God created all things good and he hates evil. On the other hand, we've seen the widespread evil and suffering that's in this world of imperfection. Now how can we explain this: what has happened? Some suggest that either God cannot remove evil nor could he have prevented its entrance into his world. Others say God does not will to prevent it and did not will to prevent its entrance into the Garden of Eden. Now the first conclusion will be rejected by all who believe in the Sovereign God of the Bible but neither is the second alternative any help in solving the apparent dilemma. It doesn't give us a satisfactory solution and so believers and Christians have always sought a third alternative to explain the problem of evil in a good universe. Now the book of Job is in reality the source material for a study of some of the most profound theological questions of the Bible- the problem of the righteous suffering adversity and the meaning of the presence of evil in a world God created good. It gives us the source of sickness and adversity. It's not God as some think and is often implied today. It's Satan who is behind the scenes doing this. No book in the Bible gives more insight into the problem of why the righteous suffer and the meaning and purpose of evil in the world. Now we will examine that question. There are three basic solutions that have been given to the problem of evil. First there's a denial of its existence. We're told all evil is only an illusion. This is fundamentally the doctrinal position of the Christian Scientists. All evil experienced, meaning sin, suffering, pain, and the like are purely subjective, existing only in the mind of the observer. They have no objective reality. Christian science teaches that since God is good, he could not permit evil to exist and therefore evil is not real. Suffering, evil, sin, and Satan and death are the imagination of man's finite mind. They're only an illusion. They have no reality and would disappear if man would by faith and self-discipline deny their existence. Of course, the objections to this hypothesis are almost self-evident. Even if this hypothesis were accepted as valid, which it isn't, one is still faced with the question of how the appearance of evil and suffering is to be explained. I mean what's the origin and meaning of the illusion of pain and suffering and death? The illusion of pain and suffering is as real to the sufferer as real pain and suffering. A world in which the majority of its inhabitants are deceived with respect to the presence of suffering needs as much explaining as one in which evil is a genuine reality. It doesn't solve the problem, it only changes the terminology from reality to illusion. The suffering and the evil remain. It is quite obvious that this view is unbiblical and is out of harmony with the facts of experience. I mean Christian Scientists yell just as loudly as anyone else when they mashed their finger with a hammer. They go right on dying like the rest of humanity. Another suggested solution is the error is finitism. We're told God's power is limited. The doctrine of the finite God is the solution that we must choose, we are told. The fact that God is not completely good and that he is not omnipotent is an unscriptural attempt to explain the presence of moral and natural evil. The limitation doctrine argues that God made the best kind of world that he could but that even God could not prevent the presence of evil. Finitism, we are told, preserves the goodness of God and recognizes that God is not the source of all things. He is the source of all that is good and He is an opposition to all that is evil. Finitism seems to be a solution to some people. But again, this theory is unbiblical. The doctrine of a finite God cannot stand in view of the testimony of Scripture. See Daniel 4:35 Jeremiah 32:17, Matthew 19:26, Romans 9, Job 1 and 2. We're told that God is in control of all events and governments in heaven and earth. Nothing is too hard for God and with God nothing is impossible. As we read Job chapters 1 & 2 we see that Satan had to get God's permission to afflict Job. The concept of an eternal principle of evil against which God is engaged in some cosmic struggle and the outcome of which is by no means certain is platonic dualism pure and simple. It's not Biblical. The doctrine of finitism is no solution at all to the problem but simply a sophisticated shortcut to avoid what appears to be a dilemma. It results from the fallacy that one must either give up the goodness of God or His omnipotence and power since there appears to be an alleged conflict. The only solution seems to be to sacrifice his omnipotence according to this unscriptural view. Now a third solution which we believe to be the biblical one, is that a moral world involves the possibility of evil. In a moral universe of free creatures, the possibility of moral development involves the possibility of the entrance of moral evil and its consequences into the world. For example, we see in the narratives of Genesis that God did not intend to compel moral obedience, but that a holy moral character could only be developed by voluntary free choice on Adam's part. Hence, a world without the possibility of disobeying God would not present the necessary means of developing moral character. Adam was not born with a holy moral character, but he was innocent. He was pure, but you're not born with character. This must develop and grow as you respond to the experiences of life. Trials, adversities, and so forth are designed to shape one's character. Someone has pointed out that these sufferings sometimes crush the person who experiences it. There are times when the final result is more glorious than would be conceivable in any other kind of universe. Therefore, this view does give us a workable solution to the problem of evil and helps explain the purpose of suffering. It is the suffering of the righteous and the allowance of the entrance of sin into the world. This view involves a possibility of the entrance of evil and also helps explain God's self-imposed limitations. Now those terms are important. We see God is presented in Scripture as omnipotent and all-powerful. But it is also true that, at the moment He created something outside himself, man who is a free moral creature, who could have the power at least temporarily to say no to God, that there was to some degree a self-imposed limitation which God placed upon Himself. This does not mean that God has limited His sovereignty, power, or His rule by creating a being in his own image who had the power to rebel against him. But it does mean that God chose to exercise his sovereignty in a universe filled with creatures who could temporarily rebel against that sovereignty. Notice it's only temporary, and so we see a moral world involves the possibility of the entrance and presence of moral evil. This brings us to the basic question that we're going to discuss. The perplexing problem of why the righteous suffer and biblical solutions. It's not unusual that trials and sufferings of the child of God may involve several purposes. We shall explore these next. Part 2.) First, we see that trials and sufferings have an educational purpose. We will see from this study that the righteous suffering trial and affliction is not always evidence that they have sinned or evidence that God is displeased with them. There may be some deeper purpose in God allowing it and that is to bring them into conformity to the image of Jesus Christ. Examining these purposes is necessary because the Christian goes through trials and sufferings of many kinds. Therefore, they need to know whether or not these are chastisements, are things to be resisted as from the devil, or if these things are from the hand of God! This way we will not be resisting when we should be submitting so we will benefit from our trials and testings. We mentioned that trials and sufferings have an educational purpose. We see Job's misfortunes and sufferings at first of all as a teaching and educational purpose. We see spiritual wisdom and discernment do not automatically come to the believer but they are gained through the times of hardship and suffering and of trial and testing. Job learned the meaning of an abiding faith in God. He received an education along the line of an abiding and steadfast faith. See chapter 13 in verses 15-18. Job said though he slay me yet will I trust him. He came to know what genuine faith was and he was willing to trust God in spite of circumstances and appearances. He came to know in a more meaningful way God as his Redeemer in chapter 19. He has come through a great valley of testing and trial and affliction and there's one thing he says. I don't understand all of this, but I do know my redeemer lives and then he became confident in his future of vindication. We see that in chapter 9 verses 32-35, chapter 16 verse 19, chapter 13 verse 18. He said I know that I will be justified and this suffering of mine is not the result of sin, but I will be vindicated. Almost beside himself from grief and suffering, he came into a deeper assurance of a future life beyond the grave and this present world of inequality, injustice, and affliction. He came into a deeper understanding of the sovereignty of God. In chapters 38 to 41 where the Lord addresses him in two discourses of speeches, Job said, I've heard of You in the hearing of the ear and now my eye has seen You. I abhor myself and I repent in dust and in ashes. He said, I lay my hand over my mouth and I'll not speak again. I've spoken once, I've spoken twice but now, he says I'll not speak again. God revealed to him his sovereignty. God doesn't answer job's perplexities or questions. He just reminds him that He is God and that whatever he does is righteous. So, the educational purpose and significance of suffering is evident throughout the Bible especially in the book of Job as Job progressively moves from one valley of doubt and mystery to another. Each time climbing to a mountain peak of faith as he conquers his fears and his doubts and he comes to a new understanding and appreciation of the promises of God. The meaning of suffering is first and foremost of all for the express purpose of developing within the heart of the saint the assurance and understanding of his trust in God. In psalm 119 verses 65-72. The psalmist said there that he praises the Lord for afflicting him because then he came to know how to obey the Lord as he should. He said I thank You for the correction of my affliction because now I've come to understand better how to obey your precepts and your law. Our trials and tests, persecutions and the like have an educational purpose. When Jesus saves you, he sends you to His school. That is the school of the trial of your faith. Sadly, most Christians have not been taught this. They do not profit from their lessons so they keep taking the same course over and over. This is because they're flunking the tests. They've not been taught to submit to the trials but instead resist them. They think trials are something to be avoided at all costs. The Bible says we are to rejoice in our trials, James 1, because it is working in us the steadfast endurance we need to mature. Jesus told us that trials are to be a cause of rejoicing in Matthew 5, because when we're persecuted he said, rejoice because great is your reward in heaven. We are not to resist these things. Again, in Acts 14:22, for we must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. If you're trying to get off the pathway of trial and if you're trying to get out of that school, then you are on the wrong path. Realize you will not be able to graduate because you're flunking the course or you become a spiritual dropout from the school of the trial of your faith. Trials and sufferings are designed by God because He loves you and desires to educate you in an abiding faith in knowing that He is able to deliver and protect you keeping you to the end. You come to trust Him in spite of circumstances as Job. You come to the place where you can say though He slay me yet will I trust Him. That doesn't make any sense to your head or your intellect, but if you stay in God's school and learn your lessons as you should, it will make sense to your spirit and to your heart. Trials and sufferings of the believer for righteousness' sake have an educational purpose. Stay in God's school long enough for him to teach you something and you'll find you'll be blessed for it with a mature faith and trust in the plans and purposes of God in your life! Part 3.) Next, we see that sometimes sufferings and trials have a punitive purpose. This is the solution, by the way, to the problem suggested by Job's friends. You'll notice this as you read the book and although it is by no means the whole answer, yet it does have its place in the total picture. This is the law of sowing and reaping Galatians 6:7 - for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap. There are natural consequences of sin and so sometimes trials and sufferings have a punitive purpose. Punitive means punishment. Some of these things we endure and suffer are because we've not heeded the law of sowing and reaping Galatians 6:7. We see this throughout the Bible that this works for the saint as well as the sinner. We have to obey this law. If we don't sow to the Spirit and sow to the flesh, we're going to reap the consequences. We see this in the case of David. He had to reap what he sowed in his sin with Bathsheba. We read the sword never departed from his house, although he did receive forgiveness. We also see this in the New Testament in 1st Corinthians 5 and 1st Corinthians 11. Some of the Christians were not partaking of the communion the Lord's Supper as they should. Therefore, Paul says you don't discern the Lord's body, you're not eating this supper worthily, and therefore some of you are sick and some of you are dying prematurely. This is the law of sowing and reaping. For example, if a Christian girl allows herself to get into trouble and becomes pregnant, she may repent of that sin and be forgiven but she'll still suffer the stigma of bearing an illegitimate child. She's still going to suffer the consequences of what she sowed, for whatsoever you sow you reap. Galatians 6:7. So there's no way to get around the fact that you're going to reap what you sow. This is why sometimes we suffer trials and afflictions. We should examine our lives to see whether or not God is judging us because of something we have disobeyed him about or not getting our lives corrected about some matter. Now what's the significance of Job's suffering in relation to the punitive purpose? Remember this is the suggested solution of Job's three friends. The principle upon which all suffering is based they said is this- that suffering is a direct result of sin and a just recompense for it. Job's sufferings, they insisted, were a sign of divine displeasure and presupposed sin on his part. Now of course the Bible does set forth this principle. It's the law of sowing and reaping where righteousness will bring prosperity and blessing, disobedience and wickedness will bring adversity. This is a principle set forth throughout the Bible as Deuteronomy 28 which is a good example of that. Psalm 1 is another example. But what of the righteous individual who often is the victim of misfortune and suffering, and why so often do the ungodly seem to prosper? What's the explanation for the suffering of the innocent and the prosperity of the wicked? Was the popular notion that the innocent do not suffer and the wicked are always afflicted contrary to the facts, even as Bildad and Zophar dogmatically insisted it was true? They insisted the principle was immutable and that Job, though outwardly righteous, nevertheless must be guilty of some heinous secret sins. Their philosophy was this, that all sin causes suffering. Job is suffering. The conclusion, Job must be a sinner! Job's sufferings, they argue, convict him implicitly of some grave sin and they plead with him to acknowledge it and repent. Job protests his innocence throughout the book and so we still are faced with the perplexing question. Why then is Job suffering? Remember he didn't have chapters 1 and 2 which give us the explanation. He had to endure this experience before the answer came. What then is the explanation for those instances which seemed by the Scriptures, show the moral principle of cause and effect, sowing and reaping, that they could not always be forced into a neat logical system? The laws governing society did not guarantee that in some individual cases the innocent might not suffer and that wickedness might not elude temporary judgment. No, throughout the scriptures we see that suffering is not necessarily the direct result of prior sins. This is proven in many passages as Jeremiah 19, Ezekiel 21, Amos chapter 2, In John 9, the case of the blind man, Jesus said this man was not blind because of his parent's sin or his own sin but that God might be glorified in his healing. So, also, in the case of Job, we see he suffered innocently. What the Scriptures do teach is this - that in the light of eternity it is the righteous who will be blessed and the wicked who will suffer. We should not judge too soon. The conclusion is this, suffering and adversity may sometimes be the result of sin and therefore the purpose is punitive, but this is not always the case. Don't follow Job's friends' rigid thinking in condemning someone when you do not have all the facts. Part 4.) Sometimes trials and suffering have a disciplinary purpose. There are times afflictions are the chastisements of a loving Father. This is in harmony with Hebrews 12, 1st Corinthians 5, 1st Corinthians 11 and proverbs 3 verses 11-12. Who the Lord loves He chastens. The Scriptures tell us in Job chapter 33, that God speaks to man and the purpose for that is he may withdraw man from his purpose and hide pride from man. He keeps back his soul from the pit and his life from perishing by the sword. He is chastened also with pain upon his bed and the multitude of his bones with strong pain. God chastens his children because he doesn't want His children going on a path of destruction from disobedience to His Word and will for their lives. We read in Hebrews 12 that who the Lord loves He chastens and He scourges every son He receives. Job 33 speaks of one form of chastisement being sickness. In Hebrews 12 it doesn't say anything about sickness being a form of chastisement. God has many ways to chasten His children. Sometimes he just withholds his blessings. Testing has a way of humbling man's pride. You see, many of Job's utterances under the weight of his afflictions gave indication that his trials had not yet fully accomplished their purpose. You will see this as you read the book of Job. Job sometimes questions God's purposes and in his questioning of God's purpose and his control of human affairs, it implied that Job knew more than God. Sometimes Christians, under the weight of their trials and afflictions, will cry out to God in such a way and try to use their logic and reason to such an extent that they even question God's wisdom in allowing them the trials and afflictions. To be Continued. Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

Be Raw before God, but move to confidence assurance;shift focus to God's power Psalm 6 is a heartfelt prayer by King David asking God for mercy, physical and emotional healing, relief from deep distress, and deliverance from enemies. It shows raw honesty in suffering and moves from deep sorrow to confident faith. David's plea for mercy, healing, and deliverance from his adversaries. When you are going through deep distress, sickness, or severe adversity, it is entirely natural to feel overwhelmed. Psalm 6 teaches us that it is completely okay to be completely honest with God about your pain. King David did not hide his suffering; he wept openly, declaring that his soul was in deep anguish and his bed was soaked with tears. God does not expect you to hide your struggles or put on a brave face. Pouring out your heart, crying, and admitting your weakness to Him is a vital part of faith. However, while it is important to express your grief, you must not allow your circumstances or your enemies to hollow you out or break your spirit. The enemy wants your pain to turn into despair and isolate you from hope. The turning point comes when you shift your focus away from the magnitude of the problem and toward the magnitude of God’s power. Just as David did, you can move from weeping to confident assurance. Remind yourself that the Lord hears your weeping and accepts your prayer. Trust that the temporary trial will give way to deliverance, and keep your eyes on the praise and testimony that will surely come when God restores you. prayer Heavenly Father,I come to You honestly in my pain, sickness, and distress. You see my tears, and You know how heavy my heart feels right now. Thank You that I do not have to hide my suffering from You, and that You welcome me when I cry out for help. Lord, please protect my mind and spirit from the enemy. Do not let this adversity hollow me out or cause me to despair. Right now, I shift my focus away from my problems and lift my eyes to Your great power. I choose to trust in Your mercy and Your ability to deliver me.Thank You for hearing my weeping and answering my prayer. I look forward to the breakthrough, the healing, and the praise that will come through this trial.In Jesus' name, Amen.

This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in Him at all. 1 John 1:5 NLT ____ Confessing our sins restores us to the joy of His presence. ____ Are you that loyal of a friend? Ask God for grace to be the kind of friend who is faithful in adversity. ____ Please grow my love for others, ever-present and loving God. ____ Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else? Romans 8:32 NLT