Job 23:10-12, "...He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. 11My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. 12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food."

The words of Job in today's passage spoke to my heart.  A man under severe trial speaks the truth concerning God's purposes in trying us, that we may come forth as gold, and gives the key to standing tall at the end of it all.  No matter how great the test, we must give proper credit and respect to the Word of God.  Job states, "I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food."

 Now I am here to tell you, I enjoy food, and if the truth be known, I might actually love food.  Okay that may be too personal!  However, we must love the Word of God more than our necessary food.  Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3 as He navigated Himself through His temptation after having fasted forty days, He said, "...Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)  I view necessary food as that which one must have to stay alive, not the overabundance that is placed on our tables on a daily basis in America.  Are you willing to miss a meal and replace it with prayer and Bible reading?  Many people fail because they don't esteem the Word of God as they should.  Psalm 12:6, "The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times."  Psalm 19:7-11, "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward."

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1. How important is God’s Word to you? Do you agree with the words spoken in verse 12?

2. How do the words spoken in Psalm 19:7-11 speak to your heart? What do they mean to you?

3. Would you be willing to miss a meal to read the Word of God and truly esteem God’s Word above your necessary food?