My Servant Job

By Steven Ray Bragg

American Missionary Serving in The Philippines

The LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job” (Job2:3a)?

Currently, I’m writing my second book THE ENEMY IS ROARING ~ THE LORD IS BLESSING. This story of Job is taken from the book.

Job is a good illustration of what I mean by the title of the book. Job was a man of incredible wealth. His family was large and enjoyed the good life of prosperity. Job was a man of faith with an extraordinary close relationship with God. God knew his name and boasted about Job’s faith in Him. This for me is the best possible faith: for God to know my name and enjoy my faith; imagine that to be true for any of us. Amen.

In spite of Job’s faith, or maybe because of it, he lost everything: wealth, family and health. He lost it all suddenly and dramatically. Job’s life was shattered; his faith tested.

While going through the trail, little did Job know this was a deliberate test of his faith. God Himself allowed Satan to test Job. Only God knew the depth of Job’s faith. God knew Job would stand the test and both prove himself faithful and prove God’s glory and sovereignty.

Truly Satan, was roaring in the life of Job. “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT). Like a roaring lion the devil thought Job would be easily devoured. 

Job’s faith was under assault. In chapter 4 of Job, Eliphaz the Temanite tries to encourage Job in his enormous trial of loss. Although not all of Eliphaz counsel was true or good, I think this encouragement reveals insight about Job. Eliphaz tells Job "In the past you have encouraged many people; you have strengthened those who were weak. Your words have supported those who were falling; you encouraged those with shaky knees. But now when trouble strikes, you lose heart. You are terrified when it touches you” (Job 4:3-5 NLT).

Often, even with people of strong faith, when trouble strikes we can lose heart or become terrified. I describe these times as THE ENEMY IS ROARING. It is when our hearts are attacked and we become terrified that the roaring lion attempts to devour us.

Eliphaz goes on to describe Job’s enemy, Satan. The enemy can only roar. He has no teeth. God is sovereign, and His protection and blessing are imminent. "According to what I have seen, those who plow iniquity And those who sow trouble harvest it. By the breath of God they perish, And by the blast of His anger they come to an end. The roaring of the lion and the voice of the fierce lion, And the teeth of the young lions are broken.  The lion perishes for lack of prey, And the whelps of the lioness are scattered” (Job 4:8-11). Job’s faith was steadfast. He was not prey. Satan’s attempt to devour Job was to no avail. His faith proved authentic. The accuser was silenced.

The testing of his faith was indeed a life changing ordeal. The apostle Peter says these tests have purpose. “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7 NLT).

Fire: that’s a good description. Peter calls them test of fire. James calls them test to build endurance; test of maturity, or that lead us to maturity. “We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful” (James 5:11). Peter concludes the outcome of the test is faith more precious the gold. Then he goes on to say “the reward for trusting Him will be the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:9 NLT).

The ROARING OF THE ENEMY was the testing of Job’s faith. Also through his trial, “THE LORD IS BLESSING.” For Job, the blessings of the Lord are his inspirational faith for those in trial even to this day. The author of Hebrews put Job in the category of faithful people and described them as “men of whom the world was not worthy” (Hebrews 11:38a). He is eternally honored in the Word of God that will never perish. Through his test, we get a window of observation into the glory and sovereignty of our God. For Job, he received a double blessing on what was already one of the most blessed lives.

More About Job   

Job is an illustration of God causing events to His purpose. In this story God causes, tests, allows and ordains events.

In answering the accuser, Satan, God says "All right, you may test him," the LORD said to Satan. "Do whatever you want [allow] with everything he possesses, but don't harm him physically [ordain]." So Satan left the LORD's presence” (Job 1:12 NLT). Then later God allows and ordains; grants Satan even more power to test Job with his health.  "All right, do with him as you please," the LORD said to Satan. "But spare his life" (Job 2:6 NLT).

The interpretation and application of Job’s story is difficult at best. However, some things are clearly understood. God caused the testing of Job and allowed his suffering with limit and divine purpose. Satan was the agent of the testing and suffering. In the end God blessed Job. God was sovereign and deliberate in all.

God was deliberate in setting up the testing of Job by asking Satan if he had considered Job. God knew Satan would accuse Himself and Job. This was no surprise to God. He knew the entire situation and the outcome. That’s who Satan is - the Accuser. “For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth—the one who accuses them before our God day and night.” (Revelation 12:10b) 

Divine Purpose

Job’s testing results, or God’s divine purpose made known: Satan came to know that Job’s faith was genuine. Satan had accused God of bribing Job’s faith with favoritism. Indeed, God favored Job, but it was because of Job’s faith not to receive Job’s faith. Job was faithful in both blessing and adversity. Job came to understand God in a greater way. “Then Job replied to the LORD: "I know that You can do anything, and no one can stop You.’ You asked, 'Who is this that questions My wisdom with such ignorance?' It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me” (Job 42:1-3 NLT). You and I, as we examine Job’s trial come to understand God better, also. Job’s life reveals to us a window into God’s nature and sovereignty.    

 The Honor to Defend God

The testing of Job’s faith proved that his faith was genuine. But more than that, Job’s faith defended the honor of God. Satan accused God of favoritism. He accused God of being unjust. Job’s faithfulness proved Satan’s accusation against God wrong. Like a Knight defending his King. Job defended the honor of the Lord God Almighty. OH TO BE GIVEN SUCH A DISTINCTION AND PRIVILEGE.

When others see us in prosperity or suffering a trial, will they see the God we proclaim? Will they see our God as faithful, sovereign, good and just or will they see by our action that we believe He is none of these?

Faith in God’s Purpose – Testing or Trial      

Like Job, as a result of the experience of knowing God, I have come to a greater faith through the process of testing and trial. I call these times The Enemy is Roaring. Satan roared in the testing of Job. I’m sure he thought he had both God and Job over a barrel. When God granted him even more authority over Jobs health, he must have roared with delight. “Satan answered the LORD and said, "Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life.” (Job 2:4) Satan thought Job would give up even his faith in God to spare his own life.

The lessons here have many applications. One, God knew Job’s faith and knew he would endure the trial faithfully. Two, Satan came to know man can worship God because of love or faith not for what he can receive. Three, the relationship of Job and God was genuine. Four, deeper faith and better understanding of God comes through testing or trial. Five, God has purpose and design in trial. Six, whatever the trial, God is deliberate, absolute and sovereign. Seven, better to stand strong in faith then fold. In each trial we come to know even more that God is sovereign and He is faithful. No matter what, we can trust Him! We cannot help but trust Him; He is God! Amen!       

"Teach A Man To Fish" - Addendum

ADDENDUM

First, here is an encouragement from my dear friend Brian Thompson.

“I liked your 'teach a man to fish' proposal. I have been praying for Pastor Alejo following the demise of his business & there is clearly a need for wider support for the other pastors & their families. I also believe it is a godly principle for leaders to be prepared to work with their own hands as well as preparing the ground for the ability of others to support them as their own position becomes stronger. This keeps a strong connection between leaders & their communities as well as being a powerful witness to the community. Not only of what commitment and compassion can do, but also how differently the kingdom of God works from the kingdoms of this world. Where leaders are known by their status & privileged position, instead of their servant spirit. I do pray God will bless the project.” Please keep Brian in your prayers as he is stage four cancer.

Egg Project Realities

It is suggested, by one who knows the project, Paul Wilson, that my figures concerning cost and profit are optimistic. Indeed, they are.

But here are some realities to the Egg Project:

“Some chickens die out of each batch, some get sick, some hemorrhage from laying large eggs, and some will only lay 6 out of 7 days.  As young they start slowly and as older they start to lay less so there is an average production that must be considered for the entire 16-month life” of the hen.  This is why the cost of training from an experienced egg business man is so important.

There are also higher egg sales depending geographically where the eggs are to be sold. Also, they will be able to sell some of the eggs retail. Mixed in this production are quail eggs that have a higher profit.

So on the low end, out of 384 chickens to figure the income on and average possible of 350 eggs per day at 1P profit per egg.

On the low end of profit at full production:

One egg machine of 48 chickens x eight machines producing 350 eggs per day is 350P per day x 30 days per month is 10,500P per month less 15% reserve for future livelihood projects,nets 297.5P per day or 8,925P per month. 300 pesos per day is still comparable with skilled labor for this area. This will be a greatly appreciated income for the pastors.

I pray you will consider helping with this

“teach a man to fish” project.

Any suggestions you may have will be appreciated.

Egg Project Estimated Expenses

Travel and Training                                                    $325
Chicken House Construction                                        $435
8 egg machines @ $217 ea. (labor and materials)         $1,736
384 hens @ $10.33 ea. (Includes shipping)                   $3,967
                                                                    Total         $6,463 

Thank you all for your generosity and support through the years. Together we are saving souls for eternity, healing broken families and relationships and communities are being transformed.

PLEASE CONTACT ME DIRECTLY IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE TO THIS LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM

YOUR DONATIONS WILL BE TRACKED AND ACCOUNT INDIVIDUALLY

 steve@riverrockchurchphilippines.com  

You are all big blessings for the Filipino people.

Your partner in this ministry.

Steve Bragg 

"The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

For the Scripture says, "YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages" (1 Timothy 5:17-18).

Teach A Man to Fish Project

In the year 2016, we are shifting our focus from constructing church buildings to EDUCATION and FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE through

LIVELIHOOD PROJECTS. 

Although, we hope to construct two more church buildings this year through our current foundations.  Last year independent donors were able to contribute nearly $23,000 to construct church buildings. Thank you, to you all! Thank you, Lord! I pray we can shift your donations this year to our 2016 focus.

Our goal here in the Philippines is to one day be self-supporting. Other churches here in the Philippines are in the larger cities where one can teach people how to support a pastor and his family, and people of resource and faith mature, and the church becomes self-supporting.

Unfortunately, this is not possible for us. Our churches are in remote areas where poverty is extreme. If their giving is 50 to 70 pesos in a month we consider this good. Malnourishment among children in these areas can be as high as 70%. This is why we are always looking for ways to develop livelihood projects for our pastors. Currently, our pastors are supported by individual donors and a generous monthly donation from River Rock Church USA.

A few of our pastors are in areas where they can find work to augment their monthly allowance from RRCP, but most cannot. The support you all are providing is helpful, but not enough in itself to provide full income. The pastors need to earn additional income to support their families.

Recently, I was introduced to several livelihood programs, such as the one I will introduce here, by another missionary who has been here 30 years. These programs are working for their pastors.

Can You Help Invest in A Livelihood Program?

Here Are Two Pastors That Need This Help Most.

1.       Pastor June Willer, wife Diane and the two boys. They pastor Victory Christian Church in Sugnod, Malinao, Aklan on the island of Panay.

2. Pastor Larry Laureano and wife Judy. They Pastor Christ's Church Transformation Center RRCP and also Candelaria House Church in Tagumpay, Roxas on the island of Palawan.

Here is a Livelihood Program That Can Help Them.

Egg Production Livelihood Project

This livelihood program is egg production. One egg machine houses 48 chickens that produce 48 eggs per day. The profit on each egg is approximately 1.5 pesos. These are special hens that lay medium to large eggs 7 days per week.

Eight egg machines should produce 384 eggs per day at 1.5 pesos per egg or 576 pesos per day resulting in 17,280 pesos per month less investment payback of 15%. The net profit will be 14,688 pesos per month. 15% of every livelihood project will be held in reserve for other livelihood projects.

The Net Result for The Pastor Is 450 Pesos Per Day.

A Skilled Laborer Earns 400 Pesos Per Day.

Here’s How We Do It!

• Building the Egg Machine that houses 48 chickens

             A trainer will teach Pastor Jojo how to build the machine so we will cut cost by building our own egg machines

• Training

           We will travel to an egg production site on the island of Negros.

Egg Project Estimated Expenses

Travel and Training                                                    $325
Chicken House Construction                                      $435
8 egg machines @ $217 ea. (labor and materials)     $1,736
384 hens @ $10.33 ea. (Includes shipping)               $3,967
                                                                  Total         $6,463 

Thank you all for your generosity and support through the years. Together we are saving souls for eternity, healing broken families and relationships and communities are being transformed.

PLEASE CONTACT ME DIRECTLY IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE TO THIS LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM

YOUR DONATIONS WILL BE TRACKED AND ACCOUNT INDIVIDUALLY

 steve@riverrockchurchphilippines.com 

You are all big blessings for the Filipino people.

Your partner in this ministry.

Steve Bragg 

"The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

For the Scripture says, "YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages" (1 Timothy 517-18).

Two New Church Buildings Progress

Our two new church buildings are progressing. Thank you, Lord!

Barangay Barangbang, San Rimigio.

Barangay Maryogon, Puerto Princesa.