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A Revisited Devotional from November 19, 1998
Job 2:9-10 – [Job's] wife said to him, "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!" He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said. (NIV)
In a Peanuts cartoon, Lucy wrote an essay the first day back at school. She wrote, "Vacations are nice, but it's good to get back to school. There is nothing more satisfying or challenging than education, and I look forward to a year of expanding knowledge." The teacher was suitably impressed with Lucy's thoughts and complimented her on her fine essay. In the final frame Lucy leaned over to Charlie Brown and whispered, "After a while, you learn what sells."
The temptation to do what sells, to give in to what suits, is always with us. It is a constant challenge to our personal integrity.
Job's wife had an opinion about integrity at the beginning of his suffering. But Job could not curse God. If Job cursed God, it would go against everything he believed about God and himself.
Sometimes, life can feel like we are in the middle of a contest between God and Satan.
- We wonder how much more we can take.
- We wonder where we will find the strength.
- We wonder where God is and why He is allowing such pain.
Integrity does not mean accepting life's difficulties with a rosy outlook or a Pollyanna attitude. It allows for the depression and the questioning and the anger which sometimes go hand in hand with suffering. But it also allows for holding on to God.
Prayer: Lord, in the very midst of our struggles, we cling to You, and in doing so, we cling to our integrity — that wholeness which is so often threatened by the pressures of life. Thank You for Your Spirit, Who gives us the strength to hold on. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Monday, March 24, 2025 – In the Middle East — We recently received a message telling us that one of our dear local friends has passed away. This was so hard, as we are on home assignment which makes it even harder. Please pray with us that the Lord will comfort his family and children and that Christ's name will be glorified. Help them to stay strong in their faith in the face of opposition..
friend: "Update March 21, 2025; Please continue to pray for Hilde who has had dizziness for many months..." 
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Thank you for the encouragement, Dennis.
Thanks Dennis, blessings to you and your family.
I think that this is one of the most important lessons in the Bible. Thank you for reminding us.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us again today. To God be the glory! Blessings.
Thank you, Dennis. I have several urgent prayer requests lately that aren’t being answered. This helps.
What an encouraging word, Dennis! After all, we too are bombarded with voices that mock integrity, perseverance, and hope in God. The subtle message is: “You are foolish to keep suffering when there’s a quick, ‘expedient’ way out.”
Thank you for a very appropriate devotional given the political upset we and many people around the world are experiencing. Integrity is very much missing, and Christians everywhere need to realize that with God on our side and as our guide it is necessary to be aware and ready.
Good morning, Dennis,
A wonderful message of the importance of focusing on God no matter what is happening around us. God will give us the strength we need to navigate our journey. We don’t have to be perfect. We just need our trust in the Lord and He will be there with us. Thanks for sharing on integrity. Blessings.
It was interesting to read one of your previously written devotionals today, Dennis. Yes, there sure are times when we are confused or wondering what God has planned in our daily lives. However it is important that we stay faithful and “wait out” the reasons for the happenings. In the end, we find the Lord’s actions are for the best reasons. Blessings for this writing.
Good afternoon, Dennis!
Thank you for today’s devotional and your prayer:
Lord, in the very midst of our struggles, we cling to You, and in doing so, we cling to our integrity – that wholeness which is so often threatened by the pressures of life. Thank You for Your Spirit, Who gives us the strength to hold on. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings!
Thank you for writing this devotional.
Integrity.
Makes me wonder.
Which is harder to consider my faith?
In good times or in hard times?
Or
How I think my faith is looked at by other people’s ideas?
Or ????
Thanks.
Blessings.
Good Morning:
Thank you so much for your devotion referring to Job.
Have enjoyed and been challenged.
Every blessing to you.
(ON)
Dear Dennis – thanks for this much needed inspiration. I have no idea how people without faith will weather this current crazy environment. Many with solid faith are struggling. For me one day I am almost despondent, then I remember that even in Jesus’ time things were very bad politically. Then I am good for a few days again. Your devotional helped. God Bless.