Columbus, OH
Scripture Reflection by Sang Sur on Job 22:23,27,29-30 posted August 18, 2022 - Prayer Tents
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Controlling God?
Eliphaz got it wrong. He teaches Job to "clean up" his life and live a holy life. When Job does that, he can demand God to do something, and God would do it.
If God can be controlled, He would not be God.
God cares more about our hearts (relationship with Him) more than the pious acts.
Unfortunately, the logic of many religions (and therefore what people think about Christianity) is about doing "holy" things to be found acceptable to God. Be so "holy" that we may gain God's favor for money, health, and fame.
Instead, we have a relationship with God. Money, health and fame can come as a blessing from God, but our lives without that are just fine. Instead of "cleaning up" our lives, we desire a deeper relationship with God. Through our walking with God, He enables our lives to be cleaned up. The difference is whether we place our trust (faith) on ourselves or God.
Do we believe in a God we can control by our perfection?
23If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored—so clean up your life. 27You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows to him. 29If people are in trouble and you say, ‘Help them,’ God will save them. 30Even sinners will be rescued; they will be rescued because your hands are pure.”
Job 22:23,27,29-30 (TPT)
Thursday, August 18, 2022
Old Tappan, NJ USA
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Old Tappan, NJ USA
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Scriptures Marked by Sang Sur
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Friday, October 31, 2025
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Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Paul went to speak with those who were interested. He didn't preach or hold discussions with people who didn't care. Over time, as people (in relationship), find interest, let's be ready to engage.
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Saturday, September 27, 2025
"tremendous sense of holy" or "great fear" comes by the grace of God. We need this more today, and only God can provide this.
"tremendous sense of holy" or "great fear" comes by the grace of God. We need this more today, and only God can provide this.
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Slipping away from busy days. The more busy and hectic work becomes, the more we must practice slipping away and spending time with God. That's what Jesus practiced and modeled for us.
Slipping away from busy days. The more busy and hectic work becomes, the more we must practice slipping away and spending time with God. That's what Jesus practiced and modeled for us.
Monday, September 22, 2025
Jesus went out and stepped forward. Jesus takes the hit to protect us. Many kings and so-called "leaders" would let their subordinates take the hit for them before they are captured. Yet, Jesus step... [see more]
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Monday, September 22, 2025
Preparation for the next steps. Jesus went ahead to the place where He would be captured. When we know we have a challenge ahead, here is an example showing us to go there early and pray. Though not... [see more]
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Monday, September 22, 2025
Jesus prayed this prayer in front of His disciples. Yet, we know his heart was heavy (next chapter). It shows Jesus was able to carry a heavy heart, and yet, pray for (bless) his disciples, even despi... [see more]
Jesus prayed this prayer in front of His disciples. Yet, we know his heart was heavy (next chapter). It shows Jesus was able to carry a heavy heart, and yet, pray for (bless) his disciples, even despi... [see more]
Monday, September 22, 2025
We should also recognize what we have is a gift from Him. Not anything we have earned or made by our might.
We should also recognize what we have is a gift from Him. Not anything we have earned or made by our might.
Monday, September 22, 2025
That's our job too, to manifest who God really is (make God known because we live in His character)
That's our job too, to manifest who God really is (make God known because we live in His character)
Saturday, September 20, 2025
The challenge of handling money. In our world where money is praised as king, it is dangerous to handle money. Judas is not the only one who would fall into such idolatry, pushing him toward theft a... [see more]
The challenge of handling money. In our world where money is praised as king, it is dangerous to handle money. Judas is not the only one who would fall into such idolatry, pushing him toward theft a... [see more]
Friday, September 19, 2025
Could it be that any of our ailments, including difficult circumstances, be to show the glory of God? (Miracles!) Recognizing that God is responsible for the results can give us peace through the wor... [see more]
Could it be that any of our ailments, including difficult circumstances, be to show the glory of God? (Miracles!) Recognizing that God is responsible for the results can give us peace through the wor... [see more]
Monday, September 8, 2025
Jesus appoints us the same, to be continually by His side, to preach and have authority to heal the sick and cast out demons.
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Sunday, September 7, 2025
God had a special plan for Peter. All disciples vowed to not deny Jesus. It wasn't just Peter who was confronted with this question. But why was Peter singled out? Because he has a special mission, ... [see more]
God had a special plan for Peter. All disciples vowed to not deny Jesus. It wasn't just Peter who was confronted with this question. But why was Peter singled out? Because he has a special mission, ... [see more]
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Children do not pay taxes (or are heavily burdened). These verses share two truths regarding our eternal lives. Children (of God), those who have faith in Jesus, will 1. Are exempt from laboring to ... [see more]
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Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Enjoy our foolishness—that's power! How did Peter, James and John know it was Moses and Elijah? They never saw them from a thousand year ago. They felt it was them, and it was. They spoke foolishl... [see more]
Enjoy our foolishness—that's power! How did Peter, James and John know it was Moses and Elijah? They never saw them from a thousand year ago. They felt it was them, and it was. They spoke foolishl... [see more]
Sunday, August 24, 2025
God's provision. Mary and Joseph had no money to even find a place to give birth, but the angel tells them now to move to a foreign land. Where would they get the provision to do this? God sent the ... [see more]
God's provision. Mary and Joseph had no money to even find a place to give birth, but the angel tells them now to move to a foreign land. Where would they get the provision to do this? God sent the ... [see more]
Saturday, August 23, 2025
How can an eight year old kid know right from wrong, other than to follow the ways of his parents. Jehoiachin has a sad story with parents who believed they were God's followers, but were not. Now th... [see more]
How can an eight year old kid know right from wrong, other than to follow the ways of his parents. Jehoiachin has a sad story with parents who believed they were God's followers, but were not. Now th... [see more]
Friday, August 22, 2025
As kings (leaders in the places where God has established us), people are awaiting the right decision. They want to act, but due to our inattention, they might just twiddle their thumbs hoping for tru... [see more]
As kings (leaders in the places where God has established us), people are awaiting the right decision. They want to act, but due to our inattention, they might just twiddle their thumbs hoping for tru... [see more]
Friday, August 22, 2025
Let this be our cry, in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Decide to trust God only, then act continually in accordance with that decision.
Let this be our cry, in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Decide to trust God only, then act continually in accordance with that decision.
Friday, August 22, 2025
First steps as a king (or any position, venture). Take care of things broken that relate to our worship of God. Hezekiah, known as a good king in God's eyes, first repaired the temple his dad messed ... [see more]
First steps as a king (or any position, venture). Take care of things broken that relate to our worship of God. Hezekiah, known as a good king in God's eyes, first repaired the temple his dad messed ... [see more]
Friday, August 22, 2025
When we are bullied (injured by others, led to uncertainty), we are to go to God. The opposite is pride and self-reliance. And it never works.
When we are bullied (injured by others, led to uncertainty), we are to go to God. The opposite is pride and self-reliance. And it never works.
Friday, August 22, 2025
God's grace gives us the ability to turn and repent. When we think about the hardening of the hearts of people in the past (Pharaoh, Israelites, etc.), we can't imagine a winning army turning from th... [see more]
God's grace gives us the ability to turn and repent. When we think about the hardening of the hearts of people in the past (Pharaoh, Israelites, etc.), we can't imagine a winning army turning from th... [see more]
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Not internalizing what we hear. Joash heard "sermons" all his life. Yet, he didn't internalize them and took them lightly. Perhaps he is a picture of a modern day church-goer who attends faithfully ... [see more]
Not internalizing what we hear. Joash heard "sermons" all his life. Yet, he didn't internalize them and took them lightly. Perhaps he is a picture of a modern day church-goer who attends faithfully ... [see more]
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Joash never grew up. At seven, he had a great mentor Jehoiada who directed him in God's ways. Things went well when Joash followed. Yet, his growth should have led to making those wise decisions hi... [see more]
Joash never grew up. At seven, he had a great mentor Jehoiada who directed him in God's ways. Things went well when Joash followed. Yet, his growth should have led to making those wise decisions hi... [see more]
Monday, August 18, 2025
When God responds, the actions of a king, and actions of the priests. When God speaks (prophets): Kings kneel before Him submitting to God and causing everyone else to follow suit. Priests rise up ... [see more]
When God responds, the actions of a king, and actions of the priests. When God speaks (prophets): Kings kneel before Him submitting to God and causing everyone else to follow suit. Priests rise up ... [see more]
Monday, August 18, 2025
A way to defend, pray. When a battle comes our way, our immediate stance can be to take action, prepare for war, or do anything to minimize the blow or overcome the attack. Yet, there is a more impo... [see more]
A way to defend, pray. When a battle comes our way, our immediate stance can be to take action, prepare for war, or do anything to minimize the blow or overcome the attack. Yet, there is a more impo... [see more]
Sunday, August 17, 2025
How to gain respect. Let God grant that for you. Jehoshaphat didn't do much beyond setting up defenses, which is expected for a king. Yet, there was a strange glow of respect for him throughout the l... [see more]
How to gain respect. Let God grant that for you. Jehoshaphat didn't do much beyond setting up defenses, which is expected for a king. Yet, there was a strange glow of respect for him throughout the l... [see more]
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