Scripture Reflection by Sang Sur on Job 31:16-21 posted May 27, 2025 - Prayer Tents
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Job stands on his good deeds, his failure.
Unfortunately, when things go rough for us, our frail flesh will point back to good things we have done.
Though Job's friends were mostly wrong, Job believed he was righteous. Indeed, in comparison to many people, Job feared God and lived a better life, but that still would not stand against the perfect holiness of God.
Our good deeds happen because we recognize God's love and grace towards us, and we simply do them as thanks. But in our hard times, it might be easy to claim them as our righteousness—it is a failure on our part.
No, Job did not do any wrong to "deserve" the bad circumstances as his friends say, but God is in control, and did what was good and right. Job should not have claimed righteousness by his actions or his past, but thank God and trust that He will break through.
How hard that is for us, but that is the message. God has been good to Job from the beginning to the end, and He will do likewise for us.
16“Have I ignored the needs of the poor, turned my back on the indigent, 17Taken care of my own needs and fed my own face while they languished? 18Wasn’t my home always open to them? Weren’t they always welcome at my table? 19“Have I ever left a poor family shivering in the cold when they had no warm clothes? 20Didn’t the poor bless me when they saw me coming, knowing I’d brought coats from my closet? 21“If I’ve ever used my strength and influence to take advantage of the unfortunate,
Job 31:16-21 (MSG)

Scriptures Marked by Sang Sur
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Friday, October 31, 2025
Can be interpreted as, some were already alcoholics in the past, and they might be afraid to jump back in. So those who are strong, who were never influenced by alcohol, must care for those who are "w... [see more]
Can be interpreted as, some were already alcoholics in the past, and they might be afraid to jump back in. So those who are strong, who were never influenced by alcohol, must care for those who are "w... [see more]
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.
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.
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]
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]
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]
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]
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.
Jesus appoints us the same, to be continually by His side, to preach and have authority to heal the sick and cast out demons.
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]
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]
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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