September 15th 2020
David_Orr • September 15, 2020
The Light
If you think Job is talking about God in this part of this chapter he isn’t: he is describing mining. How a man digs caverns in the ground carrying a light with him searching for all kinds of precious things. Gold and silver, diamonds, rubies, amethysts, and jade are all buried deep in the darkness of the earth. Right after job explains how the treasures buried under the earth he asks us -
' “But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? ' Job 28:12 ESV
Wisdom is much more precious than all those things Job named off but Where Do We FIND WISDOM? What Job was explaining was about mining riches out of the earth: Wasn’t it? Job’s brush was flying – painting Light on that dark canvas! He was in the darkness and he came to understand where wisdom’s Light comes in to the painting. The Light of God’s WISDOM comes from searching and finding God in this life’s darkness just like the miner does. It takes a lot of pressure to turn a chunk of carbon into diamonds. You have to dig deep into the earth to find them. Some of the brightest things God shows you come from trusting Him in your darkest days of life’s despair. If you wanted me to say “Everything’s just PEACHY!” that isn’t going to happen: unless I was being sarcastic.
Everything is profitable to the child of God seeking wisdom’s treasures in this darkness though: Knowing God is knowing wisdom. Job concludes this chapter with these words -
'And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”' Job 28:28 ESV
Light, wisdom and understanding is the treasure when we are searching for God’s guidance. Like the Miner that light he takes into that dark mine shaft shows him the treasure he is looking for. He couldn’t find it if he couldn’t see it: but the light makes the precious stones reflect and shine.
'For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. ' 1 Corinthians 3:11-13 ESV
Gold Silver and Precious Stones are found by digging in the darkness and they are souls shining in Jesus’ Light. Wood hay and stubble are found on top of the earth and are just fuel for judgment’s fire. Job was digging in his darkest hours and finding wisdom’s precious things and showing them to his friends and us. You can be given much knowledge but until you learn how to use Light in the darkness it isn’t wisdom. Wisdom is when God shows you “This is what you use to fix that.” When the Holy Spirit brings Scriptures to mind to work God’s will in specific situations then you will understand. You will be splashing God’s Light of LIFE on death’s black canvas showing lost souls Salvation in Christ.
I said on Facebook today that God never lets me do anything the easy way. I praise Him that He makes me dig because digging in the darkness leads to the most precious treasures. The things most valuable always cost the most -
'It cannot be bought for gold, and silver cannot be weighed as its price. It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. Gold and glass cannot equal it, nor can it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal; the price of wisdom is above pearls. The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, nor can it be valued in pure gold. ' Job 28:15-19
'But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.' James 3:17-18 ESV
That’s Light on any dark canvas.
Ridgecrest Blog
There’s a difference between walking near someone and walking with them. It's a difference you can feel. I don’t just want to walk beside my wife—I want to hold her hand, to wrap my arm around her, to stay close. And in the same way, God doesn't just want us to stroll behind Him at a safe distance. He wants us right next to Him. Closer than close. The Bible makes that clear—again and again. In fact, one of the most beautiful things is when the same truth is spoken in both the Old and New Testaments. That’s when we know God is driving a point home. Take James in the New Testament. He gives us four practical, life-changing steps that can draw us closer to God: Depend on the Savior Deny the devil Desire to sin less Delight in selflessness These aren’t just catchy phrases—they’re daily actions. They’re reminders that we’re not strong enough to live this life on our own. We need help. We need a Savior. And when we lean on Him, He promises to draw near to us. That message isn’t new. It echoes through Proverbs 3:5-7: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” This ancient wisdom from Solomon aligns perfectly with James. Why? Because truth doesn’t change. God's Word is living, consistent, and always calling us to take that next step closer to Him. Maybe you’re reading this and you feel distant from God. Maybe you’ve been walking on autopilot—doing the right things, going to church, saying the prayers—but deep down, you know there’s a gap. Here's the good news: If you’re not close to God right now, it’s not because He moved. He’s still there. Still waiting. Still inviting. “Draw near to me,” God says, “and I will draw near to you.” That word “draw” isn’t passive. It’s personal. In the original language, it carries the idea of reaching out and hugging someone. That’s the kind of closeness God wants. Not cold religion, but a warm relationship. An embrace. An arm around your shoulder. And if you’ve never experienced that before—if you’ve never known what it’s like to walk hand-in-hand with Jesus—it’s not too late. All you have to do is ask. Ask Him to forgive your sins. Admit you can’t save yourself. Believe that only Jesus can. He will meet you there. Every time. And if you’re already a believer? There’s still room to grow. Every single one of us could walk a little closer to Jesus than we did yesterday. None of us have arrived. And the beautiful part is—He’s not asking for perfection. He’s just asking for your heart. So today, let’s take those steps. Let’s depend. Deny. Desire. Delight. Let’s walk a little closer. Let’s hold His hand. And let’s never let go. Closing Thought: Wouldn’t it feel good to be hugged tight by Jesus? That’s not just poetic. That’s possible. Because He’s reaching out right now—waiting for you to reach back.
We are proud to share that Ridgecrest Baptist Church has been a part of the efforts supporting Together We Foster, an organization dedicated to serving the foster care community of Northeast Arkansas.
Welcome to Ridgecrest Baptist Church! We're thrilled to have you join us today for a time of worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Whether you're a long-time member or visiting for the first time, your presence enriches our community. Let's open our hearts to receive God's word and blessings together. Thank you for joining us at our VBS closing celebration! Today, our kids will receive certificates, perform a special song for parents, and enjoy a slideshow/video highlighting this week's exciting activities. Stick around after the service for a celebration meal with all families. Blessings,
Happy Father's Day! Welcome to Ridgecrest Baptist Church as we celebrate and honor all fathers today. Whether you're a father, a father figure, or celebrating with a father, we're delighted to have you join us for worship and fellowship. Let's take this opportunity to reflect on the blessings of fatherhood and the love of our Heavenly Father. May today's service uplift and inspire you! "Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed." - Psalm 112:1-2 (ESV) Blessings,