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MY PAL, JOB

Rick McPherson

September Newsletter, 2026

     When it comes to fame, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph are more popular than my pal, Job.  All patriarchs, yet the story of Job tells of a man who loses everything; his wealth, his health, his family; and wrestles with the question, “Why?”

     The book is a fascinating read with conversations between Satan and God, Job’s wife, his best friends and their opinions of Job’s problems.  After all, he was, “the greatest of all the people of the East.” (1:3) His wealth was massive, his herds impressive, his ten children were envied and his three daughters were gorgeous.  What’s not to like here?  But the plot thickens and Job ends up in the ditch scraping his body sores with a piece of pottery.  His wife doesn’t help with her counsel of, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity?  Curse God and die!” (2:9)

     To say that I’m impressed with Job would be a gross understatement.  As I read the narrative I find myself identifying with certain struggles and conclude it would be tempting to take Mrs. Job’s advice.  Pack it in, man.  Quit.  Write the resignation letter and do it now… but not Job.  No, sir!  He pushes all his marbles to the center of the circle, acknowledges God’s sovereignty in his life and says, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” (13:15) Wow Job, you’re my hero!  And to think even though his friends rejected him and were disloyal he still prayed for them.  This remarkable story concludes happily ever after.  In fact it’s more than remarkable, it’s miraculous.  “And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends.  Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.  Now the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning….sheep, camels, oxen, donkeys…and seven sons and three daughters…in all the land were found no women so beautiful as the daughters of Job…after this Job lived 140 years and saw his children and grandchildren for four generations.  So Job died, old and full of days.”   (42:10-17)

      As fascinating as the narrative of Job’s life is, the conclusion of what happens to Job and the restoration that occurs is amazing.  I suggest to you that God’s ultimate purpose is restoration.  The word, “restore” or “restoration” is used approximately 136 times in Scripture.  God has already provided the means for us to return, to bring back, and to reestablish our status of right standing with Him.  If there is one overarching truth that Job established it is that God is sovereign.  You can trust Him!

     May I further impress upon you that whatever you are experiencing right now in your life…loneliness, despair, anger, disappointment, betrayal, loss, sadness, addiction…whatever it is, God knows.  Your situation is not a surprise to Him.   His plan is in place and He is working on your behalf.    Bill Gothard coined the phrase many years ago, “Please Be Patient, God Is Not Finished With Me Yet!”  And remember, God is all about restoration!

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Note:

Let me answer your questions about giving to Pacific NW Outreach, Inc.,                   and Rick McPherson RESTORATION.  Yes, we are a 501 (c) (3) charitable, non-profit organization and you will receive a tax receipt for your financial donations.  We do accept PayPal, Venmo, credit and debit cards and checks.  Giving by cash is not encouraged.  If you have questions about any of this, please call Charlote, (360) 904-0823 or Email, charlote@pacificnwoutreach.org.

Your faithful and consistent giving enables us to do this ministry and we are very grateful for your financial help and prayer support.  God bless you abundantly!

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What I Learned in Kindergarten

Rick McPherson

November Newsletter, 2025

In 1986 Robert Fulghum wrote a collection of short essays entitled, “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” He used simple, kindergarten-level lessons to explore profound truths about life, love and human behavior. The book, which became a #1 New York Times bestseller, argues that fundamental principles like sharing, playing fair and cleaning up your own mess are the keys to a balanced and meaningful life. He also includes; don’t hit people, don’t take things that aren’t yours, say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody; and one of my favorites, warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.

In many respects, I agree whole heartedly with Mr. Fulghum. We need more of what he’s serving. But I would like to add another truth that my Irish mother drilled into my young brain as I collected my lunch bag and jacket and headed out the door for school. I can still see her brown eyes flashing whenever I wanted something or received something as she asked, “What do you say, Richard?”
“Please” or “Thank you” was the answer she was looking for. She would not have her son, ill-mannered. I was taught to say, please and thank-you.

Now, it’s never too early to teach your kids to say please and thank-you and learn good manners. As soon as they start talking you can start teaching. Encourage your child to thank people who help them. Share what you are grateful for with your children. Donate to others and get involved in charitable organizations. Be consistent. Like all skills gratitude and saying “thanks” is not learned in one lesson. Don’t make the mistake of waiting until your kids are older to teach them to be thankful.

Personally, I’m taking time to be thankful on a daily basis. My relationship with the Lord Jesus; my wife, Charlote and my daughter, Dayna and her husband, Durward and my grandsons, Grant and Will are my greatest blessings. I cherish them. I thank God for them. I have friends. I have health. I have strength. I have humor. I have entertainment. I have weather. I have provision. I have protection. I have intelligence. I have mobility. I have hobbies. I have peace. I have joy. I have contentment. I have purpose. I have value. I have identity.

“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.”
Henry David Thoreau

And let me close by saying “Thank You!” You are a part of this ministry and because of your faithful prayers and financial support we are able to improve lives with the truth of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness.

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