A Look at the Book #363 - COMMENTARY

A Look at the Book #363 - Commentary


by Jesse Abel

The Devotional



Papa “J” and his thoughts?



This Proverb does not mean that wisdom is not found in the scoffer, it means that a scoffer never finds the easy path of understanding used like the one who does not scoff. Proverbs 14:6



Recently we studied the “one another” passages that challenge us to move away from the things that hinder our walk as disciples of Jesus Christ. There are many passages that challenge us to look to the other person, to place a higher esteem on others, rather that putting ourselves first. These many passages fall into a least 24 categories. Maybe when we finish Hebrews the LORD will open the door for this as a study project. In the meantime as we close out Hebrews and the Year 2010, I would like to challenge us all to consider what it means to; esteem the other person better than you esteem yourself, since this is the basis of the “one another” passages. The passage of scripture that my statements will be founded on is; Philippians 2:1-4.



We have been talking over the last few months about; Grace, Faith, Hope and Love. To the secular world these words are known but are not practiced. Did I hear many of you say... hogwash? Take a moment and watch some of the newsreels rolling today. It is the last day of the year so many media outlets are expressing the various events of the past year. Most of what you see is bloodshed, injury and death by the hands of human against human. In all these we see the selfish greed of SIN. Sin? YES, sin! Here are some of the sins we see daily on the news. Abortion, same sex marriages, murders, abuse of every kind. Robbery and scams of every conceivable kind. Cheating, maligning, adultery and babies born out of wedlock. These are just a few of the SINS of the world and we have labeled most of them legal, or molded our society to accommodate them as normal human actions of grace, faith, hope and love. Let me tell you if you've not already guessed. This is the “HOGWASH” fed to most of us and we chow down on it with a greedy selfish heart, like that of a mad hog.



All of the so called natural disasters are shown as people coming together to assist one another. But this is not the one another of God, because the media clearly points out that mother nature is the cause of the disaster and God who allows nature to go beyond the laws of safety is ignored. This maybe good, since under the authority of mother nature, one cannot even get mad at God, if one might be inclined to do so. Besides the secular world works grace, faith, hope and love to the back side of their pants pocket where the wallet is found. Notice the millions of dollars spent to repair the broken hearted and wreck the economy.



Two Thousand Eleven begins a new decade for us, so I leave you today with this challenge. If there is any encouragement found in the Christ of the Bible, whom I am always seeking to share with you. If you have found any comfort in His love, if you have tasted of the goodness of His grace through the fellowship He has offered through His Holy Spirit and if you have been affected by His affection and mercy for YOU. Then fulfill my joy by beginning to be minded like He is. Begin to be one another minded with purpose, cast away those things that make us sinful and SELFISH. Stop letting your self ambition destroy your relationships with others. Reorganize your mind to include others needs and place them ahead of your own. Humble yourself before God and man and know that God loves you. Paraphrased – Philippians 2:1-4.

A Look at the Book #362

The Devotional

Papa “J” and his thoughts?

One of the signs of the end times is an evidence of a lack of faith in all the civilizations of the world over. The world seeks a false witness to rule. Luke 18:1-8 and Proverbs 14:4

I cannot explain to you the quality of love that I have for the Living Word of God, but I can explain that this love is only constant when I involve myself with God in His Personal character. You see Jesus is God! He is also the Word of God who dwelt among us because He became human flesh like you and me. To get a partial grasp of this, you would begin with the gospel of John and read the first eighteen verses of chapter one. Please, do not take my word for this wonderful truth of love. What I experience by faith is common among believers in Jesus Christ because we share this common confession of faith, but even my brothers and sisters in the family of God have this faith because it is personal to each of us, even though it is common. (Jude 1:3) When I talk about the matters of faith in God, which is often, I seek to be practical and use practical analogies to bring the point home to the reader so I reckon you could brand me with the word, pragmatist. But as always, here is the point. Faith in God is not skepticism! Faith in God is not believing a lie! Faith in God is not founded on fiction! And, faith in God is not based on any object or human concept generated by the heart of mankind. Faith in God is God's Plan for you and for me. The object of faith in God is founded on mystery of godliness who is Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 1:1-4 and while this truth remains a mystery for some. Jesus is the only practical solution to man's problem with SIN!

HEBREWS

Hebrews 13:16 We should take a look at sacrifice, we missed some of that opportunity yesterday in Hebrews 13:15 the sacrifice of praise, or the use of the lips to bring glory to our Creator. Have you noticed in churches the number of people who do not open their mouth to give thanks, to sing psalms, or worship God? What is so sad for me is to see is an elderly person who has, his or her lips sealed with the hardened glue of bitterness.

Sacrifice in a very real sense is the ability to explode with your soul in an expression of JOY in the LORD, or the result of confidence of the HOPE a soul has in the LORD and the greatest expression of this sacrifice is the LOVE enjoyed by the one who is willing to walk in accordance with 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. If we want to be pleasing to God and I am sure we do, then we must be willing to sacrifice. Sacrifice begins with an expression of our soul through our lips.

If you go to church and I hope you do, then you must place yourself under the authority of those who are leaders in the church. They have the responsibility to watch over your soul and they will also give an account to God concerning you. If your mouth wags in disrespect, that is not sacrifice. Your pastor's report to God will not be profitable for you. A faithful person is one that can be counted on for a sacrifice that is pleasing to God. Don't be fooled in this as some of us have a long way to go, faith in God is not impossible. Since Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8, He is also the Author of Faith. Hebrews 12:1-2.

A Look at the Book #361

The Devotional
A Look at the Book #361
Papa “J” and his thoughts?

 
When is the last time you thought about an OX? We might lend our thoughts more readily to a John Deere, huh? That is until one takes a tour of places like; Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. Here we realize that godly labor produces much increase with the ox, it always has. Proverbs 14:4







As a First Responder in critical developments like, fire, auto accidents and medical emergencies a responder will face events that they have been trained to handle. Also with longevity in any career a person will often develop a successful routine. Emergency responders must avoid routine, their understanding of quenching the fire, extricating the injured and comforting the sick must include methods that appear routine, but fall into a different category called precautionary. The fireman must ensure that his or her clothing and equipment is on and functioning properly. The emergency responder personnel must ensure that their clothing and machinery to extract victims is working properly and the emergency medical team must be protected from the various illnesses and injuries encountered. This requires constant training. In addition to all of this training it is helpful to know that if I commit what I do to the LORD, He will direct my steps and establish my thoughts. Proverbs 16:3 It is equally nice to KNOW that God will protect me in the mist of the battle. Psalm 91:1-16. As a nation we have set aside precaution (God) for complacency (Self). Trouble is on the horizon! I wonder? Do we as a nation have enough emergency responders (Saints) to quench, extract and comfort? Genesis 18:16-33. Should we be concerned about such things as this? Those who say no! Shame on you. Read it Again 2 Peter 3:10-13 There is still time to repent, isn't there?







HEBREWS



Hebrews 13:13 It is important that you and I tune in to our soul. For, far to long we have ignored it, haven't we! Tradition, religion and the American way has failed. It takes very little thought to realize this. One only needs to take a look at the expression of life in the United States today. Unkempt people, clothing hanging on bodies that look like rags out of the dump and the odor to go with it. The camp we live in today is the result of failure, not prosperity. It is time we looked to Jesus Christ, it is time to bear His reproach, it is time to go outside this camp of complacency.







Hebrews 13:14 Obvious to us is that we live in a city that cannot continue under it's present SINFUL state of existence. Only those who belong to Christ who has reconciled us back to God by grace through faith can seek the new city to come. The New Jerusalem. If you have not been saved from this adulterous generation, marriage is not honorable to you. Your conduct is full self and your outlook on life is a vivid picture of death. 2 Corinthians 2:16.







Hebrews 13:15 There are those of us who are continually motivated by the love of God to praise Him. This however is not done by any one of us in an hour or two on a Sunday morning. Our motivation is based on the Truth of Scripture. To leave behind the natural (sinful) way of life and follow the LORD Jesus Christ. This is a sacrifice of at least two conditions. One: That Praise to God willing comes from our lips for His; So great a salvation! Hebrews 2:3 and Two: Confessing thanks to God, in the Name of Jesus Christ who is our Victory. 2 Corinthians 2:12-17.

A Look at the Book #360

The Devotional

Papa “J” and his thoughts?

The strength of pride runs deep in the hearts of us all. It is the reason why Satan fell from the grace of God. Pride is selfishness in action, the bitterness of defilement. Pride suppresses the Truth like that of the fool who says there is no God. Psalm 53:1 and Proverbs 14:3

I was thinking (now that can be dangerous) about the word dominion. You may be saying; so what? Dominion is far from my thoughts! Okay, but bear with me for a moment and see if it is on your mind more than you willing to admit. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary says that I have dominion over the dictionary simply because it belongs to me. So as small as dominion can be boiled down too, it can also be demonstrated to it's grandest expression and that is the point! I own a dictionary! Is it important that I prove it? Faith then takes over and says, okay you own the dictionary, good enough! But, there is another element to ownership and dominion! The elements of this planet were created by God. The earth is alive with plants, animals, fish, birds and all sorts of creeping things that crawl in and out of the earth. In Psalm 8:3-9 King David is thinking about ownership and dominion. He is considering the created (Ownership) of God and then he asks God, “What is man that You are mindful of him and the sons of man that You visit? God has made man a “little” lower than the angel, but even so you have placed Your Glorious Image on man, what? (Dominion) Psalm 8:6-9 talks about this dominion. God owns all that He Created, but He has given it to you and me, for dominion. Oh! Sad day, sad day, we have treated what God has given us so badly that He will need to replace soon! 2 Peter 3:10-13.

HEBREWS

Hebrews 13:10 There is a continuing thread of solid truth throughout the Bible that proves God's love for your soul. The soul is the real you, it is to be untouched by the outside world around us. The only One who has access to You (soul) is God Himself. It is the altar from where you serve God and no one has the right to partake of the substance of your soul (altar) other that God Himself.

Hebrews 13:11 The efforts of religion over the centuries has in many ways confused and distorted the capacity of the soul. Even the covenants and promises of God have become idolatress, simply because man has mixed human effort with truth to develop works to try and prove his worth to God, over faith in God. Works of human effort prove nothing but sin to God.

Hebrews 13:12 God in His infinite Wisdom went beyond the finite limits of man with His Son Jesus. Outside the limits of man, God born His Son in the womb of the virgin Mary. A man without a sinful nature, he had no human father. Hebrews 10:5-9 states that God Himself prepared a body, a sinless body to reconcile your soul and mind back to Himself. You and I must be willing to take a look outside the religious camps of the world and see Jesus who suffered and died for your sins and mine. But this is not the end of the Story; It's the beginning. He is Risen! He is coming a second time soon and His reward is with Him. Revelation 22:12

A Look at the Book #359

A Look at the Book #359


by Jesse Abel

The Devotional



Papa “J” and his thoughts?



How do we classify life when it comes to integrity, we would like to make it complicated, but the simple truth is that there are those who are wise and those that are foolish and they also fall into two other categories. Male and Female! Proverbs 14:1-2



It would seem to me that the society that we now live in is somewhat socialistic. We have become a nation of governmental care. The government has at least one finger of influence in everything you and I do, and in very short time may have a full grasp. The two primary governmental controls are education and health care. Under these two umbrellas are the puppet strings that control the way we live life, seek liberty and pursue happiness. This is not my personal view. In a way I wish it were, then I could be classified as a blight on the American Way, but there is a generation of young Americans who have never heard the phrase (The American Way) in a serious conversation. So, the question is: Should we “trash the government” and start all over? If you answered yes, then you are a part of the problem. The government is simply a tool of we the people. We have allowed the government to lead, guide and direct us because we have become complacent. If the government is failing, it is failing because we the people are failing. You say; “How have we failed?” We have polluted our Love relationship with the Living God just as Israel did. Please: Read the four chapters of Malachi.



HEBREWS



Hebrews 13:5-6 Are we content with the things that we have today? Are you satisfied Mr. and Mrs. Christian in your marriage or do you covet another one's husband or wife. Have you become dis-interested in your spouse? Would you say that the joy of living life under the sun is no longer a joy? Many homes are in an attitude of misconduct? I am not talking about the homes of unbelievers in Christ. I am talking to those who claim that Jesus has given them abundant life. John 10:7-18.



We covet what we cannot have and we have what we cannot covet. Our desires are not focused on God who said He would never leave us or forsake us! Do we not see that God who is always with us cannot be coveted, so our covetousness, if we covet! Falls on things other than what God has provided. And that my beloved friend is SIN!



So God has said through His Word, that we should be able to say boldly: God is my helper. Do we say this by faith or by works. By faith He meets my every need, by faith He provides my joy and happiness. By faith He gives me life, abundant life and everlasting life. If I do not have this confidence I cannot by faith say. What can man do to me? But in this faith I will say, I do not fear.

A Look at the Book #358

A Look at the Book #358


by Jesse Abel

The Devotional



Papa “J” and his thoughts?



The accused and the accuser occupy the same path. One inherits the wind, while the other inherits wisdom. These are not the thoughts of an idle tongue! Read the Holy Bible and see for yourself! Proverbs 13:22-25



For a few days we have been looking at our environment (natural and mechanical) through the eyes of my past experience on submarines. That was a long time ago and some have recently asked if what I write about is fiction or theory. To the best of my recollection what I have to say is factual and truthful, but that does not mean that what I say is without error. There is only one Book, or Writing in the world that is “Without Error” and that would be the Holy Bible. If I quote from this document a verse or two, then that quote is without error, but everything else written is subject to question. However, one needs to remember this, what I have experienced in life, I have no intention of making it fiction or an outright lie. So I do not by purpose; relate to things in blind faith, since this faith has no resting place. My soul has found solid (personal) faith and rest in Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” This is a quote from the Holy Bible in Matthew 11:28-30. It is without error, it is the truth. Believe it and find faith and peace for your soul. You'll be glad you did?



HEBREWS



Hebrews 13:4 What we hear and believe today about marriage is appalling. This is not my mindset or my personal frame of reference. Take a moment and clear your mind from the buzz of current social disciplines and civil rights. If your conscience has not been seared, then your norms and standards will tell you that our nation is caving in over morality and the lack of it. Have we become enlightened of a greater dynamics surrounding marriage, family and nation, or has our pants fallen well below the waistline of defilement? 1 Timothy 4:1-5



We do not like to hear these words! Fornication and adultery, we would like to erase these words out of our minds, but not out of our way of life. Our abuse of life has carried us one step further down this darkened path and the bed is defiled when two men or two women make themselves one in the eyes of their Creator. God will judge this activity. Jude 1:7-8.



Well I do not want to end on an unhappy note today since tomorrow I will not be writing as it is Christmas Eve. And remember that Christmas is a day that for centuries has honored the Birth of God's Son, the LORD Jesus Christ. He is also known as “Immanuel” or translated, “God with us” Meaning that Christ (Messiah) was and is that Baby, born of the Virgin Mary. So if you are inclined to say; “Happy Holidays” just remember that by interpretation – holiday is two words put together as one and those words are: Holy and Day. The Birthday celebration of the Christ Child is then the holiest day of the year. Happy Holy-Day!

A Look at the Book #357

The Devotional

Papa “J” and his thoughts?

The soul of man is earnestly ignored these days, yet we dwell on this earth by the grace of God. How so do we ignore? Pride, drugs, alcohol, greed and power! (SIN) and being afraid to call sin, SIN is why the soul becomes foolish; refusing to depart from evil. Proverbs 13:19-21

Water pressure, weight, current, temperature, salinity and other elements in our oceans and seas play a very important role in buoyancy. For example; any good diving officer on a submarine will tell you if his ship has a positive or a negative buoyancy just by the temperature of the water that the submarine is in. This condition can change immediately with a slight change in depth or salinity. So the diving officer on watch must be cognizant of his ship's environment, but his responsibility does not stop with this one fact alone. Along with these elements, he must understand the speed and weight of his ship. A heavy ship is one of negative buoyancy too, but speed will hide or mask the weight making one think that all is okay. When a submarine is in a positive buoyant condition it will want to surface and will if the diving officer fails to realize this condition. So the point! There are a lot of variables caused by Created Laws and the man-made mechanical ability of a submarine to keep it submerged. If the diving officer relaxes his awareness, the ship and the environment will work against him and the envelope of safety will be breached. Psalm 19:1-11 explains this truth! No human invention or theory of evolution can operate outside of the Laws of Creation and be successful. God in His grace allows forgiveness to everyone who repents from this selfish view of created life. Psalm 19:12-14.

HEBREWS

Now you are saying that I missed verses 4 through 6 and you are correct. I got a little ahead of myself but if God is willing and there is a tomorrow, I will cover those verses then.

Hebrews 13:7 We may well conclude that in world around us, evolution seems to be advancing at a rapid pace. (The automobile commercial that pictures the feet of a two or three toed reptile at the start, advancing to human feet, then to railroad tracks and then on to the road in one of today's advanced, man made machines can be convincing if you do not know the Creator). Are we marketing automobiles or teaching evolution? Or, are we doing a little of both?

Hebrews 13:8 What has all of this to do with remembering those who rule over the church. Are we not commanded to follow their conduct and faith? Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. This explains to me that Creator God has not changed. The earth is not millions or billions of years old. Longevity does not prove evolution, in fact; it destroys it! But with the help of Satan and the darkened minds of enlightened people, even Christian leaders have positionally made erroneous adjustments in their doctrinal statements of faith. Some do not even have a doctrine of faith, this is a blight, or a famine of truth in the land we live in and love.

Hebrews 13:9 The hot air of deception has carried away the elementary principles of the Living Word of God so that good men who know the LORD have been led away too. There minds have been darkened with elements of human reasoning and mental manipulations of unbalanced weights and measures originally designed by God Proverbs 16:11. Rather than staying on course and depth, they have wandered into dangerous doctrines that are outside the envelope of spiritual Truth and their mission is breached. This verse goes on to say that the heart of man is to be established by GRACE and not by the mammon of deceit, we are to occupy ourselves with Jesus Christ (TRUTH) until He returns. Notice the parable of the Minas. Luke 19:11-27



A Look at the Book #356

A Look at the Book #356


by Jesse Abel

The Devotional



Papa “J” and his thoughts?



The one who ignores the disciplines of correction does not escape and his or her end will be in ruin. While the one who heeds these adjustments to life will be rewarded with the Love of God. Proverbs 13:18 and 1 John 4:17-19



Cursing can be offensive even to the person who is prone to curse. On one of the submarines I served was a man who was a native of one of those South American countries. His English was not good and his language was saturated with slang coinages and cursing. If you did not know him you might expect that he was a terrible individual who had no regard for himself or people around him. Even the Tasmanian devil would look like a saint compared to this individual's vocal expressions. One evening we three senior officers of the watch decided to question this man who at the time was the helm and fairwater planesman about his use of English. His response; “my family talks this way all the time, it is the way we were brought up!” Today, this man is born again, he is a believer in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ the LORD! If you are a believer this is enough to bring tears of joy to your heart. If you are not then you may be wondering; “so what's the point?” Here it is... this man had a lame tongue from birth, but one day someone shared with him “good news” the good news of another Man. The Birth of the God/man, also of His Death and Resurrection. His Name is, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the name which he had previously used in blasphemy was now the Name of His LORD and Savior. The point! Acts 4:10 was just as real two thousand years ago as it was yesterday on the submarine, today as I write and forever as eternity awaits us all. Hebrews 9:27-28 and Hebrews 13:8.



HEBREWS



Hebrews 13:1 The journey through Hebrews has been most rewarding for me and I hope that it has for you the reader as well. Yes, the current events in our nation has caused a delay, even some harshness in my delivery of words, yet I am always reminded that as a believer in the LORD Jesus Christ the message that God seeks to get across to us all is the message that God is Love. 1 John 4:7-16.



Hebrews 13:2 God's messengers are in every nook and cranny of our world of influence, so you never know when one will pop up. We must be ready at all times entertain the people we come in contact with. But these messengers of God are not entertained by song and dance. He sends them into our lives for the purposes of encouraging our faith in God and strengthening our walk and the walk of as brothers and sisters of Christ. And you know as I do, some of these have been angels of one sort or another.



Hebrews 13:3 There is not a dark shadow here in seeking to remember those suffering and mistreated. The body (the church) as you well know is mistreated daily, sometimes it is even we who mistreat others or our own. In Christ, we have the ability to overcome this by remembering that the yoke of bondage is relevant to all. We are to pursue peace with all men, without which, there is no kindness. Ephesians 4:32



The Devotional - A Look at the Book #355

A Look at the Book #355

by Jesse Abel

The Devotional

Papa “J” and his thoughts?

A fool's wrath glows orange like a cold fire; even ugly to watch. In contrast the blue flame of a hot fire can brighten and comfort the hopes of a better tomorrow. Just as God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. Destruction And Death; Testifies to all ungodly nations. Proverbs 13:15-17



On one of the submarines I was on a young man openly declared his sexual bent to be opposed to the Naval Regulations in place at the time. He did this while we were on patrol in the North Atlantic. At first we thought he was joking, but it soon became apparent that he was serious. The patrol could not be shortened, we could not easily pull into some port and transfer this person ashore. So he was stripped of his duties, isolated from the rest of the crew and protected from himself and others for the remainder of our patrol. Civil Rights should not govern Military Rights. Some reading this will undoubtedly disagree with me on this. Do I care? The answer is yes, I am a veteran! It does not make sense to me, that people who have law degrees in civil rights should also a voice in proven military science. What gives some wimp of a person who has no knowledge of the military, the right to invade the military with liberal laws that WILL dull the sword of our military integrity? Is it a civil right to legally kill babies (SIN), or legally allowing two men or two women to marry each other (SIN) and legally allowing the homosexual and heterosexual to stand at arms length to defend an ungodly purpose? Or is it EVIL? Can we be so blind that we cannot see the TRUTH? The sad answer is emphatically YES. The comforting solution; God is not dead, He is Risen, He sees the US of A: He is Returning and His REWARD will be with HIM. Revelation 22:12. This will be a Victory worth watching and guess what. It matters not what side your on, you will be there!

HEBREWS

Hebrews 12:25-28 Oh, how what I've written in the paragraph above finds it's place in what is being said in this portion of scripture. Anyone can shut my mouth, in fact; God Himself can if He chooses too since I am a man of unclean lips and live in a nation of people with unclean lips. Isaiah 6:5. I am not alone in this, that is a comfort. The people of God are speaking out and God does not shut our lips. The ungodly say, “Well where is the sign of His coming?” 2 Peter 3:1-9.

Herod has been warned that Jesus is coming again. He is not looking for a child of two years of age or younger. (Matthew 2:16-18) He is looking for those (His Church) who are preparing the way for the Second Advent of Jesus Christ who is the King of kings and the LORD of lords, so there will be a removal of those things being shaken at this time. He will be replacing this old kingdom with a new one that cannot be shaken by evil. The opportunity for you to be there is still an open door, John 3:16 and John 11:27. But there is coming another day like the one on the Ark, first. Genesis 7 is a true even in history. Notice to that Noah could not shut the door to the Ark, but God could and did. Genesis 7:16.

Hebrews 13:29 For Our God is a consuming Fire. And 2 Peter 3:10-13 and yes beloved, we should remain steadfast and grow in grace and knowledge. 2 Peter 3:14-18.

The Devotional A Look at the Book #354

A Look at the Book #354

by Jesse Abel

The Devotional



Papa “J” and his thoughts?



The heartbeat of America may be a car! Yet it is not made in the United States by natural citizens, but by the sub-cultures of false naturalization. The fountain of Life runs dry and the snares of national death are on every corner of the American nightmare. Proverbs 13:14-15



Many years have past but I still remember the day when the submarine I was on was leaving the Mediterranean Sea through the Straits of Gibraltar. Once we were through the Straits we headed North for England, our depth was shallow and our speed was aggressive. The moment of silence was broken with; “torpedo in the water, emergency deep” an enemy submarine had fired on us. With the collision alarm blaring and increased speed we headed down, fear replaced peace. We placed devices in the water to confuse the torpedo. All of our action was rewarded with success, but in that moment of good decision making, there was panic within the men. One senior Petty Officer was found on the floor crying and banging his fists and feet on the deck and saying that he did not what to die. One person had to be replaced who became physically and mentally incapacitated. This panic was not wide spread, but I just want us to know that when the object of faith is threatened (in this case the submarine), trust and hope have no where to go, and in some, the heart of man fails. Again, God never fails. Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God proves this as He is the originator of this Faith that He made perfect for you and me to follow. Hebrews 12:2



HEBREWS



Hebrews 12:18-24 Ask anyone who runs into a critical moment, like these Israelites who literally saw the mountain that was untouchable, being full of fearful noises, putrefying smoke and shaking earth. The sound of the trumpet (collision imminent). Commanding words that added more fear and confusion so that the people involved just wanted it to STOP! Even the thought of the wild life perishing as the arrow strikes at the heart of the matter. What terror develops in the heart when faith has no where to go, but tremble! Tremble! Tremble!



Folks, don't panic! The LORD Jesus Christ has overcome the terror of facing the judgment of God. He has made peace with God through the better sacrifice of Himself for your sins and mine. Read the scripture and anchor deep in the faith of Jesus Christ. See the greatness of His sacrifice as it is written in Hebrews 9:23-28. Jesus is coming again soon. You certainly have the option to disbelieve this and if you do, then what awaits you will be what you fear most. You say; “What is that?” There is no way around it, it will always be “Faith” and that being the faithfulness of God!



The general assembly is a host of people that God calls His Children, the universal church, His saints or those who identify with Martha a friend of Jesus who made this statement. “Yes LORD, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is come into the world.” John 11:27. If you have not made a similar statement to the Person of Jesus, then you do not know the Mediator of the New Covenant. The truth is that you have no confidence in God because you have not accepted His faith as your own! Your sin is not an issue with God, Jesus paid that price for you. Shall I say more? You betcha, see you next Monday, unless of course the rapture happens!

A Look at the Book #353

The DevotionalThe DevotionalThe Devotional

Papa “J” and his thoughts?

What does the religious road look like in America? If it looked like the famine found in third world countries, we could understand our needs. However, today people say that they love Jesus, but they despise the Bible. Oh, oh... the Bible is Jesus! Proverbs 13:13 and John 1:1

In our morning devotionals my wife and I are reading through Psalm 119. I remember when we studied this Psalm about a year ago as part of this daily devotional that comes to you. (We read the MEM and NUN file, verses 97 through 112). Now for certain we did not cover that many verses in one sitting a year ago, but I do remember that we talked about loving God. The question that always pops up in my mind when I allow myself to meditate on “loving God” is the question of; “Do I really love Him?” I believe the Psalmist; who could very well be Jeremiah the Prophet is thinking these thoughts himself. “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day”. Then he goes on to think through the thoughts associated with his love for the law of God. A favorite verse in this Psalm for many is verse 105. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”. Here is the point! And I am sure this was the point a year ago as well. God's Love is revealed in the Word, the Law, the Commandments, the Precepts, the Statutes and the Testimonies of the Bible (Psalm 19). And Jesus Christ is the Word fulfilled, the Bible. Colossians 2:9 and if you believe this; then you are completely in love with Him through His Word. Colossians 2:1-10. The Bible is NOT philosophy, it is Christ and the fulness of knowing Him. See 1 Peter 1:8.

HEBREWS


Hebrews 12:12-17 Vitality is the expression of life, if you are vertical today and moving about then you are capable of having vitality. You can walk, talk, think, feel and do all the things associated with the living. I see at least two expressions of human vitality these days. People who are disciplined in their mind to get the most out of living, and the others who are getting the most out of dying, by the way... which one are you?

Believers in Jesus Christ have this same vitality also but these people are not limited to just living and dying. Say what? Well, there is really no sense in repeating it, just listen up! If you have been born again, God has added to your human vitality, His Spiritual Vitality and I think that many of His Saints have forgotten this truth since they walk about looking weak and feeble, even like they are in need of some body part adjustment from the chiropractor. The fall from the grace of God is bitter and dangerous so one must be responsible and walk in spiritual vitality.

God has already proved through His Word that people who play the harlot or fornicator with His Word, stand in jeopardy like Esau. So while you still have human vitality working in your favor, it might also be necessary to evaluate your Spiritual responsibility if you are indeed saved by grace through faith. 2 Corinthians 5:9-11 explains that there is a day in the future of every believer in Christ, when JESUS will judge the things we have done in the body, whether good or bad. I hope we think through on this vital truth and I believe you will be joyful and not feeble if you do.

A Look at the Book #352

by Jesse Abel







The Devotional



Papa “J” and his thoughts?



Prideful people are hole diggers, seeking to trip or destroy the righteous. Today's spade is a public domain called the internet. Psalm 119:85. However, the humble look to God for comfort and the sharp tongue of prideful is interned in his or her own void. Proverbs 13:12



For people who have spent any time at sea it is not hard for them to understand the events of Mark 4:39. At sea sailors can see the storm brewing twenty miles ahead or behind them and have no fear since where they are, all is calm. The captain will seek to navigate away from the storm and in most cases the directional changes are successful. But when things go bad on the oceans, the men or women who go down to the sea in ships cannot panic. When people panic the next experience in their life in most cases is – DEATH! (Death comes in all phases of life, not just in panic so don't misunderstand here). We are talking about faith, and the point to make with this is the evidence of faith. When people panic, all the evidence of faith escapes from the brain. The evidence of faith has three ingredients: ONE, an object. TWO, a belief and THREE, a hope. In the case of a storm at sea, the object would be the vessel. Put that object in jeopardy and faith in it begins to crumble. Believing in the vessels ability to survive deteriorates and hope of survival dissipates. Now it is a simple statement that the writer of Hebrews makes but it is the most powerful statement of faith ever. Don't miss it!!! Since this is the directional compass for all the storms of life. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8. As the object of faith, Jesus will not fail. You can continue to believe and hope in Him. John 20:30-31



HEBREWS



Hebrews 12:5-11 Now you may be saying; “What does discipline have to do with faith in God?” Especially in the day in which we live, where sound biblical discipline is replaced by disobedient, God haters, we can see why that question could pop up! Our nation continues to march down the aisles of liberal theology, and just as Romans 1:30 and the context around that verse reveals, God is a bit upset with our lack of knowledge biblical knowledge. We are in His discipline and do not even know it, so I've chosen this opportunity to explain it to you.



Hebrews 12:5-11 is a lot of verses to cover today, so it would be good if you hung around for a few days while we put it together. If God permits, I'll be here and I hope you will too!.



Disobedience and hate run down the same pathway, we usually step into that path when we are rebuked. I do not know of anyone who enjoys a good ole slap on the buns for doing wrong, do you? But, discipline is one strong tool that proves LOVE and produces FAITH. Many of us have been hurt by folks (some by parents) who have taken discipline to the wrong level, either to much chastening or to little. So before we can really begin, these painful or lack of painful experiences must be replaced with the GRACE of God. Remember with me, that all things are possible with God who never fails us. Jeremiah 32:17 and Jeremiah 33:3

A Look at the Book #350

The Devotional



Papa “J” and his thoughts?



If one knows what to do and remains idle, then, it is necessary to check the dip stick and see if the pride level is too high. Contention will cease when the right amount of wisdom balances the well spring of pride, living under the sun. Proverbs 13:10 and Ecclesiastes 5:6-7



When I first enlisted in the United States Navy... should I tell you how long ago that was? Well, okay, it was 53 years ago, relevant or not, some of you reading this could double your current age and still not measure up. Here is the point. In those early years in the military some old Boatswain's Mate made this statement to a bunch of us young men. “Sailors, your in Navy lest you forget! Now there is a right way to do things and there is a wrong way too. I do not want to catch any of you doing things the right way or the wrong way. There is a third way to do things in the Navy and that is: THE NAVY'S WAY! So from now until the time you leave the Navy do things the Navy way and you will have good success. Without going into all the doctrinal issues of God (does He exist?) Creation (or evolution?) Sin (or human error?) Satan (is he real?) and other relevant works of Law and faith. Genesis records a similar challenge to man, whom He created, responsible to Him. God is not some old Boatswain Mate, He has Much more authority! Read Genesis 2:8-25, then go on and read Genesis 3:1-24. God says in those verses of His Living Word, that the way of life under the tree of knowledge of good and evil is the wrong way to live eternally, if you want to live in the image and likeness of God, then one must believe God. He rewards those who believe Him. Hebrews 11:4-7. Bottom line; there is a good and evil (right and wrong) way that man lives in temporarily, but if you want to live eternally, you must live it God's way. John 3:16 and 35-36; 14:1-6; Hebrews 10:5-7 and Psalm 40:6-8.



HEBREWS



Hebrews 12:1-2 We need to look again to Jesus. Jesus is the Author of Creation. He spoke and the universe began to take shape. He is the author of the Living Word, since He is the Word. Genesis 1:3;6;9;11;14;20;24;26 and 29. The Word became Flesh, John 1:1 and John 1:14. This is not a myth or an old wives tale. Notice 1 John 1:1-4. Jesus not only Authors all that is, all that was or all that ever will be. He also authors or writes the book on Faith.



He did not author sin, He did NO sin but He knew the effects of sin. Thus He planned to become sin for you and for me. A day of reconciliation for all sin is found in Hebrews 10:5-10 and Psalm 40:6-8 explaining that this is not some New Testament idea, but that God throughout time has made a way of reconciliation for all people in the world. That way is the Faithfulness of God through the Person of Christ to be the propitiation (mercy or favor) of God.



The Author of Faith is also the Finisher of Faith in that He alone could foresee the JOY that salvation through His Sacrifice would open or split the veil that opens heaven to all who will come. Hebrews 6:13-20. He is the High priest of faith. He entered heaven and He now sits at the Right Hand of God, His Father. He intercedes for us continually because He willingly obeyed His Father by Faith. One day soon the veil will be mended at the last trumpet call. Will you be there? 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

A Look at the Book #349

A Look at the Book #349

by Jesse Abel







The Devotional



Papa “J” and his thoughts?



The Light of the LORD is everlasting and bright. Look! It can be seen in the eyes of His saints. Please note! The wick of the wicked may glow, but this oil of gladness burns hot and runs out quickly. Proverbs 13:9



What does it mean to experience “absolute surrender”? A soldier gives up in battle, parents watch as their child reaches adulthood an goes off to college. A loved one dies and the family mourns the loss. None of these events are “absolute”. Yes, you may argue that at least one of these conditions meet the standard for being final and that would be the death of someone you love. Did you know that God challenges us to see the invisible, in fact; He says in His Word which is alive that the things that happen in life to people are but a moment, a moment of, “weightless affliction”. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. We have been talking about faith, did you forget? What does that verse say, the one that we should have memorized by now. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. Absolute surrender, then is giving up the faith that the world uses daily of good and evil and accepting God as faithful, it is an attribute of His Character. The gospel of Jesus Christ cannot be real for anyone until we are challenged by the grace of God to believe (have faith) in Jesus. Ephesians 2:1-10 and 2 Corinthians 5:5. Those who read the blog, challenge me daily to speak to them directly. I cannot do that, all I do is write... it is God who explains to you and me His Truth. If you become a believer, it will be because of Him! Not me!. Hebrews 12:30-40 explains well that people of faith view nothing in the world as absolute surrender. Notice Hebrews 11:35, faith is the absolute assurance and surrender to a better resurrection.



HEBREWS



Hebrews 112:1-2 There are a multitude of witnesses of Faith, and as the history of God moves through time the cloud becomes larger and brighter. This is not a cloud that darkens with the threat of a brewing storm. Why, because those who are of this cloud will lay aside every weight of sin that so easily entangles them.



These men, women and children have endurance to run a race, a faith race if you will, so it is necessary to shed things from our framework that hinder our ability to run, or walk for some of us older folks endure. This shedding of things that slow us down is called, having endurance. Did you know that endurance has an object just as faith does? We have replaced the things that hinder us with Jesus Christ. I hope you see Him as we do, the object of our faith.



Jesus is the author of the Living Word, He is the Living Word. The apostle John puts in in perspective with the words of 1 John 1:1-4. Joy over happiness is coming to faith in the One who Created all things for Himself. Revelation 4:11; Genesis 1:1, also see Colossians 1:15-18. So look to Jesus for the joy of living life. His endurance of the Cross is your only hope to endure the circumstance of life in absolute surrender.

The Devotional


What Does Papa “J” have to Say?

The rich and famous have a treasury, but of no profit. They seem to build up what they cannot retain and retain desires they did not ask for! This is not the way of righteousness, precious in the sight of God are the righteous who are delivered from false desire. Proverbs 10:2-3

Ever feel like you are digging a hole with no possible chance of reaching the bottom? This is sort of the way I feel about this subject of meaning, or purpose and reality of life. The subject is overwhelming, bookshelves, bookstores and libraries all across the globe are filled with books related to this subject. God states clearly from the Holy Bible that all you and I need for a great understanding of purpose of life is to look at one book; The Bible, also to know reality is to know Jesus the Author of Faith in God. Hebrews 12:1-2 THAT IS THE BOTTOM LINE! Looking as some scripture we see that God says to soul, that if he or she desires happiness then to seek wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 3:3. There can never be meaning and purpose of life if a person does not know how to be happy in life. Our souls wrestle with reality, what looks real may not be real so how do I know the counterfeit? The only way to know is to come to Jesus Christ. The true rest for the soul who has no rest over reality is found in Matthew 11:25-30. The apostle John sums it up this way. The Bible is sufficient to solve man's problem! John 20:30-31 and John 21:25.

The Gospel of John

John 19:38-42 No longer will the world see Jesus as the sacrificial LAMB of God. His Body is full of death now needs help. Help from those He died for. Help from His disciples, the secret ones as well as those who publicly show their faith in Him like Joseph and Nicodemus. Along with these two men, the mother of Jesus and His disciples prepare His Body with myrrh and aloes for the tomb. At birth He was wrapped in hand me down rags to live. At death He is wrapped in the cloths prepared for tomb and death.

Jesus is our Passover LAMB, if we had the time we could follow the Exodus of Israel from Egypt and see how Moses was commanded by Jehovah, the Old Testament Name of Jesus to prepare a lamb, one without blemish, a male of the first year. Exodus 12:1-14. We could also track the events in heaven as Jesus Christ our High Priest prepares for us to receive our eternal inheritance. Hebrews 9:11-15. We will see Him again, the KING is Coming. Revelation 19:16

Yes, for a brief moment in time it would appear that Satan and his army of demons and people of darkness have won. Many people today believe that God is dead, even people who claim that they are Christian, that when put to the test of scripture fail to understand. Jesus Christ is not on the cross, He was taken down by man and placed in the tomb. Do not fear, He did not stay in there. “Up from the grave He arose, with the power of God and triumph over His foes!”

A Look at the Book #289

The Devotional

What Does Papa “J” have to Say?

Proverbs is all about skillful living, the young man who excels in a sport will make any father or mother proud. Skill does not come from a greasy heart, nor is there any wisdom in the heart that is fat with ignorance in the knowledge of godliness. Proverbs 10:1

The meaning of life and the reality of it is the most important subject that mankind is faced with. Why am I alive and is it real? If a person cannot put these two thoughts at rest in their lives the spin off can go in every direction. Some people become passive and some aggressive and what is alarming is that both characteristics produce a starved soul. Yesterday I indicated that the soul who reads the Bible and who does not believe in God can gain nothing from the word of God to find meaning and purpose, but that unbelieving people will find that the sacred writings of religions and cults will be attractive. I did not explain this so today I will try. The Bible is not sacred, it is HOLY and SACRED! (Big difference) This simply means that the Bible is set apart from other religious writings. Religions and cults understand this perfectly, that is why you will find the Bible (The Living Word of God) as a “backup” reading in their bent beliefs. The Bible is God inspired and written by men and women who were under the power of the Holy Spirit to write as God guided them. Simply sacred writings are Satan inspired and written by men and women who are influenced by a demon spirit. 2 Peter 1:16-21. The second epistle of the apostle Peter explains this detail. In a quiet moment take the time to read this epistle. More tomorrow.

The Gospel of John

John 19:31-37 Crucified among thieves, on a hill that He created. Death in this manner does not come easy. Crucifixion was a method of torture, punishment and ultimately death. On any other day the person or persons crucified would be left to die to the bitter end. But as you read, the Jews are actually providing favor by speeding up their deaths in having their legs broken. Pilate agrees with the request of the Jews and the Roman soldiers go into action.

The two who were crucified with Jesus were still alive, their legs were broken. This meant that their legs could no longer support the weight of their bodies and their diaphragm could no longer work properly. With their lungs shut down the men suffocated and died within the hour. As you know that when the soldiers came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead and to prove this a spear was thrust into His side.

Plasma is one half of the composition of blood, at death the red cells, white cells and platelets separate from the plasma, this causes discoloration or blotching in the skin and when the skin is punctured the blood cells and plasma will drain from the body separately. But is this important for us to know here? Well yes! The Plan of God in fulfilled by the LAMB, His sacrifice is complete and Scripture is fulfilled; The power of His death was not at the hands or will of man. It was the purpose and plan of God. Psalm 34:20; Exodus 12:43-51 (The passover lamb) and Psalm 22:16. The eye witnesses certified this truth. John 21:24-25

A Look at the Book #288

A Look at the Book #288

by Jesse Abel







The Devotional



What Does Papa “J” have to Say?



Scripture reveals thoughts and motives that are found in the heart. In Proverbs it is not the heart that is naive, but the knowing mind that lacks the will to understand the danger. To God who sees the heart, both the seduced and the seducer are accountable to Him. Proverbs 9:13-18



Here are some questions that haunt the heart of man daily. What is the meaning of our life? Why do we exist? What purpose is there in life? There may be other related questions you may come up with, but I think we can place all of these concerns about life into two categories. One: Meaning, and Two: Reality. Also, if we are to answer these questions there is the other side of the coin. “Can I find the true answer and how do I know the truth when I see it?” For the unbelieving person, there is little hope gleaned from the words of the Holy Bible. But, for other “so called” sacred writings people will find promise, now why is that? Are these sacred writings more effective than the Holy Bible? What about those of us who believe? Many saved persons fail year after year to learn the meaning and reality of life. For example; it took twenty five years for John Newton, the person who wrote the song, Amazing Grace, to understand the meaning and reality of life. Another individual that comes to mind is John Bunyan the author of Pilgrim's Progress, for over twenty years he struggled with these same issues. Now if you are honest with yourself, (believer or unbeliever) you have or you are struggling with these thoughts. Reconciliation, Faith and Grace is the answer. 2 Corinthians 5:1-21, look for more tomorrow.



The Gospel of John



John 19:28-30 The Living Word of God clearly explains that Jesus Christ knew that He had power to keep Himself alive and that He had power to lay His life down. Jesus also had the power to take it up again. John 10:17-18. Jesus goes on to say in this portion of scripture that He received this “command” from His Father.



This power you might notice, goes beyond the needs of the physical body. Jesus knows it is time to lay His life down because everything that He came to do as the LAMB of God is completed at this moment in time. But His body is dehydrated and His physical need cries out to be satisfied. “I thirst!” We could say a lot about sour wine and dehydration, the bottom line, it is heart stopping, like drinking poison.



What a wonderful joy it must have been to Jesus, the LAMB of God to know before passing into death that His time on earth is fulfilled according to the Father's Plan. As He steps back from “time” and returns to “eternity” the words; “it is finished!” are heard in throughout creation. Psalm 22:19-22 provides this truth and the whole Psalm shows clearly the work of Christ as finished both in earth and in the heaven. Even notice that Matthew 6:9-10 seeks for the Father's Plan to be fulfilled.

A Look at the Book #287

A Look at the Book #287






The Devotional



What Does Papa “J” have to Say?



There is a Family Bible in most homes, yet there is no fear of the LORD. If that bible were opened beyond the family tree, one could observe the Tree of Life. Learn to Fear the LORD and lose the fear of death! Aw, go ahead scoff at this and bear the consequence. Proverbs 9:1-12



Have you given this some thought? Romans 5:1 is a statement of the foundation that all of the saints of the past, present and future stand on. Jesus stated to His disciple Peter in Matthew 16:18 that Peter's confession of faith in God the Father is the solid rock (a foundation) of faith where you will find the eternal Church of God. The writer of Hebrews states that this same faith is the only faith that pleases God. Hebrews 11:6, also the writer of Hebrews states that Abraham experienced faith in God, Sarah too! And he goes on to talk of many other Old Testament saints. All of these saints and the saints of the Church of God today are the foundations of a Holy City who's builder and maker is God Himself. When Jesus came into the world, the world was prepared to receive Him. Hebrews 10:5-10. He first authored, then provided the way to do the will of God, and that is for the people of God to live by faith. This Faith then does not belong to you or me individually and it is not the common human faith that we all express from time to time. This faith is first found in Jesus Christ in the fulness of time and it is freely given to all who will respond to God through this gift we so often abuse, called Grace. Ephesians 2:4-10.



The Gospel of John



John 19:25-27 The death of Jesus Christ is imminent, many people are standing around and watching the most important event in the history of mankind unfolding. As there are at every scene of trauma, danger and death there are people who are there as spectators and perpetrators. Often unnoticed are the love ones who are standing nearby who in the midst of the crowd feel empty, lonely and hopeless.



It is as if Jesus takes a time out from His suffering and death, He pauses to look at those who cling to the final moments of His life. Jesus eyes are fixed on John, His disciple and He directs His mother's eyes to John and says; “Woman, behold your son!”, then to His disciple; “Behold your mother”. These two statements are often overlooked but notice that Jesus is taking leave of His life and life's responsibilities. We too, must die to self and live for God.



Looking a little deeper into Jesus and His concern we can see a couple of important issues. One, Joseph, His step father is missing, possibly dead. Two, Mary His mother, at the death of her Son, will become homeless. John 19:27. These are important moments, things that may have been discussed with John and Mary before this moment. So the timing of His statement is not an afterthought, but more to say to them. The time is come, I must depart and you must do your part. Are we really doing our part these days as saints of God? Matthew 25:31-46

A Look at the Book #286

The Devotional



What Does Papa “J” have to Say?



The table of wisdom has many search-able solutions to a good life, but the complainer does not seek wisdom and when disciplined will bite and scratch like the hatred of a caged cat. Even the just man can fail, but when instructed you've gained a friend. Proverbs 9:7-9



What does David Brainerd; William Carey; Adoniram Judson; Robert Murray McCheyne; David Livingstone; Hudson Taylor; Mary Slessor; Jonathan Goforth; Charles Thomas Studd; Amy Carmichael; Eric Liddell; Jack Wyrtzen; Sophie Muller; Jim Elliot; Nate Saint; Ed McCully; Roger Youderian; Pete Flemming; Elisabeth Elliot; Rachel Saint and Chet Bitterman have in common. These are but a few men and women who willingly surrendered their lives for the gospel of God. Some suffered greatly for the gospel, some surrendered their lives for the gospel as martyrs, but all spent their lives surrendered to the upward call of God in Christ the LORD. It is the love of God that compels us to follow Jesus. If One died for all and He did, then we who are alive should live no longer for self but for Him who died and rose again. This is the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:12-21. All of these people and many more who lived by faith, also died by the faith that the apostle Paul shares with His readers in Romans 1:16-17. We should really search our soul in these days of Christian apathy and ask our self where we are on the scale of faith in God. We seem to have plenty of faith to live, but little faith to die. Now would that be for Christ or for self?



The Gospel of John



John 19:17-24 There a few words to describe the events of nearly two thousand years ago. No one can give an eye witness account. There are no pictures, no videos and no instant replays for the umpires or referees to judge the questions that arise in our heart. We read that He bearing His cross went... and in many minds the thought of God sending His Son to such a death is way out from human thinking.



The truth is that this event does not need an instant replay, nor a judge to set the record as true or false. All that is needed is FAITH a faith that comes from God Himself and given to those who believe. It is the same faith that has been around since the dawn of the history of God and man. Hebrews 11:4-7. A faith that is handed down from generation to generation, not by the works of man, but by the promise of God. His Hand of Faith is extended to you, have you accepted it?



There will always be those who divide His garments of Righteousness for selfish purposes and there will always be those who gamble with the Truth. Also there will be those who are called by God, these are the JUST and these are the one who are said to be living by faith. The same faith found in the life of Christ. The suffering, the Praise and the Posterity of Messiah is in His death and resurrection. Psalm 22:1-31. There is a greatness about the sacrifice of Christ that we often overlook. This greatness is God's Grace working through Faith. Hebrews 9:16-28.

A Look at the Book #285

The Devotional


What Does Papa “J” have to Say?

Where does one find wisdom? Notice! Wisdom is as close as the corner delicatessen! Wisdom is prepared by God, fresh everyday. Step into His deli and understand the fresh aroma of meats and wines, breads and condiments. Fear the LORD and enjoy God!

If you have read any of these devotionals you know that I have a certain disgust for religion, the main reason is that Satan hides in religion and disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:5-15. Now, if religion were the only place that he used to spread his deception then we could isolate his methods and quarantine his activity. But Satan is not like a virus on our religion only, he is much worse than one expects. Satan hides his deception in art, intellectualism, education, philosophy and psychology. In other words; Satan is into corrupting everything that you and I do to live life in the pursuit of free will and happiness. Our challenge is not to fight Satan and his deceptive ways with our human strengths and intellect. Our human effort fails in these two major areas. One: We do not have the physical power to overcome him. Two: We do not have the mental resources to subdue him. We have looked at this before, but we need to look again. The grace of God is extended to the humble, not the proud, therefore we are to resist the devil by submitting to God then the devil will flee. Isn’t it neat to know that we can draw near to God and that when we do, the devil flees the scene? James 4:1-9

The Gospel of John

John 19:5-16 Pilate has a decision to make about Jesus. He is not fully convinced that Jesus needs to die for what the Jews are accusing Jesus of. The world sees Jesus as the man that Pilate saw that day. Religion on this day of His death saw Him as an intruder, an insurrectionist and one who made false statements about deity.

What does this say to us today? Religion sees Jesus through the eyes of Satan so religion leaves Jesus on the cross being crucified over and over again. Every Sunday religion crucifies Jesus, hangs Judas and releases Barabbas. The world around this religious nonsense watches and says why does religion do this? Look, He is just a man and does not deserve death! This deception is of Satan and it is his attempt to neutralize the gospel of grace.

There are those who have a relationship with Jesus Christ, these are the ones who are called by God to look beyond the nonsense of religion and the foolish indifferences of the world. So if you are one of those who is looking to Jesus beyond the sacrifice, then you know Jesus as the Risen Savior and you have heard Him say as He stands in the assembly of the saved, “Peace be with you, receive the Holy Spirit and follow Me. Do you have peace? Are you living in the Spirit? Who are you following? John 16:33

A Look at the Book #284

The Devotional


What does Papa “J” Say?

Wisdom has no father or mother, but wisdom does have children. Having a proper fear of the LORD is the genesis of wisdom and life. Proverbs 9:10. Have godly wisdom and your soul will live. Reject it and your love for death will drive you to darkness Proverbs 8:32-36

Jobless people are all around us and many who have work cannot provide sufficiently for their family or for themselves. This is one terrible circumstance of life, but it is compounded by another problem and that is this social bend in the road that we are taking. The people of our nation as a whole believe in social equality and this is a deception. This belief has been around for a long time, it might surprise you to know that it began with Satan and he spread his social agenda to the entire human race through Adam and Eve. Take a look now at some of the comments made by Satan to himself and to Adam and Eve. Notice also that he is still providing this corruption to the heads of government and to the heads of household this very day. Lucifer said in His heart, I will be equal with God in heaven and earth. Isaiah 14:14. This is a socialistic statement. To Adam and Eve Satan said if you eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you will be like God Himself. Genesis 3:5. This is social injustice in the disguise of property ownership. Satan has stolen from God what belongs to God even to the point of weakening the nations. Isaiah 14:12. Even religions are corrupted by him 2 Corinthians 11:5-15 wake up people of the United States, return to God or lose your right to own property.

The Gospel of John

John 19:1-4 What do you like to do when it comes to relaxing, you know what I mean don't you? Being able to unload the days concerns and just think about nothing, nothing at all! Jesus is not in that position at this moment in His life. His most sensitive moments in life are upon Him. If you have ever felt the welts that appear after a beating from a belt, you would still not know the effects of scourging. This severe form of beating would be from someone who could inflict injury to the point of death, and death would be better than to live.

To add to His suffering, in cruel mockery the soldiers who were there made a crown of thorns, you have heard this story many times, yet the shock of His suffering always seems fresh to us doesn't it? The night is cold, the soldiers smell of the stench of battle and burning firewood. Their breath is hot and pungent with mocking hatred as they hail Him, King of the Jews. Oh! Could this event also be a thorn and reflection of our sin in the eyes of our LORD?

What a picture! The man Pilate has not turned his back on any of this, even he has given his approval to the events at hand. Like Pilate or a servant of the Roman army we have all done our part in causing suffering of the worst kind to fall upon the incarnate Son of God. With human evil we place thorns on His head with human good we place a purple robe of majesty over His broken body and say. “You know, I find no fault in Him”. Of course you don't, He is the perfect LAMB of God, He is coming again! Not as the LAMB, but as the King of kings and LORD of lords. Even so Come LORD Jesus. Revelation 19:16 and Revelation 22:20-21.

A Look at the Book #283

The Devotional


What does Papa “J” Say?

Notice this about wisdom; God teaches wisdom how to respond the the task at hand. The Jewish tradition of Proverbs 8:30 is not as a craftsman at God side, but as one brought up at God's side! You see God needs nothing to be God, He simply is. Proverbs 8:22-31

The more I look into the Word of God the more it seems that I am falling in line with what the apostle Paul says in Romans 11:33. I have been reading the Word of God since May 21, 1975 when the gospel of the grace of God lifted me out of darkness into His marvelous Light. The apostle quotes from Job 41:11. What is so interesting to me about this reference is that God asks Job a question; “Did I make a contract with someone who was before me? No! I did not; Everything under heaven is Mine! From this thought we can understand that God is the Contractor or the real Promise Keeper. Now, whether you care to believe this statement of God to Job is your personal business with God. A similar contract was made in that God prepared a body for His Son. Hebrews 10:5-10 and the volume of the Book we call the Bible is written of Him, for Him and by Him. It was written in order to provide the call of salvation by grace to all who respond to Him to be rescued from darkness and placed in the Light. No religion can accomplish this task, only God because salvation belongs to our God and His LAMB. Titus 2:11

The Gospel of John

John 18:28-40 We read these events of the trials, the mocking and the condemnation of Jesus and we think, O what a pity! Many times we are gripped with real heartbreak and our emotions of His passion is upon us. Our minds are finite and God in His grace has equipped us with emotion which resemble a relieve valve. These relief us of guilt, pride, anger, trauma and other revolts of the soul that are dangerous to our physical being. Mostly, these revolts of the soul are linked to the sin we carry in our heart.

It was necessary that Jesus should go the cross. If it had not been necessary His kingdom would have come to His rescue. He would not have been delivered up by the Jews and Pilate would have not said to Him, “What is truth” A couple of events happen in these last verses that are important for you and I to see and work with in our own life. This should help us to understand that God expects us to hear His Son, since His Son is the Truth.

One: Pilate does not expect an answer from Jesus about truth, if he did then there would be another response from Jesus and there is none recorded. Pilate asked the question and he immediately left and went back to the Jews saying, I find no fault in Him. Two: The world still condemns Jesus today simply because the world cannot find fault in Jesus either. The bottom line is that the world understands the robber like Barabbas and would rather deal with him, then to deal with TRUTH!

A Look at the Book #282

The Devotional


What does Papa “J” Say?

To this point in Proverbs we have seen the promise of learning and loving the wisdom of God. To inherit wealth and to fill one's treasuries is what most of us desire, yet we live in poverty because our thoughts are not His thoughts, nor our ways His ways. Proverbs 8:21and Isaiah 55:8

Some day soon when the last breath escapes our body, in that very second of time, we will slip into eternity. Whoa! Should you read on? Or should the question be! “Are you and your loved ones ready for eternity?” Are you thinking... “I don't what to think about this morbid thing right now. Who knows maybe someone will find out that death is a disease and invent a pill so we can all live forever”! This is the ability of lying to oneself and the gall to believe your own lies. Notice what God says in Hebrews 9:27, so not only will you make this appointment with God who has already set that day for your meeting with Him, but He has already set up the appointment of the judgment to follow. Why? Because Christ Jesus the LORD is Risen. Based on your response to Him you will either live with Him in eternity, or by your own volition you will live in eternity with Satan. Notice Hebrews 9:28. For many people this is hard to get hold of because they are blinded by deception. The deception is threefold: SIN = Because a person refuses to believe in Jesus. RIGHTEOUSNESS = Because a person can reject Jesus, and JUDGMENT = Because one fears death and seeks to reject the appointment of death. Well guess what! JESUS is risen and He will judge the living and dead. So even if you are alive when He comes you will still be judged by Him. There is no escaping the judgment of God. Acts 10:42 and 2 Timothy 4:1

The Gospel of John

John 18:25-27 Have you ever stood shivering because of fear? Fear can make you shake uncontrollably. Add a cool night to this fear and your bones will feel disconnected. Peter the brave disciple who cut off the ear of one of the soldiers is trembling like someone who has no control over their body. The truth is that Peter had lost control, a meltdown of his physical, emotional and spiritual ability, he was unable to ward off a panic attack. Have you first hand knowledge of this? Then you know how Peter felt as his flesh denied His Savior.

Peter had lied earlier to the servant girl, John 18:17, now as the soldiers who were warming themselves at the fire with Peter began to take notice of the people around them, they too asked Peter of his allegiance to Jesus. Even the person whom lost his ear to Peter's sword and regained his ear by power of God the Father and the Hand of His Son Jesus said to Peter. “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?”

Lie if you will because a lie will deceive many who hear it. But the lie will not deceive God. How do we know this? Immediately the rooster crowed. John 13:36-38. God warns us continually of the pending day of judgment, while His warning may not be the abrupt sound of the rooster. He still calls out to us daily and if you respond to His call, He will answer you and show you great and powerful truths about your appointment with Him in the near future. 1 Corinthians 2:9. God is not the liar, we are. 1 John 1:5-10.

A Look at the Book #281

The Devotional


What does Papa “J” Say?

Failing to see that the wisdom of God is not dead but very much operational is to fall into the trap of global deception. The wealth of a nation is destroyed, the road of righteousness will be full of pot holes and justices will be socially corrupt. Proverbs 8:19-20

This weekend we are going to a Bible Conference, this will be very helpful to us in the future as it does address many of the problems that we are facing in the United States today. For example the problem of social justice which is a major theme of the conference and how that ties into the areas of our personal life of work, maintenance of liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In the recent past we have bounced around the critical issue of our nation which we are about to lose. We have talked a little about the grace of God and we are now looking briefly at spiritual warfare. All three of these critical subject are serious, but many of us are not concerned or see the serious problems we face, many believe that government will come to the rescue, no government will fail. So we really need to wake up and stop pretending that all is well, that this is just a bad dream and as soon as I awake life will return to the way it was. Well guess what, “the way it was is the way it is”. Just as there is no such thing as reincarnation, there is no such thing as returning to the past. You and I are in this together, your here for a little while on this planet, if you are above the age of fifty, you may not be alive in 2025 and if you are your production will be at best a zero on the scale of one to ten. “So what” you say? We have committed adultery with the devil and the Living God is upset. Proverbs 5:1-13

The Gospel of John

John 18:19-24 The word of God is not some deep dark secret, the world around us is in full view and creation itself reveals the light of the glory of God. The judges and high priests who set on the thrones of religion and government do not get into these positions because they are dumb. Caiaphas knows Jesus and he knows the doctrine and His disciples, but what he knows he uses against Jesus. See verse 8 of John 18.

The high priests of religion and the judges of government today are no different than those during the life and ministry of Jesus. Religion is deluded human good and evil and so are the judges of the government over us. Most of us are satisfied with this because we have been taught to live within these two conditions as best we can.

You have heard and probably said this your self, “Well, I do the best I can”! Or “I can't do it all”! Well, no you cannot, nor are you expected to. Why, Because Jesus has done what no one else could do. HE IS RISEN! God is not dead, God's Word is very much alive, seated at the Throne of God at His Righteous right hand. The witness of His death and resurrection is as real today as the days in AD 33 when He died for your sins and mine as the LAMB of and was raise to life again three days later. The KING is coming, Jesus is the KING of kings and LORD of lords.

A Look at the Book #280

The Devotional


What does Papa “J” Say?

The wisdom of God has a specific endowment that the wisdom of man does not have. Do you know what that blessing is? The wisdom of man will often produce riches, but the Wisdom of God produces riches along with righteousness, huge difference! Proverbs 8:18

The discussion on grace is interrupted. Hopefully we will get back to the grace of God soon, but I thought it necessary to say some things about Spiritual Warfare since it seems that I am in the thick of it. The truth is as our pastor put it on Wednesday that the Church of Jesus Christ is at war. If you go to church and believe in Jesus Christ as your LORD and Savior then you are at war with the devil and his fallen angels. The Church of Jesus Christ consists of people who are called out of the dead fallen world of Satan. Being called out they are placed by God Himself in the kingdom of the Son of His love. Colossians 1:9-14. Many of us do not understand this warfare and become victims of spiritual misconduct, and others who know something about this war can become casualties too. Also, believers can be caught up in helping the devil destroy another believer and not even know what they are doing. All said, lets take a look at Colossians 1:13. Notice that the words used by the apostle Paul are, past tense. This means that when a person is saved by the grace of God, that person is immediately translated from the power of darkness into the kingdom life, in Christ. God is not a war with the lost soul, John 3:16 and Ephesians 1:4-10 proves this. Satan does not contend with the lost soul either since these souls are already dead in the power of darkness and eagerly work for him. Ephesians 2:1-3. More to come.

The Gospel of John

John 18:15-18 Do you claim allegiance to the gospel of God, are you a follower of Jesus Christ and have you done battle with the enemies of Christ? If you are saved then your answer would be YES! The battle to stay pure is a battle that is ongoing. Peter, in these few verses reveals the character of our heart in the heat of any moment in Christ. It is when we are confronted with a decision to follow Him or to deny Him.

It is possible to stay pure in these moments, there is another person present in these verses who is seldom mentioned in the context of denying Christ. That disciple is John the writer of this gospel. What is unique is that John did not deny his Savior, John even knew Caiaphas and boldly went into the courtyard while Peter stood at the door of the courtyard. Saved men and women do not have to fear, God has equipped them with His armor. Ephesians 6:10-20

Fear blocks the door of opportunity to enter, fear is a response to spiritual warfare, it is rejecting the power of God to overcome the advance of the enemy. Peter is not alone in scripture on this issue, you remember Elijah who ran from Jezebel, 1 Kings 19:1-10 and if these men of God can buckle under the advance of the enemy so can you and I. Please note: John did not buckle under the weight of the enemy. We will see the results of these two warriors of God in John 21 in a few weeks.