By Jesse Abel
The Devotional
What does Papa “J” Say?
The Word of God takes a man or woman beyond happiness. If you are willing God replaces happiness with the Joy of the LORD, or you might consider the wicked way and let what light you have burn out! Proverbs 4:18 and Proverbs 13:9
In Nehemiah chapter nine, Nehemiah recaps the history of his nation. He reviews the good, the bad and the ugly seasons of time. How the nation responded to the judgments, statutes and laws of God. Early in this chapter he says that God's Name is glorious. When is the last time you purposed in your heart to say “God! Your name is glorious!”? Why is the Name of God so glorious? I mean; after all we live in a country that is foul with every kind of sin imaginable to man, isn't this God's fault? The same conditions affecting Judah during this captivity is affecting our nation right now. So, why should we say - “God your Name is Glorious!”? Well, it just may take us as a nation a little longer to muster up those words with meaning and purpose. We are as you know, a stubborn, stiff necked people who seem to enjoy living under the burdens of laws that favor crime and promote depravity and sin. And can you believe it, we are attempting to turn the Constitution of the United States of America into a piece of used toilet paper. These thoughts grieve my soul. So, why should we say - “God, Your Name is Glorious!”? The word “MERCY” shows up in this chapter at least four times, but lets look at Nehemiah 9:27. Maybe we should just wait until of captivity comes to the United States or we can begin with humble hearts NOW! And when we do our souls will shout! God, Your Name is Glorious!
The Gospel of John
John 13:12-21 The words of Jesus Christ. How can you not fall into a biblical love for Him? What He says to us each time we read His Words is; “I do this, because I love you and I love those who I place in front of you. What you have seen and heard in Me, you should do likewise. The apostle Paul understood this, notice 2 Timothy 2:1-13.
Jesus cleanses us from all sin, that is awesome and it is real. In a world of relative righteousness it is very hard to find a moment when sin is not an issue in front of you. Do you think I am wrong in this? Even while we devote time to the LORD, we are conscious of sinful bombardments and sinful people nearby. Notice that even Jesus who is God in the flesh is aware of His enemies during this passage of teaching and devotional session. See John 13:21.
So it is with you and me, God calls us to witness of the great things Jesus has done. He washed us in the Blood of the Lamb, He serves us daily by cleansing our walk with Him in the power of the Spirit of God. He places us in positions to present to others the authority of the gospel. Also, in the Spirit He warns us of the enemies of the gospel who are nearby. So closely related to Jesus that our lives can serve as He serves. So why is it that we often live in the poverty of Spirit rather than in the intended prosperity of the Spirit? Maybe we have forgotten that the kingdom of God at hand, is serving!
