A Look at the Book #404

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #404

A Though for today by Papa “J”

The blame! The blame! No, not the plane, this is no island resort, simply a DOMAtory of SIN, or is that dormitory! By slumbering complacency – we the people are to blame!

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How I ever spent most of my life in the Navy can only be described as an act of God. I cannot swim very well, in boot camp I literally had to be kicked off the platform to get into the water and I almost drowned trying to swim. Yet by the grace of God I spent a good deal of my Navy career under the water on submarines. To my narrow minded view of some things in life, this is an experience that still causes my head to spin when thinking about it. But this I know; if you let God into your life personally through faith in Jesus Christ, God will put you into places that you feel should belong to someone more qualified then you. This I have learned. None of us are qualified to fill the position of Christ likeness. We have to be molded and shaped in Him. When we allow God to shape us, each of us will have the characteristics of a Master’s Hand to do what He has called us to do. A masterpiece of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control, (Galatians 5:22-23) but we also have the responsibility stay pure. 2 Timothy 2:1-26. The impurities of our nature can disqualify the work of our hands.

Lamentations 2

The historical content of this book written by Jeremiah is true. Everything that he writes about was happening at that time to Jerusalem. It was happening because God’s judgment was being poured out and the beauty of Israel was fading. Let me spell it out for you “Jer-USA-lem”. It is the way I read my Holy Bible. What happens in the history of God’s chosen nation, also has the potential of happening in our land, in fact it happening the beauty of Washington D.C. is fading and we would be naïve to think otherwise.

Lamentations 2:12 – Have you gone to a rescue mission lately or one of those “soup kitchens” in the city? Less that three years ago if you would have gone, you would not be surprised to see a few homeless people having a meal and a place to rest. Today, there are many, even women and children. At the mission where I go, in just one year of time the people coming in has so increased that two other places are required to handle the numbers. Many Men, women and children are homeless today.

Lamentations 2:13 – “From sea to shining sea” there is little to comfort for the souls of people in need. Our laws are not capable of protecting those who are yet born,so how can we expect that our laws will protect those who are? I see what Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 6:7 man labors for his mouth, yet his soul is never satisfied. Okay I understand that but I also know that if a man does not come to know God in his soul, even his labor will not fill his mouth. His profit under the sun will be given away to the tax collector to pay an unreasonable debt.

A Look at the Book #403

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #403

A Though for today by Papa “J”

I could say this everyday and never be tired of hearing the words in my soul. I love the Word of God! I hope you do too! 1 Timothy 1:5

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There are many experiences of life on a submarine. One of my most remembered moments was the day I was allowed to wear those silver dolphins. The Qualifications Officer signed off on the papers that permitted me to be “Submarine Qualified”, then the Captain of the ship, pinned the dolphins on the left side of my chest. I felt pride flood my face and I fought back tears. Then without warning the Captain made a fist and slammed it into the dolphins and said, “Congratulations Petty Officer Abel, now you have something to cry about” Ha, ha! And so the day began with a number of the crew pounding on the dolphins. There are two pins that go through the material of your shirt and are secured to the shirt by small round tabs and a bit of the pins stick through the tabs. After a full day of pounding, a person’s chest can be exceedingly scraped, punctured and bruised. Let me go on to say it is worth it, sort of joyful too, to look beyond that day and know that you are qualified. So to all you shipmates who read this and to those who do not I say. “Well Done Men” Men who sail the oceans in secret, men who are the qualified Submarine Service Sailors. God Bless You!

Lamentations 2

Lamentations 2:10 – The thought of losing ones virginity is directed at the daughters of fathers, the daughter is the pride of the father, is she not? When a nation turns it back on God the elders of that land have laid aside the basic foundations of four conditions of the heart. God consciousness, marriage, family and country. We covered this a few months back and labeled these conditions as the four Divine Institutions, I hope you remember. With these implanted conditions of the heart damaged the virgin daughter has little hope of staying pure.

Lamentations 2:11 – I do not know what goes on in your heart, but abortion makes me cry. My heart aches with emotion when I hear of the testimonies of people; men and women who have experienced abortion in their personal life. It is overwhelming, I do not see how one could pastor a church and not be affected by the pain and suffering of today’s lost virginity and loss of life. Unless we pray and repent today, there will be no tomorrow. Why? Because, the laws of the land permit our children to play the harlot, even to the point of killing our infants.

Just two verses today. I am running a bit behind schedule. I actually thought today was Saturday! Well that is what happens when you retire.

A Look at the Book #402

A Look at the Book #402


by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #402

A Though for today by Papa “J”

A mushroom covered in dung has a better hope to grow as God created it, then those who go to bed covered in the nightly news of the liberal media of today! James 4:1-10

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On one of the subs I was on and I do not remember which one, we were submerging to a depth of 700 feet. As if you were blinking your eyes, one split second and the lights including the emergency backup lighting failed. Total darkness is like nothing you’ve ever experienced unless you have. The ship experienced a total power failure called a full reactor scram; our speed was 10 knots (16 miles per hour) with a 10 degree down angle. The diving officer ordered the planesmen to a zero bubble (no down angle), the order of all stop was given but propulsion was already crippled with the reactor scram. Trimming the ship to maintain neutral buoyancy was difficult but not impossible since all of the valves on submarines are identifiable by markings that can be felt on the control levers (sort of like Braille). At 525 feet the ship leveled off but our speed decreased slowly since we had no way of stopping our forward motion. This is why most submarine sailors carry a small flashlight with them at all times. Take a lesson from this old submarine sailor. Walk in the LIGHT of the gospel of Jesus Christ and darkness will not be a problem that overcomes you. Psalm 119:105 and it even gets better. John 8:12.

Lamentations 2

Lamentations 2:7 – Though I speak with the tongue of men and angels and have no love, I am become as a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1. This is a strong condemnation of the contemporary church of today in America. God has abandoned His sanctuary. We should also note that the altar and sanctuary of all “churches” belong to God. So, you holy men in the pulpits… what are you doing to cause God to abandon His church? It’s underlined!

Lamentations 2:8 – All of God’s ways are absolute, meaning that if He determines to do anything, it will be done. This means basically that God has a Perfect Will and that within this Will is a Love that permits you and me and the nation we live in to obey His Will. He expects for us to return that love. Matthew 6:10. If we as a nation are not pursuing this in prayer then we cannot expect to have provision, pardon, protection or purpose in life. Matthew 6:11-13

Lamentations 2:9 – The nation that has no desire to do the Will of God on earth has no ability to defend against the aggression of other nations. The guards have no gate to protect. The widows have no bars to keep the enemy from climbing through. The king and prince are governing, but they are citizens of enemy lands, even idolaters of false religions. Matthew 6:9 and Matthew 6:14-15. We do not recognize God, nor do we forgive sin, so God does not forgive us. Repent Please!

Isn’t it so very awesome that God has placed this “LORD’s prayer” even by rote memory into the hearts of most of the unbelieving peoples of the world! On the day of the LORD, each of us will give an account of what we did with this simple prayer.

A Look at the Book #401

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #401

A Though for today by Papa “J”

Theodore Roosevelt liked the phrase, “Talk softly and carry a big stick” but he is not the one who coined it! In an expedition to West Africa, he overheard one of the tribesmen talking to another. So Theodore adopted the slogan as part of his political champagne! My preference is Psalm 23:4

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If you have a television in your home you have no doubt seen the commercials of the empty car lot. Then all of a sudden as if by magic hundreds of cars appear. Somehow these vehicles just roll up from the pavement and if you do not like that batch! “Wait just a second!” Up pops hundreds more by this roll over procedure. We have had a lot of snow this season, my wife and I were wondering why these car dealers that have this capability to roll their vehicles under the pavement fail to do this in a snow storm! If they did this, then they would not have to hire illegal aliens to brush the cars off. If magic works to move our ignorant minds to buy cars, why can’t magic work to make the American Way of Life better too! Bah humbug! Yes, it is sort of comical in a sad sort of way, that we have played the harlot with God and turned to idolatry and sorcery as an enlightened American Way. Notice what Jeremiah 27:9-10 has to say about this.

Lamentations 2

Lamentations 2:4 – A Mighty fortress is our God, a hymn of Martin Luther. Our God is a bulwark that never fails. God has stood as a wall of defense over this nation of ours. He has protected our young, made safe our communities and blessed our national heritage for hundreds of years. But today men and women, He stands Mightily in another capacity over this nation. He stands as an enemy, with redeeming fury in His Eyes.

Lamentations 2:5 – We see His hand of judgment don’t we! National sin, leads downward and we march in rank and file to our eventual doom, just as Israel. Our palaces and strongholds as ambassadors have become dangerous places. There is daily increase of mourning and lamentation. Go to a big city and see the homeless and the shelters and come away from these places with words in your mouth, like; everything is okay, life is good and there is nothing wrong with America.

Lamentations 2:6 – The people of the American Way of Life are heavy burdened today. We are bent over with the weight of our national and personal sin. Our churches are contemporary and willingly cover this dross over with thin layers of worship that has no effect on God or congregation. People walk away from these services empty of spiritual content. In turn, God rejects the governing authority and the appointed holy man.

The political man says; “Words, just words” and the holy man says; “Worship, just worship” and God says; “Repent, just repent!”

A Look at the Book #400

A Look at the Book #400


by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #400

A Though for today by Papa “J”

The world sees a utopian solution for mankind. These are mere schemes of empty hope and murderous lies of Satan. Yes I said; Satan! John 10:7-18. Notice what Jesus has to say about this. “Let not your heart be troubled... I go to prepare a place for you… I am the way, the Truth and the Life! John 14:1-6

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The slightest change in the American Way of life disturbs me. Yesterday I made mention of a cap called a “city cap” it sort of looks like a ball cap but it is far from that American tradition called the “ball cap”. The city cap has a flat bill and if you bend it, you ruin it. Small as it may seem to you, it changes the American way, I know, some of you are cursing under your breath, or maybe openly. However, this trend or this small change in a simple piece of headgear has placed the American “ball cap” in the foreground and placed the “city cap” as one of the visuals of change in America. Walking under those caps are people, young and old who are ignorant by choice or by deception to change America. In the gospel of John, which you may have read earlier in the opening thought, Jesus explains that Satan is a thief. John 10:10. You may say that Satan has never stolen from you, but take another look. What about that wayward son or daughter, or maybe a parent who is living outside the norms and standards of integrity. Now don’t get me wrong, it is not the city cap or the ball cap that makes the difference, just the indolent or insensitive attitude of a nation under the discipline of Almighty God. There is however, time to repent. Therefore, repent and be delivered from this perverse generation, Acts 2:40.

Lamentations 2

Lamentations 2:1 – What about the things we read from this book of mourning? Can you not literally feel the cloud of God’s judgment hanging over this nation as in the days of Jeremiah? The Purple Mountain is failing and the Majesty of the Almighty God in the hearts of this people is fading out like a light bulb about to burn out. The footstool that God suppresses the enemy is not being used by God and the enemy is charging out and into our nation.

Lamentations 2:2 – God has consumed our safety and does not pity our feeble cries, He will continue to throw down His wrath on this ungodly nation. He will continue to judge His people, even to the point of dismantling our freedom to worship. When the public teaching of the Word of God ceases, the church will be brought down to the ground (the under ground church will be the church of the future) the government is making progress, even today to push God out the door of the public eye.

Lamentations 2:3 – In all, God will allow this to happen. Since we do not what to acknowledge God in our life, He will draw back His Right Hand (Righteousness) and the flaming fire will devour our freedoms (Justice). These two attributes of God are powerfully active today. Either to drive this nation to its knees in repentance! Or to drive this nation into captivity and slavery. The choice to do either is resident in each American soul.

A Look at the Book #399

A Look at the Book #399


by Jesse Abel



Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #399

A Though for today by Papa “J”

Liberty is not the liberality of a government, nor is it freedom under the “city hat” that is worn to the east or west of center on the heads of misinformed or misguided citizens. Liberty defends the Constitution and is a willing salute the challenges of Freedom. Proverbs 6:6-11


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Do you know the definition of the word, indolence? The thought above is directed at the insensitivity of conditions surrounding life and liberty. About seventy percent of the nation’s insensitivity is due to ignorance. About twenty percent of us understand the conditions of our failing economies, troubled communities and our crumbling families, but we are daily desensitized by liberal interpretations of the Constitution and other failures in the checks and balances within our once solid government. The remaining ten percent utilize this indolent national condition to move us out from under the foundation of our national heritage. We are becoming a nation of peoples with no direction because our foundation is crumbling, Proverbs 24:30-34. I remember life on the submarine. The air was fresh most of the time. That is when all of the machinery to keep the air fresh was working properly. When the machinery failed, we would go to periscope depth and raise the snorkel mast. The fresh air from the outside world was not as fresh as you might think. The odor of fresh air is like supper cooking while the cook is idly taking a shower. The nation’s last meal is being prepared and we cooks are busy playing the harlot. Proverbs 9:13-18.

Lamentations 1

Lamentations 1:19 – I hope that you have a love for the Word of God. The Holy Bible is the only book in the world around us that is alive. Aw but of course! If you do not personally know Jesus Christ then you do not know this truth. (John 14:6) Jeremiah here in this passage calls for those who might provide some comfort, they either deceived him purposefully or they are dead.

Lamentations 1:20 – Can you not see a bit of yourself in this man? We are not a perfect people; take a look at your soul. Is it not troubled with the conditions around us? If it is not then face it! You have become indolent, even rebellious. Look out the window of your soul; the tongue of most peoples is like the sword of bereavement and our homes are bedridden with the stench of sin that leads to death.

Lamentations 1:21-22 – Look at those countries surrounding us. Are these peoples providing comfort, or do they laugh at our afflictions? They are laughing and saying things like; “It won’t be long now and they will be like us. Our wickedness is not done in a closet, not only do the nations around us know, which is the smaller trouble on the horizon. But God knows our rebellious heart and He will cause our heart of freedom to faint. The day is coming and you no doubt will see it.

A Look at the Book #398

A Look at the Book #398


by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #396

A Though for today by Papa “J”

How much of God do you have? Some of you would say none and be content. But your soul is booked with life, enough knowledge to stand as a witness against you at the Great White Throne Judgment, Revelation 20:11-14

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A man was in the bedroom of his home getting dressed. His wife was in the kitchen making breakfast. This was a big day for them, decisions for their future were being put together later in the day by the people who would be involved by the joining of their daughter to their future son-in-law in marriage. “Honey” he called! “Is this shirt clean enough for me to wear today?” Her response without hesitation from the kitchen was, “No.” He said, “How do you know, since you did not come to the bedroom to see it?” She said, “If you had to ask, then it isn’t clean!” When we question ourselves about the things we do, then no doubt about it, the doubt answers the question! 1 Corinthians 15:58. Also put on the LORD Jesus Christ. He is fresh every morning in mercy and sufficient everyday with grace. Make decisions that prepare you to for your eternal future. Romans 13:11-14 and Romans 14:1-13.

Lamentations 1

Call it what you will but for whatever reason I jumped from Lamentations to Ecclesiastes, did anyone catch it? Back to Lamentations…!





Lamentations 1:16 – Do you ever weep for the condition of this nation? Truthfully I do! I weep for people who are caught in the over indulgence of living life under the control of socialized government. These are the widows and the orphans in their troubles that James, the half-brother of Jesus our Savior talks about in his epistle. He says that the religions of today are polluted with hearers of the Word and not doers. James 1:21-27. The Comforter cannot work with hearers only.



Lamentations 1:17 – Why is it so hard for the people of a failing nation to see that their homeland is becoming an unclean thing in the eyes of the LORD. We said recently that the first pillar of righteousness in the land is the beautiful feet of the preachers. Preachers have lost their shoes of having the peace of God because they have lost the comfort of their peace with God. Now that is not double talk, look at Ephesians 6:15 the gospel is peace on both feet, otherwise we are preaching an unbalanced gospel of unrest.



Lamentations 1:18 – How awful it must be for us to suddenly realize that my fleshly work of righteousness is actually rebellious activity in the eyes of our Righteous God. He Judges our works by the declining conditions of our homeland. Men, who stand in the pulpit today, look around, open your eyes! Weep over the lost virgins who have been taken from your community. See the captivity and bondages of those who have given themselves over to perversions of the flesh. Government cannot correct this condition, only God can turn us around. 2 Timothy 4:1-5. If you are a preacher of righteousness and you are not doing what these verses command, then know that you are a major player in the problem of this nation.

A Look at the Book #397

A Look at the Book #397

by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #397



A Though for today by Papa “J”

You have heard it said; Do it right or do not do it at all! The statement does not stump the fifth grader. Just those in schools of higher learning!!! Colossians 3:23

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There is a mountain of information available on the internet. We tend to believe that every stone (web site) when rolled over will uncover a vast source of wisdom and knowledge. The mountain is full of venomous snakes and other poisonous creatures of self-indulgence and evil. You know them and most likely you have visited them in the past or even currently. My thoughts and prayer to our God is that if you are currently involved with some demonic reptile of perversion that God would in His Character of Justice and Righteousness lead you from these and deal with you in grace. However, this is not the entire message. There are other sources of information on the internet; Conservative news sources, Para church organizations and political movements, all having encouraging stones to roll over (web sites). All of these good sources of information seek to do what is best for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But I caution us to maintain a vigil on the Living Word of God and keep the evil and the good works of man out of the norms and standards of turning our national conduct back to God. God does not need anything from us to fulfill His Plan for nations of any material value. All He needs is your soul and He will take care of the rest. The soul is the most valuable asset you have, you should guard it will all diligence. Philippians 4:6-7 and Psalm 142:1-7

Lamentations 1

Lamentations 1:16 – Solomon, the Preacher of Ecclesiastes was not a self made man. God gave him wisdom and understanding, wealth and prosperity. Read 1 Kings 3:1-15 for the background. Many preachers, if not all have requested the very same spiritual and natural resources from God. After receiving these gifts, many like Solomon over the course of living in time have fallen. The fall of a nation, begins in the pulpits of the nation. The preacher steps away from the grace of God and into a conservative approach to the Word of God, then to a system of “dos and don’ts” and lastly to liberalism and the nation follows.



Lamentations 1:17 – Solomon followed his heart and this led him to the pleasures of the heart. He lost His joy of the soul. He learned madness and folly and he saw that these avenues of life were empty. But once caught in the tidal wave the under current is next to drag you further away from your source of Joy. As a leader of a nation his motivations of pleasure led the nation away from God. Does any of this sound familiar to us? It should not shock anyone, but our religious and national leadership need to be supported by prayer. Malachi, the entire book, read it!



Lamentations 1:18 – Solomon continues his lament over wisdom and understanding. He simply says that if you depart from the Wisdom of God and seek the wisdom of the world you will find much grief and sorrow of heart. As a nation we are right in the middle of sorrow of heart, the so called drug remedies will prove this if you don’t commit suicide before you finish the bottle of pills. After dosing you still have sorrow of heart, the root cause is that we have fallen as an individual and nation from the grace of God. Galatians 5:4

A Look at the Book #396

A Look at the Book #396


by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #396

A Though for today by Papa “J”

Everything that God does is eternity based. He expects that earth will reap the benefits of this eternality Mindset. He even teaches to seek this in our communication with Him. Matthew 6:9-10

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As a member of the local fire and ambulance district, I have the opportunity to see people in various degrees of danger, of injury or illness. What is interesting is the serious impact that these experiences have on the minds of individuals. Recently the ambulance I was on was called to a house for a person having dizzy spells. On arrival all seemed well, the person looked calm. When I questioned them about their reported complaint, the response was; “Am I going to die?” The person had a history of anxiety episodes and other mind related conditions. Also after some additional questions we understood that spousal stress, the lack of eating food or drinking fluids were symptoms that could be responsible for the disorder. In all, the person resisted going to the hospital, but changed their mind rather quickly. But refused a needed vital signs check and would not lay down on the stretcher. They also refused to let us notify the spouse. So why do I tell you this? There is always more going on in the mind of the person next to you, more than you know. Be careful how you treat them! Philippians 2:1-4 is something we need to live, to know this and not do this; is insufficient.

Lamentations 1

Lamentations 1:13 – Maybe you have not noticed in scripture, but God is as interested in the death of a nation as He is in the death of His saints. He also calls on His saints to proclaim His Plan and purpose for life. If a nation as a whole does not know the Plan of God, the people of the nation cannot know the Purpose for living. Jeremiah is saying to his readers; “I am on fire with emotion to tell you of the blight that this famine of purpose for living has cause in the nation.



Lamentations 1:14 – The difficult days are ahead of us, the yoke of carrying the transgressions of the land is a heavy wreath. The stench from the smoke of burning aborted babies, the odor of infectious diseases, the smell of war, of famine, suicide and deserting heads of households has reached the nostrils of our Creator. All will be judged! All will be lost… unless we repent. How many ways is there to tell the story of national collapse?



Lamentations 1:15 – Are we so blind that we cannot see just a few simple things. The military for example is a mighty power in this nation, but it is the soul of our soldiers, sailors and marines that has taken a direct hit recently. The noise from the public front sounds like a big joke, but a deflated soul has no direction. But most of all it has no fight. We have a duty and a responsibility to our military and this verse of scripture explains just what that duty is. If you are not doing what the verse says, then you are a big part of the problem. Jeremiah 35:15

A Look at the Book #395

A Look at the Book #395


by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #395

A Though for today by Papa “J”

Have we the people lost something of value and are we groping around in the darkness to find it? We really should take a lesson from the lady of the house. A little light goes a long way. Luke 15:8-10

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As my wife was praying and reflecting on the care that God has for us, she reminded me of many blessings. Can we be missing these blessings because our hope is founded on false foundations and broken promises of life? The mindset of most of us is to worry over things that make our nation weak and vulnerable. If we took a serious look at our effort to restore these foundations and broken promises, we would see the labor has been in vain. The more we try to hold back the tidal wave of total collapse, the greater the force of debt and unemployment mount. (Now she does not know it yet, but my wife is responsible for this devotional this morning) Isn’t she awesome? A daily valentine for me!

Is there anything impossible for God? Do not say no, since it is impossible for God to lie! Therefore nothing is impossible for God to DO! Luke 1:37, you do believe in the Virgin Birth, don’t you? And you have read in 2 Kings 4:1-7, Elisha the widow and the oil. Americans! (We the People of the United States) have as a nation rejected the Power of the Almighty God who brought His Son into the world to save sinners, individually! (John 3:16) Also! God delivers nations out of the clutches of evil. But only those nations whose God is the LORD will be blessed – Psalm 33:12. If you are hoping for mankind to deliver him self from evil, your hope is like that of Matthew 6:19. Take the necessary steps to restore your hope in God and trust your resources to Him. Matthew 6:20-21.

Lamentations 1

Lamentations 1:10 – Like the fish of the sea or a sitting duck the nation under God’s discipline gives little thought of the net hanging over the remaining valuables of a dying nation. The pleasant things of life are not the glitter of stardom or the corporate advancements of technology. The pleasant things are the sanctuaries where the congregations of godly people meet to pray and to seek God’s face.



Lamentations 1:11 – Most contemporary places of worship today are not interested in His Second Advent. They comfortably eat the bread of idleness and complacency. Saying! Where is the promise of His coming? 2 Peter 3:4 therefore let us give money to restore our community and give life to our political agenda. The LORD sees this and says, my promise is not slack! 2 Peter 3:1-9 the thief does come in the night, conduct your self in holiness, not worldliness. 2 Peter 3:10-13.



Lamentations 1:12 – The LORD should be at home in our homeland, yet our rejection of His Promises and Blessings has corrupted His sanctuaries and displaced His presence. He is not welcomed here, nor does God feel at home here in this nation. So like the One who wanders, He passes by and when He does He brings sorrow of heart. Sorrow on His own people, the afflictions of rejecting Him is severe on all. It is not too late, repenting begins with His people (you and me) and the rest of the nation will follow. Read Isaiah 55:1-13 and turn to God.

A Look at the Book #394

A Look at the Book #394


by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #394

A Though for today by Papa “J”

If you know how to do the math, the economy of this nation is 118.8 trillion dollars in debt. Not only is this incomprehensible to understand, it is also impossible to repay and is a definition of BIG Government. Proverbs 22:7 Please read Leviticus 26:23-26.

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A few weeks ago I was out with the grandchildren. They were not in school on that day and I picked them up to let them visit their mom in the hospital and to bring them to our house for awhile. We stopped at a local drug store and they bought some candy to take to their mom and of course some for us as well. I noticed a bag of chocolate covered peanuts and it brought me back to my childhood, so I decided to get the bag. My granddaughter said, “Gramps, you want the smaller bag, you’ll get sick off of that one” I thought, “dang, I want the big one” but she at thirteen was right so I caved in and bought the smaller bag, an it too was enough to spoil my lunch. What a selfish life we live. You know we are an overstuffed generation of people. We turn up the volume on everything we touch and expect to go on normally and healthy with life. Most of our products today come from China and Japan and most of the 118.8 trillion dollars of debt is owed; to! You guessed it, China and Japan. Men and women there is only ONE solution to our selfish idolatries of overindulgence. 2 Chronicles 7:14; If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Lamentations 1

Lamentations 1:7 - When God is seeking to turn a nation from wicked practices there are certain national characteristics that can be identified as causes. One such characteristic is the absence of God in the sanctuary. It makes no difference if you call the place you worship; a building, a church, a temple or a congregation - all of these places of worship have a sanctuary. God is not there because the place is dead with the selfish idolatrous practices of the individual and the nation.







Lamentations 1:8 - The plans of God to withhold blessing on a nation are well advertised by Him. Look around! We huff and puff at what we see going on, our once honored position among the nations is nearly in ruin. We are disgracefully naked before our enemies and what is it that we do to correct this grievous posture? We sigh and turn our backside, even wipe our mouth like a harlot and say we’ve done nothing wrong. Proverbs 30:20



Lamentations 1:9 - The armies and navies of the nation are afflicted and tired from liberal interpretations of law and from godless individuals with agendas to abort in everything from the battle to the embryo. The words of; Damn the torpedoes… full speed ahead, are no longer politically correct. Now we simply insure our men and women who wear our uniforms and fight our battles in order that their families may receive a half-million dollars in death benefits. Most hit-men will kill your child for a lot less. Nationally, we are a naughty people, why? Because we tolerate SIN!

A Look at the Book #393

A Look at the Book #393


by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #393

A Though for today by Papa “J”

Do you think that one could have a selfish faith? You would think that with all the “faiths” available, from the secular to the divine that man understands his destiny! There is only One Faith, One Lord and One baptism into that faith. Galatians 2:16

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Who out there remember the stories of fatso and skinny, and cutie pie and bully. These are the birds we have or had. Bully died a little over a year ago. At times it is necessary for them to hang out in my office so I get to observe there daily actions. Every living creature has a routine! Mess that routine up and it is like the coming economic Armageddon that Dr. David Jeremiah writes about in his book on the subject. The birds normally listen to the radio when they are by themselves, but when I am in the room it is distracting so you know the drill, I shut the radio off. This causes some interesting reactions from the birds. Fatso and skinny are normally very vocal but when the radio is off they make little peeping sounds and stare at the radio. Cutie pie determines that the world is coming apart so she stands over her food dish and guards it reverently. When I turn the radio on, they will go about their routines, which are: For fatso and skinny it is cleaning out their nest, replacing the old straw with the new and taking baths. For cutie pie, which I have never seen in the water be found doing her favorite thing; swinging on her swing and looking at herself in the mirror. Life, even for the birds, has it’s ups and downs.

Lamentations 1

Verse 4: God is friendly to nations, and He deals with every nation in absolute Justice and Righteousness. How we observe God in His dealings with nations is usually by speculation and since there is nothing absolute in speculation this makes our observations wrong. If the nation is walking in evil, God's Justice prevails and if the nation is walking in good, God's Righteousness will prevail and that is the bottom line. It is because of God's friendliness (grace) that we are not consumed by His Justice or Righteousness as both these attributes are a consuming fire; Psalm 97.



Verse 5: God’s Justice never takes a moment of rest. The justice of God at times is our nearest ally and at times our worst enemy. It is only a matter of time before the palace fortress of prosperity crumbles when a nation rejects the Justice and Righteous norms and standards of God. God does not need to be politically correct. Why? He is absolutely Righteous in all His ways. In fact; He is down right intolerant to idolatry or any other form of distracting evil. Proverbs 1:7 explains that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of Wisdom. Anything in front of this thought is idol worship and the fool's idolatry has no fear.



Verse 6: The churches and religious temples of the land can be identified in scripture; there are those that lack love; are persecuted, that compromise the truth, some are corrupt, others are dead, while others are faithful, then lastly but not least the lukewarm ones. The leaders of these churches know the pressure that God applies to the nations since the first wave of His correcting discipline comes through the pulpit. What makes the church faithful is the leadership response to God's waving hands of Righteousness and Justice. Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13 and 22.

A Look at the Book #392

A Look at the Book #392


by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #392

A Though for today by Papa “J”

Sometimes I like using big words since the word chases many of us to the dictionary. Here is a big word that even the dictionary has trouble with. LOVE! Even when God explains it to us we still desire to waffle in ignorance and in selfish disbelief. John 3:16

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One thing I have noticed about writing is that a thought can be expressed in many ways. This makes the written word more meaningful than the oral word, but it is the oral word that holds mankind accountable. I can write all day long and tell you on paper of how I believe in Jesus, how I love His Living Word the Bible. Also, I can explain events like yesterday’s news and relate the events to God’s Plan for mankind. Again, I can take you to the gospels and epistles of the His Word like for example; John 21:20-25. John explains that if it were possible to write about all the things that Jesus did while on earth that the earth itself would not be able to library the books. All the written words will not make you believe in Jesus. However; be of good cheer, nothing is impossible with God. Because when you are willing to confess Jesus Christ as LORD and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will by the grace of God, confess this with your accountable MOUTH and be saved; Romans 10:8-13. You see we always put our mouth where our heart IS! So those who believe from the heart that Jesus died and rose again for the forgiveness of SIN will from the heart be saved and not shamed. Those who confess something different will be shamed and not saved.

Lamentations 1

Lamentations 1:1 The LORD is long-suffering, but that does not mean that He is not actively involved in correcting our national way of life. By the time a nation gets to chapter one of Jeremiah's Lamentations it is beginning to experience the first step of discipline by the Hand of God, the five chapters of this book align perfectly with the five cycles of national discipline that any nation will face that turns it's heart from God.



Lamentations 1:2 Sin in the heart of leadership weakens any nation, God warns, then His Mercy is lifted and more transgression in the land is exposed. His wrath becomes apparent and the stronghold of a liberal thinking society builds a defense for laws to cover their agenda. The LORD stands His ground, but the battle of iniquity resists, He hardens their heart and the profane ways of the kingdom move the leaders to make sin the law of the land.



Lamentations 1:3 The strength of any nation is in the faith of that nation's relationship to God. When the nation relies on strength independent of God, God releases the strength of His hand. The enemy is quick to take notice and begins to test for cracks in the armor. The little fires of terror become a method of greater discipline in the Hand of God to correct a nation going bad.



A nation is accountable to God and so is the individual who lives in the nation.

A Look at the Book #391

A Look at the Book #391


by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #391

A Though for today by Papa “J”

Ever find yourself complaining to the wrong person who will make life tough for you because you complained? There is another snow storm in the forecast! I say; keep on complaining and our shovels will be worn out by June!

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Just outside of our town there is an old church building that housed a real estate agency. The old church had the historical character the seventeenth century. The church is on a route called the Kings highway that connects Hartford, CT. to Providence, RI. Uniquely it is about half way between the two cities. Yesterday near eleven in the morning the weight of our latest snow storm brought the building to the ground. Why is this important to this message this morning? The building has four white pillars and these are still standing perfectly straight. The world around you and me is crumbling under the weight of SIN. We are transgressing the boundaries of God’s care for us. We weigh ourselves down with HEAVY burdens and say to God we have done nothing wrong. We are idolatrous thus we have committed adultery in the eyes of God, like the woman in Proverbs 30:20. Then we justify our slavery to sin like those found in Romans 1:18-32. You can count on it! After the dust settles, the four Divine Institutions will still be standing like the pillars of that old church. Matthew 24:32-35 is the parable of the fig tree. To some of us, things look okay but to those of us who seek the city whose builder and maker is, God, we see the signs of His soon return. Hebrews 11:13-16 and Hebrews 13:14.

Take a moment and find the Book

Chapter 1:1 – How lonely sits the city that was full of people! How like a widow is she; who was great among the nations! The princess among the provinces has become a slave! (Forced labor).

Chapter 2:1 – How the LORD has covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in His anger! He cast down from heaven to the earth the beauty of Israel. And did not remember His footstool in the day of His anger.

The prophet continues: Chapter 3:1 – I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of His wrath. 3:2 – He has led me and made me walk in darkness and not in light. 3:3 – surely He has turned His hand against me time and time again, throughout the day.

Now let’s take a look at Leviticus 26:14-15, God commands obedience individually and nationally. Here in these passages the command is directed to the national level. We have a few things to say about national obedience to God this morning.

As a nation, we hate the Laws of God, evidence: the erosion of our Constitutional Freedoms. As a nation we are at war with the Justice of God, evidence: the rejection of His Judgment in the pursuit of Happiness. Also, as a nation we have rejected His protection, evidenced by the breaking away from His covenant of sending His Son, not once but Twice! National rejection deserves national discipline!

A Look at the Book #390

A Look at the Book #390


by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #390

A Though for today by Papa “J”

Snow could be a treasure overlooked! In Job 38 we are told that God has treasuries of snow. Do you ever think of the snow banks just outside your door as treasure? In Job’s day the snow water was medicinal. Job 9:30 and Job 38:22 and read the context surrounding these verses.

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We are taking a brief look at the four Divine Institutions placed in the soul of every human being at birth. We’ve seen that three of these institutions were operational from the beginning in the Garden of Eden before the fall. These are not stand alone foundations that are independent of one another. Just as God does not react or operate independent of His Son or the Holy Spirit, man should not react or operated independent of these three Divine Institutions. When man did, he fell from his perfect eternal Garden environment and a fourth Divine Institution was set in place. Nationalism! There is a tribe, a tongue and a nation for every person in the world to belong too. Take a moment or two and read Genesis 11:1-9, after the world wide flood the Divine Institutions of God were religiously strong in the hearts of people so they attempted to build a tower to reach God. God was not pleased with this human effort. Did He tear the tower down? No, but just imagine sitting on a scaffold several hundred feet off the ground and not being able to communicate with the person next to you. The language barrier was all that was needed to disburse civilization to the four corners of the planet. Now I know there are thoughts and questions running through your mind. We are not done, but just beginning. So please hang in there.

Psalm 38:23-26

If you are saved and I hope that you are, then your way is not your own. God has taken over. Say what? I said; God has taken over. He has a plan for your life or as David who is led by the Holy Spirit writes in this Psalm. “Your steps are established”. If you walk in His ordered way, then God is delighted in your travel and you are full of joy, inexpressible because you are moving in the direction of your heavenly inheritance with God. 1 Peter 1:2-12, notice verse 9.

Stumble, yes we do! But God will not ever cast us down or away from Him. He will pick us up, remove the dust and dirt from our backside with His rod and staff. Psalm 23 and cause us to stand once again for His Name’s sake. But God has not called us to be liberal minded about this. There is responsibility on our part. This responsibility is called stewardship. Stewardship of our personal relationship to God, Psalm 42:4; and stewardship of our household, Psalm 127:1-5 and Psalm 128:1-6.

Yes, I once was young and now; not so young! And like this man David I can explain to you that God favors His righteous ones. Get right with God and you will experience a personal relationship with Him that is beyond the temporal life you now live. God has called out to the world to live forever in His presence. John 11:25-26 and John 14:1-6.

A Look at the Book #389

A Look at the Book #389


by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #389

A Though for today by Papa “J”

There is not a book in the Holy Bible that does not exhort us to pursue the Wisdom and Knowledge of God in order that we might gain the JOY of the LORD. So why is it; that mankind suffers so? It must be true that man has no heart for joy therefore he suffers. Proverbs 17:16

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It must be very hard to grow up these days. The world around us is seeking to escape the values and foundations of love. Love by the world’s definition is somewhat confusing and marred by the selfish ambitions of perversion. How is it that people around the world agree in their heart that it is okay to selfishly abort pregnancies? Selfishly desire a sexual relationship with a person of the same sex? Or, selfishly deny our soul that longs for the joy of the LORD? How do two men or two women who seek to live within marital bonds procreate? How does a population of people grow when we kill our babies? Can we be so blinded by Satan and the world that we cannot see that our selfish ambition is world-wide suicide? The second Divine Institution is that of “one man and one woman” coming together as ONE in the bond of marriage under the grace of God’s Provision. Love is a God created motivation to join one man with one woman. By human sin and error we have abused this love that God ordained for marriage. This physical attraction is blessed of God and under the protection of God. Genesis 2:22-25; Ephesians 5:22-29. But as a people we have purposely moved out from under the blessing and protection that God offers thus we are living in dangerous times.

Psalm 38:21-22

We will always reap what we sew. If one borrows and does not repay he is branded a wicked person, so it would be more merciful to give and not expect to be repaid. In this way the one who shows mercy is blessed and the one who does not repay will have opportunity to escape his or her wickedness because they have experienced mercy over condemnation. If you are in position to give, then give; since it is better to give than to receive. Psalm 112:5-9

Inheritance is a theme throughout the Word of God and it would be foolish to dismiss the thought that I really have only one plan for my eternal future. The Bible does not teach this narrow concept. Many of the parables of Jesus teach us to store up treasure in heaven. The LORD teaches that if we fail to be a good steward over our blessings of God in time, that what we have when we enter eternity will be taken away. Matthew 25:14-30.

In our world today we see signs of selfish hording and wrongful appropriation of taking that which belongs to others. This is even within our own government. This is not some pipe dream. Since God is not mocked and we shall, as a nation, reap a whirlwind of trouble. King David learned as most of us do that to ignore God as an individual or as a nation brings the threshing wheel over us. Proverbs 20:26.

A Look at the Book #388

A Look at the Book #388


by Jesse Abel



Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #388

A Though for today by Papa “J”

Wail you inhabitants of the market district, for all the merchant people are struck down, all those who handle money are cut off! Zephaniah 1:11 Do you want our economy to change? Return to the LORD, repent and pray. These are the first two steps.

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Some people believe that we evolved from an animal and that we are nothing more than an intelligent animal being. I wonder what animal that might be? The closest animal that resembles a human being is that of the gorilla. We call such animals wild beasts because they do not always walk in an upright posture and because we will never master their language. Nor does the wildness leave their eyes when tamed or controlled. Yet, animals of all kinds including the gorilla do not take drugs, are not normally abusive, do not abort their offspring and are not found offending God. If the animals of the world could get together and evaluate our life, they would reject our evil way of life because it does not fit into any of the animal categories of pro-creation and preservation. Now, this really does not take a masters or doctorate degree to figure out, but it does take knowing a bit about our Creator. Starting Monday if God wills, and if He tarries, this short note will lead us into the second and third institutions of husband and wife, and procreation.

Psalm 38:17-20

The soul that is forgiven continually evaluates the circumstances surrounding their personal life and their relationship to God and the people around them. The soul that is not forgiven cares only for “self”. From the passages that we are observing this morning we see several important differences between these conditions of the soul.

The forgiven soul evaluates thoughts of emotion, integrity, justice, guilt, and good and evil. Sin is sorted into three categories: Personal sin, personal iniquity and personal transgression. Take note of Psalm 19:1-14 and you will see these three categories in the later verses of 12 through 14, but read and meditate on the entire Psalm. It is one of many awesome descriptions of the loving care of God for YOU!

The soul that has no forgiveness evaluates selfish thoughts, thoughts of emotion, integrity, justice, guilt, and good and evil. Well, that’s different, Jesse? Well it is different and here is why. They are vigorous and strong with hate, they wrongfully multiply accusations against the godly, they submit to the evil way over the good way. Proverbs 6:12-19 is the state of their being. Have a good weekend and if you are inclined; enjoy the Super bowl.

A Look at the Book #387

A Look at the Book #387


by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #387

A Though for today by Papa “J”

The spiral staircase of life will rise upward for the soul of the wise, if that soul has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Even King Solomon knew this as he writes in Proverbs 15:24. (Hell is for Satan)!

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Every few years the ships of the seas need to go into dry dock to remove the barnacles that accumulate from travelling the oceans. If this is not done the ship becomes sluggish with the extra weight. It uses excessive fuel and can even become unseaworthy. Would you consider this for a moment? When is the last time you personally entered a haven of rest with God. As we live in the world around us it is very much like being in an ocean or sea of people. We are near enough to catch a disease, close enough to become a friend and loud enough to sway the thoughts and intentions of each other. Barnacles and more barnacles (SIN) of life will dull our consciousness of the existence of God. That Divine Institution that God places in each of us is the first foundation that the world’s counterfeit system under the influence of Satan will cause to crumble. Genesis 3:1-24; Matthew 13:10-17 and James 1:21-27. Study the Word of God and know that He personally loves you. Jesus is the only way to escape this adulterous generation.

Psalm 38:15-16

The soul that is forgiven must totally rely and wait on the LORD for Him to work all things together for good for those who love God. Romans 8:27-30. We really need to see that it is sin that gets us into the messy circumstances of life and if we have gone to God for forgiveness, than any hope of reconciliation will be accomplished according to His purposes.

Thus we will cry out often for the LORD to hear our prayer and concern as people who know our circumstance aggressively try to undermine our walk of hope and faith in the forgiveness offered and received by the grace of God. If our foot slips and sometimes does the world and Satan feel as though they have a victory, the question is; do you agree with the world, or do you run to Psalm 23:1-6.

Have this assurance found in John 10:27-30 and Hebrews 13:5-6. Do not let your consciousness of God slip because of the works of man around you. There is no temptation that is not common, what tempts you also tempts the person next to you but be of good cheer. Jesus has overcome the world and given you through His Sacrifice a heavenly Inheritance that is incorruptible and undefiled. In other words it will not perish. 1 Peter 1:3-8 or if you have the time, all of this epistle.

A Look at the Book #386

A Look at the Book #386


by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #386

A Though for today by Papa “J”

If you compare the value of gold and silver to wisdom and understanding you will do well in this world. However, if you allow God to provide your needs you will do better. Proverbs 16:16-17 and Matthew 6:25-34

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There are only a handful of institutional values that mean anything to mankind and these are: (1) Consciousness of the existence of God. (2) Desire of mankind to have a wife or husband. (3) The need for mankind to procreate, and (4) the commitment of mankind to be of One nation. All four of these implanted values were place in mankind when God created the world and placed man in the Garden of Eden. Also, these were completely functional by the beginning of Genesis 12 at the call of God to Abram (Abraham). Over the next few days we will look at this more closely to expose the sinful condition of mankind’s heart. Over the years we have done mischief to the point that these four Divine Institutions are liken to these verses of scripture found in Ecclesiastes 10:1-3. Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor, so does a little folly to one respected of wisdom and honor. A wise man’s heart is at his right hand, but a fool’s heart, at his left. Even when a fool walks along the way, he lacks wisdom. Think on these thoughts and we’ll come back tomorrow if the LORD is willing.

Psalm 38:13-14

I fully believe that it is intended by God that the circumstances of forgiven sin are used by Him to sanctify the sinner as the world contends with this. I believe that we have this record of King David in the Word of God to show man at the least, two important outcomes of PERSONAL sin. (1) Forgiveness; 2 Samuel 12:13 and (2) the results; 2 Samuel 12:1-15. I want us to know that SIN has a consequence even if it is forgiven by God who is the only One who fully forgives sin through the Blood of His Son Jesus Christ. John 1:29-34.

Note too, that this is a hard lesson to learn for most of God’s saints. My sin is forgiven so why do the people around me become isolated from me. I have become like the deaf mute since I do not hear their anger and rejection, therefore I have nothing to say, I have no defense. In their eyes I will always be guilty. For most of us this is not easy to overcome, some do and I praise the LORD, but the truth is. Sin is not easily overcome in the eyes of those who we love.

Complacency, anger, indifference, indulgence, despair and other disturbing characteristics develop in family and friends. These conditions bleed into the community and then into the country. What happens in one’s personal life can cripple a family and take down a nation. The evidence of this is not fictional but factual. Just look around in your own family and see what sin has done. Even if you are forgiven, life is seldom the same after sin. Now how do we make this a message of Hope? Hebrews 12:1-11.

A Look at the Book #385

A Look at the Book #385


by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #385



A Though for today by Papa “J”

As the hart longs for fresh water, so should the soul of mankind long for God! This is a truth to be reckoned with, do not allow your heart to interfere with your hope in God, for yet; you will Praise Him! Psalm 42:1-11

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Someone once looked upon another who was deemed an insurrectionist. (One who revolts against civil authority). You would not know anyone like that would you? He had been bound and beaten but a more severe beating was soon to come, followed by death. Do you now know who I am speaking of? Even if you do not know Him personally, you know His Name as Jesus. He stood before a judge, court was in session, but the court should have been closed, since it was night time. The judge said, “Are You a king?” The answer of Jesus caused the judge to make this reply! “What is truth?” Read this for yourself. (John 18:28-38). So the point! Do you find yourself asking the same question? What is truth? Truth is not a statue, a building or a system of doctrines generated by men. Truth is a Person, who with the Command of His Voice promises to those who follow Him, eternal Life. John 10:7-18; John 14:1-6 and John 18:37. Truth then is to know Jesus Christ. If you know Him then you know Truth and have been made free to express this Truth to others. (John 8:36. Also notice 1 John 2:28 through 1 John 3:1-3).

Psalm 38:11-12

I think that many people do not understand the severity of sin, and that is not to say that I do. The Holy Bible teaches us everything we need to know about our unholy standing. Study the Holy Bible daily, start with the epistle of Romans. Even when sin is forgiven as in the case of King David, we need to notice some of the conditions of repented life after prolonged sin. The circumstances of life do not go away with forgiveness. Notice Psalm 38:11, the immediate family will never be close again. Even the purposes of their lives will take on an independent bent that may include you, but from a distance.

Also, sin is not a private matter, once exposed it becomes a public concern. Many friends will become your enemy. Traps and snares to entangle you again in those sins of the past will be set. It is very hard to contend with the enemy when that person was once close friend or even one who is a related loved one. You do know this don’t you? On the one hand you feel the forgiveness of God working in your life, but on the other is the desire to have things the way they were. Notice what Solomon says about this in Ecclesiastes 10:1-4