A Look at the Book #436

A Look at the Book #436


by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #436

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

There is such a disagreeable odor within our nation, have you noticed? The idle conversation of the ignorant and the flattering lips of the lofty; is nothing more than a lot of bad breath. Do not be inconsistent with your speech; refresh your tongue and purify your heart by the Word of the LORD. Psalm 12:1-8.

MORE THOUGHTS

Against the backdrop of world population, there are not many people alive at any given time that has seen an iceberg. We hear stories of those who sail on the oceans, that do see these mammoth chucks of ice, and we have heard of the dangers associated with coming to close to one; like the RMS Titanic. About five percent of an iceberg is visible; the remaining volume of ice is beneath the surface. It is said; that what you cannot see will not hurt you, but in fact; that is a lie, the ninety-five percent of the iceberg that is unseen is a bone chilling destroyer. Using the iceberg as a parallel, let’s take a look at the national debt of the United States of America. What we Americans see; like the iceberg is a visible national debt of 12 to 20 trillion dollars. (Forty-five thousand dollars per citizen). That by itself is so alarming that we want to avoid it rather than look at it so we bury our head in our hands. What we do not see is far more serious since below the radar the U.S. national debt is 118 to 125 trillion dollars of hidden debt, or more understandable ($385,000.00 to $400,000.00 dollars per citizen in debt). Over fifty percent of this debt is owed to China and Japan each having about fifty percent. The other countries, the United Kingdom; Oil exporting countries; Caribbean Banking Centers; Brazil; Hong Kong and Russia. When you put all of this together the soil that you and I call our own, is NOT our own. Notice what king Solomon has to say about borrowing money. Proverbs 22:7-8 we have sown iniquity therefore we will reap sorrow. Should we conclude that there is no hope? For if our hope fails so will the nation. 2 Chronicles 7:14 so repent while there is time and while there is HOPE.

The Epistle of James

James 2:1 – There is only one LORD, one faith and one baptism. This is not hard for us to disagree about since the written Word even tells us that this in true; Ephesians 4:1-6. So also is the object of faith; One God. Religion can and does lose sight of this truth and the reason why is because religion uses the “cut and paste” method of applying faith to the wrong object. As James reveals here in chapter two; partiality faith will neutralize the glory of the LORD.

James does not say that we should be irresponsible stewards of the grace of God. It does not require faith to set in place checks and balances that protect the tangible and intangible assets of our local churches. We should always be good stewards; especially in the days we live in and be purposeful in our effort to protect the men, women and children who are considered the congregation.

James 2:2 – The rich and famous, the poor and the needy come to church and all these make up the congregation and we think nothing of it because the common faith we have in Christ does not always reveal this to us, nor should it. They are the regular folks, who by faith share in the grace of God, the also mingle and fellowship with us. When a new person shows up some churches will go all out to show some form of partiality. This is the wrong approach, it does not promote faith in God, but it does promote faith in a religion. If the LORD tarries, we will see more tomorrow, in the meantime; Beware of personal favoritism that destroys faith in God.