A Devotional Look a the Book #490

A Devotional Look at the Book #490

by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #490

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Chickamauga; a river in North Georgia, also known in history as the last great civil war battle – The Battle of Chickamauga. Thirty-five thousand wounded and more than four thousand dead. A Cherokee word for the river; literally… The River of Blood.

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Is Jesus on your mind today? Is there a hymn or spiritual song traveling through the corridors of your mind and do you expect that grace will be the response of your lips when someone speaks to you later? If there is any other response in your mind then yes to these questions; then you just might miss the blessing that God has in store for you. One time long ago in Spain a friend and I were walking about in the town of Barcelona. There was a group of people handing out pamphlets and they gave us one. I noticed just as my friend did that it was a Christian tract and we tried to start a conversation with this group. None of them spoke English and we did not speak Spanish so there was dullness in our communication that reflected in our eyes. Finally; the Name Jesus Christ that we were seeking to share; exploded with a quizzical response – “Jesucristo”? Our American and Spanish eyes lit up with the joy of the LORD. There were hugs and handshakes and a lot of words that none of us understood, but there was a connection. One that I do not forget since it was evident that even though we were strangers; that in the sanctification of God the Holy Spirit we were in that very second of time, brothers and sisters in Christ. Truly it was an eternity moment in time. There are more these moments for us daily; but Jesus must be on your mind. 3 John 1:2-8.

1 Peter

1 Peter 4:12-14 – With Jesus on your mind we may run into the rejection of the world, rather than the acceptance that my friend and I found in that small group. Thus, we should be aware that most of the peoples of the world are dulled in their senses of anything pertaining to God, the Spirit of God and the Work of Jesus; His Son. With this knowledge; even as taught by the apostle, we should not think of this rejection as strange. No it is normal to be rejected and abnormal to be accepted.

For a truth, when I feel this rejection there is a sudden rush of joy which I believe is brought on by the Holy Spirit. Sort of a kick-start – if you will; to rejoice in the LORD since we are about to partake in His suffering. This should not be taken lightly since it is a serious matter of blessing and reward. However, it seems today that most of us in our relationship to God struggle with the thought of suffering with Christ. I believe this is due to the fact that we do not know the Spiritual connection of exceeding joy that the apostle Peter is talking about here in verse 13.

There is far more going on in this moment of affliction then we are able to see and endure. Insulted; because we talk of Christ? Yes! Reviled; because we love God? Of course we are! But look… you are blessed of God because the Spirit of God is upon you. How awesome is that? If you’ve experienced this then you know; there is no greater joy then to suffer while the Spirit of glory and of God “rests” upon you. From the world’s view, He is blasphemed. But from our part He is glorified. Do not fear rejection, since God the Holy Spirit in you and resting upon you.



A Devotional Look at the Book #489

A Devotional Look at the Book #489

by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #489

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Those who are saved know immediately that the work of getting into eternity is over. They also know that it is not their works of righteousness that made salvation possible. Titus 3:5. So are you working or resting? Hebrews 4:1-3

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

If you are a military person; you might be found saying things like! “I eat, drink and sleep the military way of life, or; my life is not my own”. The men and women in any branch of the service are told when to get up, when to eat, when to work and when to go out and take time off. Often a young “boot” will drag into his or her navy experience some of the old civilian habits he or she enjoyed only to find a reprimand by some disciplined “salt”; “No sailor, you cannot do that in this man’s navy… do it again and face a captain’s mast”. There are seventy one verses of scripture in John 6 and the apostle starts out with the discipline of faith. It is not about the miracles of feeding the five thousand or of Jesus walking on the sea. It is all about the regimented discipline of faith. Notice John 6:5-6 and John 6:19-20. Then Jesus begins to explain that our resource for living in time with eternity in our heart; is Jesus Christ who is the bread of heaven. Not that we physically eat Him (that is not possible); but that He is our source of Spiritual nutrition. How did Jesus in His humanity live His life? He lived it; “by faith” which is a spiritual resource of nutrition for eternal life. Hebrews 12:1-2. God has a discipline for those who are alive in Christ. Hebrews 12:3-11. Discipline also works as two edged sword; God uses His Word to discover the things we drag into our relationship with Him and He sends us to Captain’s Mast for correction. Hebrews 4:11-13. Also read: John 6:60-71. He also uses the other side of this sword for blessing with words like those found in Romans 1:16-17 and Hebrews 6:9-12.

1 Peter

1 Peter 4:7-11 – There are many so called evangelicals who believe that the end is not near and to put it bluntly: “this is a serious matter”. Why? Simply because of passages like this one found in 1 Peter 4:7 to be watchful for the end and pray. 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Matthew 24:42; 26:40-41 and 1 Corinthians 16:13. I know that some of these verses do not focus on the return of the LORD, but here is the point. The church (that is the called out ones) are to watch and pray, to be alert and not sleep. There are many sleeping in Christendom these days.

Isn’t the Word of God great? I feel like Tony the Tiger here; “Love one another fervently” notice the apostle under the authority of the Holy Spirit says above all else to have love for one another. Simply put the apostle is saying that there are many (a multitude of things) that can distract us from our Spiritual and disciplined faith. However, if you place love for one another above these sins of distractions, then you will not be distracted. Seek out the ministry of each others gift and stewardship with one another in this grace.

So it really is not about our short comings or long goings; these earthly things distract from the manifold grace of God. Whatever a person does in the power of God brings glory to Him and blessing to His saints since the Holy Spirit focuses us eternity in time and not time as a whole. Those who minister do so in the power of God which He supplies. Likewise he who speaks must use the whole counsel of God in order that God receives the glory. Glory belongs to God and blessing belongs to His Saints. The end of all things is at hand, God say this… not man; therefore be SERIOUS to this end.

A Devotional Look at the Book #488

A Look at the Book #488

by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #488

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Do you think about eternity at all? Do you know that the thief has already stolen your eternity? The devil has it! Only Jesus can restore eternity too you as He purchased it back. He does this so abundantly that the thief has no chance of stealing it again. John 10:10

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Years ago we were in the state of Washington. I was there on business, but Louise was there for the both of us to enjoy the week. We were in the old section of Seattle and were walking through several homeless folks. One young man stopped us and explained that he was from Canada; that he was born again and that he, his wife and child were out of money and that he was unable to get back home. Louise was skeptical, but I thought he was sincere. I asked him to take me to his car and family. We walked a few blocks and he said; “there is my wife across the street” he called out to her and she and the baby carriage kept moving. He called again but the lady refused to acknowledge him. His response to me was that she was too embarrassed to acknowledge him in my presence. Then he showed me a car, it was locked and it had a Washington registration. He explained that his wife had the keys and that he could not get in. I gave him a couple of five dollar bills and two ones. He was happy and I left. The point – there is blessing and cursing available to us throughout the day no matter where we are on this planet. Make sure that someone does not steal your blessing. Proverbs 6:30-31

1 Peter

1 Peter 4:3 – I know I have said this a number of times but here it comes again… “I love the Word of God!” and if there is any purpose in my life it would be to get you to fall in love with the Word of God too… if you have not already done so. The NKJV inserts the word “lifetime” when the Greek word simply means time. Bios means life in the present or the past but not for the full length. Now I seek to live in the truth of Galatians 2:20 and John 10:10

I don’t know about you, but I am pretty much fed up with my past life where all of the words in the latter part of this verse describe my selfish image. Ever so often some of these images reappear and if I ponder them for a moment too long fear and doubt grip my heart. If I stand in this condition or if I sit in this way; or if I walk among those who do what I now fear, then I resemble the person found in the latter half of Psalm 1. The very first Psalm that I committed to memory after being saved and I like living in the first three verses.

In regard to all of this my unsaved friends think it is strange that I do not run with them. In my face they are friendly; but when my back is turned they will and do speak evil of me. This is only a momentary light affliction like that of our physical nature which is rotting even while this moment passes. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. Yet as you also know that; these same people will give an account to God, who at this very moment is ready to judge the living and the dead. The gospel is real to those who are dead to Christ and to those who are alive to Him as well. This is a sobering thought!

A Look at the Book #487

A Look at the Book #487

by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #487

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Living a day without Jesus Christ as Creator of the universe will never be an experience that you will have to endure… Why? Because He is faithful; or trustworthy! 1 Peter 4:19

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

As many of you know I have been writing these devotionals for nearly five years, some of my retained notes are dated September 2007, but I did not start saving the devotionals until I broke from Dr. David Jeremiah’s daily devotionals and went on my own. I want to again thank his staff for allowing me to sort of piggy back off of those devotionals until I felt the confidence of God the Holy Spirit leading me to take that step of faith and move out in His power and direction. I will be going through all of these old notes and recapturing some of the events. I hope you will enjoy the trip, I know I will. Some of you may recall that on Valentine’s Day, February 13, 2008 I began; “Papa J’s rules for Livin” Here is #1 – Success follows men and women who do those things that other people refuse to do. Now that sounds like a neat statement and in the concepts developed by the world it might stop a leak in a boat to keep it from sinking, but it is not a permanent repair. So pray that you are not too far from shore; since your MacGyver patch over the hole will fail! Success is not measured by the ability of willpower or manpower since there is no final victory in either of these efforts of man or his technology. God’s Plan and Endurance supersedes man’s best effort. Genesis 11:1-9. Of course; you knew that!!! Didn’t you?

1 Peter

1 Peter 4:1-2 – As the apostle looks back at his previous comments he says as he continues; Therefore; or AS, Christ suffered in the flesh; arm yourselves also with the same mind. Having spent most of my early life in the military; words like “arm yourselves” get my attention, like: Man your battle station! Christ suffered – the just for the unjust. We who are called saints have been made just through the suffering of the Just One. Now it is evident that if He suffered; then we too will suffer for the sake of the gospel. This is not bad news; it is GOOD News.

The strength and power found in the lust of the flesh is rendered useless by the greater power of suffering through the circumstances of living a just life. Many people suffer resulting in death; but only One has suffered as Jesus Christ; the JUST for the unjust. Somehow we do not fully come to grips with this; until we ourselves are placed in this baptism of suffering. Luke 22:39-46 Yes our hearts cry great drops of blood and our souls ache for comfort; but the out working of this suffering leads us to live the rest of our lives; “but for the will of God.”

We say that we are living for Christ, doing His will and yes it is true. Jesus Himself lived in His humanity for His Father’s will; sin all around Him, suffering the thoughts and abuses of man (the Just for the unjust). He had no sin of His own; yet He became obedient to death; death on the cross as the LAMB; the sacrifice; the Just for the unjust. As His saints we might also suffer; “but for the will of God.” Again, this is not bad news; it is GOOD NEWS.

A Look at the book #485a

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #486


A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Let your gentleness be known to all. The LORD is at hand. Philippians 4:5



A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

I will be on vacation for the remainder of this week so here are some thoughts to ponder:



Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things noble, whatever things just, whatever things pure, whatever things lovely, whatever things of good report, if any virtue and if anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things

The things which you learned and received and heard and seen under the authority of your local church, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.



Philippians 4:6-9

A Look at the Book #485

A Look at the Book #485

by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #485

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

How many ways can the heart cry out? The number and design are like seashells found on the local beach. Yet the thoughts of God and His wonderful works toward us are too numerous to count. Psalm 40:4-5.

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Recently I was at a construction site working with a couple of men. The two were in conversation with the owner of the property and they were talking about the death of someone the three of them knew. I was not a part of the conversation but was busy digging a hole. In general the two men and one woman became so involved in the subject of dying that they scared themselves and went off in three different directions as if they were being chased by a ghost. I know some of us would think that I should have stepped in and provided some comforting words, however the whole matter happened so quickly that it was one of those; after the fact moments that it came to me that I could have said something. The soul that has NO HOPE is the soul that is afraid to die! The soul that is not satisfied with the LOVE of GOD is a soul that is void of hope. The apostle James in his epistle says that we have no problem boasting about tomorrow, in fact; this is just what these three were doing until they stumbled over a mutual acquaintance that died. Life is SHORT TERM. Life appears for a while like hot steam in a cold atmosphere. James 4:13-17 people who do not know God’s love cannot say; “If the LORD wills, we shall live and do this or that” simple truth; but profoundly scary to the unbeliever!

1 Peter

1 Peter 3:18 – Well now! Here is a portion of scripture that will put our minds to work! There is no greater joy that life can experience then the joy of knowing that your sins are forgiven by the suffering of Christ, who suffered ONCE for sins. The JUST for the unjust; or the HOLY for the unholy; yet if I understand this verse, it is forgiveness (justification) plus forgiveness (sanctification); that gets us through the pearly gates; forgiveness (glorification). Christ Himself brings us to God; there is no other way (John 14:1-6) since we have now been made alive in the Spirit.

1 Peter 3:19-22 – Oh! Oh! Maybe I should let the pastor deal with the next four verses especially verses 19 and 20 that have no references to glean a thought or two from. Well we do know that during the time of physical death; the three days that Jesus was in the grave, that He was busy revealing to those in Abraham’s bosom; that HE even though dead like them… He was alive. In other words; even in death; Jesus was still preaching the message His Father gave Him. Those saved… heard the message and followed Him.

We also know from the gospel of Luke 16:19-30 that there were saved and unsaved souls in this place identified by the LORD Himself. And at the death of Jesus the earth quaked and many of the dead appeared in the city. I don’t know about you but I find this all very exciting and comforting. Jesus leads the way, because He is the Way; the Truth and the Life. He is Justification; Sanctification and Glorification and if you and I do not have this assurance, we might well be like those three in the earlier paragraph… run the ghost is coming! But no; we are not like them; we have been baptized in the Death of Jesus, therefore we too will be raised with Him in His likeness.

A Look at ther Book #484

A Look at the Book #484

by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #484

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Godliness and manliness are two exercises of faith, both promise profit; but only one will be profitable for all things, including the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:6-10

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

One of the songs we sang recently in our group was “Shenandoah” and most likely it is a song that you have heard at some time in your past. It is a tough song to sing and it has many versions; if you care to look it up on line you will find that the song can be connected to the very core of this Homeland. Today, when I think of this Land; tears form in my eyes and roll down the cheek. A rolling river of home sickness for a nation that has lost the thoughts of; “I love your daughter!” and the beauty associated with the Shenandoah River Valley in Virginia. Do you love the homeland as this song projects; thousands of American folks who put their own words to this song testify of the sufferings and victories that they personally experienced. These were slaves, sailors, traders and travelers as they made their way westward to the “wide Missouri River” and beyond. People bound away; never to see those sights again but with a new hope of reaching a new haven of rest like Shenandoah, Iowa. These settlers and travelers from all across this land; millions of them with their version in the making of this one great land of liberty had one thing in common; they loved the land that God gave them. It is difficult for me to look out over our homeland these days. There is no endurance to hardship and there is much disobedience to parents and they have forgotten God who gave them this land. In my mind; “Oh Shenandoah; I hear you calling” but faintly! Romans 1:16-17

1 Peter

1 Peter 3:13-17 – Do you not feel the heart beat of these verses of scripture everyday? In fact; I hope you do since this is an ongoing condition in the world around us. The question; “who is he or she that would harm you for doing well”? A question that does not look for an answer but one that demands thought. Everyone around us has the potential to do you and me harm for doing a good thing, so let us not fret over the potential. Do what the apostle says, do not be afraid of threats and do not be troubled; but

Set apart; in other words… stand aside of your selfish fearful will and place Christ in the position of LORD in your heart. Oh, there is another step here. Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you and give this answer with meekness and fear; not toward the person who ask the question, but in the meekness and fear of the LORD; or we could say… in the power of the Spirit.

The apostle Paul puts this together for us in the book of Acts when he stands before Felix and states that he strives to have a clear conscience to speak the gospel of God without offending. Why? Because he must maintain clear communication with God and with man, Acts 10-21. Also the apostle John explains this thought to us in 1 John 4:17-19. God calls us to love, not to fear. People in ministry learn this quickly and if you are praying for God to use you in ministry; these are important sections of scripture to exercise your soul in.

A Look at the Book #483 (Book #068 Repeat)

The Devotional

Papa J's rules for Livin #138

Have you considered the world of prescription commercials lately? Seems they offer a cure for whats ailing you, but, LIKE after dosing for depression you might just as well commit suicide anyway, cause your all better! WHAT?

I have a mutual friend in Ukraine who is pastor of a local church. His name is Sergei. Before he was saved he served in the Russian navy, when I visited with him and his family five years ago we talked briefly through his son, Alexander who speaks good English. We determined that both of our submarines were operating in the same waters of the North Atlantic about the same time, all encounters whether friendly of foe are within the permissive will of God. The reason that I wish to share this story with you is to explain too, the awesome grace of God. There are not many sailors of two opposing nations that can claim the truth of sitting together in the quietness of one of their homes, in the kitchen, over a cup of coffee and swapping sea stories. For me this is a huge picture of what it would be like in eternity. First, there is the LORD who will have personal time for us all, then our families and friends. Meeting with that Ukrainian sailor in the Russian Navy was a unique, a one of a kind meeting. But the kingdom of heaven will be equipped to handle daily encounters of these blessed moments. Why is that, do you take time to wonder about meeting God face to face? Why, because God loved us even when we were unlovable. Romans 5:8-10 Yes, once we were enemies of God but now we have been reconciled to sit in the quietness of His home and swap some very awesome stories. The neat thing is that we will not need an interpreter. 1 John 3:1-3

Philippians 3

Philippians 3:1-11 Our lives as saints are no longer our own, the fact is that our lives whether saved or unsaved have never belonged to us. If we are unsaved our alliance is to live for Satan, we belong to him. Once we are saved we no longer give allegiance to the fallen world around us. Now our faith is founded on the Sacrifice of Christ who died for sin once for all and we who live in that truth, live with Him, now to God. Romans 6:10. Thus we no longer live in the confidence of the fleshly way of life but opens the door to a supernatural life where we can live in the power of His Resurrection.

Philippians 3:12-16 As we leave our worldly condition behind and as Christ leads us to spiritual maturity there is a tug from the old way of life to pull us back. Family, friends and influences of the flesh that we like are ever present stumbling blocks. These remind us continually that we have not yet arrived and that we must keep pressing toward the mark, reaching ahead for the prize which is the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. We are called by God, rescued by Jesus and motivated by the Holy Spirit and by this we have a new walk or allegiance.

Philippians 3:17-21 Our citizenship is no longer that of the world, thus our faith is founded on Jesus Christ who saves. We learn to follow Him through the examples of men like the apostle Paul, Timothy, Titus and others of the New Testament. There also may be one or two others whom you have personally met to influence your walk of faith. But beware, there are enemies of the cross who look and act like the saints of God. God has reserved these folks for destruction. So let us eagerly wait for the Savior who has gone before us to build us a city and given us citizenship there. He will transform our lowly estate and conform us to His glorious likeness.

A Look at the Book #482

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #482

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Time and eternity are two separate entities. For us who are alive we can only comprehend the existence of time and have faith that eternity is. For those who have gone into eternity… just the opposite is true! Luke 16:19-31

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Many years ago on a destroyer we were transiting to Norfolk, VA. As we neared the Bermuda Triangle the water became unusually rough and the old destroyer; the USS Gearing DD 710 labored in the choppy waves. The waves seemed to have no direction or current; just a resemblance of boiling water. Every sailor on board feared that the ship would sink and after what seemed an eternity the water began to calm and we made our way to port. The ship suffered moderate damage in that the superstructure was cracked at the stern of the ship and the starboard ladder on the main deck was missing. The bow was partially submerged a couple of feet below the water line as three forward compartments of the ship were completely flooded. These were tense moments for all the men on board, closing hatches and water tight doors to keep the water from flooding more compartments was the hardest thing to do. Shutting these openings was hard enough; but the forcing of one’s mind to overcome the fear of going to the danger and doing battle with a force much stronger was even greater. Military men and women face these dangers daily on the battlefield and not one of them claims to get use to it. The point: The spiritual struggles of the saint are a far greater battle and if we were allowed to see this opposing threat; none of us would go to the fight. This is why we are commanded by the LORD to put on Christ and make no provision for the flesh. Do not be a victim; victory is in Jesus Christ. Romans 13:11-14 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-58.

1 Peter

1 Peter 3:8-12 – A friend signs off his emails; “God bless and be a blessing!” I feel that he takes to heart what the apostle Peter is saying to his readers here. Under the power and conviction of God the Holy Spirit, Peter says that all of us need to be of ONE mind. That mind is to be laced up with the comfortable fit of compassion, love, tenderness and courtesy (humbleness). Is this your mindset? Well for a fact; God knows your mind today and every day.

Do you return evil for evil? This is a weak area for many, especially when driving. We do not revile much at least openly, but the thoughts do race through our mind; thoughts of revenge overtake the spiritual need for restitution and revelation. With this struggle going on in our minds; now don’t be foolish… I think your mind works much like mine. No one likes to be taken for a chump! How then do we overcome this and be a blessing and receive a reward?

Try this on for size. You were called to be a blessing, period! If you are failing the call; then you will not inherit the blessing that God has prepared for you. There is an eternal blessing for compassion, love, tender heartedness and humility that will not fade away, but we do have the responsibility to keep the blessing pure. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and His ears are open to our prayers. This is a good thing is it not? But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil. This is not a good thing; would you not agree? Then in the power of the Spirit of God; strive to be holy as He is Holy. 1 Peter 1:16.

A Look at the Book #481

A Look at the Book #481

by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #481

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

The soul of man is never satisfied with the temporal things generated by our natural life; but it is satiated (fully satisfied) when the LORD’s eternal goodness is present. Jeremiah 31:14 and Matthew 11:29-30.

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

One thing that struck me last evening at church was a comment made by the pastor that prayer just does not happen and that in order to pray we need to set a time to pray. The gospels reveal that Jesus needed to have a specific time to pray to his Father each day and that His time for prayer was early morning, while it was still dark. Simply speaking; if He needed to do this, then why should we think that we are exempt from making a specific time to pray? This really hits home because I have been thinking of what I needed to do to have more prayer with the Father. Time; set time to pray; and for those special events in our life it would be appropriate to pray all night. When is the last time you did that? Luke 6:12-16.

1 Peter

1 Peter 3:7 – Overlooking the word intentionally or in simple neglect does not excuse us from the responsibility of performance. For example; we men often give attention to detail when tuning the engine of our hotrod to sound and perform like the roar and strength of the tiger. Then we take that know how and place it as criteria to find tune our wives to perform without flaw too! STOP IT!

Have you noticed the word I am referring to here? If not… here it is: LIKEWISE. As men we need to say; likewise what LORD? 1 Peter 3:1-6 – Here in these passages are the attributes of love and submission that carry a marriage into eternity with the LORD, these are also attributes that are hard to learn for both the wife and the husband. For most men we have an eye problem and our focus is on the outward beauty and performance (the shell) and not on the inner beauty of our wives, that when fully developed makes us ONE!

Now here in verse 7 we see too that the following words; you, them and being are not in the Greek text and if you are reading from the New King James Version, the verse now reads: “Likewise husbands, dwell with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.” So let me conclude with this. We husbands are not set apart from the wife to run roughshod over her performance. We are LIKEWISE – ONE with the weaker vessel in the LORD. If we fail at this God ordained task, how could we ever expect our prayers to reach the Throne of God?

A Look at the Book #480

A Look at the Book #480

by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #480

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

If you give it some thought; more people are lost to friendly fire then by the words of the enemy! James 3:6

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Mankind has a basic need; the need to love and be loved in return. As the world tries to appropriate this need it is doomed to fail. Why? Because the attribute (origin) was rejected in the Garden, now this is serious folks, just look around. I know; most of us understand this to some degree, so some might be inclined to think that this is too basic, but hold on please! There are people who read this that are unsaved and as you will see; if you read the scripture references, I am writing to both. Only saints are alive to God the rest of the world around us is dead to God and the only way for a dead people to come to life in God is for them to see the love of God from those of us who are alive in Christ who express this love as the apostle Paul says in Romans 5:6-8. Does your countenance reflect this love of God? Or; are we part of the problem of the doomed; those lost and dying peoples in your circle of influence? Notice Ezekiel 3:10-15. Let God the Holy Spirit open your eyes to the captive people all around us and speak the love of God to those who will hear and to those who will not. We do not evangelize the lost as we should. Ezekiel 3:16-27. And God will hold us accountable. If you know these things then happy are you if you do them. John 13:17.

1 Peter

1 Peter 3:1-6 – Here in these passages are the attributes of love and submission that carry a marriage into eternity with the LORD, these are also attributes that are hard to learn for both the wife and the husband. I know you have heard all the stories about the failures of marriage because the women at the office dress nicer and have their hair looking perfect, but herein lay the problem. This is the worldly take; not the saintly one: 1 John 2:15-17

For most men we have an eye problem and our focus is on the outward beauty (the shell) and not on the inner beauty of our wives. Likewise the wife can also be led to focus on her outward beauty and fail to let God minister to her inner qualities of submission (by the way; submission is not and inactive humbleness of heart). Submission is the effort of the soul to be all it can be to glorify God and bless the one who is on the receiving end and in this case; the husband.

Of course this does not mean that a woman should reject all outward attributes of beauty and simply work on her inner beauty. Abraham’s wife Sarah is described as a princess in scripture, so there is responsibility to be submissive and bold at the same time without conforming to the standards of the world who in every real way are simply unhappy and unloved because there is no depth to their outward appearances of love and submission. And any submarine sailor will explain to you: “It’s all about depth!”

A Look at the Book #479

A Look at the Book #479

by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #478

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Are you hiding in Christ? It is a wonderful thought to hide from the world, but I do not think that God wants us to hide… do you? In our walk about world, we pray and when our heart is overwhelmed we lean on the rock that is higher than our troubles, He will teach us to stand tall and not fall. Psalm 61:1-8

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Yesterday while watching the news I caught a glimpse of some space vehicle that is going into space to study the salinity of the oceans. I did not catch the whole news clip because I was more interested in the weather for today (Monday). So in my mind and in retrospect, I tried to recapture what was said; Did the news person really say that some nation (if not our own) was sending something upward into space to study an element located in our oceans? We could argue politics, economics, employment and a few other national topics that waste our tax dollars, but is an argument going to solve these national woes? (No, however repentance and prayer will; Jeremiah 33:3). Now I could be wrong; but I believe that every submarine I was on; daily recorded the salinity of the waters it was in. Our submarines have travelled in all of the oceans and seas of the world, also at various depths. Why then to we or any nation for that matter need to explore space to find out how salty the oceans are here on earth. Just ask any submarine sailor, I’m sure he could tell you… It’s very salty! Just STOP IT or I will bury you alive in a box. www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYLMTvxOaeE (cut and paste this one). Sorry the skit has no biblical content.

1 Peter

1 Peter 2: 22-25 – Verse 22 is a partial quote from Isaiah 53:9. How much thought do you give to truth? Jesus Christ was inspected and charged by men to die; the innocent for the guilty. Both the Old and New Testaments record this truth and Isaiah says; “Who has believed our report and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?” Isaiah 53:1-2, based on the six thousand year record of the Holy Bible I would conclude that the message of the LAMB has been given to world, but that the world in blatant ignorance and self will has rejected the message.

I do not fully understand, nor do you the depth of this sacrifice. Even the apostle Paul states in Romans 11:33 that the depth and riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God are unsearchable and past finding out. We should notice something about this verse too. Paul says that the judgments of God are past finding out. I take this to mean that we only get a glimpse of His backside, just as Moses was not allowed to see the fullness of His Holiness and live. Exodus 33:12-23.

What then is our lot to all of this? He suffered but did not threaten revenge and He emptied Himself of all but: “love” He took our sin upon Himself that the all that are dead to life, might be made alive again in His Righteousness. His death and His resurrection ensure that those who believe the report and the Arm of the LORD would be healed. We are the sheep that have gone astray and He is the LAMB who is now the overseer; or the Shepherd of our souls. He is coming again, are you ready? Hebrews 9:1-28

A Look at the Book #478

A Look at the Book #478

by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #478

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

One little boy was peddling his bicycle as fast as he could go. After the third time around the block a neighbor stopped him. “Son, why are you going so fast?” “I am running away from home;” said the boy! The neighbor said; “son you’re just going around the block?” “Well yes, but mama won’t let me cross the street alone” Proverbs 22:6 Training is important; even for most grownups! Hebrews 12:11

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

What we are proficient in will sometimes be the very thing that takes us down. In early April of 1861 Major Robert Anderson who was in charge of defending Fort Sumter in Charleston, SC was reading a letter from Marcus Morton the former governor of Massachusetts. There were no reinforcements or supplies coming. As pressure mounted for him to give up his position, other letters encouraged him and his men to keep on defending the fort; so he and his sixty-eight men stood fast. Just after 0300 hours on April 12 Major Anderson received another letter; this one was unwelcomed as it was from two Confederate officers who were directed by Brig General Beauregard Commander of the Provisional Forces of the Confederate States to warn their enemy. The two officers wrote: “We have the honor sir to notify you that we will open fire on your batteries at Fort Sumter in one hour. We Very Respectfully request your full surrender”. Major Anderson did not surrender; he and his men were bombarded for a day and a half, it is estimated that 4,000 shells fell on that post during those hours. In the end American Flag was struck down and the Confederacy Flag was raised. Perry G.T. Beauregard, who directed the attack, had learned his military artillery skills twenty years before while a cadet at West Point. His instructor at that time was Lieutenant Robert Anderson.

1 Peter

1 Peter 2: 18-21 – Submission to authority runs a long way in our life, it seems that there is always someone who is in a position to lead, guide and direct. This truly would be okay; except it seems that most of the people who are in this position do not know how to accomplish the task with a respect for authority. The apostle Peter does not let up with the thought of total submission to every ordinance of man; even to maintain a sense of awe (fear) toward the good and gentle leader and also to the harsh.

In the world we know we will have tribulation, but Jesus Himself explains that we can have peace and endure just as He did. Since He has victory over worldly authority and in Him we to have the same victory, John 16:25-33. We are not tasked by God at any time to endure a test or trial that is suffering from outside the protection of God. Yet and if we do wrong against worldly authority, we expect to suffer for what we have done and of course there is no reward for this even if we endure the chastening with a calm countenance.

Suffering then is a very important aspect of the saints’ life, in fact; verse 21 says that this is why we were called; Christ suffered, so why should we expect to be exempt from suffering! However, and to my thinking it does not make sense when people of authority preach and teach a prosperity gospel of… just love Jesus and all will be wonderful! Bah Humbug! There is no joy in this sort of thing, but there is tremendous joy in submissiveness to all authority; the good and the bad. Truly there would be no reward or reason for Romans 8:18-30 and so then; there is an appearance of spiritual authority that is worldly and the saint is too reject this false focus.

A Look at the Book #477

A Look at the Book #477

by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #477

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

How tenderly we care for the kitten or puppy in our homes and yet tears run strong because we allow our young men and women to walk in the way of carnality by pleasing his or her eyes with a disobedient heart. Ecclesiastes 11:9-10

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Just before the turn of this century we were sitting in the home of my parents. I looked down at my shoes for whatever reason and noticed that one of my shoe laces had come undone. So I stood and placed my foot on the chair and retied my shoe. Just as I finished; I heard that familiar voice of my father (the one that I most often feared)… “Rosella; (my mom’s name) look at the way your boy ties his shoes, no wonder his shoes come undone all the time, he doesn’t know how to tie his shoes.” “Oh! That’s just what I needed to hear alright, since I was a mere fifty-nine years old at the time!” He was right, but here is the point! Do I blame him for my lack of know how since it took him fifty-nine years to figure out how to correct my wrong doing? “NO!” Yes under the loop or over the loop to make a knot is a small thing, but it matters a great deal when it comes to having a respect for authority. The criterion for raising a family these days is governed by people who do not have children of their own, who blame their parents for everything they are. Who have never opened the pages of a Holy Bible and who believe that a good healthy spanking is child abuse. Thank the LORD that I was fifty-nine, because if I had been nine I just may have gotten a spanking for not paying attention at the age of five! Proverbs 22:15; 23:22 and Proverbs 29:15. And yes I am strapped in a little better these days because my daddy taught me how to tie my shoes twice. The first time I did not pay attention. How about you; are you paying attention? Ephesians 6:1-4

1 Peter

1 Peter 2: 17 – I think that the LORD is awesome, what do you think? Our portion of study in this epistle yesterday was to include verse 17 and I totally missed it, but this morning the LORD pointed it out to me and now it is all that I can think about so we will spend the remainder of our time together looking at the word… HONOR!

Honor by itself is useless! What? I said; “Honor without and object means nothing” The apostle Peter literally says in this verse to honor all people. This is our very first failure in respect for authority in that we dishonor many people. Now I do not mean that the people have authority and demand honor, but that God is the Authority and He commands us to; Honor all! Failure to do this dishonors God and when we dishonor Him everything in the pathway of submission fails.

There is another element in this verse that is just as much a command as the one to honor and that is the command to love the brotherhood. Saints have something in common that no one else has on this planet. Saints have a relationship with God and God’s children. How can one say that he or she loves God and hate his or her brother or sister who also loves God and is a saint? 1 John 4:7-21. So turn your eyes to Jesus Christ, honor Him. He is the object of faith and of love for the brotherhood; you’ll be so glad you did!

A Look at the Book #476

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #476

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

If one could draw a picture of a liar… what might he or she look like? The best picture I can muster up is to go take a look in the bathroom mirror! Yet, God is merciful in that we can overcome. Revelation 21:1-7; but if we reject His mercy Revelation 21:8 applies.

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Once in firefighter school our group was made to sit in a room where the contents were set on fire. As the blaze began there was little fear and in my mind since I was thinking as I most often do that in a controlled environment and being just a training exercise; “don’t sweat the small stuff”! We were told to kneel with one knee on the floor and the other leg with our foot on the floor. The bunker clothing on the exposed knee became unbearably hot and our gloved hands began to feel uncomfortable too! We could also feel the heat through our face shield and then as if that were not enough our air flasks heated up and the air we were now breathing was hot. If someone were to place water on that fire with us trainees inside we would have been like the steamed lobster in just a minute or two. Or if the fire were not controlled properly the gases that were collecting at the ceiling could have ignited causing a serious explosion. Even if you are not a firefighter trainee, death or injury is all around us at each moment of time and there is no guarantee for tomorrow. Human life is said to be nothing more than a vapor, appearing for a short time and then never to be seen in time again. God who created all things visible and invisible also created eternity. It is a place where your vapor of life will reappear. Eternity has two places of existence. One is called the kingdom of God and the other is called the lake of fire. Again Revelation 21:1-8 applies; also read Revelation 20:11-15.

1 Peter

1 Peter 2: 13-16 – Submission to governing authorities… how are you doing with that? There is a lot of chatter these days about our government and much of it is not good. The apostle Peter explains that we are to submit ourselves under the authority of all local and national ordinances or institutions. Diving deeper into what this means entirely would be as difficult as trying to read or interpret current health care laws under our present governing economy, but here are some thoughts anyway.

For the sake of our testimony of being “In Christ” we are to obey the laws of the land. Even in a harsh rule of government we are to abide in peace with its laws since the law in most cases is established to convict the guilty and protect the non-guilty. This is the will of God because this accomplishes two important issues. One: We are doing what God desires us to do and we are being good citizens. Two: This puts an end to the chatter of ignorant men and women.

In times such as we live today this is not easy is it? Men and women who have the outward appearance and position of integrity and power; but who are inwardly full of all sorts of debauchery, and then they have the audacity to reveal their corruption and deny that they have done wrong. Hang in there saints; it is for this reason you were called, since Christ also suffered for us and He has left us an example to follow of which we will see more of as we move through these passages. 1 Peter 2:21.

A Look at the Book #475

A Look at the Book #475

by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #475

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

When I was a child of less than ten years of age a full bucket of beer was ten cents and a gallon of gasoline was six cents. But then people with no sense got hold of our economy. Is it not strange? The people on welfare can still afford both of these commodities… hum! Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Gilead was a region east of the Jordan River and eighty to one hundred miles north of Jerusalem. In the book of Jeremiah the prophet speaks to the people of Israel concerning the dangers of obscene religion and false teachers; Jeremiah 7:28 through 8:17 and as he goes on through to Jeremiah 8:32 he says is there no balm or physician in Gilead? Now we need to go back to Genesis chapter 37. We see the descendents of Ishmael in Genesis 37:25 coming from Gilead with goods and commodities. The first mention of this region and of an ointment (balm) is recorded in this verse but it is a thought from this passage of scripture that is weighing heavy on the heart of Jeremiah. Joseph who is nearly put to death by his brothers obscene view of religion is about to be sold to a band of Ishmaelites who are involved with a false religion. All religious efforts of man is; in the eyes of the LORD either obscene or false and Jeremiah clearing mourns over the people of Israel because they continually fall into the traps of obscene (idolatry) worship and the snares of false prophets (teachers). Jeremiah 28:1-17. What has this to do with us today? We like the Israelites have forgotten that there is but One soothing Ointment and One Physician; He is Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom Isaiah wrote of in Isaiah 42:1-4 and of whom Matthew spoke of in Matthew 12:18-21. God does not change; He is the same yesterday, today and forever… Hebrews 13:8

1 Peter

1 Peter 2: 11-12– Is your faith in God as solid as the rock? The stone that we read and shared yesterday is the rock that we should be today and hereafter. Now we, who are travelers in a wilderness of darkness, are God’s living pilgrims in a land of Satan’s living dead so to speak. I know; this sounds harsh, but it is true. We have been rescued out of the domain of darkness (death) and placed into the kingdom of God’s Son (life). Colossians 1:9-18.

Do you not feel the war that bombards your soul daily? We are commanded to abstain; this means that there is no excuse to say; “the devil made me do it”. No the devil did not make you do anything, you simply and purposefully failed to abstain. We call this SIN and it is a disobedient conduct of the saint. It is not a conduct of the unbeliever since it is their only way of life. A life that is characterized by the tree of good and evil is the way of the unbeliever and a life of the saint is to be characterized by the Tree of Life which we are to abide in.

When God visits the unbeliever and calls him or her to repentance; how will they know to repent if we; the believer, falls short of the grace of God and sins in the unbelievers face? God is not glorified and the unbeliever stays separated from God. In other words; you have become a stone to stumble over and this hardens the heart of someone who might have been saved, had they seen your good works.

A Look at the Book #474

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #474


A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Peel off the outer shell of any public officer who looks promising and you will find that the potential is there but that heart wholly disgusting, Thus says the LORD: Jeremiah 17:5-10



A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

I was thinking about my grandfather who died in 1975 or 76, he was 96 years of age. What I remember about him mostly is his mornings. I can see him sitting at the dining room table having coffee. He did not drink his coffee from a cup although he had a cup, but he would put the coffee in his saucer and let it cool and sip it out of the saucer. (Iced coffee the old fashion way) On Sundays he would send one of us to the bakery and buy a chocolate and a cherry pastry we called “kuaka” I can taste those pastries in my minds eye even as I remember him. What I want to say is that our America today; our little corner of civilization does not have events like this in the hearts of children these days. Some would say that we do not need these quiet moments and besides, it is unsafe to send children to the bakery on Sunday in today’s world of perversion. Also they would say that our lives have evolved to a more advanced way of life and that we do not need the stability of strong family ties. These are the same folks who criticize the church and seek to change the laws of the land to satisfy their appetites for evil. Injustice seems to prevail over good. Ecclesiastes 3:16-22.

1 Peter

1 Peter 2: 4-10 – Stones? Have you thought much about yourself as a living stone? Are we anything more? Do you know that the smallest of stones can cause you to trip, twist your ankle, and cause you to stumble or even give you a knot on the head? If you think about it I am certain that you as a person have caused all of this discomfort and more to another person at some point in your life. If not; please wait!

Like most things in life there is another side to this; if a stone is capable of causing injury, then it must be considered that a stone of any size can experience a change in existence. No longer positioned as a stone of stumbling; it can be placed in a foundation and when it is, it is considered precious to the stone mason and rejected for any further service as a stone of stumbling.

If you are this living stone who is precious in the sight of God, please know this; you are being built up as part of the kingdom of God. How awesome is that? It is indescribable, so much so that to think of our spiritual position in Christ as a holy priest brings tears to my eyes. Like you; I have stumbled over Christ, then trusted in Christ and have been placed in a spiritual foundation. To offer up spiritual sacrifices eternally acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Isaiah 28:16 I believe that there is no greater joy on earth that to be a people who have obtained mercy from God though Jesus Christ our LORD.

A Look at the Book #473

A Look at the Book #473

by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #473

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Is it just a case of spring fever, or is it more than that? Like breaking out of a storm and into the blue skies; one side is darkness, then the rainbow and on the outer rim we see the atmospheric beauty as far as the eye can see! Jeremiah 23:23-24

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Ever been to an art gallery, museum or a hall of fame? Most of us would say yes to that question, so here goes. Many years ago we visited the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, located in Springfield, Massachusetts. We had a good time looking at the trophies, clothing and shoes of the men and women who were inducted as “giants” in the game. One individual had feet so large that two size nine feet could fit in tandem in one shoe. Among the players; this man’s size exceeded many and since I have a tough time remembering names this would be a good time to say… I don’t remember who he is and since he is not the point; here is the point! Every gallery, museum, hall of fame or institution has something or someone that stands out among all the rest. We sort of make these objects or people special, we place the objects on tables that look like altars and the people we place on thrones. Some historical people like presidents and warriors we make statues and surround them with the traditional events of their day. These objects and people are set apart; we have in a sense made them “holy”. But folks; what is it that we have done with our Creator? We have placed Him in a can. What does this can look like? Abortion, sexual immorality, murder, wickedness, covetousness, malicious acts of unkindness, haters of God and a civilization of disobedient children. Roman 1:18-32

1 Peter

1 Peter 2: 2-3 – There are things in our lives that are a common everyday occurrence yet these stand out as a remembrance annually. The birth of a child the death of a loved one and as the time goes these events become foundational in life. Solomon puts this more clearly in the book of Ecclesiastes 3:1-11. These are the things that happen and belong to human history and in most cases we entertain these events as babes; in other words we do not normally have “experience” in these events to deal with them since even in laughter the heart can be broken.

There is however another side to these experiences in life. Human events do not have a hold on eternity, we are not bound to a moment of laughter forever and we are not bound to a moment of mourning either. How then do we overcome those things that in many ways seem to be so permanently embedded into our temporal lives. As a newborn babe is content with pure milk, a fresh diaper and a moment of restful growth, we too can be comforted spiritually, but more importantly; eternally by the pure milk of the Word of God.

Our spiritual household will grow as the joy of abiding in Christ increases with every event of life. His Word and those tasty morsels of the grace of God will enable you and me to grow into that spiritual household. Because whatever God does, He does it forever and we just could not want it any better than that! Ecclesiastes 3:12-13. There really is no greater joy then to know that you are walking as God intended.

A Look at the Book #472

A Look at the Book #472

by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #472

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

A person who is godly and alert will find a way to escape controlling sin – 1 Corinthians 10:12-13. Even the wicked can find relief from sin so there is no excuse for mankind but to repent. Isaiah 55:6-7

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen (2 May 1892 – 21 April 1918), Do you know of this person? If you are an aviator then you might know of him, he is best known by his fighter pilot name: The Red Baron. The World War One flying ace was accredited with 80 fighter planes that he shot down and just before his twenty sixth birthday he himself was shot out of the air. Here is the point; many have said that the Baron was shot down by a British pilot flying above him, but the evidence of his death points to a gunman on the ground who was an Australian. The British, the Australians, the Germans, the United States and other countries were involved with this war and the one that followed. However there is coming a day in the future that will over shadow all wars, who knows what this war will be called by the world at that time. God calls it Armageddon. This war too will have singled out a popular person whom the world will admire. His name: No one knows; His title: Everyone knows (The beast, or antichrist). He too will be shot down along with his sidekick who is titled the; the false prophet. The doom of these two important people and systems is sure, since He who rides on the white horse will see to it. Revelation 19:11-21. I would conclude that you might repent before you are caught up in this battle, otherwise you will be on the menu that God is preparing for all the birds that prey on dead flesh. A supper that is referred to in scripture as the “Great Supper of God” Revelation 19:17-18.

1 Peter

1 Peter 2: 1 – The apostle says; “Therefore” so we should ask the question; why does he say therefore? If you do not know the answer then reread chapter one and relive the joy of being taught or reminded that we have an inheritance in heaven, a salvation that men and angels have concerned themselves with over time. Of the responsibility each of us have to be sober or abstain from things that distract you and I from living before God our Father.

These things that distract are malice (depression or ill will); guile (deceitful or cunningness); hypocrisy (false appearance) envy (jealous or critical presumptions) and evil speaking (slanderous remarks) all these are focuses out of the human nature, yet the apostle warns us (God’s children) to lay these things aside. To me this tells me that I have the potential to sin against God and wrong my brothers and sisters in the LORD.

It takes responsibility on our part as children of God to be obedient to the truth. God gives us all of the spiritual ability and the necessary armor to be victorious over the world system. If we continue to act like the world then we need to be reinstructed in biblical principles as we will see on Monday if the LORD permits.

A Look at the Book #471

A Look at the Book #471

by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #471

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Want to know what I think? Well… you are reading this so hang on to your hat! A day without God in our family or community can reap a whirlwind of destruction in just a few moments of created time! Nahum 1:1-3

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

I have sought to be a witness to my neighbor and he calls me the “preacher”, “I like that!” When his friends come around, my neighbor is careful to warn them not to curse or carry on in their normally vain conversations, because he does not what to offend me. Nor does he want me to redirect their comments to a better standard of right, then wrong. Little does he realize that these efforts of his do more to open the door for godly communication, then to close it! So if you run into my neighbor, be careful not to tell him that he is a very good assistant to get a good conversation going about our Creator. This brings me to the serious matter this nation faces, like most neighbors around us these days. If you look into their eyes you see the bitterness of disappointment in the young. The anger of disappointment in the middle aged and the weight of disappointment in the elderly; could this be, because we who have the joy of the LORD and the promised “abundant life” have failed to be the preacher who brings glad tidings, just as Israel failed to do. Are the saints of our day responsible for the national rejection of the good news? The United States of America is in need of the gospel and nothing else! Romans 10:1-21.

1 Peter

1 Peter 1:22-25 – The apostle Peter assumes that his readers are disciples of Jesus Christ who obey the truth of God through the power provided to them from the Holy Spirit. Do you know that as a saint, it is possible to obey God and experience sincere love for our brothers and sisters in the LORD? If you know these things then happy are you if you do them. I believe that Peter paid attention to the Words of the LORD Jesus in the upper room found in John 13:12-20. We have a choice to obey God and love one another from a pure heart, or we have the choice as so many choose to love from an impure heart… like the religion of the two men found in 3 John 1:9-12.

Here is that statement that rocks the world around us! “Having been born again” in our little worlds of influence we can clear a room full of people by walking in and saying to the crowd. “Hi folks; I am born again!” many unbelieving people are like Nicodemus; “How can these things be?” John 3:9. By contrast the world does not think in terms of being born again. Why? Because their seed is corrupted with the curse found in Genesis 3:14-19 and carried forward with John 3:36.

But for you and I who are born again with the incorruptible seed of Christ who is our life, it is all we think about. Are you not thinking in your soul continually that Christ in you; is your continual (on going) hope, a hope that is steadfast and unmovable and the real motivator to do the work that God has called you to do. If God and the Word of God abides forever and you are forever thinking about this, then why should you ever consider that you are just a blooming onion that will fall away after a while in the sun. As a saint you are abiding forever in the Son and the Word of the Son that lives and abides forever!

A Look at the Book #470

A Look at the Book #470

by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #470

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

If you are a selfish person, then you simply have no integrity. Is this important? Yes very important if you decide to raise children; since they may likewise fail to be a blessing. Proverbs 20:7 and Psalm 37:25-27.

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

I have been thinking (dangerous I know) anyway with a current study of the Tabernacle I have paralleled the make up of our soul to look like the Old Testament Tabernacle. So then; not being totally satisfied with this I added another biblical element; the Garden of Eden. What if the Garden of Eden looked like the Old Testament Tabernacle. In the Garden; God was in a friendship relation with Adam and Eve. They sinned and violated His friendship and they were forced out of the Garden and never allowed to return. God uses the term; Reconciliation to repair the friendship relations with mankind. Please read 2 Corinthians 5:1-21 and especially verse 19. This portion of scripture is all about the plan of God to restore our soul to a right and friendly relationship with our God. Our soul has a capacity to experience the joy of the LORD, we have called this experience by many names over the years, like; “Having eternity in our heart” or “Kingdom authority” even “The Throne room” and guest what? If you take a closer look at the Tabernacle you see all of this fits or describes the Tabernacle. Even take the extra moments and read Hebrews 9:1-28. The earthly (saints) and heavenly (resurrected Christ) sanctuaries collectively make up the New Jerusalem.

1 Peter

1 Peter 1:20 – If I were to build a ship; what would be the first thing for me to build? It would be the keel since it will be the keel that runs from the stem to the stern of the ship (the full length). In order for God to be the Creator He would have had to be there before the beginning. Jesus Christ then (God) is the full length of the foundation of the world. He alone holds the world together. Another important thought here is that it was not necessary for Jesus to be made public to the world until the last times are in effect, which is why we know more about Jesus these days then in any other time in history.

1 Peter1:21 – Through Christ alone we have believed in God and become reconciled to His friendship. Why? Because we believe in His total (bodily) resurrection, we also believe in His glory, the glory of the only begotten Son of God who has received from the Father; glory, honor and majesty. Romans 3:25 and Galatians 4:4. Thus, those who accept this truth as we do; experience faith and hope in God that can never be taken away.

Please pray for those who do not have faith or hope today. I am sure you know someone… in your family, a friend or some neighbor. Many around us see our good works and truly as we learned recently they too can have the opportunity to glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:12.