A Devotional Look at the Book #533

A Devotional Look at the Book #533

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

What is made little of in the eyes of mankind is large against the backdrop of eternity. One stolen nickel off the night stand by a child is enough to open the toll gate to hell if the one does not meet Jesus Christ on his or her way there. Romans 6:23; but notice… Romans 10:9

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Most of us have pictures and memorabilia in the areas of our homes were loved ones are recalled or revisited. This area is not an altar nor is it idol worship; it is simply a place where love hangs out. If a person in a picture is deceased our awareness of them is locked in that moment of time. These folks never change with age and it is as if these men, women and children are frozen in time. Not for mourning, because mourning passes; but for the joy of having loved them in their season of time; not ours. For those of us who are still around; pictures of when we were young and pictures of our current age have special blessings of their own. Like, the twinkle in the young bride’s eye; or the stealth of the bridegroom’s eye of mission accomplished; this is not for just that moment. Why; because while age causes the body to season and mature, it is the eyes that reveal the heart and the love. Genesis 2:23-25 provides the godly picture of man and wife (bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh). This oneness relationship throughout the ages of time is held sacred in the truth that one man and one woman in love; will never be ashamed. If there is shame in the marriage it is mankind that has put it there because his or her picture of the heart and eye is out of focus.

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 1:3 – We should always give praise to God for His mercy. The Holy Bible states clearly that His mercies are renewed every morning. Lamentations 3:22-26 we are encouraged by the words of Jeremiah; in that God’s mercy keeps us from being consumed and that His compassion and mercy is a covenant over us that will never fail. This attribute of God is new every morning.

We fail do we not? And as a result we lose comfort; comfort is lost when decisions turn bad, when life has an unexpected bend in the road and we become unstable even reluctant to move forward. If it were not God’s faithfulness to the soul who seeks comfort from God, who waits patiently for His compassion and mercy to mature us, we would perish like the world around us with no hope.

God’s faithfulness concerning us reaches beyond our time of tribulation, into the hearts and souls of men and women who have yet experienced the suffering of our present moment. Oh! We do not see that future moment while our heart aches in places of our body and soul that we never knew existed. But, notice please that God is always faithful to send someone your way who simply says. I know your pain; I know that tremble in your body and I also know that tear on your cheek. Someday you will hear those same words flowing from your mouth too! So the apostle is correct… Blessed, or as the NIV states; Praise be to God the Father who comforts us in all of our troubles.

A Devotional Look at the Book #532

A Devotional Look at the Book #532

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Having no power for a couple of days was sweet peace for the soul, but it sure did sour the milk?

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything. And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking” Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly. Mark 8:23-24. Then later in chapter 10 of Mark we see another man by the name of Bartimaeus the son of Timaeus who calls out to Jesus for mercy. The word translated in the NKJV as Rabboni and LORD in the KJV and Rabbi in the NIV literally means to have a personal connection to the Master and this is what I want us all to see what these blind people saw even before they were able to see Him. The blind as we all are before coming to Jesus must see the personal hands-on connection of faith that Jesus has for us all. If you take someone by the hand and are being lead by them, you are trusting to follow them by faith. If you take a person at their word; you believe them by faith. This is not a faith without a foundation; notice that in both of these events. The blind had faith in the substance of things hoped for; the substance was sight in the unseen Jesus and the evidence was in the truth that they could not see; but did! Yet when they were personally challenged to allowed Jesus to touch or speak; the evidence of not seeing vanished and their hope was fulfilled in that they saw Him clearly. Hebrews 11:1-2.

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 1:1 – Paul the apostle and Timothy our brother, there is one thing I notice with most all of the Apostle Paul’s letters; he is hardly ever alone, even in his prison epistles there are people coming and going in and out of his life. The apostle never fails to include his most recent companions in whatever it is he is doing or communicating. In some cases there are reasons; such as, the letter to Philemon.

Now let us see if this multiplication of grace and peace works! One Paul and one Timothy; One God the Father and Jesus Christ His Son. One times two is two and two times two is four. It seems to me that Paul, Timothy and The God Head have Spiritually done their part in multiplying grace and peace to you and me.

Grace and peace always comes down to the congregation through the study of the Word of God; but it seems that we willingly pack grace and peace into a notebook until the following Sunday when we look at it again. Have we forgotten how to multiply? Brothers and Sisters this ought not to be so with any fellowship or church event. If God is willing (and He is) to share His most valuable gifts with us; why should we fail and blatantly keep them for just a few of our favorite friends; this is not multiplication of grace and peace, but suffocation!

A Devotional Look at the Book #531

A Devotional Look at the Book #531

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Having not a thought about a thought for yesterday is thoughtless; so I hope you are giving this some thought! After all this is serious consideration for both days; don’t you think!

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Should I have something to say about hurricanes and earthquakes? Have you heard the term… cleanness of teeth? Through the prophet Amos, in Amos 4:6 God uses this term to call Israel’s attention to famine. What about the blight of mildew; yes here in the same chapter, Amos 4:9 God allows Amos to use the words, “I have blasted you with mildew” also God reminds us that even the locust have a God ordained purpose because the people of God refuse to return to Him. Throughout this chapter; illustration after illustration is provided to cause or bring attention to the truth that God will be the Destroyer until all that is left of a wayward nation is that which is found in Amos 3:9… two legs and a piece of an ear. Lest we have forgotten and I believe we have! For behold, He who forms mountains is still forming mountains (have you thought about this?) and He who creates the wind (He still creates the wind). Who declares to man His thoughts (Does He not speak to us daily?) Read Psalm 19:1-14. He who changes weather patterns making it dark when it should be light (has He stopped doing this?) Has He not walked on the waters of the earth and will He not continue to march through the heavens? Of course you know the answer. He will never sleep or slumber over His creation; the LORD of hosts is His Name. Amos 4:13. If you go to a ceremony there is usually a host who has taken care of everything; even prepared for the worst. God the host prepares all these wonderful works in order for us to continually know that He alone is God and there is none else. Now! I am excited, full of joy and fully prepared… How about you?

2 Corinthians

About 60AD and from Philippi the apostle is burdened to write to the Corinthians another letter. Some have said that the apostle Paul wrote three letters to the Corinthians and that one is missing and if this is true then it should mean little to us saints. If the LORD wanted us to have that third epistle… we would! This Second Epistle will help us see the apostle in physical weakness, in pain and weariness. Have you in ministry felt this way? Yes of course; if you know the LORD, then you know this kind of suffering.

You know it is somewhat foolish for us to feel that any ministry of Jesus Christ should be contemporary to the times we live in today. Why should God change and abide by our way of living? Hebrew 13:8 states clearly to me that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever; so if there is any “religious direction” it should favor following Christ who does not change. So as we begin this simple walk through of Second Corinthians let us continually remind our self of the importance of living by the grace of God as the apostle will teach us, and to avoid the pitfalls of legalism and doctrines of demons.

What awaits us as we prepare for this epistle? The answer is: Comfort while we suffer and deliverance through the suffering. Secondly; only God forgives sin and when He does we must be willing as a church family to forgive the sinner. Thirdly; triumph in Christ as we conform to Him. Much more then; in the glory of the New Covenant wherein we stand in defense of the gospel as we become faithful ambassadors and reconcilers of God through Christ our LORD… we are living epistles of Christ.

A Devotional Look at the Book #530

A Devotional Look at the Book #530

by Jesse Abel

A Devotional Look at the Book #530

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Someone has said that the length of any golf course is only six inches and located between the ears of every golfer. Yet golfers have a very large playing field containing roughs, fairways, traps, hazards and out of bounds. Golfers also have a set of rules that govern play, etiquette and dress. Yes this is a physical game that demands skill in playing. Most golfers cannot score a seventy two which is par for most courses and it is said that of all who play the game only ten percent can score between ninety and one hundred and of that ten percent, only ten percent of these can score below ninety. And of those ten percent only ten percent can score below eighty and so on. I do not know if you have given it much thought, or even if you think it worthy of thought. However; the Christian way of Life in Christ is much like the make up of a golfer’s outing. The fairway is the proper place for both the golfer and the Spirit filled believer. The rough, traps, hazards can incur penalty, both on the golfer and the saint. Then if that discipline fails to keep the participants in the fairway; there is the out of bounds that place where both the golfer and the believer lost rewards of precious things. Also; just as the golfer keeps coming back to the course for another round; so too does the believing saint, refresh him or her self for another Spirit filled encounter with life in Christ. The golfer, cleans the clubs, buys more golf balls, and refreshes their skills by practice. The saint, cleans up his or her soul, studies his or her Bible and refreshes his or her walk with the LORD. Yet one of these events is JUST A GAME; while the other is a VITAL RELATIONSHIP with his or her LORD. The apostle Paul says it this way. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Various Scripture

In August of 2008 China hosted the Olympic Games and like all of the other countries in years past these games included the 26 mile foot race that is traditionally the final event of every summer Olympics. With no exception; if you had the opportunity to see the finish line as people crossed it; like all who did, you saw many arms raised in happy exultation. Also, you saw some full of pain and with anxious hearts, but even so these folks had completed the race thus each who did understood this as victory in a personal moment in time.

Most of us never have the opportunity to run one mile; let alone twenty six of them, but we all are on a race. It is the race of time and each of us are allotted a section of time to complete the race. One of the problems (if there is ONE) is that many of us have lost sight of the start line and the finish line which is like the parable found in Matthew 20:1-16. The reward is the same for all which is a good thing since it is ETERNAL and will not perish.

Most people today are living for the moment and the moment has NOTHING to show for it. This emptiness causes mental and physical failure. Verse 16 of this Matthew 20 passage sums this thought up; the first and the last have an eternal reward that is far greater than any perishable labor of religious works.

A Devotional Look at the Book #529

A Devotional Look at the Book #529

 

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Time is an allotment of the grace of God. Not for mankind to eventually get it right; but that he might understand the greatness of the sacrifice of Christ. Hebrews 9:23-28

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Things that get our attention are usually of a threatening nature; you know like a tropical depression that develops into hurricane, or an economic depression that can develop into a financial armageddon. These types of conditions may be nothing more than a forecast of some future expectation which may occur. Yet when these events occur it is no longer a forecast but a very real and prevailing condition to experience. Now this is not rocket science is it? In fact; if it were I would not have enough knowledge in the rest of this paragraph to fill in the remaining blanks. So here is the point. There are enough Biblical accounts for you and me to discern the signs of the times. Matthew 16:1-3. There are enough examples in the Biblical accounts of men and women in prayer who ask God to intervene for their nation; such as Daniel 9:3-19 and the apostle Paul in Romans 10:1-13 and Hebrews 11:17-40. There are many extra biblical accounts of men like George Muller of Bristol who relied on prayer and faith in God to move mountains. So what is it that we need in our days ahead as we face a forecast of depression regarding our national downfall? We need prevailing prayer… Jeremiah 33:3. There is nothing new under the sun that prayer cannot override and will if we would only pray.

Comment to Continue in Ezra and Nehemiah

I suppose there is a need for me to reconsider the observations into the Book of Ezra and the following Book of Nehemiah. The books hold much about the history of Israel as these people are released from captivity and returned to their homeland. But there is a lot of downtime for me to research the data that is just not easy to lay hold of. Besides I find a greater joy and blessing in leading us to a more personal relationship with the LORD.

So I hope you will be praying with me for God to direct us to another area of scripture that will encourage us to grow in the grace and knowledge of the LORD, and to sanctify Christ as LORD in our hearts; 1 Peter 3:15 and 2 Peter 3:18. Yesterday I was excited that the tabernacle and the temple are Old Testament examples of the witness of God’s Will for us.

That is; that God is in the world reconciling the world through the message of the gospel of His Son Jesus Christ. That God is not willing that any should perish and that all should be saved; 2 Peter 3:9. God does this by restoring fellowship with Him and placing His Holy Spirit in our soul where prevailing prayer is developed and ongoing victory is the experience for each of us daily.

A Devotional Look at the Book #528

A Devotional Look at the Book #527

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

 

Letting your yes be yes; and your no be no is not being intolerant. Nor does such action from your lips require an oath; since your conduct in Christ has been taught to express the grace of God in truth. Matthew 5:33-37 and Colossians 4:2-6

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Yet, again I am reminded of our national epidemic in that we are mostly a drugged society, so I will re-remind you. There are pills, creams, elixirs and potions for us to take (We the people) for every condition under the sun. If this is not enough for the countries Tis of Thee (and seemingly it is not) there is and it has been for years the brain-soothing media of liberal minded soothsayers who foretell that all is well. What is alarming to me is of how deeply entrenched this enemy of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is our homes of the brave. Our homes are broken because of what comes out of the bottomless pit and how quickly the void left in the pit is filled with our failing country. Many of the people who read what I have to say are saints (personal born again believers) in Jesus Christ, yet there is this one segment of people who read these same comments in the following blog: http://filehorde.com/jesse. There are an average of two hundred seventy five people who read this blog daily who have no relationship with God. I used to allow comments from them on this blog, but I do not do this any longer since their comments are heart breaking. Why? Most everything in the life of these individuals is broken; marriages, families, children, even the very foundation of their individual liberty to live life. But; here is the point. These people say that it is okay to be that way because the doctors, lawyers and chiefs have a likeable pill, a legal claim or a liberal word to soothe the pain for another day. Yet in the simplest way the Love of God says that only Jesus can give truth and rest to our hurting souls. Matthew 11:25-30. Maybe we just do not like SIMPLE!

Ezra; the Book

Ezra 5:1-17 – From 586BC to 516BC is seventy years the Israelites were disbursed from their homeland. Also during this time these people had no physical place of worship, but let us back up a little. Around 1000BC worship in the tabernacle (tent) was replaced by worship in the temple; the first temple built by Solomon; Second Chronicles 5 and various other passages in the records of Kings and Chronicles. The question we might ask is; is the building of a permanent temple, God’s idea or man’s religious effort?

In 1 Chronicles 17 God tells Nathan the prophets that He does not want David to built Him a house of stone, that God has dwelt with the Israelites from tent to tent and that He could be with His people where ever they went by continuing to live with them that way. I think many of us today desired for God to be in a box (a church or temple) that way we can go visit Him when we want, you know sort to the way we treat our elderly today.

No, I think as we study this some more we may find that the tabernacle is really a picture of our personal soul. The real place or palace if you will for Christ to abide in us as LORD. Now again this is what the scripture says. Do you not know that the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy; which you are, 1 Corinthians 316-17. This study I have found reaches into every aspect of our Christian way of life; even into eternity itself. Note: Hebrews 9:1-28.

A Devotional Look at the Book #526

A Devotional Look at the Book #526

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Kenya did not become a nation of it’s own until 1963, before this time it was known as; British East Africa Protectorate. This is just a helpful tidbit when investigating legal documents. That is if you have a need to know; if not leave it alone!

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. As they called them, so they went from them; they sacrificed to the Baals, and burned incense to carved images. Like it or not there was a similar calling in the latter years of the fifteenth century and God rose up another nation. No nation will ever take the place of Israel as God’s own chosen people; but God’s blessing or judgment will always be on His Children of all nations. As a result many parallels in the history of Israel tell the rest of the story! I taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not know that I healed them. I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love, and I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped to feed them… but they did not repent. Hosea 11:1-4. Some through the waters, some through the flood, some through the fire, but all through the blood; Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song, in the night season and all the day long. IT IS GOD WHO LEADS US ALONG. As a nation we need to REPENT and let Him lead.

Ezra; the Book

Ezra 4:6-24 – We should find it interesting of the work that all nations do to reduce the glory of God. Commanders of armies, lawyers, business men, professors and politicians are seen coming together here in these verses of Ezra. These men are not just enemies of Israel; they represent the world system of destroying God and enthroning their king… Satan. Rehum and company sought legal action to stop the rebuilding of the temple.

A letter in Chaldean language might have been sufficient for King Artaxerxes, certainly he had qualified translators on his staff, but Rehum and his representatives wanted no stone left unturned. Written in their own language and translated into Aramaic; the Assyrians ensured that the letter would state the purpose clearly intended by the sender. The message basically states that while Darius the king of Persia elected to free the captives and let the Jews return to their homeland and rebuild.

Osnaper; Assur-bani-pal (Ashurbanipal) was not willing to give up the captive lands of Samaria and the regions beyond the river. It is also interesting to note that the argument of stopping Israel from rebuilding would end up as a loss of tax revenue. So on the one hand the men of Assyria are not conscious of God, but it would seem that the men of Persia were. See the proclamation of Cyrus king of Persia. Ezra 1:2-4, yet much of the acknowledgement of God loses ground in just two years and as the decree of Artaxerxes reveals in Ezra 4:17-22.

A Devotional Look at the Book #525

A Devotional Look at the Book #525

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Remember the days of the telephone party lines? We use to listen in and then “backbite” one another. No different today! The government has a party line and “wow” can they “BACKBITE”!

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His Law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3; Could it be that “We the People” are no longer Blessed”? The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Ezra; the Book

Ezra 4:1-5 – The enemies of any country should be keenly aware of their opponent, there is nothing new under the sun as Solomon would say. Righteousness is an effort on one side of the street and unrighteousness plays havoc on the other side. Ecclesiastes 3:16-17. The enemy plays the friend and ally. If we are not careful as Zerubbabel and the other leaders are in these passages (when we do begin to rebuild, places like Dearborn) the enemy will use this vulnerable time to his advantage; he already has.

While the foundation of the temple only took five months to put down, the temple itself was not finished until 515 B.C. which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius. The command to rebuild the temple was given, if you remember by Cyrus in the first year of his reign in 538 B.C. Like any construction project, funding, material and construction workers are all required. While much of this was promised by the kings of Persia, opposition will always be poking around and slowing things down.

I do not know much about the following letters in Ezra that go back and forth between Ahasuerus and Artaxerxes but I am interested in taking a look at some of the commentaries on this historical period. I hope you will join me in this adventure. One note: The Hebrew Bible combines Ezra and Nehemiah as one book and even though this is the history of Israel and is the final word of Israel’s historical narrative, we must not forget that these books are inspired and inerrant just as the apostle Peter writes in 2 Peter 1:16-21.

A Devotional Look at the Book #524

A Devotional Look at the Book #524

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

There is what I call an ill spirit in this countries tis of thee; Hosea by the Spirit of God, calls it a spirit of whoredom. If you stand in the crowd you hear the conversations of the ungodly, the enticement of the prostitute and the wanton behavior of the disobedient. Hosea 5:1-4; Romans 1:18-32.

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Some years ago (1964), in the thick of the cold war and before I was on submarines, I was stationed on the USS Forrest Sherman (DD-931). We were operating in the Mediterranean Sea just off the southern coast of Turkey. A Russian submarine was in distress and needed assistance. The submarine surfaced and we attempted to assist the submarine by contacting the boat with the “Aldus Lamp” could be spelled Aldis. All ships of all nations have at least one of these lamps which are more commonly known as the “signal lamp”. The captain of the submarine refused our help and within twenty four hours a Russian submarine tender came to help the crippled Russian sub. Along with the tender; three other ships, a cruiser and two destroyers showed up. Now we were no longer a present help in a time of need, we were an easy target. By signal light we were asked to leave the area, we refused and circled the small group of ships for several days while the tender repaired the sub. For those days we were at battle stations; our guns slowly turning in the direction of the cruiser, while the guns of those ships followed our destroyer as we circled. One small destroyer has no power against two equal destroyers and one larger cruiser; but in those days our presence and witness was enough; but here is the point! But you must read Luke 11:29-32.

Ezra; the Book

Ezra 3:8-13 – One of the statements of Dr. David Jeremiah is; “Can I get a witness?” At the first hearing of these words, I was sort of turned off. What do you mean; “Can I get a witness?” Well, over time I have learned that in order to be a witness of anything… you have to be aware of something or someone to give witness of. Here these folks are; Ezra declares that five months after returning to Jerusalem (March of the second year) that the foundation of the rebuilding of the temple is completed. Five months is not a long time!

If you have been involved in church planting or in the rebuilding of a church then you know first hand of the effects of such an event. This makes you a witness… now can I get a witness? The young people of any church should be the Spiritual backbone of growth, thus the elders must not only prepare and teach the young; but they must also be leading the way in the joy of the LORD as they see the younger people assuming the responsibilities of foundational truth.

Like the exact dimensions of a physical foundation of the temple here in these passages, so too; must the foundation of ongoing Spiritual Truth be evident in the souls of our young. This is not a “hope so faith” this is faith in action. Not just in our youth; but also in the overseeing instruction of each father and mother, along with the solid stewardship of each ministry within the church body. The pastor/teacher, the elders and deacons, the teachers and the choir; these gifts to the church are given for one purpose. That our responsive praise to God would be for His glory because His Mercy endures forever and our witness of His mercy would shine in the young and the elderly and overflow into the neighborhood.

A Devotional Look at the Book #523

A Devotional Look at the Book #523

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

1 Timothy 6:10 – This countries tis of thee and its love of money has harvested, immorality, idolatry and national debility. In this weakened position there is little contentment and zero gain; meaning that there is no godliness in our national heart.

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

How highs the water mama? Well son; its two feet high and risen! The deeper the trouble the more we fret. I need help so the doc gives me a prescribed; “upper” or maybe I’m young and I am a bit hyper and diagnosed A.D.D. or some other; “no fault” label. I’m given a “downer”! Now I feel balanced… drugs are good, nothing to fear, drugs are the answer to all my woes. I move on to narcotics… codeine at first; easy to get hold of in cough syrup. Also there is Demerol, Dilaudid, Heroin, Morphine, Opium, even Tylenol with codeine. Oh! This is good; why not try some Mind-Altering drugs now. Hallucinogenics; DMT, LSD, Mescaline, Morning Glory seeds, PCP, Hash and Marijuana. Here is the point! Does God discuss this condition in the Holy Bible? Go with me to Galatians 5:17-21. The Holy Spirit of God gives victory over sin through sanctification. Justification first through the death and resurrection of our LORD Jesus Christ; John 10:25-30. But now notice with me Galatians 5:20 and the word translated in the KJV as witchcraft and sorcery in the NKJV. The Greek word is pharmakeia notice anything familiar about this word? The pharmacist, the druggist for legal drugs or as we see it here in the Bible; illegal drugs produced by witchcraft and sorcery. We really do not have to look at those tribes in Africa and other places of the world, or even be afraid of some voodoo experience falling upon us. We are sitting right in the middle of this and thinking – “hey man; I’m cool” Well maybe you are, but there is a pending “meltdown” which of course you may soon be a part of. 2 Peter 3:10-13.

Ezra; the Book

Ezra 3:1-7 – The Jewish calendar places the peoples return to Jerusalem in the month of October and the very first thing these folks did was to establish worship. Ezra says that all of the people were gathered as “one”, in other words; all of the people were one in purpose and that was to restore fellowship and worship with God. The leaders; Jozadak and his fellow brethren built an altar in accordance with the Law of Moses the man of God.

The timing of this event is important and we will not cover it totally today since I am running out of time and space. The people also kept the Feast of Tabernacles and many people today have determined that it will be during this feast that the LORD may return. This will require some study before we pursue it further; but October is at least a month and a half away and if the LORD tarries… we have time to look into it.

Victory over sin is the most wonderful experience an individual can experience. None of us can be free of sin without the work of Jesus Christ, who had each of us in mind when He died to sin for us and was made alive again for us (Acts 4:5-12). Yet we see in these passages that this victory goes beyond the individual person, this victory is national. National repentance often causes a stir in the neighboring countries; possibly started by the smell of the burnt offerings. Their triumph in Christ – 2 Corinthians 2:12-17.

A Devotional Look at the Book #522

A Devotional Look at the Book #522

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Once upon a time when one crossed the railroad tracks they were on the other side of town. Now days; the other side of Town Visits us in many living rooms crying out to mindless parents and the undisciplined youth! Proverbs 9:13-18

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Someone recently said to me that they believed that Christianity was a necessary invention of man and that this invention came at just the right time. A time when God revealed Himself to the world, rather than to just the Jewish nation; to me; this is simply “hogwash” a worth little. However; if you are one prone to read a lot of religious material you can find most anything to bend the truth to your own liking. Note: Dionysius Exiguus, a monk, invented the B.C./A.D. method during the Middle Ages, early in the sixth century. Commissioned by the pope, he did this to determine the correct date for Easter. This statement was taken from a website called the: The Restored Church of God. While the statement is true, it is extra-biblical (I believe that is the right term) I mean is that it is outside of any biblical context of the Living Word of God, even as the word Easter. You may say that since the word Easter is found in the KJV (Acts 12:4) that I am a bit out of line here. No, not at all! The Greek word in this passage is pascha and refers directly to the Passover and explicitly to the LORD Jesus Christ who is not an invention of mankind. Notice this: Jesus first came to His own nation and they rejected Him. Some believed however and this is what they believed. John 1:9-14 and 11:25-26. This is the gospel of grace through faith. It is not a discourse of man’s inventive powers to gain favor (grace) from God.

Ezra; the Book

Ezra 2:1-64 – The congregation of Israelites to return to their HOMELAND is forty two thousand three hundred sixty. We should find this very interesting since there are many parallels in scripture of the Israelites being stranded in various forms of captivity and slavery. Egypt and the land of Goshen and here in Babylon; seventy persons in Jacob’s family (Israel) Genesis 46:26-27 and when they left Egypt. Exodus 12:37 states that six hundred thousand men plus women and children; about two million people strong moved out of captivity.

Ezra 2:65-66 – Here in our passage we see this large number of men and women coming home. Ever wonder how many were led captive by Babylon’s army. Three thousand twenty three Jews… Jeremiah 52:23. Also it is noteworthy that these captive people went into captivity with “nothing” but when restored to their homeland they were able to bring with them; servants of their own; a choir (male and female singers); six hundred thirty six horses; two hundred forty five mules; four hundred thirty five camels and six thousand seven hundred twenty donkeys.

Ezra 2:67-70 – Israel went into captivity because of idolatry and disobedience to the Word of God. They left the land empty handed, but it is this very condition of poverty that draws families together. For Israel; this nation will always prosper in adversity as these are God’s chosen. For our nation; even though at times blessed of God immensely; restoration of our HOMELAND has yet to be seen. Today we are very much like the prophecy of Hosea. Adulterous and disobedient people who have departed from the LORD and like the children they birth are an abomination to God. We should not throw in the towel! 2 Chronicles 7:14 applies even to our HOMELAND.

A Devotional Look at the Book #521

A Devotional Look at the Book #521

by Jesse Abel

 

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

In our world everything is measured; time, speed, distance, length, depth and so on. So even the fool; if he holds the distance of his tongue is thought by others to be wise. Longevity; the yardstick of skill in living proves wisdom and folly! Proverbs 17:1-28

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

A week ago I went to the Naval Base in Groton, CT. I had not been there in several years even though my wife goes there most every day of the work week. I was surprised to see many changes; new buildings and revised parking. The streets have not changed so with little effort I was able to get around and feel the familiarity of times long past. This drove my thoughts of some of the old warehouses and storage tanks under ground where the ball fields are. Except for the ball fields and a few warehouses the base has experienced a real makeover. So really, to bring back some of my old memories is okay for the moment; but to put them in place and make them operational is to push back the clock of time. So I said to myself; while this works for me and my salty old friends who now sit at the base coffee shop reminiscing, it is high time to get out of the; “Well, it weren’t like this in my day!” syndrome, and begin to use some of our longevity, endurance and know how to help this newer generation of party seeking, idolatrous and rebellious young people out of their foolish and frolicking ways. WHY? As we all know; there is a certain unrest going on in countries all around the globe. Not in the so called third world countries as a common plight; but in major countries like Egypt, others and now England. One reporter explains that these young adults are unlearned, unloved and unmotivated to be accountable for anything pertaining to stewardship and life. These people feel that the future holds little opportunity except for a playing video games, texting and talking on their coveted “blueberries” or maybe that’s blackberry! So; to all of us who know what to do… yes the bones ache and the coffee is good; but it is time to get up and influence your little corner on the world. The smell of those old buried oil tanks is gone; but there is enough memory left to thwart the wave of rebellion that stands ready to riot in our HOMELAND.

Ezra; the Book

Ezra 1:7-11 – Integrity is a motivator of the spirit of the LORD (see verse one) to do what is right! King Cyrus who at this time in history is a king of the known world and he is taking inventory of his countries possessions; booty if you will that was taken when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged Jerusalem. Daniel 1:1-2. And like many of us today we need motivation to do RIGHT! It is time to take inventory. We may not have booty to return to some country; but we should be taking an inventory. Someone recently said that nearly ninety percent of the U.S. Constitution has become ineffective because of erroneous interpretations, applications and unlawful changes.

It is time and I will say it again… “It is time!” for you and me to rise up! We are the heads of the household (what ever is left of it!) As King Cyrus of Persia in his day took inventory and brought out the articles of stolen goods; we need also to stand up (even alone as I’ve said before). The treasury of the United States of America has been ransacked by poor stewardship, there is little left to count (ten fingers and ten toes should be enough). We have turned our back on God and opened the door for the king of Babylon (Satan); to steal, to murder and to lie.

We can recover and we know this so why wait for a king like Cyrus (coexisting good and evil); someone of another country (like China) to sit on our natural and developed resources and someday say to a remnant of our HOMELAND. Here are a few of the remaining articles of times past. Go on back home now and rebuilt that which has been destroyed.

A Devotional Look at the Book #520

A Devotional Look at the Book #520

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Stewardship can be defined as someone in charge of a large estate, or a group of managers who handle the affairs of an organization. If you give it some thought… discernment of current events also requires the sober mind of a good steward. Matthew 24:45-51

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Most all of the submarine sailors I know enjoy going along with ship where ever it goes. On the surface, under the surface, running at top speed or just poking along through the water. Diving, surfacing, leaving or entering port; in all of these evolutions you will not find anyone who wants to get out of the boat. No; everyone seems quite comfortable being safe and secure inside the watertight bubble. This does not say that you will not hear complaining, since everyone I know; including me, complains at one time or another. But here is the point! All of the men on board the submarine are enclosed, protected and moving in a self contained vehicle of one, and each member of the ship is doing their part. You could say that they are enjoying a spirit of oneness (esprit de corps; the common spirit existing in the members of a group) sort of a vessel of life. Place another submarine in the water and change the nationality; this vessel is too characterized by esprit de corps, but this does not mean that these two vessels can operate safely together since one spirit in common in one group will not be the same in the other. Now this is how I understand the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil; these two vessels of life; one of good and one of evil are at war with one another. The Good vessel of life seeks to rescue the perishing by placing those rescued in a separate Vessel (Tree of Life); while the other seeks to war, to murder, to steal and to destroy everyone in the evil vessel. Genesis 3:1-24 and Romans 5:1-21. An analogy is problematic in that while it may agree on some points; it will disagree with other points and this is especially true when it comes to the Word of the Living God. But for me it is these things that I have understanding of that helps me see God at work in the world. I hope it helps you too.

Ezra; the Book

Ezra 1:5 – It is time to take inventory? Should we be looking for conservative people; a tea party or a left or right winger? Maybe we should look for a group of supermen or superwomen to snatch back our country tis of thee! Maybe the answer to America’s problems are to invest borrowed money in new movies like those being produced these days that entertain folks that the coming “end times” is nothing more than a mere bump in the future road to a human utopia.

Yes; it is time to take inventory; but not of any of the above since these are mere band aids covering the puss filled sores of the evil pursuits of men and women who are in positions of authority in our land of the free; our HOMELAND. We have a need to call out to the fathers of this land who are standing on the Promises of God. Who are willing to be moved by the Spirit of God to HEAL THIS LAND! I just what to point out something because many will say; “Oh! This is for the Jews; this Old Testament stuff. Well! Howbeit simple to me that I find this nation in this Jerusalem settings… notice this! Jer-USA-lem.

Ezra 1:6 – So let us be of one mind and begin to encourage one another to stand up as the founding fathers did over two hundred year ago. Let us encourage one another by speaking truth to one another and meeting the needs of another. It will not be long until all we have left to give our goods and livestock, since our money; even a wheelbarrow full is about worthless. You know; sort of like the Egyptians during the famine. Genesis 47:13-26. But be careful if you use your prize wheelbarrow to haul your money around in. Someone may dump the money and steel your wheelbarrow.

A Devotional Look at the Book #519

A Devotional Look at the Book #519

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Prosperity and adversity are appointments made by God for all nations… therefore; make haste to straighten out our national crooked ways and make the right appointment with God. Ecclesiastes 7:13-14

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

I know a man who recently observed some problems within an organization of which he is a part of. Being in a leadership capacity; he was confronted within his integrity to stand up and say a word or two. In confidential conversation and public addresses he made known the problems and sought to lay the ground work of correction and move the organization forward. The confidential conversations were to gain middle management awareness and support; while the public addresses were designed to let the organizations public and executive positions know what problems existed and to make changes that would get rid of procedures that were outdated by twenty years or more. Howbeit; that the middle managers folded when the forward motion of the rubber wheel (one man) connected with the stiffness of a concrete road (the executive board) failed. I know the paragraph is vague; the specifics are current events so I cannot reveal much more. However; during this ongoing circumstance I am reminded of many of the Old Testament prophets who were “stand alone” pillars of faith; Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel and others who were told by God that they would suffer persecution, imprisonment and other isolating conditions at the hands of rebellious Israel. God also said that these men should not fear that He would provide for them to be victorious. Here is the point! The battle we face daily; whether small or large is not won with a multitude of companions on ones side. Abraham, Gideon and many others stood between heaven and hell fighting for faith in God and doing RIGHT for their homeland. Don’t stand up to be counted… just stand UP!

Ezra; the Book

Ezra 1:1 – Question; do we read scripture (The Living Word of God) just for the sake of saying to someone that we have read through the Bible? Or should we not be like Ezra who says here that Cyrus king of Persia is literally fulfilling the words of the Prophet Jeremiah in his book; Jeremiah 25:12 and 29:10. Also note the last two verses of 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 and Daniel 9:2. What? You mean that; Ezra, Daniel and other prophets studied each other and understood prophesy? What a hoot! What joy! What a blessing! 1 Peter 1:3-12 what an inheritance!

Ezra 1:2 – Do you not find it a bit astonishing that a secular king; the king of Persia who is represented in scripture as Satan; Daniel 9:1-21 who knows that it is GOD. Who is the Almighty God has given to Cyrus the power to rule the known world, who has also commanded him to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. God rules over evil that good may come out of it. This is no new revelation; it is simply fulfilled prophecy. Romans 8:18-30

Ezra 1:3-4 – The decree or proclamation within the Persian kingdom goes out to any willing Jew, who wishes to go back to Judah and rebuild the temple in the city of Jerusalem, let them go Cyrus says! There are no restrictions on these; take everything including women and children. Also, if they need money or a kick start in business, give them silver and gold, livestock and other goods. As a nation under the stress of forced socialism … we can wait as Israel did; until some country like Persia of old gains control over us; then in time, is commanded by God to return us to our homeland and rebuild our faith in the Almighty God. We need only to remain in our present apathy… judgment is on the horizon!

A Devotional Look at the Book #518

A Devotional Look at the Book #518

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Make not bones about it; some things are a lot of fun! Family relationships; parental guidance; marriage integrity and life! Be careful with this; the Holy Bible does not contain the word FUN, but it does say a lot about the JOY of the LORD. John 15:9-17

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

In times past; when I have embarked on some of the history books of the Old Testament and sought to relate these events to our current day, people said that I was being political. Certainly I touched many hot spots that paralleled the past and current conditions of both nations. But as I said then; and say now I am far from political, I simply try to bring us to be aware of some serious words; “MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.” And too, I am not using my own personal applications to any of this; if I did… I would be HARSHER and my critical tongue does not meet the criteria of the perfect LAW of God over matters such as these. Awe! But it order to understand this… one must believe that there is; “The God of gods” such as King Nebuchadnezzar described Him before his seven years of roving about as a beast of the field. If that is what it takes for us as a nation to acknowledge God then; stand by! This is not a political statement; but it is on the horizon, any fool (one who does not believe that there is a God in heaven) knows this. Psalm 14:1. When Nebuchadnezzar’s reasoning returned; he praised God the King of heaven and explained that all of God’s works are true and just. Why? Because this king had first hand experience of The God knows how to humble the proud of heart. All of this is found in Daniel, chapters four and five.

Ezra; the Book

Taken from the Scofield Reference Bible; EZRA is the first of the post-captivity books which include; Nehemiah, Esther, Haggai, Zechariah and that Italian; Malachi. Of course; as much as you Italians would like to have your own book in the Living Word of God… Malachi was not an Italian; sorry! These books record the national return of Israel after King Nebuchadnezzar took Israel captive and destroyed Jerusalem. So, beginning with Zerubbabel by a decree of Cyrus the king to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem 536 BC, Ezra begins to restore worship with that small group of people who had a heart to do the will of God.

Now before we look at the book we should consider some basic things: Did Israel deserve judgment from Almighty God and if so; was the judgment complete? What were some of the national conditions of Israel’s idolatry and rebellion? And lastly; do any or all of these conditions apply in our national struggles TODAY? If you were to answer; no, these do not apply to any of our national struggles… then, you my friends are the fool that the LORD looks down on in that Psalm mentioned earlier. That Psalm of David; Psalm 14:1-7.

Deuteronomy 28:62 ; Isaiah 11:11-13 ; Hosea 3:4 ; 8:8 . These Biblical references point to the destruction of the national heritage of Israel if they disobeyed the God; the one important thing to remember is that God has promised restoration to Israel and that He has not promised the United States of America to restore us. So know this: Israel will be restored while the citizens of such a great nation as ours; may repent as Nineveh and continue in His blessing; such as we have done in the past! Maybe we have used up God’s mercy and grace… maybe this is our final hour! What do you think? Of course; if you give this no thought… then you just may be part of the problem which is not political, but apathy, idolatry, rebellion and sin.

A Devotional Look at the Book #517

A Devotional Look at the Book #517

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Sin is a condition in the heart of man that produces good and evil from the same source… the family tree of the knowledge of good and evil! Holiness is a Spiritual revelation in the heart of man that produces righteousness from the same source… the family Tree of Life. So who’s your Abba? Romans 8:12-17

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Life can be tough and growing up in the early 1950’s was just that for many young post war families. The prosperity of the land was picking itself up but many veterans suffered from post war stress and could not hold on to good paying jobs. As I have said before; my father was one of them so as a young teenager I began to fill in as the bread winner. One of the responsibilities I had was to go to my grandmother’s home once a week to get a grocery bag full of food. Flour, sugar, dried beans, a slab of bacon and other foods to heavy to remember. The remaining days of the week I would bicycle to the nearest golf course and caddy for men who had good paying jobs. One such man noticed the sneakers I was wearing; he owned a shoe store in downtown Louisville. After the four men finished their round of golf he looked again at my shoes and promised to bring me a new pair of shoes the following week. Now I know that I am not alone in this; many of you who read these thoughts of mine have lived in those same torn and dirty sneakers growing up. We mostly are elderly now but it is those days that if you take the moment to look back you should not see the disappointment, the anger, the embarrassment, nor will you feel the pain of those days. This is what you should see; the beauty of a sunrise; warm summer breezes; refreshing showers; beautiful sunsets and starlit nights. You see; God is able even in time to wipe away all the tears… if you let Him. There is another side to these sorts of experiences. The people who fail to let God respond to their painful experiences; live in the shadows of guilt, bitterness, anger, revenge and hopelessness. Philippians 4:2-9 and Psalm 19:1-14.

Ezra’s Blessing

The people stood up when the book was opened and after Ezra’s blessing; the people stood up and answered; Amen, Amen! The Israelites were having a spiritual awakening. Idolatry and rebellion had ruined their national heritage, but they seemed in agreement with the men who were looking to God and seeking to rebuild their nation and Jerusalem. Restoration always begins with a word we do not like to hear. “Revival”! What do you mean; revival? Or, am I you saying that it is necessary to start all over again? Yes!

National disparity does not wear the face of physical destruction before it falls; but it does wear the theatrical mask of the hypocrites. That is the party face and the sad face we so often see on those stages where actors play in musicals and dramas. A good picture of our nation today; the children are at play, even young adults and some ignorant elderly folks too. But there are those others who warn of national collapse who have a sad countenance over our national lack of awareness of pending judgment for our idolatry and rebellion toward God.

The Book of Nehemiah is thirteen chapters, Ezra is ten; in one portion the people are standing most of the day listening to Nehemiah; then at the end of the day he says to them, “go home now, eat and drink and send portions to those who have nothing. Grandma’s house is just a bike ride away and she has something for those who have nothing. In other words; repent now and begin to rebuild faith in God. Seventy years is a long wait time to rebuild a nation and most of us will not be around to see that day. Please take the time to read the books of Ezra and Nehemiah as these will be our next adventure.

A Devotional Look at the Book #516

A Devotional Look at the Book #516

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

I have trouble with people who are unreasonable, illogical, self-willed and self-centered. But then I noticed that I was standing in front of the mirror! James 1:21-27

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

If you have ever been a firefighter or known one, then you have heard the term; bunker gear. This is the protective clothing that firefighters wear when they enter the dangerous fires that destroy homes and cause death. The weight of this gear and the air tank is nearly fifty pounds of extra weight; so when climbing ladders in an emergency, the weight and anxiety can be immediately exhaustive. How then does the firefighter accomplish his or her task? By trusting in the clothing and gear; believing in the training and having faith in the other firefighters around them. Biblical faith has the same attributes; the only difference is that biblical faith is spiritually stronger as God the Holy Spirit indwells each born again believer. For example; stepping into a fiery furnace will cause the firefighters air tank to heat up and breathing hot air is heavy and unpleasant. Then when attacking the main source of the fire your helmet shield begins to darken and melt and the sound of the fire is like a roaring lion. You want to run, but you stay… most likely praying for that familiar pat on the back to retreat to a cooler part of the building. The scene safety officer orders everyone out of the building and the outside crew is already knocking the fire down from all sides with water. Here is the point! As believers in Christ our LORD we are given; if you will, “bunker gear” to fight fiery battles. Daniel 3:19-25. Most of us do not put this gear on as commanded by God and we become casualties rather than the faithful, trusting and believing fighters that God intends us to be. Ephesians 6:10-18, many churches today have a lukewarm theology regarding Satan and his fallen army of murderers, liars and deceivers. We need to repent from this sort of theology and put on the LORD Jesus Christ; who was the fourth Person in Daniel 3; and make no provision for the flesh. Romans 13:11-14.

2 Peter

2 Peter 3:14-18 – I hope you have enjoyed as I have travelling through the epistles of the apostle Peter. We all can identify with this man of God in some ways. We sin as he did, we cry as he did, we love the LORD as he did and of course we die as he did. In Christ as a martyr or in God’s time of calling us home we children of God have this good thing in common that we are pressing forward as he did. Being diligence and blameless, knowing that the longsuffering of God toward us is salvation justification, sanctification and glorification; the fullness of Christ in us. Ephesians 3:14-21.

I like also what Peter has to say about Paul as in the course of their ministries had some issues differing in theology, but not in the gospel. I think as children of God we can get so bound up in our thinking that; “Hey! It is my way or the highway”. There is but one gospel and the Oneness of this gospel is very evident in the lives of these two men throughout the New Testament as is their differences to the Jew first and also to the gentile. Those who fail to see this truth working in the harmony of the death and resurrection of Christ twist the gospel and their teaching; we need to avoid such men because their destruction is sure.

Knowing these things we are challenged and charged by Peter to be steadfast and beware; we are warned to avoid the error of these wicked men and their teachings. We are also commanded by the apostle to grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him is the glory both now in time and eternity too. Amen. Matthew 6:8-14.

A Devotional Look at the Book #515

A Devotional Look at the Book #515

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Is it irony, fate or sin? People who order from the top shelf often live in the basement! The fool rejects all sound wisdom and turns their life upside down. Proverbs 23:29-35

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

There was a brief season of time that I was a postal carrier. This was in the early 1990’s after retiring from the military. I had thought that working for the Post Office would turn out to be a second career, but that is not how it all turned out. I simply could not deliver mail and in three months I was asked to resign or be fired. Now you would think that anyone can deliver mail so what was my problem. In those three months I came back to the Post Office late after delivery at least once a week. This required overtime for another employee so that I could check out. I knocked over one mail box a month and I was told that it was against regulations to back up a vehicle while delivering mail. So once; I used my son’s car that did not have “reverse”, this of course was not a wise move especially on dead end streets where I had to get out and push the car backwards to get turned around. Then, two months after I resigned I was cleaning out one of the cars I used and I found a very thin package of mail that had slid between the back seat and trunk area. A picture and Christmas present for some poor soul; oh they got the picture; literally, but it was two months late. Is there a point to all this? Of course! Time against the back drop of eternity is like this for most of us. Life is short compared to eternity; our experience of living life can be full of busted moments and people waiting overtime for us to get it right. Also, for many we have no thoughts of repenting, in other words we have no intention of reversing our errant ways. Lastly, we intentionally hide things from others and when found the reward is no longer of any value; lost in the tears of disappointment. Is there any hope? Yes, our only hope is in the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Hebrews 12:1-29 but especially verses 12-17.

2 Peter

2 Peter 3:12 – Have you noticed; that is if you have a television in your home, that more and more shows are focusing on future events. Tara Nova is just one of the many that project our human thinking into a realm of life beyond this old planet earth since it is beginning to show signs of not being able to support life in the future. No doubt some of these writers get input from reading or hearing biblical accounts of the end times, yet the picture they present to the public is flawed because it is presented by a volitional intent to destroy TRUTH.

People who have a holy conduct and godliness look for the hastening day of the LORD. This coming DAY is not without trouble. As people see the day approaching I am sure there will be signs in the skies that promote fear and criminal action. Even these folks will see satanic events that have not been seen before; also causing more unrest around the world. But God in His infinite wisdom and grace will put an end to this conduct once and for all.

The promise of a new heavens and earth is not a promise that continues the same patterns of good and evil as the earth now experiences. The new heavens and earth will be a place where Righteousness LIVES. We at this time have no earthly concept of what this type of PEACE is; but we do know that it is a peace that is according to the promise of God. A promise that since the beginning of “good and evil” has been reiterated to every generation since the Garden of Eden and the Tree of Life was removed from planet earth nearly seven thousand years ago. Genesis 3:20-24 and Revelation 22:1-5.

A Devotional Look at the Book #514

A Devotional Look at the Book #514

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

The rejection of God in the soul of mankind is limited to volume and space. Since God has placed eternity in the heart of mankind; time is his only valued measurement and without God’s eternal input; is flawed. Ecclesiastes 3:9-15.

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

During my career in the Navy I was stationed on several destroyers; one of them the USS Forest Sherman DD-931. The ship was the first of her class, thus she was dubbed; “The first and the finest!” There were eighteen destroyers in total of this class: Forrest Sherman · John Paul Jones · Barry · Decatur · Davis · Jonas Ingram · Manley · Du Pont · Bigelow · Blandy · Mullinnix · Hull · Edson · Somers · Morton · Parsons · Richard S. Edwards · Turner Joy. I had the opportunity to go aboard several of these ships because many of them were stationed at Newport, RI along with the Forest Sherman. The structural engineering of these ships was unlike any destroyer before or after these ships since the superstructures were made of soft metals; mostly aluminum and magnesium, or non-ferrous metals (no iron). The idea was to have a super structure that could be penetrated by an armor piercing shell, but that the shell would not explode inside the ship since the metal would be so soft that the shell would past through both structural walls and out the other side before it recognized that it had hit something and explode. Good idea? Not so fast! When the ships would fire those big guns mounted on the stem and stern of these destroyers the vibrations were so strong that large holes would rip the soft superstructure and cause major damage. During my three year tour of duty aboard this ship we made two trips to the Boston Naval Shipyard and one to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard for these types of repair. Here is the point! The only armor that never needs repair is: The belt of Truth; The Breastplate of Righteousness; The Battle Shoes of Peace; The Shield of Faith; The Helmet of Salvation; The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God and Good Communications with God. Ephesians 6:10-18.

2 Peter

2 Peter 3:10 – Read any interesting secular book and we can nearly feel the action that the writer intended for us to feel. Is it possible to grieve or quench the Holy Spirit in us by failing to get involved with the Word of God as He speaks to us? Yes, I believe we do this more often than not, for example; here in this verse we should come to attention over several concerns. The LORD of heaven and earth is coming again! “Well, I know that so what’s the big deal?” Okay! He is coming as a thief in the night and shouldn’t we be involved and prepared?

At a time when the guard is relaxed and with a great NOISE the elements of volume, space and time will melt and what we thought we were confident of will be NO MORE! The noise of any intruder is alarming; ask anyone who has had this experience. Notice too that the earth with its entire works will be laid bare and not be found ever again. These works are not the works of a nation, a religion or a culture. These are the works of all nations; all religions and all cultures. Be alarmed if you are an unbeliever because this is God’s extreme makeover; but without YOU!

2 Peter 3:11 – If verse ten is true (and it is) then what should we be doing with our manner of conduct. Without a personal relationship with the LORD of heaven and earth there is NO HOPE! For the rest of us, our conduct should be Spiritually convincing; a godly example of holiness that those with NO HOPE might come to Him and be delivered from this death to life in Christ. Acts 4:10-12. See the context of Peter’s message; Acts 3:1-26 through Acts 4:1-12.

A Devotional Look at the Book #513

A Devotional Look at the Book #513

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Have you met this fellow? Everyone should strive to be rich and famous like me! There is just no room in the world for poor people. My name is Futility F. Fool. I alone fret over such things as this and Fretter is my middle name. Ecclesiastes 4:4-8

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Is there gravity in the ocean? Someone once asked. That is a good question, but one that is easily answered. Density in a rock will cause it to sink to the bottom, yet if the water is deep enough water density (pressure) can cause the rock to slow down in its decent. Another element to this; no doubt there are more; but for the purpose of this paragraph this other element is temperature. Heat increases the density of water and will slow or even stop some sinkable objects. Extract the elements of heat or pressure and the process of sinking speeds up. Another example is and ice cube. Place an ice cube with air in it into a glass of water, since it is less dense than the water the ice cube will float. Place an ice cube with no air in it into the same glass of water and the ice cube will sink. Density is based on a one to one ratio so any object greater in density then the ratio of the surrounding water will sink and yes water has gravity, but affected by density. By the way; something falling out of an airplane is effected by the same density elements found in water and will effectively cause a gravitational decent to slow down or speed up, so gravity no matter what man knows about it has the same effect on everything falling from the sky or falling into the water, it will sink or fall based on gravity! Now; if these elements were simple laws of nature, we who are natural beings could change them. But since these elements are the LAWS of Creation the term simple or natural really has no significant application. We natural beings or subject to them because God has subjected us to HIS Law; like God, these Laws are unchangeable! Am I writing balderdash here? When we seek to distort the Laws of Creation as we are doing in these days the density of our ungodly actions will be increasingly consumed by the Unchangeable Holy Attributes of our God who; like His Laws are the same yesterday, today and forever. Matthew 24:36-44; Romans 1:18-32 and Hebrews 13:8-9.

2 Peter

2 Peter 3:7-8 – Here we are folks; these are just a couple of verses of scripture, but like many others these are some of my favorite. Literally I could think about these two verses all day long and be totally intrigued. The apostle in my thinking says we can forget some things, but this is one of those truths that should always be in the frontal lobes of our consciousness; that time has no bearing on God’s eternal agenda. Time for our Creator just does not exist. Yes, this is hard for us to comprehend but it is TRUE.

To our God and Creator; Jesus is now seated at the right hand to the Throne of God; the depth of this eternal plan is just slightly inched away from this Word from God. And God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. Even the words uttered by John the Baptist. John 1:1-4 please take the moment and read. Then go on to 1 John 1:1-4 in order for this thought to bring us to the fullness of Joy. That God can reveal Himself within His Created Laws that include TIME, but for Him has taken less than seven minutes to complete. My mind shutters at the thought of this.

So there is no slackness in our Father’s Hand, while time travels its determined distance; God will continue to be long suffering toward you and me. Why? Well while we are willing to perish in our stiff necked rebellion of His Laws of Creation. He remains faithful and is unwilling that any of us should perish; so repent! Just STOP IT and repent. In fact; it has taken you longer in time to read this than God’s entire eternal plan for creation. Eternity has no time for lawlessness, so are you not ecstatic about the longsuffering of God toward you?