The Devotional - A Look at the Book #575

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #575

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Ever see that commercial of the person walking with a twenty degree list to one side. It is said that he forgot his vegetable juice drink; however the LORD explains that our misunderstanding of life causes this tilt. Trusting Him will provide an upright heart and a smooth pathway. Proverbs 3:5-7

Good Morning

Every time I stop writing about submarines I get an email or two asking for more events. Seems like everyone likes to hear about those experiences, yet I think that I have reached the bottom of the barrel. But maybe this is one I missed. We were harbored in Lisbon, Portugal for a week of R and R. I do not recall much about the port except that the small area was occupied by the Portuguese Army, it was a small outpost with very little facilities. We observed some interesting things; their uniforms were shoddy, their weapons were Russian made and they smelled of smoke from wood burning and tobacco. Also, these men were on duty, but they were not standing guard in any manor that would indicate good leadership, pride or good military discipline since most were drunk. At meal time the men did not go to an evening meal at the base mess hall or rotate shifts. They made dough, then with vegetables and some kind of meat they made sort of a pie or pita pocket and placed the food in an oven that was carved out of the rock face of a very large hill about twenty yards from the pier where we tied up. There were several of these make shift ovens all along the rock face. They also drank wine freely all day long. With their rifle or sub-machine gun over their shoulder and a bottle of wine in their drinking hand the men stood duty. On board the sub we held a meeting and decided to set up a sentry of men with weapons also. Our stay was shortened to one day; since they wanted to come on board to visit the ship in their drunken condition. We denied them access to the sub and there was a small conflict but no incident. As the day progressed it was increasingly evident that we were no longer welcome, so we left early in the morning while most of them were sleeping. Proverbs 20:18 and 24:6.

2 Corinthians 10

2 Corinthians 10:14-18 – What is important to you and me as believers in Jesus Christ? The apostle Paul makes it clear in his epistles that salvation should be the only subject in our heart, mind and soul. The theme of all of his epistles focus on salvation; justification, sanctification and glorification and it is within these limits that he comforts, exhorts and challenges you and me to do the same.

We should not extend ourselves beyond this sphere of God’s wisdom when we are reaching out to the lost. The gospel is the power of God that brings salvation (not our words of wisdom) and when we go beyond this we confuse and distort the truth because we become boastful with what we know. Providing the simple truth of the gospel gives hope to the lost; hope builds faith leading men and women to salvation justification. Romans 5:1-11.

It does not take people very long to know the truth; but it is necessary for each of us to glory in the LORD and not in our own effort of the flesh. There are these two glories warring in us at all times and if we want the unsaved to hear the truth we must provide the truth via the power that God has provided. Again, the power is in us just as the Word of God says in 2 Corinthians 4:7 and speaking the truth within this sphere will bring glory to God and salvation to the ears of those in need.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #574

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #574

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Psalm 111:1-10 – Can you wrap the fingers of your soul around this thought? Jesus never fails! Then my heart races with the thought. I will praise His Name forever, just as His Righteousness, Truth and Judgments endure forever… so are my thoughts of Him; JESUS NEVER FAILS.

Good Morning

In preparation of retiring from the Navy in 1987 I had started a small business of landscaping and minor carpentry work in 1985. It seemed to me that my brother made a decent living at landscaping that I would too. Well to my surprise; I found out that if your body is not use to grunt work it fights back, so by 1988 the efforts of landscaping changed to commercial cleaning. I was able to contract with a few banks, office buildings and schools. It seemed also to be the LORD’s Will for us to move in this direction since the contracts for work were very good. We had several employees and I soon learned that owning a business is a tough business. Employees have needs, (personal needs) and it is not long before you are personally linked to them in that way. Even the slacker that you would like to fire gets treated with considerable care since he has a wife and children. Yes, you might be the boss, but if the LORD is your boss; you are still a servant. Service then takes on a different light, one that leads because he or she has learned to follow first. Our LORD puts us in places that we would never expect and if we are tuned in to follow His voice, we will hear just as Peter heard in (John 21:20-22), then we can apply… Ephesians 6:5-9.

2 Corinthians 10

2 Corinthians 10:12-13 – I though I would take just these two verses this morning; these seems to fit in the last couple of days. We live and work in communities of people; most of us do not have employment that does not interface with others on a regular basis. You know I can say this now since I went back to work part time and in working now, I see that nothing much has changed in the last two years.

People still classifying and comparing their self with others. One will compare and commend him or her self with another and the verbal and nonverbal badgering begins. Yet I see this as foolishness don’t you since the only measurement these folks have to measure with is their own ability. Do you know what I mean in that the most critical often seem to be the most unqualified, yet because they know how to intimidate by comparing themselves with those whom they walk among they become all the more; the unwise and unproductive.

So as saints and disciples of our LORD Jesus Christ we see and live in these two kingdoms and it is the LORD’s Will that we react within the limits that He has provided. We must not boast beyond measure; there are limits. This does not mean that we should never boast, but it does mean that our boasting should be within the sphere of the kingdom of God and not from the framework of the domain of darkness like the unbeliever. Note also that the apostle in this verse includes you and me with these words. “a sphere which especially includes you.”

God willing… more on Monday.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #573

A Devotional Look at the Book #573

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Psalm 119:33-40 – When the soul hungers and thirsts for God we find our voice and cry out. The longing of the soul to rest in the precepts of God is much like a homesick teen who has wandered from the warmth and tender care of parents.

Good Morning

What is the root cause of so much divorce in our land? The number one cause for most divorce is not infidelity or of falling out of love. The root cause is failure to stay autonomous. The ability to govern the affairs of family life is the root that drives one or the other to commit selfish desires that bring about separation. When families require much and the stress of making both ends meet is larger then the tie that binds we will fail. Financial and Family management are the root cause of all marriage problems and sin develops when the arguments over these develop into a loss of faith between the husband and wife. This loss of faith leads to a critical absence of communication, a lapse in sexual desire and then a breakdown in other common interests. Secular marriage counseling cannot repair or patch up a broken family, or the bond of marriage. Secular counseling is only interested in the profit and loss statement in the business of counsel. This is only added conflict to an already strained budget and at the very best, secular counsel is only a temporary fix to the deeper problem of failure. In the past I have had opportunity to counsel men who struggle with their loss of family. Most were inmates in the prisons of Connecticut and in every case, budgeting and management of the family was the first sign that caused these men to react in foolish measures, even the cause of their incarceration. (Proverbs 2)

2 Corinthians 10

2 Corinthians 10:7-11 – How often we are ready to justify our relationship before God by observation of the outer appearances of those around us. The mental attitude that comes to my mind is the one presented by Jesus regarding the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14). Simply; Jesus is present in all of our judging moments and there will be a justification and a reward of some sort.

Today authority to teach and lead is detailed in scripture; our pastors and teachers are given this authority by God. But you will not find in scripture the authority to judge them. Their human reaction to life is just like ours who do not have the Spiritual gift of communication and leadership. Boasting or any other human trait that pops up in their integrity is not to be judged. It is God who allows this man to stand for His Name’s sake! Psalm 23 works for spiritual leadership just as it does for all saints.

There are times when the emotions of God’s leaders are troubled and suffering; there likewise are times when our leaders are weak and we find ourselves seeking to judge them; and there are the times when everything seems to be working well with them. Should we not be praying for them rather than judging them. Yet, we tend to hold the candle to their character and judge and pray wrongly like the Pharisee. As the apostle says; what we see and what we hear about should not be judged by appearance but by the truth that God’s leaders are spiritually consistent.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #572

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #572

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Psalm 119:33-40 – Our conscious will approve or disapprove the things we do. A healthy conscious will seek justice from the LORD since His judgments are the only source of restoring a guilty soul.

Good Morning

Even though it seems that nothing changes, change is always going on. We all like to be active doing something, but there are many obstacles in the way for some of us. Health, income and opportunity just to name a few. One opportunity may override another, health may hinder us from a season of activity and income may prevent us from reaching a certain goal. Yet, there is the other side of this that often goes unnoticed. What is God's Will for the freedom to do activities, reach goals and manage opportunity? Many give His Will no thought at all! I have understood this for a long time, but it is ever so much clearer to me today since the LORD is the LORD, even when I am unable to do the will of my heart because of some obstacle there is no need to be critical. For example; I like to drive to places that I would not normally get a chance to go too. So living in this world of restriction and change, the LORD knows how to provide the desires of my heart in order that I might delight in Him and not in my own self effort. He has opened a door that I could not. About once or twice a month I get the opportunity to make trips for a car dealership to various other dealerships in the New England states. So in spite of the circumstances that are always changing, turn your day over to the LORD and allow Him to direct your path and give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 27:11 and 37:1-8

2 Corinthians 9

2 Corinthians 10:5-6 – There is not a day that goes by that we do not see arguments and wickedness seeking to destroy our fellowship with God. Many of us like the passive approach to settling arguments and overcoming every outburst that seeks to exalt itself above the knowledge of God. Even earlier in this chapter the apostle pleads with his readers to utilize the resources of God the Holy Spirit, rather than our own fleshly tools and it would seem that the way to deal with spiritual wickedness would be to remain passive; but not in every case.

One cannot cast down an argument, nor can one bring into captivity obedience to God by always being passive. Verse 6 puts this in perspective. Being ready to punish all disobedience, but note; if we are disobedience in the process, like making some fleshly statement or lying to cover up then we have not fulfilled the will of the LORD in the matter at hand.

So we must be willing to get into the face of evil minded people. Is this backed up by scripture? There is this process found in Colossians 4:1-6 that the apostle mentions in dealing with relationships between management and employee. Cover the circumstance in prayer; be watchful with thanksgiving; pray for God to open the door of opportunity to speak, revealing to you what to say. Then in that wisdom as you redeem the time and opportunity, go for it; with grace. Use the salt that God provides to cleanse the wound of evil when it attacks. Matthew 5:13-16 and Mark 9:50.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #571

A Devotional Look at the Book #571

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Psalm 119:33-40 When I sin, my heart is bent over in darkness by the sins weight, my strength is absorbed with this thought! Ah, but the testimonies of the LORD overcome me causing me to long for Him. His are many, but two stand out here; Mercy found undeserved forgiveness and the Grace received by undeserved blessing.

Good Morning

The very first ship I was on was a radar picket ship, called the USS Searcher (YAGR-4), the primary mission of ships of this type was early warning of approaching enemy aircraft during the so-called cold war of the sixties. The ships were first used as freighters in WWII. The hull was thin, cheaply put together and designed to make only one trip across the ocean, the return was not expected. During the war and due to the fear of submarines only twelve men manned these vessels and many were sunk. The maximum speed for these ships was eleven knots, or 17.5 miles per hour so for a submarine these vessels were like sitting ducks. After the war some of these ships were converted to radar picket ships and a large amount of space on board was wasted. Large holds or stowage areas were sparsely filled, making large movie theaters or exercise room, even pool tables. One of the open holds was converted into a swimming pool. One summer day I saw the pool being filled, as a new person on board; I thought, man! This is great, I even went in search of my Navy issued swimmers, after my return topside and to my surprise, I saw the Captain come out on deck in His swimmers. The Chief Master at Arms was with him, but the Captain was the only swimmer for about a half hour while the Chief stood guard. When the Captain left, the swimming pool was emptied; but several of us new seaman on board were allowed into the pool… but not to swim. We cleaned it; chipped away some of the rust and repainted it so the Captain could use it again some day in the future. Some sailors have all the fun, huh!

2 Corinthians 9

2 Corinthians 10:1-5 – Does the Living Word of God excite you? Sometimes I get so excited about God that I can hardly contain myself. Here is what I mean… and I am sure this has happened to you. Sharing and fellowshipping with others brothers and sister about the LORD can get us all charged up. We experience the same excitement that the apostle Paul is explaining here is these few verses.

Then it seems of a sudden that you hear another say; “oh that group with him or her in it is just walking in the flesh” well if there is one thing that will pull me out of fellowship with the LORD and with other believers it is some remark like that and then I do want to reach out and be bold, but not in a spiritual way. I like what the apostle says. “I have a confidence to be bold toward some.” Ever felt that way…? Of course you have; but it is the next verse that puts things back into the context of 2 Corinthians 4:7 (I really like this verse, don’t cha think?)

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. The truth is that all battles won are won based on the weapons given to us by God which are not weapons of the flesh. Proverbs 6:12-19 identifies the flesh. The spiritual war that believers face daily is won with the mighty weapons of God for the pulling down of strongholds, for the casting down of every high thing that seeks to exalt itself over the knowledge of God. God does this daily for every saint by bringing them to obedience; the obedience of Christ. NOTE: even our fleshly obedience does not count. We must be willing to utilize the treasure of God excellent power in these earthen vessels.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #570

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #570

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

If a person does not have good stewardship over the affairs of their day, they have no purpose in living. This is the drive behind most aggravated crimes. The Holy Bible teaches good stewardship; as a nation we should return to it!

Good Morning

For a young sailor, life on a destroyer can be very challenging. Even on a calm day these ships bob and weave in and out of the water like a fisherman's bob being reeled in. Add a little weather with seas 3 to 5 feet, a wind of 10 knots and a refueling ship 50 yards off the port beam. Throw in a little darkness and rain and then tie the two ships together with very long ropes and a fuel hose. The speed of the two ships must be 10 knots otherwise the ability to steer them in a straight course is difficult and there is an increased danger of colliding. At this speed sea water churns up on deck, the rain and wind increases the difficulty to see what you need to see. The water is cold and all your clothing is soaked. An event like this can last for hours and everyone comes at the end of the event exhausted. Maybe things have changed. It has been a long while since I was involved in one these exercises but the memories are vivid. This is one good reason to volunteer for submarines, below four hundred feet the ocean is calm and there is no need to refuel. This is like living life without a heart for God; the world around you is violent and unpredictable. However; when you let God enclose you with Eternal Life through faith in Jesus Christ His Son; He will calm you by His love and His excellent power will need no refueling. 2 Corinthians 4:7

2 Corinthians 9

2 Corinthians 9:10-15 – When is the last time you prayed; “Our Father in heaven Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13

I do not know about your day and private life before the LORD but I do know this, when my focus is on His excellent power abiding in this earthen vessel of mine I am usually thinking about my God and Father who supplies the seed for the sower and bread for food. He increases the fruits of righteousness. He does all of this because He enriches everything I do for His Names’ sake.

The administration of giving then is not to give away fortunes with no return of investment. Giving is the proof of ministry that glorifies the work of God in the lives of those who hear the gospel of Christ. Now God could do all of this alone without our help. Fact is that if God can cause a donkey to speak to a man like Balaam who hoarded his estate. Just think of what He may do when you place your liberality in His Hands; the return is a gift to us that is indescribable. Truly this is one of those areas of living for Christ that has to be lived and experienced, because it certainly cannot be explained.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #569

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #569

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

I think a lot about eternity; God provides the information about where He lives and I go and visit Him every time I travel through His written Word. Farmlands, cities and saints; what a daily joy it is to visit my Father each day.

Good Morning

There was once a story I heard about two brothers, both were evil and crime was their primary activity. As time passed one of them died and the surviving brother went to the pastor of a local church. Both, brothers knew the pastor since they had grown up in the same neighborhood, attended the same school and so on. The brother asked the pastor to do the funeral and the eulogy. The brother also said that the pastor needed to say something nice about his deceased brother and if the pastor would do this, he would give a large sum of money to the church. After consulting the elders and deacons the pastor agreed and the large sum of money was given. As the eulogy began this is what the pastor said. “Friends and members of the family; the man in the coffin before me today was one of the most crooked, despicable, evil and desperate criminals this city has ever known. He has lied to everyone he ever met, stole as much money as he could and I even heard that he cruelly beat someone several years ago because that person had said hello to his girl friend. But; friends next to his brother standing next to me, our deceased was a saint”. This may be called – getting your monies worth; or getting fitted for a new pair of cement shoes. “I'm not sure?”

2 Corinthians 9

2 Corinthians 9:6-9 – Sowing sparingly is what we do when we do not understand stewardship (farming). For example; a few years ago I wanted to plant some corn for the first time so I contacted a friend who is a farmer and asked him how I should go about it. He said, “Over seed each hole with four kernels; one for good measure, one for the cut worm, one for the crow and one to grow.”

The LORD uses many parables and illustrations to teach us this same principle of stewardship. God Himself is the Master Steward of Creation and even delegated this responsibility to Adam in the Garden of Eden. So here is in my opinion… there is no excuse for any of His saints to ignore the evidence; if we reap sparingly it is because we are sowing sparingly. We are sowing from a fleshly frame of mind which is selfish and full of grudgeful thoughts and selfish necessities.

Now here is the victory over this self-righteous mindset. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not us” Have we forgotten so soon that the ability to sow bountifully in not found in the power of these earthen vessels apart from the treasury of the excellent power of God. God loves a cheerful giver. If we utilize the gifts of God the Holy Spirit who dwells in us of; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control; we will be the joyful giver whom the lover of our soul desires and we will reap a bountiful reward. 1 Corinthians 4:7 and Galatians 5:22-26.

Be filled with the Spirit and you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 backs this thought up!

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #568

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #568

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

I like the concept of this universe being surrounded by eternity. The thought of this is comforting knowing that God who created us completely surrounds us with His existence that cannot be measured by time. 2 Peter 3:8-9 or Psalm 90:1-17 The LORD is our dwelling place.

Good Morning

People strive at coming up with plans and purposes for living in comfort. Many dedicate their lives to accomplish things like extracting money from people by offering comfort through enticement. What? I thought about the odds of winning the lottery while watching the news this morning. The commercial: “Have you played today?” Someone has taken the phrase; have you prayed today, and changed just one letter in the four words to give those four words a different direction in the matters that pertain to life and liberty. Have you gone mad…? Well the truth is that I wish that were true; then you could just turn me off. Did you know that if you are a Connecticut resident and play the lottery that your chances of winning the targeted reward is greater than 195 million to 1. There are only 3.5 million people who live in the state including children; this means that if everyone of us played the lottery we could expect to win the full amount once every fifty-six years. Now if you extract the children and people like me who do not play, the odds of winning march rapidly up to once every seventy years. As one pastor friend used to say, we are a needy people; the context of this need is not in economy or jobs. He meant and I believe him that we need to return to the basics. We as a nation have become ignorant of truth; we have become dull of hearing, thus we no longer tolerate TRUTH; we now live to believe the impossible LIE! We are the new apostates; like those of the old, as recorded in Jude 1:5-11.

2 Corinthians 9

2 Corinthians 9:1-5 – The mechanical submarine does a maneuver called by the sailors on board; “angles and dangles” which simply means that the sub is capable of doing twenty degree down or up angles; or is capable of dangling in the water like it is hanging from someone’s fishing rod, sort of like the helicopter that dangles over a fixed or moving object. These maneuvers are quite normal for subs but if I were to apply some angle or dangle some enticement over giving back to God what He already owns I should be like those that Jesus speaks of in Matthew 5:21-26. Defilement of truth begins in the heart.

Each of us is encouraged to give and to administer what we give, so this means that we are all responsible for the gift. In other words; it is not the ability to give, nor is it the amount, so the focus then, is not on the giver or the administering, but on the resulting glory to God. Yet with all of this said, there needs to be organization. I dislike using the word champagne since many churches have stuck their angles and dangles in the MUD causing many to jump ship or drown.

In verse one the apostle says that he is going beyond the need to write to the Corinthians about this matter of giving to the saints. He also considers their willingness to participate as valid and has been boasting to the Macedonians. So he is not presenting a new angle for giving to the saints, nor is he dangling any promise before them that has not already been promised by the Corinthians. There are no pledge cards or phony promises, but simply the challenge to do what has already been promised the year before.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #567

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #567

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

The greatest event in history is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is fact and it is truth! The greatest story tale ever told is evolution. It is fiction and it is a lie! So get the facts and get the truth; your eternity depends on TRUTH!

Good Morning

Having the experience of being a submarine sailor is unique, many of my friends who are ex-sub sailors know this and I know too that aviators and astronauts experience similar events. However, since I know a bit more about subs I will focus on what I know; sub sailors are required to be experts in their professional field. These men are mechanical and electrical engineers; electronic, sonar and radar technicians; also communication and navigational technicians. Nuclear and chemical engineers too. Lastly there are administrative, supply and food technicians and let us not forget the leaders. In addition to these professional qualifications these men must know in theory; how salt water can be turned into fresh water. Also they must know how this same salt water can produce oxygen; keep the reactor cool or from the freshly made pure water and create steam to run the turbines that propel the sub through the oceans and seas on her journey. They must also know in practical application; how to make use air systems; how to surface the ship if they were called upon to do so. All of this knowledge is required because the vessel they are on is surrounded by a created element; WATER. So my question to you and even too many submarine sailors is this! Why is it that we earth bound humans of God’s creation know so little knowledge about the created element we call ETERNITY which surrounds our universe. We have much wisdom in engineering and technical matters; any TEXT massager proves this. It is possible that in theory we know about eternity; but many of us do not know the practical application of how to get there. Jesus says that He is the way; He also says that we know how to get there. Notice verse 4 of John 14:1-6. So; get fully qualified or what you do know will be taken away from you. Matthew 25:14-30.

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 8:16-24 – Yesterday I used some thoughts from a song… Jesus is Coming Soon and He is; you and I need to be prepared for that day is coming. So… are we prepared? This is a question that does not need to be asked since what can we do to prepare for that day? We cannot cancel the appointment of that day since we do not even know when it will be.

We cannot hide from that day since we do not know where to go and hide. Even if we are dead and our body is in the grave we will be there when Jesus Christ returns to this earth. Please help yourself to this verse of scripture; Hebrews 9:27.

Now you may be thinking… what does all this about the return of Jesus have to do with 2 Corinthians 8:16-24? Again; I am glad you thinking because the church (you and me) are preparing for the return of the LORD Jesus by caring for one another with heart. Exhorting one another with diligence. Praising one another in the gospel. Giving to one another too the glory of God as needs arise. Proving integrity of heart to one another in order that no one is blamed in the administration of gifts. Being diligent to one another proving confidence and having trust worthy messengers from church to church, thus proving our love for one another as we see the day of the LORD approaching. Jesus is coming again… prepare for that day.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #566

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #566

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Love is not a tangible asset, nor is it anything of visible value! Yet love is fiercely defended and monitored by all who seek this spiritual and human connection. So then; love is joined by faith and hope. Two additional attributes of God; without these love does not exist where sin abounds. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Good Morning

Before serving on submarines; was stationed on destroyers. The last destroyer I was on was the USS Gearing DD 710. (1965 through 1969) This was a Reserve Destroyer with 25 to 30 Regular sailors aboard and the rest of the crew were Reservists who would come on board for two week cruises. When there were no Reservists on board the ship’s home port was New London, Connecticut. The Captain would take the ship to Block Island every Wednesday for a little liberty for his small crew. In those days I did not have a personal relationship with Jesus so the Captain and three of his first class petty officers enjoyed these weekly trips to his favorite bar on the Island. Of course I was one of those three. We were branded by the rest of the crew as; “Captain Crunches Bunch”. The captain eventually lost his command because he had no patience waiting for the help of tug boats and pilots. This resulted in several crunching moments going in and out of harbor when the ship would bounce off the pier or another moored ship. Why do I tell you this? Evil is always present with good; the man was a good captain, he had good characteristics of leadership; but he was distracted by pride, impatience and a promiscuous lifestyle. I am so thankful to God who reached down into this runaway lifestyle of four men and snatched me from the pit. Jonah 2:6… Oh LORD, my GOD; I thank you daily for rescuing this runaway slave. Philemon 1:15-16

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 8:16-24 – Troublesome times are here, for the apostle for the Jews and for the church of Jesus Christ. The Judean saints have been persecuted, homes destroyed and farmlands taken away. In the days of this apostle the Jews have little assets left in Jerusalem, all has been taken away. Paul, for at least a year is seeking for the churches of Macedonia, Corinth and others to participate in a giving campaign to relieve this hardship among the saints of God. We should note that his requests for help even went to churches under poverty trials and afflictions like that of the Macedonians.

The hearts of folks then and today are filled with fear, the freedoms that we all hold dear was are at stake. We desperately need to humble our hearts to God; in that He would hear our pleas and deliver us from His chastening rod. As saints we need to awake from our slumbering indifference to the persecution of the universal church of God. If you really want to know what God is doing in the world around us, you need only to look at Jerusalem and the Middle East, all of which is moving into our own backyard.

Jesus is coming soon; maybe it will be this morning; or tonight, maybe even this very noon. The trumpet will sound and all of the dead in Christ shall rise; we who are alive and in the Righteousness of Christ will meet the dead (now alive) in the skies, we will be going to the place where no one dies. We are heaven bound. In the meantime; morning, night or noon our mandate is to show the proof of our love of God to the world by supporting one another by meeting the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Why? Because Jesus is Coming Soon and His kingdom will be filled with those who support Him. Matthew 25:31-46.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #565

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #565

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Our freedom as a nation is in trouble! I write… “Our freedom as a nation is in trouble” Did you read what I wrote? “Our freedom as a nation is in trouble” he or she that has an eye to read… so let him or her read! OUR FREEDOM AS A NATION IS IN TROUBLE. We have become a nation of fools. Psalm 14:1-3.

Good Morning

The other day I was in Vermont and needed to stop in one of those rest areas that are numerous in that state. What struck me the most was the excellent condition of the building and the cleanliness of every room. I felt comfortable and safe as well so this allowed me the freedom to move around without the feeling of being unsafe. As I looked at the pictures of Vermont landscapes and prominent buildings I heard a small commotion of young people who were busy setting up a table and small display. They had three large boxes of apples of which two were placed under the table and the third one was placed on the table. A little sign on the table read; Vermont Apples – enjoy! I watched some people walk by the display… finally a young lady selected one and took a big healthy bite. The crisp crunch caught the attention of others and one by one people were selecting their favorite apple and the crunching became like that of walking on dry leaves on a cool autumn day with one exception. There was also an audible… ummmm! With the first crunch. Yes! I decided I needed one of those apples too! I also thought that it was right neighborly for those Vermont folks to do that for people they did not know or would even meet. Immediately I felt, a down home warmth that I only knew of when I was a boy growing up in Kentucky and I thought! Where has all of this love of country gone? What have we done as a nation? I returned to the car weeping for a country whose countenance has fallen. Fallen even like that profile of the Old Man of the mountain (Mount Cannon) some years ago. Pray for our nation and for God to deliver us from evil. There is a simple prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13 that you no doubt know by heart; but do not pray in a rote manner… pray sincerely, from the heart! God will hear and respond.

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 8:8-15 –We think that we are something special don’t we? I mean; we seek a little self esteem over an issue or two from time to time. You know; like I did this or that; or this happened because I made the right decision. But have you also noticed that it does not take very long until someone comes along and tests the sincerity of those seemingly selfish statements, then the truth is exposed in that our selfish deeds are nothing more than sinful acts of poor judgment.

The life of Jesus Christ is the template that we should be willing to place over everything we do, that though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor. Jesus became poor in order that we might become rich. Can we get hold of this truth by faith? Does our heart comprehend this thought at all? Christ Jesus who is rich traded this richness for sinless flesh and became poor, in order for us poor people to become rich. Philippians 2:5-9

There is such a large disconnect in our sinful nature over the matter of giving back to God what He already owns anyway; that we fail. We fail to accept His promises, we fail to experience perfect love, we fail to do His Will because we place fear in front of our steps of faith, we limit an atonement that is unlimited. Note the whole chapter of Matthew 25:1-46 and note that the kingdom of God is not selfish. When this millennium is set up by the LORD the selfish people will not be there.

The Devotonal - Looking at the Book #564

The Devotional - Looking at the Book #564

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Psalm 119:28 – A fallen countenance in the heart can result from several reasons, but when grief enters the soul... there is only one source of revival or rest – The Living word of God! Matthew 11:28-29

Good Morning

The temporal circumstances of the elderly seem permanent and it is depressing to have the feeling that nothing will change. That there is nothing to look forward to and that nothing in life matters anymore. Some of the elderly people I have worked with in the past have these thoughts going on in their minds, continually; this is a maddening oppression that keeps pushing forward; driving them deeper into a mentally depressed condition. If this condition does not put them in the grave; they become bitter so friends and relatives avoid them and the downward spiral of loneliness and separation deepens. If they could only know that Christ has regarded that helpless condition and that He shed His own blood for their soul, they would find peace and purpose for being elderly. Sometimes I get the opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them, but not often. When I do talk with elderly of salvation and witness to them about the LORD Jesus; I notice at least two significant road blocks. Elderly people who have nothing much to do, will momentarily hardened in their heart to hear the gospel. Like a moment of hardening as found in Hebrew 3:8. Their mind is full of distraction caused by the fear of the world which has replaced their fear of the LORD. Second: Even though they have little to do; their mind races against the sound wisdom of the Word of God and they have no peace in their aggressive heart; which is a progressive hardening like that found in Ecclesiastes 8:10-17.

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 8:1-7 – Some of my happiest times growing up is when we had little but gave much. Some would say that the depression of our early years caused this. If you have opportunity to watch the rerun episodes of Walton’s during this time of their life you will notice that out of their deep poverty; they were a happy people. Family love; neighborly compassionate and hard working people who gave out of their poverty all that they had to keep going; they are a true story of having all things common.

I do not know what you think of giving, but I do know this; if you have experienced the joy of giving as these Macedonian people did; then you know the church of Jesus Christ and His saints. Again we see the great trials and afflictions of this temporal life. This life is hard and every time we reach for some personal asset to share with God or to give to another human being by the grace of God; we know that we are going beyond our ability to do so. Yet, we do go beyond, not because we are commanded too from scripture; we go beyond because we have first given ourselves to the LORD.

So by the Will of God we reach out to others in order that we might abound in every way; in faith, in speech, in knowledge and in love. We do this so that grace will abound to all we come in contact with. Now have we seen this sort of giving of ourselves before in this epistle? Yes, the theme is found in 2 Corinthians 4:7-15, but the apostle reminds us of this grace throughout the epistle.

The Devotional - Looking at the Book #563

The Devotional - Looking at the Book #563

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Psalm 119:25 A dry and thirsty land is a desert, if you have spent time in a desert you know that by day the heat is depressing, at night the cold is oppressing and there is no rest from these elements. Such is the soul that hungers for revival from the only source of life – The Living Word of God!

Good Morning

I know that submarine life differs from the twenty plus years since I last served aboard one of these fine vessels, but I remember a time in the sonar room when I had an opportunity to be there when a few carpenter fish were active and communicating with each other. So you are saying… What is a carpenter fish? Well, the creature is not a fish at all; but a sperm whale and a group of them together sound like many carpenters banging nails on a roof top. Anyway; these great fish were not to far from our submarine and some of the more experienced sonar men were saying that these great mammals were curious about our size and shape which does resemble a whale. Whether this is true or not is irrelevant, but here is what I believe is important. God has made all things beautiful in it’s time and place. He did this for only ONE purpose and that purpose was to place ETERNITY in our hearts. Ecclesiastes 3:11. Think about being occupied with this thought as you live out the circumstances of your life. Have you ever had a thought about the birth of a child without a thought about eternity? Look at each of the events listed in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and notice that each one is linked to eternity in a very unique and comforting way; then try to deny the existence of God. If you are able to succeed in your denial you will not see the beauty of time in its own time; but you will see the black hole of separation and despair!

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 7:13-16 – Yesterday I had a brief but wonderful moment of talking with the pastor as we played golf and discussed the times of our past. I thought as we talked; I have known this man over thirty five years! That is half of my life time and over two thirds of his. What a joy! And the joy comes not from golf although we both enjoy the game; but the joy is our relationship with each other in Christ. There is such a comfort in this that it is nearly impossible to describe.

He refreshes my spirit, somtimes; even without a word… simply being with him in conversation about our LORD, about family and about that brief moment of singing: “Jesus is coming soon; morning or night or noon” This event and those like it is really what the apostle Paul is referring to here in these few verses of scripture about pastor Titus. Titus has labored in the Corinthian church and the message of a good report is just the news he needs to be refreshed in his spirit.

This is really what living in Christ is all about; we should receive the news of our obedience to God with the confidence that it is God who is at work in our lives and not we ourselves. We have no confidence in the flesh and one of the eye openers to this in the fact that the words we speak to one another find no meaning other than general conversation. But when those words are filtered through the indwelling Holy Spirit in these earthen vessels we gain the confidence that only God can provide; which is comfort in a dying world.

The Devotional - Looking at the Book #562

The Devotional - Looking at the Book #562

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Psalm 119:20 Injustice is all around town, traditions full of deceptive ideals, cultures full of half truths and religion trying to strike a balance in both worlds, the weight of worldly blindness is so great that the heart has no time to recover. There is peace in the justice of God's HOLY Word!

Good Morning

One of the best ways to lose sight of the enemy is for the troops around you to lose sight of the mission in front of them. But I am reminded of a man named Gideon who ended up with three hundred men out of thirty two thousand. He and those three hundred were sent by God to the camp of the Midianites and Amalekites. ( a number of men to large to count) If you know the events of this story, you know that God confused the camp of Midian and everyone drew their sword against each other, and then fled off into the night. The three hundred men of Gideon's army merely surrounded the enemy camp. Made fire in a jar and made a lot of noise, not one of them raised a sword for battle. (Judges 6-8) The Word of God clearly explains to us that the battle is the Lord's. As a young boy, David the future king of Israel knew the battle belongs to the LORD when he fought against the Philistines. (1 Samuel 17:47). In Proverbs 21:31 we are told that the horse is prepared for the battle, but deliverance is of the LORD. We must always be prepared for war, but we must always trust that God will fight the battle for victory. Oh! Before I forget there is at least one other prerequisite. God must be on our side; as a nation I am not so sure we qualify as being on His side since we have allied with Sodom and Gomorriah and our military camps are full of confusion just like that of the Medians and the Amaleks. .

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 7:8-12 – Anytime someone reads the writing of another or hears a message; emotions will enter the mindset when seeking to comprehend. I like to think of the emotions of the unfaithful world as surface ships. These emotions have little depth; but leave a wide and visible wake that will rock smaller vessels that cross wake. Maybe a better example is wearing our emotions on your sleeve. Again, some folks are proud of being identified by a badge of humility or the chevron of intimidator on their sleeve; which is nothing more than the selfish sins associated with unbelief.

However, when people who are faithful to the Word of God hear a message or read commentary related to the Word of God which is focused on truth; the resulting emotions are not like that of a surface ship with a visible and destructive wake; but like that of a submarine where the depth of the water make the wake invisible. Being absorbed by knowledge of the LORD. Who by taking our emotions will season us in personal salvation sanctification! I hope you are following me in this?

The whole of this second epistle of Paul is based on Thee God of all comfort in whom these earthen vessels the Spirit of God dwells. What we see, hear, read and experience; in His sanctifying work as we suffer in every way is not to produce a sorrow like that of the world; producing death to everything it touches. These sanctifying events go to the depth of our soul where the treasure of God’s excellent power dwells; the outward work of this forgives wrong and produces the joy of the LORD. So it is not the wrongful event to focus on like the chevron on the sleeve that cannot forgive, or the badge of humility that goes no deeper than the sleeve it is on.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #561

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #561

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Psalm 119:17 Longevity of life is not found in diet and exercise, since the profit of this is little! But a bountiful life is obtained in the grace of God to the one who lives in the Word, watching daily at the gate. 1 Timothy 4:8 and Proverbs 8:32-36

Good Morning

To be or not to be, that is the question; whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them. To die, to sleep; No more; and by a sleep to say we end the heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to — 'tis a consummation devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep; to sleep, perchance to dream. Aye, there's the rub,... From Shakespeare's Hamlet; Act 3, scene 1 written around 1600 and said to be one of the most eloquent orations ever written. Maybe from a secular point of view it is, yet I believe that it is morbid if you read the whole of it. When Jesus was asked to teach His disciples to pray, He used sixty-six words as recorded in Matthew's gospel. In all of the languages of the world these words are the most articulated words ever spoken or written; explaining the Paternity of God; the Plan of God; the Provision of God; the Pardon of God; the Protection of God and the Permanence of God. The Pathway of the upright is the highway paved by these 66 words. It is better to live in the light of this truth. Then to die in the battle of self-destruction found in the words of secular humanism. It is okay to be bold; it is not okay to be foolish! Matthew 6:9-13. Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 7:3-7 – As we travel through this epistle I have been reminded time and again about the theme of the letter. Comfort; have you ever dropped a can of marbles and watch them spread across the floor and feel as though it will take a month of Sundays to pick them all up. Once you have collected the marbles comfort returns. In our feeble attempt to live in comfort we need to live in the truth that! “GOD NEVER DROPS HIS CAN OF MARBLES”

Now I am not claiming to have it all figured out so please do not take me wrong; but this one thing I have noticed over the last five years is that God’s Plan for mankind is painstakingly contained by the prophets and apostles. The themes and subjects of every word in the Holy Bible point to the Living Word (Jesus Christ). He alone is the Word of Life; 1 John 1:1-4 in order that His saints enjoy living life to the full. Simply put; this epistle explains this fullness of life in intricate, but accurate detail.

We live can life in boldness as we see God at work; in our tribulations, or trials, or suffering. Our flesh has little rest and life is troubling. Yet God always sends comfort; in a downcast moment; comfort comes from another brother or sister in the LORD. This is not happenchance as someone of a secular viewpoint may like to point out. This consolation comes directly from God… who is God of all comfort. The zeal of the LORD is the joy of the LORD in action. Sorrow is replaced by JOY, not because of who we are; but because of Who God IS. John 16:16-24.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #560

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #560

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Psalm 119:16 – Some of our most pleasant moments are when we are looking into the Perfect Law of Liberty. His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not like our thoughts. Joy and Peace are the attributes of the soul at rest with His statutes. Psalm 19:7-10

Good Morning

I believe in a young earth and it is not popular these days to think that the earth is less than twelve thousand years old. My answer to those who want to ridicule and say that people like me are wrong is: “so what!” Once you go beyond the history of recorded human life, what is the point of going any further? Only one and that is to deny the existence of the Creator. The evolutionist simply seeks to replace the Creator who IS ETERNAL with the created that IS TEMPERAL. The existence of God is forever and even God cannot be measured in time. God does not need a clock to measure His existence and eternity is always a present condition with Him. Eternity has no past or future since eternity is always present. It is futile to search for the beginning of time and it is nonsense to seek the beginning of God. For the human mind to come up with “the” answer is in my thinking a thing of vanity, since who is there to verify the validity of such a thing. Deuteronomy 29:29 helps me know that the secrets of creation belong to God alone and that the Laws of God are provided for us to believe and to pass on to our children. Our schools, our community and our nation have failed to be faithful to this. Thus today our children are a by-product of a failed society. This fundamental principle of truth is a root cause of pollution today. Say what? Oh! Not the pollution that chokes our physical breath; but the pollution produced by men and women who teach, preach and suppress the truth that God created the heavens and the earth to promote their own ungodly agendas. Romans 1:18-32

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 7:2 – This is a real problem in churches today since there are many believers walking about with chips on their shoulders. Now I would say that this is a common thing among those who are recently saved and who have not experienced true brotherly love or the promises of God and true spirituality. But this is not the case many of our so called seasoned saints are carrying logs on their shoulders and several large splinters in their eyes because of falsely judging other saints. Matthew 7:1-6

Truly anyone who uses the Word of God deceitfully should be condemned and I know that verse 3 is not looking at that thought, but I am seeking to be plain in my presentation of truth in that I am not sharing this with us to judge or condemn ourselves before God; but to edify each of us in the grace of God in order that we can share together the joy of the LORD. After all; in our contemporary life we live and we die together or as we would say today; we are all in the same boat.

I could be bolder and I enjoy the apostle Paul for his boldness… don’t you? And if you know me you know that I boast a lot; sometimes it is taken wrong in that I am boasting in the flesh, but I do not think of it in that way… God will certainly be the judge in this. But I boast because of what God is doing in my life and how I perceive that he is doing the same in your life. Truly there is JOY in the LORD and as we proceed through the remainder of this epistle we will see that suffering produces the real JOY of the LORD in these earthen vessels. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.

A Devotional - Looking at the Book #559

A Devotional - Looking at the Book #559

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Psalm 119:15 “I will, or I do” comes to me while contemplating the Word of God. These should not be words of idle promise, but an everlasting covenant with Him. As it is God's Will that we follow His precepts faithfully.

Good Morning

One more story from that news room barrel, this one from England: Paula, and her husband, Chris, had just finished tucking their young ones into bed one evening and after return to the parlor, they heard crying coming from the children's room. Rushing in, they found Tommy crying hysterically. He had accidentally swallowed a 5p piece and was sure he was going to die. No amount of talking could change his mind. Trying to calm him, Chris palmed a 5p coin that he happened to have in his pocket and pretended to remove it from Tommy's ear. Tommy, naturally, was delighted. In a flash, he snatched it from his father's hand, swallowed it and demanded cheerfully - 'Do it again, Dad!' Sometimes our quick thinking is just that… it is just not fast enough!

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 6:11-18 – Speaking to the Galatians the apostle could have easily said; “O Earthen vessels!” Our mouths are open from our heart where our words come from. You are not being restricted by us in any way, but it is your own restriction that is affecting your response to what we say. So be like children again and respond by opening your heart. Take in again what we are saying.

Stop being equally yoked with the unbeliever, since you are washed clean by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:1-2) you are unequal. You must know that with the unbeliever there is fellowship; but it is unholy. There is relative righteousness; but this is lawlessness and there is communion with the unbeliever; but this leads only to further darkness. Jesus Christ does not mix with the religions of darkness. So we believers have no part with the unbeliever, except as a witness to them of godliness which leads to holiness.

We are God’s temple of earthen vessels made new and we do walk among the earthen vessels that have no hope; we may be the only semblance of God they will ever see, therefore our separate (although not complete) must reveal to them that we are holy. In other words what the unbeliever does is unholy and unclean by word and deed. We are sons and daughters of God; the LORD God Almighty. 1 Corinthians 7:1 so let us claim the promises; be holy; cleanse ourselves and in the fear of the LORD and leave the 5p on the nightstand.

A Devotional - Looking at the Book #558

A Devotional - Looking at the Book #558

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Psalm 119:14 The joy of my day is the Word of God; His testimonies do not fail; even when all around me the way of life is suffering and dying… His Word is everlasting peace!

Good Morning

There is room for most anything to happen in life; don’t cha know? I remember when I had owned a business shortly after retiring from the military. The work caused me to be up during the night because we cleaned banks and schools. One early morning on the way to our last job, I was listening to a radio station in Wheeling, West Virginia. The disk jockey as a normal routine would play a few songs; then share a piece of news from what he referred to as the news that comes from the bottom of the news room barrel. Seems that one early morning there was heavy fog in a small town called Guetersloh in West Germany; two vehicles were heading down the road at opposite directions and “they” collided; head-on. The fog was so thick that the two men driving had rolled down the driver side window and both had their head outside the window following the line in the middle of the road. The head on collision was not the vehicles but both heads of the drivers. The autos suffered no damage, not even the side mirrors; the drivers were hospitalized with serious head trauma. Seems that many believers these days are moving about in a spiritual fog that is as dense as that in Guetersloh; could these be like the slothful of Proverbs 24:30-34?

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 6:8-10 – The earthen vessel of the minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ is unique among all other earthen vessels. As we noticed earlier we saw that the redeemed vessel has experience the excellent power of God and that this vessel now contains a treasury of good attributes. Attributes that only God has, but because of His love; He has given to us exceeding great and precious promises to utilize this treasury which fails not.

When we are IN the thick of it as the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 6:1-5 shares; he goes on to say that we have victory already, by purity, knowledge, longsuffering, kindness, the indwelling Holy Spirit, sincere (un-hypocritical) love, the word of truth, the power of God and righteousness. Then he changes his focus a bit by saying that in verses eight through ten that our armor of Christ’s Righteousness (the treasury in our earthen vessel) surrounds us on the right and left; even when we are honored or dishonored, even when it is reported that our actions are evil when not; even as deceivers, but yet we are true.

Known or unknown the message of righteousness is known; therefore we are in the eyes of the world as a dying breed… God is dead the world would say; but yet we LIVE; we are also chastened by the world for our testimony of truth; yet we live on and are not killed. We are sorrowful; yet we are always found rejoicing; we even seem poor while we encourage others to be rich; in that we seem to have nothing and yet; in Christ’s Righteousness we have all things. 2 Corinthians 4:7 is the key to understanding this whole epistle. I truly enjoy this epistle of Paul’s and I hope you do too.

A Devotional - Looking at the Book #557

A Devotional - Looking at the Book #557

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Psalm 119:13 I know that the LORD is righteous and justice is on His lips. Therefore I am bound by the Spirit of Him to do the same, but sometimes; I grieve the Holy Spirit by keeping quite. (Eph.4:30)

Good Morning

In December 2008 I selected this article from the LOS ANGELES TIMES, October 8 as it reminded me of an experience during my youth: People in northwestern Montana have been advised to be on the lookout for drunken bears. Black bears and grizzlies have been congregating along the tracks of the Burlington Northern railroad; where a train carrying hundreds of tons of corn derailed some time ago. The corn has fermented and the aroma is attracting the bears. "The bears are actually intoxicated up there," said wildlife biologist Loren Hicks. And a grizzly with a hangover can be as cross as a bear. Pun was intended! Cross as a bear was mom’s favorite saying about my father’s character when he was drunk. When I was a young boy my father had a pet goose; most evenings you would find the two them at the local bar. After a few hours both would come staggering out of the bar and come home. Usually when they returned my dad would brag on the goose's ability to drink, but one night he came home raging like a bear. My mom asked him what was wrong; his pet goose staggered into the road and got himself run over. My dad was as cross as a bear for the next few days... No corn here; no bull either, just a bad experience as a child. Children need parents with good character and there seems to be so little of integrity these days. I wonder how those bears are treating their young!

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 6:1-8 – Now I thought that we would be moving into chapter seven this morning, but yesterday I had some idle time and was rereading chapter six. Don’t you just love the Word of the Living God? I know I do; I am struck by the Words of Scripture every day. When I am down or even when I feel like walking away from the LORD; you know that feeling don’t you? “Prone to wander LORD I feel it; prone to leave the God I love” you know the song too… Come Thou fount of every blessing – Robert Robinson… early 1800.

Well it is going to take us a few more days in this chapter and I hope it makes you as goose bumpy as it does me as we revisit the chapter. We are fellow workers for the gospel of Christ… there is little pay for this work; yes I know that the pastors and some teachers receive income and they should; but when you take a good look at the work of the gospel you will find professional people, laborers, clerks and service people who know Jesus personally. They too, receive compensation from the hand of the LORD since God owns all the cattle… the bears too.

So in all; we commend ourselves as ministers of God… can you just get hold of that for a moment? Ministers of God brings such joy to my heart I can hardly make my fingers go fast enough to explain what I mean. But this joy does not come without SUFFERING does it? Notice if you will the apostle’s words. Ministers of God; in much patience, tribulations, needs, distresses, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleeplessness and fasting.

We experience these episodes of ministry because it is the life of Christ. Just as the LORD relied on the excellent power of God in His earthen vessel… we too can rely on the power of God through the Holy Spirit. Notice the next few verses. By purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God and by the armor of righteousness. All attributes of the Living God. Well I have run out of time and space; we will pick this up again tomorrow.

A Devotional Look at the Book #556

A Devotional Look at the Book #556

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Psalm 119:9 – The upright in heart has no need to cover their tracks; since the cleansing effect of God's Word keeps them pure. Oh taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who trusts in Him. Psalm 34:8

Good Morning

This is an incredible story, but true: Once there was a man in California who decided to tie several helium filled weather balloons to his lawn chair; he weighted the chair so it would not take off. He strapped himself to the chair; and placed his .22 cal. Rifle in his lap. Then he cut the ropes holding him to the ground. His plan was to see if he could get lift-off! He thought that one by one he would shoot the balloons and return safely to the ground. All was not well; the chair shot off the ground so quickly that he was above his house by several feet before he could get hold of his thought to pull the trigger on the rifle. Now he was presented with another problem in his mind. “What if I hit more than one balloon and I fall like a rock, I'll die” So! Scared to do anything; he just sat there. Soon a passenger jet that was landing at a nearby airport passed him. The air passengers where alarmed and reported that the plane had just past a guy sitting in a lawn chair holding a rifle. I would be alarmed, wouldn't you? The pilot reported to the local airport that he had just passed a guy sitting in a lawn chair with a rifle; of course the airport personnel believed him! After some debate, the pilot was able to convince the ground people that he had not lost his mind. A military helicopter was dispatched to assist the guy in the lawn chair. The pilot was able to push the chair back down by getting above the balloons and forcing the chair downward. The chair, the rifle and the man were safe, the balloons were destroyed and life goes on. Should there not be a warning on all lawn chairs about flight safety or something! After all there is a warning on most everything else we humans misuse… just a thought!

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 6:11-18 – In the paragraph above we simply see that mankind is restricted in his logic. Now I know you are saying… I would never do something as stupid as strapping myself to chair and flying off into the air, but you do know as well as I that foolishness of life has always been at war with integrity which demands we live responsibly. Thus we have a relative righteousness that is mixed with a relative foolishness. This is a mixture of selfishness that causes suffering of every kind in our lives and the lives of those associated with us.

Preachers and teachers call out to us with affection for our soul, but we mostly do not respond back with the same affection. Why? Because our affections are strapped to foolishness, or as the apostle plainly states; we are not wholly separated from worldly affections. We live our Christian way of life by ignoring the command to not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. These unbelievers include friends and blood relatives who strapped to the foolishness and the powers of the evil air around us.

We have learned from earlier verses that we have this excellent power in these earthen vessels and here in these passages we are told that God will walk among us. He willingly then has done all to be our God; but we must be willing to be wholly separated to Him as His people. He requires that we remove the straps that bind us to the unbeliever, the world and too be HOLY. Be separate says the LORD and I will be your Father and you shall be my Sons and Daughters; says the LORD God Almighty!

A Devotional Look at the Book #555

A Devotional Look at the Book #555

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Just think for a moment; purpose and direction on earth is limited by time and space. But when our hearts fine purpose in our Creator; we are redirected by His Way, His Truth and His Life. This pathway of His exceeds time and space and called, eternity with Him. John 14:1-6

Good Morning

This morning trying to reflect on things out of the past I am reminded that some people have said in general that the present is more important. You know... recent things that go on would tend to prove that God is still currently working in your life. Explaining something that happened twenty years ago is okay, but we want to hear what God did yesterday in your life. Then the LORD reminded me of Moses who wrote the first five books of the Old Testament; much of which was two thousand years before his time. Yes, I know the bible is inspired and absolute truth. I am not trying to contend with that and would be a fool if I were to try! But sometimes ancient people like my self have ancient, but true stories to tell. And it is a whole lot better than telling those dumb blond jokes since that would be a misnomer; blonds are not dumb; are they? Careful how you answer that one; women know how to become a blond while on lunch break. Anyway things like that really go against the written word of the Living God. Ephesians 5:4. So what did God do yesterday? The very same thing He did today! And by the way it is the very same thing He will do tomorrow. He is the Eternal, Omnipresent, Immutable, Omniscient, Omnipotent, Sovereign, Truthful, Righteous and Just. He is God who protects what He created with His most powerful attribute: LOVE. 1 John 3:1; Psalm 8:1-9; Psalm 19:1-14 and Hebrews 13:8.

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 6:1 – I do not suppose that you might think of yourself as equal in character with the apostle Paul do you? Would it be blasphemous to think a thought like that? I believe from the passages before us that the apostle is hoping that some of him will rub off on you and me. Notice he says that we are workers together with him and with the LORD Jesus Christ and that if we are not working as Christ intended then we have received the grace of God in vain.

So we really should be careful; while we do not want to be legalistically pious in our approach to serving and working together for the gospel we also do not want to squander the grace of God; do we? Here is a thought from a secular example: At an acceptable time your future employer heard your expression of faith in your ability to do the job he or she offered. On that day they delivered you into that job and helped you; so now is that time, it is the day you and your employer has been waiting for.

Who do you learn from? The general manager is not going to teach you, although he should send help; maybe the foreman will be of some help. However a good company will have manuals and regulations to interpret. All of these manuals and regulations were written by people who have long since; perished or moved on to other opportunities, but their methods are proven to work and work well.

The greater calling for you and me is bearing the marks of ministry with our LORD and those who have gone before us; we do this by imitating them which is a far more rewarding life. Notice 1 Corinthians 6:10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. 1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1 and Hebrews 6:12