The Devotional - A Look at the Book #585

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #585

by Jesse Abel

Papa J's rules for Livin #8

Psalm 119:54 Our homes tell a lot about who we are; yet, it is this house of flesh that tells me who I am. When the statutes of the LORD are joyfully abiding, my soul is sweet, and songs of praise caress my lips, such joy is too wonderful to comprehend or express.

The Devotional

One Christmas just after being saved I pulled duty on Christmas Day at the local Navy base. The two of us Storekeepers were to issue material and supplies that would be needed that day. All was very quiet except for an emergency issue of medicine. During the course of the day the other Storekeeper and I were talking about the gospel of Jesus Christ. I was recently saved and I was excited about Jesus. (Are you excited about Jesus?) It was now evening and the issue of medicine interrupted our evening meal. I traveled over to the building that housed the refrigeration products for the base and where the meds were located. As I walked too the smaller refrigerator where the meds were stored I noticed a pallet of egg nog (my favorite). I said to my self; “this will finish off our evening meal in a typical Christmas fashion.” Back at the supply office, we issued the meds and resumed our meal and I presented the egg nog. After eating and having some egg nog I said to the man opposite me. “Sow what do you think about all I have said regarding Jesus and accepting Him as your Savior?” He said; “no I do not think so since it did not bother you to steal the egg nog, that must be a sin right? My testimony was destroyed and so was faith in this man’s heart. There is absolutely no excuse for this sort of conduct in a believers life, this was a lesson learned early for me, but all to often many who give testimony of being saved walk in this sort of darkness and think nothing of it. Ephesians 5:8-14

Ecclesiastes

A few years ago we looked at the Book of Ecclesiastes and it is time to look again. I hope you will enjoy the Wisdom of Solomon with me as we tour his time of seeking the pleasures of life without the guidance of God. Most people today live in the pleasures of life; but they do so without wisdom. Therefore they suffer because everything they do is locked in time and when the time runs out; they step into eternity with nothing to show for life, so what is done; is for naught.

This little book of twelve chapters is not very popular; preachers bash it, unbelievers make songs and fortunes from it and most of the world’s population has never fingered through the pages. This of course is too our shame… the book is rich with insights that many of us are afraid of, or have been destroyed by. So as we begin; as in any adventure it would be good to pray and ask God for blessing and purpose. Here is my reasoning!

This little book covers every imaginable thing that can happen to humanity while living in time. Solomon experienced it all; he did this intentionally because of purpose in his heart, but in turn God took what the man did and revealed the depth of his sin. There is much to learn from this man’s observations and experience in life and the pursuit of happiness apart from God. I hope you are as excited as I am about the journey ahead. And remember…”Vanity of vanities.” Says the preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” In much wisdom is much grief! With God’s permission we will see vanity and wisdom fight the battle of life under the sun.