The Devotional – A Look at the Book #611

by Jesse Abel

What Papa “J” has to say! #32

Old age has an advantage over the strength of the younger generation which is not necessarily the graying of the hair. It is what resides under the hair that matters; if the matter is found in the Righteousness of Christ. Proverbs 20:27-29

The Devotional

Yesterday was a slow day at work so I gathered up a bunch of parts that were unused and after sorting the items I had several boxes of items to return to the auto parts stores in our area. At one of the stores there was a long line of customers and as it happened; this box of returns was the heaviest… rotors and brake pads. In front of me was a stern looking woman and just from her actions I could tell she was looking for an opportunity to be snooty. I said, ”ma’am; are you in line?” her reply; “of course, I am”. “Well yes I thought so, but there is a large gap between you and the next person, I did not want to become a bull in the china closet with these heavy parts which I could place on the counter without cutting the line”. She did not respond and she did not move. Here is the rub! A haughty look, a proud heart, and the plowing (lamp or motive) of the wicked are sin. Proverbs 21:4 and; It is better to dwell in the corner of a doorway, than in a “parts store” shared with a contentious woman. An on the spot version of; Proverbs 21:9. It is better because it is the godly thing to do and far better then some of the aforethought that raced through my mind.

ECCLESIASTES 5

Ecclesiastes 5:17-20 – Here is what Solomon says about the prosperity of the poor and the rich. “All his days he eats in darkness, and he has much sorrow and sickness and anger” All of this is due to one event in the history of the earth and we know it as the Fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of God. Is this good and evil…? But it is also the heritage of man from God. You say a heritage? Yes but be thankful because the heritage is temporal and not eternal.

Verse 18-19 qualifies as the answer since Solomon says so; it is mankind’s heritage to eat, drink and enjoy life from the resources he has which are also temporal. While on earth God has given mankind power to eat the fruit of his labor; fruit that leads to eternal blessing or eternal condemnation, too receive his heritage from God, too rejoice in his labor because it is God’s gift. Those who recognize this truth will see God as Psalm 19:1-14 reveals Him. Those who do not will see God as related from Luke 16:19-31.

Verse 20 is my favorite, those whom come to Jesus Christ do not live without purpose, or unduly all the days of his or her life; I experientially know this because God keeps me busy living in the joy of my heart. Walking in fellowship with Him, working with people around me and expressing His joy and love for them, none of this would be possible for any of us, if God had not cursed sin in Garden and placed His Son as the only sacrifice to restore life. John 11:25-26. Do you believe this?