The Devotional - A Look at the Book #701

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #701

by Jesse Abel

I’ve been thinking about the temple of God lately and how forbidden it must seem to us. You know how in the Old Covenant that only the High Priest once a year was allowed in the Holy of Holies and how the others were only allowed into the Holy Place, but not without a sin offering. Hebrews 8:1-13 explains that we now have a better covenant with better promises. Visit the Spirit of the LORD in your Temple!

It is so easy for us to bark out an excuse… “I ’can’t do that; don’t bother me; this is not my responsibility; I’m too old; give me a break!” I am sure I could fill the whole page with these, “frankly madam, I don’t care quips”. Most of our attitude toward people, places and property is revealed when we use our tongue to push our agenda over that of others. We do this all the time, even unknowingly. In business relationships, we slow production, in institutions like schools or churches, we bend the standards and with people we cause disappointment and depression.

The apostle Paul states in Romans 7:28 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Earlier he explains that he has tried it all; living for self and living under the mandates of the Law and that both avenues lead to a dead end. Jesus explains also to Paul that all of this activity is like kicking against the goads (a sharp stinging object) Acts 9:5.

Do we not kick against the goads when we excuse our self from things that we know we ought to be doing? I know for a fact that each time I belt out an excuse that the sharp arrows of Satan begin to fly. An excuse is letting your armor down in that while wrestling with the circumstances our shield of faith is the first line of defense to drop. Ephesians 6:10-18. Now for my excuse! “I don’t have to tell you that… do I?” As you already know it!

Well… yes I do since the apostle Peter says clearly that while he is in his tabernacle (physical body) he will tell us again and again reminding us of our need to be faithful to the LORD. 2 Peter 1:12-21. For pastors and teachers who study the Word of God it is great joy to share the revealed truth of the Holy Word of God. This does not mean that there is a new doctrine or revelation and those who say that there is are preaching destructive doctrines. But what does all this mean? It means that we all have the responsibility to remain faithful to the LORD, even when we know that our faith God is being challenged by those who know that we walk by faith and not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

Have a joyful day in the LORD. Why? Joy lasts forever; but being happy… only for the moment!