The Devotional - A Look at the Book

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

 

By now some of you have written; where is Jesse, he is a couple of devotional shy of a week’s load and there was no warning. I do apologize and the story unfolds below.

 

Good Morning

Last week during a phone call with my mom (she is ninety) she explained that the rehab center she was temporarily in was going to discharge her on Tuesday, August 27 and would I come to the meeting that was going to take place on the Thursday before which was the 23rd. Have I confused you yet?

I went to the meeting where I found out that the house she lives in is not capable of supporting her at the present time because of plumbing and heating issues. I explained to the professionals in charge of the rehab center that I would take my mom to my home in CT.

This is no small thing:

1. I am out of state; new doctors, new day care providers and other agencies “life line” and such.

2. Daily schedules dramatically change, even the ones that were planned before my mom came. Now please don’t take me wrong. I love my mom and helping her thus far is a blessing even with the few challenges

Louise and I had scheduled to “marshal at the “Deutscha Bank” golf tournament in Norton, MA. Beginning on August 29, thus and because of being tossed about with rescheduling some things I have not been able to find a moment to send out an email in a timely way explain that I would be away for a short time.

I have learned some interesting things about elder care that will be worth talking about as some point soon. I will be back on track Tuesday, September 4, 2012.
Thanks for your patience.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #784

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

 

Proverbs 9:10-12 – How many times have you heard? The Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. I wonder if you are like me and like those stiff-necked Israelites who failed to comprehend. God is Holy and when we acknowledge this He adds days and years to our life. Should you choose to scoff at this sin results and you alone will bear it. Isaiah 55:1-13 Wow!

 

Good Morning

When I was a child my parents would take me to the carnival park; of the many things to do there I always liked the fishing attraction where one could scoop up a plastic fish with a number on it and win the prize associated with the number. Usually the item won was of little value like tinsel, but ever-so often someone would win a glamorous item, yet still not worth much.

Tinsel and glamour to the eyes of mankind are like the bait that catches many of fish who are hungry and ignorant of the danger that awaits them at the end of the hook. Tinsel and glamour is not easily identified, but if you involve yourself with this sort of pleasure it becomes very intoxicating, because it is “clamorous” and there is a variance between the word glamor and clamor in that glamor catches the eye while clamor catches the ear.

Here in the context of Proverbs 9:13-18 we are faced with a very large dose of “pride”, a pride that expresses its presence from the mouth. The Holy Word of God calls this boisterous behavior… simple mindedness, so simple that whether the one is female or male; he or she knows nothing at all even though they understand words of intimidation and how to intimate.

Clamor likes to shout at those who desire to walk on the straight path and clamor judges these folks as simple, yet Romans 2:1 correctly states that the one judging, judges his or her own actions. Yet there are those who walk a path of integrity who let their guard down.

They no doubt have little understanding of the danger that lurks behind the bait. “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant”. Yet the one who eats and drinks this deception will in the end find that their mouth is full of gravel. Proverbs 20:17

Those who suffer under the influence of a mouth of boisterous pride are often suppressed by a bitter tongue. These individuals suffer depression and loneliness; they feel inferior and are usually full of anxiety. They feel dead and they feel like their clamorous helper has many friends in hells just waiting for the moment to snatch him or her into their miserable surroundings.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #783

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

 

Proverbs 9:10-12 – How many times have you heard? The Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. I wonder if you are like me and like those stiff-necked Israelites who failed to comprehend. God is Holy and when we acknowledge this He adds days and years to our life. Should you choose to scoff at this sin results and you alone will bear it. Isaiah 55:1-13 Wow!

 

Good Morning

From these three verses in Proverbs this morning and because I am burdened over an issue of sin I write the following. In the 1990’s, one of the inmates we were ministering to wanted to know the definition of the word sin. One answer he heard was from a dear friend who is now home with the LORD. His answer was; writing and cashing a check without signing the check.

Actually the Webster dictionary that I have in front of me gives a decent answer and this is what it reads. “An offense against God as a result of a weakened human nature” so first off sin is not an object, yet the object (like an unsigned check) could be knowingly used as sin. Sin is not a person; however a person can knowingly sin by failing to sign a check. Sin is not a Law, but the law can be broken when a check is knowingly cashed without a legal signature resulting in sin.

While there is human involvement with others, with objects and with the civil laws of the land; sin is not committed against another human an innate object or a legal perimeter; biblically I cannot say to anyone… you have sinned against me; an object or a specific law, I CAN ONLY SAY THAT YOU HAVE SINNED AGAINST GOD. We may often reduce this to words like; “you seem to be out of the Will of the LORD on this thought” or” it might be a good idea if I let the LORD deal with you in this matter”.

This is not a conviction of sin and certainly not a remark that one is guilty of breaking a civil law; but it is a challenge to the one receiving such a word from another to think about the consequences of their actions or events leading up to that reprimand or biblical exhortation.

What is the root cause of sin? Hebrews 12:13. Bitterness; bitterness makes us fear and causes us to be spiritually feeble, in this weakened state we want to strike out at everyone in our past, our present and future and this causes everyone within that path of bitterness to be defiled.

Bitterness is like the old west cowboy and his six-shooter; the cowboy rides into town with snoot full of intoxicating bitterness and his six-shooter is blazing. The innocent is condemned by one stray bullet and the cowboy chokes on his own reoccurring and violent vomit and he cannot help but to wipe his mouth with the skirt and shirt of his love ones.

As his victims lay suffering with his stench and defilement the cowboy rides off to another town, maybe this time it will be a friend, a brother or sister who suffers the stray, but deadly dart! And this goes on and on and on. Until there is none to help as this sort of defilement is deadly, for those of a bitter heart. Is there reconciliation for this person? Hebrews 12:12-17 is the challenge and some of us need to apply this to our soul, do we not?

I have confidence in the LORD that His Will is going to be accomplished in everything, because I know He hears my words with Him and He often answers with words of Grace and Mercy and also in Truth and Love. (These answers are not normally mine.) If I see my brother or sister sinning, I will tell him or her so, it is my biblical and spiritual responsibility. All UNRIGHTEOUSNESS IS SIN and who knows there may be repentance and restoration and if not, God will deal with the matter and I do not have too! 1 John 5:14-17.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #782

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

 

Proverbs 9:1-8 – The Word of God is perfect, if you have not settled this as truth in your mind then your faith in our Perfect Creator is suffering. Please don’t take my word for it; just read the whole of Proverbs 9 and notice the way of wisdom and the way of folly. Or, take a few moments over the next few days with me as we do just that.

 

Good Morning

Have you ever been invited to a banquet? Hopefully your answer is yes. Once many years ago as a young sailor at thanksgiving our ship was home ported in Newport, Rhode Island. Several days before Thanksgiving, in the afternoon the ship’s company (all onboard) was called to stand fast and listen to an announcement from the captain.

A well-known family was inviting up to twenty-five sailors to their home for a Thanksgiving Banquet. Those who wished to attend needed only to sign the attendance sheet which was located in the mess hall. The prerequisites were few; just single sailors and those who had no other obligations. As it turned out I was one who could go and I did.

The banquet as far as I remember was perfect and still stands tall as one of the most perfect dining arrangements that I ever attended in this life time. All of the food was prepared and portioned, wine and water was plentiful and the table which comfortably sat all of us sailors and the family was perfectly arranged. The sailors did not sit segregated from the family but were grafted in. one member of the family, one sailor and so on until all were seated.

Well I could go on and on about this, but in the early days of my career in the United States Navy, this sort of thing was common on all the major holidays. In fact; the our church family does host a meal for our military even to this day on the major holidays.

Proverbs 9:1 – There is nothing to add to wisdom, there are no new discoveries, whatever is discovered or invented is already understood and furnished by WISDOM. Wisdom simply opens the door and invites the hungry searcher or inventor in. Then it is up to that guest to feed from the prepared banquet.

There is this thought as I read Proverbs 9:1-12, this wisdom is not just for the seekers and reapers, but for the simple and the vagabond too. Truly I am a man of poor study habits; I quit school at the ninth grade level and later achieved a high school diploma through the GED program in the Navy. Also later after the age of forty I received an associate’s degree as Associate of Ministerial Theology, While I am not simple; I am the VAGABOND, yet I am blessed, daily.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #781

 

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

 

Proverbs 8:32-36 – Everything that mankind does carries a consequence and some would want to say that because of this; God is full of wrath and anger. This sort of thinking however is ignorance of wisdom toward God leading to foolishness of heart and this is all accomplished by personal choice. It is simple really; Mankind is the sinner, not God. Psalm 14:1-3

 

Good Morning

Proverbs 8:32-36 – So after presenting the picture of wisdom as being the sidekick of God during the Creation WEEK (six literal days of creating and one literal day of rest) Genesis 1:1-31and Genesis 2:1-4) we have these five verses of warning.

The first words of wisdom regarding the use and understanding of wisdom is to keep the ways of wisdom within the guidelines previously established. What were these, well we touched on this before; prudence and heart. That mankind (or as wisdom states my children) in verse 32 is that all tongues, tribes and nations have the potential to use and understand the wisdom of God, properly.
Psalm 19

Therefore being frugal in the use of God’s wisdom is a choice made by each of us. Frugality is a choice of the human heart and if the heart is corrupt and it is, then how can one be supported in the proper use of the wisdom of God?

Proverbs 8:33 – What a challenging verse, we hear instruction all day long, but the instruction of and from God should never be rejected. When the wisdom of God is thought to be obsolete or dead as many believe today; then Proverbs 8:34 reveal the aftermath. Blessing to the individual who is supported by the attributes of godly wisdom; to the one who is listening, watching and waiting under the doorposts of prudence and a responsive heart.

In Proverbs 9 we see a pathway for the people of God to take and also a pathway for the foolish, no doubt this will be our next study since Solomon speaks of the seven pillars of wisdom and I believe that Proverbs 8:34 connects us to those seven pillars.

So here we are at the final verses of Proverbs 8, whoever finds wisdom, finds life and favor (grace). He or she does not find this by looking to a stone building full of books and professors. They find this wisdom from God Himself who is not confined to houses of stone and from those who preach liberty, those who are confessors of truth.

Speaking of Israel the apostle Paul explains the rejection of the gospel which is the wisdom of God in this way… “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things”. Romans 10:15. We do not speak a philosophy; we speak Christ the wisdom of God. Colossians 2:1-9 and 1 Corinthians 2:1-10. This will lead us into Proverbs 9.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #780

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

Proverbs 8:22-36 – Wisdom is excellent, it is also supreme. As we see in Proverbs 8 wisdom has a voice, though not a voice of one specific entity Thus wisdom is not the voice of a living being but the voice of all of Creation which lives as revealed by the power of our Omniscient God. Psalm 19:1-14

Good Morning

Proverbs 8:24 – Can we imagine a time when existence had no depth, when everything that was not, was nothing more than a “flat line” sort of like the hospital monitor that reveals the vital signs of a dying person; the last heartbeat and then the “flat line”. No longer is there any depth to the life. Wisdom; the wisdom of God changed all of this with the voice of our Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient Creator; life began and the depth of the universe was revealed.

How foolish it is to reject the truth that… “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” Genesis 1:1. I do not know about you and your view of creation, but when I think of the depth of wisdom that created the smallest living thing to the largest object, like our universe; I am at awe! Everything created reveals God, the Master Engineer and Sustainer of all that we see and do not see. The depth of this wisdom is “LOVE” beyond comprehension in our finite beings.

The mountains, hills, fields and even the dust of the earth were created by the expressed wisdom of God. God also says in many places in His Holy Word that all that He has created has a voice, such as in Psalm 19 and remember too when Jesus was entering the city of Jerusalem that some wanted to silence the crowd and Jesus said something like this. “If you silence the people, then the rocks will cry out. Luke 19:39-40

Wisdom is like the point man or soldier who is in the front of the frontline. The advancement of all elements visible and invisible; God prepared the heavens; wisdom decrees that the heavens are good. God drew the circle of limits on the face of the deep and wisdom said, this too is good; God established the clouds and strengthened the depth of all the waters, yet limited the strength of the rivers, lakes, ponds, seas and oceans and wisdom said; this is also good.

Proverbs 8:30-31 says that wisdom was with God in all of His Creation and so perfect was this creation that wisdom was delighted with everything; it was ALL GOOD. What a joy of rejoicing is recorded for us in this wonderful Proverb, even wisdom witnessed the creation of man and wisdom maintains its delight and says that all of creation, including mankind is VERY GOOD. Genesis 1:1-31. There is a warning coming up in the final verses, we leave that for another day.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #779

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

Proverbs 8:22-36 – One could not possibly cover the rich words of wisdom in such as small paragraph as this, so this morning; or however as many as it may take we will take the time to search out the matter.

Good Morning

Remember back in verse twelve in that wisdom stated that it dwelt in a house called prudence, which is a home of caution and practicality. Also prudence has hindsight and foresight giving ability to wisdom to be logical, thus wisdom and prudence cannot be separated or else both will become ineffective.

Wisdom belongs to God and one of the neatest attributes of God is that He is willing to share what He knows with His Creation. God possessed wisdom at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. In other words… mankind cannot invent wisdom, at best he can only discover that which is already known or already revealed by God. Deuteronomy 29:29

Some would argue that wisdom is progressive and that there is no limit to what mankind can achieve and I would say that this argument is not logical or frugal since it does not enter the home of prudence but enters the house of the harlot. Proverbs 7:6-27. So now you are saying: How does that fit into the scheme of things? James 4:1-6. Pride is selfish and commits adultery with the revealed wisdom of God.

Or we can put it this way… God intends for mankind to use His wisdom with prudence, but in most every case when wisdom is received or conceived by mankind it will be adulterated in some way because mankind is fallen (sinful). It does not take much understanding to know this, for a sparse but effective example: Television is a good invention, but is mostly used today to corrupt the minds of the young and the old. The telephone; a very good invention, but used today to distract the young and the old from personal communication and personal encounters.

Also, I heard just this morning of a robot devise that you can kiss and if your spouse (???) has one and is out of town that when he or she kisses their robot devise that it is as good as being the real thing. This wisdom is within the realm of God’s revealed wisdom, but it has been twisted and adulterated to fulfill the selfish and illogical minds of corrupt men and women.

Romans 1:18-32 is not God’s disclaimer to the uses of His wisdom by mankind as some might hope for, but is the evidence that mankind uses the wisdom of God to further his attempt to separate himself foolishly and adulterously from God who loves us to the end. John 3:16.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #778

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

Proverbs 8:19-21 – The product of godly wisdom is better than gold, even the best gold. Also the profit of godly wisdom is better than choice silver. Awe shucks; there is a prerequisite here that is missed by many in that this wisdom travels a highway of righteousness and not the selfish alleys of injustice. A proper relationship with this promise will result in true wealth and treasure for those who respond properly to wisdom’s call of friendship love.

Good Morning

The promised story of life in the United States of America is much like a fictional story. I recently heard from some source that a fictional story begins with; “Once upon a time!” and ends with; “and everybody lived happily ever after!” in fact; as children we grew up with these stories at bed time, drilled into our minds by loving parents seeking pleasant dreams and future successes.

We even listened to those secular child psychology people who seemed to have all the answers for raising good and wholesome children. We even enlisted men and women in our churches to preach and teach psychological persuasions as a way of life for the whole of the family. And even today young families would rather subscribe to; “thus says the doctor” when it comes to feeding or rearing children. Our grandparents have little or no input and many do not!

Now, as polite as I can be… do we as parents and grandparents have a problem with children? Do we need to have chemicals to control the behavior of our children? Do we need psychological decisions by professional people who are drowning in their own waste water of life struggles? Parents are deemed ignorant by the ignorant and said to be failing when it comes to raising children. Some of you are saying yes; we need all the secular help we can get! Bah! Humbug!

Our story with fictional misgivings does not start with “Once upon a time” nor does it end with; “and they all lived happily ever after” simply because the USA story is not FICTIONAL, it is REAL and full of error! Our children today by worldly standards are cruel and disobedient. They are trained to be autonomous and independent of family, they are void of parental guidance. Parents and children are demonized by corrupted politics, extreme medical and psychological malpractice and a departure from… “Thus says the LORD!”

Our most precious product (our children) that we of this United States of America are currently producing is in our face and OUT OF CONTROL, yet if you listen to; and you do listen don’t you to the soothsayers today. We the people are doing okay; this too is NOT a FAIRY TALE but a flat lie. For God is angry with this generation. Take the moment and read Romans 1:18-32, then turn to Psalm 127:1-5 and implant this Psalm into your heart. Heed the challenge of James 1:21-22.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #777

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

The Holy Bible explains that one can have a loving relationship with wisdom. The Hebrew definition of this word; love is the same kind of love that one has of a friend. The friendship of one who is closer to you than a brother, show yourself friendly to wisdom; it is the right path. Proverbs 8:17 and Proverbs 18:24

Good Morning

Have you ever thought about what God thinks, or have you ever considered the value of God’s thoughts? We read the Holy Bible… at least I hope this is true of you! But in the framework of our thoughts which are somewhat selfish and critical we tend to box in the thoughts and values of God.

When we do this we either expand God to the point of being a master magician, or squeeze Him down to nothing more than a blip on the radar screen like the coming of Santa Clause on the eve of Christmas. What? I don/t do any of that you say! Really! Our God says that there is no exception. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9.

Also, God thinks about you personally and continually, He does not sleep or slumber in this toward you. Moses writes in Psalm 139:17-18 that the thoughts of God toward him are precious and great are the sum of His thoughts. If Moses could count the sand of the earth, he would still not reach the total number of God’s thoughts about him.

Think about this! The atheist says “there is no God” and his or her mind will continually seek to prove the non-existence of our Creator. The religions of the world say that a god exists but that he or she is found in a tree or is the moon or some other object that has been created by God. Then there is the moral and immoral man or woman who worship themselves or some abusive substance, thus their gods are constantly in view and craved.

The point is that MANKIND thinks about God all of the time whether he or she likes it or knows it. God has placed eternity in the hearts of all peoples, but they fail to find out His working thoughts about them, Ecclesiastes 3:9-15. Thus the thoughts of God toward mankind and the thoughts of mankind toward God are a closed system as Solomon indicates here in verses 14-15.

God will require an account in the future; just as Hebrews 9:27-28 promises, our appointment to death is not the end, it is the beginning, Christ Jesus was offered to the many who think eagerly upon God as He eagerly thinks upon them. His thoughts are to separate us from sin and place us in the kingdom of the Son of His love. “Are you ready for some SALVATION GLORIFICATION?

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #776

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

Wisdom used properly allows authorities to rule with laws of justice, purpose and safety; while this same wisdom used improperly by authorities will wreck economy, destroy freedom and murder citizens. In other words it takes wisdom to create or destroy. Proverbs 8:15-16

Good Morning

Ever hear of the term “righting arm”? Well if you ever served on a submarine you most certainly have. The term applies to the stability of the ship at any given moment. Like equilibrium; if I am walking and stumble, I have the physical ability to right my fall before weight and gravity take over and I cannot recover.

A bubble under the water seeks at all times to return to the surface, submarines override this power called buoyancy by making the weight of the submarine greater than the displacement of air volume within the bubble. The submarine accomplishes this task by filling the outer ballast tanks with water, this develops negative buoyancy and the ship goes into a controlled submergence.

There are three conditions in this process that I want to talk about; stable, neutral and unstable are critical moments that are safety factors while the submarine is submerged. There are numerous human inputs that control stable and neutral buoyancy, but there is only one input that involves an unstable condition to work in favor of the ship and that is the absence of human input.

Unlike the physical fall of a stumbling person, a submarine in an unstable condition is best handled by just letting go of the controls and let the ship “right itself” and when the conditions are right it will do just that. Now here is the rub!

If people can and do trust the machinery built by another man or woman based on the creational statutes of God like; gravity, buoyancy and equilibrium why do we have so much trouble with trusting God who placed other statutes of His Character in our life to keep us safe and free of harm from Satan, sin and spiritual separation?

I am talking to saints here… Hebrews 6:1-8 discusses the fact that many of us seem satisfied with the basic isms of other regarding salvation justification. In other words we are simply okay with discussing the foundational doctrines of baptizing, the laying on of the hands, of the resurrection of the dead, a pending eternal judgment, repentance from dead works and faith toward God.

As this passage challenges us, we should move on as God leads to the deeper wisdom and knowledge in the Holy Bible to salvation sanctification. Now I know that all analogies have flaws but hopefully we will get the point. If I am satisfied and familiar with staying stable or neutral in my walk with the LORD in the basics, I will eventually become unstable.

Likewise, if I do not exercise or train myself in the deeper doctrines of faith toward God it means that He is not in complete control of my life and that my decent from Spiritual control can end up “shipwreck” God who wrote the BOOK on all Laws of Creation, also wrote the BOOK on all Laws of Eternity. He is the “RIGHTING ARM” for TIME and ETERNITY.

There is a song that Ernie Ford used to sing that serves the moment, in fact; the term righting arm is explained as a moment. “With ARMS wide open… He’ll pardon you” have you been pardoned by His Son Jesus Christ? The answer is – YES you have, you need only to believe in Him. John 1:12.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #775

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

Counsel, sound wisdom, understanding and strength; In 1 Corinthians 3:6 we are reminded that we are the temple of God. The only way to keep your temple upright is by listening and responding obediently to the four pillars of the wisdom of God. Proverbs 8:14.

Good Morning

Sometimes it is necessary to step to the side and just watch as a spectator. Today is one of those days. A while ago a storm came through our area and it was real interesting to watch our two dogs react to the storm. Now this is nothing new as it has happened many times in the past with pretty much the same result.

Our two pets hear the thundering booms of lightning, long before the storm gets close, so by their reaction I know the storm is approaching. I don’t know about you, but I enjoy lightning and storms. I will often go out in the middle of a storm and watch the sky turn dark and on the comfort of the porch watch the rain and lightning. Not so for the dogs; especially our dog “Sally”. She is a black greyhound, but she is so afraid of a rain storm that each time I think she will die with fright.

Somehow she makes it through the storm, just like the rest of us, but the panic that goes on in her mind during the storm is so great that it knocks all of the energy in her body for a time and she just drops and sleeps it off for about an hour; fact is she is sleeping right now, but I hear more thunder approaching. Hunter on the other hand, our male dog and a Corgi is content just being under a footstool or other piece of furniture and if possible one that I am in or very near to.

For most of us the storms of life affect us in similar ways and the epistle to the Hebrews helps us face these storms by seeing Jesus Christ as who He is; the Author of a better Covenant, better sacrifices with better promises, better blessings, better confidence (hope), a better witness (testament), a better resurrection, a better future country and better results.

If we do not experience in our walk of faith this progressive strength found only in Jesus Christ then we are pretty much like our pets who weather the storms in the fear of God’s wrath while seeking to be obedient to the Law and with the fear in being condemned. But if we have come to Jesus and understand that to be justified in Him is to walk by faith in Him we will be blessed with the knowledge that since the dawn of time men and women have walked by faith in God and not by the Law of God. Hebrews 10:26 through Hebrews 11:7

The obedience of faith is the result of believing in Jesus Christ who obeyed the Law of God, and became the sinless sacrifice for you and me; without this faith it is impossible to please God.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #774

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

Wisdom has a voice; the one who studies and does not listen to the voice of wisdom is bias and selfishly impractical. Students who fail to see the cautious and discreet attributes of wisdom’s partner “prudence” are seen as knowledgeable but without discretion or direction. Proverbs 8:12-13 helps the godly student overcome this prideful arrogance by having a respect for God.

Good Morning

Word studies are like going on a trip and if you like to travel as I do you will find that by taking hold of a word or two and searching it out is like going to another country or some tropical island. I hope you are not laughing at me, I am as serious as I can be and I know that often when I am seeking to be serious, it sort of comes out hilarious. I like to go on trips and if you travel down the road of words, there are no speed bumps, speed traps or costly fuel expenses.

If you study the Holy Bible there are three main languages; Hebrew, Konia Greek and English and is should mention that there are a few words of Aramaic found mainly in the Book of Daniel. The point is that word study can take the traveler all over the world and just in a matter of moments. I get all excited about this that I can hardly contain my emotions.

Why? Because the Holy Bible is sufficient to take you from the beginning of creation and time to the very end of creation and time and while doing so can also take you through all of the dynasties of time, the rise and fall of all human power, the rise and fall of all spiritual power and the eternal state reserved in eternity for all of God’s children who by faith have come to Jesus, who is the Author and finisher of “FAITH”. Hebrews 12:1-2

As you may have noticed I said that Jesus Christ is the Author and finisher of FAITH and not our faith as found in most translations. The word “our” is not in any of the original writings. This is important for us to know. Biblical faith does not belong to a specific church or creed. Biblical faith belongs to GOD, who gives it to those who believe in Jesus. Galatians 2:16 KJV.

Here is something interesting, found only once in the epistle of Hebrews is the Greek word “elpis” translated “faith” in Hebrews 10:23 KJV and confidence in other translations which is more correct, however there is a greater blessing here since the word carries the thought of anticipated JOY for those who persevere or endure the hardship of being in the FAITH described as foot race in our passage, Hebrews 12:1-2.

We should be overjoyed with the thought that the faith that we have is not a new faith or one that is based on our ability alone to maintain. In other words our faith is common to all believers in Jesus Christ. From the dawn of history, men and women like Abraham and Sarah; Isaac and Rebekah, Moses, Josiah, Samuel and others. But in these last days; even the Author of Faith Himself endured the hostelries of fallen mankind and with a confident hope looked forward to the JOY that was set before Him.

So our little word search today has taken us on a trip in time to a confidence that “eternity” will be the most wonderful destination of all as we search the scriptures with the joyful assurance that only our common (but not so common to the fallen world) faith provides.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #773

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

People with deep pockets carry gold, silver and precious stones. Myself when I reach into my pockets I pull out hair, sand, old screws and few sticky pennies. The rich and the poor have this in common; they live together on earth. The heart of that one who listens to the wisdom of God has a deeper pocket called the soul and filled with a better reward called the joy understanding the wisdom of God. Proverbs 8:1-11

Good Morning

We are taking an overview of the epistle of Hebrews and to say that I love this epistle would not be sufficient. I love all of the Word of God. Yes I also know that some of you who read these epistles know me up close and you know that some days I do not seem to love anything or anyone. So you may be saying… so how does that work; Jesse? Well the simple answer is that the grace of God supersedes, or is more superior in me then the works of my flesh which are sometimes evident.

Most, or more appropriately; many believers would agree with that statement and just as easily we can say or agree with scripture that we are called of God to be dead to the death of sin and alive to Life in Righteousness. Sin belongs to Adam, the first who sinned; Righteousness belongs to Christ the First who did not sin. Romans 5:12-21.

In our overview of Hebrews, I would like to look at three statements, two of which are in this Romans passage used by the apostle Paul and the third statement used by the writer of Hebrews in Hebrews 9:27-28. Romans 5:15 and Romans 5:19. In Romans the apostle explains that there are many who reject a Life of Righteousness, choosing rather to be dead to the death in sin. Also, there are many who are alive to a Life of Righteousness through grace.

So as the apostle Paul explains… sin reigns in death for those in Adam; grace reigns through righteousness for those in Jesus Christ. While it seems to be somewhat of a mystery that Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world in that all sin is covered and paid in full by the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ circa 37AD; many people chose to reject and many people chose to accept this truth. John 1:11-13.

This then brings up a challenge; is the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ sufficient to cover the entire sin of the world, or is it just sufficient enough for the many who accept and believe according to the many statements found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and many of the epistles such as these we are looking at in Romans and Hebrews. I believe John answers this question clearly in John 3.
Not all people will receive the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ, but for the many who do believe the curse the wrath of God is lifted and for those who reject; the wrath of God abides under the curse of death to all who sin. Genesis 3:17-19; John 3:18 and John 3:36

Now we can take a look at the third verse of scripture – Hebrews 9:27-28.

The appointment of death because of sin is an appointment that everyone faces. There have only been two or three people since time began who did not make this appointment but according to the events played out in Revelation known as Daniel’s seventieth week; will physically die then. Enoch of whom it is said that he walked with God and after that could not be found, Moses who died on the mountain, yet there is not grave and Elijah who was caught up in a whirlwind of fire. Genesis 5:24; Deuteronomy 34:1; 2 Kings 2:11

So all of mankind is appointed to death and judgment, no one is exempt not even the three mentioned above; those in Christ will be at the bema seat of Christ; 2 Corinthians 5;9-11; these are the many that Christ died for. Also He died for those who are not in Christ; those at the great white throne judgment of Christ; Revelation 20:11-15.

So while I sometimes sin and sometimes don’t, I can safely say that Jesus’s sacrifice was sufficient for all of my sin because He died for all, even the many who reject Him and as the apostle Paul says, “I am what I am by the grace of God”. 1 Corinthians 15:10.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #772

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

I have always assumed that those who read my simple expressions would also read the scriptures assigned to them and let the power of God’s Word speak. If one is willing to search the scriptures they will see that there is nothing available on the earth that will substitute or replace the joy found in the wisdom and knowledge of God for mankind to have. Proverbs 8:10-11

Good Morning

People who are personally related to God through Jesus Christ by believing who He is and what He did and what He will do all have this one thing in common; this one thing is called – FAITH see Titus 1:4 in that we who believe in Jesus all share in this like-minded faith.

Yesterday we spent some time looking at the evidence and assurance of biblical faith and basically found that the evidence of faith toward God is God Himself who is FIRST found faithful to you and me! 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Philippians 1:6 and 1 Corinthians 10:13. The apostle Paul also explains in detail the triumph of faith in our life when Christ (who is God) is our restoration, reconciliation or atonement. Romans 5:1-11.

Now it is time to look at Hebrews 1:1-4 and Hebrews 13:8-9 which presents a foundation of for who Jesus is from the beginning of time; what Jesus has done in time and what Jesus will do in the future of time. The epistle of Hebrews gives the believer direction, a compass (if you will) of how to follow God in the history of time and not to be misguided by the trickery of false religion.

God does not CHANGE; He is the same, yesterday, today and forever. This means that man may reform His thoughts and isms about who God is and where God is going and what God is doing, it is not about man’s ability to change the direction of God, but only God who does not CHANGE. For me it is this epistle of Hebrews that reveals that our common faith is in fact the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen.

Let’s take a look at Romans 1:17 where many believe that the apostle is talking about a number of different faiths toward God, like one can be of any denomination, creed, sect, cult or religion and that those faiths are sufficient for salvation. The apostle Paul is not talking about this at all, but is making reference to the “common faith” of all those who are justified in the past work of Christ, the present ministry of Christ and the Future return of Christ. The fellowship of this ONE common faith!

It is important that I take this a step further… as we will see in Hebrews; Christ is ALL there IS; He is the atonement for our SIN; He is the SUSTAINER of our faith and He is our INHERITANCE of our future, those who hold fast to this confession of TRUTH have biblical FAITH. Those who do not hold fast to this truth do not have biblical faith. Romans 10:1-13; Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 4:14-16.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #771

 

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

Let me ask a question here; “does wisdom have a voice?” Easily we overlook that wisdom has a voice and as a reminder God the Holy Spirit reminds us to listen to the voice of wisdom. Is this important? Ever hear your parents say in the past; listen to me when I talk to you! Proverbs 8:5-9

Good Morning

All of the words of the Holy Bible are inspired of God and for you and me to believe this is more than the inaccurate faith that is found in the daily activities of the world around us. Worldly faith is frail and limited – one look in the mirror should prove that. Of course if one is proud and arrogant there will be nothing worthy of faith found in this character since it is biased and void of a good conscience.

In saying this however is not to imply that people of the world cannot be found faithful, such as; being faithful in marriage, at work and other projects like sports and religion. So partial faithfulness is as good as it gets for the average person living out the worldly expressions of faith. All of us have a faith and all of us can be found being faithful and faith; as frail and limited as it is has an object. Otherwise faith is not faith since the object is not always available or visible.

I thought I would take some time to go through the Epistle of Hebrews, but we will see how far it goes. I am starting with the first verse of chapter eleven. Hebrews 11:1 which along with the many subjects of interest found in this epistle is among the top themes.

The writer explains biblical faith in these few words; in the New King James version there are fifteen words; other translations use up to nineteen words, but the point I wish to make is that to understand biblical faith a person does not need a doctorate in theology, only the words found in Hebrews 11:1.

Worldly faith always has an object, in biblical faith; FAITH is the object. Notice Hebrews 11:1. Faith is the substance, or the evidence, or the realization, or assurance that the promise(s) of God is/are TRUSTWORTHY. In worldly faith we look at the object which is our evidence to have faith or be faithful and is based on our promise to be trustworthy.

In biblical faith we know that Jesus Christ is the evidence; God promised a redeemer, so then the entire world is challenged to look at the Him, 2 Peter 1:16-21 He becomes our confidence or hope. Biblical faith does not look at an immediate object like worldly faith, but at a past testimony about His Son, about His present intercessory ministry in heaven and the future promise of His soon return. Hebrews 1:1-4 (God the Father’s testimony of His Son); Galatians 2:16 KJV (my favorite); Philippians 3:3 (no confidence in fleshly faith) and 1 John 2:28 (realized faith in Jesus Christ).

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #770

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

Some days I feel that it is time for a change, but I do not want to come across like some political figures who believe that change is a departure from TRUTH, INTEGRITY and HONOR. So to keep abreast of current events, I read daily from Proverbs things like – Proverbs 8:1-4

Good Morning

Just a reminder; as I mentioned a few days earlier my scheduling of things is somewhat out of balance, but all should return to normal after this Thursday. Also if you are wondering, my mom is recovering from her fall, but will need some rehab time. Thanks for your prayers.

Millions of people in the United States are gripped with loneliness and hunger; the heart reveals these conditions on the face and in the eyes of many people today. No doubt if one could assign a clinical cause for loneliness or hunger we could say that we are in the midst of an epidemic.

Of course; hunger and loneliness are not clinical, but the results of being one or the other promote illnesses; physical, spiritual and mental. Because of this link many folks are misinformed or mistreated for clinical ailments while the root of the problem is never addressed. When this happens the person develops physical, spiritual and mental events that become chronic, or reoccurring.

So what is the purpose of me taking a look at these two faults that are very real and very present here in this fine country? If you read or watch the news and do not know that for every ten people, two of them are hungry. Or if you like to watch commercials, have you not noticed that four out of five are for prescription drugs related to depression, a major cause for loneliness? Then you most likely do not live in the United States.

It is not then that we are not aware of these two major failures of the American Way is it? But we do like our “mute” buttons; don’t we? We mute the television, our husbands, our wives and our children. I call this – “knowingly ignorance” in other words, I know this is going on around me and in many cases, right in my own home or neighborhood; but I am just going to wait it out until it goes away.

The people of this United States of America have become complacent and in this storm of complacency the run off is like that of a flash flood. So many possessions are washed away; our economy, our freedom, our land of milk and honey, our fathers and our mothers leaving our children to stand alone.

“I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding: and there it was, all overgrown with thorns; its surface was covered with nettles; its stone wall was broken down. When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest; So your poverty will come like a prowler, and your want like an armed man”. Proverbs 24:30-34.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #769

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

It amazes me and surely the same amazement strikes you as well, how a person of a scornful nature receives in return the very same plate of scorn that they dish out. It likewise amazes me that this inheritance is not recognized because of selfish ignorance, the reward of the fool and the reward of the wise come from the hand of Almighty God. El Shaddai. Proverbs 3:34-35

Good Morning

There is something about being a part of something that makes us unique, for example; a person who is a blacksmith is identified with making horseshoes and other related objects of metal or cobbler, as one who makes human shoes or repairs them.

While the blacksmith will never be a horseshoe, nor the cobbler never becomes a repaired shoe (thank God for that) these tradesmen are identified by who they are simply by the popularity of their trades. Also, notice that a military person is identified by his or her clothing, military jargon and other traits acquired by being in the military, yet they themselves are not the military, but like all three of these different walks in life they do identify with what they do.

Here is the rub! Out of the crowd can someone identify you as one who is related personally to Jesus Christ? Or do you keep them in the dark, even guessing about who you are or what you are up too? Believers in Jesus Christ are very good at disguising their relationship with Him and often the opportunity of bringing Jesus into the moment is lost by the moments beforehand.

We should notice something in Matthew 5:13-16 – Let your light shine before the people around you in order that they may observe your good works (beforehand) and glorify God. If folks are not seeing God working through you, it is not because they are blind, even though they are spiritually blind, but it is because you have lost the SALT which is able to reveal the LIGHT.

Jesus explains this in another way in the gospel of John 10: 25-30 as in the works that He does bear witness that He is with the Father and the Father is with Him. Now we are not gods, but we are identified with God through the blood of Jesus Christ and if this is true and it is; why then do we seek to hide behind the mask of confusion.

Verses of scripture that help you and us to be more like Christ in our daily walk should be placed in our soul so that we become readily identified. Not as a blacksmith or a cobbler, or even as a military person. We can and will always be identified in the world as a tradesman of some kind, but we are not always identified with Christ and His sufferings for the LOST sheep! But remember the Lord is long suffering too! 1 Peter 3:1-9, remember too Romans 13:14

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #768

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

People assume that God curses the individual who lives in a house of wickedness; but it would be good to remember that a house is merely a covering like a tent or even a temple for the soul that belongs to God. Remove your foot from the evil tent and your footprint will be blessed! Proverbs 3:32

Good Morning

Over the next four days I may be a little late or even miss a devotional because of an early morning schedule, please just bear with me in this. Over all it is a good thing and no doubt a story or two will come from it.

I like to see God at work in the lives of people; so many of us go through life with the feeling of having to gut it out and miss the blessing of looking to God for His path, which is always prepared for us beforehand. You do know what I mean don’t you?

Yesterday my wife and I was on our way to Norton, Massachusetts, this path just so happens to be the same path that we would take if we were on the way to my mother’s home in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Along the way to Norton I received a call from my youngest brother who explained that my mom was in the local hospital in Plymouth.

Some people would argue that this is just coincidence but let me just say this to those who reject the thought that God directs our paths. Do you have skill in living? In other words do the decisions you make always turn out to be exactly what you should be doing? If you are honest with yourself that answer will not be the lie you expect to tell. Allow God to teach you His paths. Proverbs 4:10-13; Psalm 119:143

Or, consider this; if you sign off on a piece of work with the words “by direction” it means that you have accomplished the task under the authority of another and the Book of Proverbs makes this comment. “The kings heart is in the hands of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. Proverbs 21:1 even the kings of countries do and accomplish their tasks – by direction. Good kings know this; bad kings are simply FOOLS.

Well getting back to my mom, she is ninety and a few weeks ago she fell and after a second x-ray which was taken yesterday it was confirmed that she has a broken vertebrae in her back, she will be laid up for a while and if you think of it from time to time, please pray for her comfort and recovery.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #767

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

Someone who claims to love you, yet seeks to control your every decision should not be followed. Perverse people can seem to be the picture of prosperity but weighed on the scale of Righteousness, they have NONE. Seek instead the counsel of God as He reveals uprightness to those who do. Proverbs 3:31-32 and Isaiah 55:6-7

Good Morning

Before going to submarines for the remainder of my career in the Navy I was stationed on the USS Gearing DD710. This was a reserve destroyer with a total complement of less than thirty USN sailors (Fulltime regular Navy people). To supplement and make a full crew and go to sea we would receive about one hundred USN-R sailors; Reservist who were on their annual two week tour of active duty.

During this tour of duty I met a host of people from all over the United States of America, men who love their country and served the Navy with pride. Well it would be naïve to think, believe or promote that all of these men without exception were “top notch” but most were and most would have (if needed) die for the freedoms that God has provided for this nation of ours.

It has been said in the past that the pen is mightier than the sword, but in our country today the drippings that find and fill the paper and news today are not for the love of God and country. Everything worthy of comment is overridden for the murderous, immoral and corrupted activity of one day of life in the United States.

Many of our military personnel are not even citizens of the United States and many cannot hold a decent fluent conversation in our language; this is a shame. Some may be saying at this moment that I am ready to unleash a myriad of comments about those in charge of this country and you are RIGHT. But my words are directed at you the everyday citizen of this United States of America as you and I are responsible, to deny this is to deny your birthright.

Our liberal approach to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness has opened the door for today’s problems. Our economy is in a shambles because we have hired the very worst of professionals to do the very best scamming and thieving of our businesses, jobs and prosperities. We cry foul when so called “unions” demand and leach profits from corporations, yet we won’t go to work for companies that do not have a union.

Our readiness to put people in political authority without knowing who they are, or what they really represent is another expression of IGNORANCE. Over ninety percent of the Red Blooded American say; “I don’t have time for this since it interferes with my golf game or fishing expedition”. So along comes the minority who look for a free ride; this bus is full, if it were not full do you think for a moment that we would be concerned for our BORDERS WITH ALL THOSE ILLIGAL BOARDERS.

We the people have lost control of our economy, our freedom and our love of country because we have become complacent. Oh yes there are a few full time USC’S (United State Citizens), but most of us are USC-R’S reserve citizen’s; part timers that are not like those men of the Navy mentioned above. Most of these reserves were DOERS and not just HEARERS only like most of us today. James 1:21-17 and we do not ask God for help; James 4:1-6.

Our over indulgent citizens sacrifice to idols of worship that cannot hear, speak or respond to our critical ways of existence today and some even we say we have no God; yet these teach their children to kill one another in places we call educational institutions, yet these are nothing more than temples of learning the idolatrous the ways of the world. Jeremiah 5:1-31 parallels these comments of mine. Oh peoples of the United States… WAKE UP!

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #766

by Jesse Abel

The Devotional – A look at the Book #766

A Word from Papa “J”

Our Great God and Savior encourages pure thoughts about our neighbors; so devising evil toward them will not promote safety and produce harm. Harm in this case is not sudden and often shows up in the next generation when strife develops without a reasonable cause. Proverbs 3:29-30

Good Morning

One of the men who worked for me in the Navy was a drug addict. When we were in port he was seldom on time for anything, sometimes people would cover for him and at other times I would write him up for being AWOL (absent without leave). If we were at sea he was a good sailor, not the best but he was good at what he did. Now there is a lot of information that will be left out of this little event in our history of this man, but none the less you will get the point.

There is good and evil in all of us; sometimes with evil present, good will come of it. Drugs or chemical usage can be good or it can be evil. For example: Drugs and chemicals used properly are good even though these products can be evil when used improperly. By the way alcoholic beverages are, by self-description a chemical and even though legal are improper and can be abusive. The Holy Bible does not call this improper usage a disease. The Holy Bible calls this dissipation, and dissipation is a SIN. It is having a corrupt nature.

Now getting back to that sailor who worked for me many years ago; he owned a mobile home and lived in a little community near the Navy Base in Groton, Connecticut. I had gone to his mobile home on several occasions to wake him up and even bring him to the ship. It was Monday morning and so I stopped in on him because it had become routine for me to check and see if he needed help getting his day going.

I knocked and knocked, his car was in the carport but he never came and opened the door. I figured he must have left for work with another sailor who used to check on him from time to time. No, that was not the case; when I got to work and began my day, this guy was not there. At noon time I went back to his home. Nothing had changed and I used the neighbors phone and called the police and Navy Shore Patrol.

These authorities got into the mobile home and as the door opened the ready stench of death prevailed from the open door. Both the sailor and the girl he had been dating were in bed and DEAD, they had overdosed on some drug. The estimated time of their death was early Friday evening so their bodies without God's soul, had been there about three days.

Why am I sharing this with you today? For some distant relatives in Indiana and because life is short; life is not about the selfish and sinful abuses that so many people (young and old) get wrapped up in, in today’s world. When we reject God’s very best for us, (Jeremiah 29:11) we open the door for Satan’s very worst. He disguises everything he does to make it look appealing with one purpose in mind. TO MURDER THE ONE WHO FALLS A VICTIM FOR HIS SCHEMES. Notice please how Jesus explains this in John 10:7-18.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #765

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

Proverbs is all about the skill of living life under the sun. Do not be like one who withholds goodness from another; this is an evil power to rule over the emotions of a friend, loved one or even a neighbor. And do not make someone wait for a blessing as this is for them; when received a cursing. Proverbs 3:27-28

Good Morning

John 3:36 – He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but (therefore) the wrath of God abides on Him.

From the fall of Adam to this very day and until Christ returns the wrath of God abides. John 3:36 is written in a present tense which was active from creation and is as active today as it was when the apostle John wrote, so that all of mankind is without excuse. Genesis 2:17 is the command given by God for mankind to reject tree of the knowledge of good and evil (the kingdom of life under the sun) and abide under the Tree of Life (The Kingdom of Life under the SON).

Man chose to disobey and so the wrath of God is IN place over all of creation. Genesis 2:8 through Genesis 3:1-24. To in ending this little study of what it means to be “born again, or born from above; or even regenerated”. MOST ASSUREDLY as Jesus explained to Nicodemus… YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN! Salvation is to be removed from the wrath (curse) of God and to be JUSTIFIED by believing in Jesus Christ the Son of God.

Now some may question why I have taken this opportunity to share just a little bit about Salvation Justification? I could just ignore your concern and move on (no harm, no foul) but I have been writing for several years and have seen God bless this ministry. At the present time there are between one and two thousand reader on one of the blogs, daily. I would like to think that all of these folks are believers in Jesus Christ, but I know they are not.

I also know that the most important message is not about me, but of Christ who died and rose again for me. Not only for me; but for all of those who call upon the name of the LORD in the context of “Salvation Justification” John 3:17. All of us have gone astray from God, we are like the lame man found in Acts 4 whom the apostles by the power and work of the Holy Spirit restored that man to a wholesome physical health and likewise to regeneration of his soul; Acts 3:26 and Acts 4:12.

All of us have the opportunity while living in our infirmities and iniquities to face up to this truth and be saved! Some will and many will not, but I do hope that if you are unsaved; that is not justified in Christ that you will repent (change your mind) and be… BORN AGAIN!