The Devotional - A Look at the Book #059

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #059 - a repeat

by Jesse Abel

The Devotional


What does Papa "J" have to say?

The stove is hot! If you touch it, it will burn you! “Ouch” Now, what is it, that I said? A word of instruction will help the wise, but the fool who listens not... will remain a fool. Proverbs 17:10


During the months of January through April of 1984 the USS Hyman G. Rickover SSN 709 was completing construction at the Electric Boat Shipyard in Groton, Connecticut. The first crew of the new submarine was fully manned in January too. I do not remember who that last person was to report for duty, but I do remember that our training was intense. All of us had to be qualified submarine sailors, but in addition, all of us higher ranking sailors had to be qualified to take the Rickover to sea and make her work. To place 375 tons of dead weight under the water for the very first time and then to have it pop back up again safely seemed like an impossible task. Our training went from sunrise to sunrise on some days and as the time neared to go to sea the training would go for days without end. The crew moved on board the Rickover on March 23, 1984 and the cooks prepared our first meal of Rib eye steaks, baked potato and corn on the cob. It was a moment to remember. A total of 110 men, 98 enlisted and 12 officers shared one meal that would last them a life time of memories. For many it was just a tour of duty, but for others it was an adventure in the daily Will of God. We have looked already at some of those adventures, yet if God permits we will be looking at more in the days ahead.

Philippians 1

Philippians 1:29-30 I think it is amazing how the LORD works things out in life. Take these two verses for example. Yesterday it was my hope to include these verses in that days text but that did not happen. So I thought, well maybe there is a reason and there most definitely is. Do we have a passion for living for Jesus Christ? Are we seeking to live each moment to do what is pleasing to Him? At a meeting this past Sunday the question was posed. What do we want out of life? My friend Tom said, “I want for my life to be pleasing to Christ, that is all I want” We've no trouble saying those words, trouble comes from not living up to those words. I know Tom and I know his words are trustworthy.

How does one mature in Christ this way? Well by taking heed to the words of the Living Word that challenges all of us to fulfill the ministry given to us by the LORD Himself. Colossians 4:17 and 2 Timothy 4:5. Ministries have so much of God in them that the more you fulfill them the more you get to know Him and the people He places around you. You learn to trust Him and to trust others. It is the LORD who makes the impossible, possible and it is ministry that proves it. John 21:1-19. Well, what has this to do with our verses today?


For YOU it has been granted on behalf of Christ to suffer with Him. Oh friend, this is not suffering as you might think it to be, it is more than that. This is the Greek word “pascha” notice how close it comes to our English word “passion” meaning here to experience a sensation or impression. To feel passion for; so much so and if need be to suffer through the pain of it because it is worth it. For us who are born again, this is more than just a tour of duty. Life in Christ is daily going beyond the weight limits of the world around us and it is daily experiencing a memorial meal that will last a lifetime and He continually says to us. If you love me, feed my sheep!