The Devotional - A Look at the Book #866

by Jesse Abel

Thoughts from Papa “J”

 

Obtaining a drink of fresh water is as easy as turning on the tap at the kitchen sink. Lately with all the chemical pollutants this freshness can be lethal. Similar problems exist with the human mouth, but there is a difference. The mouth of mankind has been polluted since Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, while some fresh water can still be found! Ephesians 5:26

 

Good Morning

 

How is it that I got so caught up in that conversation? It is unbelievable that I told so many lies! Not only that, but when I return to that group of people, I just pick up where I left off and another lie falls from my lips. What in the world is wrong with me? I want strongly to be honest and I hate lying lips; how can I do such an evil?

 

For one thing if not two a person will conveniently cover up a piece of cow manure with a piece of tinfoil almost every time the opportunity presents itself. Now don’t try to squirm out of this thought. We have all been there; like someone would say, my so and so says that, blah, blah, blah! And your response without giving much thought is; “why yes! So it is with my blah, blah, blah too” and then your realize ~!

 

Now that was a lie, but now that you said it and at that moment you do have the opportunity to correct your statement, yet many of us do not and the lie carries forward until the next meeting of two or three tongues wagging and bragging of something that no doubt does not exist for at least two out the three folks conversing.

 

I believe that Agur the son of Jakeh had these thoughts on his mind while he was speaking to Ithiel and Ucal as written by Agur in Proverbs 30. The man Agur is writing as a first person experience about the skill of living in a world where things look pure but are impure. Not because purity does not have a foothold, but because falsehood lives in the neighborhood.

 

He says to the LORD God that the only pure words are from God and that those who trust God have a shield from lying lips but that there is a flaw in the use of words spoken by mankind. Mankind will sometime add words that ought not be spoken and carried far enough will prove to be lies. Lies that crumble the shield of God’s protection and destroy the light of available truth.

 

As a result of this knowledge Agur says to God: LORD I have two requests of You and please do not deprive me of these. ONE: Remove falsehood and lies far from me; and TWO: Give me neither poverty nor riches, a prescription of provision from that fully meets all of Agur’s needs, ours too; if we choose!

 

Agur concludes this thought with the results of life if God does not fulfill his request. Do we have trouble controlling the mouth as falsehoods leap off our mouth like flies disturbed by the rattling of a garbage can?

 

Do I have trouble with the needs of life? Might I feel that I am a quart low in the critical needs of living life? These are serious concerns for every created being. Just look at the rest of this chapter in Proverbs. All of creation morns for comfort. Proverbs 30:1-33 and Romans 8:1-39.

 

May God bless your New Year with the Prosperity of His Living Word and thus you will be satisfied with neither poverty nor riches indeed. Why? The answer can only be explained by God; so search out His Living Word and let Him answer that question… you will be glad you did!

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #865

by Jesse Abel

Thoughts from Papa “J”

 

Some people spend a lifetime behind a mask, always hiding who and what they really are. If they are parents or public people they teach others to do the same, thus we all have potential to be hypocrites; but those who trust in the LORD and forsake their way will find Mercy! Proverbs 28:1-28 (verse 13)

 

Good Morning

 

Again, picking up where we left off yesterday and thinking over the conversation that Solomon has with his readers. He states in his writing to remember God in the days of our youth, Ecclesiastes 12:1.

 

I see a connection in this with God consciousness; a subject that we cover from time to time with our children as they grow up. We also include God consciousness with the age of accountability and say that if a child dies before he or she has a personal moment to forget God; that these little ones will return to God. We also have Biblical Truth regarding this thought found in 2 Samuel 12:15-23 and in the gospel account of Matthew, Matthew 19:13-15.

 

Sorrow of heart for children is allowing his or her spirit to be tormented (a lack of discipline) as a parent discipline is a most important responsibility. Monitor and discipline evil activity in the prime of a child’s youth; not doing so can result in meaninglessness activity that hardens a young heart and God consciousness will take a negative turn.

 

Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 is a statement of child guidance and training, what is important here is that Solomon is saying that children should not be afraid to grow up. That they should know how to have joy in their heart, yet to also be conscious that God will bring all meaningless impulsive behavior into judgment. Parental training is absolutely necessary; as children without discipline have no understanding in themselves to avoid those meaningless pitfalls.

 

The nations of world today have many problems, all of which are humanly impossible to solve. Solomon does a nice job discussing the meaning of life under the sun. Life without God is a ZERO! Imagine this; we are surrounded by Creation, the universe reveals the Power of God, the Word of God reveals the Wisdom of God and yet, the conduct of life under the sun is nothing more than disorderly conduct. Psalm 19:1-10

 

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 – Solomon says that the whole duty of mankind is to Fear God and keep His Commandments. His words, his books and all of his proverbs; by his own confession are words sought by him to be TRUTH, messages from ONE SHEPERD. Many do not believe Solomon because of his life style, but I believe that it is because of his lifestyle that he was able to speak of a meaningless life with authority of a professor. And such he was.

The Devotional - Look at the Book #864

by Jesse Abel

 

Thoughts from Papa “J”

 

For those of us who are waiting for the dispensation of the church to end it seems that as the year draws to a close our awareness of His return for the church increases. I believe that our gentile calendars have nothing to do with the Return of the Messiah or the end of the world as humanly may predict, the latest example; the Mayan Calendar. Acts 1:7-8

 

Good Morning

 

“Vanity of vanities” says the Preacher; Vanity of vanities, all vanity – Ecclesiastes 1:2. Have you ever given consideration to what Solomon the son of King David is saying? Over the years of study of the Holy Bible I have always returned to this book to try and understand the practical application of living life under the SUN; that is to live life under the natural conditions of the world, rather than the supernatural promises of God’s love.

 

Living under the conditions of practical application is temporal and has no lasting effect, for example; it is twenty-five years since I retired from serving in the United States Navy, in four more years; if I live that long I will reach that mark where the time in the military will equal the time of being retired from the military, (not counting the 18 years of growing up). I do remember much of my military career; but herein is the meaningless rub!

 

It has been so long ago since I spoke those words; “Surface the ship; Aye, aye; Sir; Helmsman, 10 degree rise on the fairwater planes steady course 270, Planes man 10 degree rise on the stern planes, maintain a positive up angle and Chief of the Watch, start the low pressure blower on all main ballast tanks” This is ALL vanity today. While the command to surface a submarine is still vital the words have slightly changed. Twenty-five years from now so too will be the words of today – vanity! (meaningless).

 

So Solomon says; “Take on LOOK at your life under the sun and seek to obtain something from it that is worth something more than vanity.” You will if you are wise find only one item in all that you have done that is worthy of comment. The love you have given and the love you have received in return. LOVE is the intangible GIFT that response to an intangible FAITH and thus makes a tangible RELATIONSHIP.

 

Solomon lays out every circumstance and tidbit of his life under the sun in eleven chapters of Ecclesiastes, then in chapter twelve he says. Remember now your Creator in your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near (less) and say I have no pleasure in them. Ecclesiastes 12:1 and then in verse 8, “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “all is vanity.”

 

As this year draws to a close, I will finish it out the devotionals of this year with this thought in mind. Our works will be judged by God; works of Righteousness in Christ alone for those who believe God and works of unrighteousness in self alone for those who reject and do not believe God.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #863

by Jesse Abel

Thoughts from Papa “J”

The Pope has recently said that the technological advances in the world have driven God out of the world and out of the hearts and minds of all peoples. I hope he reads 2 Timothy 3:1-9 soon and gets the real picture…SIN!

Good Morning

This year is soon coming to a close and maybe some of us are saying; great! Let’s get on with the new one, but what will you be saying next year at this time if your heart is still pumping? I say that the heart of man is never satisfied and that as such the past for some seems like a waste and the present full of the expected (more disappointment) and the future, while being hopeful will be much the same as the year before.

Also, it is at this time of year that most of us feel depressed, lonely and misunderstood. Emotions play a big role in this since all of those past victories, failures and disappointments of the year tend to slap us around like one who uses a punching bag to vent frustrations. In fact; there used to be a punching bag in the basement. I think I will look for it later.

Also, are we not reminded every year of birthdays, even the special ones within our families and even the more public ones like our presidents or the birthday of our nation? Then like yesterday being reminded of the birthday of Messiah who is identified in the Old Testament Scripture to be the One who is called Jehoshua and Jesus in the New Testament.

Truly it is far better to know that the Babe in the manger is Jehoshua or Jesus the Messiah; rather than the emotional one that we shelve in the archives until next December. “WHAT CHILD IS THIS?” To know this Child as to who He is means to believe in Him by faith and through His Spirit He will guide you into all the Truth about Himself. John 16:13-15.

“For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin” Hebrews 12:3-4.

Friends, Look to Jesus the Christ (Messiah), He is the Author and finisher of the faith; THE FAITH that overcomes all the circumstances of the world around us. From the cradle to the cross He looked beyond the suffering circumstances, despising the shame yes, but knowing that by suffering, that He would return to His Father and bring many, many to glory with Him.

Our Savior the Messiah is coming again to collect His saints, will you be looking for Him with the Joy set before you and be caught up with Him, or will you shrink like millions from the voice of the archangel and sound of trumpet? 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #862

by Jesse Abel

Thoughts from Papa “J”

We pray that this Christmas is bringing you close to your loved ones. Remembering who are temporarily absent, hugging those who are with you and comforting those who need you. Love and joy is made perfect in this. John 15:9-17

Good Morning

Last evening I met a man in his sixties who was very animated while I was speaking. Whatever actions that came from me he would play them out too. I sought to ignore him, but it was impossible; he smiled and bobbed his head and sometimes waved his arms. He was with his wife, his son and his son’s wife and his folks did not seem to mind in the least of what he was doing.

At the end of our candle light service the church provided a small and cozy dinner and good fellowship. As I approached the table to sit while the final preparations were made for the meal, the chair next to this man was vacant. I thought “should I sit down next to him?” Nah! I’m finding another spot. And the very next moment, my buns landed in that empty chair and I said, “Hi!” and he said “Hi Jesse” he had remember my name from the introduction.

I wonder why we tend to be (or maybe it is just me) so judgmental at our first observation of people. He is a very nice man, who is challenged, so was his son, his son’s wife and I do not know about this man’s wife because she did not say a word the whole time we talked. This elderly gent was very happy being himself, yet I truly was ready to find fault; that is before we talked. Well the fault was there, but it was in my mind; not his.

For me one of the hardest things to accomplish in the Christian Way of Life (now there is a Way of Life for everything under the sun, including Christians) is to walk in the Spirit, yet as we learn in our studies, it is the only way. If we do not believe what the Holy Bible teaches regarding an absolute state of spirituality in our way of life, then we do not represent Jesus to the lost or the saved who are always in need of COMFORT.

It is not spiritual to sit down next to someone because you feel intimidated by them and want to challenge or belittle them in front of their loved ones, which could have happened. Yet it is also just as evil to avoid a confrontation by ignoring the empty seat. Being spiritual is allowing yourself to listen to God the Holy Spirit and when He says; “Sit down” you listen and you sit.

Doing what God desires of us brightens the moment in time for someone, if you miss that moment by selfishly turning away, that moment will never come to you or them again. Are you not glad that God took the time to reach out to the world through His Son, Jesus Christ who came alongside in our moment of need and brightened our day with TRUTH and by FAITH you believe Him?

Now, these days; that is in this time of the CHURCH, God is using you and me; men and women who are good in God’s eyes because of the treasure that He has placed in our soul. What is that treasure (The birth and resurrection of His Son Jesus). But we must understand too that there is evil lurking in our hearts as well and we can and often do allow the abundance of our evil to override the abundance of God the Holy Spirit’s mission to comfort and to guide into all truth. Merry Christmas!

Remember: Christmas time is no time to diet… so grab a fork and dive right in!

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #861

by Jesse Abel

Thoughts from Papa “J”

 

Preparing for a day of evil is nothing new. Solomon in his day never saw a war, yet he knew that this sort of evil could happen, this is why he penned the words of Proverbs 21:31. There is another evil documented in the Holy Bible and it seems that many of us have forgotten how to discipline our children. Proverbs 22:6 and so Romans 1:30-31 is the runoff!

 

Good Morning

 

I remember asking my father one evening is I could go with a friend and his family to the ice cream parlor in the neighborhood. He said; “no, that we did not have the money for me to spend on that sort of thing”. When I told the friend that I could not go because of having no money, he said; “come on anyway, my father will pay!” So I went.

 

Later that night as I was sleeping I had a dream that I had become a very large ship on the ocean. The ocean was very rough and caused me to crack into; two pieces. I woke up frightened and cried out, bringing my father into the bedroom. “What going on?” he said with an angry voice. I explained my dream.

 

His reply was, “you disobeyed and went and had ice cream, didn’t you?” I thought to myself, wow! He must be smarter that I thought. But as time went on I learned that it was the sugar in the ice cream that cause me to have a nightmare and of course, my dad knew that didn’t he! No doubt something similar could have happened to him at a young age.

 

Visiting the iniquities of the fathers to the third and fourth generations is no small problem. In fact; God assigns this sin to idolatry Exodus 20:3-6 and as we read earlier in Romans 1 that the haters of God and disobedient to parents show up in the same context and train of thought.

 

I don’t know about you, but for me this sort of word search gives me “goose bumps” now there is a word I should search out. Just what is a “goose bump?” anyway? Sorry to get sidetracked. At my age it is easy to be sidetracked and even forget where the track is; but thankfully all I need to do is reread what I just wrote before this paragraph.

 

So I see at least a two part problem here. If we think about iniquities to the third and fourth generation, we might lean to all of the sins recorded for us in Romans 1:18-32. We would also be right, since hating God and disobedience to parents are root causes that develop the multitude of sin recorded here in Romans 1.

 

But just to have my way with the root causes a potential national problem which is the focal point of all these words; it is only half of what is to be said. We may be so suppressed that all we notice is the crumbling foundation of a once strong nation, but God sees the whole of the matter. The fact is that He calls each of us to get a grip on our future.

 

Notice, God says through the words of the apostle Paul to stop judging the nation in that while we have some of the facts; we are judging (and we are) then we are doing the same as our fathers and forefathers did; as Israel did, so we in the Church Dispensation do the same.

 

Exodus 20:6 – but showing Mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

So what does a broken ship have to do with this. My life as an unbeliever in God was just like that of my father. Broken because I had no love for God and broken because I choose the same path of disobedience that my father travelled.

 

One person at a time, or a whole nation at a time; God will repair our brokenness. He is a Master Builder, He will break us; but He follows up our brokenness with a splendid show of Mercy to those who return to loving Him from a pure heart and good conscience. Hebrews 4:1-16.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #860

by Jesse Abel

Thoughts from Papa “J”

 

Some like to tell tales, tales are the evidence of compromised truth. In other words the facts are obscured in the tale. The revealing of secrets in never good so it better for you to observe the lips that flatter and move on, rather giving ear and comment and then becoming an associate. Proverbs 20:19

 

Good Morning

 

The half has not yet been told! Does that statement get your attention? Well how about this; if the oceans were ink and every man a scribe by trade, the events of God in our daily life written out on paper would drain the oceans dry. A Popular hymn, titled The Love of God.

 

There are many people writing about the love of God. Some are godly people, some are religious people, some are irreligious and there are some who write about His love and don’t know it. The fact is that if you search out the written words of people the workings of our Creator are EVER PRESENT.

 

However; for someone to take the time as a prospector to pick and shovel over the written words of people in general it would be unfruitful, since the flakes of truth that can be found could never express God’s love in the same manner that God reveals through His Son; the LORD Jesus Christ.

 

We are in the Christmas Season; to say such, does not take much to send people into a fit of anxiety since we are being molded (young and old) to believe and promote the season as a holiday experience rather than a supernatural one.

 

Say what? I say we miss out understanding the Supernatural Love of God and as a result we miss the blessing of the birth of Jesus Christ which for over fifteen hundred years has been a tradition in the month of December. (I believe that Jesus was born in the month of October on a day during the Feast of Tabernacles)

 

Beside that personal interjection, let me just share with you Luke 2:25-35 and the man Simeon. This man was as most of us know very old and he was waiting for two things to happen in the remainder of his life on earth. One that he would witness with his physical eyes the LORD’s Christ (Messiah) and two; to die in the comfort and peace of this witness.

 

If you read and study (for what good is reading if you do not study what you read) you will notice that the context of this section of Luke is about COMFORT. The name Simeon is from a Hebrew word, meaning HEARING. The Greek words for Consolation and Holy Spirit are very similar; Comfort and Comforter.

 

Simeon heard from God the Holy Spirit that comfort was coming to Israel, he also was comforted by the Comforter that he would not see death until the Messiah arrived.

 

Notice Simeon’s most precious words after taking the Messiah in his arms. “LORD, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of ALL peoples, a light to bring revelation to the gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel”. Luke 2:29-32.

 

Here is the rub! If you have Heard of the Comfort of Israel by the Comforter and believe in the Peace that He alone provides, you too have seen God’s Salvation. The light and the revelation to the gentiles are the Birth, the Death and the Resurrection of the LORD’s Christ. There is no greater love; no one can appropriate this love without the Peace of God and the Comforter of God, Simeon could not and neither can you. Do not make a worldly mistake and die without HIM.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #859

by Jesse Abel

Thoughts from Papa “J”

 

Ever have an itch? No doubt you have. Ever had a red soreness develop and a localized fever at the sight of the itch? This just did not happen! There was a cause; the cause was that you scratched it with contaminated fingers. Whenever we put a finger on some problem; we must first clean the finger! Matthew 7:1-6

 

Good Morning

 

The voice and authority of the Holy Bible is the Holy Spirit and with these heavenly gifts, men today have the ability to speak TRUTH. Yesterday with these things on my mind I was talking with a mechanic at the auto dealership where I work. When I sought to carry his words to the Holy Bible, the smirk on his face told a story, he claims Buddha as his god. He was not interested and those nearby turned and walked away.

 

How does one describe God to workmen who carve out images of their gods? Rich and poor, all have idols of worship and when it comes to TRUTH; they use these distractions like one who wards off a vampire. God gives wisdom to men through the Prophets, like Isaiah and Jeremiah and has in these later days revealed TRUTH through His Son Jesus. Hebrews 1:1-4

 

Look, God has not changed in His delivery of TRUTH and men have not changed with their idolatry; Isaiah 40:19-20 is this a stalemate? No, not at all, Isaiah must be thinking on the subject discussed in Proverbs 8:1-36. In order to speak truth, one must know the WISDOM of God. Wisdom, God’s Wisdom has a voice backed by the power of the Holy Spirit who brings it to life. John 3:16-21

 

Every evidence of the God of Creation reveals LIFE; every evidence of those man made gods reveals DEATH and all of the rulers of the past; where are they? Are they not in the grave learning how Creation grows daises? Yes, learning how to produce food for the next generation of grasshoppers. Isaiah 40:21-24

 

So, how shall we describe God? Who might God be equal to? If a nation does not lift up its eyes, it will not recognize the Creator. Thus it is not so hard for me to notice that the countenance of this nation; the USA has fallen; such as the countenance of Cain who murdered his brother Abel.

 

In the process of time, Cain’s offering of religion failed to please God while Abel’s offering of faith was respected and approved by God. Genesis 4:1-13. Abel’s faith still speaks loud and clear today.

 

Hebrews 10:4. Today the people of the United States live in the land of NOD, just as Cain. We simply nod to God, we do not do well and we are not accepted by God because our works are evil by being religious and idolatrous. Genesis 4:16-24.

 

So is there still hope for freedom in this country of ours. Many times Israel rejected the Living God for the dead works of idolatry and many times God provided mercy and restoration. Now why is that? Religion (idolatry) has one gaping fault in that the gods of these religions are ALL DEAD only our Creator God holds time in the palm of His hand because HE is ALIVE.

 

Nation, have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. There is no searching of His understanding. Yet by faith in the Living God the weak are given power speak and to walk in His might, He gives more strength. He alone causes us to stand.

 

As a nation, our symbol of the Bald Eagles is somewhat injured, but God who heals the nations is willing to heal the United States of America. He will renew our strength and the eagle will again fly to new heights, not the same heights of yesterday, but the new ones of tomorrow. That is of course contingent on NATIONAL REPENTENCE. Isaiah 40:25-31.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #858

by Jesse Abel

Thoughts from Papa “J”

Each day is a gift - that's why today is called the Present! These few words are from our Church Choir Director and I thought that since I was blessed by this, that you might be too! Lamentations 3:22-23

 

Good Morning

 

Have you ever felt like a small sugar ant? You are marching home and you are not alone; each carrying a bit of sugar from that gum drop somewhere further up the crack in the cement walkway! Life is good; but suddenly fear sweeps over you as you notice something swoop up uncle Andy and auntie Alma Ant. It won’t be long and you’ll be next! You try to break ranks and run for it; poppa Alfred Ant yells. “Get back in line Arty, stand firm boy and be an Ant”. Isaiah 40:21-24 Okay – grasshopper!

 

Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Says your God. Isaiah 40:1 – I do not know if this nation, that is the United States of America, in case you fail to understand of whom I am referring to has yet to receive double for all of its sins, but I do know that history tells the story of nations who sin against the laws, statutes, commands, precepts and words of the God of Creation. Psalm 19:1-14.

 

Yet, God still calls this nation to repentance and comfort; He still works daily with us to show that we cannot win this struggle or war against Him. Why is that? It is because our iniquity is already pardoned; don’t we as a nation “get it”? No, no we do not and because of this and until we do; we will abide as a nation in trouble for our SIN against God. John 3:16-18 and John 3:36.

 

Now, I am not a prophet, nor have I any personal instruction from God; like you, I only have His written Word of which I am fully confident in and with the voice and authority of the words I see in the Holy Bible before me, I say from my home in this land of wilderness. “It is time for this United States of America to make straight paths to the LORD GOD. Isaiah 40:3-5.

 

Can we as nation not see that all of our flesh (the peoples, young and old) is nothing more than grass? Oh yes we are lovely: babies are so beautiful, children so adorable, young people are so vibrant, adults are so productive and the elderly are so full of wisdom to glean from. All of which blows away with time; time shortened or extended by our prevailing evils. Ecclesiastes 3:1-22. But please notice the words in Isaiah 40:8. Our beauty fades, but the Word of our God stands forever.

 

I AM CRUSHED! Having the desire to sound like someone whom I am not, I want so desperately to say. “NATION, BEHOLD YOUR GOD” He shall come with a STRONG HAND. He shall rule and His reward will be with HIM. Yes we mourn and cry out to God for comfort when the corruption of a heart that is so troubled, that murder and carnage is the only thought to pursue until it is carried out.

 

Responsibility for this action! Who is responsible; it is not God, yet we blame Him, this blame leads us to cry for the government leadership to fix us. Whoops! Why do we ask for repair from some entity that is as broken as we are?

 

The responsibility of this evil in the land is YOU AND ME who as a nation has destroyed our nation with our own hands by giving in to the laws, statutes, commands, precepts and words of MAN, we are to blame and unless we repent from this way and return to GOD, we shall perish. Isaiah 40:9-17. If God permits, there will be more tomorrow; that is the remainder of Isaiah 40.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #857

by Jesse Abel

Thoughts from Papa “J”

Has this nation prevented children from the knowledge of the kingdom of heaven? God does not forget, nor does He slumber like the foolish, He is fully aware of all the souls He has created and so some who are not yet of the age of accountability are called back. 2 Samuel 12:15-23 and Matthew 19:13-15

Good Morning

There are no words that we have in any human language that provide counsel to last Friday and the deliberate deaths of twenty-six people in Newtown, Connecticut. So I will not attempt to search out any human answer. Humanly speaking there are none, this should be TOTALLY evident to the USA today.

We as a nation weep over such an extensive destruction of human life (child and adult) as this latest school shooting has produced; we have wept over all such events over the last twenty years. I have not kept a count, nor have most of us, but I do know this; Our Creator keeps a perfect RECORD.

This nation is not the first one to lose its young to the reasoning of a trouble mind and this is not a “plug or plea” to keep or destroy the Second Amendment. But it is a plea to this nation (THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA) if you are so naïve to not know that; to return to God. He is the ONE to fix America’s sinful heart and the ONE to approve or disprove our Constitution.

For all those who have lost life recently and in years past; their crusade with LIFE is over and WE who remain are left to deal with the responsibility to pick up that crusade and carry on. Our human effort is inadequate. Why? The answer is simple. Our hearts are SIN FILLED so apart from our Creator we can only produce “good mixed with evil” or “efforts” that fall short of the NEED.

So what are our needs? Not more government control, the histories of the world civilizations of the past prove beyond doubt, those national governments who do not have GOD; Thee God to the Holy Bible do not prosper. We do not lack human wisdom, but it is evident, our use of this wisdom is sinfully selfish. Why else would someone have the audacity to take from another what is not theirs to TAKE?

From the pencil unattended on a desk, to the life of one whose heart would still be beating; selfishness drives its way to the next level on the horizon and all of what mankind seeks to produce to stop the next event; or find a way to prevent it FAILS. And we witnesses; our efforts are nothing more than failure that flies back in our face like so much dung in the wind.

Isaiah 55:6-7 – Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near, Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him. And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.

Take the time to read all of Isaiah 55 since it is God’s invitation to a nation like ours to return to the abundant LIFE that only God can provide.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #856

by Jesse Abel

Thoughts from Papa “J”

 

This morning I was on my way through the dictionary to look up the word “banished” and travelled past the word “baptism” and I thought; Oh LORD how wonderful you are. The wicked are indeed pushed away, but the righteous are immersed in your love. Proverbs 14:32.

 

Good Morning

 

Spending so far; nearly fifty percent of my life in the military I can get emotionally worked up over stories of military actions both current and past. So as I was reading earlier in the gospel of Matthew 8:5-13 I spent some time considering the words of Jesus and the words of the Centurion officer in the Roman Army.

 

I spent some time crying out to the LORD that I miss military life where orders and faith in people keep those serving under them alive. Being reminded of how a simple command of; “Left full rudder and emergency deep” protects the submarine and the crew from the oncoming hull of a fully loaded oil tanker.

 

I spent some time feeling the power of Jesus Christ through the out working of the Holy Spirit as Jesus said to those listening and watching, “Assuredly, I say to you I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel.” Matthew 8:10 and the question comes to mind.

 

“Do we today respond to God like this Centurion who with such leadership skills, demonstrates first his skills of faith to follow his leaders. Or do we respond with religious dos and don’ts as Israel did in that day when Jesus spoke those words?” Matthew 8:10-13.

 

Notice too, the subject man of the event is one who is unaware of what is being done on his behalf. A servant whom some would consider “expendable” or one who’s HMO does not cover the affliction so just let him be and let him die. Suddenly this man is aware that he is not sick to death any longer. Wow!

 

Please pray for the leadership of this nation of ours that they may find, by the grace of God, leadership skills and integrity of heart to respond to God by faith and seek healing for many who are unaware of our national spiritual condition.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #855

by Jesse Abel

Thoughts from Papa “J”

 

The sentry who stands guard at the gate is well armed. Yes he or she may have their weapon ready, but it is the confidence in controlling emotions that provide safety. It is the wide open mouth that causes the enemy to breach the gate. Proverbs 13:3

 

Good Morning

 

Every morning there is a mountain of resources at my fingertips, some of this information is from the World Wide Web and I do believe this resource is properly named; since for many it is a web of deliberate deception. But then again; many millions of people (billions, no doubt) use this information daily in a good way. They make a living, acquire new friends and find loved ones who have drifted away and so on.

 

The world is hungry for information. Some years ago I heard from a source that I do not remember, that the world’s wisdom before the invention of the technology of that day turned over every thirty years and that now (that would be then) and because of computers the information of the world turned over every year. So what does that mean, you might be thinking?

 

As the hunger for world-wide wisdom increases at such a rapid pace; the hunger for truth from for our Creator decreases. Is that important to you or do you see this as a bit of nonsense? Would you believe that God is aware of these days and reveals His concern in the Holy Bible? Truth is that God understands our “day” better than we understand it ourselves. Isaiah 46:10 and 2 Timothy 3:1-9

 

So again; what is the point? Follow me to 1 Corinthians 2:6-18. The Holy Bible which spans six thousand years of human history and overrides all “so called” sacred writings of men who appear as sheep; but who are ravenous wolves; speaks clearly. 1 Corinthians 2:6-8. God has never, nor will He ever revise His Word.

 

The Mystery or Reserved wisdom of God was predetermined before the ages of time. Thus it is preserved and revealed to those men and women who have FAITH in God. This faith then does not have to re-invent the Word of God every thirty years, or every year, it is complete.

 

There is no safety in many religions or revisions. Some of our gospel preaching and teaching ministries have reformed or reinterpreted the Holy Bible to provide “feel better messages” that soothe the hearers; these are doctrines that have no blessing from the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:9-11 as these messages or doctrines are seeds of truth mixed with the wisdom of the world’s spirit.

 

There is One God, One Faith and One Baptism, now some might say well my religion baptized me so I am in; or you? Which baptism is the apostle Paul talking about in Ephesians 4:5? The answer is: Matthew 3:11 and John 1:29-34.

 

So again if all you have is a baptism of religion; then you do not know the One God and have the One Faith, nor do you have the One Baptism of Jesus and you friend or lost to the wisdom God and only have the wisdom of the world to direct your erring way of life. 1 Corinthians 2:12-14.

 

Finally; here is the rub! Try as you may, you cannot find a suitable way to judge or fault with 1 Corinthians 2:6-14 or with those who Spiritually preach and teach the wisdom of God. Why is that? Because it will never need revising; Matthew 5:17-20 as these words of Christ is the mind of Christ and those who have faith in Him or of the same mind. 1 Corinthians 2:15-16

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #854

by Jesse Abel

 

Thoughts from Papa “J”

 

If you look in the mirror and see the reflection of your flesh staring back, you are no doubt living in the flesh. It is okay if you find fault with this statement, but then again, find your Holy Bible and read Romans 13:11-14 or just click on the verses herein, note verse 14.

 

Good Morning

 

On Monday past I was at the Providence Rescue Mission and sharing with the homeless out of Matthew 7:21-29. Also yesterday in the Devotional I used these passages to illustrate a point or two about our national woes. Today I would like to use these passages again to share with you the importance of the Word of the Living God in our personal life.

 

In my basement I have enough exercise equipment to operate a small gym and turn a profit. Anytime someone was getting rid of their equipment it seemed that I was nearby to snatch it up. There is no reason to go into detail of what is down there, but it would take more than a day to inventory.

 

Here is the heart of the matter, now you thought I was going to say “rub” well so did I so we all got fooled on that one! On the “Nord A Track” hangs a very old piece of paper with the words of Matthew 7:24-27 written out. My original plan was to memorize scripture while exercising. These were the first and last verses I wrote out.

 

This reveals at least two things to me. (1) The shape of my body tells the story of my exercising habits. And (2) I never followed through with scripture memorization, but I did manage to memorize Matthew 7:24-27. These verses have become very important to me and in a very basic way the subject matter of the verses reveal daily that I am either standing on the Rock of my Salvation, or I am standing in the sand of my flesh.

 

Here is another thought! This is the third day I have used these verses with three separate applications and on each day there is blessing, for me this is proof that the Word of God is alive, it is personal, and it is also national and universal. Psalm 34:8-9

 

So from the testimonies of other brothers and sisters in the LORD who tell me of those who read these devotionals (friends and relatives of theirs) that many who read do not rely on the sayings of Jesus Christ and that their home is built on sandy soil, I say then to you; first believe that Jesus is the Lamb of God who has taken away the sin of the world (yours included). Then get to know His sayings concerning you.

 

If you do this you will see that the Living Word of God is written to you personally and to your neighbor. Why? Because without Him, your house will fall. John 3:16 is absolute TRUTH. So is Acts 4:11-12

The devotional - A Look at the Book #853

by Jesse Abel

Thoughts from Papa “J”

 

How far has corporate America traveled the destructive highway? I was looking at a pair of PJ’s from my night stand drawer and saw the word… GRANDE and thought for a moment that the clothing was made in Mexico. After inspection, I found out these were made in China. Who knew that the Chinese provided sleep-ware for both the North and South American Continents? Proverbs 11:1

 

Good Morning

 

The Monroe Doctrine was a policy of the United States introduced on December 2, 1823. It stated that further efforts by European nations to colonize land or interfere with states in North or South America would be viewed as acts of aggression, requiring U.S. intervention.

 

The Doctrine noted that the United States would neither interfere with existing European colonies nor meddle in the internal concerns of European countries. The Doctrine was issued at a time when nearly all Latin American colonies of Spain and Portugal had achieved independence from the Spanish Empire (except Cuba and Puerto Rico) and the Portuguese Empire. The United States, working in agreement with Britain, wanted to guarantee no European power would move in.

 

President James Monroe first stated the doctrine during his seventh annual State of the Union Address to Congress. It became a defining moment in the foreign policy of the United States and one of its longest-standing tenets, and would be invoked by many U.S. statesmen and several U.S. presidents, including Theodore Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Ronald Reagan and many others.

 

The intent and impact of the Monroe Doctrine persisted with only minor variations for almost two centuries. Its primary objective was to free the newly independent colonies of Latin America from European intervention and control that would make the New World a battleground for the Old. The doctrine put forward that the New World and the Old World were to remain distinctly separate spheres of influence, for they were composed of entirely separate and independent nations.

 

As Citizens of the United States of America (the few million remaining Red Blooded Americans) are at a defining moment in the foreign policies of the United States and our Constitutional Rights as Citizens. Our national defense systems are being traded off for passive words, not words of a coward, we could deal easily with that; but passive words of men and women who are despots. Thus our Sovereignty as One Nation under God stands at the brink of a cliff that is more alarming and more dangerous than the mockery of being on a fiscal cliff which is nothing more than a political blindfold disguising our real dangers.

 

As Americans we need to get our heads out of the sand and back on the solid Rock. Notice what Jesus has to say in Matthew 7:24-27. We need to read this and be challenged that Jesus is talking to His nation Israel and to individuals who will respond to His teaching regarding the kingdom of heaven at hand. Matthew 7:28-29 and Luke 13:22-35. If we do nothing our house (nation) will be left desolate. Please pray for the United States daily.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #852

by Jesse Abel

Thoughts from Papa “J”

The apostle John says in 1 John 1:4 that he writes truth for you and me in order that our joy in Christ might come to be full or mature. Joy understands the love of God wherein there is no fear. 1 John 4:17-18

Good Morning

Those hungry for power are not ignorant of purpose or plan, for example; the devil began tempting the LORD Jesus as soon as the LORD’s identity was revealed by John the baptizer. We can read about the temptations in Matthew 4:1-22. But again; preparation for this tempting began for Satan the day when the LORD God said these words in Genesis.

“Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:14-15.

The war of fallen angels against their Creator began before this and as Jesus states in Luke 10:18 that He was an eye witness to the extraction of Satan from heaven, He also explains to His disciples in the next verse that He will give them authority to trample those “spiritual ground huggers” who are fallen and torment the world around them. (Ability to bruise their heads by understanding Ephesians 6:10-20)

Okay, this is basic for most of us who follow the LORD Jesus by Faith; so just what is the point? Alright! The world in which we live is temporal, yet every day we see people whom we love, whom if given a an opportunity we would die for, living as if this world is all there is. They believe it is permanent, yet in truth this world is temporal.

They live by entertaining each other at this time of year with words of Satan’s deception extracted from the Holy Bible and used out of context. Like many worldly Christmas Carols; man-made pearls like: “Dona Nobis Pacem” Latin for grant us peace and connected to the Lamb of God.

The Lamb of God does not bring peace. It is not baby Jesus who died in manger and is to live as a babe in our hearts. This was the God/man who was once a babe in a manger, but now is a risen Savior who died on the cross of Calvary as a Lamb slain for your sin and mine who will allow His Spirit, the Holy Spirit to live in the temple of your heart (your soul) when you come repentantly to this truth by faith.

He is the Sacrifice of God who REMOVES the SIN of the world. John 1:29-30 and those who accept this truth (and only those) God grants His peace to them. John 16:33. A simple reading of Matthew 10:24-39 explains that Christ did not come to bring peace, but to bring division.

However this division is not the same dividing war that the devil promotes in his plan to usurp the Throne of God from God, but this division is designed by the Plan of God to restore His kingdom in the heart and mind of everyone who will reject or die to this world of deception; a deception that has been going on for the last six thousand years.

Besides; why are the heathen imagining a vain thing like the works of this world which is temporal? It is rapidly passing away and we who are daily seeking the will of God to be accomplish in this temporal home; Matthew 6:10 are also knowingly seeking that permanent home that will come to us on the Day of the LORD. 2 Peter 3:10-13 and Psalm 2:1-12

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #851

by Jesse Abel

Thoughts from Papa “J”

 

Called out of the secular world and placed into the kingdom of the Son of His love, Colossians 1:13 means that we have been blessed, Matthew 5:3-10 within this context we are called peacemakers thus we must prepare every morning to put on our shoes of peace. One foot is shod with the peace of God, while the other is shod in peace with God. Ephesians 6:15; Romans 5:1 and Philippians 4:7.

 

Good Morning

As much as I have tried to stay away from the current events surrounding our world these days (and I have tried!) I always seem to be reminded of the failures of social out-workings of government groups, corporate communities and other entities that seek to cover the human problem of sin without the wisdom God offers from His Holy Word. 1 Peter 4:8 and Proverbs 10:12

Hopefully you notice the vain conversations that take place in various sources of the media, or as some would say the information highway. While driving on Wednesday I was listening to a New England public radio station. There were a number of topics, all secular and all offering solutions to life without offering HOPE. To boot, the radio station was driving for donations and membership.

One such subject was “tipping the hotel staff”. If you do not tip and you stay frequently at the same hotel or motel you can expect to be subject to the depravity of the staff, from the clerk behind the desk all the way to the cleaning person who fluffs up your pillow and turns down the covers for your next evenings rest. These all have pass keys to get into your private life, while you are away for the day.

I do not want to go into detail, but use your imagination (or not) since the devil hangs out in your imagination. But whatever you can think of is done by the people who are to be servers of peace, safety and welfare. The person providing these stories and information was a successful person in the hotel business.

He had a solution: His solution was for you the customer to protect yourself by paying off the staff by properly tipping his employees. You would think that at the very least he might fire them! Bah Humbug! This kind of protection has been around a long time and paying off does not always pay off since people who thought they paid still ended up with cement shoes, or deadly diseases.

If one could listen to all of the conversations that go on daily, the roar of vane communication falling from the lips of so called informed people would be loud. Loud enough that a deaf person from birth could hear perfectly, and that deaf person would no doubt say. “Gee! I am so glad to be deaf since what I am hearing is shear or absolute nonsense.

I believe that Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes covers this subject of secular humanism very well and true the world around us has operated this way throughout the course of time and it will not change. However, could it be that the Church of Jesus Christ is up to bat and that as a team we are down by one run at the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs, two strikes and a rookie at the plate?

Notice Revelation 2 and 3: Revelation 2:2; 2:9; 2:13; 2:19; 3:1; 3:8 and 3:15. God knows our works and He states in every section of these two chapters that there is something we can do better. All of which is centered within the neighborhoods of where we live in the world around us today. Secular solutions are prominent today and could this be because many churches are ashamed to give answers of HOPE. Romans 1:16-17 and Romans 5:5

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #850

by Jesse Abel

 

A Word from Papa “J”

 

You know how those genealogies in the Holy Bible always seem like a hump to climb over! I noticed this as I read Matthew 1:1-25; that if you are familiar with the history of the O.T. you will be reminded that God works through all good and evil circumstances of life. Those historical names remind us of the events of those He worked with; yet in every expression of faith, God responded with grace.

 

Good Morning

 

“If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands, I say; if you’re happy and you know it clap your hands. Yes! if you’re happy and you know it and you’re not afraid to show it, clap your hands”. “CLAP-CLAP” Now did you clap your hands?

 

There is another song in our hymnals that reads like this; “if My people’s hearts are humbled, If they pray and seek My face; if they turn away from evil, I will not withhold my grace. I will hear their prayers from heaven; I will pardon every sin. If my people’s hearts are humbled, I will surely heal their land”.

 

Have you not read the prophets of the land of Israel? Their burdens, their lamentations and their tears as God pointed out to them the sin and evil of that nation Israel whom God loves. Men like, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel and all the others. Let’s talk a moment about their tears.

 

I mean really, we are so far removed from those tears of theirs. These tears are dried up, having disappeared in time, isn’t that so? Well not exactly; for example when the Philistines captured David in Gath, he later penned these words in Psalm 56:8 “You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?” The tears of personal and national sin! Yes these are stored up “bottled and recorded in the book”.

 

The season ahead for this nation may bring tears for many people, in fact; like you I can watch what should be a simple commercial and be brought to tears at the decadence of our nation as it slides into the abyss of evil. And truly there is not one day in the past year that tears have not flowed from my eyes because of our national and personal sin. “If you are happy and you know it; clap your hands”.

 

These Old Testament saints are examples and admonition of what we should be in the future (1 Corinthians 10:11) and let me add this: if you are not praying and weeping over our national short fall (NOT THE FISCAL CLIFF) then we have forgotten that God’s justice on a disobedient nation will happen.

 

If the Jew has no advantage or profit in doing evil, what makes any of us gentiles think that we should escape the judgment of God? Romans 3:1-31. Ah yes, there is personal application in this chapter, so if you do your part personally; nationally God will do His part and if not; God will still do His part.

 

In all of this; “If you’re happy and you know it… “Clap your hands”! I just clapped mine. As bad as it is, God is ON THE THRONE and His grace will prevail. The second stanza of that other hymn “Then My eyes will see their SORROW, then My ears will hear their plea. If My people’s hearts are humbled I will set their nation free. If My people’s hearts are humbled, if the pray and seek My face; If they turn away from evil, I will not withhold My grace”.

The devotional - A Look at the Book #849

 

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

Has this ever happened to you? These days a conversation like this one in Proverbs 30:1-4 will take place after the Sunday Service, yet and I believe it should be a common occurrence in our homes, in our neighborhoods and on the streets of every American city across this land.

Good Morning

Have you noticed the number of handout requests from various government organizations and para-church operations that come to the privacy of your home via the postal mail, email and you’re not so smart… smart phone?

One of the thoughts that entertain my mind about this is that if you are on a fixed income such as social security and have the fear of funds like these going south; then these same fears run organizationally as well. Many whom we never heard from in the past are asking the fixed income people to fix their income by giving away fixed income, so they can fix, the fixed income problem. Now did you get that?

Now the reason for all of this double talk is not to assist anyone in their ability to chuckle, but to warn us about giving. The programs and promises of a better tomorrow are all around us. From the government to the bleeding hearts, everyone has a hand open. Some of these are well meaning and some do good work, but if you notice… most all of it falls short of purpose!

Do we then have any hope at all? If we cannot rely on government and the organizational drive of mostly well-meaning people; then what shall we do? I am sure the majority of people in this country are beginning to sense the “woe is me syndrome” as we approach the coming New Year.

We do have HOPE; the truth is that; it is to this very point in the time in the United States of America that God has driven us. If you notice many of us are driven to our knees, seeking solutions to heal our national economy, our obese or glutinous desire to have it all and our sin.

What should we be praying for? Well; let me say that the government and those para-church organizations know full well that the majority of the American fixed income middle-class people have resources, otherwise these leaders and bleeders would not be asking us for it.

For the past fifty to sixty years the church has drifted from principles of study that direct our good to be pleasing only to God Matthew 6:1-4. And from prayer that will stabilize our personal, congregate and national life, Matthew 6:5-14 and from fasting (Should a saint of God fast? Answer that one as you see fit.) Matthew 6:16-18

Lay-up Treasures in heaven, if you give your treasure to the government and to the para-church organizations, then you are giving it to the thieves who break into our homes through the channels I mentioned earlier; Matthew 6:19-24 explain these channels are clever in that the eye is enticed by darkness.

If we have an unhealthy eye we will be taken in to give in all the wrong places and lose sight of serving God, since we cannot serve the hunger generated by money and solid faith generated to serve God too.

The healthy answer to restoring the nation to a “most favored status” is to stop worrying about our national health which now is in need of “hospice” but to repent; each one of us, to pray; each one of us, to fast; each one of us; to seek first the kingdom of God and His Righteousness. Then wait and see what the LORD will do.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #848

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

 

An observation in Ecclesiastes 1:4 is that generations come and go and yes they do, the earth is a witness to all of them. Our moment in time is then very important, not that the earth will witness what we are do, but that the earth belongs to the Creator, to whom we will give an account, not about sin, but our DEEDS. Revelation 20:11-15.

 

Good Morning

I remember years ago in the old building of our church that the pastor was preaching on the kingdom of Satan. I do not remember what year that might have been but there are men and women present today (yes we are a bit older) who may remember and can fill in a thought or two.

We had prayed to begin our service and the pastor began with words similar to: “Anytime one teaches on the subject of Satan you can expect something out of the ordinary to happen” and about that time the lights went out in the building. We all chuckled believing that some smarty pants had turn off the power. (Do we still use the term “smarty pants” these days?)

After a quick investigation of the electrical box, it was determined that the loss of power was from another source, but in a short time the lights were back on. Also there was no weather or wind that caused the problem.

There is another story about the out workings of the kingdom of the devil, one that is verifiable and it goes like this:

Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called Passover and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him (Jesus), for they feared the people. Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them. And they were glad and gave him money. Luke 22:1-5

So we have these personal and biblical testimonies that these kingdoms, including the kingdom of the fallen angels exist and we might say. Why does the kingdom of the fallen angels exist? The answer can be complicated but we will keep it simple! The answer is because of sin, there is no other reason, as simple as this thought is, it is critical to see what happened to Lucifer the moment that sin was found in his heart.

Immediately his name changed from Lucifer to Satan. From an overseeing cherub “son of the morning” or “morning star” to one who is now described as the enemy that overshadows good.
Then in Luke 10:18 the LORD Jesus explains that He was witness to the day when sin was found in the angelic being of the devil and an he was shot out of heaven like a “bolt of lightning”.

Therefore the presence of sin cannot be a reoccurring event in the life of the believer who has the indwelling kingdom of heaven within, who is seeking to fulfill the command of; “be holy for I am holy” 1 Peter 2:16 since to be holy is to be set apart from sin.

There is no sin in the kingdom of God, therefore mere flesh and blood cannot enter the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 15:50) since all flesh has fallen short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23) which this glory is the fulfillment God’s kingdom to all who believe.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #847

Just re-reading after sending I notice an error in the dating. Dating is always a critical subject when seeking to understand the movement of time. So here is the correction in paragraph 4, below "Good Morning" Do not run the numbers from 12/25 back to conception, if interested you would have to run the nine months back from the feast of Tabernacles in the Jewish month of Tishri which then puts conception in our month of December and the Jewish months of Kislev/Tevet.

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

 

I have searched all of the resources that I have to try and identify the human writer of Psalm 117. The best that I can say is that it is a Psalm of Solomon, driving on this human highway one could miss the exit. This Psalm is TRUTH, it is God breathed and inspired and directed at ALL NATIONS. Hebrews 1:1-4

 

Good Morning

 

The two important kingdoms of this world are the kingdoms of God and His Son the LORD Jesus. I should remind all of us that it is not Handel’s Messiah (of which I truly enjoy singing or hearing) that stirs up my thoughts. It is the truth found in the Living Word of God that the kingdoms of God; His Son and of man came together for a season of forty years and the kingdom of heaven is still with us today. 1 Corinthians 3:17 and 2 Corinthians 3:17.

 

Since we have entered the CHRISTMAS season, traditionally occurring after Thanksgiving it seems to me that the LORD has purposed all of these messages to come together at this time and this led me to search out a ten year old calendar that I received in 2003 from the Christian Jew Foundation.

 

I am looking at this calendar now and in the month of December 2004 it is recorded as the months of Kislev-Tevet the Jewish calendar year of 5,765. The statement also includes this following bit of information.

 

“Most of Christendom celebrates the birth of Messiah on December 25, a date borrowed from paganism by the early Roman church. Many Jewish Christians believe, however, that he was born during the time of Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles), in the month of Tishri, in the fall” circa 4 BC.

 

Life begins in the womb, so if you run the numbers from the pagan date of 12/25 back nine months we do land in the Jewish month of Tevet when the kingdom of God overshadowed the kingdom of man and produced the human Person of God whom referred to Himself as the kingdom of heaven.

This would be our month “October”. Luke 1:1-80 and Luke 2:1-52 a lot of reading, but for this devotional it is well worth it. In Luke 2:49-50, He knew where He came from and even today we have trouble understanding this.

 

Holidays are important to us, but we have lost focus on why God even allows these seasons of time throughout the year. Holidays are not for selfish gifts that spoil in time, all holidays point to the One gift that came from the kingdom of God to the kingdom of man, revealing to man that His gift is of far greater eternal value. This is similar what our Sunday Bible teacher had to say about this yesterday.

 

I also thought it somewhat amusing that he likes to read these devotionals sitting in a deer stand, forty feet in the air on a cold morning. I do not know if this has any spiritual significant attributes or not, or if it is any closer to the Throne Room, I am just so very thankful for his interest to read these humble attempts to glorify our God whose Plan is for us to know Him.

 

You know at forty feet in the air even the slightest wind will move you. Of course there was a day when he had it right at four hundred feet below the surface of the oceans of the world while on submarines. Proverbs 27:17