The Devotional - A Look at the Book #906

by Jesse Abel

Thoughts from Papa “J”

 

Legislators in D.C. are scrambling over $85 billion in cuts in the rate of growth in spending, only $44 billion of which will be implemented this year. Under the "sequester," instead of increasing spending by $1.7 trillion over the next ten years, spending will increase by $1.6 trillion. This one tenth of a trillion dollars is less than what the U.S. borrows from other countries every month. Proverbs 1:7

 

Good Morning

 

2 Corinthians 12:1-6 – The apostle says that it is necessary to explain to us about his vision of the third heaven, but not for profit or boasting. As his thoughts increase regarding his experience there are two things that will entertain us in his experience that he is willing to share. One: Visions and Two: Revelations. These words for some of us are untouchable; these confuse and alarm our thinking and we avoid all paths in that direction. Yet for others these words provide avenues of excitement and intrigue; thus these words will challenge them to go after the experience.

 

Some will subdue the Spirit of God and reject an invitation to the third heaven, while others are eager for the experience. In both cases these are open doors for demonic activity to develop and this activity is only too happy to destroy the glory of God. So what do we do is there any truth to these visions and revelations? Are we less than servants of the LORD and reject all the joys of being at the Throne of God? Or, are we superior servants of the LORD and accept all the joys of being at the Throne of God? It is not what we do, but how this experience is expressed.

 

These are not easily answered questions, especially when one could be branded a heretic for opposing a church dogma. While we should not expect visions and revelations as a common everyday occurrence as this would certainly be false; we should expect that when we are in prayer and our standing before God is in the Righteousness of Christ and in the Power of the Holy Spirit that there will be a real sense of communication with our Father.

 

Also, we must understand that these moments with our Father are tender and precious. When we sit with our earthly father and intimately communicate with him, we do not normally run to the next door neighbor and brag over the experience; however years later when a circumstance develops, we may use our earthly experience with our father to enlighten another person with those earthly moments and revelations with dad. The apostle says in verse two; “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago… was caught up to the third heaven”.

 

When praying and seeking a moment or two with Father/God, we should seek to be in the Righteousness of Christ since our righteousness is not good enough to stand in the third heaven and speak to God. For me this is a conscious exercise to put on the LORD Jesus Christ daily. Cleaning up my heart and mind is necessary. By the way; I am not the only one on earth with a dirty heart, we all have this heart condition. (John 13:1-11) I use Romans 13:11-14, others may use Ephesians 6:10-18, one could also use 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 or Galatians 5:16-18. The point is that we must use the Living Word of God for real; to really be with our Father who looks down from heaven. Psalm 14:2-3. Psalm 19:1-14, I also like Psalm 66:1-20. Awesome!

 

There are times to share with another brother or sister; or even a group of men and women a Spiritual moment with God the Father, but let God Himself lead you to speak. In doing so you will avoid boasting, which is an expression of the flesh? We may have the desire to boast, but our flesh does not have the capacity to express the joy, nor does it communicate the Glory of God. Yet, when God opens your mouth you will be speaking in the Power of the Holy Spirit of His Glory and not your own. 2 Corinthians 12:4-6 don’t be foolish, speak in truth and no one will brand you a heretic.

A Devotional Study of the Living Word of God - Revisited

by Jesse Abel

 

I am leaving for New Jersey at 6:30 so I dug up an earlier devotional. Have a blessed day in the LORD.

 

Take Note #71

by Jesse Abel

Psalm 119:51 Most everyone likes a good joke, but there are those days when you know that you are the reason for the laughter, ridicule and scorn. But compared to the eternal law of liberty that we have in Jesus, this momentary light affliction will pass, this meditation is sweet to the soul.

Good Morning

The average teenager from the age of thirteen to fifteen listens to well over ten thousand hours of hard rock music. That was ten to fifteen years ago, now children are brought into this arena at the age of eight through things like MP3, cell phones and other gadgets aimed at destroying the young minds of our children. I am not opposed to technology, but I am opposed to those people who use this technology to destroy the minds of our young people. Ten to fifteen years ago the amount of time wasted listening to this kind of music was 500 to a 1,000 hours shy of the total amount of time spent in school from the first through the twelfth grade. Today the average child spends more time with text messages, cellular phone talking and taking pictures then the average business person does as they go through a day. Add the time listening to music and the time of a child is not only wasted in this technological environment, it is also very evil. You could be thinking! How does all of this play out in the large scheme of things? The battle for control of our children is very real and the devil is driving that school bus. We let our children on board that bus daily, when we fail to control and disciple them. (Proverbs 22:5-6).

Acts 15

Acts 15:35 Teaching and preaching the Word of God. There is not another method available to the church of Jesus Christ to instill the characteristics of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control in the souls of God's saints. If your church is not filled with men and women who are teachers and examples of being occupied fully with the Holy Spirit, then as a saint of God you will not experience all that God has for you to enjoy.

Acts 15:36-38 The thought of strife in the church may be alarming to some young believer. But for those of us who have been around awhile we know that strife can happen even when your seeking to do a good thing. Most strife is caused by one person being filled with the Holy Spirit and other who is not. God will use this moment to test one or both of these people. It depends on the spiritual awareness of both to avoid these sort of conflicts, but far to often this is not the case. There always seems to be things of the past that sit on the back burner until one or the other say in their heart. “I've had enough” and the strife begins.

Acts 15:39-40 We should take the time to notice that the Holy Spirit is not mentioned from verse 35 to the end of the chapter. The Holy Spirit does not cause strife and He does not promote any attributes of the flesh. As mentioned earlier the fruit of the Spirit of God is developed in the heart willing to abide under the authority of the Word of God. For John Mark, he failed to do this; and for the men who allowed him to be a part of a ministry work it crippled them and eventually destroyed their friendship. That is not God's intent, ever!

Now if you do not have your bible with you, the following is a link you can go to and find the verses of scripture I have referenced herein. Bible Gateway at: www.biblegateway.com/

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #905

by Jesse Abel

Thoughts from Papa “J”

 

When is the last time your eyes have witnessed satisfaction with the world around you? If you are honest, your answer is – never! Yes, this was Solomon’s conviction also. Thus hell (Sheol; the world of the dead) does exist and does suffer destruction (Abaddon; lost). Proverbs 26:3-12

 

Good Morning

 

2 Corinthians 11:16-21 – In conclusion of yesterday; while we live in the flesh we do not war in the flesh; remember that the apostle is talking about spiritual warfare in the 2 Corinthians passages. Look again with me Romans 13:11-14 and Galatians 3:26 – 4:7; and 2 Corinthians 10:4-6.

 

2 Corinthians 11:22-33 – When is the last time you heard of a testimony of suffering for the witness one has in Jesus Christ? Many leaders in our Christian economy (way of life) in the United States of America today have abandoned thoughts of persecution and suffering. In fact; the thought of suffering for anything is simply out of the question. Their mindset is service, worship and the love of God; but not the Gospel which is always being attacked by Satan.

 

Zechariah 12:10-14 – One day soon all of Israel will see the LORD and they shall mourn for Him who was pierced. Israel set aside evangelism for religion. They also replaced persecution for idolatry.

Psalm 110:1-6 – Jesus is coming again, a truth that is watered down with reformed theology. Yeshua or Joshua, there is no “J” in the Hebrew language; however it was inserted into the language about 500 years ago to help with pronunciation. Jesus will sit at the right Hand of God the Father until the time appointed by the Father just as the song “Messiah” explains “and He shall reign forever and ever”.

 

Isaiah 59:20-21 – There is a Redeemer (Yeshua) Jesus who is God’s own Son. For the Jew and for the Gentile, the LORD says that this is my Covenant with the people of Israel; today this command is also for the Church. My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth. Shall not depart from your mouth or the mouth of your descendants… from this time and forevermore.

 

Isaiah 9:6 or 9:5 in the Hebrew Bible are stunning words, again Handel’s Messiah captures these words and spreads the good news. Unfortunately, Handel follows a slightly misleading translation of the first term that has a comma between Wonderful and Counselor. In the Hebrew (Pele’-Yô‘ēts), the two words belong together, since the first is in the construct state. The English term doesn’t seem particularly divine as well, but in Hebrew pele is used only of God, never of man. Isaiah’s other writings make it clear, using related Hebrew terms about God Himself: “O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth” (Isaiah 25:1); “This also comes from the Lord of hosts; He is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom” (Is. 28:29).

 

Isaiah 52:13-53:1-9 – The sin bearing Servant, the One whom Israel hides the face from, even today in churches all across this land the churches of Jesus Christ are blatantly caving in to the gospel of demons as we looked at recently in 2 Corinthians 11:12-15

So why have we looked at these important passages that Israel failed to witness to the world that “Jesus Saves”? Because it is obvious to me that many (not all) of the churches of Jesus Christ are fleecing the flock of God’s Son with the promise of loving God without going through the suffering for Christ that is associated with the gospel of Christ. 2 Timothy 3:10-17.

 

Some of this material comes from the Christian Jew Foundation: www.cjfm.org

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #904

by Jesse Abel

 

Thoughts from Papa “J”

 

It is more tolerable for a stubborn horse and a dumb mule than it is for a fool. A slight touch of the whip will send the horse forward into battle and the bridle will guide the donkey to the command post. But the fool needs a rod of reproof and still he or she may not respond and go down in defeat. Proverbs 26:3-12

 

Good Morning

 

2 Corinthians 11:16-21– It is not hard for a writer to think that he or she is a fool and I like what the apostle Paul who wrote most of the epistles in the New Testament has to say about his speech. With all of my typos and words left out, I feel like a fool. Thus many times when confronted with a word or two left out of what I am seeking to say; I say, “go ahead, at least treat as a fool, so that I have something to boast a little about”.

 

Proof reading is not one of my strong suits. The truth is; I don’t even have a Sunday suit that I fit in any longer… it has shrunk! This is enough boasting in that it does not glorify the LORD, but is of the flesh. On the other hand, I am so excited about the Righteousness of Jesus Christ; in Him I can go to the Throne of God, Roman 13:11-14, but this grace does not stop here. While present in Christ with God the Father, I can speak to Him in the Power of the Holy Spirit. I cannot express to you the ‘JOY” of that season of time, you have to experience this for yourself. Scripture backup! Galatians 2:20 and Galatians 3:26 – Galatians 4:7.

 

Now there are a multitude of passages that present this fellowship with God, in Christ; and in the Spirit. But it would not do you much good if I checked it out and left you to just reading the passages. No I should not search out the matter for you, unless of course you are on welfare and do not speak English. If that is the case; email me and together we will search out the matter. The Living Word of God is just that; LIVING. God will use a verse of scripture to communicate to me concerning a certain thing, but most likely He will use another verse for you to get that same point across.

 

For example; the gospel message is the same for the Jew and the Greek, it is to everyone who believes in Jesus (personally). His Righteousness is revealed to the personal faith of the Jew (Israel) in the same manner as His Righteousness is revealed to the personal faith of the Greek (Gentile). It is the Power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. Romans 1:16-17, one person’s faith being from a Jewish background and another person’s faith being from a Gentile’s background. John 3:16 works for the one and Ephesians 2:8-9 works for the other.

 

If we cannot go before the Throne of grace and speak to God freely, then we must be in the flesh, because flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, 1 Corinthians 15-50. To speak to God we must either be in our glorified state or in Christ’s Righteousness. Therefore no one in the flesh can stand in this unrighteousness (Isaiah 64:6) and expect God to hear his or her prayer. Now we know the mechanics of this with verses of scripture like Psalm 19:12-14 or Psalm 66:16-20, even 1 John 1:9. Yet we need to take serious our time at the Throne of God and go beyond those mechanical steps; by being in Christ and in the Power of the Holy Spirit.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #903

by Jesse Abel

Thoughts from Papa “J”

 

Some would argue that a person does not have a human spirit; these folks do doubt have seared their conscious. Solomon reminds us here in Proverbs 25:28 to reread his earlier statement in Proverbs 24:30-34. The slothful person is like the sluggard and the fool, who has no God and no purpose in life. Also this is a definition of apostasy as seen in today’s national economy; 1 Timothy 4:1-5

 

Good Morning

 

2 Corinthians 11:5-15 – Now here is one of those subjects that cause a lot of confusion in the church and I am sure that some who read these devotionals which are averaging between five and six hundred viewers daily are waiting to see what I may or may not say. So while I prepare to stir up a hornets nest by way of definition of who is an apostle and who is not, I will sound dogmatic. For to say (humanly speaking) who is an apostle and who is not, cannot be said unless you are and apostle and there is only One who speaks today. A hint – Hebrews 1:1-4

 

Therefore, since there is no living apostle this side of eternity we have to reference scripture, understand what scripture reveals and believe the scripture because scripture is the Living Word of God which is able to reveal everything we need to know that pertains to life and godliness. Notice what the apostle Peter has to say and how he directs our attention to faith in God; 2 Peter 1:1-4

 

Some will argue that we do not have an apostle today (this argument has no scriptural reference) and some argue that the lineage of apostleship has passed from pope to pope over the centuries based on two portions of scripture. Matthew 16:13-20 and John 21:15-19. Whatever side of the argument you choose to take; this is the material can promote and develop false doctrines of deceitful workers; those whom the apostle Paul identifies as false apostles.

 

Why should I feel led to say this (two reasons). One: if apostleship were to be handed down through time, then the apostle John qualifies (he, like Peter did not retire from ministry, as the world turns; this is big news today) but John lived longer and wrote the book of Revelation and yet today many religions and cults reject the book of Revelation.

 

Here is the rub! Apostleship, like all ministries is of Divine Ownership. Today our Apostle and High Priest is the LORD Jesus Christ. Notice Hebrews 3:1-6. The writer of Hebrews clearly compares the faithful household of Moses, the servant of God (Old Testament doctrine) with the faithful household of Jesus the Son of God (New Testament doctrine). He shows us plainly that while Moses still speaks, our faith in God now is to rest in the Son of God who is the Apostle and High Priest of our confession of faith. Hebrews 3:7-19.

 

If you are a partaker of this heavenly calling then you are confessing your faith in the One whose current ministry is to call you and me out of the world of false or counterfeit religions and doctrines developed by men and women whom the apostle Paul calls false and deceitful who cunningly transform their messages of darkness into light, partial truths (scripture out of context). Not that Spiritual Light that God promises His saints, but the light that seeks to confuse and defraud the religions of the world. Satan is the one who resembles an angel of light, he has many who follow him.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #902

by Jesse Abel

Thoughts from Papa “J”

 

If a good name is not a priority in one’s life, love and favor of an honest countenance will be absent. Should a person with a marred name and countenance seek change; his or her legacy will remain by most of their acquaintances; unchanged. So great riches like silver and gold cannot purchase what cannot be had Proverbs 22:1. The exception: John 10:7-18

 

Good Morning

 

2 Corinthians 11:1-4 – I recently had a conversation with someone who expressed a belief that God existed, but that Satan did not. This is a common belief among people who have witnessed more evil in life than good and who seek to personally rise above those evils. You may think just the opposite would be true, but without going into an in depth explanation let me just say that if one’s personal platform of life is self-righteousness rather than the Righteous statutes of God, than the Word of God means nothing to them.

 

People with a self-righteous outlook are church goers. Many of these folks fellowship in churches like the one found in Corinth, our own neighborhood churches all across the United States today are loaded with self-righteous well talented men and women who are considered upright citizens. Most of the sixty-four plus sins that are recorded in the first epistle are still being addressed in his second epistle. Comparing 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 with 2 Corinthians 6:11-18 I see the apostle addressing the same sinful pattern and his call for the church as a whole to separate from unholy lifestyles.

 

Church leaders have but one purpose, to present their congregation to the LORD Jesus as holy to God. When deception is evident in the church, the leadership will become godly jealous. Pastors and teachers within the biblical framework of the church have one purpose and that is to present the church of Jesus Christ as PURE and HOLY or as the apostle here expresses as a chaste virgin.

 

Please understand, our sins are covered by the blood of the LAMB, but this does not give us permission to continue to live in deception. Deception is identified as the one and only serpent that deceived Eve in the Garden. Genesis 3:1-24. The serpent is none other than Satan who has disguised his true identity. There are preachers who preach this gospel of deceit whose God is their belly. Philippians 3:17-21

 

We are looking at a small section of scripture here in 2 Corinthians 11, yet it is no small thing to God when people are deceived into believing that they are set apart from the evils of life because Satan does not exist. Deception is a well-used tool by Satan and he has successfully used this platform to convince many he is nothing more than a myth. Why? Because God is not perfect and needs the help of self-righteous people, these people willingly ignore the purity of the gospel of Christ which was first revealed in Genesis 3:15.

 

I am sure that as we move through these verses in 2 Corinthians more about false teaching will be revealed. Satan does exist, many good people are deceived by him. Monday when we look at the remaining verses in this chapter we will see that confusion often develops in the hearts of men and women who are oppressed by much evil because Satan is able to take that evil and transform himself and his works into the resemblance of righteousness.

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #901

by Jesse Abel

Thoughts from Papa “J”

 

What does it mean to shut ones ears to the crying of the poor? Some would say that things are different now and that we have the poor on most every street corner. True, but it is the first responder who has shut the ear; that son or daughter who is selfish, they too will cry one day soon. Proverbs 21:13

 

Good Morning

 

2 Corinthians 10:12-18 – If we compare our service with people who pride their effort as superior to those around them, then we are no better off than they. This trait of human life is common among those who are positioning or posturing for status or recognition in the world. No doubt you have run into a few of these men and women in your lifetime. The scripture section we are looking at this morning is often overlooked; this also is spiritual warfare.

 

Years ago while leading a ministry there was a bit of contention from one who frequently made the comment. “Lead, follow or get out of the way!” this statement has no place in ministry in that what is actually communicated is; “you are not leading the way I think this ministry should be lead so buckle under and follow me, or just get out of my way because I have purposed in my heart to take over”. This sort of action by any within the church family goes beyond the limits which God has appointed. One solid study of 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 will help understand this.

 

So what is the sphere that the apostle Paul is exhorting us to stay within? It is the gospel of Christ! Remember what the apostle said in 1 Corinthians 1:17 “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom (wisdom of words), lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect”. Therefore; there is little to boast about. Selfishly extending our effort into another man’s ministry is not a labor of love; it is just another failure where spiritual warfare was able to place a wedge of division.

 

Faith is increased when the sphere of the gospel is enlarged in regions that are opened by God; not by trying to boast or preach in another man’s sphere of accomplishment. This does not mean that we cannot speak within the framework or authority of another man’s ministry; it simply means that we must be protecting the authority of this ministry and the gospel of Christ as God leads. Note: Isaiah 65:13-16

 

We tend to forget, the apostle has used the statement found in 2 Corinthians 10:17 before in his first epistle to the Corinthians 1:31. For me I find that there is no greater joy for me to experience than to be expressing to God the Father that I stand before Him in the Righteousness of Jesus Christ and in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Whether in ministry or my own personal walk; this I will glory in and nothing else.

 

In our brief overview of 2 Corinthians I notice something that I have not thought much about in times past, so by way of example I will try to bring it out. Ever write a letter to someone? Of course you have. Have you ever had to follow up that letter with another one? No doubt you have. Ever make references to that original letter? Yes again; no doubt you did. I am seeing many references in this second epistle to remind the church at Corinth to stay spiritually sound and to avoid spiritual warfare that seems to flourish within the church family. We should strive to stay within the framework of the gospel of Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:22-23.