A Devotional Look at the Book #501

A Devotional Look at the Book #501

by Jesse Abel

A Devotional Look at the Book #501

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Webster’s definition of polygamy: the practice of having more than one wife or husband at the same time. God’s definition of polygamy: SIN! Bob Newheart’s remedy: STOP IT!

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Have you ever said out loud or in your heart? “I doubt that!” Here are just a few people in the Holy Bible who expressed uncertainty or doubt; Sarah, Abraham, Gideon, John the Baptizer and Thomas called Didymus. I would like to place our focus on the person Thomas and see what he is all about. Most of the Greek and Hebrew words for doubt are based on the premise of uncertainty or partial belief in a single subject or event. In John 20 we find our Risen Savior in a brief conversation with His disciple; Thomas. Here is the point; The Greek word Didymus cannot be translated as doubt. It can be translated “twin” or “double” so the question quickly pops up; where is Thomas’s twin? Since no one has produced a twin for Thomas in the history books many have said that Thomas had a double mind (doubt). Having a double mind is a bit stronger than the doubt of uncertainty. Two strongly opposing minds focused on one complete subject in one person. (Ever meet anyone like that?) Thomas called Didymus; John 20:24-29 this is not the conversion of Thomas, but it is the narrated event, record by the apostle John of Jesus our LORD removing the double mind of Thomas and replacing it with singleness of mind, heart and purpose in the Risen Savior. Religion and false teachers; try and tempt the double minded, while personal one on One communication with God provides all the wisdom needed to have singleness of mind in the Risen LORD. James 1:2-8

2 Peter

2 Peter 1:9-10 – The characteristics of fruitful and spiritual growth that we briefly looked at yesterday are most important for you and me as disciples of Jesus Christ. Each of these spiritual attributes provided are to give us an eternal identification as a child of God. Yes, it is a miracle that God has rescued us out of the domain of darkness and placed us into the kingdom of His Son; Colossians 1:13, but with the grace of every miracle comes the personal responsibility of spiritual growth.

Notice that the apostle places this responsibility on each of us personally. He does not place in on the church, a denomination or doctrinal teaching. Thus, it is the personal responsibility of every believer in Jesus Christ to not allow blindness, doubt or forgetfulness (James 1:21-27) to interfere with the initial cleansing of salvation. Doing so opens the door to legalistic, liberalism and reformation. All three of these views neutralize the power of God the Holy Spirit which confuses our godly calling and election. Be diligent, and then you will not stumble.

2 Peter 1:11 – Can you not see this or anticipate the entrance of heaven. You have taken spiritual growth seriously being diligent in every good work, feeling the virtuous power of the Holy Spirit at work in you; Mark 5:30; Luke 6:19 walking with the LORD. Gaining knowledge and experience in your spiritual gifts. Learning self-control and patience as God leads us to be more holy and godly. Being kind and tenderhearted to the saints and disciples around you and expressing agape (love). It is the entrance that we all seek and the words we want to hear. Matthew 25:23.