A Devotional Look at the Book #517

A Devotional Look at the Book #517

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Sin is a condition in the heart of man that produces good and evil from the same source… the family tree of the knowledge of good and evil! Holiness is a Spiritual revelation in the heart of man that produces righteousness from the same source… the family Tree of Life. So who’s your Abba? Romans 8:12-17

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Life can be tough and growing up in the early 1950’s was just that for many young post war families. The prosperity of the land was picking itself up but many veterans suffered from post war stress and could not hold on to good paying jobs. As I have said before; my father was one of them so as a young teenager I began to fill in as the bread winner. One of the responsibilities I had was to go to my grandmother’s home once a week to get a grocery bag full of food. Flour, sugar, dried beans, a slab of bacon and other foods to heavy to remember. The remaining days of the week I would bicycle to the nearest golf course and caddy for men who had good paying jobs. One such man noticed the sneakers I was wearing; he owned a shoe store in downtown Louisville. After the four men finished their round of golf he looked again at my shoes and promised to bring me a new pair of shoes the following week. Now I know that I am not alone in this; many of you who read these thoughts of mine have lived in those same torn and dirty sneakers growing up. We mostly are elderly now but it is those days that if you take the moment to look back you should not see the disappointment, the anger, the embarrassment, nor will you feel the pain of those days. This is what you should see; the beauty of a sunrise; warm summer breezes; refreshing showers; beautiful sunsets and starlit nights. You see; God is able even in time to wipe away all the tears… if you let Him. There is another side to these sorts of experiences. The people who fail to let God respond to their painful experiences; live in the shadows of guilt, bitterness, anger, revenge and hopelessness. Philippians 4:2-9 and Psalm 19:1-14.

Ezra’s Blessing

The people stood up when the book was opened and after Ezra’s blessing; the people stood up and answered; Amen, Amen! The Israelites were having a spiritual awakening. Idolatry and rebellion had ruined their national heritage, but they seemed in agreement with the men who were looking to God and seeking to rebuild their nation and Jerusalem. Restoration always begins with a word we do not like to hear. “Revival”! What do you mean; revival? Or, am I you saying that it is necessary to start all over again? Yes!

National disparity does not wear the face of physical destruction before it falls; but it does wear the theatrical mask of the hypocrites. That is the party face and the sad face we so often see on those stages where actors play in musicals and dramas. A good picture of our nation today; the children are at play, even young adults and some ignorant elderly folks too. But there are those others who warn of national collapse who have a sad countenance over our national lack of awareness of pending judgment for our idolatry and rebellion toward God.

The Book of Nehemiah is thirteen chapters, Ezra is ten; in one portion the people are standing most of the day listening to Nehemiah; then at the end of the day he says to them, “go home now, eat and drink and send portions to those who have nothing. Grandma’s house is just a bike ride away and she has something for those who have nothing. In other words; repent now and begin to rebuild faith in God. Seventy years is a long wait time to rebuild a nation and most of us will not be around to see that day. Please take the time to read the books of Ezra and Nehemiah as these will be our next adventure.