A Devotional Look at the Book #544

A Devotional Look at the Book #544

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

The coins in your pocket: Some people never spend the change in their pocket. Be it lazy or embarrassing the excuse will be heard; but the bottom line is that most have forgotten how to count. James the half-brother of Jesus states something similar in his epistle! James 1:23-24

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

The responsibility of keeping the devil out of our family life is large. For example: When I was an unbeliever, I allowed myself to follow the lifestyle of my father and uncles. Drinking, smoking and just being one of the “good Ole boys” I did not know that this activity was an open door for the devil to be a bed partner. He just did not go away! He was there in marriage and he was there at the hospital as I observed our newborn children. He was there when our family drifted apart. He was and is the master of destruction and death. I could place the blame on him, but if you look close enough you will find that it was me who enjoyed the devils company. So many of us go down that road, arm and arm with the devil. Not caring who we hurt, not caring for the wife or husband whose heart is broken. Not even caring for our children, since everything we do in real terms is a sacrifice to the devil. Believers and unbelievers alike get caught up it this. The divorce rate of people who claim to be born-again is as high these days as that of the unbeliever. As people of God we need to stop self righteous sins and assume responsibility for our actions. James 4:7-10 speaks clearly to this issue. Never close the door of communication with God! Humility before God cures worldliness and suffocates the devil with those we love.

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 3:13-18 – I like my hope in God and in His eternal matters; I expect that this hope or confidence will grow. I suppose you could identify hope in God as progressive revelation of Him as He provides more light to see Him more clearly. This is a relational matter between you and God Himself; but it is also a responsibility of the church to bring this truth to light in each of us. (Matthew 16:18) Both the church and the person stand on the rock of their faith by the confidence found in hope. Hebrews 11:1 and the remainder of chapter eleven that “The Faith” from the dawn of creation until now and into the future is “the only hope” for mankind.

It is unique to me that such a simple item like a veil describes the total heart condition of believing and disbelieving in God. It is also just as unique that God can use whatever means necessary; such as, the Old and New Covenants to get His point across. Like for the unbeliever living currently these days who are under the Old Covenant Law of Moses, (2 Peter 1:19) until the day dawns and the morning star arises in their heart and the light of the New Covenant reveals the Mercy and Grace of God for the very first time. This is exciting to me in that it helps me understand that unbelievers cannot see God until the veil is removed.

Coming to the LORD Jesus not only removes the veil of blindness to the grace of God, but it also provides liberty to live in the Spirit of God. 2 Corinthians 3:17 is one of my favorite verses. “Now the LORD is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the LORD is there also is liberty”. Along with verse 18 we can know by hope and faith that our unveiled face will reflect the glory of God to those around us who are saved; but will be veiled to those perishing around us until the Spirit of Christ opens the eyes of their souls.