Ab is the Jewish name for the fifth month in the religious calendar and the eleventh month of the civil calendar. This non-biblical name began to be used during the Babylonian captivity. The Bible simply calls this month the “fifth month.” This designation is found ten times in the Bible. The month of Ab begins with the new moon of August and always has thirty days. Agriculturally, the month of Ab is known in Israel as the time for the ripening of grapes, figs, and olives.
Many today are stopping short on the gospel. The Catholics and many others have a crucified "Jesus" (another Jesus) laying around. The problem is that even some Independent Baptists are heading the same direction. What does the Bible say about the Gospel?
The tendency of Old Testament Jews was to give God their leftovers. Our tendency is the same. What should we give God?
What is the purpose of your life? Would you serve the Lord if the only option presented to you was a job that you did not like to do? Do you murmur and complain in front of your friends, coworkers, or children about serving the Lord? Is your heart right in service? If not maybe you should go back to the example of Jacob and serve with love.
The only way to begin to reach the masses is to begin at home by training your children in the way they should go. What can we learn from this passage in Proverbs to help us do it God's way?
