The Devotional

Papa J's rules for Livin #165

Man's best is “happiness” which is like a piece of lean beef, great tasting but not to healthy or long lasting. God's best is “joy” which is like a piece of fruit, great tasting, very healthy and everlasting! Galatians 5:22-23

Millions of people at this time of the year will be looking to purchase a few decorations for Christmas. Have you ever given it much thought as to why people traditionally search the local garden centers for Ilex opaca? But you may like the fancier English species Ilex aquifolium! If you cannot remember what these Latin names are; no problem. I did not know them at all. Just ask the clerk for some Christmas Holly and you'll come home with the spiny green leaves and the bright red berries that are the decorations of many a fireplace or wreath for generations. Why do we buy that stuff anyway? Well, here is the subject behind the tradition. The two primary colors red and green are the perfect combination to remind us of drops of blood. Not just any drop of blood, but the blood that dripped from the head of Our LORD from the crown of thorns. But let us not forget the other color and miss the joy that comes from believing in the reason for His suffering in our place. The green of this plant, like the green of other evergreen plants is to remind us that His death and resurrection is the only sufficient sacrifice to all who believe in Him. Hebrews 10:15 and Psalm 40:6-8. The gospel is written in the blood of Christ, but it is not a death that dies and fades away. The gospel is the Good News – He is Risen and in Him, life everlasting is in the Everlasting Gospel that provides faith to all generations. Ever notice that; John 14:6 and Revelation 14:6 carry the same message.

1 Corinthians 7

1 Corinthians 7:5-9 One would think that marriage is so complicated that maybe it should be avoided altogether! Marriage is not complicated, but it is an institution that if not understood will be wrecked by sin. Marriage represents the relationship that God has with His church, we need to keep in my that the apostle is talking to a church that is involved in many sinful practices. Also we need to keep in mind that there is always personal responsibility in our relationships, since our marriage to Christ, His Church and to our spouse is always under attack by Satan. If you leave this door unlocked, He will walk in and destroy all of your hopes and dreams. Just look around!

Some of the stumbling blocks that Satan will use are evident and easily avoided, but some are not. When we deprive ourselves of intimate moments of prayer and fellowship with God, what can we expect to happen? Our faith falters. The same thing happens when we deprive our self of intimate moments with our husband or wife. This also is a picture of those who fail to be involved by faith in their church.

So a healthy marriage is one that is intimate, Intimacy is the “dead bolt” that Satan cannot open. Another word for intimacy if you've not picked up on it yet, is FAITH! It is impossible to have an intimate experience if you have no faith. Devotion is developed by faith! This is why the apostle would like to see by concession that all were like him. Singleness of mind would enhance faith, but this extreme would produce some very bad – by products. Sinful passions and no children. Do we not have a lot of this going on around us these days?