The Devotional

Papa “J” says

There is little soundness in a sick body! The doctor can tell much just by listening! If God listens to your heart today, what will He hear? The sounds of the heart are – Galatians 5:19-26

When a person enters the military their very first experience is an indoctrination period of ten or twelve weeks, called boot camp. Many subjects are taught in this setting, but all of the lessons taught achieve the intended results through discipline. Discipline today is a lost word. Commercials drive us to the edge of – “if it feels good, do it!” Internet sites allow us to make comments about anything on our mind – “share your ignorance!” I am certain that if we thought about this longer we could add a few more syllogistic remarks about the lack of discipline in our society. But is this necessary? One, could be very disciplined and still fail to react properly to the moment at hand. One of the best examples of living a disciplined life that we can be familiar with is the individual who has served in the Marine Corps. Semper Fi or Semper Fidelis means, “always faithful” in the training of discipline, he or she is always faithful to the Marine Corps. The men and women of the Body of Christ have the same mandate, to always be disciplined by faith. “All for Christ” Philippians 3:7-11

The Gospel of John

John 3:4-8 These moments with Jesus, reading words that He spoke to men and women regarding the Kingdom of God are as important and precious as words can be for us. Yet, many of us are hurried or distracted when we read and then we miss the intended blessing. Here is something I notice about the Word of God. It never gets stale. Read it over and over again and God will have a new or extended message for us each time.

Nicodemus asks Jesus to answer two literal questions. Some say he is sarcastic. I do not believe this, but I do believe that Nicodemus expected Jesus to give the answer of “No”. Instead; Jesus makes a clear explanation of what the Kingdom of God is. Those who are born in the natural birth (nine months in the womb surrounded by water) must also be born of the Spirit of God to enter the kingdom of Heaven, both births are necessary!

The flesh is restricted by death, to the things of the Spirit because of the fall of Adam and Eve. Genesis 3. Procreation – that which is flesh is flesh. John 3. Recreation – that which is Spirit is spirit. Or we could say that we are baptized into the world in the water of the womb and we are baptized in the Spirit by Jesus as Matthew 3:11 explains. A small foretaste of Glory!