The Devotional
Papa J's rules for Livin #138
Have you considered the world of prescription commercials lately? Seems they offer a cure for whats ailing you, but, LIKE after dosing for depression you might just as well commit suicide anyway, cause your all better! WHAT?
I have a mutual friend in Ukraine who is pastor of a local church. His name is Sergei. Before he was saved he served in the Russian navy, when I visited with him and his family five years ago we talked briefly through his son, Alexander who speaks good English. We determined that both of our submarines were operating in the same waters of the North Atlantic about the same time, all encounters whether friendly of foe are within the permissive will of God. The reason that I wish to share this story with you is to explain too, the awesome grace of God. There are not many sailors of two opposing nations that can claim the truth of sitting together in the quietness of one of their homes, in the kitchen, over a cup of coffee and swapping sea stories. For me this is a huge picture of what it would be like in eternity. First, there is the LORD who will have personal time for us all, then our families and friends. Meeting with that Ukrainian sailor in the Russian Navy was a unique, a one of a kind meeting. But the kingdom of heaven will be equipped to handle daily encounters of these blessed moments. Why is that, do you take time to wonder about meeting God face to face? Why, because God loved us even when we were unlovable. Romans 5:8-10 Yes, once we were enemies of God but now we have been reconciled to sit in the quietness of His home and swap some very awesome stories. The neat thing is that we will not need an interpreter. 1 John 3:1-3
Philippians 3
Philippians 3:1-11 Our lives as saints are no longer our own, the fact is that our lives whether saved or unsaved have never belonged to us. If we are unsaved our alliance is to live for Satan, we belong to him. Once we are saved we no longer give allegiance to the fallen world around us. Now our faith is founded on the Sacrifice of Christ who died for sin once for all and we who live in that truth, live with Him, now to God. Romans 6:10. Thus we no longer live in the confidence of the fleshly way of life but opens the door to a supernatural life where we can live in the power of His Resurrection.
Philippians 3:12-16 As we leave our worldly condition behind and as Christ leads us to spiritual maturity there is a tug from the old way of life to pull us back. Family, friends and influences of the flesh that we like are ever present stumbling blocks. These remind us continually that we have not yet arrived and that we must keep pressing toward the mark, reaching ahead for the prize which is the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. We are called by God, rescued by Jesus and motivated by the Holy Spirit and by this we have a new walk or allegiance.
Philippians 3:17-21 Our citizenship is no longer that of the world, thus our faith is founded on Jesus Christ who saves. We learn to follow Him through the examples of men like the apostle Paul, Timothy, Titus and others of the New Testament. There also may be one or two others whom you have personally met to influence your walk of faith. But beware, there are enemies of the cross who look and act like the saints of God. God has reserved these folks for destruction. So let us eagerly wait for the Savior who has gone before us to build us a city and given us citizenship there. He will transform our lowly estate and conform us to His glorious likeness.
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