The Devotional

Papa “J” says

I have a friend who signs off most of her emails with, “today is the first day of the rest of your life” I like that statement since it brings into focus: Eternity. John 6:27-29

I guess submarine stories win. Each time I dig one up there will be a comment or two from folks. So today I will start, or restart some that I may have already told, then maybe a few more will surface along the way. You would think that ocean water temperature would gradually go from warm to cold, but in most cases that would be wrong. Take for example the Gulf Stream that runs just off the East Coast an up through the waters off of Newfoundland. Also the Gulf Stream can be found off the Coast of West Africa. The current originates out of the Gulf of Mexico. When submarines transit in an out of this current, those in the control room need to know some very important things. If the sub is outside the Gulf Stream the sub reacts heavy and needs less water on board to stay at a certain depth. But the very moment the sub crosses into the Gulf Stream current, the sub reacts lighter. The submarine will surface and there is little that can be done to prevent that except to add more water to the submarine. Sometimes if the sub is in a warm current and needs to go to the surface, but the surface water is cold, it will be difficult to get the submarine to surface, sort of like hitting the top of a roof and not being able to break through.

Psalm 22

Psalm 22:25-28 Religion looks up to God and says; “what can I do to gain your favor”? Now that sounds admirable but God is not pleased with what man can do. God is only pleased with One. The temperature of religion is very warm, being warmed by the gods of hell. The temperature of God's kingdom is cold to idolatry and those involved will never hear the praise of the Righteous who are “In Christ the favored one” He alone provides waters of personal Fear of the LORD. So we need this water that Jesus gives us freely to get to heaven, John 4:10-15.

There is coming a day, called the day of the LORD when all the ends of the earth will turn to HIM. All families, including all gentiles will turn to the God. They will worship the favored One. The day is fast approaching. Some say we are there already, but one small glimpse of your neighbor will tell you otherwise. Or, read the news, crime and death are the front page. When Jesus reigns, the Day of the LORD will be the news when the big guns are melted and made plows and when the lion will graze in the field next to the lamb.

Psalm 22 starts with our Servant, suffering and giving His life for your sin and mine. It is ending with His inauguration to the throne of “King of kings and LORD of lords”. I heard a song yesterday, one that really touched my soul. “On His mother's side... His name is Jesus! On His Father's side... His Name is Emanuel! He did come as Jesus to suffer and die for our sin. But praise God, He is Risen from the dead and coming again as Emanuel, God with us. Matthew 1:23