The Devotional

Papa “J” says

The outworking of the soul can be tears of joy, or tears of grief. Both emotions involve the statues of the LORD! His law is Perfect, converting the soul. Psalm 19:7-14

Submarines have the unique ability to travel deep in the waters of the world, much like an airplane that travels within the airspace of the world. Much human technology goes into the design, development and mechanical delivery of these vehicles. Words like; depth, angle and speed control. Sea pressure, water temperature and other factors related to the natural environment engulfing the submerged vehicle are common language among submariners. Airmen have a similar jargon. Altitude, speed, angle, air pressure and temperature. All these elements are vital to the normal operation of both vehicles. But these things are also factors in the individual life too. Like one, who with a team of others sky dives and faces the same elements of an airplane, or the person who goes scuba diving in the ocean, even to you and me who go for a walk, ride a bike or drive a car. Equipment can only operate by obedience to the laws of creation. Go outside of those laws and the ship, the plane and the individual are in deadly trouble. Knowing your limits is knowing safety. When God says that we have lost our way, He is looking at the whole picture, and sometimes at you and me. Proverbs 22:2-3

The Gospel of John

John 2:23-25 A small portion of scripture but it has broad implication or application. The commercial says; “Whats in your wallet?” but God says; “Whats in your heart?” The truth is that God not only knows the things in your wallet, He also knows what is in your heart as well. In most cases He is not pleased with the wallet or the heart of mankind.

I don't know about you, but I think that as the LORD approached Jerusalem and seen the city streets during Passover that His vision was similar to looking down Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana during the festivities of Mardi-Gras. Like many wandering the streets, they are God conscious people, but their heart is not at peace with Him.

So the discernment here is not that Jesus is unwilling to commit Himself to people, but more that people are committed to the desires of what is in their heart. Jesus wants to be in our heart looking out, not outside of our heart looking in. On the inside, He's committed to us. On the outside, He does not need our testimony. One can tell if He is in your heart simply by reading – 1 John 4:6-11.