Today's Devotional

 

November 9, 2007

                                                                                  

Subject:   Making Believers 

Romans 12:2 - "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." 

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Just yesterday, one of my former Marine JROTC cadets returned to the school to say hello.  It was particularly moving because a few months ago I attended his graduation from Marine Corps boot camp and upon his return from finishing his attendance at the Marine Corps' Infantry Training School, he announced that in January he will be going to Afghanistan.  In the words of a Marine he was "motivated."  As we walked around the school and as he met teachers from other classes, I soon realized that Marines are indeed a "strange" breed.  

When this newly-trained Marine told me about volunteering to go to Afghanistan, I greeted him with an "OOHRAH," the Marines motivational phrase.  I knew that the training would do that.  Of course when the other teachers in the school, non-Marines, heard about him going to Afghanistan, they seemed so sorry that it was happening and he then had to tell them that he wanted to go.  That's what "good" training does for you.  In the Marine Corps we call taking ordinary boys and girls and turning them into motivated Marines, "transformation."  I think God uses the same word for what He does with sinners as He turns them into believing warriors ready for the fight.

The disciples were all "transformed" as they began to follow Jesus, but after His crucifixion, they lost their motivation, but it was only temporary because after they had seen Him in the resurrection, they were ready to die in His cause.

Tomorrow, as the Marine Corps celebrates its 232nd Birthday, we know that they are still "Making Marines."  Everyday we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ and we know that He is still "Making Believers."  In the Marines' transformation, we're all ready to die for the cause.  No less should we as believers be ready for the same in His cause.  Have you been transformed?  Are you motivated about going to the fight?  

Happy Birthday Marines and OOHRAH!!!  Praise God that He is still "Making Believers" to go to His fight.  In the Marines' fight we most often prevail.  In God's fight we always shall.            

Carlen