Sweet Woman...

"Don't be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." 1 Peter 3:3-4

My heart aches for you sweet woman, who is caught up in the entanglement of this world.

As you set out on your daily search to be loved, admired, fulfilled, and of value, I notice you are looking to the things that provide only temporary fulfillment.

It saddens me to see this.

It saddens Him to watch you.

He has what you need, yet you continue to look elsewhere. You look to clothes, appearance, men, even the compliments of other women. You shop to impress, to fill a void, yet at the end of the day, when you are all dressed up, you lay down your head and find, the emptiness is still there.

The words of your spouse become only words, they are not enough for you anymore. You soon desire the looks of others as you walk down the street, in a store, or restaurant.

Or maybe you have gone in the opposite direction and have began to care very little about yourself. Your insecurity and own condemnation has led you to the place of little desire to look nice, to take care of your body. You have let yourself go.

This saddens me to see this.

This saddens Him to watch you.

He has a purpose for you. He has washed away all self condemnation with His very own blood. Yet you listen to the lies of Satan and others who say, "You are not good enough. You are ugly. Look at her, she has it better than you. You will never amount to more than this. You have to look this way and be this size."

Sweet girl, we all have insecurities. Not one is perfect, no not one. God does not have those desires or standards for you. He wants you, exactly the way He made you-in His image.

Don't cover up God's beauty with food, or lazy attire. Don't expose God's beauty with little clothing either. Don't arouse the attention of men, by dressing inappropriately. There are men who do desire to remain pure and committed to their spouses and the Lord. Don't cause them to stumble because of your need to be noticed, sought after and loved. A modest woman, secure in the Lord is of more beauty than any other. 

Don't place your family in debt because your need to be admired and noticed sent you spending more on clothing and the finest for your home and children.

God always provides our daily needs. Abundance is found in His blessings not in materialistic things.

Sweet woman, these words that spew from your mouth, be careful with them. You will be held accountable for them one day. They can never be taken back.

This saddens me to hear such ugliness, towards other women who are hurting and searching just as you are.

This saddens Him to hear this.

These words you utter, are not a true reflection of Him. Don't allow your words and feelings to get tangled up. Be wise with them.

Remember, your words always reach the one you are speaking about. Forgiveness and kindness go farther, heal the hurt quicker, and offer freedom.

Negative words, towards yourself or others, bring bondage, more insecurity and doubt.

Don't be known as a gossip, it only reveals your insecurity, doubt in God, and your desire to be liked by man, rather than your desire to please the Lord.

Sweet woman, your actions. They are a reflection of all that is held in your heart. The rolling of your eyes, the disrespect with your body language, the fakeness in your tone. They all reveal what's in your heart.

This saddens me to see this.

This saddens Him to watch you.

Your spouse desires respect, and the biggest way he sees and feels that respect is through your actions.

She deserves to be respected and cared for, just as you do. Though she hurt you, don't hurt her in return. You will accomplish nothing by doing that.

Your actions are an overflow of what you fill your heart with. What flows from you, sweet woman?

And lastly, transparency.

Sweet woman, as you walk into your closet, seek out the outfit that reveals a woman of God. A woman who desires to show others God's mercy and grace. A woman that reveals the scars in a manner that will point others to the Cross.

Be a woman that is as genuine and real, as she portrays to be, that is transparency, when others can see Him clear to the core of you.

Be clothed in the Word.

For then, as you walk, others will see the "Light" of the Cross embedded within you.

Could You Ever?

S-Wholehearted Obedience

S-"The next morning I did everything I had been told to do." Ezekiel 24:18

A-Complete Obedience

L-A True Definition

Think of the person that is your dearest treasure.
.
.
.
.

Do you have them in your mind now?

Now imagine God telling you this about them.

"Son of man, I am going to take away your dearest treasure. Suddenly she will die. Yet you must not show any sorrow. Do not weep; let there be no tears. You may sigh but only quietly. Let there be no wailing @ her grave. Do not uncover your head or take off your sandals. Do not perform the rituals of mourning or accept any food brought to you by consoling friends." Ezekiel 24:16-17

Can you even imagine?

Me either.

To be honest brethren, when I was reading this story about Ezekiel, my heart broke. How? How did Ezekiel do it?

He did it because his devotion and love for God was so much greater. sigh

Only, by the power of the Holy Spirit could we ever be able to do what he did.

His heart had to be so broken, right? I mean he was human.

But instead of mourning like we do, he did the opposite.

"So I proclaimed this to the people the next morning, and in the evening my wife died. The next morning I did everything I had been told to do." Ezekiel 24:18

Brethren, this man of God, obeyed the Lord completely and wholeheartedly, even in the midst of heartache.

I want to get to this point!

I want to be completely and wholeheartedly obedient and devoted to Christ...

Even when it hurts
Even when I don't feel like it
Even when it goes unnoticed
Even when its so hard I want to quit
Even when it is foreign
Even when it is uncomfortable
Even when it leaves me standing alone and apart from others
Even when it feels awkward
Even when it is so far from what I could ever do or imagine

I want to be obedient!

God had a purpose and reason for asking this of Ezekiel, and it was because of the sinfulness of Jerusalem. He was setting the example for the people of Israel, whom would soon have to follow it, when God destroyed Jerusalem.

Be obedient to the Lord at all times, for you never know when God might be using you. And always remember, if He asks it of you, He will give you the strength, courage, and help to do it.

Slow Down

"Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

Somehow, in the midst of our busy lives, we seem to let those in need fall by the wayside. Our focus, that once was upon the broken, seems to have shifted.

That is, until you receive that call, text, or email, that says let me know you are still here. Let me know that this brokenness inside of me, is something I don't have to face alone. Please, just let me know you haven't abandoned me.

Let me know you are praying for me, thinking of me, and that I haven't been left here to deal with this on my own.

I want to tell you sweet one, if you are reading this and you are broken. You are not alone. You are not forgotten, nor do you have to face this brokenness alone.

God is with you at all times, and though it is so hard to understand, His presence alone is greater than any humans presence could ever be.

The Lord has never left you, nor has He ever failed you. Hold on to that sweet one.

Now, for us who get so caught up in the busyness of our lives, we need to have our focus shifted back to what's important. And all the rushing around and busyness "WE" create for ourselves is not near as important as being Christ in flesh to the broken.

How can we be used by Christ if we are to busy to listen to His instruction?

How can we make a difference if we serve in a rush?

How can we comfort others, if we never take the time to listen to them?

How can we be equipped if we rush our time with the Lord?

When we allow our busyness to take the place of serving, loving, listening, and being there for those in need, we become less useful.

Do you know someone who is hurting and lost, someone searching for hope, encouragement, and love? If so, let Christ use you. Slow down and take the time to be a reflection of Christ's love.

All. In. Belong.

S-God's Heir

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's gift of freedom through Jesus

L-Children of God

"So you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have been made like him. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all Christians-you are one in Christ Jesus. And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and now all the promises God gave to him belong to you." Galatians 3:26-29

This is where God steps in and makes Himself known, in a way we all can understand. And He starts off by telling us how we become children of God and how we become united, identified, and made like Christ.

Through our faith in Christ, and through baptism.

"And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have been made like him."

Then, through Paul, God places words such as, all, through, faith, no, are, and belong, in Paul to drive a very important point home. The world and false teachers have it wrong.

They teach and point to self. They use words such as, I, me, us, some, they, etc.

But God says, no it's not about you or your group of people. It's about everyone who is in Christ Jesus. They are His heirs. They are the true children of Abraham. They also receive the promises God gave to Abraham.

As followers of Christ we need to stop with the "OR's" and be united, because we are ALL children of God through our faith IN Christ.

Brethren, this really hits home, in many ways for us. Maybe we need to allow this particular passage to sink in and work its way through us too. Because sometimes we can be really bad about placing people in a category. We can use the "Or" way to much.

So much that when a lost soul, searching for hope walks in our Churches, across our path, or is apart of  our family, and they don't look OR act like "we" think they should, we let them walk out even more hopeless and lost than when they walked in or by.

Let's be mindful that Christ made the way for ALL people to come to Him, and when they do, through their faith and baptism they become children of God. They become our brothers and sisters, whom we are to love, pray for, and encourage.

S-Tell someone today that God's arms are opened wide awaiting to embrace them. Tell them of His love and that through His Son, Jesus, they too can become a child of God, an heir, and receive God's amazing promises. 

Altar Sunday

Thank You Jesus for sunburns and summer kisses.

 Thank you for rain and sunshine.

Thank You for Your goodness and grace.

Thank You for laughter and tears.

Thank You for forgiveness and love.

Thank You for Church families and the altar to come and give You praise. 

Do You...

Do you get excited when you read God's Word?

Do you hurry to go meet with Him, because you can't wait to be in His presence?

Do you find it to be the absolute best part of your day?

Do you lose yourself in Him and His Word?

Does He make you giddy?

Do you find comfort and joy in Him?

Do you spend time listening as He lavishes you with His love? 

Do you desire more and more of Him daily?

A Little Confirmation

When you walk by and Jesus says, "Look up." So you look up and see this on the back of a car. You know you are right in the place of His Word He wants you to be.

Jesus thank You for the tiniest confirmations and at the times You know we need them the most. Bless You sweet Father. Amen

Let Me Put it Another Way

S-Let me put it another way.

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-Freedom through Christ

L-Here It Is

"Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian and teacher to lead us until Christ came. So now, through faith in Christ, we are made right with God. But now that faith in Christ has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian." Galatians 3:24-25

The law that was given, was to teach you how to obey and love God with all your heart. As pure, blameless, and holy as you possibly could. But as you have seen and heard, it is impossible to fulfill and obey the entire law to the fullest. Especially when these Pharisees and false teachers are placing a burden upon you that you will never be able to carry or achieve.

Because of that Christ came, He came to set you free from all of that. He came to fulfill the law and offer you freedom and life through Him. (Matthew 5:17, Romans 10:4)

It is only through your faith in Christ that you will be able to fulfill the law. (Romans 3:31)

Brethren, do you struggle with living by the law more than you do faith in Christ? Do you get bogged down with failure after failure to the point condemnation has become your constant companion?

If so, ask the Lord to set you free from the bondage you are in. Ask Him to show you what He sees. Are you someone trying to please Him through good works, or by faith?

Maybe, you are struggling to wrap your mind around faith and God's promises. If so, get in the Word of God, let Him teach you His truths. He will put it another way, after another way, after another way, to ensure that you get it.

S-Find someone grounded in the Word of God and share your struggle with them, so they can pray with you, encourage you, lift you up, and walk with you through it. 

They Are Both Significant, But Only One Saves

S-Until it was Shown

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Word

L-Guarded

"Until faith in Christ was shown to us as the way of becoming right with God, we were guarded by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until we could put our faith in the coming Savior." Galatians 3:23

On the other side of the Cross, God put into place the law. The law would have several purposes.

1. Reveal man's sinfulness

2. Act as a guard, and protective shield 

3. Point to Christ

4. Teach us right from wrong

On this side of the Cross, God sent His Son Christ, whom revealed that life comes through faith in Him. Faith has three purposes.

1. To save us from death because of our sinfulness.

2. To set us free from the bondage of sin and the law.

3. To make us right with God, through Christ's sacrifice. 

Both have significant purposes, but only one saves us!

S-With faith comes obedience. Are you aware that both are a requirement and command from God? Share with your family why both must be lived out.

Don't Misunderstand

S-Is there conflict?

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's promises

L-Don't misunderstand

"Well then, is there conflict between God's law and God's promises? Absolutely not! If the law could have given us new life, we could have been made right with God by obeying it. But the Scriptures have declared that we are all prisoners of sin, so the only way to receive God's promises is to believe in Jesus Christ." Galatians 3:21-22

Have you noticed how many times Paul repeats himself in this letter. He just words it differently. 

There is a point to be made, and sometimes we need to hear it differently. So even though its repeated and worded differently the main point remains the same.

I believe this particular passage backs up and shows us that God is the true Author. 

How? Because Paul begins the passage with a question, that would be and was in the minds of his readers. God doesn't leave out one detail, nor does He leave us wondering.

So up to this point after hearing about the Law and God's promises I can see this question being the key question.

There is no conflict between the law and God's promises. 

Here is the bottom line.

The law doesn't give us a new life. If it did Christ's death would be pointless.

Therefore, in order to receive God's promises we have to believe in Christ Jesus, who gives new life.

S-Share the Good News and the promises of God. Pray and ask The Lord to place someone in your path today that needs to hear about Him.

Your Need for Christ

S-The Purpose of the Law

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Promise

L-Why. It's Purpose. God's Plan

 "Well then, why was the law given? It was given to show people how guilty they are. But this system of law was to last only until the coming of the child to whom God's promise was made. And there is this further difference. God gave his laws to angels to give to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people.  Now a mediator is needed if two people enter into an agreement, but God acted on his own when he made his promise to Abraham." Galatians 3:19-20

Here is how God broke this down for me.

God's plan: Was to point to Christ from the beginning.

The Law: Was to to reveal our need for a Savior. Christ was the Savior that became the ultimate sacrifice.

When Christ died, He set us free from the law, the law which reveals our sinfulness.

He then became the one and only mediator for us. He became the sacrifice-He tore the veil and made way for us to enter the Most Holy place where God dwells.

"For there is only one God and one mediator who can reconcile God and people. He is the man Christ Jesus. He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone." 1 Timothy 2:5

In the Old Testament, Moses was the mediator between God and the people. The angels were the mediator between God and Moses.

But when God entered into an agreement with Abraham, He did it on His own. He made that promise directly to Abraham. He did not use a mediator.

That is where the difference comes in. Abraham received God's promises because of his faith.

Do you recognize your need for Christ? Do you know you can enter the Most Holy Place at anytime and meet with God?

S-Tell someone how they too, can receive God's promises through faith in Christ.

Altar Sunday

Come to the altar with me as we pray for all the Fathers. They need our prayers. They carry heavy loads as men.

Before you get up from the altar, ask The Lord to show you how you can ease their loads. And to help you be an encouragement to them. 

Lets not place more on them ladies with our nagging. Lets love them and thank them instead. 

The greatest way to express your love is by respecting them. Even if we don't always agree, they still deserve respect! 

Jesus thank You for daddy's. Thank You for giving them the ability to do all that they do. Amen

What Will be Said About You?

I know we have spent several days outside of Galatians, and we will get back into it Monday. 

Because today, I am emotionally worn out. As I sat surrounded by so many people who loved Dana, I was reminded of how big of an impact we have on the lives of others. 

We can either make a godly impact or not one at all.

Dana made a godly impact daily with her love and kindness. 

One of the greatest blessings happened just a week before Dana passed away. 

Her two precious  girls gave their life to Christ and were baptized. 

That was the peace Dana needed. And it was the peace she received. 

As parents our biggest goal and priority in life should be to ensure that our children know Jesus Christ and give their lives to Him. And that we life that out in our own lives before them. 

As God's children our goal and priority in life, should be to please and honor Christ. To live a life that points others to Him. 

And that is what Dana did. 

What will be said of you at your funeral? You will have one, one day. 

As my daddy always says, "Leave everything better than you found it."

Let's leave this place behind a little better than we found it, by being a reflection of Christ filled with love, kindness, and joy! 

Tell people you love them! Grab the hand of someone hurting and pray with them. 

And please, pray for Mark, Shelby and Cameron. Especially in these days to come. 

The Overflowing Joy

When you turn around in the car, and catch your baby reading His Bible...there is nothing greater. 

Sweet boy, your love for Jesus and His Word at such a young age, is the greatest blessing to your daddy and me. 

May The Lord continue to fill you with wisdom beyond your years, along with a love for Him that overwhelms You daily. 

Nothing brings Jesus more joy (nor us) then when you spend time with Him. 

Bless you sweet boy! 

When it All Comes to an End...

"Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life id fleeing away. My life is not longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath. We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing." Psalm 39:4-6

In these moments, when your heart breaks for those you love, and you see the suffering, but you don't know the suffering, the pain, the fear, the what ifs, what now, like they know now.

Helplessness seeps in. Reality of the inevitable, floods in like a tsunami. It's real! We are not immune. We can't deny or ignore it.

"Don't try to avoid responsibility by saying you didn't know about it. For God knows all hearts, and he sees you. He keeps watch over your soul, and he knows you knew! And he will judge all people according to what they have done." Proverbs 24:12

For me, I have realized that one day, when I stand before the Lord, I will become very aware of what I have done with these gifts, opportunities, and my time for Him. But I don't want to wait until then and find out that I did very little.

I want to do more now. Do you?

I don't want to wait until something happens and the suffering, pain, and fear becomes my reality to decide to do more then. To love more, to serve more, to share Christ more, to praise more.

I want to do those now.

The best place to start is in our home, with our spouses and children.  Because the reality of life is that it will come to an end.

And when the end comes, we will stand before the Lord, the One who matters most, and He will give an account for the things we have done.

Brethren, I don't want to barely make it within the Gates of Heaven. I don't want to live here on this earth and do the bare minimum. I want to enter into heaven and hear my Father say, "Kristi, you have pleased me in every area of your life. You have been faithful in our relationship. You have served those of mine daily, you have shared my Word from one end of the earth to the other. You have brought great joy and honor to My name. Come, your rewards await you."

"For I, the Son of Man, will come in the glory of my Father with his angels and will judge all people according to their deeds." Matthew 16:27

That is my desire. For Him to be so pleased, for others to know Him, and to serve the least of these.

In this day, how can we express more love, serve more, share His Word more, praise Him more?

Don't waste your day focusing on yourself. Don't waste your day being angry. Don't waste your day being so busy, you miss serving, ministering or being there for someone in need. Don't waste your day complaining. Don't waste your day grumbling and gossiping. Rather, spend your day being encouraging, loving, kind, and a peacemaker. Spend your day holding the hand of a woman who needs prayer.

"See, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me, to repay all according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes so they can enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life. Outside the city are the dogs-the sorceress, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and all who love to live a lie." Revelation 22:12-15

Look at this day with expectation and preparation.

"For there is going to come a day of judgement when God, the just judge of all the world, will judge all people according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who persist in doing what is good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and practice evil deeds." Romans 2:6-8

Jesus keep us from wasting any more days on being lazy, selfish, and so busy that we miss on why we are here. Set up divine interventions for us each and every day. Amen

Dana

Today my precious friend Dana lost her battle with Cancer. Though our hearts are so broken, we rejoice because she is no longer in pain. She is healed and now in the presence of The Lord. 

Please be in prayer for Mark and the girls.

Rewards, little or a lot?

"For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in our bodies." 2 Corinthians 5:10

If judgment day came right now, and you stood before the Lord, awaiting His evaluation, what would the outcome be?

Have you handled your gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord?

On that day how will you be rewarded?

Altar Sunday

Abraham built many altars. Some for sacrifice and some for worship and to remember what God had done.

Though we don't build altars today, we do have them within our Church and we should use them more. They should be filled with followers of Christ who are knelt in awe and thankfulness, along with laying down sin and anything else that is separating us from complete fellowship with Christ.

The Motive Behind the Intention

When you open the Word of God, what are your intentions?

When you step out to serve, what are your intentions?

When you attend Church, what is your intention for being there?

Ladies, when you get all dressed up, what is your intention when you step out into public?

Behind every intention is a motive.

So what is your motive for doing and acting the way you do?

How do those motives and intentions hold up to the Word of God?

Are you aware of what God sees?

"People may thing they are doing what is right, but the Lord examines the heart." Proverbs 21:2

"People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives." Proverbs 16:2

The Difference in the Law and God's Promises in a Nutshell

S-The Greatness of His Promises

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-Wisdom 

L-The Law and God's Promises

If I were to just read these next few passages, with out digging further into them, I would have missed the true meaning of them. So often we read the Word, but we never take it to the next step. We never dig into the back story, history of it, to really grasp the depth of it. 

I hope that as we walk through the Book of Galatians we all walk away knowing His Word deeper, thus growing in our faith and developing knowledge, understanding and wisdom.

So let's look at these next few passages.

"Dear brothers and sisters, here's an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or amend an irrevocable agreement, so it is in this case. God gave the promise to Abraham and his child. And notice that it doesn't say the promise was to his children, as if it meant many descendants. But the promise was to his child-and that, of course, means Christ. This is what I am trying to say: The agreement God made with Abraham could not be canceled 430 years later when God gave the law to Moses. God would be breaking his promise. For if the inheritance could be received only by keeping the law, then it would not be the result of accepting God's promise. But God gave it to Abraham as a promise." Galatians 3:15-18

Verse 15-Let's look at it from another version (it helps, especially if you don't use commentaries, which I don't, so I like the different versions.) 

    The Message: "Friends, let me give you an example from everyday affairs of the free life I am talking about. Once a person’s will has been ratified, no one else can annul it or add to it." Galatians 3:15

   NASB: "Brethren, I speak in terms of human relations: even though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it." Galatians 3:15

What point is Paul making here? 

    -He is saying that God's promises cannot be broken or added too. 
            *Therefore, we should rejoice, walk in confidence and freedom, and allow it to strengthen our faith even more. Brethren, God does NOT break His promises to us. He never has and never will. And to reveal that to us, He sent Jesus, who fulfilled and displayed every promise.

   -I want to point out here, that this promise, this covenant, that was made between God and Abraham was based on Abraham's faith not the law. I believe it is the same point Paul is making as well. 

Verse 16-The Message: "Now, the promises were made to Abraham and to his descendant. You will observe that Scripture, in the careful language of a legal document, does not say “to descendants,” referring to everybody in general, but “to your descendant” (the noun, note, is singular), referring to Christ."  

    NASB:  ^"Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as referring to many, but rather to one, “And to your seed,” that is, Christ."

  Who is the descendant, the seed? Christ. This is where we see the difference between God's promises and the law. God kept His promise to Abraham and through Abraham we received the blessing of Christ, one of Abraham's descendants.  God promised to save us, and He kept that promise when He sent Christ to die for us.  The law doesn't save us, nor did the law save Abraham.

Verse 17-The Message: "This is the way I interpret this: A will, earlier ratified by God, is not annulled by an addendum attached 430 years later, thereby negating the promise of the will. No, this addendum, with its instructions and regulations, has nothing to do with the promised inheritance in the will."

   NASB-"What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise."

Here it is in a nutshell. The agreement set between God and Abraham 430 years prior could not be changed, added to, or removed when He gave the law to Moses. If that were the case than God would be breaking His promise. And God NEVER breaks a promise. 

This is why its important for us to understand the difference and importance between God's promises and the law. When God promised to save us, He did just that. When God promises to take us home to heaven, He will do just that. When God promised to fill us with the Holy Spirit to teach us, guide us and direct us, He did just that. When God promised to forgive us of our sins, He did just that through His Son, Jesus.

The law given to Moses, was to protect us until Christ came. Today, the law helps guide us and protect us, but is not where our salvation lies. 

The overall point is found in this last verse.

"For if the inheritance could be received only by keeping the law, then it would not be the result of accepting God's promise. But God gave it to Abraham as a promise." 

Brethren, the law points out our sin, which in return reveals our need for Christ. When we depend on Christ, when we put our faith in Christ and realize His love and mercy, we will then obey the law because we will desire to glorify and please God through obedience. 

S-Share God's promises with someone today. 

When and How Many?

"I have heard all about you, Lord, and I am filled with awe by the amazing things you have done." Habakkuk 3:2

Brethren, when was the last time you were filled with awe by the amazing things Christ has done?

Christ is doing amazing things all around us every single day. Therefore we should be filled constantly with awe.

Yet we are not. So where is our focus? What has happened?

If you were to look back on this week, how many times would you say you were filled with awe by the amazing things you heard about Christ and saw Him do?

Are we looking for them?

Are we listening as we read His Word?

Are we listening to those who speak of His greatness?

When brethren, was the last time you were filled with awe at the amazing things Christ has done, is doing, and going to do?

The Only Way to Receive God's Promises

S-The Promise

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Promises

L-The Promise

   -"Through the work of Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, and we Christians receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith." Galatians 3:14

Do you know what I love about this passage? It's a win-win for all who put their faith in Christ.

Plus, we all receive the most amazing gift-the Holy Spirit. I am so curious as to the reaction of the people of Galatia when they were reading this letter from Paul.

I know for me, who joins them on this side of the Cross, am so thankful for, and gladly receive the promised Holy Spirit.

Brethren, the only way to understand and know God's promise for us is through the work of the Holy Spirit within us. And the only way to receive the Holy Spirit is through faith.

Do you know God's promises for your life?

S-Share God's blessings and promises with someone in need of Christ today.

Rescued and Thankful

S-Rescued

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Truth

L-Rescued from the Curse

   "But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." Galatians 3:13

As I read this passage over and over, I finally stopped and asked God to show me what He wanted me to get out of this passage. I didn't want to walk away without being impacted in such a way that it stuck with me all day.

This is what the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart.

"Why live with so many complaints? Why not live with thankfulness? Why live stressed and worried and in fear? Why not live with joy, peace, and contentment? You have been rescued from death. Christ took your place. He took those nails for you. He took your place upon the Cross. He took your sin upon Himself, so that you could be saved. He took the curse for your every wrongdoing.

How does this so easily slip your mind? It should stay on your mind at all times, and bring joy to your heart. You are loved, you are rescued and set free. Isn't that enough? It's more than enough. It's more than you deserve. So why, why not focus on His love and His grace and walk in joy and freedom and faith, rather than worry, fear, frustration, and doubt?"

How is it brethren, that we, as followers of Christ Jesus fail to walk confidently in the Lord, overflowing with joy and thankfulness for what Christ has done?

We have been rescued
We have been set free
We have been forgiven
We have been saved

So, how can we complain less and praise more?
How can we worry less and trust more?
How can we be less frustrated and angry and be more merciful, forgiving and loving?
How can we focus less on ourselves and more on Christ?
How can we be less sad, less empty, and more joyful and full?

By remembering what Christ did for us on the Cross. By storing His Word within us more and the things of the world less.

And best of all, we can spend more time in prayer praising God and being thankful.

S-Spend time as a family listing out all you are thankful for each day and once you are finished spend time in prayer thanking God for them.

      -The more you list out what you are thankful for, the more the Spirit will reveal to you how faithful, loving, merciful, and good God is. You will begin to see His promises for your life.



 

Whose in Control-You or Christ?

"If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives." Galatians 5:24

In order to give Jesus all of us, we have to allow Him to remove each finger, one by one until we have released whatever we are holding onto. 

Giving up control is hard. Some of us even refuse to. But in order for Christ to take complete control, we have to be willing to let go and let God. 

Many of our worries, fears, and frustrations are a result of us trying to control situations. Ladies, if we really want our husbands to lead us, we have to first be willing to be led by Christ. We have to be willing to relinquish that need to control.  

If we truly want to be men and women of faith, we have to trust Christ enough to let go.  We have to be willing to lay our selfishness down. Isn't that really why we want to be in control in the first place? 

What are you holding onto right now, that you know Christ is asking you to let go and give Him control of?

Is it an addiction?

Is it your life?

Is it a job?

Is it your money?

Is it your Church?

Is it a child?

Is it a spouse?

Is it a family member?

Is it comfort?

Is it an affair?

Is it a re-occuring sin that you try to stop, but every time you lay it down, you pick it up on your way out?

What is keeping you from giving yourself fully and completely to Christ? 

Maybe you struggle with doubt, doubt in Christ. Maybe your faith is weak. Maybe you even find studying His Word to be hard because it requires you to surrender. It requires you to let the Holy Spirit lead, and that is hard for you. Whatever it is, take it to Christ in prayer and let Him help you let go. 

It's a process, but a freeing process, and once you have been set free, once you have let go, you will see voids filled, His promises revealed, His love and mercy freely flowing, and your worries and fears diminishing. All because you let God lead.

Jesus this is a huge struggle for so many of us today. It was even a struggle for many that we read about in Your Word. We see it with the Jews, we saw it with David, We saw it with Solomon and so many more. But we have also seen the joy and blessings that come when we do relinquish control and put our complete trust and faith in You. Forgive us for believing we are able to control situations on our own. We ask today, that You come in and begin to remove our fingers from whatever they are holding on to, so that we can walk in the freedom of Your love, protection and grace. Amen

Altar Sunday

Enter the House of The Lord because it's your hearts desire, not because you have to.

Enter the house of The Lord with a joyful heart, not one full of unhappiness.

Enter the house of The Lord with a desire to learn more about Him because you can't get enough of Him. Don't enter with intentions to be seen.

Enter the house of The Lord with a heart that has been prepared before hand, rather than with a heart full of unconfessed sin.

No matter what, just enter His house!

The Difference in the Two

S-The Difference

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Grace

L-The Difference in the Two

      "How different from this way of faith, is the way of law, which says, 'If you wish to find life by obeying the law, you must obey all of its commands." Galatians 3:12

Do you know the difference between the law and faith? Do you ever think about the two and how they are applied to your life?

Do you ever struggle with living more by the law than by faith?

I think we all do at times. Sometimes, if not often, we can become to focused on the rules, that we miss God's grace.

It's important for us to know the difference between the law and faith, and the right consistency between the two.

The Law

-It sets up protective boundaries for us
-It must be obeyed in its entirety
-Reveals our sinfulness
-If lived by it, rather than faith-puts us in bondage/slavery
-Can lead to the emphasis being on it and good works, rather than faith in Christ.
-If focused more on it than on Christ, can rob us of our joy, leave us feeling guilty, and as though we are never good enough.
-Is tangible

Faith

-Requires our trust in Christ
-Saves us from death
-Reveals God's amazing Grace
-Sets us free
-Fills us with the Holy Spirit who helps guide us into all truth and walk obediently.

Jesus show us the areas we are living in bondage. Help us to be people that live by faith and express mercy rather than condemnation. Thank You for setting us free from the bondage of the law. Amen

S-Tell someone why faith in Christ is the key to freedom and joy.

What Paul is Really Saying

S-Paul's Heart

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's promises

L-What Paul is Really Saying

       "Consequently, it is clear that no one can ever be right with God by trying to keep the law. For Scriptures say, 'It is through faith that a righteous person has life.'" Galatians 3:11

Stop believing the lies of these false teachers because they are leading you down a path that leads to death.

Hear me today, "Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is that the Jewish people might be saved. I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal. For they don't understand God's way of making people right with himself. Instead, they are clinging to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. They won't go along with God's way. For Christ has accomplished the whole purpose of the law. All who believe in him are made right with God." 

Romans 10:1-4

So, tell me people of Galatia, why would you want to live like that? Why would you rather be placed back into slavery? 

Choose today what it will be. Freedom through Christ, that offers the gift of joy, life, and God's richest blessings. Or slavery to the law, which brings death, frustration, and a constant feeling of guilt. 

S-Brethren, share with someone what you have chosen. Faith or The Law.

What Do You Depend On?

S-Dependence

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Grace

L-Dependence

            "But those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse, for the Scriptures say, 'Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all these commands that are written in God's Book of the Law." Galatians 3:10

How much do you depend on the law to make you right with God? Paul wanted to make sure his point was getting across, so much so he pointed out the curse that would fall on those who failed to obey and observe ALL the commands written in God's Book of the Law. (Deuteronomy 27:26)

If you were to stop and take a good look at your life, what would your lifestyle and actions show that you depended on?

Would it be the law
Would it be your spouse
Would it be your parents
Would it be your money
Would it be your self
Would it be good works
Would it be your things
Would it be an idol
Would it be man

OR

Would it be your faith in Jesus Christ?

Does it show?

In Our Human Effort...

"Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life." John 3:6

In our human effort to love, we find we are incapable of doing so.

In our human effort to be merciful, we find we are unable too.

In our human effort to be forgiving we find that we can't.

In our human effort to know more about Christ, we realize we hit a wall.

In our human effort to study God's Word, we realize we lack desire.

In our human effort to parent, we find ourselves frustrated.

In our human effort to succeed, we realize how much worldliness we partake in.

In our human effort to be joyful, we find just how joyless we really are.

In our human effort to please God, we realize we always come up short.

In our human effort to obey the law, we realize just how sinful we are.

In our human effort to be peace loving, gentle, kind, humble, and yield to others, we notice just how opposite of all that we really are.

Until we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we fail to realize how much our thoughts are filled with doubt, negativity, condemnation, and constant guilt.

Maybe Jesus has taken residency within you, yet you realize that these are your thoughts and struggles.

If so, relinquish control today. Lay your self, and all that you try to be and do by human effort, at the foot of the Cross.

Let the Holy Spirit lead you, teach you, guide you, and consume you with God's amazing love and grace.

"The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life." John 6:63

Jesus we so often try to accomplish and do things ourselves, always to come up short and frustrated. Fill us with Your Spirit who leads us into all truth. Amen

Same Blessing Through Faith

S-One Name

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Grace

L-Promised the Good News

     "What's more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would accept the Gentiles, too, on the basis of their faith. God promised this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, 'All nations will be blessed through you.'  And so it is: all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith." Galatians 3:8-9

God did not bless Abraham because he obeyed the law. he blessed him because he believed God was who He said He was, and He would do what He said He would do.

Did Abraham have a few questions, concerns and even some doubts along the way? YES!

But Abraham remained faithful, he pushed through and trusted God. And so should we.

When we have questions, we should seek God and His Word.

When we have concerns, we should take it to God in prayer.

When we have doubts, we should run to the Cross and be reminded of what Christ did for us.

Before anything existed, God had a plan. A plan to point us to His Son. Through His Son we ALL are accepted through faith. Because of Abraham's faith we too get to share in the same blessings God promised Abraham.

That is a wonderful thing!

What I love about this particular passage, is how Paul was able to point back to Abraham and remind the Gentiles, that although you are hearing all these false teachers tell you, "Law, law, law. Circumcision, etc" Let me remind you again, it is your faith in Christ that saves you, sets you free, and allows you to share the same blessing Abraham received because of his FAITH!

Let me close with this. "There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them." Acts 4:12

The law can't save you. Your good works alone can't save you. Your religion can't save you. Being a regular attender at Church can't save you. Your spouse can't. Your family can't. Your Bible Study can't.

One Name-Jesus!

The more you seek Him, the more you will know Him, and the stronger and deeper your faith will become.

S-Share with Jesus today, who and what you have been putting your faith in. Let Him be your life line. Your strength. May He be the first one you run to.

Two Forms of Freedom...but the one that matters most.

Earthly Freedom

True-Life Giving Freedom

"God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins." Colossians 1:14

Altar Sunday

Before you even enter the Church, prepare your heart. I mean, actually take the time to get on your face before the Lord and get your heart ready to hear and receive the Words He wants to speak to you today.

Leave it all at His feet. Take nothing into His house with you.

Let Him remove any distractions, bitterness, anger, hurt, doubt, fear...so you can experience all of Him.

Greatest Gift Ever

"We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are." Romans 3:22

Christ made a way for each and every one of us to come to Him and receive everlasting life. He made it so easy, that even a child can do it. 

Place your faith in Christ today and receive the greatest gift ever to be given. 

Salavation

Life with Him forever. 

Christ gave His life so you and I could have life. 

Restore Me

"Restore to me again the joy of your salvation and make me willing to obey you." Psalm 51:12

Have you found yourself feeling joyless and stuck? Do you have sin in your life that you have failed to confess to the Lord?

If so, confess it today and let God restore you and bring you the joy of your salvation.

Not Always

"As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm." 1 Timothy 1:3-7


Sometimes a good thing is not always a God thing!

Real "Abraham" Faith

S-Real "Abraham" Faith

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-Freedom through Faith in Christ

L-Real Faith

       "In the same way, Abraham believed God, so God declared him righteous because of his faith. The real children of Abraham, then, are all those who put their faith in God." Galatians 3:6-7

He was 75 years old when the Lord called him, "Leave your country, your relatives, and your father's house, and go to the land that I will show you." Genesis 12:1

Faith and obedience is what was required. It's what is required from all of us.

What made Abraham's faith so real?

     He trusted God and went. He packed up his family and left the place and things he had known and had for years, and at 75 years old.

      Today most 75 year old's, let alone 50 plus year old's, wouldn't even consider leaving. I don't mean that harshly, even though it sounds that way, it's the truth. Though there are some who would and do, most don't. We can even see this in our younger generations today.

  We have become a people, that believe when we retire or reach a certain age in life, that we can stop serving, stop going, and that leaving our country, our relatives, and our father's house is no longer an option.

But how wrong is that mindset. God never says, "At this age you can stop serving Me." Let's not set that poor example for our younger generations.

Abraham is a testament to what real faith looks like.

Let's look at what real "Abraham" faith looks like.

1. At 75 Abraham left everything and went where God told him to. (Genesis 12)

2. At 99 years old, Abraham fulfilled is part of the agreement with God and was circumcised. (Genesis 17:9)

3. At 100 years old, after walking in faith and trusting that God would give him a child, Abraham became a father. (Genesis 21)

4. One of the biggest testaments to real faith, is when God told Abraham to take his only son-Isaac and sacrifice him as a burnt offering. (Genesis 22)

What happened in return to Abraham's faith? God blessed him richly. He became the father of a great nation. He became famous, and was a blessing to others. And, 'All the families of the earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12:3

How are we blessed through Abraham?

Jesus! (Matthew 1:1-17)

Why was it so important for Paul to bring up Abraham?

Because it was Abraham's faith that saved him, not the law. "Look up into the heavens and count the stars if you can. Your descendants will be like that-too many to count! And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord declared him righteous because of his faith." Genesis 15:5-6

Therefore Paul was saying, "Don't you see that what these Judaizers are telling you is false? They are trying to persuade you and deceive you into believing that the only way you will ever be saved is by becoming like them, a Jew, who is in slavery to the law. And that is wrong. I have proof of that. Abraham was saved by faith. And you are saved today by your faith in Christ."

Brethren, do you have real "Abraham" faith?

Would you be willing, no matter what age, no matter what the call, to get up in faith and go?

Do you live by that faith or are you still trying to earn favor with God through your works?

S-Ask the Lord to reveal your true state of faith today. Share with someone where your faith is weak and ask them to pray and help encourage and hold you accountable.

He Is Present

"Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going." John 14:1-4

May your hearts find comfort and peace in God's Word as you endure this devastating devastation Oklahoma.

He is present, cling to Him for comfort. 

Your precious babies are not alone, He has been right beside them the entire time. Find peace in that sweet one. 

The Work of The Spirit

S-You received the Holy Spirit because you believed


S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1


A-The Power and Work of the Holy Spirit


<sup>L-The Purpose and Role of the Holy Spirit


         "I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the Law of Moses? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ." Galatians 3:5</sup>


Don't forget when you put your faith in Christ; He filled you with the Holy Spirit, whom works in you. It is your faith and the work of the Holy Spirit that sets you free. The Law does none of that for you. Rather, the law shows you, your sinfulness and need for faith in Christ. 


Therefore, if you would allow the Holy Spirit to take back control, He will show you how foolish you are being by getting caught back up in slavery to the law.


What role does the Holy Spirit play in our lives?


     ^- “If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.  He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.  Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live.  When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.  Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them." John 14:15-21


1. He leads us into all truth

2. He lives with us and in us.

3. He will never abandon us.

4. He reveals Christ to us.


Do you have the Holy Spirit living in you? Have you put your faith in Christ?  Does your life and fruit reflect the two?


S-Tell Christ how thankful you are for the Holy Spirit, and ask Him to help you relinquish control so that He may have all of it. 

Altar Sunday

As you enter the House of the Lord, be One. Worship as One. Serve as One. Be One voice. 

AND

Encourage others in their functioning part, because we all have a part. 

One Life

You have been given one life.

What are you doing with it?

Have you given it to Christ or are you keeping it for yourself?

"Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it." Luke 9:23-24

Have You Lost Your Mind?

S-Can you Answer me this...

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1


A-Christ to your life and be set free

L-Why Go Back

            "Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by keeping the law? Of course not, for the Holy Spirit came upon you only after you believed the message you heard about Christ. Have you lost your senses? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? You have suffered so much for the Good News. Surely it was not in vain, was it? Are you now going to just throw it all away?" Galatians 3:2-4

  -Oh mercy brethren, we need to be asking ourselves these same questions. We need to be called out as well.

I say that with the sincerest intentions. I say that in hopes it will tug at our hearts, open our eyes, and bring us to reality.  A real, oh my goodness, type of reality that shakes us out of these messes we put ourselves in.

Paul had a way with his words that grabbed your attention. He had a way to hit areas within people that would wake them up.

And he still does that today. As we study and read these words spoken from God through Paul we need to take them in and let the Spirit work.

There might be times where you feel that a particular passage does not apply to you, but it does. Every single word in the Word applies to you and me. It has purpose.

These passages above have a purpose. A purpose to teach us and remind us that faith is greater and without it everything is meaningless.

Let me ask you some questions, and I pray the Holy Spirit will begin a tornado within you that stirs up a desire to search deeper.

1. Is your faith in Christ real? If you answered yes, does your life reflect it?

2. Who is in control, you are the Holy Spirit?

3. Are you trying to please God by your own good deeds?

4. Do you read your Bible and go to Church and pray in hopes of earning a mark or reward for showing up?

5. Do you serve and work hard out of self-determination and the desire to be noticed, or are you allowing the Holy Spirit to work in you and help you do good for the Kingdom of God?

6. Do you constantly feel guilty, depressed, like a failure, not good enough, and have a desire for approval?

7. Did you receive the Holy Spirit by keeping the law? Are you even aware of the difference between the two?

Sweet one, I have no idea if you are saved or not. But Christ knows. He also knows whether or not you are living your Christian life in the Spirit or trying to be perfect and right by your own human effort.

If you have answered these questions with honesty, you will know whether or not you are living by real faith, that understands and knows the meaning of the Cross. Or whether you are living like the Jews and Pharisees did. A life that relies on human effort and the law. That life reflects a life absent from Christ. It produces zero fruit, zero joy, worldly living, worldly actions, worldly thoughts, and constant guilt and failure because you can never obey the law perfectly. And no matter how hard you try, the approval you are searching for will always leave come up short and only satisfy for a little while.

We grow spiritually by the work the Spirit does within us, not by following rituals and rules.

S-Ask someone close to you, who walks in the ways of the Lord, to help you walk by faith and not by human effort alone. And if you really want accountability ask them these questions and what they see in you. A true friend and brother will answer them honestly.







   

Remember the Meaning

S-Don't Forget the Meaning

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure you stay free and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-Your new freedom in Christ

L-The Meaning

     "For you used to see the meaning of Jesus Christ's death as clearly as though I had shown you a signboard with a picture of Christ dying on the cross." Galatians 3:1

What has happened? You went from seeing the meaning of Christ's death to going back to the law. Why are you even entertaining these false teachers?

We too, have seen the meaning of Jesus Christ's death as clearly as though we were there. Yet we entertain false teachers by listening to them, even believing their lies and turning back to slavery to the flesh.

You can't lose sight of what Christ has done. Don't let anyone twist the truth of the Good News to fit their man-made rules and rituals. "So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it." Hebrews 2:1

And what ever you do. Don't lose sight or the meaning of the Cross. Keep it on the fore-front of your minds at all times.

S-Tell someone what Christ did on the Cross for them.

Find Comfort Here

She fights for her life.

He fights to overcome the brokenness, from the loss of his wife.

They have lost words to describe the pain from losing their child.

He searches for acceptance

She searches for a place to belong

She goes to any extent to be noticed

They just want to be loved

He wants out, but the addiction is to strong

"I look up to the mountains-does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. the Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon at night. the Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever."  Psalm 121:1-8

May you each find what your heart is longing for in Jesus. He is Your healer, protector, redeemer, lover, and comfort.

A Life for a Life

S-The Meaning of Death

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's grace and freedom in Christ

L-The Significance of Death

    "So I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ. I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:19-20

-How does one "die" to the law?

    - In order to understand the significance of this type of death we need to understand,

1. The meaning of death physically and spiritually

2. What Christ's death did

3. Why death is important

4. How death takes place in our lives

5. What happens when Christ takes up residency within us


1. The meaning of death physically and spiritually.

         -When death occurs, one becomes unresponsive, there is a stop, an end to life. This happens both physically and spiritually.

         -Death entered the world, when Adam and Eve ate the fruit.

                  "The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and care for it. But the Lord God gave him this warning: "You may freely eat any fruit in the garden except fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat of its fruit, you will surely die." Genesis 2:15-17

               -This death signifies both spiritual and physical. It translates, "A death you shall die" or  "Dying you shall die."    

                           **Basically this can mean you will lose your protective covering of Paradise and begin to age (dying), and then ultimately die physically.  However, it also speaks on spiritual death, because up until that point they walked and talked with God, but now the relationship would die as a result of the separation that sin brought into their lives.
                   

              -Fast forward to the Book of Leviticus. Here, God gives us an outline in detail (Beginning in Chapter 1) on the rules and purpose of all five offerings. The two required were the Sin Offering and Guilt Offering. Both of which require death of an animal of God's choice.

  **Why is death so important to God?

             -It served two purposes.

                      1. Worship
                      2. Forgiveness of sins                     
                  
        -In the Old Testament-an animal took the place of man. It was man's way of giving him/herself to God by means of the life of an animal.

         -In the New Testament-Christ came and gave His life for us.

         -God's system says a life must be given for a life.

    So when Paul says, "So I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ." Galatians 2:19

He is saying, when I became a follower of Christ, my old way of living died with Christ. It came to an end. It stopped. "You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ. He forgave all our sins. He canceled the record that contained the charges against us. He took it and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ's cross." Colossians 2:13-14

S-Tell someone what Christ did for them, and why His death was so important.

Not For...RATHER...For...

I don't want to just skim the surface of God's Word and act as though it is good enough. I don't do well wading in shallow water.  I want to go deeper. I want to take you deeper into His Word. This is what I have been called to do. To teach God's Word in depth with conviction, power, and boldness.

Therefore, as I sit at the feet of Jesus and soak up His teaching, know, that on those days when you don't receive a devo, it's because I am going deeper so I can take you deeper.

This is not for the weary, or for those who want to hear what appeals to their flesh. Nor is it for those who are okay staying in the shallow end of the water.

RATHER...

It is for the thirsty. It is for the one who knows their daily bread comes from the very Word of God and is desperate for it. It is for those who have counted the cost of following Christ and have left and given up everything to follow Him. It is for those who have stepped out of the boat and are walking in the deep end with their eyes on Christ.

I hope that's you!!

If so, stick around and let's go deeper in the Word of God and be lavished by His love, filled with His Wisdom, and clothed in His righteousness.