Faith Expresses Itself Through Love

S-Galatians 5:6

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

L-The Greatest Expression of Faith

  "For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, it makes no difference to God whether we are circumcised or not circumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love." Galatians 5:6

We can be the nicest person in the world, but without faith, it means nothing.

We can give all the money we have, but without faith, it means nothing.

We can serve until we can't serve anymore, but without faith, it means nothing.

We can attend Church every Wednesday and Sunday, but without faith, it means nothing.

We can be morally good, but without faith, it means nothing.

We can say all the right things, but without faith it means nothing.

We can follow all the rules, but without faith, it means nothing.

Brethren, we are saved by faith. All of our good deeds, nice words, etc are useless if we don't have faith.

The greatest expression of faith is love.

Do you know why?

"I tell you, her sins-and they are many-have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love. Then Jesus said to the woman, ''Yours sins are forgiven.'" Luke 7:47-48

-Love is an overflow of God's forgiveness through Christ. When we realize the depth of God's love for us, and how much we have been forgiven, the more and more we express love for Him and others.

S-Are you aware of God's grace and forgiveness for your life? If so, is love an overflow of your faith in Him?

Altar Sunday

Jesus be so present within our churches today, that revival breaks out. 

Jesus we are asking for You to show up, we don't want to be without You. We want to be right where You are. 

Looking to What Lies Ahead

S-Galatians 5:5-6

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

L-Living by the Spirit
"But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive everything promised to us who are right with God through faith. Galatians 5:5

What is Paul referring to in this passage?

Romans 8:23-25 answer this question.

"And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us. Now that we are saved, we eagerly look forward to this freedom. For if you already have something, you don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently." 

The key to all of this, faith and the work of the Holy Spirit within us.

Without faith in Christ, we have nothing to look forward to that will be everlasting.

Anything outside of Christ will only last for a little while and then pass away. It's temporary.
But for us, who are living by the Spirit, through faith have so much to look forward to that will last forever. 

Let's make sure others know about Christ and what they have to look forward to.

S-Share Romans 8:23-24 with someone today. 

Sweet Reader

"I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony. My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father-that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me." John 17:20-21

My heart overflows for you sweet reader. I am thankful to be in this fellowship and friendship with you.

My prayers for you are daily. No matter who you are, where you are, you are loved, adored. You are a precious part of this community of Christ.

May we strengthen one another in love. May we encourage one another with the sweetness of God's Word.

May we knit together a tight thread that intertwines the Body of Christ.

May we cover one another in prayer.

Together, may we always be better for the Lord than not.

May we join together with one voice and offer the loudest of praises to Him, the One and Only. Our Savior, Redeemer, Healer, Grace-giver.

Let's pull the best out of each other, and spur one another on to continue the race for which He has called us to.

Together, may we come humbly before His throne with hearts of awe and respect and lift up all those who are lost.

Sweet reader, together we are a brighter light for Him then we are individually. Let's be the brightest light, upon the hill that this world has ever seen.

Jesus clothe us in the righteousness of Your Word and truth. Continue to thread us together with Your strongest adhesive-Your blood.  Help us to become a Body that pleases You. A Body that works as One. Amen

No Substitutes-Open the Word!

Today, rather than reading this devotional, read God's Word.

Spend time listening to Him, to His voice.

Then sit and pray. Visit with the Almighty God. 

There is no word greater than God's Word. Nor does any human opinion compare.

Don't substitute devotionals, sermons, or Bible Studies for God's Word and the time you should be spending in it.

God wants you to come and meet with Him.

Let His truth, love and mercy fall afresh upon you today as You read and spend time with Him. 

Freedom...it comes from Christ

S-Set Free


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 grace and freedom

L-Six Things to Understand

"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. Listen! I, Paul, tell you this: If you are counting on circumcision to make you right with God, then Christ cannot help you. I'll say it again. If you are trying to find favor with God by being circumcised, you must obey all of the regulations in the whole law of Moses. For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God's grace." Galatians 5:1-4

Need Paul say more?

Brethren, Christ died to set us free. If we take that freedom for granted and do what we want, then we are only placing ourselves back into slavery.

It's like a prisoner, who is in jail. They are in bondage right? Well, one day someone comes and says, "I am going to take the punishment of this person upon myself, so they can be free."

So, because of this one man, the prisoner is set free. They open the jail cell and he walks out free.

Now, this man has a choice. He can stay free or he can go out and live the same way he use to, do the same things he did, thus getting thrown back into jail.

Or, he can take this free gift of freedom because of the sacrifice of this man, and through him live a life of freedom and grace.

Do you get that? That is what Christ did for us. He took our punishment upon Himself in order to set us free.

We have the choice to walk and live in that freedom, or we can get tied back up again by taking advantage of this freedom and doing what our selfish hearts desire.

Here, Paul is saying, it's your choice, but understand this.

1. You can't find favor with God by obeying rules and regulations you will never be able to keep anyway.

2. If you choose circumcision and the law to make you right with God, well then know that you are cutting yourselves off from Christ. You have fallen away from God's grace.

3. Grace is not earned. It is a free gift from God through Christ.

4. You can't save yourselves, so stop trying! Only Christ can save you.

5. Understand what is at stake here. Your life!

6. Faith trumps the law, every single time.

Brethren, are you saved? If so, are you living a life that reflects the freedom you have been given through Christ. Or, are you still trying to earn favor with God through good deeds?

Maybe you have been saved, set free, yet have placed yourself right back into slavery again, because you are doing whatever you want and feeding those old selfish desires. If so, repent and turn back to Christ. Let Him really set you free.

S-Share your struggles, especially those than enslave you, with someone who will pray with and for you, who will encourage you, and will point you to God's truths. Be sure you have not fallen prey to those who try to enforce rules, laws, and regulations upon you that would enslave you again and set you up for failure.

Where Are You...

We are standing in the kitchen and both boys are helping me cook when Avery bursts out in song, "I am awesome, I am the greatest ever."

I start laughing, he keeps singing it, and finally I ask. "Avery, why do you think you are so awesome and the greatest ever?" I mean, I do desire to raise humble boys!

Avery's response, of which I totally did not expect! "Because I am smart and because I believe in God."

Brethren, if our babies can walk through this life, believing that they are smart and the greatest ever because of their faith in God, then we will be raising courageous men who love and fear the Lord.

Isn't that what we all desire as parents, for our children's confidence to be found in the Lord?

After we finished our discussion and I stressed the importance of being a humble leader, I was reminded of the movie Courageous. At the end Adam Mitchell gives a speech to Father's challenging them and encouraging them to become Godly Father's and leaders in their homes.

Take a peek

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OEqYwz2qhw

Merciful Lord, as parents help us to do our parts in raising these precious gifts You have given us. May their hearts remain faithful and childlike for You all the days of their life. Help us teach them Your ways and Your truths and to walk it out in our lives daily. Thank You for the message You spoke through this wonderful movie. May we all be men and women of courage who rise up and answer the call that You have given us. Amen

Children of the Free Woman

S-Slave-Wife vs the Freeborn Wife

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-Children of the Free Woman

The only way to grasp all these next several passages, is for them to be taken as a whole. There is just no other way. Its good, long, but Paul makes a really strong point here.

"Listen to me, you who want to live under the law. Do you know what the law really says? The Scriptures say that Abraham had two sons, one from his slave-wife and one from his freeborn wife. The son of the slave-wife was born in a human attempt to bring about the fulfillment of God's promise. But the son of the freeborn wife was born as God's own fulfillment of his promise. 

Now these two women serve as an illustration of God's two covenants. Hagar, the slave-wife, represents Mount Sinai where people first became enslaved to the law. And now Jerusalem is just like Mount Sinai in Arabia, because she and her children live in slavery. But Sarah, the free woman, represents the heavenly Jerusalem. And she is our mother. That is what Isaiah meant when he prophesied, 

Rejoice, O childless woman! Break forth into loud and joyful song, even though you never gave birth to a child. For the woman who could bear no children now has more than all the other woman! 

And you, dear brothers and sisters, are children of the promise, just like Isaac. And we who are born of the Holy Spirit are persecuted by those who want us to keep the law, just as Isaac, the child of promise, was persecuted by Ishmael, the son of the slave-wife. But what do the Scriptures say about that? Get rid of the slave and her son, for the son of the slave woman will not share the family inheritance with the free woman's son. So, dear brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, obligated to the law. We are children of the free woman, acceptable to God because of our faith." Galatians 4:21-31

In a nutshell Paul is saying, brethren listen to me, these false teachers are trying to pull you back into slavery by telling you, you have to follow the law in order to be saved.  I am telling you, that is a bunch of bologna. (My paraphrase!)

We, you and me, are children of the free woman, and we are acceptable to God because of our faith in Jesus Christ.

So don't believe anything other than that.

This is what it boils down to. Keep your faith in Christ. Don't believe or think you can get by, by doing good works alone, or by keeping the law.

Also, realize that you are not perfect, therefore you will never be able to obey the entire law perfectly. So don't set yourself up for failure that will only lead to death and hell.

Brethren, I know all this can seem either overwhelming or not interesting to you, but please know that every single word spoken in God's Word, applies to each of us. God placed each story in here for a very specific reason.

If we will seek the Lord and ask Him to help us understand His Word, He will do just that.

The purpose of all of this is to draw us closer to Him, to deepen our relationship with Him, and to protect us, guide us, and purify us.

I pray you will hang in there, keep reading His Word, keep spending time with Him, keep listening, and keep allowing the Lord to speak to You.

S-Spend time in prayer today and ask the Lord to bring His Word alive within you.

Altar Sunday

"When you drive out the nations that live there, you must destroy all the places where they worship their gods-high on the mountains, up on the hills, and under every green tree. Break down their altars and smash their sacred pillars. Burn their Asherah poles and cut down their carved idols. Erase the names of their gods from those places!" Deuteronomy 12:2-3

Do you have areas in your life that have taken the place of God? Surrender them to the Lord today and anything else that tempts you to focus more on the world and self.

Jesus we ask that you search us and test us. Reveal anything in us that displeases You and hinders our relationship with You. Amen

Enjoy Each Moment

As I woke this morning and spent time in the Word, I realized how easy it is to go through the motions of life.

Wake up, get ready, have a quite time, tend to the kiddos, etc.

To be honest it can become so daunting.

But it should't be. We should enjoy and soak up every second the Lord gives us. Rather than take it for granted.

We should find joy in each day, no matter our circumstances.

We should lavish ourselves in the Word of God and His presence and be thankful for the freedom we have to open the Word and read with out persecution.

We should spend every second praising God for the precious gifts of life He has blessed us with.

Life should not be overwhelming or daunting.

Nor should it be so jam packed with busyness that we never slow down enough to enjoy the blessings and gifts God has given us.

Jesus we are so blessed we don't even realize it. You keep Your hand of protection upon us beyond 24/7. You go before us, are behind us and right next to us. You gave Your life so we could have life. Jesus we lack a true relationship with You. We fail to get to know You in a deep and intimate way. Forgive us for that, we are missing out tremendously. Change our priorities, our desires and our attitudes. Give us faith that pleases You and the desires of Your heart. Amen

They Are Not Doing it For Your Good

S-Labor Pains

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-God's Gift of Freedom through Christ

L-Not for Yours, but Theirs

-"Those false teachers who are so anxious to win your favor are not doing it for your good. They are trying to shut you off from me so that you will pay more attention to them.  Now its wonderful if you are eager to do good, and especially when I am not with you. But oh, my dear children! I feel as if I am going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives. How I wish I were there with you right now, so that I could be more gentle with you. But at this distance I frankly don't know what else to do." Galatians 4:17-20

At all times, we need to be aware of those who teach the Word of God. Especially if we are new in our faith. Why? Because like the Galatia Churches we can be easily misled by those whose motives are selfish motives.

The false teachers wanted to receive all the attention. So much so they would use smooth speech, that was persuasive and convincing just to get the attention of as many people as they could.

There are many Pastors today who do the same thing. Their motives are selfish rather than genuine. They tell you what you want to hear, rather than God's truth.

Paul on the other hand, was sincere and genuine. He had others best interest at heart, especially their salvation. He knew what was at stake. Thus, "I feel as if I am going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives." 

For those of us who do teach and share the Word of God with others, what is our motives for doing so? Is it selfish ambition, pride, or the need for attention?

Or is it because we too, like Paul understand what is at stake? Do we experience the same type of labor pains Paul described here?

Brethren, it is my prayer that God would develop hearts within us like Paul's.

Hearts that desire all people to know more about Christ. Hearts that are focused on Christ and others rather than ourselves.

Don't be misled by those whose motives are selfish. Stay focused on God's Word and His truth.

S-Share the truth rather than being a people-pleaser

Someone You Love Going to Hell...

"Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given you." 2 Timothy 4:5

Does the thought of someone you love going to hell, devastate you and move you to the place that you are willing to get uncomfortable for their souls sake?

Or

Do you pray for them and hope someone else will share God's truth and love with them?

Brethren, if the thought of our loved ones going to hell doesn't motivate us to share the Good News with them, then I can't imagine how little our concern is for the lost stranger.

Let's step outside of our comfort zones and share Jesus with the lost. Let's not wait any longer for the right time, lets do it now.

Jesus set up a divine intervention for each of us to share Your truth and love with someone who is lost. Whether a family member, co-worker or complete stranger. Use us. Break our hearts for the lost, Jesus. Amen

Use Me

S-Useful

S-"But everything that is done must be useful to all and build them up in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 14:26

A-Your gifts in a manner that is useful to others

L-How to Become Useful

We all desire to be useful, to be needed. For me, I want God to use me to the max to spread His Word, to love and to encourage women in their faith.

In order for me to be of use, I need to keep myself pure. "If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for his purpose. Your life will be clean and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." 2 Timothy 2:21

I also need to be sure, that my motives are sincere, genuine and for the benefit of the Lord and others and not myself.

And most importantly I have to clothe and saturate myself in the Word of God. It is the only way I can be useful.

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Jesus I desire to be useful for You. You created me with a purpose. A purpose to please You, serve You by serving others, and to share Your Word with as many people as I can. Father if there be anything in me that hinders me from being used, reveal it to me today, so that I might confess and repent so that I can be pure and of great use for You and Your kingdom. Jesus I want to be used, use me! 

Return to Your First Love

S-Where Did It Go?

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 freedom through Christ

L-Where Is Your Joyful Spirit?

"Where is that joyful spirit we felt together then? In those days, I know you would gladly have taken out your own eyes and given them to me if it had been possible. Have I now become your enemy because I am telling you the truth?" Galatians 4:15-16

Yesterday I asked you to think back on the day you were first saved, and the joy you felt. Do you remember those first few months you were so on fire for Christ, that you could barely contain yourself? You wanted to go out and share Jesus with everyone you could. You wanted to help and serve as much as you possibly could. 

You stayed on that high for awhile, and then...your fire and excitement dimmed.

Somehow your passion, though still there, became a lot less. The busyness of life, the frustration of school, work, being a parent, and self consumed more of your attention and time. 

Why? 

It seems as though now, Jesus is just another person you check of your list.

You do what you want, your passion now comes from temporary things. Your joy has been lost and your search for happiness, which again is temporary. You have managed to tie yourself back up into the very things that once enslaved you.

Paul addresses this issue here and calls out the Galatian Churches. And so does Jesus in the Book of Revelation.

"I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.  But this is in your favor: You hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans, just as I do." Revelation 2:2-6

What is your answer to this brethren? Where is your joyful spirit. Where has your willingness to serve others gone? Has Jesus somehow become your enemy because His Word revels your sinfulness?

His Word speaks truth, yet we only want to pick and choose the parts of truth we listen to or read. 

Why is this?

Have we forgotten what Christ has done for us? 

Brethren, Jesus is offering pure and lasting joy. Take it.

Let His love and Word rebuild the fire you once had for Him. 

S-Seek God and and His Word and ask Him to fill you with the love and passion you once had for Him. Return to your first real love.

Prelude

A prelude to Galatians 4:15-16

Think back on the day you met Jesus. 

Now, close your eyes and remember the emotion, the joy, the hope, and the relief that filled your heart.

Does it bring a smile to your face? Do those precious moments come flooding back in, making your heart swell?

When was the last time you felt that same joy and passion for Christ? 

Has it been awhile?

Altar Sunday

Rise up Church and lift your voices to The Lord. Pour out your hearts to Him.

Let a revival begin!!

In Sickness and In Health

S-Do not turn away from

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-In All Things

 "Surely you remember that I was sick when I first brought you the Good News of Christ. But even though my sickness was revolting to you, you did not reject me and turn me away. No, you took me in and cared for me as though I were an angel from God or even Christ Jesus Himself." Galatians 4:13-14

Paul makes two important points in this passage, that I believe we need to pay attention to and apply to our lives today.

1. No matter the condition we are in health wise, we should always do what we can to share the good News with others. This is what Paul did all throughout his ministry. 

      -How do we do this? By example, with our attitude and speech even in the midst of suffering. And by depending on The Lord to give us the strength and energy we need daily.

2. As Followers of Christ, we need to serve those who are sick, homeless, widowed, lost, imprisoned, and broken. Just as Christ tells us to.

    -"For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you have me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?' And the King will tell them, 'I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!" Matthew 25:35-40

It seems anymore that we focus on "me" and our own busyness that we fail to remember those around us who are in need. We often pass the homeless man or woman on the side of the road and even grumble about them. Yet what if they, out of the rare few, really are in need?

I do understand they are ALL in need, but I also believe with the right help and motivation, many of them could and do desire to be helped, employed and have a roof over their heads. 

How about the widowed lady who sits next to you, or works next to you, or lives next to you. How often to you visit her? 

What about the sick, this is tough, because many of us shudder at the thought of hospitals. But brethren their are also a lot who are at home and sick that could use encouragement, a smiling face, a visit, even some soup.

As The Lord impressed these things upon my heart, He took it even further and asked, "What about those who are in places of poverty, who have HIV, or any other diseases that frighten us." What about them?

You see when we see serve the least of these, we are serving Christ. This is what the Galatian Churches did for Paul. 

This is how the Body of Christ should be. 

I wonder today, how many Churches are reaching out and taking in those in need? How many Churches today are stepping outside of their comfort zones and into the places where their dependence is fully in God?

I wonder today, how many of us really understand, it begins within each of us individually. We all have to do our part. 

Do you know of someone who is always serving others, always helping those in need? Do you notice they never are really asked? They are able, through the Holy Spirit to see the need and then they act?

Let's become those people. 

S-Share your blessings with someone less fortunate than you.

The Workers are Few!

^" He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few." Matthew 9:37

Brethren, at what point will we step outside of our comfort zones and step into the same places Christ is?

Yes He is everywhere, but He is found in the places where most of us don't want to go. Places that require us to be uncomfortable in order to share Him.

Places that require us to depend on Him in ways we never would or have before.

Places that break our hearts because of the devastation found there.

Places that open our eyes to the reality of how desperate Jesus is needed there.

And really, It's not about the places at all, it's about the people in those places.

The people are what matter. 

The souls and hearts of these precious God created people need Jesus, and in order for them to receive Jesus and His hope and love, we have to be willing to step outside of our comfort zones and own little world and step into theirs.

This requires us to have complete faith in Christ. 

Do we trust Him enough to be uncomfortable for His name sake?

Do we believe in His promises, like this one.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

Our Independence

Our freedom came through Christ Jesus, when he bought our freedom with His blood.

Lets celebrate Jesus today and the freedom He gave us. 

If it wasn't for Him, we would have no freedom at all.

Favor or Relationship?

S-A Relationship

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 in Christ

L-Favor

 "You are trying to find favor with God by what you do or don't do on certain days or months or seasons or years." Galatians 4:10

Today, so many religions try to find favor with God by doing certain things or not doing certain things. This passage still applies and speaks to each of us today.

We believe, if we do this, or say this, or act like this then we are good to go. But brethren, works alone will never get you to heaven.

Being good, just isn't good enough. 

Following a ritual that becomes a mindless ritual, just isn't good enough.

Christ wants an active, involved, and growing relationship with us. One that is personal and real. 

Our desire to serve, worship and obey God, should be because of our greatfulness for what He did for us. 

Not because we feel as though we are obligated.

This is where rituals come in. If we say this over and over, or if we give up this on these days, and if we pray this or celebrate this holiday or this occasion then we have done our spiritual deed.

Oh, brethren this is not at all what Christ is about. Don't get tied up again in slavery to the law or rituals.

Don't believe that doing something once a year, or a daily ritual, or that works alone will cover you.

It won't! 

It is about a personal relationship with Christ! It is having faith in Him and beleiving He is who says He is.

Are you trying to earn favor with God or do you have a real, thriving and growing relationship with Him?

S-Tell someone that Jesus desires to have a relationship with them, and then share with them what your relationship with Christ is like.

Tell Me Why

S-Don't Go Back

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 love

L-Why?

"Before you Gentiles knew God, you were slaves to so-called gods that do not even exist. So now that you know God (or should I say, now that God knows you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world." Galatians 4:8-9

The first thing that came to my mind as I began to study this passage was, why.

Why, after tasting the sweetness and seeing the goodness of God would you want to go back to your old way of living?

Why are you even considering slavery again?

You have been set free, and now, because of the lies of these false teachers, you are actually considering putting chains back on yourself. That is crazy to me.

Well until The Lord pointed out that I am guilty of doing the same thing.

I know God's goodness, I have tasted the sweetness of His mercy and love. Yet, so has my flesh with the things of this world. Therefore, when I allow my flesh to lead, I can very easily find myself drifting back towards the slavery and bondage of sin.

Until, Christ intervenes, and reminds me of the freedom I now have from sin, and the law, because of His death.

And He doesn't stop there. He goes even further by reminding me how distasteful it is. So much so it gives me chills.

So, let me ask you today, why? Why after being filled with Christ and set free, do you want to go back to your old way of living?

Why are you choosing slavery over freedom?

Why do you even consider placing those chains back on yourself?

S- Turn from your fleshly, worldly desires, that enslave you and turn to God. Let Him set you free once and for all.

When the Shaking is Done

"When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.” This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain. Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire." Hebrews 12:26-29

The only thing that will remain is our relationship with Christ.

Do you have one?

Do you invest in it daily?

What will be left of you when the shaking is done?

Altar Sunday

Jesus may our hearts be heavy for those who are lost.

May the heaviness bring us to the altar.

On their behalf.

A Great Inheritance

S-The Best there is

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 freedom through Christ

L-Until Then

"Think of it this way, If a father dies and leaves great wealth for his young children, those children are not much better off than slaves until they grow up, even though they actually own everything their father had. They have to obey their guardians until they reach whatever age their father set. 

And that's the way it was with us before Christ came. We were slaves to the spiritual powers of this world. But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because you Gentiles have become his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, and now you can call God your dear Father. Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, everything he has belongs to you." Galatians 4:1-7

 Several things to take from these passages.

1. Verse 1-2-Maturity-understanding-discipline, all come with time, age, guidance, and being taught. Don't focus on the waiting, rather take joy in the time you are given to grow, mature, and learn under the leading of the Lord. For when you receive your inheritance it will be used wisely and will have been worth the wait.

2. Verse 3-Before Christ- we were slaves to the law. We were in bondage to it, and we tried to be saved by obeying it, only to come up short every time.

3. Verse 4-5. God's timing is perfect in all things, and though waiting can be hard, we can use it to draw near to God, focus on His goodness, and sit under His teaching. These two verses reveal God's love and grace. They also remind us that Christ came in human form, born of a woman, a Jew, subject to the law just like us. This helps us relate to Christ, because He too faced the things we face today, yet He never sinned. He fulfilled every law, thus becoming the perfect sacrifice, who set us free, by purchasing our freedom with His blood.

4. Verse 6-7-It doesn't get better than this. Becoming a child of God, receiving the Holy Spirit to live in our hearts, being set free from the slavery of the law, and receiving all that belongs to Him, is the greatest inheritance there is. Why would you want anything other than the absolute best? This is the best there is!

Again, why would you choose slavery to the law over freedom in Christ? Why would you choose death that the law offers, over life that Christ gives?

S-Share with someone the inheritance that is theirs through Christ

Our Concern. His Concern

"And I, the Son of Man, have come to seek and save those like him who are lost." Luke 19:10

Have you ever thought about the things that concern us and the things that concern God?

Our Concerns

Appearance
Being liked
Being loved
Being wanted
Being needed
Being noticed
Having a purpose
Having value
Money

God's Concerns

Our soul
Our heart
Our relationship with Christ
Our protection

What We Seek After

Materialistic things
Praise
attention
value
love
fulfillment
Success
(See a pattern here?)

What God Seeks After

         US

"But you shouldn't be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that I, the Son of Man, can give you. For God the Father has sent me for that very purpose." John 6:27

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.