Saturday, August 3, 2013
60 Ways I Love You
1. I love your hunger and desire for Jesus
2. I love your heart for others
3. I love your devotion to your family
4. I love your passion for God's Word
5. I love that you always seek to be a peacemaker
6. I love your smile
7. I LOVE your laugh
8. I love your outlook on life-it inspires me
9. I love that you are always positive
10. I love that you have every one's best interest at heart, no matter what.
11. I love your energy
12. I love how you always listen, even if it is the same thing over and over.
13. I love how you always take a stand for Jesus
14. I love the wisdom that Jesus has filled you with
15. I love that you are always encouraging us
16. I love how you have believe in us, even when others didn't or don't
17. I love how humble you are
18. I love your love for farm life and chickens (I share that passion with you)
19. I love how excited you get about your cows and ducks and warm sunny days.
20. I love that you can grow the best garden...EVER
21. I love the time we spend together at Christmas making divinity and how much we laugh while we are doing it and that one spoonful never makes the paper, always our mouths.
22. I love your kindness
23. I love that you are always giving up yourself and time for those in need.
24. I love that in 33 years of my life, you have never once complained.
25. I love how much you love daddy
26. I love the relationship you have with him, and you both taught and showed us the importance of having a godly marriage.
27. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the way you love each of your grand babies.
28. I love how you make them each feel like they are special, important, smart, funny, and that they matter and have a purpose.
29. I love how you comfort us
30. I love how you always drop everything to come be with us, even if it is not the best time. You have always put us first.
31. I love your passion for prayer
32. I love how simple you are
33. I love how beautiful you are inside and out
34. I love that you always pull back the covers when we come home to snuggle.
35. I love how unbelievable patient you are.
36. I love how you love our husbands as though you birthed them yourself.
37. I love your ability to do whatever is needed in order to make it better for us.
38. I love how protective you are.
39. I love that you hold us accountable at all times
40. I love how good you always smell
41. I love that you were able to be a mommy and best friend all at the same time, without ever mixing the two.
42. I love your creativity
43. I love how you always prayed with us when our tummies hurt and how you and daddy would rotate shifts being with us at night.
44. I love that your main goal in life was that we spent eternity in heaven.
45. I love how you always open your home to those who don't have one
46. I love your strength
47. I love your concern for the lost
48. I love your homemade chicken noodle soup
49. I love that daddy is your best friend and favorite person ever
50. I love that you love putting puzzles together with me every Christmas
51. I love that we both love to be warm and sit by the fire.
52. I love how much I am like you
53. I love that every time I call you, you always answer, "Hi baby." and how good it makes me feel every time.
54. I love how you get me and understand me when I feel like no one else does.
55. I love how you stuck by me even when I made horrible decisions.
56. I love how you always disciplined us because you loved us and wanted nothing but the absolute best for us.
57. I love that when I look at you I see the most beautiful woman who has the cross etched within her.
58. I love that you are always honest and real. There has never been an ounce of fakeness within you.
59. I love that I get to spend forever and ever and ever with you in heaven
60. And finally, mama I love that Jesus chose YOU to be my mommy.
Happy Happy Birthday. May this day be filled with so much love your heart overflows.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Is Your Produce Fresh?
S-Is This Your Produce?
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-Fresh or Rotten
Fresh produce can only come from the richest most fertile soil. The only way to achieve that rich fertile soil is by allowing the Holy Spirit to till up the hard ground within your heart and then replace it with soil that produces only the freshest of produce;
"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!" Galatians 5:22-23
Do you have some hardness within your heart that is keeping the roots from spreading down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love?
When the Holy Spirit is in control, our lives will produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is impossible for the Holy Spirit to produce anything other than the absolute best produce.
Do others see the fresh produce or the rotten produce?
Who do you allow to be in control, your sinful nature or the Holy Spirit?
You can always tell the answer to this question, by what is in your thoughts, speech, and actions.
Turn from your sinful nature and turn to Christ. Let Him fill you with the Holy Spirit who will produce within you the freshest, sweetest, and most nurturing produce there is.
S-Share your heart with Christ and let Him till up the hard ground in your 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 Grace
L-Fresh or Rotten
Fresh produce can only come from the richest most fertile soil. The only way to achieve that rich fertile soil is by allowing the Holy Spirit to till up the hard ground within your heart and then replace it with soil that produces only the freshest of produce;
"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!" Galatians 5:22-23
Do you have some hardness within your heart that is keeping the roots from spreading down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love?
When the Holy Spirit is in control, our lives will produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is impossible for the Holy Spirit to produce anything other than the absolute best produce.
Do others see the fresh produce or the rotten produce?
Who do you allow to be in control, your sinful nature or the Holy Spirit?
You can always tell the answer to this question, by what is in your thoughts, speech, and actions.
Turn from your sinful nature and turn to Christ. Let Him fill you with the Holy Spirit who will produce within you the freshest, sweetest, and most nurturing produce there is.
S-Share your heart with Christ and let Him till up the hard ground in your heart.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
What Does Your Produce Look Like?
S-What Are You Producing?
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-Fresh or Rotten?
"When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21
When our lives are filled with this type of living do you know what we produce?
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-Fresh or Rotten?
"When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21
When our lives are filled with this type of living do you know what we produce?
Rotten fruit. And all it starts on the inside.
Brethren, if you saw one of these apples, you would never pick it up and buy it, would you? No, yet we do it everyday when we choose to follow the desires of our sinful nature.
We never have to ask if we are producing evil rotten fruit, it shows. It shows in our speech, our thoughts, our attitudes, and in our actions.
Brethren, only Christ can clean up the rotten within us. We can't do it without Him, nor should we try. Nor should we continue to live like this, because God says very specifically, "Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God." Galatians 5:21
There is nothing in all the world that can ever satisfy you like Christ can. Don't miss out on eternity, because you were to busy feeding your flesh with the things that lead to death.
S-Look through this list again, and as you do, ask Christ to show you the areas where bad fruit is being produced. As He reveals each one to you, confess them before Him, set yourself and fleshly desires aside and let the Holy Spirit take control.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Think About the Effect Before the Choice is Made
S-Live According To Your New Life
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 Free Gift of Freedom
L-You Are Never Free From This Conflict
"So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law." Galatians 5:16-18
He is four, yet so wise for his age. His struggle to comprehend what Christ does when He takes residency within him, leaves him frustrated and sad at times.
He struggles with making the right decisions. Therefore leaving him to question if Jesus is really even in his heart.
We have these conversations often.
"Mommy, I just don't know how to be good."
"Mommy, I just don't want the devil to be alive, I don't like it, it makes me so sad. "
"Mommy, I know Jesus is in my heart, but I just can't be good."
"Mommy, I just need someone to help me."
These words pour out of the mouth of our sweet four year old. They are heartbreaking, hard, real, challenging, eye-opening, and push us to our knees together often.
He is curious, He wants details, He has questions, He has a vulnerable heart. A strong willed nature. He has a mind that remembers EVERYTHING. He soaks everything in. He meditates and chews on all of it.
As we read stories in the Bible he asks questions and makes comments that literally amaze me and my husband.
He never wants to close the Bible until he has asked every question possible. His desire to understand and know is beyond comprehension.
So as I approached this passage, we began to talk. We have more grown up talks then we do mommy son talks. He challenges me, brethren.
Choosing Jesus and good decisions is a choice. It's one we will have to do until Jesus takes us home. But we don't have to do it alone, the Holy Spirit helps us. Jesus sent help!
The most powerful help there is.
This brings a calmness and peace to his little heart. It reassures me that he gets it. We remind him often that Jesus will help him, but he has to do his part, he has to make the choice to do right. And he can because of the Holy Spirit living within him. But he has to understand, if he seeks to be good on his own human effort, he will fail every time. But if he seeks the help of the Holy Spirit and allows Him to be in control, he will be able to resist bad choices and produce fruit. (Everyday we learn and talk about the effect our choices have on us, others, and on Jesus. This helps him understand and think about the effects and what choice would be the best, Jesus pleasing choice. This is a work in progress for all four of us.)
Brethren, this is something we all struggle with, whether we are 4, 44, 54, 64, or 84. The choice! Today, will I choose to live according to my new life in the Holy Spirit, or will I choose to do what my sinful nature desires. Will I seek to be good by my own human efforts or by the power of the Holy Spirit?
Sadly there are more that choose their sinful nature than the power of the Holy Spirit.
Do you know how much power is in the word "Choice?" More than we will ever be able to grasp.
Everyday we are given choices and every choice has a powerful effect!
The choice to love or hate
The choice to serve or be served
The choice to forgive or not to forgive
The choice to be angry or nice
The choice to be happy or joyful
The choice to gossip or build others up
The choice to obey or not to obey
The choice to be good stewards or greedy
The choice to be humble or greedy
The choice to use speak truth or lies
The choice to be merciful or merciless
The choice to be kind or hurtful
The choice to be humble or prideful
The choice to selfish or selfless
The choice to be first or last
The choice to praise or complain
The choice to be negative or positive
The choice to trust or doubt
The choice to be faithful or unfaithful
The choice to give or take
The choice to choose Jesus or deny Jesus
The choice to work hard or be lazy
The choice to be bitter or let go
The choice to hold records of wrong or to extend grace
The choice to want or be grateful
The choice to be free or live in enslaved
The choice to pure or impure
The choice to be used or useless
The choice to share the truth or not share the truth
The choice to reflect Christ or reflect the world
The choice to stand out or blend in
The choice to be transparent or fake
The choice to quarrel or be a peacemaker
The choice to want or be content
The choice to gripe or be grateful
The choice to give life or take life
The choice to be jealous or confident
The choice to be insecure or secure in Christ
The choice to be weak in flesh or strong in Christ
The choice to busy or available for Him
The choice to put self first or Christ first
The choice to commit or not commit
"And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict." Galatians 5:17
What does your life produce?
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 Free Gift of Freedom
L-You Are Never Free From This Conflict
"So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law." Galatians 5:16-18
He is four, yet so wise for his age. His struggle to comprehend what Christ does when He takes residency within him, leaves him frustrated and sad at times.
He struggles with making the right decisions. Therefore leaving him to question if Jesus is really even in his heart.
We have these conversations often.
"Mommy, I just don't know how to be good."
"Mommy, I just don't want the devil to be alive, I don't like it, it makes me so sad. "
"Mommy, I know Jesus is in my heart, but I just can't be good."
"Mommy, I just need someone to help me."
These words pour out of the mouth of our sweet four year old. They are heartbreaking, hard, real, challenging, eye-opening, and push us to our knees together often.
He is curious, He wants details, He has questions, He has a vulnerable heart. A strong willed nature. He has a mind that remembers EVERYTHING. He soaks everything in. He meditates and chews on all of it.
As we read stories in the Bible he asks questions and makes comments that literally amaze me and my husband.
He never wants to close the Bible until he has asked every question possible. His desire to understand and know is beyond comprehension.
So as I approached this passage, we began to talk. We have more grown up talks then we do mommy son talks. He challenges me, brethren.
Choosing Jesus and good decisions is a choice. It's one we will have to do until Jesus takes us home. But we don't have to do it alone, the Holy Spirit helps us. Jesus sent help!
The most powerful help there is.
This brings a calmness and peace to his little heart. It reassures me that he gets it. We remind him often that Jesus will help him, but he has to do his part, he has to make the choice to do right. And he can because of the Holy Spirit living within him. But he has to understand, if he seeks to be good on his own human effort, he will fail every time. But if he seeks the help of the Holy Spirit and allows Him to be in control, he will be able to resist bad choices and produce fruit. (Everyday we learn and talk about the effect our choices have on us, others, and on Jesus. This helps him understand and think about the effects and what choice would be the best, Jesus pleasing choice. This is a work in progress for all four of us.)
Brethren, this is something we all struggle with, whether we are 4, 44, 54, 64, or 84. The choice! Today, will I choose to live according to my new life in the Holy Spirit, or will I choose to do what my sinful nature desires. Will I seek to be good by my own human efforts or by the power of the Holy Spirit?
Sadly there are more that choose their sinful nature than the power of the Holy Spirit.
Do you know how much power is in the word "Choice?" More than we will ever be able to grasp.
Everyday we are given choices and every choice has a powerful effect!
The choice to love or hate
The choice to serve or be served
The choice to forgive or not to forgive
The choice to be angry or nice
The choice to be happy or joyful
The choice to gossip or build others up
The choice to obey or not to obey
The choice to be good stewards or greedy
The choice to be humble or greedy
The choice to use speak truth or lies
The choice to be merciful or merciless
The choice to be kind or hurtful
The choice to be humble or prideful
The choice to selfish or selfless
The choice to be first or last
The choice to praise or complain
The choice to be negative or positive
The choice to trust or doubt
The choice to be faithful or unfaithful
The choice to give or take
The choice to choose Jesus or deny Jesus
The choice to work hard or be lazy
The choice to be bitter or let go
The choice to hold records of wrong or to extend grace
The choice to want or be grateful
The choice to be free or live in enslaved
The choice to pure or impure
The choice to be used or useless
The choice to share the truth or not share the truth
The choice to reflect Christ or reflect the world
The choice to stand out or blend in
The choice to be transparent or fake
The choice to quarrel or be a peacemaker
The choice to want or be content
The choice to gripe or be grateful
The choice to give life or take life
The choice to be jealous or confident
The choice to be insecure or secure in Christ
The choice to be weak in flesh or strong in Christ
The choice to busy or available for Him
The choice to put self first or Christ first
The choice to commit or not commit
"And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict." Galatians 5:17
What does your life produce?
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
A HUGE Difference
S-A Call to Freedom
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 Difference in the Two
"For you have been called to live in freedom-not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command; "Love your neighbor as yourself." But if instead of showing love among yourselves you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another." Galatians 5:13-15
Oh mercy, the conviction in these three verses. God knew, on this side of the Cross, that we would struggle with this.
Sweet One, the freedom God called us to, is the freedom to live for Him with no more condemnation, guilt or shame. It is also the freedom to love, to serve, to praise Him, to glorify Him, and to walk in His grace.
When we live in freedom of sin, we enslave ourselves to the sin and Satan. How? Think about a sin you struggle with. Whether it be, greed, jealousy, gossip, selfishness, laziness, shopping, bitterness, anger, pride, adultery, addiction, or whatever you feed your flesh with, it has enslaved you. You are in bondage to it. This is not what God has called you to.
God set you free from those things when He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for you. He has given you the key to unlock the chains, to open the door to the prison cell you are in. Take it brethren, and when you do, make sure you leave all the sin behind you.
Now that we have been set free, let's live in the right freedom, the freedom God intended for us. The freedom to serve one another in love.
The word love, spoken in verses 13 and 14 mean "agape." A friend of ours describes these passages this way.
"I like to explain it this way. It is turning the direction of my love toward the direction of my love toward the other person. It's putting their needs first of course, but it's more than just that. It's pointing our love at them, and a good way to know where you're love is pointed is that your criticism is usually pointed the opposite direction. If my love is pointed at my wife, then I will be quicker to extend grace her direction, and criticism to myself. If that's backwards, then I have a problem."
Let those words sink in a minute. Convicted? So was I.
Let's seek the face of Christ and make sure we are living in the right freedom.
S-Serve others in love today, and lay down the desire to be critical.
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 Difference in the Two
"For you have been called to live in freedom-not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command; "Love your neighbor as yourself." But if instead of showing love among yourselves you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another." Galatians 5:13-15
Oh mercy, the conviction in these three verses. God knew, on this side of the Cross, that we would struggle with this.
Sweet One, the freedom God called us to, is the freedom to live for Him with no more condemnation, guilt or shame. It is also the freedom to love, to serve, to praise Him, to glorify Him, and to walk in His grace.
When we live in freedom of sin, we enslave ourselves to the sin and Satan. How? Think about a sin you struggle with. Whether it be, greed, jealousy, gossip, selfishness, laziness, shopping, bitterness, anger, pride, adultery, addiction, or whatever you feed your flesh with, it has enslaved you. You are in bondage to it. This is not what God has called you to.
God set you free from those things when He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for you. He has given you the key to unlock the chains, to open the door to the prison cell you are in. Take it brethren, and when you do, make sure you leave all the sin behind you.
Now that we have been set free, let's live in the right freedom, the freedom God intended for us. The freedom to serve one another in love.
The word love, spoken in verses 13 and 14 mean "agape." A friend of ours describes these passages this way.
"I like to explain it this way. It is turning the direction of my love toward the direction of my love toward the other person. It's putting their needs first of course, but it's more than just that. It's pointing our love at them, and a good way to know where you're love is pointed is that your criticism is usually pointed the opposite direction. If my love is pointed at my wife, then I will be quicker to extend grace her direction, and criticism to myself. If that's backwards, then I have a problem."
Let those words sink in a minute. Convicted? So was I.
Let's seek the face of Christ and make sure we are living in the right freedom.
S-Serve others in love today, and lay down the desire to be critical.
Monday, July 29, 2013
In It's Formless State, You saw It's Beauty
Here it is, in the rarest of forms, laid out before You. Broken, vulnerable, empty, a formless mass.
Though we can't see past what it appears before us, You can. You see the potential that lies within it.
You see the beauty it soon will be.
You know all that You fill with it, and all the world will fill it with.
There will be moments of sadness, anger, joy, hope, love, even rejection along with many more emotions experienced.
You Lord, You know its smallest details, thoughts, decisions, and choices.
And You loved it anyway.
It didn't stop You from shaping it, molding it, creating it.
Your attention to detail is beyond what our human eyes can obtain.
Your creativity is marvelous.
The power in Your voice that tells it what to do, is earth shaking.
The way You hover, reveals Your protective nature.
You have thought each step through. You have planned and organized every detail ahead of time.
The love and emotion You bring and place within it, is Your very image itself.
The covering You place upon it, in it, and around it, is the very sacrifice of Your only Son. In that alone reveals Your very character, mercy, love, and desire for fellowship.
With each completion, You stepped back to evaluate what You had done, and it pleased You. A smile formed up Your face and an overflowing joy, shook the heavens.
It's completion will be final, upon Your return, where then, it will rise up and be in Your very presence forever.
Though we can't see past what it appears before us, You can. You see the potential that lies within it.
You see the beauty it soon will be.
You know all that You fill with it, and all the world will fill it with.
There will be moments of sadness, anger, joy, hope, love, even rejection along with many more emotions experienced.
You Lord, You know its smallest details, thoughts, decisions, and choices.
And You loved it anyway.
It didn't stop You from shaping it, molding it, creating it.
Your attention to detail is beyond what our human eyes can obtain.
Your creativity is marvelous.
The power in Your voice that tells it what to do, is earth shaking.
The way You hover, reveals Your protective nature.
You have thought each step through. You have planned and organized every detail ahead of time.
The love and emotion You bring and place within it, is Your very image itself.
The covering You place upon it, in it, and around it, is the very sacrifice of Your only Son. In that alone reveals Your very character, mercy, love, and desire for fellowship.
With each completion, You stepped back to evaluate what You had done, and it pleased You. A smile formed up Your face and an overflowing joy, shook the heavens.
It's completion will be final, upon Your return, where then, it will rise up and be in Your very presence forever.
"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed." Psalm 139:13-16
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Altar Sunday
Do you have a relationship that is coming between the relationship you should be having with Christ?
If so, lay it at the altar today and begin the relationship God so desires to have with you.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
How Would You Describe Your Relationship
"God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:9
Do you listen when He speaks?
Do you enjoy the things He enjoys?
Do find Joy in what He finds joy in?
Or is the relationship all about you?
Brethren, it is an honor to be in a relationship with Jesus. It is the one relationship we don't deserve, but should desire to have more than any other relationship.
Let's seek to be a better partner for Christ than we have in the past.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Persecuted for Speaking the Truth
S-Press On
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-Persecuted for Speaking the Truth
When the truth of God's Word is spoken, many will be offended.
"Dear brothers and sisters, if I were still preaching that you must be circumcised-as some say I do-why would the Jews persecute me? The fact that I am still being persecuted proves that I am still preaching salvation through the cross of Christ alone. I only wish that those troublemakers who want to mutilate you by circumcision would mutilate themselves." Galatians 5:11-12
Are we willing to endure persecution, rejection, even death for Christ? Paul was, and many despised him because he spoke opposite of them.
There will come a day, when we, followers of Jesus Christ, will be persecuted. For some of us today, we have faced rejection from loved ones, because we stand for Christ. I say to you, sweet one, keep standing for Christ. No matter the difficulty, no matter the isolation you feel, remain faithful.
God is faithful and true. He is a just God. He is a God who saved us and is worthy of our devotion and praise. He is a committed God who is with us. We must remain in Him and draw near to Him.
"Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. I command you-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Brethren, many will find what we teach and preach about Christ to be foolish. Some will mock us, some will reject us, some will persecute us, but we must press on, just as Paul did.
S-Share the truth of the Good News with all who will listen, no matter the outcome of those who don't believe.
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-Persecuted for Speaking the Truth
When the truth of God's Word is spoken, many will be offended.
"Dear brothers and sisters, if I were still preaching that you must be circumcised-as some say I do-why would the Jews persecute me? The fact that I am still being persecuted proves that I am still preaching salvation through the cross of Christ alone. I only wish that those troublemakers who want to mutilate you by circumcision would mutilate themselves." Galatians 5:11-12
Are we willing to endure persecution, rejection, even death for Christ? Paul was, and many despised him because he spoke opposite of them.
There will come a day, when we, followers of Jesus Christ, will be persecuted. For some of us today, we have faced rejection from loved ones, because we stand for Christ. I say to you, sweet one, keep standing for Christ. No matter the difficulty, no matter the isolation you feel, remain faithful.
God is faithful and true. He is a just God. He is a God who saved us and is worthy of our devotion and praise. He is a committed God who is with us. We must remain in Him and draw near to Him.
"Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. I command you-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Brethren, many will find what we teach and preach about Christ to be foolish. Some will mock us, some will reject us, some will persecute us, but we must press on, just as Paul did.
S-Share the truth of the Good News with all who will listen, no matter the outcome of those who don't believe.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Do You?
"Friendship with the Lord is reserved for those who fear him. With them he shares the secrets of his covenant." Psalm 25:14
Knowing someone well, doesn't just happen in a day.
Time must be spent, questions must be asked. Trust must be developed, a relationship must begin.
We can't simply call someone a friend if we only know about them.
It is the same with our relationship with Jesus. Knowing Jesus and knowing about Jesus are two seperate things.
Knowing about Jesus is based off of what you hear. Maybe you have even done a small amount of research on Him.
But knowing Jesus personally, now that is when you have spent time with Him, when questiones have been asked, listening has been done, trust has been established, likes and dislikes have been discovered, and a bond has developed.
That brethren is the type of relationship The Lord desires and what we should desire with Him.
God made us to have that desire.
Do you?
Jesus may we desire more of You and less of us. May we spend time investing in our relationship with You like You do with us. Amen
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
What Words Will You Hear?
Brethren, today, if Christ came, would these words apply to you,
"Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’" Matthew 7:21-23
Jesus wants a personal relationship with us. He doesn't want us to just know about Him. He wants us to know Him, personally and intimately.
Do you?
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Is It You? If Not then Who?
S-Who is It
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 Christ
L-Who and Why
"You were getting along so well. Who has interfered with you to hold you back from following the truth? It certainly isn't God, for he is the one who called you to freedom. But it takes only one wrong person among you to infect all the others-a little yeast spreads quickly through the whole batch of dough! I am trusting the Lord to bring you back to believing as I do about these things. God will judge that person, whoever it is, who has been troubling and confusing you." Galatians 5:7-10
Are you confused and troubled? Are you struggling in your faith?
Who are you surrounding yourself with? Are they leading you closer to Christ and the freedom offered through Him, or are they leading you away, thus causing you to doubt, and be confused?
Paul makes it very clear, why we need to be wise in who we surround ourselves with and who we listen to.
Let's take this entire passage and apply it to our lives. Store it, meditate on it, and also use it as a guide for our own lives, making sure we are not the one holding others back, or leading them to confusion, doubt, and further from the Cross.
S-Spend time in prayer with the Lord. Ask Him to reveal to you areas in this passage that might apply or that should apply.
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 Christ
L-Who and Why
"You were getting along so well. Who has interfered with you to hold you back from following the truth? It certainly isn't God, for he is the one who called you to freedom. But it takes only one wrong person among you to infect all the others-a little yeast spreads quickly through the whole batch of dough! I am trusting the Lord to bring you back to believing as I do about these things. God will judge that person, whoever it is, who has been troubling and confusing you." Galatians 5:7-10
Are you confused and troubled? Are you struggling in your faith?
Who are you surrounding yourself with? Are they leading you closer to Christ and the freedom offered through Him, or are they leading you away, thus causing you to doubt, and be confused?
Paul makes it very clear, why we need to be wise in who we surround ourselves with and who we listen to.
Let's take this entire passage and apply it to our lives. Store it, meditate on it, and also use it as a guide for our own lives, making sure we are not the one holding others back, or leading them to confusion, doubt, and further from the Cross.
S-Spend time in prayer with the Lord. Ask Him to reveal to you areas in this passage that might apply or that should apply.
Monday, July 22, 2013
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?
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?
Sunday, July 21, 2013
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.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
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.
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.
Friday, July 19, 2013
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
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.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
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
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
Monday, July 15, 2013
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.
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.
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