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Galatians 4 - Day 842 (link to reading)
Scripture: Galatians 4:17-18 Observation: Paul explains that his opponent's intentions are not very honorable. Application: How could someone come to Christ and then use their freedom to take advantage of their spiritual brothers and sisters in the church. I’m dumbfounded that someone would actually infiltrate the Church, which is the bride of Christ, and think that there will be no consequences for their actions. The real question I should be asking is, “Are they really Christians?” Prayer: Lord, please examine my intentions and reveal any wicked motives in me. Forgive me for making presumptions and/or forcing my agendas. Help me to remember that I am merely, a hiring, who has been called to shepherd your flock. Galatians 3 - Day 841 (link to reading)
Scripture - Galatians 3:10-14 (I recommend reading the whole chapter to understand the context of Paul’s argument) Observation: Paul admonishes the Galatian church for their feeble efforts to justify themselves. Application: Christianity (being in a relationship with God the Father, Jesus the Son of God and the Holy Spirit) is the only “religion" based on grace. Every other world religion requires its members to earn their salvation, or way to heaven. The appeal is that ultimately, you are in control of your own destiny. The problem with this approach is that most people fail miserably. Most people think too highly of themselves and are willing to gamble the farm on their ability to live "righteously.” For whatever reason they think, "As long as I do more good than bad in my lifetime, then in the end God will let me into heaven, right?" Wrong. It doesn’t work that way. That was the purpose of the Mosaic law, to teach us that we can’t measure up to God’s standards. Jesus’ death on the cross was the only acceptable sacrifice that was able to fulfill the requirements of the law. His sacrifice is the propitiation for our sins, not only our sins, but the sins of the world.Hence, when I was offered God’s grace, I surrendered my life (I have been crucified with Christ…Galatians 2:20) and accepted His offer because I understood my limitations and inability to measure up to His expectations. Thankfully, God’s grace didn’t end there. He extends His grace to me everyday. Like a loving Father, He helps, guides, corrects and disciplines me to His very best for my life and family. It’s been a wonderful journey and I invite you to join us. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing grace, for Your patience and loving support. Please fulfill Your will in and through me... Galatians 2 - Day 840 (link to reading)
Scripture: Galatians 2:1-21 Observation: The challenge the Galatian church faced 2000 years ago began when more and more Israelites converted to Christianity by recognizing and receiving Jesus as the Messiah. Twenty to thirty yers after Jesus was resurrected and ascended to heaven, many Pharisees came to faith. The challenge was that they brought their legalistic background (Mosaic law & customs) with them. Naturally, the former scribes and religious leaders began taking leadership positions in the church and began to impose their traditional views (perspective, way things are done, system, etc) on these impressionable new gentile Christians. Even Peter & Barnabus were swayed by their convincing arguments. Thank God that Paul recognized their hypocrisy and rightfully declared “I (we) have been crucified with Christ and I (we) no longer live, but Christ lives in me (us). The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Application: Our default system, (the way we were raised, taught us to do things and live life by) is or can be overpowering. What am I still doing that contradicts Christ, who lives in me? Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your grace, now please help me recognize my habits and the things that I’ve always done that contradict who You are. Galatians 1 - Day 839 (link to reading)
Scripture: Galatians 1:6-9 Observation: The Apostle (messenger) Paul is credited for 13 (or 14, depending on who you ask) letters in the New Testament. Considering that he also discipled/mentored Luke (the author of the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts), Paul played a crucial role in shaping the church after Christ. As previously noted, the majority of Paul’s letters were to direct correspondence to different churches addressing their “issues” or answering their questions. The church in Galatia was infiltrated by “false prophets/apostles” who were distorting the good news of Jesus that Paul and his companions initially shared with them. Thus, he is more than a little upset here, as he declares - "If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!” Application: Why am I preaching the gospel of Jesus? What am I preaching? Is it really the good news of God or am I distorting it for my gain? Prayer: Lord, only You. You are more than enough. Psalm 90 & 91 - Day 838 (link to reading)
Scripture: Psalm 90 Commentary (regent.edu): In summary, our meaning in life comes not through what we do, but through the One for whom and through whom we do it. Apart from God, we fall under His wrath and our few days are passed in futility, soon forgotten. However, through His mercy, our lives have been redeemed from the curse of sin. We have been given joy in life again. God the Creator, Lord of Heaven and Earth, establishes our work, placing His glory upon that which we do, thereby giving permanence and lasting meaning… Application: The author of Ecclesiastes eloquently questioned, "what is the meaning of life." We’re born, we live, and then we die. Psalm 90 reveals a greater purpose for all of humanity where we have meaning and purpose, and we experience God's, eternal love. The beauty of the plan is that everyone has the ability to choose their own destiny. Prayer: Lord, You alone I long to Worship... |
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