Paul had issues with Peter. Notice Paul says, “I opposed him to his face.” Face to face. Paul does not avoid Peter. Peter does not flee from Paul. This is the only way conflicts get resolved. However, it takes more than meeting face to face and arguing and shouting. Both parties have to meet in a spirit of love. They have to want resolution and want it badly! Paul wanted things to be right between him and Peter. Peter did too. They hashed it out. They worked it out. Maybe it wasn’t pretty, but they got it worked out. They loved each other because Christ first loved them. Peter later calls Paul “our beloved brother.” So, no more fleeing conflict and no more gossip! No more talking about people behind their backs. Face to face or not at all. When you find yourself ready to say something negative about a person with you have issues who is not present to face your words, resolve to keep silent. Despise conflict, but don't flee from it. Face your issues face to face.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Growing with Galatians Daily Devotions (29 June 2013)
But when Cephas [Peter] came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.(Galatians 2:11, ESV)
Friday, June 28, 2013
Growing with Galatian Daily Devotions (28 June 2013)
Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.(Galatians 2:10, ESV)
Most of us are not rich: we are not poor either. We are “in-betweeners.” The trouble with being an “in-betweener” is that we tend to focus on those who have more than we do. We look up and think we have been cheated. Galatians today reminds us to look down. Being an in-betweener means that there are many many people who have less than we do. Some of them have a lot less. Today, think of those who have less and (1) be thankful for what you have and not unhappy for what you do not have. (2) Remember the poorer in your prayers. (3) Do something practical for the poor. Find a great charity and make a donation. Be kind to the people on the street.
Most of us are not rich: we are not poor either. We are “in-betweeners.” The trouble with being an “in-betweener” is that we tend to focus on those who have more than we do. We look up and think we have been cheated. Galatians today reminds us to look down. Being an in-betweener means that there are many many people who have less than we do. Some of them have a lot less. Today, think of those who have less and (1) be thankful for what you have and not unhappy for what you do not have. (2) Remember the poorer in your prayers. (3) Do something practical for the poor. Find a great charity and make a donation. Be kind to the people on the street.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Growing with Galatians Daily Devotion (27 June 2013)
...They gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. (Galatians 2:9, ESV)
The word translated as fellowship is the Greek word koinonia-a very important word in the Bible. Unfortunately, fellowship has come to mean ‘fun activities we do at church’ such as fellowship dinners and fellowship nights. This is not what the Bible means by fellowship. The book (and film) The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien got the meaning of this word right. A fellowship is group of people with close mutual relationships and a shared purpose or mission. In the book, the fellowship was a group of nine characters with a common mission (the ring) and who came to love one another. Church is a fellowship in this deeper sense. We are brought together by Christ who intends us to be as close as a family, even closer. We are brought together around a mission: to bring others into His fellowship. Fellowship is not the same as congregation or denomination. Fellowship is larger. Our most important fellowship is NOT Lutheran, Catholic, or Baptist. These are fellowships, but they are not the most important fellowship. Our most important fellowship is Christian. Our fellowship is Christ. There is only ONE FLOCK because there is only ONE GOOD SHEPHERD.
The word translated as fellowship is the Greek word koinonia-a very important word in the Bible. Unfortunately, fellowship has come to mean ‘fun activities we do at church’ such as fellowship dinners and fellowship nights. This is not what the Bible means by fellowship. The book (and film) The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien got the meaning of this word right. A fellowship is group of people with close mutual relationships and a shared purpose or mission. In the book, the fellowship was a group of nine characters with a common mission (the ring) and who came to love one another. Church is a fellowship in this deeper sense. We are brought together by Christ who intends us to be as close as a family, even closer. We are brought together around a mission: to bring others into His fellowship. Fellowship is not the same as congregation or denomination. Fellowship is larger. Our most important fellowship is NOT Lutheran, Catholic, or Baptist. These are fellowships, but they are not the most important fellowship. Our most important fellowship is Christian. Our fellowship is Christ. There is only ONE FLOCK because there is only ONE GOOD SHEPHERD.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Growing with Galatians Daily Devotion (26 June 2013)
...What they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality (Galatians 2:6, ESV)
God shows no partiality. I love this passage. The Greek word translated ‘partiality’ means a person’s face. God does not measure a person’s value, ability, or worthiness based on looks. God looks beneath the surface at the substance. The world is the opposite, valuing a pretty face over a good heart. The challenge for you and I is to follow God and not the world. Today, try to ignore people’s looks altogether. Treat everyone the same. Show no partiality.
God shows no partiality. I love this passage. The Greek word translated ‘partiality’ means a person’s face. God does not measure a person’s value, ability, or worthiness based on looks. God looks beneath the surface at the substance. The world is the opposite, valuing a pretty face over a good heart. The challenge for you and I is to follow God and not the world. Today, try to ignore people’s looks altogether. Treat everyone the same. Show no partiality.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Growing with Galatians (25 June 2013) Daily Devotion
Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery—(Galatians 2:4, ESV)
The freedom Paul is referring to in Galatians 2 is freedom to be Christian without following certain Old Testament...er...surgical practices. The word ‘spy’ is particularly funny in this context. Kidding aside, there are always people who are opposed to the freedom Christianity gives. In Christ, we need not fear (if God is for us, whom then shall we fear? No one). Never let another human intimidate you. You are God’s beloved. He will defend you. In Christ, we need not feel guilty. Your sin is forgiven. There is no need for guilt. Never let another human being pour guilt upon you. Jesus died for you. His death takes your guilt away. Christianity is freedom from guilt and from fear. It is freedom to live abundantly. Today, remember that you are free. Free from guilt. Free from fear. Do not let anyone ‘spy out your freedom.’
Charles Long
www.refractingthelight.blogspot.com
The freedom Paul is referring to in Galatians 2 is freedom to be Christian without following certain Old Testament...er...surgical practices. The word ‘spy’ is particularly funny in this context. Kidding aside, there are always people who are opposed to the freedom Christianity gives. In Christ, we need not fear (if God is for us, whom then shall we fear? No one). Never let another human intimidate you. You are God’s beloved. He will defend you. In Christ, we need not feel guilty. Your sin is forgiven. There is no need for guilt. Never let another human being pour guilt upon you. Jesus died for you. His death takes your guilt away. Christianity is freedom from guilt and from fear. It is freedom to live abundantly. Today, remember that you are free. Free from guilt. Free from fear. Do not let anyone ‘spy out your freedom.’
Charles Long
www.refractingthelight.blogspot.com
Monday, June 24, 2013
Growing with Galatians Daily Devotion (23 June 2013)
Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles...(Galatians 2:1–2, ESV)
Paul describes himself as “a Hebrew of Hebrews” (Philippians 3:5) and yet he becomes God’s chosen messenger to non-Jewish people. Talk about getting outside your comfort zone! There are several important messages here.
First, a comfortable life is not a worthwhile goal. We do not find meaning and purpose through being comfortable. We find meaning and purpose in overcoming adversity and overcoming adversity is almost always uncomfortable. So, today, get out of your comfort zone at least once.
Second message: God is always breaking down walls. God is iconoclastic (an idol destroyer). What are the walls God is breaking down in your life? Whom have you walled out? What are walling in? Take a sledge hammer to one wall today.
Paul describes himself as “a Hebrew of Hebrews” (Philippians 3:5) and yet he becomes God’s chosen messenger to non-Jewish people. Talk about getting outside your comfort zone! There are several important messages here.
First, a comfortable life is not a worthwhile goal. We do not find meaning and purpose through being comfortable. We find meaning and purpose in overcoming adversity and overcoming adversity is almost always uncomfortable. So, today, get out of your comfort zone at least once.
Second message: God is always breaking down walls. God is iconoclastic (an idol destroyer). What are the walls God is breaking down in your life? Whom have you walled out? What are walling in? Take a sledge hammer to one wall today.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Growing with Galatians Daily Devotion (22 June 2013)
And they glorified God because of me.(Galatians 1:24, ESV)
What a wonderful sentence: they glorified God because of me. Hearing Paul became a Christian made these churches so glad. They were so happy that God could take an enemy and make him a friend. Imagine the awe and joy Paul felt. People who probably once wanted Paul dead were now praising God because Paul was alive. They glorified God because of me. What an amazing feeling! Think of the beautiful, wonderful people in your life. Thank God for them and then tell them, “I glorify God because of YOU.” Say that to your spouse, to your children, to your relatives, to your friends. And think, they feel the same way about you. People praise God because you are alive. People praise God for creating wonderful, beautiful you.
Growing with Galatians Daily Devotions
And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. (Galatians 1:22, ESV)
Paul’s reputation was well known to the churches in Judea, but not his person. The churches knew the old Paul, the bad Paul. The new Paul, the good Paul, was a stranger to these churches. The churches in Judea welcomed the new Paul. They did not reject him based on who he once was; they received him because of who he had become. Paul was not the man he once was.
This is a cautionary tale about not judging based solely on past reputation. People can change. People can be changed. What matters then is not who a person was, but who a person is. What matters even more is that God loves every person: the greatest and the least. This is the chief reason we are not to judge. There are others reasons.
We are commanded not to judge because we poor judges, focusing on surface rather than substance. Gold does not always glitter! Diamonds are sometimes found in the rough! As radio host Delilah is fond of saying, our "picker outer" is broken.
We are commanded not to judge because we do not like being judged. If we would “do unto others as we would have others do unto us” then we ought not judge.
We are commanded not to judge because God will judge us with they very standard we judge others. The mercy we show others is the mercy God will show us.
I am sure there are more reasons, but these are compelling! Today, make every effort not to judge and to think the best of everyone.
Paul’s reputation was well known to the churches in Judea, but not his person. The churches knew the old Paul, the bad Paul. The new Paul, the good Paul, was a stranger to these churches. The churches in Judea welcomed the new Paul. They did not reject him based on who he once was; they received him because of who he had become. Paul was not the man he once was.
This is a cautionary tale about not judging based solely on past reputation. People can change. People can be changed. What matters then is not who a person was, but who a person is. What matters even more is that God loves every person: the greatest and the least. This is the chief reason we are not to judge. There are others reasons.
We are commanded not to judge because we poor judges, focusing on surface rather than substance. Gold does not always glitter! Diamonds are sometimes found in the rough! As radio host Delilah is fond of saying, our "picker outer" is broken.
We are commanded not to judge because we do not like being judged. If we would “do unto others as we would have others do unto us” then we ought not judge.
We are commanded not to judge because God will judge us with they very standard we judge others. The mercy we show others is the mercy God will show us.
I am sure there are more reasons, but these are compelling! Today, make every effort not to judge and to think the best of everyone.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Growing with Galatians Daily Devotion (20 June 2013)
But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) Galatians 1:19–20, ESV
God gives us some amazing experiences in this lifetime. For Paul, meeting James the Lord's brother was just such an experience. The precise familial relationship between Jesus and James is unknown (the word brother might mean cousin). In either case, James was a biological relative of Jesus Christ. James and Jesus shared Mary’s DNA. Also, James knew Jesus as a boy. They grew up together. How amazing! Paul considers meeting James so amazing that he worries the Galatians might think he’s stretching the truth. Meeting James was that amazing to Paul.
I believe every life is amazing. Consider your amazing experiences; your amazing life. Which experiences have been the most amazing? Marriage? The birth of a child? The mountains? The sea? The ordinary can be amazing too. The sunrises and sets everyday and everyday it is amazing. Every human face is utterly unique and amazing. You are amazing, too. Reflect on the wonders of life and thank God for the amazing life you have been given.
By Charles Long
God gives us some amazing experiences in this lifetime. For Paul, meeting James the Lord's brother was just such an experience. The precise familial relationship between Jesus and James is unknown (the word brother might mean cousin). In either case, James was a biological relative of Jesus Christ. James and Jesus shared Mary’s DNA. Also, James knew Jesus as a boy. They grew up together. How amazing! Paul considers meeting James so amazing that he worries the Galatians might think he’s stretching the truth. Meeting James was that amazing to Paul.
I believe every life is amazing. Consider your amazing experiences; your amazing life. Which experiences have been the most amazing? Marriage? The birth of a child? The mountains? The sea? The ordinary can be amazing too. The sunrises and sets everyday and everyday it is amazing. Every human face is utterly unique and amazing. You are amazing, too. Reflect on the wonders of life and thank God for the amazing life you have been given.
By Charles Long
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Growing with Galatians Daily Devotion (Wed., June 19, 2013)
Then after three years I went up to
Jerusalem to visit Cephas [Peter’s Hebrew name] and remained with him
fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles...(Galatians 1:18–19,
ESV)
The last time Paul had been in Jerusalem, he had participated in the execution of the first Christian martyr: Stephen. He had not been back since. Understandably. Cephas (Peter) and the other apostles had known Stephen. They had known Paul’s role in Stephen’s death. Paul had to face them. Two of them, Cephas and James were still in Jerusalem. The others were not. Paul needed forgiveness from Peter and he needed it from those no longer there. Which is harder: asking forgiveness in person or never being able to ask because you missed the chance? Paul experienced both. Paul asked Peter's forgiveness. Paul missed the chance to ask forgiveness of many others-the departed, the imprisoned, the exiled.
Sometimes in life we get to ask the forgiveness of those we have hurt and that is hard, very hard. Other times when we need forgiveness, the people from whom we need it are gone. This is even harder than asking forgiveness. Asking forgiveness brings closure. When asking is no longer possible, closure is harder. The wound is slower to close.
The relationship between Paul and Peter was healed through forgiveness. Peter later calls Paul “our beloved brother” (2 Peter 3:15). Still, Paul never got ask forgiveness of those who were gone. He missed the chance. Don't do likewise. Always ask forgiveness immediately-while there is still time. Give forgiveness likewise: now-while there is still time. Whose forgiveness do you need to ask? Ask while you can. Who needs your forgiveness? Give it while you still can and give it freely. You must trust God regarding the giving or receiving of forgiveness from the people no longer here. That is in God's hands. They are in God's hands. You are, too. We all are.
--
Peace,
Charles M. Long
The last time Paul had been in Jerusalem, he had participated in the execution of the first Christian martyr: Stephen. He had not been back since. Understandably. Cephas (Peter) and the other apostles had known Stephen. They had known Paul’s role in Stephen’s death. Paul had to face them. Two of them, Cephas and James were still in Jerusalem. The others were not. Paul needed forgiveness from Peter and he needed it from those no longer there. Which is harder: asking forgiveness in person or never being able to ask because you missed the chance? Paul experienced both. Paul asked Peter's forgiveness. Paul missed the chance to ask forgiveness of many others-the departed, the imprisoned, the exiled.
Sometimes in life we get to ask the forgiveness of those we have hurt and that is hard, very hard. Other times when we need forgiveness, the people from whom we need it are gone. This is even harder than asking forgiveness. Asking forgiveness brings closure. When asking is no longer possible, closure is harder. The wound is slower to close.
The relationship between Paul and Peter was healed through forgiveness. Peter later calls Paul “our beloved brother” (2 Peter 3:15). Still, Paul never got ask forgiveness of those who were gone. He missed the chance. Don't do likewise. Always ask forgiveness immediately-while there is still time. Give forgiveness likewise: now-while there is still time. Whose forgiveness do you need to ask? Ask while you can. Who needs your forgiveness? Give it while you still can and give it freely. You must trust God regarding the giving or receiving of forgiveness from the people no longer here. That is in God's hands. They are in God's hands. You are, too. We all are.
--
Peace,
Charles M. Long
...and the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13b)
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Growing with Galatians Daily Devotional; Tuesday, June 18 2013
But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me...(Galatians 1:15–16a, ESV)
Life is bounded by two great mysteries. What was I before I was born? What will I be after I die Before I was born, God called my name by His grace because God is love. That’s what a loving parent does: he sets apart his beloved child before the child is born by giving the child a name. Before my sons were born, I loved them and I named them. Their names were decided BEFORE their births. I set them apart in my heart. God set you apart in His heart too. What was I before I was born? I was set apart in the heart of God. What will I be after I die? I will be revealed to God. Revealed to God? Yes. The covering of Jesus over my sins will be lifted like clothing. And when that clothing is removed the sins will be removed with it. Underneath I am clean. I will also be revealed to myself. Revealed to myself? Yes, that too! I will at last see myself as God has always seen me, as He saw me before I was born. Heaven is the revelation of what truly is. Look around today: every good thing will be revealed to in heaven. Look for it now in the time after birth and before death.
Life is bounded by two great mysteries. What was I before I was born? What will I be after I die Before I was born, God called my name by His grace because God is love. That’s what a loving parent does: he sets apart his beloved child before the child is born by giving the child a name. Before my sons were born, I loved them and I named them. Their names were decided BEFORE their births. I set them apart in my heart. God set you apart in His heart too. What was I before I was born? I was set apart in the heart of God. What will I be after I die? I will be revealed to God. Revealed to God? Yes. The covering of Jesus over my sins will be lifted like clothing. And when that clothing is removed the sins will be removed with it. Underneath I am clean. I will also be revealed to myself. Revealed to myself? Yes, that too! I will at last see myself as God has always seen me, as He saw me before I was born. Heaven is the revelation of what truly is. Look around today: every good thing will be revealed to in heaven. Look for it now in the time after birth and before death.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Growing with Galatians Daily Devotion June 17, 2013
For you have heard of my former life...(Galatians 1:13a, ESV)
“For you have heard of my former life...” I have a former life that I do not live anymore. Likely you do, too. We are not the people we once were. Our minds are wiser. Our hearts are softer. Our eyes may see the world less well, but they see truth much better. The words we speak are fewer, but kinder. It’s not just that we have grown older. As Indiana Jones famously said, “It’s not the years; it’s the miles.” We are not who we once were...thankfully! If you have heard of my former life, forgive me! I am not be the person I once was. And you? Don’t worry. I’m not worried about who you were a long time ago or even yesterday. I’m glad for who you are now. I am glad that God has brought you to this day and that you are who you are right now.
You can subscribe to this at http://refractingthelight.blogspot.com/
“For you have heard of my former life...” I have a former life that I do not live anymore. Likely you do, too. We are not the people we once were. Our minds are wiser. Our hearts are softer. Our eyes may see the world less well, but they see truth much better. The words we speak are fewer, but kinder. It’s not just that we have grown older. As Indiana Jones famously said, “It’s not the years; it’s the miles.” We are not who we once were...thankfully! If you have heard of my former life, forgive me! I am not be the person I once was. And you? Don’t worry. I’m not worried about who you were a long time ago or even yesterday. I’m glad for who you are now. I am glad that God has brought you to this day and that you are who you are right now.
You can subscribe to this at http://refractingthelight.blogspot.com/
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Sunday Sabbath Rest Day
Thanks for reading and responding to Refracting the Light. Tomorrow is Sunday. Rest. Relax. Celebrate great dads. See you all on Monday!
Growing with Galatians daily devotions 6/15/13
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.(Galatians 1:8–10, ESV)
Apparently, Paul had been accused of people-pleasing, of compromising the message in order to be liked. The charge concerns Paul’s motives. Why is he doing what he is doing? Is he an authentic Apostle? Or is he an attention seeker? In Galatians, Paul makes it clear. He is not a people-pleaser. He is servant of Jesus Christ. As you go through your day, question your motives. Why do you do what you do? What are your reasons for your words and actions? What words and actions would make you servant of Christ? Discover these and do them.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Growing with Galatians - 6/14/2013
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.(Galatians 1:6–7, ESV)
Stephen Covey famously said, “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” This is, in essence, what Paul is saying to the people in Galatia. The main thing is the Gospel. The Gospel, the love God demonstrated in Christ, is the core message of Christianity. How did they lose the main thing, the Gospel? They lost it by adding something to it (a ritual called circumcision). The Gospel was complete as it was. The Gospel needed no additions. Adding to the Gospel only diluted it. They added work to the Gospel and it became less potent. They would have been better doing LESS. In our lives, what we do matters, but what we choose NOT to do also matters. Keeping the main thing the main thing often involves what we choose NOT to do as much as what we choose to do. Less is more. What is YOUR MAIN THING? What do you need NOT to do to keep your main thing the main thing? Today, make a TO DON’T LIST of things you will not do.
Stephen Covey famously said, “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” This is, in essence, what Paul is saying to the people in Galatia. The main thing is the Gospel. The Gospel, the love God demonstrated in Christ, is the core message of Christianity. How did they lose the main thing, the Gospel? They lost it by adding something to it (a ritual called circumcision). The Gospel was complete as it was. The Gospel needed no additions. Adding to the Gospel only diluted it. They added work to the Gospel and it became less potent. They would have been better doing LESS. In our lives, what we do matters, but what we choose NOT to do also matters. Keeping the main thing the main thing often involves what we choose NOT to do as much as what we choose to do. Less is more. What is YOUR MAIN THING? What do you need NOT to do to keep your main thing the main thing? Today, make a TO DON’T LIST of things you will not do.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Growing with Galatians (June13, 2013
Your daily devotion from my Growing with Galatians series...
[God] To whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.(Galatians 1:5, ESV)
Yesterday, we looked at Christianity and life today. Today, we see that our faith is also about forevermore. Paul writes “...no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9, ESV). Whatever forevermore is it is greater than we can imagine. One of the best imaginings of heaven is C. S. Lewis’ book, “The Last Battle.” The vision of heaven is wonderful, beyond wonderful. However wonderful Lewis’ imaginings are, they are not wonderful enough. If you encounter any unpleasantness today, remember what awaits you in heaven. Forevermore is greater than anything that can be conceived. Smell the roses! Look at something beautiful today: a sunrise, a flower, a baby. Remember that however beautiful these may be, forevermore will be more beautiful.
Everyday Expect Eternity!
[God] To whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.(Galatians 1:5, ESV)
Yesterday, we looked at Christianity and life today. Today, we see that our faith is also about forevermore. Paul writes “...no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9, ESV). Whatever forevermore is it is greater than we can imagine. One of the best imaginings of heaven is C. S. Lewis’ book, “The Last Battle.” The vision of heaven is wonderful, beyond wonderful. However wonderful Lewis’ imaginings are, they are not wonderful enough. If you encounter any unpleasantness today, remember what awaits you in heaven. Forevermore is greater than anything that can be conceived. Smell the roses! Look at something beautiful today: a sunrise, a flower, a baby. Remember that however beautiful these may be, forevermore will be more beautiful.
Everyday Expect Eternity!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Growing with Galatians (daily devotions based on Galatians)
6/12/2013
[Jesus Christ] gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age according to the will of our God and Father...(Galatians 1:4, ESV)
The Christian faith is about life today as well as life forevermore. Tomorrow’s verse from Galatians is about forevermore. Today’s concerns the present. “This present evil age” Paul wrote. Look around. Evil is alive and well in our world. Life today can be very, very difficult and painful. Sickness. Violence. Fear. Loneliness. Loss. But this present evil age cannot defeat us because we have been delivered from it. This is God’s will: that nothing in this world should ever be able to separate us from His love. You may have some heartaches today: God is greater than that them. You may worry today. God is greater than your worries. You may...no, you will sin today: there is no sin that Jesus’s death cannot cleanse. God will deliver you from this evil age. In fact, He already has. Good has triumphed over evil.
NOTE: I am re-posting 6/10/13 and 6/11/13 from Facebook in order to keep this blog complete. All subsequent entries will be posted here, on Facebook, and via email for those who request it.
6/11/13
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,(Galatians 1:3–4, ESV)
Begin your morning by reading and rereading this phrase, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Consider its meaning. Grace,God’s Remarkable Attitude Concerning Everyone, is yours today. Peace, the assurance flows from knowing that God will keep you utterly safe no matter what, is yours today. Grace and peace is yours. Having read this and reread this, extend this same grace and peace to everyone you meet. In every interaction you have this day, share God’s grace and peace.
Begin your morning by reading and rereading this phrase, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Consider its meaning. Grace,God’s Remarkable Attitude Concerning Everyone, is yours today. Peace, the assurance flows from knowing that God will keep you utterly safe no matter what, is yours today. Grace and peace is yours. Having read this and reread this, extend this same grace and peace to everyone you meet. In every interaction you have this day, share God’s grace and peace.
6/10/13
Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:(Galatians 1:1–2, ESV)
Paul begins his letter to the churches in Galatia saying that his calling, his Apostleship, came “Not from men nor through a man, but through Jesus Christ....” Paul’s calling and his identity came from God (not from men). What about you? What is God calling you to do today? What is God calling you not to do today? Now consider your identity. Your identity does not come “from men or through a man, but through Jesus Christ.” Who are you in Christ? Here are some possibilities: beloved, child of God, heir, friend, brother, sister...and more!
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