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There is so much in this chapter jumping out at me! Where do I begin!?!?!
I like the word steadfastness in verse 4 and what the ESV Study Bible says about it: Steadfastness leads ultimately to perfection. Believers grow in holiness but are not yet perfected in it; such perfection will only be realized when Jesus returns.
The very next verse talks about asking God for wisdom and He will give it. How we need wisdom in our lives.
Every good gift is from God. (17) Being quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger (19) Being doers of the Word not hears only. (22)
That's only the beginning... So much to ponder and apply... (doing ... not just hearing... doing)
Have a blessed day!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Day 37, Feb. 6 - Galatians 6
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Verse 2 - Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
When I read the notes from the ESV Study Bible I got hit square between the eyes. How many times I find myself avoiding people because I just can't deal with their "issues" anymore.
The ESV Study Bible says this about verse 2:
To bear one another's burdens the supreme imitation of Jesus, the ultimate burden-bearer. He has gone to the length of taking mankind's sins and the curse of the law upon Himself.
When you think about what Jesus did for us it puts a new perspective on the people I want to dodge. I needed that reminder this week.
Verse 2 - Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
When I read the notes from the ESV Study Bible I got hit square between the eyes. How many times I find myself avoiding people because I just can't deal with their "issues" anymore.
The ESV Study Bible says this about verse 2:
To bear one another's burdens the supreme imitation of Jesus, the ultimate burden-bearer. He has gone to the length of taking mankind's sins and the curse of the law upon Himself.
When you think about what Jesus did for us it puts a new perspective on the people I want to dodge. I needed that reminder this week.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Day 36, Feb. 5 - Galatians 5
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The juggling act of Christianity. We are called to live a holy life, but many of us struggle to know what that looks like, so we make up these rules to live by, "Don't drink, don't smoke, don't chew* or go with girls who do!" But then we get so caught up in these rules and find ourselves pushing our rules onto others that it becomes legalism, which is what was happening to the church in Galatia on the issue of circumcision.
The flip side is in verse 13, "...only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh..." and Paul goes on to talk about the opportunities of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit.
Coming from a Wesleyan heritage that struggles not to get into legalities I try to remind myself God looks at the heart, it's not about following a bunch of dos and don'ts but God's grace, His unmerited favor.
*Chew - as in chewing tobacco, having grown up in Oklahoma it was common habit. And a pastor at the church I grew up in would use that line. (Context is everything!(
The juggling act of Christianity. We are called to live a holy life, but many of us struggle to know what that looks like, so we make up these rules to live by, "Don't drink, don't smoke, don't chew* or go with girls who do!" But then we get so caught up in these rules and find ourselves pushing our rules onto others that it becomes legalism, which is what was happening to the church in Galatia on the issue of circumcision.
The flip side is in verse 13, "...only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh..." and Paul goes on to talk about the opportunities of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit.
Coming from a Wesleyan heritage that struggles not to get into legalities I try to remind myself God looks at the heart, it's not about following a bunch of dos and don'ts but God's grace, His unmerited favor.
*Chew - as in chewing tobacco, having grown up in Oklahoma it was common habit. And a pastor at the church I grew up in would use that line. (Context is everything!(
Monday, February 4, 2013
Day 35, Feb. 4 - Galatians 4
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But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying "Abba! Father!" So we are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. (4-7)
We have 3 adopted kids in our church, all of which were adopted out of the foster care system. In at least 2 of the cases the biological mother gave up her parental rights. Something that could be very hurtful to the kids. But their adoptive parents always remind them that they chose them to be a part of their family. In the same way God chose us to be a part of His family. We are loved by our Father!
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying "Abba! Father!" So we are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. (4-7)
We have 3 adopted kids in our church, all of which were adopted out of the foster care system. In at least 2 of the cases the biological mother gave up her parental rights. Something that could be very hurtful to the kids. But their adoptive parents always remind them that they chose them to be a part of their family. In the same way God chose us to be a part of His family. We are loved by our Father!
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Day 34, February 3 - Psalm 18
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This is another great Psalm to read when you feel under attack. The Psalmist starts by acknowledging that God is his strength, rock, fortress, deliverer and so much more. In verse 6 he writes "In my distress I called upon the Lord..."
This is a good reminder that we need to remind ourselves of God's attributes because when we do we remember just how big He is and that when we call on Him in our distress He is big enough to take care of it.
God is faithful in the darkest of times.
This is another great Psalm to read when you feel under attack. The Psalmist starts by acknowledging that God is his strength, rock, fortress, deliverer and so much more. In verse 6 he writes "In my distress I called upon the Lord..."
This is a good reminder that we need to remind ourselves of God's attributes because when we do we remember just how big He is and that when we call on Him in our distress He is big enough to take care of it.
God is faithful in the darkest of times.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Day 33, Feb. 2, Psalm 16 & 17
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I say to the Lord, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you." (16:2)
I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. (16:7)
I have set the Lord always before me; because He is my right hand, I shall not be shaken. (16:8)
Both of these chapters have such great messages. I don't think this is taking out of context by simply quoting:
...I have proposed that my mouth will not transgress. (17:3c)
I think I need to say this passage every day. A lot less heartache and headaches if I did!
It's great to be home and have a consistent Internet connection.
Blessings!
I say to the Lord, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you." (16:2)
I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. (16:7)
I have set the Lord always before me; because He is my right hand, I shall not be shaken. (16:8)
Both of these chapters have such great messages. I don't think this is taking out of context by simply quoting:
...I have proposed that my mouth will not transgress. (17:3c)
I think I need to say this passage every day. A lot less heartache and headaches if I did!
It's great to be home and have a consistent Internet connection.
Blessings!
Friday, February 1, 2013
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