Out in the Open

Ephesians 1:9-14 9 God revealed his hidden design to us, which is according to his goodwill and the plan that he intended to accomplish through his Son. 10 This is what God planned for the climax of all times: to bring all things together in Christ, the things in heaven along with the things on earth. 11 We have also receivedContinue reading “Out in the Open”

New Month, Same Amazing Grace

Ephesians 1:1-2  From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will. To the holy and faithful people in Christ Jesus in Ephesus. 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.  It is hard to believe that we have now entered into February. Time seems to be moving faster andContinue reading “New Month, Same Amazing Grace”

Standards of Life

Galatians 6:11-13  11 Look at the large letters I’m making with my own handwriting! 12 Whoever wants to look good by human standards will try to get you to be circumcised, but only so they won’t be harassed for the cross of Christ. 13 Those who are circumcised don’t observe the Law themselves, but they want you toContinue reading “Standards of Life”

Live for the Harvest

Galatians 6:6-10 6 Those who are taught the word should share all good things with their teacher. 7 Make no mistake, God is not mocked. A person will harvest what they plant. 8 Those who plant only for their own benefit will harvest devastation from their selfishness, but those who plant for the benefit of the Spirit will harvestContinue reading “Live for the Harvest”

Sharing Life

Today, we begin the final chapter in Galatians. This is a great chapter on how we should live in community with others in the faith. Galatians 6:1-5 Brothers and sisters, if a person is caught doing something wrong, you who are spiritual should restore someone like this with a spirit of gentleness. Watch out for yourselvesContinue reading “Sharing Life”

Guided by the Spirit

Galatians 5:16-21 16 I say be guided by the Spirit and you won’t carry out your selfish desires. 17 A person’s selfish desires are set against the Spirit, and the Spirit is set against one’s selfish desires. They are opposed to each other, so you shouldn’t do whatever you want to do. 18 But if you are being ledContinue reading “Guided by the Spirit”

Life With Others

Today, we receive this word from Paul which reminds us how we can be in relationship with those around us. Galatians 5:13-15 13 You were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only don’t let this freedom be an opportunity to indulge your selfish impulses, but serve each other through love. 14 All the Law has been fulfilled inContinue reading “Life With Others”

Faith vs Works

One of the things I appreciate about Galatians is that Paul seems to repeat himself in a few places. It is almost as if he knew his readers would need to hear the content more than once. I believe the same is true for us today. We go along and think we have everything figuredContinue reading “Faith vs Works”

I Am Free

Galatians 5:1 Christ has set us free for freedom. Therefore, stand firm and don’t submit to the bondage of slavery again.  This is, I believe, the letter to the Galatians summed up in one sentence. Every time I have read this verse this month, it has been an incredible reminder that Christ has set me andContinue reading “I Am Free”

Life in Peace

One of the things I enjoy about Paul is how he can bring the Old Testament to life in profound ways. When we read his writings we can learn more about the Old Testament and begin to look at it as important to our faith today. Galatians 4:21-27 21 Tell me—those of you who want to beContinue reading “Life in Peace”