3 great words

Galatians 3:14 “He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” He redeemed us—-3 great words guaranteeing a joyous earthly life and Heavenly wonder for all of us.  3 words which are beyond our comprehension, understanding or realization as to their eternal wonder.  Every year we dedicate about a month in celebration of the Christmas message.  We buy stuff, we make stuff, we gather, we eat, we drink, we sing, we celebrate in thankfulness to our phenomenal God—He redeemed us!!

Blessed with Abraham

Galatians 3:9 “So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” Abraham’s wealth is well known.  He was one of, if not, the wealthiest man in the world when he lived.  God blessed him, not because he was an exceptional man of earthly knowledge, but rather because he was an exceptional man of faith.  Throughout the Bible Abraham is praised because of his solid faith.  If you or I are to be praised, would our praise be because of our faith just like Abraham?  Are you being blessed?  Reread the passage and realize why.

What’s the point?

Galatians 2:21 “I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing.” None of us will live eternally in Heaven because we have been good on this earth and deserve the reward.  Without our Savior every one of us is lost.  There is no such thing as a “good guy/girl” who has the ability to come before God’s throne.  Jesus lovingly died for you and me.  How could you or I be more blessed!!  Teach that truth to your children and grandchildren. Have a great weekend.

Jesus’ love

Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Christmas decorations are appearing and the annual celebration is beginning.  Jesus’ coming to earth is the world event which frees mankind from himself.  Now happiness and peace become the life of all Christians.  Can you think of anything else which comes close to the love Jesus shows by coming to earth?  We all live by faith—-let your light shine!

Law vs. grace

Galatians 2:16 “know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.  So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law, no one will be justified.” God is perfect.  He demands perfection.  You and I are incapable of perfection.  How then can we live every day of our lives with God at our side?  Only because of the redeeming life, death and resurrection of our Savior.  You and I are now perfect before God.  That truth is not only overwhelming, it fills us with a joy nothing else approaches.  Cherish that truth!

We live for a reason

Galatians 1:11 “I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up.  I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” God has a purpose for each of us.  Paul’s obvious purpose was to receive the Gospel and preach that Gospel to the world.  Adam had a purpose. Noah had a purpose.  Ruth had a purpose. David had a purpose.  Elizabeth had a purpose.  Mary had a purpose.  You have a purpose.  I have a purpose.  None of us are on this earth to simply exist.  We are all Children of our Heavenly Father.  What is your purpose?

Please God-not man

Galatians 1:10 “Am I now trying to win the approval of men or of God?  Or am I trying to please man?  If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” All of us tend to want approval.  We like to be liked.  Some of us are more people pleasers than others, but we all like to be a part of a group, large or small and receive the approval of that group.  The preceding is not God’s way of thinking.  God has very simple advise—follow me.  That’s it.  Simple.  The approval of an individual, group or a large crowd is irrelevant.  Earthly approval is most often very temporary—-don’t be fooled by it.  God’s approval is eternal—be consumed by it. Have a great weekend.

Thanks for turkey or THANKS FOR LOVE

Psalm 118:1 “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Thanksgiving, like Christmas and Easter are continual thoughts of every Christian.  We are thankful for ALL of our God’s blessings. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! TO OUR GLORIOUS GOD!!!!

Will be-not might be

II Corinthians 13:11b “…And the God of love and peace will be with you.” Christian confidence is an attitude of hope all of us can enjoy.  Notice in this verse Paul does not use the word—might, or maybe will, or I am wishing, but rather with all confidence—a definite conclusion.  That is how you and I live our lives—with all confidence in the presence and security as a gift from our Heavenly Father.  What a privilege and blessing it is to be a faith filled Christian.

Truth is truth

II Corinthians 13:8 “For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.” Ultimate, absolute truth is what God speaks.  Opinions abound like snowflakes in a winter storm.  When God speaks everyone should listen.  The ultimate audacity is to not listen to our God, not follow His Word and invent some philosophy which ignores His truth.  Study His Word.  Make His instruction be a regular part of your daily life and watch your faith both grow and you become more secure in your true understanding of life.

Everything for strengthening

II Corinthians 12:19b “…and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening.” Do you and I live our lives with the same thought as Paul expresses—our lives, words and actions are always a reflection as a child of our Heavenly Father?  If any one of us answer yes—you have reached a state of perfection!!  That would be wonderful, but none of us has.  This is; however, a thought each of us should keep in mind as representatives of our Savior.

Delight in what?

II Corinthians 12:10 “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Paul’s reasoning seems to be in need of major therapy.  Or, if we come to that conclusion, are you and I in need of major therapy?Paul wrote that his strength was in his Savior, not himself.  Paul knew every gift, talent, security and honor he received was only a result of his tight, loving relationship with his Heavenly Father.  Paul’s gift of wisdom is in no need of therapy and if you and I think the same, neither are we.  His strength is a wonderful gift. Have a great weekend.