Weekend Quote

Faith reposes the character of God and if we believe that God is perfect we must conclude that His ways are perfect also. ~ A.W. Tozer

Daily Word

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch less you too be tempted. Galatians 5:26-6:1. Remember daily that who you are, what you have, and that which you are becoming in Christ is through the Grace of God and He alone. Those who are in step with the Spirit should reach out to the believer whom sin has ensnared, but should be cautious lest sin also ensnare you in the process. Who needs you to reach out to them today?

Daily Word

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22-24. John the Baptist likewise claimed that true repentance would produce “fruit” of concrete ethical behavior. The love produced by the Spirit is like the love of Christ. It goes beyond the performance of legalistic self-righteousness. By faith; we recognize the reality of our union with Christ in His death. So, too, we have been raised to a new life in the Spirit of Christ and therefore walk in the Spirit. Replace a “work of the Flesh” with a “fruit of the Spirit”.

Daily Word

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21. Typically asked, most claim to be a Christian. However, ask most if they have any idea what the works of the flesh are and generally you’ll hear the sounds of crickets chirping! If works of the flesh will keep one from inheriting the kingdom of God shouldn’t that be of importance to know? What area do you need to work on today?

Daily Word

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Galatians 5:16-17. The Holy Spirits dwelling within the believer is a sign that the believer is part of God’s people and an heir of the covenant promises given to Abraham. Although the desires of the flesh oppose the Spirit, the desires given by the Holy Spirit deliver us from the flesh and the law. That which you feed most grows strongest…which are you feeding most you’re Spirit or you’re flesh?

Daily Word

I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves! For you were called to freedom, Brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word; “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:12-14. Paul’s anger is a result of seeing young believers led astray. Christian liberty is freedom from sin, nor liberty to sin. Certain provisions of the law such as dietary requirements are no longer applicable under the new covenant, but the ethical commands of the law remain as declarations of God’s will for Christian behavior. Recognize how you’re using you’re freedom today.

Weekend Quote

It takes faith to begin to live the life of heaven while still upon the earth, for this requires that we rise above the law of moral gravitation and bring to our everyday living the high wisdom of God. And since wisdom is contrary to that of the world, conflict is bound to result. This, however, is a small price to pay for the inestimable privilege of following Christ. ~ A.W. Tozer

Weekend Quote

Real faith is not the stuff dreams are made of; rather it is tough, practical and all together realistic. ~ A.W. Tozer

Daily Word

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1. Jewish literature of the time compares the law to a yoke to which the obedient submit. Paul does not want his gentile readers to let the law take the place of Christ in their lives. Salvation in Christ is liberation, and the Christian life is one of liberty-Christ has set you free. You are justified by faith in Christ; you are no longer under God’s law, but under His grace. Legalistic obedience brings about slavery and bondage, where as true obedience brings about freedom with His grace. What path are you following?

Daily Word

Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? Galatians 4:8-9. Our knowledge of God is not the result of our own inquiry, but the sovereign work of the one who opened our understanding. Paul likens the bondage of ceremonial legalism to the bondage of pagan superstition. To accept circumcision as necessary for salvation is to turn back from the liberty of Grace to the bondage of the world whether these times be Jewish or Gentile. Before their conversion, the Galatians were subject to the “principles” of a pagan world; its false gods, its astrology, its season rituals. What is it in your life you continue to turn back to and kept in bondage of?

Daily Quote

Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:23-24. A “guardian” was a slave responsible for a child’s training, especially for pointing out and punishing misbehavior. Like a guardian, the law pointed out sin and punished it. Guardians also separated and protected the child from the influence of outsiders. The law functioned in a similar way to separate Israel from the gentiles. Are you allowing Christ to be your guardian by listening to that still small voice of the Holy Spirit?

Daily Word

For through the law I died to the law, So that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:19-20. Death to the law does not violate the law, for Christ met the law’s demands. It is therefore “through the law” that you are released from the bondage and condemnation of the law. Union with Christ means that He represented you in His death and resurrection. Does your Spiritual relationship with Christ hold the utmost intimacy? From 6.18.12

Daily Word

For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law and do them.” Galatians 3:10. Paul’s point here is that no one can keep the law in its entirety, and he supports his point by quoting Deut. 27:26. Following the passage in Deut 27:26, it lists the curses that will befall Israel for disobedience. Because God is just He cannot turn His back on disobedience. The law simply points out your sin that you may recognize your need of a savior. Have you walked in repentance lately?

Weekend Quote

All to Jesus I surrender; Humbly at His feet I bow, Worldly pleasures all forsaken. Take me, Jesus, take me now. All to Jesus I surrender; Make me, Saviour, Wholly Thine; Let me feel the Holy Spirit, Truly know that Thou art mine. ~ Judson W. Van Venter

Weekend Quote

Faith is grasping of almighty power; the hand of man laid upon the arm of God; The grand and blessed hour in which the things, impossible to me, become the possible, O Lord, through Thee. ~ Anna E. Hamilton

Daily Word

But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be the transgressor. Galatians 2:17-18. The word “tore down” is used in the NT to mean the tearing down of an edifice. To rebuild the wall of the law is to bring in again the condemnation of the law. The lawbreaker is not the one who turns from the law to Christ for justification; it is the one who turns back from Christ to the law. Do you know the difference between walking in obedience and walking in legalism?

Daily Word

We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. Galatians 2:15-16. Paul’s point is that everyone both circumcised Jew and uncircumcised Gentile is placed in right relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Most everyone acknowledges God and even proclaims to be Christian. However, to know of Him is “head” knowledge and to know Him is “heart” knowledge which is much deeper; proven and tested by faith. Is your faith “head deep” or “heart deep”?

Daily Word

For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. Galatians 1:11. Here Paul was defending himself against his opponents’ charge that he is in rebellion against the Jerusalem apostles who gave him his authority in the first place. Paul contends that his authority comes from God alone; the Jerusalem apostles merely confirming it. If we fail to study God’s word on our own, and fail to sift through that which is being taught to us. How will we ever know the difference between man’s gospel and God’s truth? Are you certain what gospel you’ve followed lately?

Daily Quote

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 1:10. Paul’s opponents in Galatia attacked not only the gospel, but its messenger. They charged that Paul preached an easy gospel, that didn’t require circumcision or obedience to Sabbath Laws and dietary restrictions. Today’s easy gospel is called the “watered down” gospel. Because it doesn’t confront sin, require obedience to His word, teaches absolutely nothing about the wrath of God to come. At the end of the day who was it you sought the approval most from?

Daily Post

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 said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8-9. Those who add any additional requirements for salvation to faith to Jesus Christ, no matter how excellent their credentials, twist the gospel into another form. How diligent are you in sifting through that which you are being taught in order to confirm God’s Word and making sure you’re not being led astray?

Weekend Quote

Whatever we do, even if we are reading the word or praying – we should stop for a few minutes - to praise God from the depths of our hearts, to enjoy Him there in secret. Since you believe that God is always with you, no matter what you may be doing, why shouldn’t you stop for awhile and adore Him, to praise Him, to petition Him, to offer Him your heart, and to thank Him? (From 6.10.11)

Weekend Quote

We must do everything with great care, avoiding impetuous actions, which are evidence of a disordered spirit. God wishes us to work gently, calmly, and lovingly with Him, asking Him to accept our work. By this continual attention to God, we will “resist the devil and cause him to flee” (James 4:7). ~ Brother Lawrence

Daily Word

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you in the grace of Christ and 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 16-7. God’s grace comes to us at His call, and not because of anything we’ve done to deserve it. Early Jewish Christians from Jerusalem insisted on both the belief in Christ as well as circumcision to become Jews the way of true acceptance by God. Take some time and reflect on what your walk with Christ. Are you living in obedience to His Word or man’s rules and expectations?

Daily Word

Grace to you and peace from God our Father 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, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Galatians 1:3. “Grace’ translates the Greek word charis, meaning “an undeserved act of kindness”. It refers to all that God has given us in Christ, nothing of which we have earned or can repay. “Peace” refers to the relationship Christ’s death and resurrection have established with God for those who believe the gospel. Today I wish Grace and peace upon to all you today and forever…AMEN!

Daily Word

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. It honors and glorifies God by gratefully offering back to Him all the good gifts, and all the knowledge of His greatness and graciousness, that He has given. As children of God we must praise Him for what He is, thank Him for what He has done, and trust Him with our prayers. How would your daily walk change if you consciously conducted everything in word or deed in the name of the Lord, and gave thanks for it?

Daly Word

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, signing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16. Because you are united with Christ, not only the “Word of Christ”, but Christ Himself lives in the hearts of the faithful. With God’s wisdom present in this way, the ethical demands of Christian love can be lived out in every part of your life. Is there enough deposit of God’s Word into your life to “dwell richly” in or order that you are capable of teaching or admonishing others, and how often do you demonstrate thankfulness in heart towards God?

Daily Word

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15. In its practice of love, forgiveness, and graciousness, the Christian community is to be a showcase of the reconciliation and peace that Christ has brought between heaven and earth, and within a fractured humanity. How does to your daily walk demonstrate the peace of Christ in your heart, and in what relationship(s) do you need to bring reconciliation to?

Weekend Quote

We must try to converse with God in little ways while we do or work; not in memorized prayer, not trying to recite previously formed thoughts. Rather, we should purely and simply reveal our hearts as the words come to us. ~ Brother Lawrence

Weekend Quote

The most holy and necessary practice in our spiritual life is the presence of God. That means finding constant pleasure in His divine company, speaking humbly and lovingly with Him in all seasons, at every moment, without limiting the conversation in any way. This is especially important in times of temptation, sorrow, separation from God, and even in times of unfaithfulness and sin. ~ Brother Lawrence

Daily Word

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you. So also you forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14. Each attribute Paul lists in v.12 can be traced to the character of God generally, or to Christ specifically. This is not something you do on your own but takes place as you come to know Christ better. Which do you need to demonstrate more…forgiveness or love?