Colossians 3 & 4: Put On A New Self In Christ

In order to truly walk in Christ as chapter 2 says, we must put on a new self.  "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17) Paul urges us to first set our mind on things above.  As Matthew 6:33 says, we should seek first His kingdom and pursue a deeper knowledge of Christ. 

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8)

 Paul also says our lives should be hidden with Christ in God.  The word "hidden" means "to conceal, to escape notice, or to be hid".  In other words, there is safety and security in Him. 

We must also put to death the earthly things or sinful practices that once held us captive.  They no longer have a hold over us, so we need to walk away from them.  "So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus." (Romans 6:11)  These things are: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, covetousness, idolatry, anger, malice, wrath, obscene talk, slander, and lying.  The next verse in Romans 6 says, "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions" (verse 12).  When we allow sin to enter in, it will take over and reign in our bodies.  If we obey sin, we cannot obey God.

What should the new self look like?  Paul says the new self is characterized by compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, bearing with one another, forgiving one another, love, peace of Christ, and thankfulness.  Man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), but, when sin entered in, that image was distorted.  In Christ, we can conquer the sin that once reigned in our lives and strive to become more and more like Him. 

Paul also says we should let the word of Christ dwell in us, instead of sin.  This study has been such an encouragement to me, because it has hidden His word in my heart so that, when sin tries to get a grip on me, His word reminds me of the freedom I have already been given.

The second half of chapter 3 talks about how the Christian home should look and how we should interact with others.  Wives are to submit to their husbands "as is fitting to the Lord", husbands are to love their wives and not be harsh, children are to obey their parents for it "pleases the Lord", fathers are not to provoke their children "lest they be discouraged", slaves are to obey their earthly masters with "sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord", and masters are to treat their slaves well "knowing that you also have a Master in heaven".  I think verses 23-24 sums up all those commands - "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."  When our focus is on serving the Lord and doing all things for Him, these commands will be obviously obeyed. 

"With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!" (Psalm 119:10)

 Paul gives further instructions in chapter 4.  He challenges the Colossians to continue in prayer "being watchful in it with thanksgiving".  Being watchful can also be translated as keeping watch or being awake.  Matthew 26:41 explains it more - "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."  When I am diligent in prayer and keep my focus on Him, He gives me strength to overcome the weakness of my flesh. 

Paul also urges us to walk in wisdom.  I love how Psalm 90:12 explains it - "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."  Oh that I would have a heart of wisdom, a heart like His!  When we walk in wisdom, we will also make the best use of our time and be gracious in our speech.  We should also season our speech with salt, so we can make the gospel clear in our lives.  As Matthew Henry's commentary explains, "Grace is the salt which seasons our discourse, makes it savoury, and keeps it from corrupting." 

Paul concludes his letter by sending greetings from several other believers and fellow servants.  He also tells them to share the letter with the church of Laodicea and to tell them "See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord" (verse 17).  I think this is a good command for all of us - to fulfill the ministry that God has called us to.  We are each given different ministries.  My ministry is as a wife, a mom, and a light to those who do not know or understand the truth.  I must not back down from the calling He has given me, but fulfill it so He might be glorified in my life.


I have so enjoyed sharing this study and look forward to continuing my walk with Him by studying His word every day and allowing Him to change me more and more into His image.  Thank you, Jenilee and Christina, for leading this study!

Colossians 2: So Walk In Him

Paul begins chapter 2 by listing his concerns for the people of Colossae and Laodicea, a city near Colossae and closely connected to the church there.  First, he desires that their hearts would be encouraged.  The word "encouraged" (according to Strong's concordance) means "to strengthen, instruct, teach, comfort, console".  He wants them to be encouraged in their walk with Christ.  Second, he wishes for them to be knit together in love.  The phrase "knit together" means "joined together, united, to coalesce".

I love the word "coalesce" because it makes me think of cooking or baking.  When the ingredients you are mixing coalesce, they join together so you can't tell where one ingredient begins and another ingredient ends.  They are all one.  That is how we are to be in Christ.  Finally, Paul hopes they will "reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery" (verse 2).  2 Peter 3:18 explains that we need to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ", because true wisdom is found in Christ alone.

Paul then warns the Colossians about false teachings.  In verse 8, he says that "philosophy and empty deceit" are "of the world, and not according to Christ".  He tells us not to be taken captive by these lies.  The phrase "to take captive" means "to carry off or lead away from the truth and subject to one's sway, to spoil".  He also warns them not to let others judge them for what they eat or drink or whether or not they follow every Jewish observance completely.  These customs and practices are not essential to our spiritual progress, because they are not divine, but human rules.

Verse 23 says these things have the "appearance of wisdom", but they are "of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh".  Matthew 23:28 says, "So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."  Christ had warned the Jews, especially the Pharisees, that the customs, rules, and regulations they required were merely outward appearances of righteousness, while their hearts remained deceitful.  2 Corinthians 11 says it another way:

"For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds."

Did you catch that phrase in verse 14 - "even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light".  We must be careful, brothers and sisters in Christ, because even Satan disguises himself with the appearance of wisdom.  Verse 23 also warns us about "self-made religion".  Strong's concordance explains it as "worship which one prescribes and devises for himself, contrary to the contents and nature of faith which ought to be directed to Christ, misdirected zeal".  So, how can we, as Christians, avoid being trapped or held captive by these lies?

Paul says in verse 6, "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him".  He uses the imagery of a tree and a building, explaining that we need to be "rooted and built up in Him" (verse 7).  A tree that is rooted in weak soil will not survive, just as a building laid on a weak foundation will crumble.  In the same way, if our lives are not built on the firm foundation of Christ, we will fall.  The word "walk" used hear means "to regulate one's life, to conduct one's self, to progress, to live, to make one's way".  I need to regulate and conduct my life to make my way towards Christ, that I might be more like Him and less like the world.  Is your life rooted and built on a firm foundation?

Colossians 1: The Preeminence of Christ

There are only four more days left of this study and I am seriously not wanting it to end.  It has been so good for me to have motivation to do devotions every morning and to have accountability as I share what He is doing in my heart through His word.  It will be nice to not have to blog every single day to keep up, but the routine of being in His word every day is something I don't want to let go of.  So, what am I going to do next?  I had started studying Romans before this study, so I am going to continue with it.  I won't share every day what I am learning, but, maybe once a week I will share a little bit of the truth that He is revealing to me, because I love being able to testify of who He is. 

As I started reading Colossians, one phrase in Paul's greeting stuck out to me - "by the will of God".  When I looked up the word "will" used here in my Strong's Concordance, it defines it as "of the purpose of God to bless mankind through Christ, of what God wishes to be done by us, commands, desires, pleasures".  I love the first part of the definition: God purposed to bless us, even though we had sinned against Him, by sending His son.  He had a plan from the beginning and, even though man chose to disobey, He was not finished with us yet.  Isn't that wonderful?  The second part of the definition is also convicting, because I need to be living my life in a way that pleases Him.  He has a purpose and a plan for my life, but I need to follow Him and trust Him to lead the way.

In verses 3-8, Paul thanks God for the Colossians.  He lists three specific reasons he is thankful for them: their faith to Jesus, their love for all the saints, and the hope they have in heaven.  Faith, hope, and love are the three basic foundations of the Christian life.  We must first have faith, believing that He died a death we deserved to pay the ransom we couldn't pay on our own.  For it is by faith we are saved, not by works.  Secondly, we have hope in Christ Jesus, because He has given us a future in heaven.  In Him we have "in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began" (Titus 1:2).  Finally, we are called to live out our calling by loving one another.  As 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 says, "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing." 

Paul then prays for the Colossians in verses 9-14.  He prays for three things:

• that they would know God's will - to have spiritual wisdom and understanding that leads to changed lives
• that they would walk worth of their calling - to fully please the Lord, for "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:1)
• that they would be strengthened with all power by His glorious might - to have strength that only comes from the Lord to live our lives the way He desires, that we might persevere and endure and know the joy of the Lord

In verses 15-23, Paul explains the preeminence of Christ.  This is my favorite part of this chapter, because I love how Paul constantly reminds us of what Christ has done for us and the hope that we have in Him.  The word "preeminence" means that He holds first place above everything.  How do we know the preeminence of Christ?

• He is the image of the invisible God - "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)
• He is the firstborn of all creation - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
• He is the creator of all things - "yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist." (1 Corinthians 8:6) 
• He sustains creation - holds together, establishes, or unites parts into one whole, "And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all." (Ephesians 1:22-23)
• He is the Lord of redemption - reconciles to himself all things and brings peace through His blood, "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:18)

 I have every reason to rejoice, because He has delivered me from so much and has given me so much hope.  Colossians 1:13-14 says, "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."  This is my hope.  Hallelujah!

Philippians 3 & 4: Standing Firm & Counting it All Joy

I have to admit that this morning I was not feeling very much like opening up God's word and doing my devotions.  I was exhausted after a very sleepless night with a little boy who has a nasty cough and is probably teething again too.  He was up no less than four times during the night and each wake up required a huge amount of effort to calm him back down in order to sleep again.  So, when I finally rolled out of bed, the kids were ready to wake up too and I was feeling quite grumpy.  I looked at my devotional notebook and bible and thought, "I don't even know if I have the energy for that today..."

But, then my friend, Veronica, reminded me of the encouragement I've been giving her - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Funny how our own encouragement comes back to us and convicts us, huh?  I'm so thankful God has been filling my heart with His truth and using me to encourage others so that, when I needed it, the encouragement came right back to me and His word was right there in my heart to remind me that He has never left me or forsaken me and He never will. 

Yesterday, I read through Philippians 3, but didn't have a chance to blog about it.  But, it seems appropriate to put chapters 3 and 4 together, because they really carry the same theme.  Paul begins chapter 3 by warning the Philippians of people who would claim that circumcision or any other good work leads to righteousness.  He gives himself as an example; if works really led to righteousness, he would be one of the most righteous people, because he was considered blameless by Jewish standards.  But, before God it all counted for nothing.  Luke 17:33 says, "Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it."  Paul realized that no matter how hard he tried to preserve his own life, he was lost.  But, when he put his trust in Christ alone, he gained eternal life.

If doing good things doesn't lead to righteousness, how can we become righteous?  Paul says, "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."  Our goal should be to know Christ and to be found in Him, because, in Him we are made righteous.  We will not reach perfection on earth, but we must strive to become more and more like Him.  "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself" (Philippians 3:20-21).

Because we have a hope of future glory, we must stand firm.  The missionary at our church on Sunday night explained standing firm as a military term that meant to hold your position no matter the cost.  I love that definition, because it gives me confidence to live for Him no matter what, because it will be worth it one day.  Hebrews 10:23 puts it this way, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."  

Of course, standing firm is not easy (as evidenced by my day today), so Paul gives another encouragement to the Philippians in verses 11-13:

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13 ESV) 

 I always think of Corrie ten Boom's story when I come across these verses, because she went through more suffering than I can bear to imagine.  Her sister encouraged her throughout their imprisonment that they could always find something to be thankful for.  At one point, they were stuck in barracks that were infested with fleas.  The guards were afraid to go in their, because it was so bad, so, for the most part, they left them alone.  Because of the fleas, they were able to have a bible study and give hope to the women surrounding them in the midst of a very hopeless situation.  "'Give thanks in all circumstances,'" she quoted. “It doesn’t say ‘in pleasant circumstances.’ Fleas are a part of this place where God has put us" (from The Hiding Place).

No matter how tired I am, no matter how sick I feel, no matter how whiny or crabby the kids are, I know the secret to being content - I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.  As 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."  God is all sufficient and He will supply our every need in Christ Jesus.  What a great hope and encouragement!

Philippians 2

As I was reading Philippians 2, I was really convicted.  The theme of this chapter was living and walking like Christ, because He gave us the ultimate example of how to live our lives.  I found myself asking myself - "Are these qualities evident in my life?":

• Encouragement
• Love
• Participation in the Spirit (fellowship)
• Affection
• Sympathy
• Being of the same mind (agreeable, cooperative in the body of Christ, focused together on the glory of God)

These are the qualities I should be striving for, but the following qualities are things I should make sure are not evident in my life:

• Rivalry (seeking to advance one's own agenda)
• Conceit (vain glory)
• Looking out only for one's own interests

Always, I should be striving to be more like Christ.  The one thing Paul stresses in this chapter is that we should strive to be humble, just like Christ was.  Christ gave the ultimate example of humility.  He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, even though he was God, and he humbled himself by taking the form of a servant (man) and being obedient to the point of death on the cross.  My ESV study bible explained that crucifixion was the ultimate indignity, because it was completely humiliating. 

In verses 12-18, Paul tells us we should be lights in the world.  We should remember that it is God who works in us for His good pleasure.  The world is corrupt and evil, because Satan has a foothold, but we are supposed to live our lives set apart, to shine as lights in the midst of this crooked and twisted generation.  One of the most important ways to keep our focus on Him in the midst of this evil generation, is to hold fast to His word.  Last night, we had a missionary at church who preached from Galatians 5.  He explained that to stand fast (Galatians 5:1) or hold fast is a military term that means you should hold your position no matter the cost.  I need to hold fast or stand firm in Him, no matter the cost, because it is worth it.  He is worth the cost.

Philippians 1

Philippians begins with Paul's customary greeting to the letter's recipients - the people of Philippi.  In Galatians and Ephesians, he called himself an apostle, but here he calls himself a servant.  The KJV uses the word "bondservant" which means "one who gives himself up to another's will...devoted to another to the disregard of one's own interests".  I love another part of the definition for this word - that a bondservant is willing to be used by God for His purposes.  Paul set a great example, because he truly suffered and endured a lot for the sake of Christ.  Am I willing to let God use me for His purposes, no matter what the cost?

The rest of chapter one is divided into three sections - "Thanksgiving and Prayer", "Advance of the Gospel", and "To Live Is Christ".  Two phrases stuck out to me in verses 3-11 on "Thanksgiving and Prayer".  The first is that "he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (verse 6).  This is a reminder I need often, when I am down on myself for failing yet again to walk and live for Him.  He is working on me and He won't stop until I am with Him in heaven.  Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."   My ESV study bible explained that our growth as believers is "rooted in what God has done, is doing, and will do".  He is faithful, He has been faithful, and He will be faithful. 

The second phrase that stood out to me was "to be pure and blameless for the day of Christ" (verse 10).  The day I made the decision to follow Christ and accepted His free gift of salvation was only the beginning of my walk.  I need to be studying His word and growing more and more like Him.  Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."  But, because I am still living on earth in the flesh, there is a constant battle in me to do what is right.  So, how can I keep my focus on doing what is right?  Philippians 4:8 has the answer: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." 

In verses 12-18 Paul gives the reason he is able to endure his sufferings with joy.  His goal is to further the gospel so it is known throughout the world.  The challenge for us, as Christians, is to be bold and speak the word of truth without fear.  How can we be not afraid?  Paul says in verse 20 that he knows "Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death" and that alone brings Him great joy. 

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (verse 21).  I remember years ago, at one of my summer jobs, someone had this verse up in her cubicle and several other people were whispering about how it was weird that she would thing death is a good thing.  But, the truth that Paul knew was that death was far better because he would be with Christ for eternity.  However, he also knew his work on earth was not finished.  His purpose was to spread the gospel, help the new and growing church progress spiritually, and to have joy in living out his faith.  So, be not afraid, believers, because even in our suffering Christ is glorified when we are living in Him.  As Galatians 6:14 says, "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ..."

Ephesians 6

Ted and I were talking about this study yesterday and I was telling him about the first time I studied Ephesians.  I wasn't the typical college student who just wanted to get out, party, and have fun.  When I started college, I was excited to find a church and begin to grow in my knowledge of His word.  God led me to Trinity Baptist Church (literally, I had know idea where I was going and I walked from campus because I didn't have a car) and I instantly felt at home.

I was hungry for the truth and, thanks to my friend, Jenny, I was able to get a ride to church anytime there was a church service.  On Wednesday nights, we went to Crossover, a college aged bible study.  Regan, who has become a good friend of ours, was walking through the book of Ephesians with us.

I hung on every truth he shared and was amazed at the knowledge and love for the Lord that spilled forth from him.  The book of Ephesians challenged me and encouraged me to grow into the woman of faith God desired me to be.  And now, God is using the book of Ephesians to continue the work He began in me many years ago. 

There is so much to cover in chapter 6 of Ephesians, which is divided up into four distinct sections.  The first two sections continue the discussion of submission to authority.  Verses 1-4 focus on children honoring their parents and parents bringing their children up in the ways of the Lord.  As I read these verses I was drawn to the phrases "in the Lord" and "of the Lord".  As children, we honor God by obeying our parents, because He commands us to obey our parents.  As parents, we honor God by nurturing, teaching, training, bringing up our children to know and understand the ways of the Lord.

Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."  This is a huge challenge to me, because I know He has given me a huge responsibility in raising my children in His ways.  Yesterday, Ted found me reading my bible for the second time during the day and he said, "You read your bible a lot" to which I responded, "That's because I need to; it helps me put my focus where it belongs...and I don't know how to be the mother and wife I need to be; I need Him."

The next section, verses 5-9, talks about how slaves and their masters are supposed to interact.  To understand these verses, you have to understand who Paul was speaking to.  Slavery was commonplace in that time and, according to my ESV study bible notes, slaves were probably "one third of the population in a city like Ephesus".  Paul does not condone slavery, but instructs believing slaves and their masters on how they should relate to each other in the Lord.

The key phrase in these verses is something that can challenge each and every one of us - "as to the Lord".  God places authority in our lives and we are to serve them "...with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free" (verses 5-8).  When we are the authority (such as parents) we are to, in turn, treat those placed in authority under us as to the Lord, because we both serve the same Master and "there is no partiality with him" (verse 9).

The next section is one of my favorites.  Verses 10-20 talks about putting on the full armor of God.  As Christians, we need to be aware that there is a very real and ever present spiritual battle going on.  While the sins of our flesh no longer have a hold over us, we are still fighting against the "spiritual forces of evil" and "cosmic powers" of darkness.  We can't ignore the battle, because Satan would love to gain a foothold in our lives.  We need to be prepared and fully armed for battle.

How can we be ready?  First, we must be strong in the Lord, because He gives us the strength to stand up against the schemes of the devil.  We do not need to rely on human resources, but on God's resources.  Colossians 2:15 says "He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."  We are not fighting a losing battle, because He has already won the victory!

So, then, we should stand firm by using the resources God has given us in His son to fight this battle.  These resources are:

• belt of truth
• breastplate of righteousness
• readiness of the gospel of peace on our feet
• shield of faith
• helmet of salvation
• sword of the Spirit (Hebrews 4:12)

We should also be constantly alert and in constant prayer, because it is our main weapon of spiritual warfare.  1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Paul finishes his letter to the Ephesians with four things he desires for the people to have an abundance of: peace, love, faith, and grace.  We should have peace in the Lord that causes us to fear nothing and be assured of the hope we have in Him.  We love each other through affection and goodwill to each other.  We need to have faith - to trust and believe in our Lord and Savior.  And, finally, we should remember the grace He has given us, His favor and merciful kindness while we were yet sinners. 

Ephesians 5

Ephesians 5 continues with the discussion in Ephesians 4 of putting off the old self and putting on the new self, which is our new life in Christ.  We are challenged to be imitators of Christ, "not as slaves trying to earn a wage but as children and beloved children at that" (ESV study bible).  I love how Paul describes Christ's sacrifice for us as a fragrant offering or a sweet smelling aroma which is pleasing to the Lord.  "For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing" (2 Corinthians 2:15).  Matthew Henry's commentary explains that the success of Christ on the cross is "different; for some are saved by it, while others perish under it".  My life should be different from the rest of the world, because I am saved by the blood of Christ. 

Paul goes on to explain more of what the old self looked like:

•  sexual immorality, impurity, covetousness
• filthiness, foolish talk, crude joking
• deceivers who use empty words
• unfruitful works of darkness
• unwise, foolish
• drunk with wine

We should continually allow God to examine our hearts and make sure our lives are not reflecting the old self, but our new life in Christ.  Paul warns that unbelievers and those who keep on the old self will receive no inheritance and will suffer the wrath of God.  But, as children of light, we should:

• discern what pleases the Lord
• make the best use of our time - redeeming the time (as KJV says), which Strong's Concordance explains as making "wise and sacred use of every opportunity for doing good"

The second half of Ephesians 5 is a beautiful picture of how marriage is like the love between Christ and the church.  A lot of people struggle with verse 22, because they read "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands..." but forget to finish reading "as unto the Lord".  Submission is not about being inferior or not good enough.  Submission is about respect and reverence for our husbands, because God has placed them as the leaders of our homes.  When we submit to our husbands it is "out of reverence for Christ" and what He did for the church. 

It also says that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the church.  He is to encourage and help her to grow that she might be holy and without blemish before the Lord.  He is also to love her as he would love his own body, because, as Genesis 2:24 says, when a man and woman marry they become one flesh.  In the same way, when we become believers, we become one with Christ and part of the body of Christ. 

I will share more about these verses later, because they really had so much to do with what Ted and I learned over the weekend at couples retreat. 

Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4 is a great place to look if you want to know what it means to live a Christian life.  Paul challenges the Ephesians to walk worthy of their calling.  How do you do that? 

• humility - modesty, deep sense of littleness, being humble
• gentleness - meekness, mild disposition
• patience - endurance, constancy, perseverance, longsuffering, steadfastness
• bearing with one another in love - to hold up, sustain, endure
• eagerness to maintain unity - diligent to preserve, endeavoring to keep, making every effort to keep

(Note: The definitions in the list above come from Strong's Concordance.)

You know what is amazing about this list?  Every single one of these characteristics were displayed in Christ.  So, in order to walk like a Christian, we should desire to be like Christ.

We should also remember who we are in Christ:

• one body - body of Christ "so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another" (Romans 12:5)
• one Spirit - His spirit in us "By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit." (1 John 4:13)
• one hope - eternal life "To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27)
• one Lord - Jesus Christ
• one faith - the truth we confess
• one baptism - "regenerating work of the Spirit when one becomes a believer...water baptism is an outward sing of the inward reality of the believer" (ESV study bible)
• one God & Father of all - "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name." (Matthew 6:9)

While we are here on earth, we will never be perfect, but we should strive to be more and more like Christ, so our lives reflect the "measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13, KJV).

The second half of Ephesians 4 talks about how we have a new life in Christ and we must put off the old self.  Who is the old self?  The old self is the unbeliever who is:

• darkened in understanding
• alienated from life of God
• hardened in his heart
• calloused - unfeeling, apathetic
• given over to sensuality - unbridled lust, wantonness, shamelessness
• greedy to practice all kinds of impurity

"But ye have not so learned Christ" (Ephesians 4:20).  In Christ, we must put off the old self, by...

• being renewed in spirit of mind
• putting on a new self
• speaking truth
• not sinning in our anger (which is giving the devil a foothold)
• speaking words to build up and give grace to those who hear
• not grieving the Spirit
• putting away - malice, slander, clamor, anger, wrath, bitterness
• being kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving

Lord, keep my eyes focused on you and renew me each day that I might be more like you.  May you be glorified in my life and may I ever walk in you.

Ephesians 3

Oh, His word is so, so good!  I just love the first section of Ephesians 3, because the mystery of God is revealed to us in plain and simple words.  First, in Christ, we are all made fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise.  As Romans 8:15 says, "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'".  I have been blessed with a wonderful father here on earth, but I am so thankful that there is a Father who is with me always and will be my father for all eternity.  I also love the images of slavery and freedom, because in Christ I am free from the bondage of sin. 

Second, in Christ, we have been given unsearchable riches and the manifold wisdom of God.  Isn't it wonderful that He has given us access to His wisdom and riches?  I don't deserve it; none of us deserve it.  That's how great our God is! "Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!" (Psalm 31:19).

Finally, in Christ, we have boldness and access with confidence through faith. Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."  I love that I can come to Him even when I have sinned or walked away from Him and He welcomes me with open arms and pours out His love on me. 

The second half of this chapter in Ephesians is Paul's prayer for the Ephesians.  I want this to be my prayer too, that we who are in Christ would:

• be strengthened with power through His spirit in us
• have Christ dwell in our hearts
• be rooted and grounded in love
• comprehend and know the vastness of Christ's love for us
• be filled with all the fullness of God

Oh, there is so much beautiful truth in His word.  Thank you, Lord, for revealing it to us and for the unsearchable riches that are found in your Son.

Ephesians 2

This afternoon, I finally dragged myself to the doctor.  My throat was feeling worse again and I was feeling so exhausted.  My doctor confirmed what I had been trying to ignore - I have a sinus infection and possibly strep throat (which she didn't actually test me for because both infections are treated with antibiotics) due to continuous allergy problems.  The cold my little ones passed along to me was made worse by my allergies, but, on a good note, it was not made worse by my asthma.  That means my asthma is once again under control (thanks to Advair), but my allergies need some help.  So, I am once again on a regimen of allergy medications, but I am just so thankful to have a doctor who knows exactly what is wrong and the medications to help me finally get better.

I meant to write about Ephesians 2 last night, but I was too tired to even read it.  I finally read it this morning, but was too tired to blog about it during nap time.  So, here I am, finally, but I'm obviously still a day behind.  Hopefully, the medicine will do its job and I will be able to get caught up by the end of the week.  I would also love to share about our weekend getaway.  For now, I'm just going to share my study of Ephesians 2.

The first half of this chapter reinforced the fact that we are saved by grace through faith.  I was struck by the hopelessness of man without God in the first few verses.  Without Him we are helpless sinners, dead in our trespasses, living in the passions of flesh, carrying out the desires of body and mind.  We are called sons of disobedience and children of wrath.  But God...I just LOVE the way these two words are used here, because it gives me hope when all hope seems lost...is rich in mercy and has a great love for us.  He made us alive together in Christ because of the immeasurable riches of His grace.

Oh, I just cannot get enough of those words and the fact that they are meant for me.  He made me alive in Christ and He has a great love for me.  Even better yet, He has a great love for the ones here on earth whom I love dearly; He loves them more than I ever could and has given them the same immeasurable riches of grace.  And, dear ones, He has a great love for you too.  Do you know that?  Do you believe that?  John 3:36 says, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."  He has given us a very clear choice - believe in Him and have life or believe not in Him and remain dead.


In verses 11-22, Paul once again brings up the fact that in Christ we are all one.  Just as Galatians 3:28 said "you are all one in Christ Jesus", Ephesians 2 says, "so then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God".  I often hear the news talking about peace talks between nations or peace rallies where people try to promote world peace.  But there will never be peace on this earth without Christ, because the only way we can be united as one people is in Christ.  John 16:33 says, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." I will put my hope in Him, because He has overcome the world.

Ephesians 1

There are so many awesome truths about who God is and the treasures that we have in Him throughout chapter 1 of Ephesians.  I was so blessed by these truths and the hope that I have in Him. 

 Sprititual Blessings in Christ

1. He chose ME before the foundation of the world. (verse 4)

 "But you are a chosen race, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9)

2. He predestined or determined before hand that I would be adopted as a child of God through Christ Jesus. (verse 5)

"...and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." (Romans 8:17)

3. He gave me redemption (deliverance, payment of ransom, freedom) through the blood of Christ. (verse 7)

"...knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot." (1 Peter 1:18-19)

4. He has given me a future hope that I will receive an inheritance of eternal life in heaven. (verses 11-14)

"...to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you..." (1 Peter 1:4)

5. He has made available the greatness of His power to all who believe. (verse 19)

"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18)

I am going to hide these words in my heart, lest I forget what He has done for me and all that He has given me through His son. 

Galatians 6

On Friday afternoon, my husband and I dropped off the kids at my parents' house and headed up north for a couples retreat.  It was a wonderful gift from my parents to be able to spend the week with my husband rekindling our love and being encouraged in our marriage.  My parents have told me many times over the years that one of the most important things they've learned about parenting is that the best thing they could do for their children was to make their marriage a priority.  I remember my parents making time for each other often when we were growing up and I never once doubted their commitment and love for each other.  I have so much to share about what God laid on our hearts over the weekend, but, for now, I wanted to finish sharing about my study of Galatians.  Since today is a Sunday, I'm not going to try to get caught up on today's study of Ephesians chapter 1.  I will try to do Ephesians 1 and 2 tomorrow, so stay tuned...and, if you've been reading along with me this past week, thank you for joining me.  I pray God would be glorified through my words here and that you would hear the words of the Lord and take them to heart.

This morning, in Sunday School, we had a special preacher, Ryan Martin, the brother of our youth pastor, Rory, and my Wednesday night bible study teacher, Regan.  Ryan preached about the responsibility of hearing the word of God, not just externally, but internally.  In John 6:68 (ESV), Peter says to Jesus, after some of the disciples had walked away from Jesus because they did not want to hear the truths he was sharing, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."  The words He has given us in the bible are so precious, because they show us the way to eternal life.

But, there's a difference between just hearing and hearing and believing the word of God.  Even the demons hear the word of God, but they do not hear and believe what it says.  I loved this quote from Ryan, "The words we need to hear are not popular thought but the permanent and abiding word of God."  Because His words are permanent and abiding, we should savor and embrace the words, so we can "taste the glory of Christ in His words".  These truths were just another encouragement to keep on making time to read and study His words that I might hide His words in my heart and His truth would change and grow me into the woman He desires me to be.

As I read Galatians 6 this morning, I was convicted by Paul's closing statements.  First, in verses 1-10 he reminds us that what we sow, we will also reap.  If we sow to our own flesh, we will reap corruption, but if we sow to the Spirit, we will reap eternal life.  He also encourages us to continue doing good and bearing each other's burdens in order to "fulfill the law of Christ" (verse 2).  In Christ, we are no longer bound by the law of Moses, but to a new law and the most important part of the new law is to love your neighbor as yourself.  When we love each other, the whole law of Christ (all his teachings and examples He gave here on earth) will easily follow.

John 13:34 (KJV) says, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."  But, what does it mean to really love others the way Christ did?  The word "love" used here is "agapao" which means "of the love which led Christ, in procuring human salvation, to undergo sufferings and death" and "of the benevolence which God, in providing salvation for men, has exhibited by sending His Son to them and giving Him up to death" (according to Strong's Concordance).  So, if Christ showed His love by suffering a death he didn't deserve, how much more should I love my husband, my children, my sisters, my brothers, and everyone God places in my life?  

But Paul also warns us not to become like those who make "a good showing in the flesh" or try to please and put on an outward appearance of being a good and righteous person.  Matthew 6:5 says, "And when you pray you must not be like the hypocrites.  For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others.  Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward."  The only way I am righteous is because of Jesus' blood and righteousness.  So, as the hymn says, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name.  On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand."  If I should boast in anything, it is that Jesus died for me, for I am nothing without Him. 

Galatians 5 & Our Week In Photos

Two posts in one again...mostly because I can't resist sharing some photos of my two favorite little people.

Galatians 5

This study has been both convicting and refreshing.  I love how God's word is alive and active, even decades and centuries and millenniums after it was written.  Also, no matter how many times I read the same passage, I learn something new every time.

The first half of Galatians 5 (verses 1-15) continues Paul's discussion of freedom in Christ.  He continues to argue and warn them against believing falsely that things like circumcision will make them righteous.  In Christ, circumcision and following the law counts for nothing; the only thing that counts for something is faith.

"You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law: you have fallen away from grace" (verse 4).  The word "severed" here means "to render idle, unemployed, inactivate, inoperative...to cause a person or thing to have no further efficiency...to cause to cease, put an end to, do away with, annul, abolish" (Strong's Concordance).  Did you catch that middle definition?  When we believe in justification by the law we are causing Christ to have "no further efficiency".  If we are truly justified by the law, then Christ died for nothing.

Oh, dear ones, I am so glad He didn't die in vain, because I could never be fully justified on my own.  In Christ, we have the "hope of righteousness" that one day we will be declared righteous before a just God.

Just because we are justified by faith alone, doesn't give us an excuse to continue doing wrong or to avoid serving Him through good works.  When Paul says that the law if complete in one word - love - he means that, even though doing good things won't earn, we still must be obedient to our calling.  We are called to love one another which is carried out by serving one another.  My ESV study bible says "obedience is not a means of justification, but it is a crucial component of the Christian life".

The second half of Galatians 5 explains how we can be obedient to our calling.  Simply put "if we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit" (verse 24).  The word "walk" means "to direct one's life".  I love that definition.  In order to truly live in Christ, I need to direct my life towards Him.

Life under the law brings forth works of the flesh, but life by the Spirit bears much fruit.  John 15:5 says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."  It seems, after reading these words, that living for Christ is so simple...but, in reality, it is a constant battle.

Romans 8:13 says, "For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out."  There is a constant battle in this life between the flesh and the Spirit.  The only way to conquer the flesh is to direct our life towards the One who will give us the victory.  Apart from Him I can do nothing; in Him nothing is impossible.  

Lord, direct me towards You today and help me to win the victory.  Thank you, Lord, that I don't have to fight this battle on my own and that you have already won the victory.

Our Week In Photos

Trying on flower girl dresses for Maxx & Kelly's and David & Cherylyn's weddings

"Steph, you gotta see this...Manzo's talking on the phone" - Ted

Bath time fun for our "1" and "2" year olds

The kids were playing in the crib while I put away laundry ( - it's the ONLY way to keep them from trying to "help" me - ) and I came in their room to find Almanzo sitting on Valerie's lap while she read him a story.  Melt my heart!

My sweet blogging friend (and soon to be in-real-life friend!), Veronica, sent us this cute hat for our Little Pumpkin.  We LOVE it- can you tell?

Galatians 4

I was discouraged this morning when I woke up with both eyes infected with pink eye.  (Yesterday, only my left eye was infected.)  I know it's silly, but I really dislike wearing glasses.  They are uncomfortable and I just prefer to wear contacts.  Plus, I can't really go anywhere, even if I wanted to, because my eyes are so sensitive to light that I need to wear sunglasses while I'm driving, even if it's overcast.  And tomorrow Ted and I are going on a couples retreat (without kids!), so I really, really want to be well enough to enjoy my time with him.  So, I was not in a very good mood this morning (as my husband can testify too)...until I really began to dig into today's study of Galatians 4.

The first part (verses 1-7) reiterate Paul's message in chapter 3 that we are now sons of God through Christ Jesus.  He explains how a child, though an heir to his father, is a slave to those who have authority over him, until he reaches a certain age and can receive his full inheritance.  In the same way, we are like a child in that we are slaves to sin until we are redeemed by Christ.  In Christ, we are no longer slaves, but sons of God and, as sons of God, we are heirs to the inheritance of Christ.

What does that mean?  Romans 8:17 says, "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified together."  Because we have become sons of God through Christ's death and resurrection, we now have a future and hope.  Revelation 21 explains what this inheritance will be:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 

Oh, how I long for that day; what a day that will be!  If you are in Christ, you have this same hope and future.  Praise the Lord!

Verses 8-20 warn the Galatians again about the false teaching that they must follow the Jewish laws in order to be fully justified.  My ESV study bible explains that by requiring new believers to follow the Old Testament laws, they are acting like they never even heard the gospel.  Ouch!  Let this be a warning to each of us to carefully discern the truth from lies, lest we be led astray in the same way.

As I sat down to read the last section, my husband woke up and started rearranging the cabinets in the bathroom I had just organized.  He has been bugging me about cleaning them out, but he didn't agree with my method of organization.  Needless to say, I was really annoyed and started to get really frustrated.  After talking it out with him and compromising a little, I went back to read this section and was really convicted.  I had allowed my frustration to build up and cause me to sin in the way I was speaking and acting towards my husband.  I was acting like I was still a slave to sin, as if I had never even heard the gospel. 
I am so thankful for His mercy, because that is not the first time I have sinned, even though I am no longer a slave to my sins.  But, when I come to Him to confess and repent, He grants me forgiveness, without hesitation.  And, the best part is, because of Christ's death and resurrection, He remembers my sins no more. 

Verses 21-31 give a great analogy of slavery to sin and freedom in Christ.  Abraham and Sarah thought they would never have children, but God promised they would have a son.  They weren't patient enough to wait on His timing though, so Sarah gave her slave, Hagar, to Abraham and Hagar gave him a son.  But, that son was born to a slave and born into slavery.  He was a son of the flesh, representative of present day "Jerusalem", in bondage to sin.  But, Isaac, the son God had promised to Abraham and Sarah, was born of a free woman and a son of the promise.  He represents the "Jerusalem": above and is the true heir of the inheritance. 

I looked up a couple of cross references that really helped me understand this analogy better.  Galatians 5:13 says, "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" and John 8:36 says "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."  I love that I am no longer a slave to my sins, but free indeed.  Praise the Lord!

Galatians 3 & Almost Wordless Wednesday

Two posts in one?  Sure, why not!

Galatians 3

Despite the fact that I am now feeling worse - in addition to a cold (which I fear might be a sinus infection) and no voice, I have pink eye - I am so enjoying this study of Galatians.  Seriously, for the first time in a long time, just like reading a really good fiction book, I cannot put my bible down!

In Galatians 3, Paul continues his discussion of works versus faith, but calls the people who are believing these false teachings into the church "foolish Galatians".  When I looked up the word foolish in Strong's concordance, it says fool means "not understanding" or "unwise".  Proverbs 10:14 says, "The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near."  Paul goes on to say they have been "bewitched".  My Strong's concordance says this word means to "slander, speak ill of, bring evil on one by feigning praise, charm, lead away into error by wicked arts".  That last definition really convicts me.  I need to be really careful to discern the truth from lies, lest I be lead away into error by wicked arts.

Paul brings up the example of Abraham and how he "believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6).  Abraham's righteousness was not because he did good works, but because He believed God.  When Abraham was told to sacrifice his son Isaac on the altar, he obeyed, because he believed God.  I can imagine he probably didn't know God would intervene when he did, but I'm sure he believed that God knew what he was doing.  When Abraham was told to leave the land he grew up in for the Promised Land, even though he had no idea where he was going, he obeyed, because he believed God.  He knew that God would lead the way.  And, because he obeyed, God told him that "in your offspring shall all the nations be blessed" (Genesis 22:18).  Jesus was one of Abraham's offspring and, in His death and resurrection, all people were given the gift of salvation. 

In the rest of this chapter, Paul explains how the law was a curse to the people who were under it.  The word "curse" means "given up to barrenness" and "liable to the appointed penalty" according to Strong's concordance.  Through the law, we realize our emptiness, our great need and our complete guilt.  Romans 3:20 says, "For by works of the law no human being shall be justified in His sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin." But, the wonderful thing is that the story doesn't end there.  When Christ came to this earth, He came to become a curse for us.  He took our sins upon His shoulders.  "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).  So, the law can't save us, but Jesus Christ can.  Praise the Lord!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Cake for breakfast?  My grandma always says "Life is short; eat dessert first!"

Galatians 2

Galatians 2 continues Paul's personal story with a meeting with the leaders of the early church.  Because of where Paul came from before his conversion, people were rightfully skeptical of his conversion.  There was also some division among the early church between those who were Jews and those who were Gentiles.  Paul says he went in order to make sure the gospel he was sharing among the Gentiles was not "in vain".  This doesn't mean he was concerned that he was sharing the right gospel, but that he was concerned that his efforts would have been pointless if they only succeeded in dividing the church between Jews and Gentiles.  But, salvation is not just for the Jews; it is for anyone who calls upon the Lord and believes in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Romans 10:12-13 says, "For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'" Paul stresses this point later in Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."  In Christ, there is no division, because we are one in Him.

The second half of Galatians 2 discusses the difference between justification by works and by faith.  In verses 11-14, Paul boldly opposes Peter.  Peter was eating with the Gentiles until other leaders of the church started to argue that Jewish Christians should sit apart so they could still follow Jewish dietary customs.  But Paul explains that in doing so, Peter was a hypocrite, because he made it appear that the Gentiles were inferior and not as worthy of the gospel as the Jews.  He threatened the very core of the gospel message - that we are justified by faith alone - because his actions implied that they had to follow the Jewish laws in order to be fully justified by God.

But the law serves only as a constant reminder that we cannot be justified by works.  No matter how hard we try or how many good things we do, "there is none who does good, not even one" (Psalm 14:3).  Hebrews 7:11 explains this truth further: 

"Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron?" 

There is only One man who attained perfection and that was because He was God in the flesh.  As verse 21 of Galatians 2 says, "...if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose".  One of my commentaries said that sin cannot be remedied by the law.  It can only be remedied by grace.  I cannot earn my own righteousness; it is only by grace that I am saved.  I am so thankful that my salvation is by faith and not by works!

Galatians 1

My blogging friend, Jenilee, is studying the books of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians this month and I'm so excited to be joining her.  I love the verse she shared at the beginning of her study:

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12-13)

Every single time I open His word, I am blessed by it, because I always learn something new or am convicted of something that needs to change in my heart.  His word penetrates to my soul and draws me closer to Him as it examines the depths of who I am.  His word never ceases to amaze me!

(I know I am a day late in starting this study, but I will try to catch up to chapter 2 later today.) 

As I began my study of Galatians, I was drawn to a few key phrases Paul said about his own calling.  He said he was an apostle "not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father" (vs 1).  He says this again in verses 11-12, "...the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel.  For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ."  Paul was receiving criticism about his calling, but He makes it clear who He serves.

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ" (vs 10).  This was convicting to me, because I need to make sure I am serving the right master in all things, because if I am trying to please man, I am not serving the Lord.  I can't do both; I either choose to serve Him or man. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 says, "but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts" and James 4:4 is even more convicting, "You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."  Who are you going to serve today: man or God?

I also love what Paul says people were saying about his conversion in verses 23-24 - "'He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.' And they glorified God because of me."  What a testimony to the great God we serve, that He could take someone who was completely against everything the gospel stands for and use Him for His glory!  Paul says again in 1 Corinthians 15:10, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain."  Paul knows that His salvation is nothing he could have done on his own.  It is completely a gift of grace. 

When I was sharing the truth of the gospel with my sister, I explained that salvation is like a gift, wrapped up and ready for us to open.  God has given each of us the gift of grace, His favor, but we can't receive the gift until we open that gift up.  As Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."  We all need His grace, because, without it, we are guilty as charged.  No amount of good works can earn us a place in heaven.  The only way to enter His kingdom is through His son.  So, I will ask again, who will you serve today: man or God?

*Don't forget today is the last day (until 2:00 PM CST) to enter my Wildtree Review & Giveaway for some delicious Kickin' Asian Stir Fry Sauce.*