Do Not Grow Weary

Posted July 12, 2016

What a needed reminder. It seems I grow weary every day, but this passage is reassuring. That in DUE TIME, I will reap. I find the sowing and reaping concept interesting to contemplate. Although I know very little about crops, I can make a few observations. If I do not sow any seeds, there won’t be a crop. If I sow bad seeds (sowing in my flesh), the crop produced will be bad. If I sow good seed (sowing to the Spirit), the crop will be good. I have to keep sowing season after season. I can’t do it once and be done. Generally, the more you plant, the more you harvest although the actual increase depends on God. And I can’t give up too soon because in God’s time, what is sown will be manifest.

The previous post about the power of words is an example. Sowing life giving words will result in life, I cannot sow criticism and judgement into relationships and expect grace and favor in return. I can not sow disrespect and expect honor. I should not be surprised if I have spent my days reading/listening to the thoughts of men and women instead of God’s word and then cannot discern God’s wisdom for a situation.

Read Galatians 6. How do we correct one caught up in sinful actions or thinking patterns? How does verse 2 “bear one another’s burdens” fit with verse 5 “each one will bear his own load.” How are you sowing to your self or the world and expecting a good result?

As we conclude Galatians, remember 6:10, “While we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who are of the household of the faith.” Is there anything you need to do, or any way you need to change your thinking to align with what God has shown you in Galatians?

The Power of Words

Posted July 1, 2016

Filed under Devotional

(I wrote this for a friend who wanted a manly analogy about how words can wound.) In the Army, when soldiers are trained on at the range, they are told fire their weapons at the chest (heart) or head (mind). These are “kill” shots. I was thinking about how the power of life and death are in our tongue. I want to suggest that “You” statements have such an impact on our heart and minds that they can be kill shots. For example, “You are stupid!” and “You are a liar” are two of these. These shots assassinate the identity of who God created us to be. There is a way for rebuke that can correct without bringing death. Instead of using the above sentences, one could say, “That was a very unwise decision/action” or “Those words are untrue/lies.”

target Fortunately, the power of life is also in the tongue. If we want to bless someone, using “you” statements will hit the core of their being. “You are beautiful” or “You are an amazing man of integrity” affirm the person’s worth and value the person as God’s treasured creation. So I challenge you to be good stewards of all your words using them for blessing and not cursing.

Galatians 5

Posted July 1, 2016

Filed under Bible Study

It was for freedom that Christ set us free. Therefore, keep standing firm and do not be burdened again by the yoke of slavery! Galatians 5:1

Isn’t that great news? But how are we to use that freedom (5:13)? And what does Paul says means far more than circumcision (5:6)? What hinders YOU from running your race well (5:7)?

Walk by the Sprit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

What are the behaviors/attitudes of someone carrying out the desires of the flesh (19-21)? What is the evidence of someone being led by the spirit(22-24)?

Verse 21 says that those who practice such things (the deeds of the flesh listed) will not inherit the kingdom of God. Jesus said in Matthew 7:17-21 “Every good tree bears good fruit but the bad trees bear bad fruit…Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the faire. You will know them by their fruits. Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven but those who do the will of my Father.”

What kind of fruit does someone see who is watching you?