Author: Jennifer Armstrong

Today’s reading:  Luke 24, Psalm 72

My birthday is on Tuesday. As I was reading Luke 24 and preparing for my post this week, I reflected on one of my favorite birthday stories from two years ago.  I’ve told you this story before, but I believe it is worth repeating.

For my birthday two years ago, I decided we would go to my favorite fondue restaurant in Lincoln Park. We reserved a hotel, headed up to Chicago, got all dressed up, and took a cab to the restaurant.  This was going to be so much fun…

After the first cheese course arrived, my 11 year old started in. “Hey, I thought this was going to be nacho cheese.  This is nothing like I thought it would be.  Nacho cheese would have been way better than this stuff Mom.”  The second course came, and we had fun cooking our meat, seafood and vegetables.  Other than a minor fire started from trying to deep fry the garnishing greens, the second course was a success.  On to dessert – chocolate fondue.  Who doesn’t like a huge vat of melted chocolate with pound cake, marshmallows and fruit to dip, right?  Well, my kids were disappointed the dipping sauce was dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.  As we got back in the cab after dinner Freddy summed up his sentiment well.  Five spirited words – “YOU OVERHYPED THIS PLACE MOM!”

Our assigned reading has us in Luke 24, the account of Christ’s Resurrection, today.  It is significant.  The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the focal point of the Christian faith.  In fact, without it there wouldn’t be a Christian Faith.  Unlike my favorite fondue restaurant, the significance of the Resurrection cannot be overhyped.  Why?

It revealed Christ’s power over death – We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him (Romans 6:9).

It secured our victory over death – But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-7).

In 1976 the late SM Lockridge preached a sermon titled That’s My King! Do You Know Him? to a congregation in Detroit, Michigan.  Forty years later, this message continues to be impactful and inspiring message to many audiences.  May I ask you to use one of the links below to either listen to or read an excerpt from this sermon, then stop and reflect – is this someone who’s life, death and resurrection could EVER by overhyped?

That’s my King, I hope he’s yours too.

Audio – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX_7j32zgNw

Text – http://across2u.com/ThatsMyKing.html

Today’s reading:  Luke 10, Psalm 58

Oxford Dictionaries named “post-truth” the 2016 international word of the year.   Oxford defines it as – relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.  Thinking over the past 18 months or so, are you surprised that this word is so prominent?   Think about the 2016 Presidential election, the current political climate, fake news, and countless sports figures and movie stars taking the stage in protest.  I could go on and on, but it is exhausting.  Go back and read the definition again.  Did you notice the words “personal belief”?  While our 21^st century culture may not have consensus (or really care) about truth, you cannot be a follower of Jesus Christ and buy into this agenda.

Today’s scripture in Luke 10 gives us beautiful illustrations of Jesus commitment to truth and how he demonstrated it through love.  First, he sent out 72 men to prepare several towns for his visit.  According to verse 3, he knew they were going to encounter troubles.  He sent them out with supernatural power to overcome Satan and his evil ways (Luke 10:19), yet he still instructed the men to humbly come in peace and to approach those they encountered with love and gentleness.  “Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road.  Whatever house you enter first, say Peace be to this house” (Luke 10:3-5). “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you’ “(Luke 10:8-9).

Even though Jesus sent the men to influence with love first, he also instructed them to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to truth by sternly warning those who rejected it.  But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town (Luke 10:10-12).

The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 also demonstrates truth and love, just in the opposite order. When the expert asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus pointed to the truth. He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27).  When the expert went on to challenge Jesus on details by asking whom he would consider a neighbor, Jesus responded with the parable of the Good Samaritan.  A parable that demonstrates our responsibility to demonstrate love and compassion to others in need, regardless of their demographics.

In a person, Jesus Christ is truth and love. He doesn’t care about influencing public opinion, rather he cares about people and the life-saving grace God offers to those who put their faith in him.  Jesus Christ is the antithesis of post-truth.  Likewise, anyone who claims to have put their trust in him and is committed to following his ways must submit to his truth and act in love.

Today’s reading:  2 John 1, Psalm 44

Today’s post is written by my friend Paige Holt. I’ve loved getting to know Paige over the past few years through our weekly small group Bible study.  She is a wife, a mother, and a surgeon who’s passion, love and care for people is simply contagious –

From the time I found out I was pregnant with my first child, Parker, I was worried about being a mother.  I had known that I wanted to be a mother for my entire life but once the reality hit that I was actually going to have a baby I couldn’t stop my mind from racing.  My biggest fear was that I would not bond with my child.  I was consumed with reading books about nursing, baby milestones and growth.  I talked to mothers about their journey trying to gain insight in to how it was that they developed the deep love and connection that they had with their children.  My own mother was detached and absent and my fear was that I would have that same relationship with my child.  Even after Parker was born, I struggled with fear.  I worried that I would become hardened, that the late night feedings would wear me out and that I would begrudge my baby for my lack of sleep.

I remember quite clearly when Parker was about four weeks old and he was nursing in a quiet midnight feed that it dawned on me how much God loved me.  In spite of my sin, in spite of my life of sin, he had entrusted this precious little human to me.  He had given me a soft heart for this little child.  He was giving me the ability to love this little human that he had created.  And, it was during that quiet middle of the night time, that God started speaking to me.

It was during those quiet times, with dimmed lights, that I realized how much I loved this little human.  Yes, he was cute and cuddly.  But it was much deeper than that.  I knew that I would give my life to protect this child.  And it dawned on me that God loved me so much that he sacrificed his own son so that I could be saved.  To be a new parent, holding this little snuggle bunny, and to feel the weight of love that God had for me by his sacrifice of His own Son is a feeling I will never forget.  It made me think about how heavy the burden of sin is that it would take such a sacrifice.

2 John 1 encourages us to love one another.  The author states that we should be full of love.  The truth will be with us forever.  And the passage shows the imagery of mother and child.  I am very grateful for those doubts and questions and concerns about motherhood.  It was the time in my adult life when I started to hear God’s voice again. The little nudges. The quiet whispers in the middle of the night.  All leading to the epiphany that God loved me in spite of my sin and made the ultimate sacrifice to be with me.  And in the end, I am his.

Today’s reading:  1 Peter 2, Psalm 30

When you meet someone new, or are asked to introduce yourself, what do you say? How do you describe who you are?  Do you talk about your job, your family, or your hobbies?

Both of my children are in middle school this year, Annika in her first year of middle school, and Freddy in his last year.  It has been an interesting first two weeks as we’ve been helping Annika make choices about extra-curricular activities.  Okay, maybe more challenging than just interesting.  See, she’s never met an extra-curricular activity she wasn’t interested in, and she wants to be good at EVERYTHING!  As a parent, I want her to have the opportunity to try a variety of different things.  It is my hope she’ll eventually discover the intersection of her abilities and what she enjoys doing…something she loves and will be passionate about pursuing.

Over the course of the last two weeks, Annika has either participated in, or asked to try, gymnastics, diving, Japanese, basketball, game club, circus, the school play and the flute.  Did I mention she is 10 years old and just starting middle school?  She has a genuine interest in these activities, but she is also swayed by what her friends are doing.  She wants to be in the mix, she doesn’t want to let her friends down, and certainly doesn’t want to pass on something she might later regret!  She is simply trying to figure out who she is in this new middle school environment.  Can you identify with her situation?  I can think of countless times over the course of my 44 years where I’ve stopped and reflected on these same questions – Who am I?  What defines me?  How do I want to be described?  What is my brand?

As I was studying today’s assigned reading, 1 Peter 2:9-10 made me stop and think about Annika.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy (1 Peter 2:9-10).

More than finding her passion, I want Annika to know her value isn’t determined by her skills, abilities, or the activities in which she participates.  She has worth because of what God has done for her.  He chose her!  The scripture says, you are a chosen people…God’s special possession.  Unfortunately life will still bring her disappointments, regardless of what activities she chooses.  But trusting Jesus is the wisest choice she will ever make.  He will never let her down.

For in Scripture it says:  “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame” (1 Peter 2:6).

Today’s reading:  Hebrews 8, Psalm 16

This past Sunday, I was serving alongside friend of mine. While I hadn’t seen her in about sixty days, she didn’t seem to be herself.  When we had a little break in the action, she told me her family had received some bad health news in the past few weeks.  Life-altering news.  As our conversation went on, she shared that her husband had recently been diagnosed with a terminal condition.

What? This condition generally impacts elderly individuals, not those in their prime.  Her husband has always been pretty healthy, has taken good care of himself and he doesn’t have a history of health problems.  How could this be happening to him?  Plus, she recently lost her mother and has been helping her father recover from cancer treatment over the past several months.  How much can one family really endure?  This news was hard to process.  My heart was heavy.  While my friend is still in the early stages of figuring out how to deal with this life-altering condition, our conversation over the next 45 minutes revealed her determination and complete trust in God.

As I began to prepare for today’s post, and reflected on my Sunday conversation, David’s words in Psalm 16 spoke to my heart. Scholars believe this Psalm was written during the period of time David was running from Saul, who was trying to kill him.  Even in the midst of such adverse circumstances, David trusted God and was able to find hope.

• Even in perilous circumstances, David’s faith in God was unwavering – Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing” (Psalm 16:1-2).
• David recognized that life was from, and depended solely on God – Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure (Psalm 16:5).
• David submitted to God and the wisdom of his ways – I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me (Psalm 16:7).
• David focused on God’s faithfulness, the source of his protection – I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand I will not be shaken (Psalm 16:8).
• David’s response to God’s protection was gladness – Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body will also rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay (Psalm 16:9-10).
• David recognized that happiness based on external circumstances was temporary, but joy based on God’s presence was eternal –You make known to me the path of life, you will fill me with joy in your presence with eternal pleasures at your right hand (Psalm 16:11).

This life is tough.  It presents situations we don’t understand, trials that can rob us of hope and joy.  In the midst of these circumstances may we, like David, place our trust in the one who has power over all.  He is our hope.  He is our God.

This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord.  I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people (Hebrews 8:10).

Today’s reading:  Introduction to Titus, Psalm 2

Although the book of Titus comes chronologically after 2 Timothy in our Bible, it was probably written about the same time as 1 Timothy.  Like Timothy, Titus had been a traveling companion of Paul, and someone whom Paul had been developing into a church leader.  At the time Paul wrote this letter, Titus had been given responsibility for overseeing the churches that had been planted on the island of Crete.  The book includes four primary instructional themes to guide his leadership.  These themes are timeless.  They are applicable for 21st century Christ-followers as much as they were for those in the first century.  Will you watch for them as we read this short book together?

Qualities for Leaders (Titus 1:6-9) – One of Titus’ responsibilities was to appoint leaders for the Crete churches.  This section of scripture reminds us that a person’s conduct outside the church should reveal their fitness for service inside the church.  A leader of God’s people must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.  He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it (Titus 1:8-9).

Character of Christ-followers (Titus 2) – Christ-followers in various age groups have different experiences and different needs.  While each group has a different role to play in the church, all are expected to live upright, self-controlled and godly lives.  For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…(Titus 2:11-12).

Citizenship (Titus 3:1-2) – Christ-followers are to be good citizens, obeying government leaders, and working honestly.  Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone (Titus 3:1-2).

A good life (Titus 3:4-8) – We are saved by the grace of God, not because of the good things we’ve done.  While good deeds won’t earn salvation, our gratefulness for God’s grace should compel us to serve others.  This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone (Titus 3:8).

You may not aspire or be called to church leadership.  But let Paul’s teaching to Titus be a guide for your life…these things are excellent and profitable for everyone (Titus 3:8).

 

Today’s reading:  2 Thessalonians 2

Paul begins the second chapter of his second letter to the Thessalonian church addressing concerns about false teaching.  Specifically, some teachers of the day were asserting the second coming of Jesus Christ had already taken place.  Further, they claimed this message had come from Paul himself.   The Thessalonian Christfollowers were confused and were worried they had been left behind.

In his usual way, Paul addressed their concerns head on.  He reviewed the known facts around the second coming, helped the Thessalonian Christfollowers realize the account given by the false teachers didn’t line up, and reminded them false teaching is a product of Satan.  Paul spends a good part of 2 Thessalonians 2 describing the Anitchrist, who is coming to earth do the work of Satan.  Based on the timeline laid out in scripture, the Anitchrist must come and assert his influence BEFORE Jesus returns to overtake him and claim victory over evil forever.  I’ll be honest, verses 10-12 are pretty unnerving, especially when you get to verse 11.  God is going to allow people’s hearts to become hardened because they refuse to accept the truth.  Did this make your belly hurt?  It did mine.  Falling into the trap of false teaching has pretty serious consequences.

He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them.  So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies. Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).

Have you ever encountered false teaching?  More importantly, are you positive your interpretation of Biblical passages is accurate?  How can you be confident you aren’t spreading false teaching?  In late 2015 when B.J. and friends launched the idea of biblejournal.net and asked me to be a writer, I had this concern.  I reminded him that I really didn’t have the credentials to be holding myself out as an expert on God’s word – I didn’t go to Bible College, I’m not a Biblical scholar, and I don’t really have a whole lot of experience.  In response to my concern (and the concerns of a few others), B.J. shared the Eastview Preaching/Teaching FILTER for us to use as a guide.  It is pretty straight forward to use – if the interpretation of God’s word doesn’t line up with all of these six tenets, it is likely false.  You need to study a little more and ask God to reveal his message to you more clearly before proceeding.  This guide helped us step into the biblejournal.net authorship journey with confidence.  May I share it with you?  This FILTER is a powerful tool you can use to sniff out false teaching and/or to give you confidence as you share Biblical truths with those around you.

(F) First Importance – Does the teaching affirm the Gospel message as of first importance?  For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 5:3-4).

(I) Inspired Word – Does the teaching underscore the inspiration and authority of scripture? All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).

(L) Lordship of Christ – Does the teaching point to the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus? He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent (Colossians 1:15-18).

(T) Triune God – Does the teaching elevate the triune God?  He exists in three equal persons:  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, perfectly, submissively, joyfully, and in full unity as One.  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:14).

(E) Essential Unity and Maturity in Christ – Does the teaching support the local church / body of believers?  We are shaped by the Triune God’s unity, the vision He has given us, and the ongoing spiritual growth He desires.  And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13).

(R) Respect for the Bride of Christ – Does the teaching respect the church by protecting her from division, corruption, and cultural seduction? If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15).

As Christfollowers, we are called to share Jesus’ salvation message with all the world.  May you find the Eastview Preaching/Teaching FILTER a guide to help you along the way.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Today’s reading:  Philippians 4

If you’ve ever thought the Bible was dated and not overly applicable to the 21^st century, I hope you walked away after reading the forth chapter of Philippians today with a different opinion.  I found Paul’s closing words to the church in Philippi powerful and very pertinent.  Let’s start with the first half of verse 6:

… do not be anxious about anything…

The Oxford English Dictionary defines anxiety as a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. Sound vaguely familiar to feelings you’ve experienced before?  Let’s take it a step further, anxiety disorders differ from normal feelings of nervousness or anxiousness because they involve excessive fear or anxiety.  Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common of type of mental disorders and affect nearly 30 percent of adults at some point in their lives (www.Psychiatry.org)?  As adapted from the Harvard Law School urban legend, think about it this way – look to the person sitting on your left, now look to the person sitting on your right, one of you will struggle with an anxiety disorder some time in your adult life.  Oh boy, I’m not sure I like those odds.  Fortunately, Paul follows this statement with some really practical advice for us.

…but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

What is the opposite of anxiety, fear, nervousness or uneasiness?  Peace.  Not the absence of conflict, positive thinking, or simply feeling calm.  The peace Paul is talking about in verse 7 is the confident assurance that God works all things together according to his divine plan, a comfort that he has every situation under control.

Do you remember our study of John 14 last Christmas?  In this chapter, Jesus is trying to prepare his disciples for life without him.  These men had left EVERYTHING to follow Jesus.  To say they had anxiety about him taking off and leaving them on their own was probably an understatement.  I find Jesus’ words every bit as comforting today as they were to his disciples in the first century.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me. Rise, let us go from here (John 14:27-31).

Do you see Jesus’ words of peace? – “…for the prince of this world is coming…he has no hold over me…”  Knowing that Jesus has power over Satan, the root of all evil, is how we can be confident he has every situation under control.  Turning our cares over to Jesus is the antidote for anxiety.  He is our peace.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever (Philippians 4:19-20).

Today’s Reading:  Ephesians 1

Today’s post is written by our good friend Teresa Herbert.

As a regular reader of your posts, I am privileged today to share my reflections on behalf of my friend, Tracy, as we begin to ponder the rich messages from the first book of Ephesians, a chapter that is chock-full of powerful statements revealing the depth of God’s commitment and love for each one of us. One of my favorite verses in the Bible comes from this chapter. It reminds me of this Bible Journal community, and it reflects my prayer for you all:

15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 

I have come to realize my need to do regular “grounding” work (creating small spaces in my day to read, pray, listen or participate in my faith community) to keep my head and heart on the path God has for my life. On the days I am mindful of such practices, my feet are more firmly planted, and I’m less tempted to succumb to roadblocks such as fear, intolerance and disappointment.  Ephesians 1 is one of those chapters in the Bible that has the power to help me stay on track. Paul explains that God has blessed us with all spiritual blessings, has chosen and adopted us as his very own, and has lavished Grace upon us abundantly. All this given to us freely when we simply believe.

Paul’s opening words to the people of Ephesus hit home for me when he tells them that God intentionally bestowed spiritual blessings on each of them to be used according to his plan. This lead me to ponder: Can I identify my own spiritual blessings? How do I know I am using them in accordance with the plan God has for my life?  Some days, I would love an explicit To Do list from God that nudged me in the direction of “wisdom and revelation”.

Often, the more mundane aspects of life-the daily grind of hectic schedules, deadlines, carpools and perpetual dirty laundry- don’t shout “spiritual blessings” to me. However, those are the places where the seemingly small interactions with others (the voice inside that says to slow down and be present to the people who’ve been put in my path) can give me insight into God’s powerful hand at work. I love the idea that we pray Paul’s prayer above regularly for one another-for our significant other, our children and families and our friends, so that we all may have the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know God better.

Beautifully, Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians continues:

18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. 

I pray that your heart eyes are able to see and fully grasp the HOPE that comes from trusting in your calling to be a child of a God who knew you before you were born, and who promises the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide you on your path.

Today’s reading:  Galatians 4

Paul proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Galatian churches early in his ministry.  Since his visit, however, false teachers had twisted the gospel claiming Jesus alone was not enough to save.  Specifically, they taught that Gentiles had to follow Jewish law in addition to accepting Jesus.  Paul was genuinely concerned.  Instead of experiencing joy from their freedom in Christ, the Galatians’ were battling with legalism.

Dictionary.com defines legalism as follows:

• Strict adherence, or the principle of strict adherence, to law or prescription, especially to the letter rather than the spirit.
• The doctrine that salvation is gained through good works.
• The judging of conduct in terms of adherence to precise laws.

Legalism is diametrically opposed to the gospel of grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  If we could earn God’s favor through traditions, rituals or obeying a set of rules, it would mean Jesus’ death on the cross was meaningless.  The Bible is clear, we can’t earn God’s favor, Jesus bought it for us.

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.  God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.  And because you Gentiles have become his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, and now you can call God your dear Father (Galatians 4:4-6).

Sadly enough, we still struggle with legalism in the 21^st century.  Not necessarily legalism that aligns to Jewish law like Galatian false teachers were preaching in the 1^st century, but the belief that God’s favor is earned.  It is focusing on a set of rules over a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Do you feel guilty or inadequate? Have lost your joy?   May I suggest you check your focus?  Legalism can rob you of joy by making you…

• Feel guilty rather than loved.
• Stress about your performance rather than relying on Jesus.
• Focus on your inadequacy rather than how far you’ve come with Jesus by your side.

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.  For the power of the life-giving spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death.  The law of Moses could not save us, because of our sinful nature.  But God put into effect a different plan to save us.  He sent his own Son in a human body like ours, except that ours are sinful.  God destroyed sin’s control over us by giving us his on as a sacrifice for our sins (Romans 8:1-3).

I pray the truth of Romans 8:1-3 fills your heart with joy today.

Joy – the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright and the determined choice to praise God in every situation. – Rick Warren