Life's Journey

It’s Friday already which means we are halfway through our bible study already!

Today we are reading Galatians 4:1-7. I have posted it below. If you have a few extra minutes, please share your insights. Here are today’s verses for you to read…I love studying with you!

“4 Now what I mean [when I talk about children and their guardians] is this: as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave even though he is the [future owner and] master of all [the estate]; 2 but he is under [the authority of] guardians and household administrators or managers until the date set by his father [when he is of legal age]. 3 So also we [whether Jews or Gentiles], when we were children (spiritually immature), were kept like slaves under the elementary [man-made religious or philosophical] teachings of the world. 4 But when [in God’s plan] the proper time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the [regulations of the] Law, 5 so that He might redeem and liberate those who were under the Law, that we [who believe] might be adopted as sons [as God’s children with all rights as fully grown members of a family]. 6 And because you [really] are [His] sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, [a]“Abba! Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave (bond-servant), but a son; and if a son, then also an heir through [the gracious act of] God [through Christ].” Galatians 4:1-7

“So that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Galatians 4:5,6

God had a precise plan for our salvation. When the fulness of time came, he sent his son to redeem those under the law, by fulfilling the law. His plan was accomplished when we became sons of God. He has adopted us into his family as his children and heirs—not based on our works but based on our faith in him. As God’s children, we have a special relationship with God. The word “Abba” in Aramaic means “Daddy”. We have been adopted by him and we are meant to have a close bond with him, like a good father with his daughter. Typically, a king does not allow anyone access to him without permission, but you know who has access to a king? His children. We have access to the King of kings because we are his child. Isn’t this an amazing gift?

My reflection for the day: Thank you Lord that I belong to you and that you send Holy Spirit to live in me. From slaves to salvation, now sons and daughters! Being adopted into the kingdom is amazing in that it makes me an heir to everything that my father has 🙂 God is so good, we will always belong and have a good Daddy.

Reflection Question: How does remembering this tight bond we have with God encourage you today? Thank God in prayer for this special relationship you have with him.

Today we are reading Galatians 3:15-29. I have posted it below. If you have a few extra minutes and please share your insights. Here are today’s verses for you to read:

“15 Brothers and sisters, I speak in terms of human relations: even though a last will and testament is just a human covenant, yet when it has been signed and made legally binding, no one sets it aside or adds to it [modifying it in some way]. 16 Now the promises [in the covenants] were decreed to Abraham and to his seed. God does not say, “And to seeds (descendants, heirs),” as if [referring] to many [persons], but as to one, “And to your Seed,” who is [none other than] Christ. 17 This is what I mean: the Law, which came into existence four hundred and thirty years later [after the covenant concerning the coming Messiah], does not and cannot invalidate the covenant previously established by God, so as to abolish the promise. 18 For if the inheritance [of what was promised] is based on [observing] the Law [as these false teachers claim], it is no longer based on a promise; however, God granted it to Abraham [as a gift] by virtue of His promise. 19 Why, then, the Law [what was its purpose]? It was added [after the promise to Abraham, to reveal to people theirguilt] because of transgressions [that is, to make people conscious of the sinfulness of sin], and [the Law] was ordained through angels and delivered to Israel by the hand of a mediator [Moses, the mediator between God and Israel, to be in effect] until the Seed would come to whom the promise had been made. 20 Now the mediator or go-between [in a transaction] is not [needed] for just one party; whereas God is only one [and was the only One giving the promise to Abraham, but the Law was a contract between two, God and Israel; its validity depended on both]. 21 Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a system of law had been given which could impart life, then righteousness (right standing with God) would actually have been based on law. 22 But the Scripture has imprisoned [a]everyone [everything—the entire world] under sin, so that [the inheritance, the blessing of salvation] which was promised through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe [in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s precious Son]. 23 Now before faith came, we were kept in custody under the Law, [perpetually] imprisoned [in preparation] for the faith that was destined to be revealed, 24 with the result that the Law has become our tutor and our disciplinarian to guide us to Christ, so that we may be [b]justified [that is, declared free of the guilt of sin and its penalty, and placed in right standing with God] by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under [the control and authority of] a tutor and disciplinarian. 26 For you [who are born-again have been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified and] are all children of God [set apart for His purpose with full rights and privileges] through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union with the Christ, the Anointed] have clothed yourselves with Christ [that is, you have taken on His characteristics and values]. 28 There is [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who believe] are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a spiritual superiority]. 29 And if you belong to Christ [if you are in Him], then you are Abraham’s descendants, and [spiritual] heirs according to [God’s] promise.” Galatians 3:15-29

The law held them captive and imprisoned them. It revealed all of their sins and flaws. But when Christ came, they were set free through their faith in him. They became sons of God with a unique unity between races, nations, economic levels, and gender. God erased the dividing lines and made them all sons of God. In the family of God, there is no room for discrimination based on our differences. We are to treat everyone equally. Jesus has united us all through our faith in Christ. Yet, we live in a day in age when we are easily divided by our race, our political differences, our economic differences, and our gender. Until Christ returns, we are called to strive for unity inside the church based on our faith alone.

My reflection for the day: During this time and era, there is such division amongst people. It seems to me that everywhere you go, you are expected to choose a group or side to belong to. Being a part of the body of Christ is where I find the peace that we are clothed in Christ and have unity in taking on the character and values of Christ. Remember that our thoughts, ideas, and opinions are just that, and we need to go to the word and measure it accordingly, whether it has anything to do with our salvation. I am challenged to not place myself under my own laws, that I create, and keep myself in right standing with the righteousness of Christ. He is the one who provides freedom from the law through the covenant of grace and salvation that He has provided for us.

Reflection Questions: Is there an area in your life where you are struggling with discrimination? What can you do to live more united with your brothers and sisters in Christ?

Galatians ~ Week 2 ~ Day 3

Hello to you all. Today we are reading Galatians 3:10-14. I have posted it below. If you have a few extra minutes please share your insights, applications, or thoughts. Here are today’s verses for you to read.

“10 For all who depend on the Law [seeking justification and salvation by obedience to the Law and the observance of rituals] are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed (condemned to destruction) is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, so as to practice them.” 11 Now it is clear that no one is justified [that is, declared free of the guilt of sin and its penalty, and placed in right standing] before God by the Law, for “The righteous (the just, the upright) shall live by faith.” 12 But the Law does not rest on or require faith [it has nothing to do with faith], but [instead, the Law] says, “He who practices them [the things prescribed by the Law] shall live by them [instead of faith].” 13 Christ purchased our freedom and redeemed us from the curse of the Law and its condemnation by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs [crucified] on a tree (cross)”— 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might also come to the Gentiles so that we would all receive [the realization of] the promise of the [Holy] Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:10-14

Paul continues to explain how those who live under the law will fail to keep it and as a result, they will be cursed. But Christ has redeemed us from the curse, by becoming the curse for us. He bore our sins on the cross. And so, we rely on Jesus for our salvation rather than our works—because the righteous will live by faith. There are a lot of people who practice religious traditions, such as going to church on Sundays, praying before meals, giving to the poor, or even reading portions of scripture out loud. While all of these are good things, they do not save us. If they are not done out of sincere faith, then they are simply external good works. True faith is internal. God looks at the motives of our hearts.

My reflection for the day: Thank God that we live by faith in Christ and not under the law. The law cannot justify. It can only bring judgment. Therefore, grace is superior to the law. The works of the law and the faith of the gospel have radically different consequences. Christ paid the full price to set us free from the curse of the law. He absorbed the curse completely as he became a curse in our place.

Reflection Questions: Are there any spiritual practices you are doing right now that are done more out of habit than faith? Ask the Lord to change your heart and help you live more by faith

Galatians ~ Week 2 ~ Day 2

Hey there, I hope that you are enjoying this study as much as me. I hadn’t read the full book of Galatians for a while and I am liking the insight and reminder of some good stuff.

Today we are reading Galatians 3:1-9 and I have shared the Amplified version as it does a great job with the text. I have posted it below. If you have a few extra minutes, please share your insights, applications, or thoughts. Here are today’s verses for you to read.

“3 O you foolish and thoughtless and superficial Galatians, who has bewitched you [that you would act like this], to whom—right before your very eyes—Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified [in the gospel message]? 2 This is all I want to ask of you: did you receive the [Holy] Spirit as the result of obeying [the requirements of] the Law, or was it the result of hearing [the message of salvation and] with faith [believing it]? 3 Are you so foolish and senseless? Having begun [your new life by faith] with the Spirit, are you now being perfected and reaching spiritual maturity by the flesh [that is, by your own works and efforts to keep the Law]? 4 Have you suffered so many things and experienced so much all for nothing—if indeed it was all for nothing? 5 So then, does He who supplies you with His [marvelous Holy] Spirit and works miracles among you, do it as a result of the works of the Law [which you perform], or because you [believe confidently in the message which you] heard with faith? 6 Just as Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, [as conformity to God’s will and purpose—so it is with you also]. 7 So understand that it is the people who live by faith [with confidence in the power and goodness of God] who are [the true] sons of [a]Abraham. 8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the good news [of the Savior] to Abraham in advance [with this promise], saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9 So then those who are people of faith [whether Jew or Gentile] are blessed and favored by God [and declared free of the guilt of sin and its penalty, and placed in right standing with Him] along with Abraham, the believer.” Galatians 3:1-9

“Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Galatians 3:6

Paul used strong language when he questioned the Galatians as to why they were being so foolish as to lean on their works of the law rather than their faith in Jesus. He reminded them of their heritage and how it was Abraham’s faith that made him righteous. Abraham faithfully obeyed God by leaving his home and going where God led him. He was even willing to give up his own son and yet this was not what made him righteous. It was his faith. Abraham was not righteous—he was a sinner. But God counted him as righteous because of his faith. The law was given to reveal our sin. Salvation has always been by faith alone. But like Abraham, our faith is revealed by our obedience to God. Abraham was called to give up his home and land.

My reflection for the day: I understand Paul’s frustration here, knowing that a great revelation of the cross had been supernaturally given to them, but then they dilute the glorious work of the cross by adding to it the works of religion. I know that I am guilty of that at times, trying to work out my salvation by doing, saying, or copying someone else. I am so grateful for the grace of God in my life and that we have great men and women of God, like Abraham who was a great example, of how faith works. The substance of your faith is what releases God’s righteousness for you. Amen! Let me end with verse 2 “This is all I want to ask of you: did you receive the [Holy] Spirit as the result of obeying [the requirements of] the Law, or was it the result of hearing [the message of salvation and] with faith [believing it]?”

Reflection Questions: What have you had to give up, in order to follow the Lord? How has your faith been revealed through the way you have followed God?

Galatians ~ Week 2 ~ Day 1

Today we are reading Galatians 2:17-21. I have posted it below. If you have a few extra minutes, please share your insights, applications, or thoughts. Here are today’s verses for you to read.

“17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” Galatians 2:17-12

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Before Paul knew Jesus, he thought he was saved by following the law. Then he realized the law made him guilty because he could not keep it. It was Christ’s death on the cross that saved him from the law and his own sin. His new life was now lived in faith rather than by following the law. This faith was not in himself or his good works but in the son of God, who loved him and gave himself for him. Jesus demonstrated his love for us when he paid the penalty for our sin on the cross. Now we live under a new and better law—the law of grace! We have a special union with Christ—because He lives in us. Our love for the world and our fleshly desires have been crucified with him.

My reflection for the day: I am not saved by works nor by how righteous I am but by the Grace of God. As I walk through my life, I am also reminded to not take this special gift of salvation and grace lightly in how I live my life. I want to serve him every day in every word, action, and way I can. I may fall but thank God I have God’s grace to ask for forgiveness. When studying about being made righteous, I always think of this scripture, which I love: “I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has covered me with a robe of righteousness,” Isa.61:10 We can now boldly approach His throne, not because of our righteousness but because of His, which He has now covered us with. ~ “loved me and gave himself for me” How can I ever repay? Humbled by His love, I just want to love Him back and allow Him to love others through me. So Blessed to be His.

Reflection Questions: In what areas of your life do you need to be reminded of God’s love and grace? And in what areas of your life do you need to live more by faith?

Galatians ~ Week 1 ~ Day 5

Today we are reading Galatians 2:11-16. I have posted it below. I hope you are enjoying doing this study together. If you have a few extra minutes please share your insights, applications, or thoughts. Here are today’s verses for you to read.

“11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” 15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” Galatians 2:11-16 “

We know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.” Gal.2:16

The church in Antioch was the first church to bring Jewish and Gentile Christians together. But there was an influential group that Peter (Cephas) and Barnabas feared, and it was causing them to separate from the Gentiles. Paul boldly confronted them for not staying in step with the gospel. Then he clarified that a person is not justified by their works but through faith in Jesus alone. The word justified is a legal term. God, as our judge, has declared us justified and righteous simply based on our faith in Christ alone. But there are still people in the church who try to make us feel like we need to be doing something more to be considered a true Christian. Like this group in Galatians 2, they may be influential and cause us to separate from other believers out of fear that things other Christians do or don’t do make them unbelievers.

My reflection for the day: I truly believe that the law produces death in us but faith in Christ produces life. Living in grace doesn’t mean that we can do whatever we want in life but follow the commands and promises of God in the word. Boundaries are good and safe in the Kingdom of God. As I look at this scripture I am definitely reminded that “good works will not get you into the kingdom of God”. However, I do believe that if I truly have a relationship with Christ our actions will show that. To have a true relationship with Christ to me portrays Jesus. You are saved by faith and the good works will follow to show others, Christ, in us. Pauls’s boldness in confronting Peter is strong but yet he does it in love and challenges them when he sees that they were not acting in line with the truth. He told them that man is not justified by following the law but by faith in Jesus Christ.

Reflection Questions: Are you more like Peter and Barnabas or Paul? Do you tend to try to please certain groups of Christians and their rules or do you find yourself trying to focus on the heart and faith of other believers? The Christian church has hundreds of denominations and has separated over many different side issues. How can you bring more unity into the body of Christ by focusing on the main thing—the gospel?

Galatians ~ Week 1 ~ Day 4

Today we are reading Galatians 2:1-10. I have posted it below. If you have a few extra minutes please share your insights, applications, or thoughts. Here are today’s verses for you to read…This is fun fellowshipping with you!

Galatians 2:1-10

“1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. 3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— 5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. 6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), 9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and them to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.”

“They asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” Galatians 2:10

After 14 years, Paul went to Jerusalem to meet privately with the leaders. He wanted to be sure that they were preaching the same gospel because some false brothers had slipped into the church and were adding in legalistic rules for salvation. After it was clear that they all were in agreement, they asked that Paul remember the poor. Right after clarifying the gospel, Paul talks about caring for the poor. He could have talked about anything else—tithing, loving one another, or perhaps styles of worship but the very next focus was the poor. Some believe if we preach too much grace then believers won’t do anything for the Lord—but it’s the opposite. God’s grace should motivate us to help others. Because we have been rescued, we need to rescue others who are oppressed and in need. Paul was a very busy man—-traveling, speaking, writing and in prison——yet he was not too busy to help the poor. Instead, he was eager to help the poor.

My reflection for the day: I love being reminded that God is no respecter of persons, God is loving of all. But for the grace of God, there goes I ~ thank you Lord that you saved and set me free. He has no favorites. He cares for the lowest of those. Everyone is equal in God’s eyes to receive the Gospel no matter if there are differences of opinion.

Reflection Questions: Are you eager to help the poor? How does remembering God’s grace motivate you and in what ways can you do more to help the poor?

Today we are in Galatians 1:11-24 which I have shared below. Feel free to share any comments or insights with the group.

“11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him for fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.” Galatians 1:11-24

“The gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man… but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:11,12

Paul says he was set apart before he was born, to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. Yet, he was a man of high status in Judaism, who violently persecuted the church. God did not call Paul because of something he had done to please God. Instead, God extended his grace to Paul so that God would get all the glory. Jesus was revealed both to him and in him.” has a powerful testimony. While he was religious, successful, and in a powerful position, he was full of sin. He was trying to destroy the church – then he encountered God! Oh, what a beautiful testimony he has gone from darkness to light. He says in verse 24, “they glorified God because of me.” Because of his testimony, they glorified God. Some of us have amazing testimonies like Paul and others of us have ones that are simpler. Regardless of when and what was going on in your life, we all have had our trials and – and that is a part of our testimony now too. God’s glory is seen in all of our testimonies!

My reflection for the day: I am so glad that I have a testimony that Jesus came into my life and totally changed it! I love how God is active in our lives before we were born, shows His love and grace for us. It is then we are to make a choice as to what we do with Jesus. Paul’s choice has positively impacted so many and I know that we all have that ability in our lives, no matter how big or small our testimony seems to each of us! I pray that my choices have a positive impact on others’ lives.

Reflection Question: What is your testimony? Have it ready and pray for an opportunity to share it with someone.

Today we begin our study in Galatians!! Welcome to the first day of our study together. I am excited that you have decided to do this and praying that we will all grow and learn together. If you have a few extra minutes please share your insights, applications, or daily thoughts. Here are today’s verses for you to read…I look forward to fellowshipping with you! We are reading Galatians 1:1-5. I have posted it below.

Galatians 1:1-5″1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers who are with me. To the churches of Galatia:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

“Week 1 ~ Day 1 – “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:3

The book of Galatians opens with grace and closes with grace. First, Paul reminds the Galatians that he is an apostle, which means “one who is sent”. He declares that he was not sent by man but by God. Then, he uses a familiar phrase used in all of his letters, wishing them both grace and peace. Paul uses the word grace more than any other New Testament writer. He used it over 100 times in his writing and he explains that the grace comes from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins. Take note of the word order that Paul always puts in his greetings. He puts grace first and peace second. We must first experience God’s grace before we experience his peace. The Greek word for grace is caris, which is unmerited favor, or an unearned gift freely given. Because of God’s grace, we have reconciliation and peace with God.

My reflection for today: “Jesus is the perfect gift and all I need.” v4. This verse really stood out to me because that is where it all starts, knowing Him! Grace is so important and it’s definitely unearned. Paul also states, grace before peace, which is interesting ~ Grace comes before Peace. Grace is not earned by us but given as a gift from our amazing God, and we can invite grace into every situation that is unsettling in your life. I like how Paul emphasizes that he is sent by God and not man – remember that each of us has a calling and place that God had designed and set for us, don’t let anyone take that away from you. You are called by God and He has set you here for such a time as this, no matter how big or small you think your place down here is.

Reflection Questions: Is Christ your Savior? How have you experienced the grace and peace of God in your life? When we do not have peace, oftentimes it is because we are not walking in God’s grace. In what area of your life do you need more grace and peace today?