From: September 21, 2024
“But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14 ESV).
Paul said that the Judaizers, those who insisted that believers must adhere to the Mosaic ceremonial law and be circumcised, “boasted” in the flesh. Yet Paul had put away all boasting in worldly and fleshly things. He had counted all things, his Jewish resume, his desire for worldly wealth and position, as “loss for Christ” (Phil. 3:7). Why? Because he knew that the works of the flesh brought only death. But receiving the grace of God through faith in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross brings eternal life. Therefore, Paul had put away all boasting, except in the cross of Christ!
Where is your boasting today? In what do you take pride? Let us put away all pride and boasting, except in the cross of Christ.
PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us for boasting or making much of worldly things or things of the flesh that will only pass away. Help us to only boast in the gospel, in the cross of Christ. For Christ is the One who deserves all glory and praise. For without Christ, we are nothing. But through faith in Him, we are a new creation. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: September 21, 2023
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9 NLT).
The apostle Paul told the believers in Galatia, not to “get tired” in their good work. Perhaps they were feeling the fatigue that comes from working without evidence of any result. Like a farmer, they had tilled the soil and sown the seed, but nothing had yet come up. Paul encouraged them not to give up. For the harvest will come at the “proper time” that the Lord has set. In other words, hang in there, persevere, keep on keeping on, don’t lose heart! For the Lord will bring the increase in due season.
Our calling is to do the good work with the strength and purpose God has given us, and leave the results up to Him. Let us focus on being faithful, not successful. Our success is in the Lord’s hands.
Don’t dig up what you planted by faith!
PRAYER: Dear Father, we entrust the results to You. Strengthen us to be faithful in doing the work You have gifted us and called us to do. Help us to focus on being faithful to You, knowing that You are the One who can multiply our loaves and fishes to feed a multitude. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: September 21, 2022
SPREAD YOUR TROUBLES BEFORE THE LORD
King Sennacherib of Assyria came with a huge army and began to conquer the towns of Judah. When he came to the walls of Jerusalem, he sent a threatening letter to King Hezekiah of Judah, warning him that his God couldn’t save him. When he had read the letter, King Hezekiah put on burlap, went up to the Temple, and spread the letter out on the floor for the Lord to consider. And God heard his prayer and defended Jerusalem, utterly destroying the Assyrian army.
What threat do you fear today? What worry do you carry? Have you brought it to the Lord? Spread your trouble out before the Lord. Give it to Him. As the apostle Paul wrote, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).
PRAYER: Dear Father, You are the same today as You were when You defended Hezekiah and Jerusalem from their enemies. Forgive us for trying to face our troubles alone. We spread them out before You now. We read them out to You and leave them with You. Take that which causes us to fear and replace it with courage, take our weakness and give us strength. Take our worry and give us peace. For You are our Defender. We walk in Your grace and power. We love You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: September 21, 2016
This is one of the “one another” commands found in the Bible. It applies especially to the way believers are to treat other believers, showing that they are members of Christ’s body. In context, the “burdens” to which Paul refers are the troubles that come on one who has fallen into sin. Sin brings burdens, side effects that pile on in addition to the sin itself. Someone abuses drugs, and they lose their spouse, their kids, their job, and find themselves hungry and homeless. Sin equals suffering. Yet, we are not to shoot our wounded, leaving them dying on the field of battle. We are to help them carry their burdens, binding their wounds as the Good Samaritan. The Lord forgives them their sin, yet He expects His body of believers to aid in their restoration. And what is the “law of Christ?” It refers to another “one another.” As Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34).
From: September 21, 2015
Don’t dig up in doubt what you planted in faith! As the Lord spoke through the prophet Haggai, “Be strong, do the work, and do not fear.” Trust God, do the work and leave the results up to God. Focus on being faithful, not being successful.