Servant Rules

 Servant Rules

Exodus 21: “Now these are the judgments which you shall set before them: ² If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years; and in the seventh he shall go out free and pay nothing. ³ If he comes in by himself, he shall go out by himself; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him. ⁴ If his master has given him a wife, and she has borne him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out by himself. ⁵ But if the servant plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,’ ⁶ then his master shall bring him to the judges. He shall also bring him to the door, or to the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him forever.

 

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GOD continued HIS conversation with Moses by giving a mindset of how to treat people. The deeply engrained mindset of Egyptian slavery was being addressed.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is compassionate, loving and caring, so HE views servants as help versus the way humans view slavery.
• GOD has expectations that employers treat all hired help with care.
• GOD gave freedom as the goal.

 

Egyptian slavery was cruel, self-serving and quite demeaning. Pharaoh saw himself as a god, which bred the thought of ultimate power. With ultimate power, came ultimate corruption. BUT GOD hated this cruelty. HE also knew that some people would not be able to own land and manage animals.

 

These people would still need to work, but would be unde4r the care of those who would have their own places. GOD expected everyone to help in sustaining life. Some people would become servants voluntarily. They would not be servants forever, unless there was an agreement.

 

I believe GOD’s expectation was for the hirer to help those who would become servants with a plan to be able to sustain themselves. The rules would protect innocent women and children from abandonment.

 

This set of rules would only be temporary, however, the heart of caring for people would always apply. GOD would eventually say that the law would be fulfilled by loving one another.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the rules of servanthood?
• Have you ever felt that your employees or servants need to serve you forever?
• How are you setting people up for success to be free as GOD wants them to be?

Destiny Fulfilled

Destiny Fulfilled

Revelation 13: ⁹ “Listen, then, if you have ears! ¹⁰ Whoever is meant to be captured will surely be captured; whoever is meant to be killed by the sword will surely be killed by the sword. This calls for endurance and faith on the part of God's people.”

 

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Working the cushy job was nice, but not enough after a while. There was a problem with the imbalanced population at the officer level that was noticeable. “Someone should speak up!” people whispered, but were afraid of losing their cushy jobs. I got with another person and we met with the higher ups, appealing the benefits of “balance.”  After a while, I was let go.

 

• I was willing to peacefully fight for a cause.
• I wanted what was right and was willing to give up the mundane for something better.
• Demise was no longer feared because the cause was more important.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, hears a pep talk for those remaining during the tribulation. Satan was loose and this meant difficult times for believers in JESUS. Instead of bowing down to Satan, people may gain the courage to continue in their open belief in JESUS, even unto demise.

 

My Observations:

• Human causes may make me fight someone, BUT GOD’s cause is one that brings eternal life.
• Believing in JESUS sounds easy, but it will make the world angry because it sometimes means surrendering pleasure for pain.
• Endurance and faith are needed because the world will brag about fame, power and wealth, meanwhile despising those who are willing to give it all up to live for CHRIST.

 

Destiny for the believer may require endurance and faith. I mean, in the days of relative truth, manipulation and word twisting, it is difficult to present GOD’s love which is JESUS. The HOLY SPIRIT guides believers away from the sin we desire over GOD. Who would want that? GOD does.

 

HE knows sin causes us to be blind, even to the point where we can no longer see or “hear” GOD. That’s why HE says “Listen, then, if you have ears!” GOD always, always has a better plan that plays out in this life and the next. Endurance and faith are needed!

 

Challenge

• Is the message from the writer harsh?
• Have you ever found yourself in a situation where the original benefit was no longer good enough?
• Will you turn from human causes to understand GOD’s main cause, which is to save all humans by belief in JESUS today?

True Freedom From Slavery

True Freedom From Slavery

2 Peter 2: ¹⁷ These people are like dried-up springs, like clouds blown along by a storm; God has reserved a place for them in the deepest darkness. ¹⁸ They make proud and stupid statements, and use immoral bodily lusts to trap those who are just beginning to escape from among people who live in error. ¹⁹ They promise them freedom while they themselves are slaves of destructive habits—for we are slaves of anything that has conquered us. ²⁰ If people have escaped from the corrupting forces of the world through their knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and then are again caught and conquered by them, such people are in worse condition at the end than they were at the beginning. ²¹ It would have been much better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than to know it and then turn away from the sacred command that was given them. ²² What happened to them shows that the proverbs are true: “A dog goes back to what it has vomited” and “A pig that has been washed goes back to roll in the mud.”

 

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After reaching a certain level, I figured people would listen to me. I flaunted my title and expected everyone to align to “my” statements because of the level. Wealth was an easy target to dangle in front of those who desired it. “If you work hard, then you can win an award” was the company line I believed in.

 

• I was a slave to power.
• I was a slave to money.
• I was a slave to being followed and giving “my” advice.

 

Peter concludes his warning to stay away from false teachers. He gives some startling truths regarding enslavement. The false teachers lured people back into destructive habits that people had escaped because of their belief in JESUS, enslaving them and taking away their hope.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is willing to cleanse me daily.
• True freedom is available to me when I follow what CHRIST says.
• There is hope for the addicted, the hopeless and the down-trodden through JESUS.

 

Following humans is okay, but following GOD is the best way to go. I mean, humans, even preachers and missionaries, can have an agenda that can lead to a false teaching of GOD’s love to get his or her lustful way. GOD sees this kind of manipulation and is not pleased with it , at all! Fortunately there is another way.

 

JESUS forgives and is willing to heal those who struggle with something he or she knows is not good for them. HE has faced every type of temptation and cares for you and me. HE, however, wants HIS followers to be wise and to not follow flattering words that may take people away from HIS love. I am glad GOD cares enough for me to guide me away from myself and protect me from those who do not care about HIS precious name.

 

Challenge

• What corrupting forces is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever been worried about something or have you been stuck doing something you know is not good for you?
• Will you reduce following humans who may be manipulating you to get his or her way and seek GOD’s way that can set you free today?

Brought Back

Brought Back

1 Peter 2: ²¹ It was to this that God called you, for Christ himself suffered for you and left you an example, so that you would follow in his steps. ²² He committed no sin, and no one ever heard a lie come from his lips. ²³ When he was insulted, he did not answer back with an insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but placed his hopes in God, the righteous Judge. ²⁴ Christ himself carried our sins in his body to the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. It is by his wounds that you have been healed. ²⁵ You were like sheep that had lost their way, but now you have been brought back to follow the Shepherd and Keeper of your souls.

 

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After fulfilling my desires, it got old to be out in bars and clubs with loud music and drunk, inhibited people. “You want to hang out” was the request posed to me. “Nah” was the strange response I provided. Something inside me was changing and I no longer craved the night life.

 

• I was getting tired of trying to have “fun” but remaining empty.
• I got tired of chasing a fantasy when reality was not even close.
• I needed something more than a surface relationship.

 

Peter talked about the suffering JESUS went through to redeem sinners. JESUS committed no sin, and while trying to teach people how to truly love one another, was murdered by HIS own creation. Peter then compares us to lost sheep, helpless, defenseless and illogical.

 

My Observations:

• GOD sees when I am trying to fill the hole in my heart with the world’s emptiness.
• GOD wants me to accept HIS gift of love, which is JESUS, so I can have a filled heart.
• JESUS is my “Shepherd” who guides me to places of peace, wisdom and love.

 

Only GOD can truly fix the hole in my heart. I mean, when I try to fit in the world, I remain lonely, jealous, lustful and sad. After momentary sin, I feel even worse. BUT GOD has a better way.

 

JESUS gives my life purpose. HE opens my eyes to the tricks of the world that leave me in worse shape than following GOD. JESUS guides me back to a place of true security, peace and love. I am glad GOD cares for me to bring me back to HIM with welcome arms.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the analogy of “lost their way?”
• Have you ever felt great about serving GOD and then felt you needed to leave HIM to pursue “fun?”
• Will you consider returning to GOD so HE can guide you to a fulfilled life that is no longer empty today?

Truly Free

 

Truly Free

Hebrews 9: ¹⁵ For this reason Christ is the one who arranges a new covenant, so that those who have been called by God may receive the eternal blessings that God has promised. This can be done because there has been a death which sets people free from the wrongs they did while the first covenant was in effect.

 

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Sitting in the classroom, I stared out the window, longing to be outside. When the bell rang, we were released for the day, but destined to return the next and the next and the next. “When will I be free?” I wondered.

 

• It seemed like I would be there forever.
• It seemed like I was serving a sentence.
• It seemed like I was being kept from enjoyment.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, tells everyone about the “new covenant” that was arranged by JESUS. He mentions that JESUS died to set free, those who believe in HIM. HIS death would also cover those who died following the Law.

 

My Observations:

• My definition of freedom is marred by sin.
• My daydreams of what freedom looks like usually do not include GOD.
• Admitting I have wrong in my life can be hard when I have too much pride to do so, therefore I remain in bondage, BUT JESUS sets me free when I admit I need HIM.

 

Worldly freedom can place me in bondage. I mean, when I am free to do as I please, I usually will not choose to follow JESUS. Instead I will justify why I need to get “my” way and try to convince others that “my” way is okay. BUT GOD sees through my false freedom.

 

HE wants me to see that I am trying to live a lie, but will allow me to do so until I can say, “LORD I need you to open my eyes to the lie I am living.” HE is willing to heal the blind and give us freedom from the sins we so easily fall into. I am glad JESUS gives true freedom.

 

Challenge

• What freedom is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever wanted to be “free?”
• Will you examine your definition of “freedom” to see if it aligns with GOD so HE can truly make you free today?

Your Own Free Will

 

Your Own Free Will

Philemon 1: ¹² I am sending him back to you now, and with him goes my heart. ¹³ I would like to keep him here with me, while I am in prison for the gospel's sake, so that he could help me in your place. ¹⁴ However, I do not want to force you to help me; rather, I would like for you to do it of your own free will. So I will not do anything unless you agree.

 

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Being chosen early for the game on the playground seemed strange to me. I had nothing to offer the team. I had no athletic prowess, broken glasses and a tiny stature. I was not one of the “leftovers” who would not get a chance to play but remained on the team in name only. When I scored, I felt like I could do this more often.

 

• I had nothing to offer, yet I was chosen.
• Even though I was chosen, I did not have to play.
• When I chose to play, I let go of my fears and participated better than I thought.

 

Paul appeals to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus. He had just acknowledged that Onesimus was now “useful” and Paul continues to say how much of a blessing he was. Paul asks Philemon to accept Onesimus from his own free will.

 

My Observations

• Sometimes I think GOD is too harsh because HE has rules and can’t stand sin.
• GOD, on the other hand, is extremely forgiving of me and wants a relationship with me.
• Free will to choose GOD or choose my selfish justifying ways has been given to me so I can experience true love.

 

GOD made it so easy to follow HIM that it is hard to follow HIM. I mean, HE chose me before I was born, but gave me a choice to participate with HIM or not. It is my choice to believe in JESUS and to live for HIM or not.

 

HE put me on HIS team before I was born, but I still have a choice to live for HIM daily. When I choose to live for myself, I bear no fruit for HIM. Conversely, when I choose to live for HIM, I experience love beyond measure. I am glad GOD does not obligate me to serve HIM but wants me to come to HIM with my own free will.

 

Challenge

• What is the heart posture of the writer?
• Have you ever wanted to be chosen for who you are?
• Will you strengthen your relationship with GOD by choosing HIM versus feeling obligated, so you can have a healthy connection with HIM today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please bless this reader to have a healthy relationship with YOU today. Let him or her know YOUR love / yoke is easy and YOUR burden is light. Please show YOUR love to those who choose YOU. amen

Reliability

Reliability

Titus 2: ⁹ Slaves are to submit themselves to their masters and please them in all things. They must not talk back to them ¹⁰ or steal from them. Instead, they must show that they are always good and faithful, so as to bring credit to the teaching about God our Savior in all they do.

 

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Ugh! I thought as I saw the word “slaves” again. But then I realized this was a term used by the writer as a voluntary action to repay debt or to gain payment. With that context of being an “employee” I remember stealing copies at work for doing my personal stuff. I also remember taking other office supplies and saying “This company makes billions. They won’t miss a couple of rubber bands and paperclips.” I then talked bad about several bosses I felt were underperforming.

 

• I justified my theft.
• I was taking their stuff and making it mine.
• I was involved in slander when I talked about other people.

 

Paul urged “slaves” to be reliable. He urged Titus to convince everyone to do the work as prescribed to be an example of our LORD and Savior in all they do.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to give my all when I work for someone.
• Whether I am employed or have my own business, I should be an example of GOD.
• Other employees or my customers need CHRIST too.

 

Being reliable is a mindset. I mean, jobs expect me to show up on time, do the work and manage stuff that is not mine in exchange for a paycheck. Sounds reasonable. But some people have taken advantage of other humans and not paid him or her fairly or at all. In this passage, I believe the writer was speaking about a job where pay was fair.

 

It helps me to understand the problem given to me to solve and to work to the best of my ability to solve that problem, reliably. Character is necessary because those who I work for cannot always be present. I gladly work for GOD in all I do.

 

Challenge

• How do you feel about the writer’s words?
• Have you ever worked on a job and justified your stealing or slander?
• Will you consider your work as an effort GOD sees and loves and rewards you for?

Boundless Freedom

Boundless Freedom

2 Timothy 2: ⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from death, who was a descendant of David, as is taught in the Good News I preach. ⁹ Because I preach the Good News, I suffer and I am even chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not in chains, ¹⁰ and so I endure everything for the sake of God's chosen people, in order that they too may obtain the salvation that comes through Christ Jesus and brings eternal glory.

 

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“I will never get out of this” were the words I said many times when I felt “stuck.” I felt that way in entering High School, college and jobs that had become stale. I felt stagnant and needed a change, but change was elusive and far away.

 

• I felt imprisoned.
• I felt like I was stuck and there was no way out of being stuck.
• I felt trapped with no way out.

 

Paul brings Timothy back to the main purpose of life. “Remember JESUS CHRIST” was his statement He then explained that even though he was imprisoned because of speaking about JESUS, the “word of GOD” could never be chained. For this reason Paul was able to endure his imprisonment.

 

My Observations

• My situation may make me feel stuck, BUT GOD’s word gives me hope.
• My circumstance may not be ideal, BUT GOD’s plan includes me so I give HIM praise.
• My present condition may make me think I am stuck, BUT GOD has an amazing way to use me in the middle of my blindness.

 

Seeing life through my eyes may make the future seem scary. I mean, if I look at past performance and future trials, I can get nervous and want things to change. When the situations don’t change fast enough, I feel stuck. BUT GOD wants me to see things differently.

 

HE wants me to know that HE is still in control and doing amazing things I cannot see or fathom. HE orchestrates many situations that shows HIS power and HIS promise. HIS word goes out to the world with full power and cannot be stopped. I am glad HE calls me to speak on HIS behalf, just like every believer in JESUS, and I know there is always someone who is free, when I “feel” stuck.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer feel remorse for being imprisoned?
• Have you ever felt stuck?
• Why or why not?
• Will you base your freedom on how powerful GOD’s word is and how it cannot be stopped and also know GOD is working on your situation today?

Stay Freed

Stay Freed

Colossians 2: ²⁰ You have died with Christ and are set free from the ruling spirits of the universe. Why, then, do you live as though you belonged to this world? Why do you obey such rules as ²¹ “Don't handle this,” “Don't taste that,” “Don't touch the other”? ²² All these refer to things which become useless once they are used; they are only human rules and teachings. ²³ Of course such rules appear to be based on wisdom in their forced worship of angels, and false humility, and severe treatment of the body; but they have no real value in controlling physical passions.

 

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Moving to a new city gave me a chance to start over. I’m going to leave my “old” ways and start fresh, I thought to myself. But after a while, I found myself lonely. I wonder if I should go back to my partying lifestyle, I thought.

 

• I had second thoughts about following CHRIST.
• I justified my thoughts by saying “This is boring.”
• I felt like I needed to return to something familiar than traverse the unknown with JESUS.

 

Paul addressed the problem of people worshiping angels, idols and food. Those who had bee set free by believing in JESUS were considering rules that would put them into a worse situation. These rules were “useless.”

 

My Observations

• When I am feeling lonely, I open myself up to the world’s ways, BUT GOD is always there for me.
• When I want to get ahead in life I am susceptible to deceptive ways, BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT will not let me go to places I should not be.
• When I am too busy or harassed or frightened, I am vulnerable to accepting desperate solutions that put me in much worse situations, BUT GOD is there to pick up my brokenness.

 

Leaving JESUS to follow the world seems quick and easy, but can be detrimental. I mean, once I have been freed from the bondage of sin, I should not return to it, right? Of course not! But that’s what I want to do. I seek the comforts sin brings me and I find myself following the world’s very strong beliefs.

 

After a while, I look just like the world saying “Don’t eat that” or “Don’t handle that.” These rules are not of GOD. HE wants me to remain freed and preach the value of being forgiven. All my sins have been washed away. I have died with CHRIST. I am grateful for the new life HE has given me.

 

Challenge

• What question is the writer posing?
• Have you found yourself following human rules because you were frightened or ambitious or had a moment of weakness?
• Will you focus on the freedom CHRIST has given you so your decisions will not turn out disastrous from a spiritual perspective?

Resolute

Resolute

Colossians 2: ⁴ I tell you, then, do not let anyone deceive you with false arguments, no matter how good they seem to be. ⁵ For even though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, and I am glad as I see the resolute firmness with which you stand together in your faith in Christ.

 

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Wanting to grow, I listened to “successful” people. One person on the rise gave me some advice that seemed a little off, but what did I know. It turns out, this person ended up being fired for fraud.

 

• I did not know who to believe.
• I tried to go on instinct but wasn’t getting anywhere.
• I listened to people who I thought had it together, but it turned out that they had flaws.

 

Paul gives a stern warning about people who are deceivers. These people provided very convincing false arguments that seemed to be good at the time. Paul commends those who had “resolute firmness” as they decided to stand for CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• Seeking human wisdom can sometimes get me in trouble, but GOD never fails me.
• Getting advice from people who do not believe in JESUS may lead me away from HIM.
• GOD wants me to have absolute resolve in my belief in JESUS.

 

No turning back, is a term used to illustrate going down a path and not returning back to the beginning of the path. When I decided to believe in JESUS, this was a one way path. All troubles, trials and tribulations  I face on the path should not turn me away from JESUS. Unfortunately there have been many times when I felt like giving up on HIM.

 

My walk was not as firm when I fell into temptation or when another path seemed “greener.” I would go with the flow of human advice and wind up in worse shape than the path I was supposed to be on. Fortunately for me, GOD welcomes me back to HIS path. HE picks me up and gives me resolve to follow HIM no matter what.

 

Challenge

• What deception do you think the writer is speaking of?
• Have you ever wanted something that you knew was “wrong”, yet you pursued it anyway?
• Will you seek the one and only truth from which you can base all your decisions, namely believing in JESUS today?

New Employer

New Employer

Ephesians 6: ⁵ Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling; and do it with a sincere heart, as though you were serving Christ. ⁶ Do this not only when they are watching you, because you want to gain their approval; but with all your heart do what God wants, as slaves of Christ. ⁷ Do your work as slaves cheerfully, as though you served the Lord, and not merely human beings. ⁸ Remember that the Lord will reward each of us, whether slave or free, for the good work we do.

 

⁹ Masters, behave in the same way toward your slaves and stop using threats. Remember that you and your slaves belong to the same Master in heaven, who judges everyone by the same standard.

 

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Finding a bathroom that was seldom used, I went into a stall for a nap. It was a summer job and my responsibilities didn’t seem to matter. “So what if the copier was not full of paper?” I justified in my mind.

 

• I justified whatever action I wanted to do.
• I felt they would not miss me when I was goofing off.
• I still expected to be paid for the hours I was not working.

 

Paul addressed the workforce, which was no small topic. Some people had complaints about the work he or she was doing. Others complained about their employer. Some employers complained about their employees. Still others were taken into slavery against their will. What was the answer to this huge mess? Work for a new employer.

 

My Observations

• My mindset towards work should be focused on pleasing GOD.
• My zeal to be promoted should be tempered by doing what is pleasing to the LORD.
• My dislike for what I do for work should be filtered through GOD’s reward HE is storing up for me in heaven.

 

Involuntary slavery is abysmal and those who steal people for their personal gain should be reckoned with harshly by GOD. But what about voluntary slavery, also known as jobs? GOD wants employees and employers to see HIM in everything we do.

GOD is the answer to treating people fairly in the workforce. Unfortunately, inequity reigns supreme. A solution is to keep going by working for the LORD. HE sees when you are overlooked, underpaid and slighted. HE also sees when you take time and material for yourself that belongs to your employer, or when you mistreat employees. I am glad GOD “sees me” in all I do.

 

Challenge

• Is this passage hard to read?
• If you are an employee or an employer, what changes can you make based on your relationship to GOD?
• Will you seek equality and fairness, knowing GOD is watching and rewarding you for your attitude towards HIM versus trying to get ahead by pleasing humans today?

Choices

Choices

Ephesians 5: ¹⁵ So be careful how you live. Don't live like ignorant people, but like wise people. ¹⁶ Make good use of every opportunity you have, because these are evil days. ¹⁷ Don't be fools, then, but try to find out what the Lord wants you to do.

 

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“Come hang out with us” were the tempting words I would easily flock to . We stayed up late having “fun.” To my dismay, I woke up late for my shift. I was supposed to open the dorm office and I slept way past the time. I was fired.

 

• I did not do what I was supposed to be doing.
• I made a short term choice that was costly long term.
• I could not see any problem with my choice until I ran into the problem.

 

Short term thinking was an issue Paul was trying to address. People had, too often, given into what the world would say is “fun” or “okay.” After a while, their eyes were no longer fixed on GOD, but their own pleasure.

 

My Observations

• GOD made humor, laughter and pleasure for me to enjoy.
• GOD made my life for HIM so I must seek what HE wants me to do and allow HIM to provide me with pleasure.
• GOD wants me to seek wisdom and make good use of every opportunity given to me to serve HIM.

 

Every moment does not have to be a Bible teaching moment. I mean, I must have faith that I know what GOD says through HIS Word and place it in my heart. But there are moments GOD wants me to be ready to speak about HIM and HIS SON as the Savior of all mankind.

 

I can enjoy life while seeking what GOD wants me to do. Unfortunately, there are times when I want to seek what “I” want to do. This is classified as “foolish” or “ignorant” by the writer. Harsh? Not really. GOD has a plan for me each day that is not overwhelming. I am grateful HIS burdens on me are light.

 

Challenge

• What is the warning of the writer?
• Are there any changes you would like to make in your life but need some help?
• Will you seek what GOD wants you to do and release your fear of what you hold onto so you can be filled by HIS SPIRIT today?

Called to be Free

Called to be Free

Galatians 5: ¹³ As for you, my friends, you were called to be free. But do not let this freedom become an excuse for letting your physical desires control you. Instead, let love make you serve one another. ¹⁴ For the whole Law is summed up in one commandment: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” ¹⁵ But if you act like wild animals, hurting and harming each other, then watch out, or you will completely destroy one another.

 

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Freedom was something rarely preached in the churches I have attended. Come to think of it, I have never heard “freedom” preached, rather lists of things to do. When the lists do not work, then I felt I was in worse bondage than before. I would doubt GOD’s power because the list of “to do’s” was not working.

 

• I wanted freedom but I wanted it “my” way.
• I wanted wealth, power and pleasure as my definition of “freedom.”
• I wanted what I wanted without regards to what someone else needed.

 

Paul reminds everyone that JESUS provided true freedom. HE gave one single command that enables us to fulfill the entire Law: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” There is nothing more “to do.”

 

My Observations

• GOD’s love for me set me free from my sins.
• GOD wants other people to be set free and believe in HIS SON as the only Savior.
• Once I am freed from my sins, I can choose to be part of GOD’s family and serve others with the same love I have for myself.

 

Freedom is confusing. I mean, many preachers would stay away from saying “You are free to sin because JESUS forgave you for all your sins”, but this is a true statement. When I believe in JESUS, eternal death was no longer my path. But something strange happened.

 

GOD then filled me with the HOLY SPIRIT, making sin less desirable. HE then opened my eyes to my “neighbor” and whispers “Serve him or her even though he or she may not look or act like you.” I am grateful I am free to let people choose and I do not have to control their actions, only mine.

 

Challenge

• What “freedom” is the writer speaking of?
• Do you feel like you can let GOD down by your actions or inactions?
• Will you get rid of trying so hard and purely believe that JESUS loves you and be filled up today to simply “be” HIS child today?

Stand as Free

Stand as Free

Galatians 5:1 Freedom is what we have—Christ has set us free! Stand, then, as free people, and do not allow yourselves to become slaves again.

 

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When things were going well, I found myself in the same pattern. I did not pray as much, nor did I mind sinning as much. But when trouble came, I was fervent in prayer and I tried to walk straight.

 

• I was trying to control my life.
• I was not sure if GOD was really on my side.
• I thought I could manipulate GOD by “doing” more.

 

Church leaders were prescribing more to “do” but Paul was sent by JESUS to give everyone rest. Freedom is something that CHRIST has provided for all who believe in a Savior. No longer do we need to show GOD we are wrong by doing the Law.

 

My Observations

• Peace is a gift GOD wants me to have, so I accept it.
• Joy is part of the fruit of the SPIRIT, so I embrace it.
• Rest is the place GOD wants to take me to, so I can start now.

 

Attempting to fulfill all of the Law proved impossible for all humans except one. JESUS knew how to navigate life without committing one single sin. HIS creation was busy trying to get others to not believe in HIM but to follow their preaching and remain blind.

 

Weak leaders want to be the solution and to grow a following. BUT GOD wants all of us to point to HIM and depend on HIS mercy and grace. Sin no longer has control over the situation. Whether I sin or not GOD’s power prevails. I am glad HIS decisions of love for me are not based on my actions but through faith.

 

Challenge

• What does freedom look like to you?
• Can you be free, yet choose to be a slave to GOD?
• Will you stop trying so hard to please GOD and seek HIS kingdom by spreading the Good News of forgiveness, love and mercy today?

Freed Woman

Freed Woman

Galatians 4: ²⁸ Now, you, my friends, are God's children as a result of his promise, just as Isaac was. ²⁹ At that time the son who was born in the usual way persecuted the one who was born because of God's Spirit; and it is the same now. ³⁰ But what does the scripture say? It says, “Send the slave woman and her son away; for the son of the slave woman will not have a part of the father's property along with the son of the free woman.” ³¹ So then, my friends, we are not the children of a slave woman but of a free woman.

 

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Hearing “GOD loves you” or “Trust in the LORD” got on my nerves. My mother and grandmothers were trying their best to impress something special on me but I wasn’t hearing it.

 

• I wanted to do what “I” wanted to do.
• I wanted to rebel and show everyone that I did not need GOD.
• I wanted to just be angry and full of rage.

 

GOD’s amazing promise was explained by Paul. Through two women, Hagar and Sarah, two covenants were displayed. One covenant was laced with mistrust, rules and disobedience, the other with belief, grace and freedom. Those who choose to believe will be freed.

 

My Observations

• Freedom is mine to choose.
• Accepting the fact that GOD owns everything frees me because I am in HIS family.
• Believing in JESUS is what set me free.

 

GOD chose some women to perform HIS amazing promise. HE redeemed mankind through a miraculous birth. HE grew up and raised women up from oppression so they too could be filled with HIS SPIRIT.

 

When the women were freed, there was no malice in them. They spoke about JESUS with excitement and fear. Many people believed because of their testimonies. I am glad I have had many women in my life who stood firm to the belief in JESUS.

 

Challenge

• What does it mean to be a child of GOD according to this passage?
• Have you ever devalued what a woman said?
• Will you ask GOD to look at the heart as HE does and see people as HE sees them so you can be added to HIS family and given freedom today?

Freedom is Our Mother

Freedom is Our Mother

Galatians 4: ²¹ Let me ask those of you who want to be subject to the Law: do you not hear what the Law says? ²² It says that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman, the other by a free woman. ²³ His son by the slave woman was born in the usual way, but his son by the free woman was born as a result of God's promise. ²⁴ These things can be understood as a figure: the two women represent two covenants. The one whose children are born in slavery is Hagar, and she represents the covenant made at Mount Sinai. ²⁵ Hagar, who stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia, is a figure of the present city of Jerusalem, in slavery with all its people. ²⁶ But the heavenly Jerusalem is free, and she is our mother. ²⁷ For the scripture says,

 

“Be happy, you childless woman!

    Shout and cry with joy, you who never felt the pains of childbirth!

For the woman who was deserted will have more children

    than the woman whose husband never left her.”

 

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Wanting to live “right” I decided to start over. My life was not going as well as I would have liked, so I pursued GOD for a change. I attended church regularly and went to a bible college to learn more. I soon felt bad about my relationship with GOD because of all the rules humans put in place to “follow the rules.”

 

• I felt obligated to “do” a lot.
• I felt like GOD was ready to punish me if I did the slightest sin.
• I felt more confined trying to follow the Law so I could “please” GOD.

 

What sets us free, our actions or GOD’s loving grace? Paul tackles this difficult question by tearing down a cultural norm. Church leaders at that time wanted to categorize people as “sinners” for not following the Law. Pharisees made rules to follow the rules. They were putting people in bondage versus setting them free.

 

My Observations

• Free will was given to me as a gift.
• I am freed from the eternal consequence of my sins because I believe that JESUS is GOD who rose from the dead after becoming a human and being murdered by HIS creation.
• I choose to refrain from temptation to keep my mind clear enough to hear the soft voice of GOD as HE speaks through HIS Word.

 

The Law doesn’t save us, JESUS does, so being “good” will never get me anywhere. I mean, I cannot rely on thinking I can be “good” enough to merit any favor with GOD. JESUS fulfilled the promise given through mother Sarah. She and Mary had miraculous pregnancies.

 

Belief in JESUS means I am forgiven for my sins and no longer have to walk the tightrope of perfection. This is Good News! Now, I can choose to follow what GOD says and be rewarded for when I choose HIS ways. HE desires to bring all of HIS creations back to HIM. GODS is not an achievement, HE is GOD. I am glad HE freed me.

 

Challenge

• What sticks out to you in this passage?
• Have you ever felt that GOD was distant because you were not getting your way?
• Will you know that GOD is already pleased with you and you do not have to “do” more, or “give” more or “hurt” more so you can get your way?
• Will you simply “be” HIS child by loving JESUS today?

Perfection Perplexion

Perfection Perplexion

Galatians 2: ¹⁵ Indeed, we are Jews by birth and not “Gentile sinners,” as they are called. ¹⁶ Yet we know that a person is put right with God only through faith in Jesus Christ, never by doing what the Law requires. We, too, have believed in Christ Jesus in order to be put right with God through our faith in Christ, and not by doing what the Law requires. For no one is put right with God by doing what the Law requires. ¹⁷ If, then, as we try to be put right with God by our union with Christ, we are found to be sinners, as much as the Gentiles are—does this mean that Christ is serving the cause of sin? By no means! ¹⁸ If I start to rebuild the system of Law that I tore down, then I show myself to be someone who breaks the Law.

 

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When I was tempted to do something “wrong” I knew in my heart I shouldn’t do it. I would give in and do it anyway. Later when something would go “wrong” I would look back at the point where I gave into the temptation and blame myself for giving in. This caused me to try to be as “perfect” as I could be.

 

• I tried to be “perfect.”
• I tried to assign problem resolution to the amount of sins that “I” thought I did.
• I did not look at grace as something that covered my sins.

 

Paul tackles one of the biggest conflicts within each believer. “Does the Law save us or is it belief in JESUS?” The Gentiles were not following the Jewish Law. They did not Sabbath, nor sacrifice. They simply believed in JESUS.

 

My Observations

• GOD’s Word is important to HIM so I choose to follow it.
• My belief in JESUS saves me eternally and the HOLY SPIRIT guides me daily.
• Sin no longer causes death for me, but when I sin, I am eternally forgiven.

 

Manipulating GOD cannot be done. I mean, when I think I can be really, really good enough to get more of HIS favor, I am actually trying to control GOD to get my way. On the other hand, when I disregard what JESUS said in HIS Word to humanity, I cold fall prey to tempting actions that drive people away from HIS kingdom rather than draw them near it.

 

Fortunately for all of us, JESUS took care of it all. HIS death, burial and resurrection took care of all my sins and I no longer have to think I need to be perfect. In fact, my messy life helps other people with similar messy lives. It makes it easier for others to understand that GOD loves messed up people like me. I am glad I am no longer bound to the Law, but I can choose to follow HIS word.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about the Law in this passage?
• Are you exhausted trying to follow the Law and not getting your way?
• Will you praise JESUS for HIS incredible gift and not be so hard on yourself or others around you so they, and you , can accept HIS grace that is sufficient today? 

Set Free

Set Free

Galatians 1: From Paul, whose call to be an apostle did not come from human beings or by human means, but from Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from death. ² All the believers who are here join me in sending greetings to the churches of Galatia:

 

³ May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

 

⁴ In order to set us free from this present evil age, Christ gave himself for our sins, in obedience to the will of our God and Father. ⁵ To God be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

 

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“Read the Bible” were the words I did not accept or want to hear. I felt I had fallen too far away from GOD and it seemed like there was no path to return. But the pleasure of sin was no longer working. It was a path to a “dead” end.

 

• I was tired of being a goody, goody so I tried sin and it felt good for a while.
• I soon found out that more things went wrong than right when I followed my own thinking.
• I felt even more lost and had no place to turn.

 

Paul writes a letter to the church of Galatia. He opens the letter with greeting of hope. He wants everyone to have “grace” and “peace” that only comes from the HEAVENLY FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. He knew the people were in bondage to sin.

 

My Observations

• Extreme circumstances seems to make two paths for me, one towards GOD and one away from HIM.
• GOD loves when I choose the right path back to HIM.
• Since the evil of this age is so easy to fall into, GOD made a way out that I never would have chosen, namely JESUS, who is my Savior.

 

Thousands of years ago, the times were labeled as “evil.” But what if the times are getting worse? I mean, what if hope in GOD is disappearing and placed on the waning pursuits of humans? It would seem hopeless and I would turn from one sin to the next trying to be “happy.”

 

Then when I looked at a true follower of JESUS, I would see that he or she was not shaken by the evil times. “What made them keep going?” I asked myself. I surrendered my life back to JESUS and little by little I started to see. HE did not take situations away from me, but protected me through them. I was then set free from the sin I easily fell into. I am grateful for being forgiven.

 

Challenge

• What do you get from the writer’s greeting?
• What action do you see that is needed from you in this passage?
• Will you accept the fact that JESUS took care of all problems you will face and you do not have to “try harder” to please HIM, but simply believe HE gave HIMSELF for you?

No Obligation

No Obligation

2 Corinthians 9: ⁴ However, if the people from Macedonia should come with me and find out that you are not ready, how ashamed we would be—not to speak of your shame—for feeling so sure of you! ⁵ So I thought it was necessary to urge these believers to go to you ahead of me and get ready in advance the gift you promised to make. Then it will be ready when I arrive, and it will show that you give because you want to, not because you have to.

 

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“Aw, do I have to?” were my words of discontent to an uncomfortable request that would fill a need but require me to stop doing my leisure activities for the moment. “Yes, you have to” was the reply.

 

• I was mad the rest of the time after meeting the need.
• I did the task but not with my heart.
• I could not enjoy my leisure after I finished the task.

 

Paul continues to speak about the excitement he had over those who volunteered their time and treasures to help other people. Some people had pledged their help, and now it was time to act on that pledge. Some were sent ahead to make sure everything was ready and those who pledged were willing versus obligated.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to serve HIM willingly.
• GOD wants me to give to others willingly.
• GOD wants me to pray for others, cry with others and give HIS word to others willingly.

 

Free will is confusing. I mean, on one hand I would love to be able to do what I want to do. On the other hand, I want GOD to simply show me exactly what HE wants me to do so I will not make a mistake. GOD sees things differently.

 

HE created humans with free will to choose HIM and HIS SON, who is the only way to salvation. People can reject HIM and pick and choose which portions of HIS revealed word they want to. JESUS loves HIS creation so much that HE allowed us to kill HIM. HE then provides an opportunity to make it up by having a no obligation relationship with HIM. I am glad HE loves me and I am willing to serve.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer urging the believers to do?
• Have you ever promised something, but circumstances prevented you from fulfilling your obligation?
• If GOD sent people to you to hear about HIS SON, would you be ready to speak joyfully even in the middle of your current circumstances?
• Will you look at your relationship with GOD differently and remove all obligations and simply love HIM today?