LIBERTY! FREEDOM!
Today’s Reading: Galatians 5-6
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Ruins of the theatre of ancient Pergamos, one of the seven cities of Revelation (Rev. 2:12-17), located in north-western Turkey. Galatia is not far from here.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Galatians 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision or uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
The word “circumcision” is used in one form or another 10 times in today’s reading. I think Paul wants us to pay attention! The practise of circumcision was the most unique demand of the Law. The Jewish man was set aside in this way from all other men. Paul, himself, would have been circumcised, as was Jesus, on the eighth day after His birth. Dr. Nelles Silverthorne, renowned pediatrician, said on a 100 Huntley Street telecast that on the eighth day of a child’s life, the blood congeals more quickly than at any other time. God, who initiated this practise, chose the right day of a boy’s life. Those who wanted to convert non-Jewish believers in Jesus into Jews were insisting that men, whether they be 30 or 70, must go through this practise in order to be saved. This is why Paul, the Apostle of Jesus, made such a strong statement: “Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1). Both Jewish and non-Jewish believers in Jesus are a new creation. Jesus has changed lives and practises dramatically! What a glorious difference He makes!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, I thank You for the liberty You bring. It’s fine for a non-Jew to remain as they are in terms of the outward physical sign of circumcision. I need Your Life in me to produce the outward manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit. This is Your new law! Help me to “through love serve one another,” and to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Thank You for reminding me through Paul that “all the law is fulfilled in one word, even this, you shall love your neighbour as yourself, but if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another” (Galatians 5:14-15). I pray that I will learn these lessons well. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
It’s amazing to me that the same kind of people who sought to put the Galatian men into bondage are still at it today. One of my grandsons, David Shaheen, once worked in a warehouse where he unloaded trucks from suppliers and then loads other trucks for distribution to the big box stores. His co-worker, a man in his 30’s, came in one day in great discomfort. He was obviously in some pain, and my grandson had to do work which had been shared between them in the past. Finally, my grandson learned the truth. This man from Latin America was in a cult that demanded men, non-Jews, to be circumcised in order to fulfill the Law. I wonder what Paul meant in Galatians 5:12 where he wrote, “I could wish that those who trouble you would even cut themselves off!” Paul used very strong language to make his point absolutely clear.
Yours to encourage us to “stand fast, therefore, in the liberty by which Christ has made us free,”
David
Very meaningful message today, Rev. David. Interesting photo as well, Reynold. Prayed the inspiring prayer too. Lord Jesus, thank you for this many years of life, salvation and eternal life. Thank you for dying for me and the whole world for the forgiveness of sins. Help me to exercise faith and walk in love. Thank you for Rev. David Mainse, this blog and blogging friends. Today is my birthday and will be going out with friends and family. I was born in a snowstorm and it is snowing some today. God bless you saints.
Have a joyful blessed Birthday Ger!
Amen
Amen!
What a blessed day you were born, dear Ger! Happy birthday–enjoy your celebration with family and friends. God’s continued blessings to you!
Happy Birthday, Ger! Another milestone in your life. “How wonderful it is to walk with God”. Many Blessings (Eph. 1:3)
A very blessed and Happy Birthday dear Ger. May you be blessed with much happiness and good health in the coming year. Catherine
A very happy birthday to you !
Enjoy your birthday cake !
Diane 🙂
Having great difficulty today. My childhood friend (my bridesmaid as well) has just moved into palliative care. I was writing a long letter to her last night when I got the message from her husband. He said he would keep me posted. I could not sleep last night and I feel fragile today. I was doing so well even though I miss my husband. I know where he is. He is with the Lord! My long time friend’s terminal cancer is shattering my heart. Surprisingly, I am afraid as well (of what I don’t really know). I guess I need to go back to bed a get some of the sleep I missed last night. I hope I will remember what I read in the study today. I may have to re-read later.
I just recently lost my Mom, and I know it’s hard when loved ones proceed us to be with Jesus. Hugs to you Doreen.
Praying for you, Doreen, and your dear friend. Bless you as you rest, dear sister-in-Christ.
May The Saviour’s loving arms hold you tight Doreen. Praying for you and your dear friend. Catherine
Amen! Ger. Wishing you a very happy Birthday!
May God bless you today and always.
May god be with you all you bloggers, and give you whatever you may be needing today. Amen!
Happy birthday Ger may God Bless you mightly on this your day ….
I pray for you Doreen may Jesus give you peace this day as you greave
for your Loved ones… It is nearly one and half years that my husband
has gone home to be with Jesus it seems only yesterday… May God give
you His peace…..R….
you are in my prayer Doreen and Sherry and Happy Birthday
Beverlee
Lianne Hogg
Prayers for Doreen. Eph.3:16, God “may strengthen you with power through HIS Spirit in your inner being”. Physical strength as you catch up on your sleep (I think of Psalm 121 NIV, five times in these short verses the Psalmist tells us that God is WATCHING over us…he neither slumbers or sleeps…so that we can sleep and be at peace. Our prayers for your dear friend in palliative care. Our God is also watching over her by His Spirit and through the loving care of caregivers; while at the same time., “the God of all comfort…providing you comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3-7).
Also, thank you Pastor David Mainse. It must have been a hard message for the Galatian Church but, the message is clear: “Christ + nothing = salvation”. I think there is still a message out there that often communicates to others that it “Is Christ + ‘something’ – and there is always a strong tendency to add to the requirements of salvation. How grateful we are: “By grace are we saved through faith…etc) Eph. 2:8-9.
Have thorough enjoyed our journey through I & 2 Samuel and the huge impact of Galatains. One can sense the pain Paul was experiencing as he saw those saved by grace going off the track…
Blessings to Pastor David & Norma-Jean Mainse and all the bloggers. This is the day the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. Samuel
Amen. Wishing you an awesome Birthday Ger today and many blessings the rest of the year. Praying for you Doreen and your close friend. Our Lord is gracious and kind! Blessings to my fellow bloggers.
Thank you so much all you dear saints and friends for your kind words and birthday greetings I had a good day with my friends and got some walking exercise at a new facility as well. God is good! I am so sorry to hear about your friend Doreen and may the Lord be with you both at this time. Also to give you rest. Blessings dear saints!
Happy Birthday Ger, may you be blessed of the Lord!!
May your heart be at peace Doreen…I pray for the Lord’s Comfort as He holds you in the Palm of His hand cradled in His Love.
Praise God we are a new creation in Christ saved by Grace through faith in Him. All things are made new. Praise God!!! Amen and Amen!!!