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 practice 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 practice, chose the right day of a boy’s life. In today’s reading, Paul addresses those who wanted to convert non-Jewish believers in Jesus into Jews and were insisting that men, whether they be 30 or 70, must go through this practice 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 practices 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
Is my birthday today so will comment later. Blessings Pastor David, Norma Jean and all the family.
Happy Birthday dear Ger, another sunny day for you to enjoy. Blessings to you and all Saints who are on this blog.
Amen! Eleanor M.
Best wishes for a very Happy Birthday Ger!
God bless you now and always.
Happiest of birthdays to you, sister Ger. And God’s continued blessings to you, today, and in the year ahead. May angels rest gently on your shoulders. Enjoy your special day!
Have a Blessed Birthday, Ger!!
Pastor David: Thank you for your love and dedication to the Lord’s work. Your are an inspiration to all of us.
Happy birthday, Ger. May you enjoy your day & be greatly blessed by our Father.
Once again I thank you Pastor David for your continued faithfulness in feeding us our daily bread and for your insight to help us understand The Word we are reading. Bless you.
A very Hapoy Birthday Ger. may God fill your day and year with happiness and good health. ????????????
The sun is shining…both inside and out this morning…what a glorious day to rejoice and be glad in the Lord!.
Forever it seems there are those that want to muddle the waters…apparently not content in themselves and want to bring others into there mold of slavery.
Praise God for this daily manna that you bring to us daily Pastor David, guiding us and expanding on God’s Word daily…free and untangled.
Thank You Jesus for Your Apostles, Prophets and teachers who bring forth the TRUE MANNA! But most of all, thank You JESUS, for saving us “from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence” Ps 91:3b For setting us free from bondage and slavery! Amen!
Thank you Reynold for giving us details of your photos and how they enhance the reading of day. I like the cloud formation in today’s photo.
Amen Irene!
Happy Birthday Geo today is a nice , and sunny day to celebrate have a wonderful day
Lianne Hogg
Praise God! What a great day! Thank you Eleanor M. Joy, Beverlee, Irene, Doreen, Catherine and Lianne. I have been so blessed this day with all the birthday greetings and kind words and celebrating with my family and friends. I remember these names from the beginning of the blog with our dear leader, David Mainse, and family. Would be great to all meet together with him someday. Blessings to all of you! Ger
Although late in the day, Birthday wishes are coming your way Ger, may you be blessed today and always!
A blessed happy birthday to you Ger! Glad you had a good day! May God our Father grant you a very happy, healthy year! Celebrate every day in the Lord!
God bless you!
my birthday is 6th of May! smile!!!!!!
Thank you Wilma and Sah for your birthday greetings and kind words. God bless you.