Wednesday, April 24, 2019

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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

24 thoughts on “Wednesday, April 24, 2019”

  1. yes indeed! Thank You Lord that we stand fast,therefore,in the liberty by which Christ has made us free” very humbling, please pray for a fellow I met this evening,name is Jeremy,he was troubled about some issues; is having a dispute with a friend regarding money, I told him I would pray that God will guide him & help him.
    Praying that everyone is in good health; praying the Lord will send the right person to lead our congregation; present Pastor is retiring, praying that our families are in good health; praying in Jesus Name for the Lord to keep our communities and homes safe, we thank the Lord for all the blessings He has given us, blessings to everyone on this site…amen

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    • Praying for these requests Sah For Jeremy that his situation will be resolved, for a New Pastor who is a godly man and that God would answer accordingly to His will. In Jesus Name Amen.
      Just listened to What a Wonderful Name it is the Name of Jesus. I had tears all through it.
      Thank you Lord for the Mainse family and for continuing this blog.
      Blessings to all Eleanor M.

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  2. Great scripture today to stand fast in the liberty wherein Christ has set us free. Amen! Yes, praising God for another year of life today as it is my birthday. Off to do some of my favorite things and meet for lunch with family and friends! God bless you!

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  5. We must all be on guard for the temptations of the flesh which are many.We must help those who continually go astray “gently” to find their feet again and remember that we are ALL vulnerable to Satan’s attacks because ‘we are all sinners’.Therefore,as Paul warns,we must be careful rescuing someone drowning that we don’t fall in with them.
    Beverlee,I prayed that you had your prayer answered yesterday but you fully know that God timing is always best.Big hugs,sister and may God bless

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  6. Dearest Eleanor, Nan, Irene, Doreen, Anne, Ger, Joy, Luisa, and Bill–thank you all so much for your prayers. I believe God was loud and clear, yesterday. When this situation falls into fruition, I will let you know. Our God is am amazing God and I put my trust in Him. Bless you, each and every one! Amen!

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  7. This is what I read this morning by Charles Spurgeon, Morning by Morning:

    April 24th:

    “And because of all this we make a sure covenant.” Nehemiah 9:38

    “There are many occasions in our experience when we may very rightly, and with benefit, renew our covenant with God. After recovery from sickness when, like Hezekiah, we have had a new term of years added to our life, we may fitly do it. After any deliverance from trouble, when our joys bud forth anew, let us again visit the foot of the cross, and renew our consecration. Especially, let us do this after any sin which has grieved the Holy Spirit, or brought dishonour upon the cause of God; let us then look to that blood which can make us whiter than snow, and again offer ourselves unto the Lord. We should not only let our troubles confirm our dedication to God, but our prosperity should do the same. If we ever meet with occasions which deserve to be called “crowning mercies” then, surely, if he hath crowned us, we ought also to crown our God; let us bring forth anew all the jewels of the divine regalia which have been stored in the jewel-closet of our heart, and let our God sit upon the throne of our love, arrayed in royal apparel. If we would learn to profit by our prosperity, we should not need so much adversity. If we would gather from a kiss all the good it might confer upon us, we should not so often smart under the rod. Have we lately received some blessing which we little expected? Has the Lord put our feet in a large room? Can we sing of mercies multiplied? Then this is the day to put our hand upon the horns of the altar, and say, “Bind me here, my God; bind me here with cords, even forever.” Inasmuch as we need the fulfilment of new promises from God, let us offer renewed prayers that our old vows may not be dishonoured. Let us this morning make with him a sure covenant, because of the pains of Jesus which for the last month we have been considering with gratitude.”

    Thank You Jesus! And blessed saints in the Lord! Amen!

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  8. Thank you saints Rob, William, Joy, Beverlee, Doreen, Anne and Eleanor for your birthday greetings and blessings. May you all be blessed as well. Just got home a little while ago from my celebrations. It was a good day. Like your postings too William and Beverlee. Thanks you Jesus! Amen.

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