Category Archives: God’s Will

AMAZED, Angels, Appearance, Bible, God's Will, Heaven, Messages, Scripture

ANGELS?

GALATIANS 3:19

“Why the Law then? It was added on account of the violations, having been ordered through angels at the hand of a mediator, until the Seed would come to whom the promise had been made.”

I know people who have had personal encounters with angels. Now, before you stop reading and mark me off as crazy, why should that amaze you? God has used angels all through history to deliver His messages to individuals. He has sent angels to protect and defend the innocent. So, let’s take a look at some angels today.

Paul speaks of an angelic event that is less familiar. A very strong rabbinical teaching centered around the angelic presence at the time the Law was given. Look at Deuteronomy 33:2. “He said, ‘The LORD came from Sinai, And dawned on them from Seir; He shone from Mount Paran, And He came from the midst of myriads of holy ones; At His right hand there was flashing lightning for them.’” That “myriads of holy ones” refers to ten thousands of angels. Pretty cool.

APPLICATION

Okay Carl, let’s see you apply this verse to our lives. Don’t you see? We are surrounded by angels. One of my favorite verses has to do with children having their angels. Jesus said in Matthew 18:10, “‘See that you do not look down on one of these little ones; for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.’” Did you catch that? “their angels in heaven.

How about the passage that talks about our unknown encounters with angels? Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not neglect hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” I want you to understand that angels are really an everyday thing. We should not be surprised if we have the blessing of such a meeting. I could have gone on and on listing more and more about angels in the Word. Why don’t you do a word search of angels? It might just surprise you.

Let me encourage you, though, should you have an encounter, don’t go around telling everyone. You might get locked up in a hospital, lol. Most people don’t have a box for such things. But we know, as believers in Christ, that He can and does use these heavenly hosts when it is appropriate. Until then, just serve Jesus. Don’t spend your time looking for angels. Spend your time living for Jesus and looking for His return.

And the angels cried, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come.”

Standard
Abiding, Belief, Bible, Eternity, Following, God's Will, Scripture, Surrender

THE SEED

GALATIANS 3:16

“Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, ‘And to seeds,’ as one would in referring to many, but rather as in referring to one, ‘And to your seed,’ that is, Christ.”

I have mentioned several times in my blogs that I grew up in a small, South Georgia town. It was surrounded by farms, big and small, that grew all sorts of crops. But one thing you could almost always depend on – those farms would have their own garden to grow vegetables for their tables. Those vegetables (at least most of them) were grown from seeds. Each vegetable required their specific seed. If you plant okra seeds, you get okra. If you plant corn, you get corn. Very specific!

Why am I giving you a farming lesson? I want you to understand what Paul is saying. There was one specific seed of Abraham that led to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. There were not and still isn’t many seeds. There is just one seed. There is only one way to receive the promises God has given through Abraham’s seed. That seed is Jesus. You have to plant that “Jesus seed” in your heart as you accept Him as your Lord and Savior.

APPLICATION

John 14:6 says, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.’” Jesus won’t accept a divided heart. You can’t have one foot in the world and another in Christ. The two just don’t go together. If you want to grow rich in Christ, you have to invest your whole self in Him.

A couple of chapters earlier, Jesus gives us this in John 12:24-26. “‘24Truly, truly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 The one who loves his life loses it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.’”

Follow the One Seed. Follow Jesus. Give up your life to follow Him. There is nothing in this world that is worth dying for except Jesus. And as you die to this world and plant that One Seed deep within you, you will see a harvest of thirty, sixty and one-hundred fold. Plant the right seed, the only Seed.

O Lord, I know Your promises are real and will produce in me what You want, if I die to myself and live in You. 

Standard
Abiding, Bible, Covenant, Eternity, Faithfulness, God's Will, Redemption, Scripture

COVENANT KEEPER

GALATIANS 3:15

“Brothers and sisters, I speak in terms of human relations: even though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it.”

Have you ever made a comparison between two things that were kind of the same but not? I have. Some things just don’t have anything else to compare them to. They are so far beyond our finite minds it’s hard to find the words. I have heard all sorts of comparisons to the Trinity but none of them come close.

Paul attempts a similar comparison in today’s verse. A covenant between two people is similar to God’s covenant with us in that they are both covenants. But man’s covenant is finite. It ends. It does carry weight, but nothing like God’s eternal covenant He has made with us. It never ends. We are forever tied to Him through the shed blood of the covenant.

APPLICATION

Don’t you just love Deuteronomy 7:9? It says, “‘Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.’” God loves His children. He wants to keep us close, just as He longed for the people of Israel when Moses shared these words.

We have another beautiful example of God’s covenant in the sky after each rainstorm. Genesis 9:13 tells us, “‘I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.’” This sign of the covenant has been nabbed by some people to symbolize something that God does not ordain. Don’t let them fool you. God’s covenant sign never covers sin.

And, of course, we have the ultimate covenant I alluded to earlier. In Luke 22:20 Jesus says, “‘In the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.”’” This covenant was cut with us at great price, the life of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ. Do not take this covenant lightly. Remain close to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

I am so thankful Your covenant with me is everlasting. It never expires and I cannot break it. You have sealed it.

Standard
Belief, Bible, Captivity, Escape, Freedom, God's Will, Redemption, Scripture, Witnessing

PURCHASED

GALATIANS 3:13

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written: ‘CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE’—”

Over 150 years ago here in the U.S., slavery was a part of the economic system. Slaves were purchased off the slave block as they arrived on ships. Most of these slaves came from Africa, but not all. Where they came from was not important. Where they were now was. The horrors of slavery have been told over and over. We should never forget it. The freedom for those slaves was purchased by acts of brave men who saw it as evil. These abolitionists even bought slaves in order to free them.

The word used in today’s verse for “redeemed” is exagorazó. It is not the usual word used for “redeem.” It is more general in nature. Albert Barnes explains the word this way. “It occurs in the New Testament only in this place, and in Galatians 4:5, Ephesians 5:16 and Colossians 4:5. It properly means, to purchase, to buy up; and then to purchase anyone, to redeem, to set free. Here it means, that Christ had purchased, or set us free from the curse of the Law, by his being made a curse for us.” One man for many!

APPLICATION

You and I do not have to do that today. We do not purchase people out of slavery. But we do have the privilege to show them a Savior who can set them free from all their sins. Acts 1:8 still has application for us today. “‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’” Do you believe that? I do.

How about 1 Peter 3:15? “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” You see, we still have a mandate from God to help execute this “purchase.” He is still using people like us to provide this ransom for their souls.

Will you commit to being part of this team? God wants to use us to see lost souls come to Jesus. Yes, God could part the skies and proclaim, “Repent now in Jesus’ name.” He could send every single person on earth a personal message. He can do anything. But He has chosen to use us in these last days to deliver the message. Let’s do this!

I am thankful You purchased me off the slave block of sin where I was doomed to an evil master.

Standard
Abiding, Belief, Bible, Decisions, Faith, Following, God's Will, Grace, Justified, Obedience, Righteousness, Salvation, Scripture

THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH

GALATIANS 3:11

“Now, that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, ‘THE RIGHTEOUS ONE WILL LIVE BY FAITH.’”

In March of 1969, a song was released by Frank Sinatra that gained worldwide popularity. “My Way” was an instant success. That song is still sung around the world. You should google the lyrics to that song and read them. Wow! It epitomizes self. Its premise is all that matters is that you do it your way.

In today’s verse, Paul emphatically states what he has been saying in this whole letter. Man is not justified by what he does for himself, by his works, by following the Law. He may feel better about himself, but that doesn’t matter in God’s eyes. God is concerned with faith, with confession of sin, not in how many works a person does or how good he feels about himself. There is no other way to the Father except faith in His Son, Jesus.

APPLICATION

The quote in today’s verse comes from Habakkuk 2:4. This is God talking to Habakkuk. “‘Behold, as for the impudent one, his soul is not right within him; but the righteous one will live by his faith.’” Now, if God says it, that settles it. He says through faith we find righteousness. We know that only the righteousness of Christ can make us righteous, not what we do.

Paul uses this same quote in Romans 1:17. “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written: ‘BUT THE RIGHTEOUS ONE WILL LIVE BY FAITH.’” Paul must have liked that verse in Habakkuk to use it in two letters. Better yet, he believed it to be true. Do you? Do you believe it is not up to you? Do you believe your righteousness has nothing to do with you and everything to do with Jesus?

An old hymn just popped into my head. Don’t you love it when that happens?  “Faith is the Victory” is a great hymn that describes our reliance on faith in our daily battles. The chorus simply says this:

Faith is the victory!
Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory,
That overcomes the world.

Go out today and be faithful. Place all your trust in Him and Him alone.

Father, I give You praise for the faith You have birthed within me.

Standard
Abiding, Allies, Bible, Eternity, God's Will, Harmony, Identity, Promises, Scripture

WITH ABRAHAM

GALATIANS 3:9

“So then, those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer.”

I am an extrovert at heart. I enjoy being with people. I like socializing and having a party. Being with others is critical to me. I guess I could survive alone somewhere, but it would not be nearly as enjoyable as being with someone. Why am I talking about this? Because the subject of today’s blog is about being “with” someone – Abraham.

In Galatians 3:8, Paul says God will bless all the nations “in” (en) Abraham. Then Paul changes the preposition in verse 9 to “with” suv. I know what you are thinking, Big deal, Carl. Well, it is a big deal. That word suv is a much weightier word. It means to be joined together tightly and to be identified with. That’s a little different that ev which means inside. Keep reading, and I’ll show you more.

APPLICATION

One of my favorite examples of this preposition suv is in Galatians 2:20, which we saw in an earlier blog. When Paul says “I am crucified with Christ,” he uses that preposition on the front of the verb “crucified.” It means we are identified with Christ in His crucifixion. We cannot be separated from it.

Colossians 3:1 uses the same preposition. “Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” “Raised with” means we are eternally connected. Nothing can separate us. We are “with” Christ. Do you get the picture? Do a quick word study. Look up “with Christ” in your Blue Letter Bible or Bible Hub online. Look at the Greek words for “with Christ.” You’ll see this preposition suv over and over.

Have I lost you yet? I hope not. I just wanted you to see that when Paul says we are “blessed with Abraham,” he is saying that we are forever connected to the father of faith. The promises God made to him have been extended to us through Jesus Christ. I cannot wait to meet Abraham one day. He’s on my visitation list in heaven.

O Lord, You have linked us to others through our faith. Help us be “with” others now so we can walk in unity.

Standard
Bible, Gifts, God's Will, Promises, Righteousness, Salvation, Scripture

TAKING INVENTORY

GALATIANS 3:6

“Just as Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

While I was in seminary, I worked for The Gap selling clothes during the Christmas season. Since I worked at the end of their fiscal year, I was also tasked with taking inventory. This required us to count every piece of clothing and apparel in the store. They needed an accurate count to measure how much the stuff in the store was worth. This information was passed on to the corporate office for tax purposes. Our “reckoning” of the numbers was important.

I prefer God’s count. Paul shares a verse from Genesis in today’s verse. It comes from Genesis 15:6, “Then he believed in the LORD; and He credited it to him as righteousness.” The point Paul is trying to make is that Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish nation, was not saved through any work or deed. He was made righteous through faith, long before circumcision, long before the Law. God “took inventory” of Abraham’s faith and counted it as righteousness.

APPLICATION

What are you “counting” right now to prove your righteousness? You had might as well stop. In Romans 4:13, Paul says this, “For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.” The same applies to us. There is nothing we can ever do to earn the righteousness of God. It is a gift through our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

And aren’t you glad it’s a gift? Don’t you love gifts? You do nothing to deserve them. Think about it. What do you do to “earn” a birthday present? Nothing, except keep having them, lol. Because someone loves you, they gave you a gift. The same is true about our righteousness in Christ. Because He loved you, He gives you His righteousness as a gift. You just have to accept it.

Sadly, some people refuse that gift. They think it sounds too simple. They don’t think they need it. For whatever reason, they refuse to accept this free gift of grace which makes us righteous. My faith in Jesus is “counted.” The inventory is taken. I am found righteous, not because of anything I have done but only because of Him. Praise be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I give You all praise for giving me this gift of righteousness.

Standard
Bible, God's Will, Modeling, Perfection, Scripture, Strength, Suffering, Testimony, Testing

WHAT ARE YOU SUFFERING FOR?

GALATIANS 3:4

“Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?”

Raise your hand if you are suffering right now? That wasn’t very many. Let’s try that again. Just kidding. I can’t really see your hands raised. But if I asked each of you individually that same question, you may respond in the affirmative. Perhaps you are suffering for your faith right now. You may face ridicule and scorn from family or friends. Your employer may harass you because of your Christian stance on issues. If that is your case, then Paul asks you a question today.

As Paul addressed the Galatian believers, he asked them this question we find in today’s verse. Many of them had suffered for turning to Christ. Some of them may have lost everything to follow Jesus. If they had not personally suffered, they probably knew someone who had. Suffering in the first century for Jesus was not an uncommon thing. Is it worth it today?

APPLICATION

In Philippians 1:29, Paul says this about the issue of suffering. “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,” How about Romans 5:3-4. “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,”

There’s a purpose in our sufferings. Recently, I was with someone who is going through a tough physical challenge. I told them that God allows us to go through things in our lives for a couple of reasons. One is to draw us to Himself. He will often use our life experiences to show Himself to us and call us into His family. Secondly, as believers, I believe He uses suffering to refine us and make us more like Jesus.

Paul is reminding the Galatians believers that their suffering was not in vain. God had brought them so far for a purpose. He had proven that He was all they needed. Why go back to the fleshly way of living? Why go back to trying to earn your way to heaven? God was and will always be all we need. He has given us direct access to the throne through His Son, Jesus. Simply rest in Him.

O Lord, You are all I need. I thank You that You consider me worthy of suffering for Your name.

Standard
Bible, Freedom, God's Will, Holy Spirit, Scripture

DEAD TO IT

GALATIANS 2:19

“For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live for God.”

What freedom we have when we finally get victory over something that has controlled us! Amen? It wasn’t until I understood the freedom that I have in Christ that I was able to escape the self-imposed shackles of religion. I believed I had to do certain things to gain God’s love. I thought I had to also not do other things.

Paul was very aware of this mindset. His training as a Pharisee had taught him to follow the Law. But now he understands that the Law could never lead him to righteousness. Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers says this about this verse, “The road to freedom from the Law lay through the Law.” Paul wanted to make sure Peter and the other Jewish believers in Antioch was reminded of that freedom.

APPLICATION

You can’t say it much simpler than Jesus did in John 8:36. “‘So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.’” Jesus is saying this in the midst of a conversation with the religious leaders. They equated freedom with release from enslavement. They did not even realize they were enslaved to their laws and guidelines. They did not understand the freedom Jesus was referring to.

In 2 Corinthians 3:17 we read, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” That is the key to our freedom. We have the Spirit of the Lord dwelling within us as believers. The Spirit reminds us of this freedom day after day. He tells us we do not have to be tied to the Law or man-made guidelines anymore.

I am so thankful for my freedom in Christ. I am thankful I am dead to all those old ideas I had about what it meant to be spiritual. Living dead to them and alive to Christ makes everyday a day worth living. It brings new excitement, not drudgery. Isn’t that how you want to live?

Father, I thank You for my freedom I have in Jesus and for the life I can live through Him.

Standard
Belief, Bible, Blessing, Chosen, Family, Favoritism, Genealogy, God's Will, Gospel, Heritage, History, Salvation, Scripture

HERITAGE

GALATIANS 2:15

“‘We are Jews by nature and not sinners from the Gentiles;’”

I had a hint the other day on one of my genealogy sites. It was pretty awesome. That hint led me back to the 11th century to a relative on my mom’s side of the family. He was an Earl in Scotland. Isn’t that cool? I find these family trees to be intriguing. Knowing where you come from can give you some grounding in life.

As Paul continues his rebuke of Peter in verse 15, we see him talking about his and Peter’s heritage. They were Jews, not Gentiles. They had prior knowledge to the things of Jehovah, unlike the Gentiles, who were commonly referred to as sinners by the Jews. But Paul wasn’t setting himself up above the Gentiles. We can see that later in this letter in Galatians 3:28. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

APPLICATION

What can we make of this verse today in application to our life? Know where you come from! We are told in Ephesians 5:8, “for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.” We were all sinners doomed to an eternal damnation before coming to Jesus. Never forget what God did for you in salvation. We should stay forever grateful.

I believe the second thing we can see in today’s verse is that God did not make the Gentiles a lower class. He has always desired to see them come to Him. Look at Isaiah 60:3, “Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” Aren’t you grateful for that? God had a plan from the beginning for all mankind to come to Him. He knows who will and who want. But the Word says in John 3:16, “whosover.” That included the Gentiles.

And the final thing I see in this verse today is a warning not to flaunt our position in Christ. I don’t think for a second that Paul was putting down the Gentiles in this verse. I can just see him standing and addressing the crowd. You have to remember that Paul loved these Gentiles and had a mission from God to preach the Gospel to them. He was not putting the Jews above them. We are all the same at the foot of the cross. Praise the Lord!

Father, thank You for saving me. Thank You for giving me a family tree that leads to You.

Standard