Daniel
God is willing to use something like exile to remind us of who He is and how He wants us to live. God is not Santa Claus. He is something so much more. Rather than being the fulfiller-of-wishes, God is the hope-of-creation. He brings life out of death. God is
Daniel
Today begins the study of Daniel. As a quick overview, Daniel was a young man who lived during the Babylonian captivity of the Hebrew people. He lived much of his life under the Babylonian kings, but he lived long enough to see Cyrus conquer Babylon. Along with the Babylonians, Cyrus
Galatians
When God crucifies you to the world, what are the marks you bear as God makes a new creation in you? How has God called you into service? How has service to God impacted who you are? Where are those gut-check moments where you decided to be faithful instead of
Galatians
We boast in the cross, because Jesus’ death bought everything we need. Jesus’ death brings forgiveness of sin. Jesus’ death brings restoration with God. Jesus’ death brings the promise of eternal life, which we will receive in the age to come. Everything we need comes through the cross. We are
Galatians
Jesus is all we need; imitating Him is the greatest goal worth pursuing. His love satisfies like nothing else. His peace calms like nothing else. His death brings life like nothing else. Paul gives a final warning about the people in this world who feel the need to put restrictions
Galatians
The spiritual harvest is worth the effort. It can be hard. People don’t always listen. People have free will and sometimes choose contrary to what God wants for them. Even so, it is still worthwhile. Watching the Spirit grow in one another is one of the most fulfilling things
Galatians
In a world prone to sinfulness, we who are crucified with Christ should be about restoration. Jesus came and died on the cross so our relationship with our Father can be restored. If we are following Christ’s example, we should be working in the people around us to help
Galatians
Those who are in Christ strive to stay in step with the Holy Spirit rather than provoking one another in the flesh. This is Paul’s argument with the false teachers. The false teachers disrupted the Galatians. Their teaching caused rifts, quarrels, and disagreements. Paul lists some of the desires
Galatians
How would this world be different if we trained ourselves to see God every time we saw something good happen? What if I praised God every time I saw someone share? What if I praised God every time I saw someone respond in gentles or kindness? What if I praised
Galatians
Freedom exercised in following God should unite those who are also in God. When God calls us to serve, those around us who are also in God should celebrate that service. We are called to be free. Take these words with a grain of salt, though. Paul warns us about
Galatians
We all need people like Paul who can ask us to reflect on our life and our choices. A good friend is like a mirror who allows us to see ourselves through their eyes. A good friend gives us an opportunity to see ourselves in a way we cannot otherwise
Galatians
The only thing that matters is faith working through love. With regard to salvation, Jesus’ faithfulness on the cross is all we need. As we respond to God and answer His call, what matters is Christ’s faithfulness working through us in love. Jesus is the key. He’s the