Devotional - January, 24, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 1:3-5  Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.   

Paul begins his letter, wishing..., even in some ways praying, that the reader will receive the grace and peace given to them through Jesus Christ.  Ending it with an, amen, so let it be.  The two words I want to lift to you today are "rescue" and "will".  When problems come, I am sure you have heard people say, "it's all in your head."  Whether or not that is true is debatable, but there is some truth in the saying.  The way we think about certain things can really mess us up.  Moreover, our mindset can really mess us up.  Are we prone to negativity, conflict, depression, fear..?  It matters.  Paul reminds people that they can be saved, rescued, from the mindset caused by this present evil age.  It's normal to get enmeshed in things to a certain degree.  We are surrounded by it, especially with it being an election year.  But Paul reminds us, you can step away from it.  Your King, your Christ, is on the throne.  Serve Jesus, instead of all the anxiety building rhetoric and issues whirling around you and within you.  How many of you have watched people lose themselves and others in pursuit of money (1 Tim 6:10).  Our greed, in all it's forms, devours our lives.  But thanks be to God, Who knows our hearts and understands our attraction to such things.  But rather than condemn us when we falter, God saves us; that is the will and way of God.  Yes, God wants us to learn from our mistakes and messes, but isn't it reassuring to know you can trust in Your Savior in all circumstances.  You can hear Paul's heart overflow with gratitude in reading today's text because he has experienced God's grace in such matters.  God saved him time after time, even from himself.  And what God did for Paul, God does for us.  May your heart be at peace knowing it.

Pray with me...,  Holy God, hear us as we praise You for being the gracious and merciful God that You are.  Thank you for all the grace and mercy you have shown us.  Be with our loved ones, we pray, bless them in accordance with their needs.  And bless our church, that we may be the church You call us to be, in Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God's peace,

Pastor Brian