Devotional - Oct. 2, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 5: 24 - 26 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.  Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Paul is speaking into a difficult situation occurring in the Galatian churches.  There are influential people who are causing division in the church while the church itself is trying to come into its own.  They have yet to put down roots and some are feeling the urge to return to more familiar beliefs and ways.  Sound familiar?  It does to me.  I know when change comes my way, I have to beware of my own tendency to sway in the winds.  As I watch TV I see people who have been devastated by the hurricane.  Their lives completely altered.  Their properties destroyed.  I know that many of you can identify with their experience and it may even have been from the effects of a hurricane.  For others, it came from different directions like a death or illness or maybe financial issues to name a few.  The result being a life-changing event that permanently changes your life.  Paul continues to give the Galatians advice that is relevant to us too.  He urges the Galatians not to separate themselves from God during the hard or confusing times.  Don't go to church and pick up your faith on the way in and then leave it at the door on your way out.  No, walk and enjoy fellowship in the Spirit at church and continue to walk in the Spirit when you leave.  If we depart from the Spirit, we will succumb to the pressures and problems of this world (Mark 4:19).  And when we do, we will turn to all kinds of things to deal with our situation.  And when we do that, the way we treat ourselves and others suffers.  We belong to Christ (King) Jesus, let our hearts be at peace (John 14: 26-27 and Matthew 11: 28-30).  We will still feel the pain and problems associated with this world (John 17:15).  We may still get caught up in the emotional turmoil that life brings, but feeling confused, angry, or afraid during such times does not mean we failed (2 Cor 12:9 and Lam 3: 22-23).  It means we are human.  Jesus experienced the entire range of emotions when he walked the earth.  The difference is found in how we deal with it.  In the end, those who walk with Christ know the Lord is with them (Hebrews 13:5) and they can and will go on, come what may (John 16: 33).       

Pray with me..., Holy God hear our word of thanks.  You are there for us.  You provide shelter and support.  Lord help us to turn more and more to You.  Hear us as we pray for our loved ones.  We ask Your blessing upon them.  And we ask Your blessing on our church, so we can do our part in Your Kingdom, in Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

God's peace,

Pastor Brian