Below are my thoughts from the daily
Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Galatians
4-6. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you
read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.
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| Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art |
In our reading plan we have come to
the book of Galatians. This is the first book we see written by the Apostle
Paul. This however was not originally a book but a letter. Paul was the first
to carry the Gospel to the churches of Galatia … Galatia was a region not a
city. Now the church is facing some difficult times … many theological. People
have come in preaching and teaching a false doctrine of following Jesus. Not
only that, but they are still bombarded by Jews who are trying to destroy the
church. In the midst of these false teachings, they also have the Gentile
worship of their land to fight off and turn away from. There is definitely confusion
taking place.
Paul is writing to them to encourage
them and to teach them. In chapter four Paul solicits an emotion and memory
that he holds dear … “Where is that joyful and grateful spirit you felt then?”
(Galatians 4:15 NLT) Paul reminds them of the joy and spirit they had when he
first came and preached the message of Jesus and they accepted. Somehow in
someway they have let that slip away.
As I look at the church too often I
feel the same thing has happened to many Christians. They initially found joy
in Christ and the new relationship that they begun with Him. They felt relief
from the burdens they carried around. They felt a new lease on life. They were
on fire. The spirit of God was overwhelming them in a really amazing way. But
somewhere along the way that joy evaporated.
As followers of Christ we have the
greatest reason to find joy. We have been saved through the blood of Jesus! We have
reason to be joyful to know that this world is not our home. Sure there will be
moments of frustration, worry, doubt, and struggle. But those emotions should
not dominate our lives. Our lives should be filled with joy and that joy should
radiate for all to see!
Let me ask you, be honest with yourself,
would people see joy in your heart and life through a simple encounter with you?
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