Today's reading is Galatians1: 11-24
11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel.12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days.19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother.20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!)21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.23 They only were hearing it said, "He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy."24 And they glorified God because of me.
The thinking questions for today are:
Do you feel free today? Truly free?
From what or where did God save you? Thank Him! Tell your friends!
With what kinds of grace-gifts has God equipped you? Write them down, thank Him, and ask God to use you. Watch out - he will!
Copyright 2012 She Reads Truth. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days.19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother.20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!)21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.23 They only were hearing it said, "He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy."24 And they glorified God because of me.
The thinking questions for today are:
To be honest, these questions are much harder to answer than yesterday's. I feel like I don't understand myself well enough to be sure of any of this, but here we go!
Do you feel....
No. I continue to try to replace the bondage I feel from by past, with the freedom that God promises is mine in Christ. But all I can do is claim the promise is true in my life and have faith that it is real. I do not feel it at all. How do I get to the place of feeling the freedom of forgiveness and life in Christ?
From what.....
Thank you Father for delivering me from my sinful past. I was mired in self, ignoring You, and living a tired, senseless, directionless life. I didn't deserve any notice from You. Yet You never let me go. When I finally decided (certainly by Your grace) to listen to Your voice, I heard Your love, forgiveness and acceptance of me as Your daughter. I know now my life has purpose (to love You and love others). I can walk out my life with You by my side, knowing ultimately I will be with You forever. Thank You, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
With what kinds....
Oh, dear. This is the hardest one for me. Here I am, 58 years old. And I have no idea what my grace-giftings are! I can't sing, teach, preach, prophesy; I'm not even a good housekeeper or seamstress! I want to know what my "calling" is. I want to serve God with whatever gifts I have from Him. I have asked in prayer to have it revealed to me, but either I am not listening well, or He hasn't said anything yet. I am very eager to hear from Him!
This has been quite an eye-opener for me! How little I know my Lord. Father please help me to really know You. It is the desire of my heart.