Tag: devotions

Galatians Day 11- The problem with rules….

On By Ben JenningsIn DevotionalLeave a comment
medium_205467442Have you ever noticed how impossible it is to keep all the rules?  I sure have.  If the only rules that existed had to do with just how we use our words then I would be in TROUBLE!  If we only had one rule we would break it.  Just ask Adam and Eve.  
With that being said, so many people are trying to get right with God by keeping rules.  They think if I keep enough rules and don’t break too many others then maybe God will accept me.
Paul had something to say about this way of thinking in our reading in Galatians 3:10-14-

10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

  • If you don’t keep every law all the time then you have broken God’s law and are under the curse.

11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. 12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

  • Paul quotes the Old Testament to prove that God has always taught that those who are made right with Him are made right because of their faith, and that if you try to be right with God by the law then you’ll be judged by the law.

13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Say it in a sentence: Jesus kept the law on our behalf and took the curse of breaking the law for us so that we can live under God’s grace through faith.  
Action Points:
  • Which plan are you on- faith or works?  Faith in Jesus Christ is the only way any of us will be accepted by God.  Have you asked Him to save you in faith?  If not, do it now!
  •  Do you ever think that God will accept you or reject you because of your performance?  Stop this thinking!  God accepts us because of Jesus alone.  Do right because you are accepted by faith, not to be accepted!
  • Take some time to thank God today for His 

New Thru 30: Day 4

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Matthew 13-23

Just a few verses that impacted me today…

1. Matthew 13:22”Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understandsit, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

I want my heart to be good ground. I don’t want to be one of those people who gets so used to hearing the Word of God that it doesn’t affect me any more. I want it to change me.

2. Matthew 14:1-2 “At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.”

Isn’t it interesting that the only explanation that Herod could come up with for what he saw in Jesus was a supernatural one…

3. Matthew16:4 “A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed.”

Why was it wicked for them to “seek after a sign”? I believe it was because to require a sign demonstrates a lack of faith. Those who say “seeing is believing” demonstrate a lack of faith. We ought to be people who take God at his Word. “Blessed are they which don’t see and believe.”

4. Matthew 16:18 “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”

God working through the body of Jesus Christ- the church- is the hope for the world. Notice the church in the offensive position.

5. Matthew 22:37-40- “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And thesecond is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

One of the most important verses in the Bible- God’s called us to love Him and love those around us!

New Thru 30- Day 3

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Matthew 1- Matthew 12
1. God became flesh. Think about that! The infinite, all powerful, God of the universe became a baby to save us! Incredible!
2. Matthew 4:4-But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” This may seem like a weird statement, but doing what God’s word says brings life! When you apply biblical principles to your everyday it can bring life in ways that you would never think possible.
What are some ways that God’s Word can bring life?
3. Matthew 5:13-“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. ”
What do you think being salt means? It preserves, flavors, enhances, makes you thirsty. It’s valuable and useful when itstill has its’ flavor. Get the metaphor?
4. Matthew 7:24-“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:”
Hearing and doing God’s Word is what gives a firm foundation for our lives!
5. Matthew 9:36- “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”. God give me your compassion for people!

New Thru 30: Day 2

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So with this plan there are some days that we just have a thought to prepare us to read. Here is what day 2 is on the plan.

Weekly Thought: Matthew 16:13 – Who do people say the Son of Man is? Matthew 16:15 – Who do you (my disciples) say I am?
One of the primary questions that is being answered by the Gospel testimonies is “Who is Jesus?”
As you read, remember that everything points to the fact that He is the Christ!