God's Mission
Galatians 5:6
The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love.
~ Apostle Paul
Pondering Point
As Christians, we recognize that loving others may open doors for the message of Christ and His mercy and grace in our lives. The reverse also stands to reason: A lack of love can shut doors or make them harder to open. While tackling the place of circumcision for New Testament Christians, the Apostle Paul coined a great phrase for us: The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love (Galatians 5:6). James 2:17 says faith without works is empty. Good works can be one form of expression love takes toward others. One does enter God’s Kingdom through good works. That occurs only through Jesus’ death and resurrection. But Jesus’ dying and rising is born out of a Father expressing His love for the world through Him.
Prayer
Father God, thank You for loving the world enough to send Your Son. Jesus, thank You for loving us enough to give up Your life to save us from our sin. Holy Spirit, empower us with such love for the world that we may truly do unto others as You would have us do unto them. Amen.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119:17-24 3rd letter: Gimel (ג)
- Be good to your servant while I live,
that I may obey your word. - Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law. - I am a stranger on earth;
do not hide your commands from me. - My soul is consumed with longing
for your laws at all times. - You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,
those who stray from your commands. - Remove from me their scorn and contempt,
for I keep your statutes. - Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees. - Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Proverbs 3:7
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
The Promise
Psalm 34:15
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry;
Pondering Point
What are you hoping that God will give you insight into, particularly in His Word?