For Day 2 of our 2019 Wrapped plan, we asked our Co-Founder and Chief Content Officer, Amanda Bible Williams, to pick her favorite reading from the year. She chose the final day of our Galatians reading plan, Paul’s benediction to the church in Galatia.
Galatians Day 19 | Concluding Exhortation
At summer camp, I won an award for having curly hair. The curliest, naturally curly hair. I felt pretty proud of myself that night. The next morning at breakfast I assumed everyone was whispering, “Is that the curly hair queen?” Yes, yes, it is I!
Sigh.
And goodness, isn’t this about the level of all the things we boast about? Things we truly have no control over? We can certainly work hard and make good choices. But our eye color and our physical achievements, our successes and our relationships—aren’t all these things really just gifts from God?
Instead of boasting in what amounts to little more than circumstances from our birth, we are called to boast in the Lord (Galatians 6:14). And “the one who boasts should boast in this: that he understands and knows me—that I am the LORD, showing faithful love, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for I delight in these things.This is the LORD’s declaration” (Jeremiah 9:24).
The Hebrew word for God’s “enduring, covenantal love” is hesed. In his book Inexpressible, Michael Card defines hesed beautifully as, “When the person from whom I have a right to expect nothing gives me everything.” Our boasting then, is to be in the undeserved and overwhelming love of Christ, who—while we were His enemies, helpless in our sin—gave His life for us, so that we could be children of God (Romans 5:6–11).
Paul’s benediction appeals to this same hesed, as he speaks to the Galatian church that had foolishly followed after the false teachings of the Judaizers, and wandered from the life of the Spirit. As he had earlier called on them to deal gently with those who are overtaken by sin, so also Paul deals gently with the Galatians. Why? Because Christ has dealt gently with Paul. And so Paul can boast in one thing only: the hesed of God, seen most clearly in the cross of Christ. He exhorts the Galatians to do the same.
The apostle then blesses the Galatians with a benediction that can only result from the steadfast love of God. Because of God’s undeserved and faithful love, we have fellowship with one another. We have restoration when we are overtaken in sin, and reconciliation with those we have offended, including Christ our Lord. Because of His love for us, we are part of the family of God, brothers and sisters, and co-heirs with Christ to the inheritance of God’s eternal kingdom.
Paul goes on to bless the Galatians with the grace of Christ, for it is His grace alone which saves, restores, sustains, secures, and transforms us into His own likeness. This He does by the work of His Spirit in our spirits, in our hearts, and in our minds. In Him, we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The final note of Paul’s epistle to the Galatians is a resounding praise of Christ, in whom alone we boast. Next time you get ready to toot your own horn over your own achievements, remember that there’s no need to rejoice over ourselves, because our Creator already rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). Let His rejoicing over us be enough, and may we instead glory in Christ alone.
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65 thoughts on "Amanda’s Favorite Reading from 2019"
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I loved everything about this reading today! Powerful words about making sure that the inside is clean rather than only keeping up appearances. ❤️
This was a powerful reading. Paul really flips the script on what it means to follow God. The humility and intention he writes about are convicting to me.
These readings remind me of one of my favorite Bible verses 2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me,”My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will all the more boast in my weaknesses, so that Christ may reside in me.” A beautiful reminder that Jesus redeems us in our greatest weakness and gives areas to celebrate because we know He is working.
So amazing
Thank you
This year has been tough but coming out of it I know where to put my faith and I’m thankful that God has guided me through everything
Amen sisters
I really needed to read the passage in Matthew 23. I was profoundly moved by verses 25-27 that spoke of being sparkly clean on the outside but the inside is still filled with varying degrees of ugliness. How guilty am I of living my life like that? Thank you for opening my eyes to these verses today!
I never post, but through this I’m encouraged to start:)
I admit, that I also look for Churchmouse’s commentary!! It’s good! ❤️
24but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
Thank you so much Churchmouse – you are an amazing encouragement to me.
Rachael I’ll pray for you and your daughter. I remember my daughter going through similar situations when she was younger and how it made my heart ache! What I see in her now is how it made her compassionate for others when she encounters the shy ones, the hurting ones. And so I can look back now and see God was working in her. May it be so in your sweet girl also.
Ladies. I am a long time reader but don’t post often. I love reading your words and your wisdom and seeing what a community has been built here. There are some days when these devotionals and the comments on them are what keeps me going. I would like to ask for prayer please. My 8 year old daughter has always been shy and a little socially awkward, and early in 2019 she was diagnosed with high functioning ASD. She has always gotten along well with other kids and is well liked by most of her peers, but she had never had a really significant, meaningful friendship. Not long after her diagnosis, God blessed her with such a friendship. It was something I’d been praying for for a long time. God has been faithful, and has been leading to me and revealing his plan to me bit by bit as their friendship has grown. He showed me, quite clearly, that this friendship would be a lifelong connection. The road hasn’t been easy – it’s a boy-girl friendship and they are quite affectionate with each other so there has been teasing from other kids – but through it all God has kept me leaning in to Him, keeping my faith and my hope up. But now they seem to have hit a rough patch. We are on summer break here in Australia right now, and just before school let out, they were squabbling a bit. Nothing serious, but often. They ended the school year on a really good note. But she went to his house for a play a few days ago and it didn’t go well. More squabbling, although she did say the day was pretty good overall. Just not as good as it was in the beginning. Through this uncertain season, God’s constant message to me had been ‘Trust me’ and ‘In my timing’. I am quite literally seeing Proverbs 3:5-6 everywhere I turn! But this Mama’s heart is bleeding and I’m struggling to trust. Please pray for me and my little girl.
Dearest dearest SRT Sisters, I am truly truly overwhelmed by your comments and words…
I had no idea of the impact of my words or as I like to say, my ‘ramblings’..
I am touched by every encouraging word, every prayer and words of comfort and love shown here today..
Forever grateful for this family of women who meet here with our one goal, to speak, share and get to know the One who gave, that we might have… Jesus, our best gift ever from God, Emmanuel.. God with us…Luke1:46-48
Mary said, “My heart praises the Lord; my soul is glad because of God my Saviour, for he has remembered me, his lowly servant! From now on all people will call me happy,)
With my hand on my heart I salute and thank you all for you,your friendship and the journey we are on… no matter the continent or distance, we are United, always and for always.. thank you.
Praying 2020 will be filled with great vision of heart, mind and soul for each of us…
I love you all..
Tina. ❤
In 2019, feelings of “this isn’t how it’s supposed to be,” were my constant companion. The first half of the year, my job as a teacher was the hardest it’d ever been. At the same time, my roommate and good friend was in a serious relationship and I saw her less and less and missed her dearly. In the summer, I found refreshment as I spent much of my time off with the Lord and prioritized prayer and time in His word, but my time off work also triggered deep loneliness at the same time. This fall brought my roommates wedding and her moving out, and a new roommate moved in. I also turned 30 which prompted some reflection :) At the same time, the person who I considered my best friend seriously distanced herself and I lost that friendship. Also, a guy I met online and I became emotionally close over messages and phone calls, but when we met (we didn’t live in the same state) things changed…I told him we should move on, and he didn’t respond. We haven’t talked since. Meanwhile, some of my friends who had been single with me began dating or moving towards a relationship…if I’m honest, it has been hard for me because as much as I truly want it for them, seeing their relationships also reminds me I’m alone.
The Lord has really been speaking to me this week that I need to trust him more. I need to surrender to His plans instead of getting frustrated that my life hasn’t turned out the way I thought it would. I’m committed to pray more fervently in 2020; to pray His will be done, and He receive glory, and that He’ll give me more faith (“help my unbelief!” Like the man told Jesus). And also, I’m going to pray for those relationships I long for—a new close friend and even a husband—and pray for you all, my SRT family.
He will use that 3 year relationship to make you stronger and more like him if you allow it. He’ll also speak through you to share your struggles,temptations, and difficulty trusting in Him. I too had a long relationship that ended and have seen God use my pain, disobedience, and stubbornness to speak to others. God is with you!
Tina. Like all here, I too have missed you this past year, your words of wisdom. I was so grateful to see your post. My heart breaks for your losses & I hold you close in prayer from across huge continents & oceans away.
I just want to thank all here for your consistent love, wisdom, truth of your walks with our Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you for sharing. I lift you all in prayer as we walk into the New Year.
The hardest part about letting go of what we want is trusting that God has something better in store for us. In doing so we are saying, Lord you have control not me. And that is constantly where I fail. In admiring I don’t have control I fight with myself daily to be okay with that. I’d like to say that I am where I am because of good (and bad) decisions, but ultimately I know that God has guide me, worked on me, molded me, pushed me, and loved me tirelessly. I cannot boast in myself. I praise and thank him constantly. In this last decade. I graduate college. Married who I thought was the love of my life. Watched that marriage end because of it being a toxic relationship with an unfaithful person. Had a beautiful daughter result from it though. Reconnected life a life long friend and remarried. Had another beautiful girl. Landed my dream job. And through the good times and bad have trusted That God has always gone before me and knows my heart and prayers before I say them. I hope everyone continues to lean into the Lord and his word and is able to let go and let God be the one in control!
Well this series of Scriptures brought both conviction and reminders of God’s grace. Upon the heels of several days with my daughter and son-in-law, I was met this morning with this exhortation to not boast in ourselves but in the Lord. Though there were moments where our conversations were centered around thoughts about the sovereignty and astounding infinity of God and the gospel truths, there was also times where our discussions seemed to fall on us and our accomplishments without acknowledging that ultimately all good that is in our lives is a gift from God. I confess this in the presence of our God and of you all asking for forgiveness and cleansing of this short-sighted view we had. I am praying for opportunity to perhaps share the ideas from this devotion with my family. We all need to hear that it’s only through being transformed by Christ’s work does any good come out of us. I’m so grateful for this plan of redemption the Lord has brought to us! Without it, there would be no hope! So since we have been given this amazing grace, what hope is in my heart! O Lord Jesus help me put away all boasting except boasting in the Lord! Amen.
Happy New Year’s Eve to my SRT sisters. God is good to allow us to study his word all together from around the world. I usually read SRT every morning while having breakfast before going to work each day. I enjoyed getting to savor my time this morning in the word since I am off work today. I loved the verses from Jeremiah Chapter 9 today reminding us to boast in the Lord and not in our works. God loves us and wants us to abide in Him….never to doubt but always to trust. The world wants us to doubt which is the cause of the fall of man….satan making Eve doubt in the Garden of Eden. I pray we can all trust the Lord and remember nothing is impossible with Him. I was so very happy to see Tina’s comments this morning. I have wondered often about you and miss your words of wisdom. Praying for you to feel God’s comfort and strength today and in the days to come. Hugs from across the pond!
Since SRT is using this week to go back and review favorite devotions over 2019 I spent some time rereading our posts, retreading the paths we’ve taken, open the viewfinder to our hearts. I stopped and prayed for some of the needs shared there…Ashley P.’s friend, Sharon Smith, and Churchmouse.
LIZ A., what I posted back in September might be an encouragement for today.
(In Lysa Terkeurst’s book, Embraced, I read a devotional called, “Telling my Flesh No.” She used Ephesians 3:14-19 with the devotion. I will share it as she put it. “If we grasp the full love of Christ, we won’t grab at other things to fill us. Or if we do, we’ll sense it. We’ll feel a prick in our spirits when our flesh makes frenzied swipes at happiness, and we’ll pause. In this pause lies the greatest daily choice we can make. AM I WILLING TO TELL MY FLESH NO, SO I CAN SAY YES TO THE FULLNESS OF GOD IN THIS SITUATION? And this isn’t about us putting on a brave face and hoping for the best when we feel powerless. We have the power through Christ, who is over every power, including the pull of the flesh. When we have Christ, we are full-fully loved and accepted and empowered to say no. This is true on the days we feel it, and it’s still true when we don’t feel Jesus’ love at all. If we live rooted and established in His love, we don’t just have knowledge of His love in our minds, but it becomes a reality that anchors us. Though winds of hurt blow, they cannot uproot us and rip us apart. His love holds us. His love grounds us. His love is a glorious weight preventing harsh words and hurtful situations from being a destructive force. We feel the wind but aren’t destroyed by it. This is the ‘fullness of God.’ ” She goes on to say it is not tied to accomplishment or another person’s love or acceptance of you. You are fully loved, fully accepted, and fully empowered to say no to the flesh and speak the truth in the power He’s given.) . God’s love for you and call to your life is obvious as He pricks your heart in this situation. His power is yours. When you get to the other side of this situation, it will be in His power and strength You will rest and in, and in Him you will boast. I’m praying for you, sister.
CHURCHMOUSE, in September we were praying for your precious granddaughter, among other heavy family burdens you carried. We held your arms up as God fought the battles. God continues to bring you and your family to my heart and mind at various times, and when He does, I begin by thanking Him for you and His care. Faithfully you speak His truth and give Him the glory. Thank you for your witness.
TINA, as others have shared, you have been missed. Welcome back sister-this is a place where you are loved.
2019 has not been an easy journey. BUT GOD, praise God for the promise of the words,… BUT GOD. The loss, the challenges, the dependency, has changed me, and I am thankful. Slowly, but surely…things-though “good” were crowding onto the throne of my life. I didn’t realize I was letting them pile in, afterall, they were “good” things/people. Praise God, He doesn’t share His throne, nor should He. Praise God, He has been gentle with me as He opened my eyes. The tears that flowed from them must have come directly from His throne room, because they washed my eyes, and I was able to see. He is not finished with me. As I draw closer and closer to Him He will love me more and more deeply, carrying me, disciplining me, guiding each step as I follow Him into 2020. We are not alone sisters in Christ. He has a plan and a purpose for each of us. Lord God, the breadth of Who You are amazes me, your love confounds me, I am humbly yours. Clear the clutter from my life Lord and reign. Grow my love for You, pour it out onto others, and may their eyes only see You. Amen.
Thank you so much for your prayers, Angie. My friend has distanced herself from me and I am still grieving the loss…she was one of my closest friends. She told me on my birthday in early November that she was getting divorced. I know she has been seeing another man (not her husband) who she met through her hobby, but I only know this because a mutual, concerned friend told me, and because I’ve overheard her on the phone with him. She’s keeping it a secret from me. In fact, she doesn’t talk to me about anything in her personal life anymore. I don’t even know where she’s living or if she’s moved out. I’ve tried texting her gentle questions, but she told me that while she cares about me, she’s not ready to talk about anything yet. I believe it’s because she knows her affair and lifestyle choices are wrong…so, I’ve let go of the friendship, but I miss her and because we work together I see her often and it’s hard. Honestly, your comment reminded me I need to keep praying for her. I’ve really tried to stop thinking about her altogether because it’s painful, but I am reminded that I must continue to pray. Thank you for that.
Hi Liz A,
Praying for you. It can be hard to let go of the guilt even when you know that letting go is God’s best for you. That guilt is straight from the enemy; rebuke it and send it straight back to hell! I pray that you have peace in trusting in God’s plan for your life and know that He has bigger and better plans in store for you.
Hi Tina!
So happy to see you back here; your words have been missed. I am so sorry for the loss you’ve endured this year. Know that God is holding you close and continue to hold onto that thread of hope. I pray that 2020 is filled with joy, hope, abundance and blessing for you.
Thank you for these scriptures this morning. My spirit needed to hear this. We are all NEW creatures in Christ and what we have, acquire, or are is due to Christ. This should be a daily reminder that without Him we really are nothing. Thank you!
I don’t post often, but am thankful for all of you and lift you all up in prayer.
May God’s blessings overflow to each of you in 2020.
Liz A –I completely understand what you are going through. Over almost 40 years ago, I was in a relationship that was toxic for me, however unlike you, I knew it, but continued the relationship, because “I loved him” and “That love would change him.” There were about 7 years of our 21 years that I would call “happy”. After 2 sons, and a 21 year marriage I decided I had to leave for my boys. It was so difficult because I believed in my vows. However it wasn’t good for my sons and I know I should have left years before. After 7, years I married a man who I also had a toxic relationship with. Both of these marriages were what lead me to my relationship with Christ. I always believed, attended swervices, and taught religious ed, but never did I have the relationship I do now. I am still married, and although we don’t share the same kind of relationship with Christ, Christ has worked in our marriage and we have developed a respectful, loving life together. We have been together now 12 yrs and each year I see how the Lord is working on me….which in turn reflects in our marriage. HE is my reason for all things. I still see my ex, love him dearly and pray for nothing but the the best for him. My two sons have been damaged from what they went through. I know that will haunt me FOREVER. I know Christ’s blood has washed that sin away, but when I see the effect/affect it’s had on my boys, I don’t forget. ALL the blessings I have, which I’m unable to count are because of HIM!! Praying for you to stay focused on the Lord our God and allow HIM to bless you and show you what you can accomplish through HIM. Blessings to you!
Oh my how God’s Word is alive! I know that I read this in the initial Galatians plan,but reading again this morning God spoke to me in a whole different way. As someone who struggles with perfectionism and not feeling good enough, this was a perfect reminder that Christ is everything and all I need.
Thank you ladies for sharing. Although this is my first post here, I read, pray for and learn from you all daily.
Tina, so good to hear from you! You have been greatly missed and often thought of from “across the pond and half a continent” away! My heart aches for what you’ve experienced this year. I, too, lost my father, my Daddy, my Hero, to dementia this past year. Such a difficult journey that can only be traveled step by step with the Good Shepherd. Will pray for you and my SRT sisters as we face the new year together interpreting life through the lens of His Word.
Well said. Thank you for the reminder. ❤️
A good reminder for me. I enjoyed this.
So good to see you back Tina! I have missed seeing your comments! I lost my husband to cancer in June so 2109 was a hard year for me too but like you said, my Lord was there and has helped me through. Happy New Year 2020!
Liz A, Ive been there! I fought God to hold onto a relationship I wanted but I knew He didn’t want(on and off all through college). There is grace and love found only in Him!! He loves you more than anyone else could, even yourself! He wants what is best for you today and the rest of you life! May your heart heal in His unending love this new year!
How I love to start each day with all of you! 2019 was filled with ups and downs but a highlight was visiting Israel and standing in the empty tomb. There are no words. Every time I sing Living Hope by Phil Wickham I sob with the lines “then came the morning that sealed the promise, your buried body began to breathe, out of the silence the Roaring Lion declared the grave has no claim on me, Jesus yours is the victory!”
May I be reminded everyday of 2020 that the victory has already be won.
Praying for you, Liz A! ❤️
Tina, I am a mostly silent walker with this group. I have searched for your words and thoughts this year. I am watching dementia rob my mom of her life. Such a sad journey but so thankful she is surround by family. My prayers are with you as you begin this new year.
2019 has been a tough year – from celebrating a grandchild’s birth to ending a marriage, losing my six year employment and then grieving the loss of a young nephew – I believe God has better for me in 2020.
Oh Tina how I’ve missed seeing you here! I’m so sorry for what you are going through and so excited to see what beauty from ashes God will continue to bring forth in your life! Have missed you so and been in prayer for you.
Tina- my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I always enjoy when you post here and reading your comments. Remember that God is good all the time and that all the time God is good. Sending lov.
Tina, praying you have a peaceful and joyous new year. Thank you for sharing with us. Hugs!
Closing out 2019, it is hard to be optimistic. The world, both near and far, seems to be as the days of Noah and the Judges. Everyone is doing what seems right in his own mind, calling evil good and good evil. There seems to be no moral absolute and God is mocked relentlessly. We, His people, seem to have little positive effect on our culture. It seems we cry “Come Lord Jesus!” with more urgency. Given all this, what do we have to boast about? We’ve made such a mess of things. Ah… BUT GOD… Our God is the God who cleans up messes. He specializes in finding the lost and setting them back on the right path. He doesn’t overlook evil but stares it in the face and proclaims its eventual demise. He judges fairly and enacts justice. He reminds us daily of His generosity and care even in the darkest days. He doesn’t leave us or forsake us though we are unworthy of His hesed. We have the Holy Spirit within us to draw us back to the Truth that He is indeed working all things out for our good and His glory. We cling to the cross and we stand before the empty tomb. Because of both, we can live victoriously here and now. This world is a mess but there is an overarching message. God loves us, He saves us and He will make all things new. Let us go into 2020 confident in Him Who we believe. There is no other Hope for this world. And no greater comfort for the next.
Thank you for your ever encouraging words, Churchmouse. I always look for your commentary after each days reading. Thank you for using your words to always glorify and point us to Him.
Yes! Thank you, Churchmouse. I, too, look for your thoughts after my reading each morning. You are a blessing. Happy New Year!
Well said. Thank you for the reminder. ❤️
This made me cry grateful, hopeful tears. God is good and he is mighty. Thank you for sharing, Churchmouse.
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❤️
I too look for your encouraging words after Churchmouse. Thank you for being a mentor to me through your words.
Amen! I truly enjoy this feedback, thank you .
Oh Tina, it is so good to see you have posted here. I have missed you. I have been praying for you, from “across the pond,” not knowing all you have been experiencing there. God has been faithful to you and you to Him as you have traversed the dark path of sorrow and grief. Dear friend, I pray you continue to trust in His great love for you. I hold you in a tight embrace, grateful to the God who watches over us both though we are an ocean apart. Bring your tea tomorrow and I will bring my coffee. Let us sit together over our Bibles and tell of the great things our God has done and is doing and is sure to do in 2020. He is faithful.
Praying for you Liz A! I recommend Gary Thomas’ new book about walking away from toxic people…it changed everything for me in the best possible way!! Please give it a read and listen to him speak on it. You won’t be sorry. ❤️
2019 has had its ups and downs… it began in January with the passing of my sweet dear mum.. the middle months celebrated my 60th, and towards the end in November lost my dear dear friend to suicide…
I am holding on by a thread to my God as I write, as tears roll down my face, this year has not been the best..
But God..
But God…
Oh But God..
From beginning, He has given me the peace to know His goodness in relieving my mum of her dementia, of us all, her children, grandchildren and a couple of greats, being with her when she took her last breathe.. we were able to give her permission to go rest in the peace of the Lord, and that one day we will be together again..
A beautiful, yet sad, sad day..
I felt Gods singing over me as I was able to celebrate my 60th with loved ones and close friends, little knowing my dear dear friend happy in the pictures of our time away, and celebrations was battling anxiety and depression.. She took her own life on November 29th.. my heart broken, my inner most being hurt..
But God…
Oh But God..
He has wrapped me in His loving arms, Has whispered words of hope, both for my friend and for me.. He has been in my darkest moments, and though, there is a journey ahead, God is right here with me.. holding, weeping, singing over me His goodness and grace, hope and peace..wrapped in a Love only the Lord of all can give.. I am so very thankful..
My heart hurts, but God holds it close to His.. easing the pain of a year, lived in sorrow.. and yet..He has also given pockets of joy..
Hesed…
“When the person from whom I have a right to expect nothing gives me everything.”
I feel blessed to have had God journey with me this year.. I honestly cannot imagine how or what this year may have looked like otherwise.
Every Praise is to Our God…
Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
Praying the New year ahead, is filled and blessed with Gods singing over each and every one here… it has been an honour to walk silently with you this year..
Every bleesing for a God present 2020!❤
So very good to see you here Tina, I have missed your words. I am glad God has carried you thru the past year. I will join you and Churchmouse with tea and coffee. ❤️
So good to have you back with us Tina. You have been dearly missed this year. I am so sorry for your losses over this year. It’s so hard to see the ones you love so much go. But I am so grateful for a loving God who never lets us go and who will be with you, us, always. I hope to see you as a regular on here again in 2020. Much love ❤️
Hi Tina; Wanted to let you know I am praying for you this morning. I too lost my Mom this year after a rather long physical decline. I understand the grief of that all too well. Losing a friend as you did is so hard with lots of emotions. Keep holding onto that thread as God will continue to give you His peace and strength to move forward in Him. My loss was just a month ago and I found that just sitting with the SRT study every morning was a way for God to be present with me. Reading others posts encouraged me and reminded me of God’s work and presence in our challenges. Thankful for Emmanuel- God with us, for each of us. Sending you a big hug along with prayers.
My heart breathed a sigh of relief when I was able to read posts from you and Churchmouse. Tina, you have been missed and prayed for often. I am so glad to have my two favorite “responders” back, together, again! God is faithful, even when we feel we are not. May all my praise go to Him, the author and finisher of my faith.
Welcome back Tina. You have been missed dearly. Praying along side you for God’s presence to be made known in us and through us in 2020.
Oh, Tina! I am so sorry for you losses. I have inquired after you, worried for your well being. So thankful to see you “back”. Prayers for peace and finding joy again.
Tina!!! It is so good to hear from you! I’ve been praying for you these past months. So sad to hear of your losses this year, but glad that God has kept you through them all! ❤️
Liz A. God IS dealing gently with you! He deals in no other way but in love, grace and peace.
You have made the first step, speaking out loud what needs to be done, now have faith and trust that God will see this situation to the right conclusion…
Trust him.
Just trust and have faith in the goodness of God..
He is able. He will see it through to give you the peace of heart you need.
He is a good, good, good God..
Praying for you to know him well enough to trust Him, and have faith, that all will be well!
Amen..
A great song to help you keep this message close to your heart, is Hillsong Worship’s song titled “I Will Boast in Christ”.
I need God to deal gently with me! Dealing with major guilt over not being able to trust God’s plan and act in faith by letting go of a toxic 3yr relationship with a boyfriend who is NOT God’s best for me. Having major guilt & doubt. I need a lot of prayer my friends. A LOT!
Pride, God resists the proud. This reminded me of a sermon by Tim Keller called: Haughty Eyes. There may be things that you never thought were prideful, but after listening to this podcast, you see it differently. In fact, I need to listen to this again. Here is the link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/timothy-keller-sermons-podcast-by-gospel-in-life/id352660924?i=1000445092561
What a beautiful description given by the author of the word, hesed. We deserve nothing, but we are given everything. It’s so true that we need to know the depth of our sin and uncleanliness! He is a Holy God. Even our righteous deeds are filthy rags. When we think we aren’t so bad, we aren’t getting it. I just heard this in a pastor’s message. Just like in yesterday’s reading, the woman knew her sin. She knew she needed a Savior and needed forgiveness. The Pharisee that invited Jesus over didn’t see his unworthiness or his sin like she did. Oh, to feel and know my depravity and not compare myself to someone “worse”. To realize that I’m guilty’ I’m just as bad! That’s when I can get the gift and joy of the price Jesus paid. He paid the debt that I couldn’t. It’s amazing grace! That’s when my life, thoughts, and actions will change! I want this! I don’t want to be prideful or try to defend myself in my mind to protect myself anymore. Please forgive me, God and let this happen in me!
Love this! Pride is something I deal with personally, but changing my perspective to knowing all good things come from God, reminds me that there is nothing to boast about but Jesus!