Mark and I had a good time at the watermelon festival, even if we did not make much money. The people were so nice. The food and art show were great. Mark came back from one of his walks and said that the local First Baptist church were giving away devotional books. I walked over and talked to two very nice people and they gave me this beautiful book that was put out by their church.
I love the way things work out. I brought the book home and realized that the next day was Monday July 1 and I could start this book with the last 6 months of the year. I told them that I might share what I find on my blog page and they gave me their blessing. So, here I am on Wednesday, week one, day three, of devotions and it fits so well with what I studied yesterday in Galatians.
Galatians, Chapter 5 compares Faith and Law and tells us that Law is our teacher that leads us to Christ so that we can be justified by faith in Him. We are to walk in the Spirit , set free by Christ. But we are not to use this freedom to indulge in sinful nature, but instead to serve on another in Love. All law can be summed up in this one statement " Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and your neighbor as yourself." I do not have to _______to be saved, but because I am save, I will_______out of love for Christ. You fill in the blank
The fruit of the Spirit are Love, Peace, Patience, Kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Today's devotion begins with. "Lord here I am, another day, which is nothing short of a gift from you. May I treat this day in a way that acknowledges Your goodness. Bless you."
Did you catch those last two words. Bless You. I have heard God bless you, but I have never heard Bless You God. Lord, I want to bless You. How can I bless you?
Next, I read, "Do not neglect the gifts that are in you...Meditate on these things, give yourself entirely to them so that your progress may be evident to all ".
So, I am to meditate on the Word of the Living God and not neglect His gifts so that my growth and progress blesses God and others.
"Undoubtedly, the gifts the Lord has placed within us are intended to serve as an encouragement to others. Clearly, God intended Spiritual gifts to benefit the whole body of Christ. The Lord has given us abilities to use for His glory and the good of others...and to advance His work. What a privilege."
It is a process, and God is not finish with us yet. We are given gifts from the Holy Spirit and we are to use them to further His Kingdoms work and Bless Him by blessing others.
"As you live this day, mediate on these things and consider ways that you can use you God-given abilities to benefit those around you. Be totally consumed with His will and His work. Live today (and every day) in a way that counts for Christ."
God bless you.....You bless God....by blessings others What a concept.
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