Galatians 3:5-9 Salvation comes to us by faith not by the law!

 Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness! (NKJV)

God will not be mocked by those who use His name to promote hatred and violence. Those who believe in Him will have the fruit of Holy Spirit evident in their lives. Jesus came to offer God’s peace to the world that He created. His love covered a multitude of the sins of mankind and in faith we are saved. Jesus came to show us the way to live and His truth will set us free from the traditions of man. Carla

Galatians 3:5-9

5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. 

10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.” 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.”

13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (NKJV)

Paul’s question sets up a contrast between law and faith. Paul presents the model of true saving faith—Abraham. In doing so, Paul demonstrates that God has always justified people by faith, not works. Paul then clarifies the role of the law in God’s plan: It was intended to serve as a guardian until the time of Christ.

Believed in God refers to trusting that God will fulfill His promises (Genesis 15:6). God had promised Abraham an heir and countless descendants (Genesis 15:4–5). Sons of Abraham refers to those who express faith like Abraham—not Abraham’s biological sons. Abraham represents the model of faith for all believers, both Jews and non-Jewish people (Gentiles).

Scripture In this context refers to what is now called the Old Testament.

Paul was fluent in Greek. His quotations of Scripture typically draw from the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament (Genesis—Malachi) called the Septuagint. This translation of the Bible was used by many Jews who lived in regions outside of Israel and did not speak or read Hebrew. Paul’s use of the Septuagint indicates that he quoted Scripture in a language the Galatians would have understood.

God would justify the Gentiles by faith.  Paul argues here that his gospel message—the justification of Gentiles through faith apart from the law—was always part of God’s plan. Elsewhere, Paul refers to this as a mystery (Romans 16:25; Ephesians  1:9; 3:9). 

Inclusion in the people of God would occur by faith in Christ, the promised seed of Abraham (Galatians  3:7–8).

In you all the nations will be blessed. This quotation comes from Genesis 12:3. In the context of Galatians, this blessing is the Spirit and the gift of justification by faith. In the Septuagint, the Greek word ethnē (translated “nations”) also means “Gentiles.” The Gentiles, therefore, were included in the promises that God made to Abraham long ago.

Those who have faith are blessed together with Abraham Paul emphasizes that faith, not ethnicity, is the determining factor—which means that Gentile believers like the Galatians can share in Abraham’s blessing.Faithlife Study Bible

Genesis 12:3

I will bless those who bless you,

And I will curse him who curses you;

And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Genesis 15:6

And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

Romans 4:3

For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 

Romans 4:16

Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 

We carry…
…the weight of the world’s unease,
…the anxiety of the day,
…resentment from past grievances,
…woundedness from an unfair life,
…unresolve regarding an "unpaid" debt,
…fear of conflict,
…the badge of being a victim,
…a preoccupation with busyness,
…an itch for perfection,
…clinging to self-righteousness (and judgement),
Things that weigh more, the longer you carry them.

“Come to me,” Jesus says in Matthew, “all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.”
“For my yoke is easy,” he promises, “and my burden light.”

Today, let us hear the permission to pause.

Today, let us hear the permission to not be at the mercy of. We have the permission to choose.
I am so grateful for the word, permission. That with our choice, we are not “at the mercy” of the cycle. Of what we carry.
When we are at the mercy of what we carry—anger, resentment, hatred, shame—we make choices that are harmful (detrimental) to our wellbeing.
A troubled young boy asked a man whether there was any compelling reason for him not to pull the legs off a spider. The man said that there was.
“Well, spiders don't feel any pain,” the boy retorted.
“It’s not the spider I’m worried about,” the man said.
Here’s the deal: When I make choices that disconnect me from my heart, and insulate me from the present moment, it hurts me.
The bottom line? These choices put a bushel on the light that lives inside. And that light cannot shine, and that ends up hurting those around me.
But then, like the little boy with the spider, how would I know?

Letting go at its core, is self-care. The gift of befriending. Yes, the gift of being embraced by Grace.
Grace calls something—invites something beautiful—from each one of us, and grace never leaves until the invitation is heard and embraced. It may shake up our life, there's no doubt about it. Why? Because Grace heals not by taking shame away, but by removing the one thing our shame makes us fear the most: rejection. Sabbath Moments

Psalm 59:16-17 There is power in His name!

 2 Samuel 22:3

The God of my strength, in whom I will trust;

My shield and the horn of my salvation,

My stronghold and my refuge;

My Savior, You save me from violence.

Joy in the Lord is our strength and His love is unfailing. Trust God to protect you and strengthen  you in His power because all glory and all honor is His. Our enemies are not flesh and blood but are those who have allowed the principalities of darkness to  work through them. In Jesus and with Him as our protector and in the unity of Holy Spirit we are safe from the evil that seeks to destroy us. The shield of our faith protects us from the fiery darts the enemy throws.  Carla

Psalm 59:16-17

16 But I will sing of Your power;

Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning;

For You have been my defense

And refuge in the day of my trouble.

17 To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises;

For God is my defense,

My God of mercy. (NKJV)

The words of these verses capture the positive thrust of this psalm. David sings with joyful abandon of his relationship with God, despite the presence of wicked persons. There are two verbs translated I will sing; together they capture the idea that singing in the name of the Lord is a wonderful act of faith (Exodus 15:2). The NKJV Study Bible

The chesed love that the psalmist hoped for is now the object of his praise. Earlier, the psalmist stated his intent to watch for God (Psalm 59:9). Now he sings praise to God, confident that He will punish his enemies. Faithlife Study Bible

The definition of chesed love is “steadfast love”; “faithfulness”; “loyalty”; “mercy”; “kindness”

Psalm 59:9–10

I will wait for You, O You his Strength;

For God is my defense.

My God of mercy shall come to meet me;

God shall let me see my desire on my enemies.

Psalm 5:3

My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD;

In the morning I will direct it to You,

And I will look up.

Psalm 88:13

But to You I have cried out, O LORD,

And in the morning my prayer comes before You.

Psalm.101:1

I will sing of mercy and justice; 

To You, O LORD, I will sing praises

Congressman John Lewis is one of my heroes.

And today (July 17) marks the sixth anniversary of his transition from this earthly life to the communion of saints. Each year, we say “thank you” to John Lewis.

I like Andrew Young’s take. John Lewis “didn't convince you by his arguments. He convinced you by his life… He believed what we talk about, and he lived it every day of his life. And he didn't have a violent streak in his body. And he was always forgiving, always loving, always understanding. And he never made you feel guilty. But he made you feel responsible.”

I’m always curious about how people (how we) choose the paradigm to write, tell stories, preach and live. What’s the invitation today?

From my life journey, here’s what I know; if the story makes me feel small (shame) or fearful or angry (where there are always others to blame and dismiss), then we’re not telling (or hearing, or embracing) a redemptive and liberating story.

Today is a good day to pause. And tell stories that let us remember the gift of epiphanies.
And to let the light of mercy and compassion be rekindled.
They remind me that… Grace wins. Hope wins. Compassion wins.
In a world where cruelty is real and taking a toll, I know it's something I could use.

“In so many ways, John’s life was exceptional. But he never believed that what he did was more than any citizen of this country might do. He believed that in all of us, there exists the capacity for great courage, a longing to do what’s right, a willingness to love all people, and to extend to them their God-given rights to dignity and respect. And it’s because he saw the best in all of us that he will continue, even in his passing, to serve as a beacon in that long journey towards a more perfect union.” Barack Obama 

Sabbath Moments

Ephesians 6:10-20…Love wins!

 1 Thessalonians 5:8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 

Joy in the truth of salvation in Jesus Christ is our strength. Jesus did do what we could not. There is power in His name and in His righteousness we can stand before our Holy God. Our fight is not with people but with the powers of evil that work to destroy the world that God created. Armed with the Gospel of peace we  stand strong in our faith, the gift of the Father, which protects us against evil. Jesus has won the battle! Trust in Holy Spirit to guide us home. Carla

Ephesians 6:10-20

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (NKJV)

This practical passage is one of the most famous and richly rewarding in all of the NT. Paul probably had plenty of time to contemplate the parts of a Roman soldier’s armor. After all, he was constantly guarded during his house arrest in Rome.

Be strong may also be translated “be made strong.” The passive voice would suggest that we cannot do it ourselves.

The whole armor of God is the believer’s protection against evil and the Evil One. Paul presented the extended metaphor of the battle dress roughly according to the order in which the various pieces were put on. Wiles of the devil are Satan’s subtle tricks to defeat Christians in spiritual warfare. The evil day is taken by some to refer to the end times when the Evil One will launch a ferocious campaign against Christ and His army. A more common view is that any great spiritual contest in a believer’s life could be in view here.

Verses 14–17 present the six pieces of spiritual armor. Four are mentioned specifically and the belt and shoes are implied. Soldiers girded themselves with a belt, from which hung strips of leather to protect the lower body. 

Truth is considered crucial by Paul (4:15, 25), because a dishonest Christian cannot hope to withstand the father of lies himself. The truth referred to here is integrity, a life of practical truthfulness and honesty. 

The breastplate of Roman times went completely around the body, so that the back of a warrior was also protected. The breastplate was made of hard leather or metal. The righteousness that the breastplate represents is not the righteousness of Christ, which all believers possess, but the practical, righteous character and deeds of believers.

A Roman soldier’s feet were shod with hard, studded shoes. Paul used this image to represent the preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all may mean that the shield of faith is to be used against everything. It may also mean that the shield is to cover the whole armor. A Roman soldier’s shield typically measured two and a half feet by four feet. The Christian’s shield offers protection against all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Flaming arrows could not penetrate the fireproof shield of the ancient Roman soldier, nor can the assaults of Satan penetrate to the believer who places his or her faith in God.

The helmet of salvation is likened to the intricately designed Roman helmet which protected the soldier’s head and also made him look taller and more impressive. 

The sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon in the believer’s armor. This weapon is not necessarily the Bible as a whole, but the specific word that needs to be spoken in a specific situation. To have the precise word ready, a person must know the Bible intimately.

Without prayer, all the armor in the world would be of no use. General prayers and specific petitions in the Spirit are to be made for all believers and at all occasions. Perseverance and patience in prayer are essential.

The apostle Paul was not ashamed to ask other believers to pray that he would have the courage to proclaim the gospel. Even as a prisoner, Paul still wanted to be a faithful witness for the Lord.

Paul was an ambassador in chains in Rome for the gospel of Christ. His prayer was that he might speak boldly, as an ambassador for the King of kings ought to speak. The NKJV Study Bible

In the letter’s final teaching section, Paul instructs believers to stand against the evil forces at work in the world. This discussion has three parts: a description of the nature of the battle (Ephesians 6:10–13), a call to resist the powers by putting on the armor of God (verses 14–17), and a reminder to pray and be alert (verses 18–20). 

The sword of the Spirit is the  weapon that helps believers proclaim the gospel message, to act on God’s behalf, and combat attacks from the devil (Ephesians 6:11–12). Faithlife Study Bible

Isaiah 59:17

For He put on righteousness as a breastplate,

And a helmet of salvation on His head;

He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing,

And was clad with zeal as a cloak.

Colossians 4:2–4

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains…

Isaiah 11:5

Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins,

And faithfulness the belt of His waist.

Isaiah 52:7

How beautiful upon the mountains

Are the feet of him who brings good news,

Who proclaims peace,

Who brings glad tidings of good things,

Who proclaims salvation,

Who says to Zion,“Your God reigns!”

Growing up, Christianity was about creed. About professing. (It’s similar to wanting the right answers to test questions.) And we were—and sadly still are—too eager to point out those who stood on the outside of the box we made, meaning the wrong side.
In a national magazine, an ad for the Humane Society minced no words. Above an adorable puppy and kitten, the ad read, “It’s who owns them that makes them important.”
Yes. Returned to ourselves.
In other words, to assume the “answer to every question is compassion”, is not about creed. This is about who or what owns us.

Mother Teresa once told a roomful of lepers how much God loved them. She told them that they are "a gift to the rest of us."
Interrupting her, an old leper raises his hand, and she calls on him. "Could you repeat that again?" he asks. "It did me good. So, would you mind; just saying it again."
Yes please. Just say it again.
We easily forget, don't we... the cathartic power of grace?
The power to shine the light on shame and fear and paranoia.
To invite us to bear the beams of love.
To invite us to be the kind of person we want to be.
We forget the power and life-giving restoration and repair from simple gestures of compassion.
Here’s the deal: Today, let us remember who we are.
And let us remember, compassion is real.

“Compassion is at the heart of every little thing we do. It is the dearest quality we possess. Yet all too often it can be cast aside with consequences too tragic to speak of. To lose our compassion, we lose what it is to be human.” (Anon)

So, yes, compassion makes a difference. Sabbath Moments