Thursday, September 29, 2011

Thurs., 9/29/11 Devotion (Gal. 5:4-6)

Today's encouragement comes from Galatians 5:4-6. Paul continues his main theme throughout this amazing epistle, with these words:

"You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be jus-
tified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love."

If we are professing Christians, then we will inevitably follow one of two paths this day: either we will take the "safe and easy" way of trusting in ourselves, and walking in the "law"; or we will go the "ex-
citing and risky" way of trusting in Christ, walking in grace, and living by faith (in love).

The first way leads to certain failure and frustration. It is for the lazy, unbelieving, and passionless. The second way ends in true joy and purpose. It is for those who know they possess nothing good in them-
selves, and who are totally dependent upon God. The Lord's curse is on the first way; His blessing is on the second way.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Our happiness here and hereafter depends on our friendly [communication] with heaven. If we do not have that, nothing can make up our loss (Ps. 30:5). If we have that, nothing can make us miserable." --Thomas Boston, in, "The Crook in the Lot"]