Tues., 3/19/19 Devotion (Gal. 5:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Galatians 5:1, where we read these words:

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."

The glorious freedom that the churched children of God enjoy is a priceless treasure. This is why the world, the flesh, and the devil are constantly seeking to steal it from us. Gospel liberty must be zealously guarded, maintained, and emboldened—otherwise, the "gospels" of works, self, and law will infiltrate the soul, and destroy all our joy.

The Galatians had heard the gospel of grace in the Lord Jesus Christ from Paul. They initially embraced it. Later, they heard a pharisaical gospel of law, and they began to believe it. Paul's words throughout the book were designed to bring them back to Jesus. May we find our souls resting in His righteous-ness alone, today.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Full assurance is 'optimum maximum,' the best and greatest mercy; and therefore God will only give it to His best and dear-est friends.” —Thomas Brooks, in, "Heaven on Earth"]