Worship

Scripture

Have you ever seen one of your friends date someone who is not good for them? I have! One of my closest friends started dating someone jealous, demanding, spoiled, and angry. Every time we hung out with our group of friends, her attitude was the elephant in the room. It was awkward and annoying at the same time. Everybody knew that they weren’t going to work out, but he felt as if he was in love, so no one said anything. Everyone kept it to themselves and a year later after he had been roughed up by a couple of situations, he finally decided to end it. It wasn’t until this point that everyone had the confidence to tell him that they weren’t a good match. He was frustrated that no one told him anything beforehand, but we all knew he wouldn’t have received it well. 

A similar situation is happening in Galatians, but in this case, Paul is saying everything as plain and as simple as it is. These Galatians, who were known as faithful have now gone back to their old ways. He even asks them as he is being blunt and honest, “Have I now become your enemy for telling you the truth?” – Galatians 5:16. Paul doesn’t want them to be offended by his words, yet he is extremely harsh with them. They have gone back to the ways of the law and circumcision. They have attempted to persuade people by their appearance instead of sticking to the message of Jesus Christ. Paul even goes as far as to say that if they get a circumcision, Christ died for nothing. 

Let me put it to you as plain and as simple as Paul does to the Galatians. It is all about God. It is that all the glory, honor, and praise have to go to our Lord. God is the creator of the universe and nothing happens without His permission. It is easy for us to make it all about ourselves. We have a prayer request list, our favorite scriptures, and all of these Christian quotes that we post on social media because we think it makes us look good and like better Christians. The truth is: it does not. Let me finish it off with Paul’s words: “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

Prayer

HONOR GOD

Matthew 6:9-10, “This, then, is how you should pray:“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…”

In your own words, take a few moments and honor God. Reflect on the price He paid to have a relationship with you, and His love for you.

ASK GOD

Matthew 6:11 Give us today our daily bread.

Picture God extending His hands towards you. What are you concerned about that needs to be placed in His hands? What is the “bread” you need from Him? Ask Him.

SUBMIT TO GOD

Matthew 6:12-13 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Imagine yourself entering a dark room, with a person in front of you, holding a flashlight, leading you. That’s what God does. As He leads you, tell Him how you desire to follow Him.

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, help me to cling to your promises for they are the realest thing I have. They are true and everlasting. Do not allow me to give up your promises for simple earthly pleasures or moments of weakness. Keep me from the temptations of the enemy and may your Holy Spirit guide me in my walk each and everyday. In Jesus Name, Amen.