I almost forgot to do this since I am so used to doing it in bed! Let's see if I can do this, and eat supper in the less than an hour I have till hymn sing.
Oh! This has 1k reads! I never expected that!
Galatians 1:1-24 KJV
[1] Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
What we are is not of men or decided by man, we are what we are because of and by Christ and God.
[2] And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
[3] Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
[4] Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
[5] To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Christ deserves all glory for ever and ever!
[6] I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
[7] Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
[8] But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Don't listen to a false gospel or false teacher, and don't ever teach a false gospel. Compare everything you hear and read to the true gospel to decide if it is true or not.
[9] As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
When Paul repeats a warning, it must be serious.
[10] For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
A trap that many people, including myself, fall into is working to please men and not God. Who cares what man thinks of us, only what God thinks matters.
[11] But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
[12] For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it , but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
[13] For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
[14] And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
[15] But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
Isn't it amazing that God had a plan for us already while we were still in our mothers' wombs?
[16] To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
[17] Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
[18] Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
[19] But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
[20] Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
[21] Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
[22] And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:
[23] But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
[24] And they glorified God in me.
That is the proper response when something so amazing like a former persecuter becomes a Christian. Glorify God!
Psalm 17:1-15 KJV
[1] Hear the right, O Lord , attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
[2] Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.
[3] Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
[4] Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
[5] Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.
[6] I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.
Call upon the Lord in time of need, for He will hear you.
[7] Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.
The Lord saves those who put their trust in Him.
[8] Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
[9] From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.
[10] They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.
[11] They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;
[12] Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.
[13] Arise, O Lord, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:
[14] From men which are thy hand, O Lord , from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
[15] As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
We are satisfied, not with our material wealth though we are content with it, we are satisfied because of our immense spiritual riches.
Dear Lord, You are amazing and wise, You turned the heart of a man who once persecuted Christians to be a missionary! Lord if you can turn Paul's heart, surely You can turn the hearts of anyone. You know the people I am thinking of right now, please, if it is Your will turn their hearts. Lord please keep us from falling into the trap of seeking to please men instead of You, and please help learn how to tell the truth from lies. Thank you for everything You have done for us, thank you that You hear us and protect us when we call on You. Please be near to those who need You, You know who has asked me to pray for her and her family. Please use Mrs. Pat-roe and her school and students for Your glory. Please bless and keep everyone in my prayer journal, in Jesus's name, Amen