The Daily Devo by Vince Miller

1. Step One Walking: Is Slow & Long "But I say, walk by the Spirit." (Galatians 5:16) Scripture References: Exodus 16:4, Leviticus 18:4, Jeremiah 44:23, Ezekiel 5:5-6, Deuteronomy 6:4-9 2. Step Two Walking: Done in Behavior & Desire "and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16) Scripture Reference: Sermon on the Mount 3. Step Three Walking: Is A Battle To The Death "For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit..." (Galatians 5:17) "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5:24) Scripture Reference: Personal anecdote about overcoming anxiety 4. Step Four Walking: Grafted Into Jesus + His Spirit "And those who belong to Christ Jesus" (Galatians 5:24) Scripture Reference: John 15 5. Step Five Walking: Raises New Fruitful Desires & Outcomes "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." (Galatians 5:22-23) Scripture Reference: Illustration of fruitful trees. 6. Step Six Walking: Involve Watching Our Pride "If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." (Galatians 5:25-26)

Do you have a burden that needs bearing? Remember to go to the website and grab the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal today so you are ready to go when we begin! Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. — Galatians 6:2 One of the beautiful aspects of the church is the presence of those who've walked the same paths as you. They've been entangled in the same traps you're caught in now. The church is filled with men who've faced marriage struggles, financial setbacks, career challenges, health problems, and the snares of repetitive sin. Just like you, they've been trapped and found their way out. They've gained spiritual insight through their mistakes and can assist you in finding deliverance and freedom from your current trap. You need these men, and they need you. They can direct you to freedom, and you're their opportunity for ministry, reminding them to remain in freedom. But to break free from your trap, you must humble yourself and make your way to church. Then, you'll need to connect with a brother who's walked the same road as you and share your burden with him. Next, you must listen and take to heart any good and godly advice you receive. And as you make progress, you'll be called to help others shoulder the burden you've carried and lead them to the victory and freedom you've discovered. In doing so, you're fulfilling the law of Christ. Just as Christ bore our burdens, you're bearing the burdens of others to direct them to the ultimate burden-bearer—Jesus, who carries all burdens and grants us freedom from every sin's entrapment. #CommunityOfFreedom #BearingEachOthersBurdens #WalkingTogetherInFaith ASK THIS: How can you actively seek out a fellow brother in Christ who has faced similar challenges to yours, and how can you initiate a conversation to share burdens and offer support? Reflecting on your journey of overcoming past traps and snares, how can you now step into a role of mentorship and support for others struggling in similar ways? DO THIS: Offload your burdens or lighten the load for a needy brother today. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me humbly seek out fellow believers who can walk alongside me, share my burdens, and offer godly wisdom and support. Guide me as I, in turn, extend my hand to others, bearing their burdens with love and pointing them toward the freedom found in You. Amen. PLAY THIS: Cast Your Burden.

Do you feel stuck? Do you need to get unstuck? Remember to go to the website and grab the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal today so you are ready to go when we begin! Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. — Galatians 6:1 One of the great things about the church is that it is filled with people who have walked the same path. There have been many times when I have been stuck in life, only to have a fellow believer who's been there offer invaluable help—coaching, guiding, and praying for me. Many Christians think they can go it alone, but the truth is, you can't. Eventually, you'll need others, just like I have, and the best part is, they'll need you, too. But as this text points out, it needs to be the right believer. It needs to be a believer who has been down the path, who knows the right steps to take, and who knows the right way to say it because they are attentive to the same issues in their lives. The wrong direction, given the wrong way, only tightens the trap and worsens the transgression. So, if you feel "caught" today, stop trying to resolve that issue alone. Turn to a believer who knows the way out, and you both will find freedom. #BreakFreeTogether #CommunityOverIsolation #StuckNoMore ASK THIS: Have you ever hesitated to reach out for help when feeling stuck or trapped? What barriers do you face in seeking support from fellow believers? Reflect on a time when you received valuable guidance or support from a fellow believer during a challenging period. How did their involvement impact your journey, and how can you extend similar support to others in need? DO THIS: Walk the tightrope and give attention to your pride. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me recognize when I need support from fellow believers and give me the humility to seek their guidance and encouragement in times of struggle. Grant me the wisdom to offer the same compassion and assistance to others on their journey towards freedom and growth. Amen. PLAY THIS: Stuck.

Have you truly killed those passions and desires? I want to shout out to all my brothers from Family Community Church in San Jose, California. We had a great time yesterday, and I pray this time of restoration was a blessing for you. Also, remember to go to the website and grab the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal today so you are ready to go when we begin! And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. — Galatians 5:24 The word that stands out to me in this text is the word crucified because crucifixion is violent. Crucifixion is still one of the most brutal forms of execution in all of history. If you have ever seen Mel Gibson's "The Passion of Christ," you might remember how chilling and brutal this scene was. Crucifixion involves nailing a victim to a wooden cross, leading to a slow death from asphyxiation, exhaustion, and shock. The excruciating pain arises from both the piercing of nails and the prolonged agony as the body struggles to breathe while suspended. Victims must push on the nails in their feet and pull on those in their wrists to inhale, intensifying the torment. Crucifixion was always public, heightening the psychological suffering. This combination of physical agony, prolonged torment, and public shame makes it a fierce and disturbing form of execution. Now, apply this imagery in the way Paul does here. He says if we belong to Jesus, we have (past tense) crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. And herein lies the core problem with believers who struggle with repetitive patterns of sin. They attempt to change by altering their behaviors. And there is nothing wrong with altering behaviors if you also nail, crucify, kill, and drain the very life from the source of those behaviors, which is your old fleshly passions and desires. Thus, we are left with a very pointed question. What desire is still living that you need to kill? Is it a sexual desire? A drive for retribution? Is it a passion for wealth and success? A desire for control? Whatever it is, you better be killing it, or it will be killing you. #CrucifyDesires #KillSin #SpiritualTransformation ASK THIS: Reflect on a desire or passion in your life that you know is contrary to God's will. What steps can you take today to begin crucifying that desire and aligning your heart with God's purposes? Think about a repetitive pattern of sin you struggle with. How can you go beyond merely modifying your behavior to truly crucifying the root of that sin, allowing God's transformative power to bring lasting change in your life? DO THIS: Kill one old desire that needs to be killed. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to truly understand the depth of what it means to crucify my fleshly desires, and empower me to take decisive action in aligning my heart with Your will. Grant me the strength and courage to put to death those passions that hinder my walk with You, so that I may experience the fullness of freedom and life in Christ. Amen. PLAY THIS: The Passion of Christ (Crucifixion Scene)

GET THE 1 SAMUEL JOURNAL HERE: 👉🏼 https://bit.ly/1SamuelJournal Are you feeling weighed down by the expectations of others or limited by your inadequacy? We are going to be starting a new book of the Bible soon. We are transporting back in time to the story of three men: Samuel the Prophet and Kings Saul and David. The book of 1 Samuel tells the story of Israel's transition from a theocracy to a monarchy, marked by intrigue, betrayal, and divine intervention. Through the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David, it vividly illustrates the complexities of leadership, the consequences of disobedience, and the continuing faithfulness of God amidst human sin. So go to the website and grab the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal today so that you are ready to go when we begin! But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. — Galatians 5:18 Living by the Holy Spirit means living in freedom—but it's not freedom to do whatever you want whenever you want. It is freedom from being a slave to obedience by laws, which reduced obedience to precepts that try to win God's approval. Paul reminds us that as followers of Christ, our primary guide is not the old way but a new way—not walking by the Law but walking by the Spirit. We are no longer confined to a static checklist of do's and don'ts. Instead, we enjoy a dynamic relationship with God. When we allow the Spirit to lead us, we step into a new experience of boundless freedom. But this newfound freedom is not the absence of rules; it is the presence of someone far greater—a life lived with the power and person of the Holy Spirit. It's about being led by the Spirit in every decision, every relationship, and every aspect of our lives. When we surrender to his guidance, we discover a sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends the old way and earthly constraints. Yet many new believers, and even those of us who have been followers for a while, don't discover the wonder of the Holy Spirit's power and person. We live lives led by other "spirits," like the spirit of others' expectations, the spirit of our own inadequacies, the spirit of our past, and the spirit of personal effort. But none of these spirits lead to freedom. That is a life lived in bondage to the wrong spirit that leads to slavery. Today, you are called to a life of freedom. A life free from the spirits that hold you back. You are called to be led by the person and power of the Holy Spirit. So, instead of heeding the whispers of those other spirits, make a choice today. Choose to listen to the Holy Spirit. Choose to live a life of freedom. Holy Spirit, lead us today. Silence the other voices and their whispers. I choose to be led by only you today. Amen. #SpiritLedLiving #FreedomInChrist #BreakTheChains #HolySpiritGuidance #LiveInFreedom ASK THIS: Reflect on a time when you felt weighed down by the expectations of others or limited by your own inadequacies. How did this impact your decisions and actions? What steps can you take today to break free from these constraints and live more fully in the freedom of the Holy Spirit? Consider the voices or "spirits" that often influence your thoughts and actions—the expectations of others, feelings of inadequacy, past experiences, or personal efforts. How can you discern the voice of the Holy Spirit amidst these competing influences? What practical steps can you implement to intentionally listen and respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit in your daily life? DO THIS: Invite the Spirit to speak more clearly to you. PRAY THIS: Holy Spirit, I surrender my heart to Your guidance today, freeing me from the weight of expectations and inadequacies. Lead me into the boundless freedom You offer, guiding every step and decision with Your wisdom and power. Amen. PLAY THIS: Spirit of the Living God.

Do you sense the war that's raging within you? Our call out today goes to all the men from Texas I spent time with this weekend at Rough Creek Lodge & Resort. I love you guys. Thanks for hosting me at this incredible location. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. — Galatians 5:17 This verse describes one of the harsh realities that often rudely awakens many new believers. We learn that Jesus's free gift of eternal life doesn't free us from our temporal struggles. Within us continues to rage an ongoing war. The war within is a specific battle, one of the desires. One is a longing to fulfill our human desires, and the other is the longing of the Spirit and his desires. It's important to clarify that this is not a war between our flesh and our spirit. Rather, this is a war between our flesh and His Spirit, which by nature infers victory is within our reach. You see, at the moment of our salvation, our eternal address was changed, but we were also given a divine gift, the Holy Spirit, who now resides within us. The Holy Spirit is the person of God who possesses the power of God. He equips us to combat the desires of our flesh as we await our ultimate salvation. Without the Holy Spirit, we would lead a life of daily defeat. But with the Spirit, we can engage in a daily battle. By learning to walk by the Spirit (as Paul mentioned in the previous verse), we can discover a path that leads to satisfaction in God, not in the flesh. This means that we can experience day-to-day victory when we obey the Spirit's will and desires. So today, if you feel like a war is raging inside you. You are right. There is one. It's a battle between your fleshly desires and God's will for you. To overcome this, you are going to have to do some things differently, which Paul is going to make clear in the coming verses. But for now, do this. Start by recognizing your will and the Spirit's will. Differentiating and discerning between these two wills is the first step to waging and winning the war within. #WarWithin #SpiritualBattle #FleshvsSpirit ASK THIS: How can you actively discern between your own desires and the prompting of the Holy Spirit in your daily decisions and actions? What practical steps can you take today to align your will with God's will, thus gaining victory in the ongoing battle within your soul? DO THIS: Start discerning the Spirit's will. PRAY THIS: Father, grant me the wisdom and strength to discern and overcome the desires of my flesh, as I surrender to the leading of Your Holy Spirit within me. Guide me in walking faithfully on the path of victory over the internal battles that wage within my soul. PLAY THIS: Whatever Your Plan Is.

Are you caught in the crossfire of a battle over words? Today, our call-out goes to Craig Rogers from Long Island, NY. Thanks for your encouragement! But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. — Galatians 5:15 This verse gives us new insight into all the issues Paul is trying to address in Galatia. The churches were engaged in a civil war. They were biting, devouring, and consuming one another with their words and opinions. Conflicts and divisions can be disheartening in our family or in the church. Once they begin, they can quickly escalate, especially if our selfish motivations take control. This is precisely why, in the preceding verses, Paul emphasized the importance of love as a motive. In addition, Paul will guide us in a new, more loving way in the following verses. But right here, we are reminded of the crushing and consuming power of words. The old adage, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," is a lie. Words do hurt. They are weapons that wound, leave lasting scars, and permanently damage relationships. When I was a child, I overheard a statement my biological father said one day to my mother one day in an argument. He was unaware I heard it, but I will never forget it. I remember every detail of this day because what he said left such a pronounced scar. From his truck, he yelled to my mother, "I don't want to spend time with him. You spend time with him!" and then he drove off. These words hurt and marked one of the last times I would spend time with him. Give attention to your words today. Don't bite, devour, and consume people. Speak the truth, but say it in love. And if there is something you need to rectify, repent quickly before a nasty wound leaves a permanent scar in a relationship with someone you love. #SpeakLife, #WordsMatter, #LoveInAction ASK THIS: Reflecting on your recent interactions, were there moments when your words may have unintentionally caused harm or division? How can you proactively seek reconciliation and restoration in those relationships? Consider a time when you experienced the impact of someone else's hurtful words. How can that experience shape the way you choose to speak to others, especially in moments of conflict or tension? DO THIS: Give attention to your words. PRAY THIS: Father, grant me the wisdom and humility to speak words that build up and encourage, rather than tear down and wound. May Your love guide my tongue, leading me to reconciliation and healing in all my relationships. Amen. PLAY THIS: Speak.

What drives your action? Your love or Christ's love? Today, our call-out goes to Craig Rogers from Long Island, NY. Thanks for your encouragement! For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” — Galatians 5:14 This is an interesting line from Paul because, throughout this letter, he has been referring to the law and the works of the law negatively. But here, he makes an abrupt turn. He encourages obedience to the law summed up in a single command. So why this change? He does this only because he views the law through the life of Jesus, who fulfilled it. In Jesus's fulfillment of the entire law, we are freed to love. In loving others, we embody Jesus's love because his love sustains and empowers us to love ourselves and others rightly. Returning to the previous text, this all hinges on what motivates our love. Is our love motivated by selfish intent or selfless intent? Do we love our neighbor with our selfish love, or do we love our neighbor with his selfless love? There is a vast difference between these two motives. This is the motivational tightrope we walk every day, and the hope is that all our motivation is driven to love others perfectly from his perfect love working through us. So go, love people today. But love them differently. Look at them and love them by his love, not your love. Love them selflessly, not selfishly. Love them like Jesus loved them, and I pray all your actions will reflect more of him and less of yourself. #ChristlikeLove #SelflessAction #MotivatedByLove ASK THIS: Reflect on a recent interaction with someone. Did your actions reflect selfish love or Christ's selfless love? How could you have responded differently to align more closely with Christ's example? Think about a challenging relationship in your life. How might intentionally choosing to love that person with Christ's love instead of your own impact the dynamics of the relationship? What steps can you take to embody Christ's love more fully in that relationship? DO THIS: Love like Jesus. Selflessly. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to love others with the same selfless love that You have shown me, guiding my actions to reflect Your heart for humanity. May Your love flow through me, transforming my motives and empowering me to love others as You have loved me. Amen. PLAY THIS: For God So Loved.

Do you rightly understand the freedom you have in Christ? Today, our call-out goes to David Fortney from Sidney, OH. Thanks for your support! For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. — Galatians 5:13 This potent verse by Paul outlines three key ideas: liberty, license, and love. These concepts are crucial to understanding the spiritual life and the potential pitfalls that can lead us astray. Liberty Believers have incredible spiritual liberty. Christ has set us free from slavery to sin. However, our freedom is threatened by the call of legalism. Legalism exchanges those old rusty shackles of sin for the new shiny shackles of our works. While we have incredible liberty, we walk a fine line every day between the call of our old life driven by self-centered sin and the call of our new life driven by our self-centered works. In both cases, the voice of our self-centeredness persuades us. One is the call of disobedience, and the other is the call of obedience by my works. License Liberty is not a license to do anything we want. Think of it like being a newly licensed driver: you have the freedom to drive, but it comes with responsibilities. Just as we have rules of the road to keep us safe, there are boundaries to our freedom in Christ. On one side, there's the danger of indulging in lawless lusts of the flesh. Conversely, there's the temptation of legalism, trying to earn our standing with God through our efforts. Love Then there is love. Love is the driving motivation for enjoying our liberty and the license. When aligned with God's love, love drives us to mind the boundaries. But we cannot love without knowing God's love. We must accept his love and then, by his love, serve others from his love. We are merely a conduit for this incredible resource. And note: It's how we love that exposes what we know about our liberty and how we mind the boundaries of our license. If this has convicted you in any way today, consider one of these steps today: Evaluate your motives and avoid abusing liberty through selfish sin or works-based effort. Set boundaries for yourself and steer clear of legalism and licentiousness. Allow yourself to be loved by God and then share this love with others. #FreedomInChrist, #LibertyVsLicense, #LoveDrivenLife ASK THIS: Reflect on a recent situation where you may have struggled to balance your freedom in Christ with the temptation to indulge in sinful desires or rely on your own efforts. What steps can you take to align your actions more closely with God's principles of love and righteousness? Consider how your understanding of God's love has influenced the way you interact with others. Are there areas in your life where you can more effectively demonstrate God's love by serving others selflessly and without reservation? DO THIS: Live in freedom and love. PRAY THIS: Father, grant me the wisdom to discern between true freedom in Christ and the deceptive allure of legalism and license. Fill me with Your love, Lord, so that I may serve others with humility and grace, reflecting Your selfless love in all I do. Amen. PLAY THIS: Freedom.

Is it okay for a Christian to use strong language? Today, our call-out goes to David Garrett from Pasadena, MD. Thanks for your support! I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves! — Galatians 5:12 There are a few times in Scripture where we encounter very strong language. This is one of those accounts, if not the most vivid of all accounts. But I would contest: this is not categorically strong language. It's extreme hyperbole (or exaggeration) that leaves room for imagination. Paul is doing something strategic. He is working out their logic. Paul, seasoned at debate, is playing out their theory regarding circumcision. In other words, if these people so adamantly support circumcision because they believe it will enhance a believer's experience, why just trim it up; cut that thing off. Paul intends to illustrate the absurd nature of this religious ritual. If circumcision could have enhanced their relationship with God, then there would have been no need for Jesus. However, if it could by some means improve their relationship with God, why not cut the whole thing off? The progression of this logic suggests they would be even more holy. I would put to task people who suggest it's okay because this text does not give us permission to curse. But if we were to emulate what Paul did here, it would permit us to play out flawed logic from woke teachers and use hyperbole to illustrate it that might be graphic and vivid. But Paul is not permitting us to curse. In fact, this same man wrote other letters instructing believers to do the opposite. I have included those texts below. So, to all my brothers who served in the military or spent time in prison and learned the F-word was a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb, you might want to find some more edifying words. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. — Ephesians 4:29 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. — Ephesians 5:4 #ChristianLanguage #TongueTaming #SacredSpeech #WordsOfLife #GracefulCommunication ASK THIS: How can we balance authenticity and reverence in our speech, especially when faced with situations that might provoke strong emotions? Reflect on a time when you've been tempted to use strong language. How could applying the principles of Ephesians 4:29 and 5:4 have changed the outcome of that situation? DO THIS: Adjust those unedifying words. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to guard my tongue and use my words to build up others, reflecting Your love and grace in all my communication. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You, my Rock and my Redeemer. Amen. PLAY THIS: I Speak Jesus.

Has your reputation ever been under attack? Today, our call-out goes to Jody Jones from Newcomerstown, OH. Thanks for your support, Jody! Today, our text is Galatians 5:11. But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. — Galatians 5:11 What is apparent in this statement is that someone claimed Paul was a proponent of circumcision. We know Paul isn't, and Paul knows he isn't. Yet, someone misappropriated a small reference from him and then borrowed his credibility to manipulate others. Eventually, this happens to everyone. Someone with some influence uses it to intentionally or unintentionally spread disinformation about us. It's a troubling experience, especially if you care about your image and reputation. But Paul's concern is not his own reputation. His concern is Jesus's reputation and representing the Gospel truth. Therefore, Paul is determined to defend it. He confronts the false teachers and defends the Gospel because God's grace is at stake. The salvation of the people he knows and loves hangs in the balance, so the veracity of his defense is for them and not for himself. So the next time people spread disinformation about you, seek the truth over seeking vindication. Instead of engaging in pointless battles to defend yourself, your image, and your reputation, stay focused on sharing God's grace and defending the message of truth with others because God's truth is the only thing worth defending. #DefendTheFaith #GraceOverGossip #TruthPrevails #FaithfulWitness #IntegrityMatters ASK THIS: How can you discern between defending your reputation and defending the Gospel when faced with accusations or misinformation? In what ways can you prioritize sharing God's grace and truth over seeking personal vindication when confronted with false allegations or rumors? DO THIS: Defend the Gospel truth, not yourself. PRAY THIS: Lord, grant me the strength to uphold your truth with integrity, even in the face of false accusations. Help me to prioritize your Gospel above my own reputation, seeking your grace and wisdom in every circumstance. Amen. PLAY THIS: My Defender.

Are there people peddling bad theology in your church? Today, we'd like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Michael Forte from Astoria, OR. Michael, your support through purchasing materials from our website is invaluable to us. We honestly couldn't do this without you! Let's dive into our scripture for today, a thought-provoking verse from Galatians 5:10. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. — Galatians 5:10 One Bad Apple Continuing with yesterday's lesson, Paul points out that the bacteria of legalism stems from one bad person. He assumes that this guy, whoever he is, is the peddler of all the bad theology that has infiltrated the churches in the area. If you are a new believer, you need to know that sometimes people peddle bad theology. Some people and pastors peddle bad doctrine that is harmful to the Gospel. Usually, it stems from one charismatic person peddling a charismatic idea and spreading it to numerous churches. In my lifetime, I have seen this spread, just like it did here, through the churches in Galatia. So, how do we respond to bad theology? Here's a clear, three-step process: Three Good Responses First and foremost, you need to know that not all theology is good theology. Bad theology exists, and it's harmful. As we discussed yesterday, it's like a bacteria that will infect and alter the composition of the truth. Second, make sure you are listening and learning from people who teach from the Bible. The people and pastors that you listen to need to be people who open the Bible. They should be people who read the Bible, reference it, and live according to it. They will have a rich understanding of biblical truth and teachings because they don't skip over texts and subject their life to the text. In the case of the Galatians, Paul was that man. Paul's intention with this letter was to guide them back to the purity of the Gospel. Fortunately for the churches there, he had enough sense to engage with the issue and point people back to the Bible and the pure Gospel. In the same way, we need to listen to proven teachers like Paul, not simply the ones with the latest and greatest charisma. So, seek out great biblical teachers. Lastly, the most effective way to detect bad theology is to raise obvious questions when something seems off and wait until you get a logical, biblical answer. When I hear something from a teacher that raises a red flag, questions usually start firing off in my mind, like: What was that again? How does that work? You want me to do what? For example, suppose you are listening to a teacher who declares that all the men ready to go to the next step in their faith need to line up at the altar for a circumcision ceremony, and Pastor Richard is going to lend a hand. In that case, some questions should be firing off in your mind. Questions like: Pastor Richard is going to do what? Even this suggestion might seem absurd to you, but that's precisely what happened in Galatia, and men were lining up to do it. They lined up to do it because false teachers had manipulated the Old Testament Law to prove a point that wasn't valid, and it appears people lined up without questioning it. Their explanations failed to account for the fact that everything in the Old Testament Law pointed to one man, one birth, one death, and one resurrection accomplished in Jesus—not by the rite of circumcision. Therefore, if you detect bad theology and it doesn't prove itself in Jesus' accomplished work on the Cross, then it's time to ask Pastor Richard that question that is stirring in your mind before you unbuckle your pants. #GuardAgainstFalseDoctrine #BewareThePeddlers #PureGospelTruth #SpottingRedFlags #DefendTheFaith ASK THIS: How can you actively discern between sound biblical teaching and potentially harmful theology in your own church community? Reflecting on your own spiritual journey, what steps can you take to ensure that you are rooted in the truth of the Gospel and not swayed by charismatic but erroneous teachings? DO THIS: Ask questions when you encounter questionable doctrine. PRAY THIS: Father, grant me wisdom to discern between truth and falsehood, and the courage to stand firm in the purity of your Gospel amidst the noise of deceptive teachings. Guide me to seek out and learn from faithful teachers who faithfully proclaim your Word, so that I may grow deeper in my understanding and application of your truth. Amen. PLAY THIS: Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me.

Are you adding bacteria to the Gospel? Today, we want to extend a special thank you to Chuck Peter from Roseville, MN. Your support of our ministry is invaluable, and we truly appreciate it. We couldn't do this without you! A little leaven leavens the whole lump. — Galatians 5:9 How Leaven Works Here is your science lesson for the day. Leavening causes dough to rise by introducing microorganisms into it. Yeast is the most common form of bacteria. When this is added to a dough, it begins to feed on the sugars. As the yeast feeds on them, it produces carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas forms bubbles within the dough, causing it to expand and rise. One of the byproducts of this reaction is alcohol fermentation, which gives bread its taste. How Legalism Works Paul is making a parallel. Like leaven in a dough, legalism works the same way. Legalism is like bacteria. It is a small additive that spreads fast from one believer to the next. Therefore, a tiny thought of legalism inserted into the Gospel story affects the whole story. We may think that adding this in is good, but it's not. It changes the composition of the story, thus changing the whole story. Don't Improve The Gospel With Bacteria Here's the point. You don't need to improve God's story. It belongs to him. He is the one who told it. Tell it like it is, and stop adding bacteria to it. When you add anything to it, you puff yourself up and distract others from the one who saves. Besides, you can't save anyone anyway. Only Jesus saves, so let's point them all to him. #GospelIntegrity #LegalismWarning #PureGospel #SpiritualContamination #JesusSaves ASK THIS: How can we actively guard against adding our own "leaven" of legalism or personal agendas to the Gospel message in our conversations and teachings? How can we ensure that our presentation of the Gospel remains faithful and true to its original message without being diluted or contaminated by human ideas or traditions? DO THIS: Don't contaminate the gospel with your bacteria. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to recognize and resist the temptation to add anything to your perfect Gospel, knowing that your message stands alone in its power to save. Keep my heart focused on pointing others to you, the only true Savior. Amen. PLAY THIS: The Gospel.

Are you ready to run a long spiritual marathon? Today, we extend a warm welcome to Patrick Hurley from Liberty Hill, TX, who has recently joined our community by signing up for Video Access on our website. Patrick, we're thrilled to have you on board! You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. — Galatians 5:7-8 A few times in Paul's letters, he uses a running metaphor to describe the spiritual race. This is one of those instances. So, let's lace up our spiritual running shoes and explore three key parallels Paul makes here. There is a Form for the Run Form is crucial when running in any race. Just as a marathon runner needs to maintain proper form to endure the demanding miles ahead, we, too, must cultivate a form that will sustain us. There will be seasons when our spiritual form feels effortless, and we must commit this form to memory. Because there will be more challenging stretches of the race, we will get sloppy, and then we will need to return to the memory and habits of that form. There are Obstacles on the Run No marathon is without obstacles. Runners encounter hills to climb, rugged terrain, and unexpected hurdles. In the same way, our spiritual journey is thick with obstacles that threaten our progress. Whether it's temptation, doubt, or the pressures of the world, there will be moments when we stumble and lose our stride. Yet, as Paul reminds us, these obstacles are not insurmountable, and we can quickly get back to form. There are Voices as We Run As we race towards the finish line, we are bombarded with voices vying for our attention. Just as an athlete hears the cheers and heckles of the crowd, we, too, encounter voices along our spiritual journey. There are two persuasive voices: the voice that is from God and the voice that is not. Both are persuading you at the same time. One is giving you good advice, and one is giving you bad advice. One is from the Holy Spirit and speaks truth, offering wisdom, guidance, and encouragement that leads you back to the proper form. Conversely, the enemy seeks to deceive and derail us with lies and distractions that lead to bad form. As you reflect on the text today, here's the call to action: check your form, watch the obstacles, listen to the Spirit's voice, and fix your eyes on the prize. Let us charge ahead with unwavering resolve, ready to run the long race of faith with our eyes fixed on the ultimate prize—eternity with Jesus Christ. #SpiritualMarathon #RunTheRace #FaithEndurance #KeepTheFaith #EternalPrize ASK THIS: How can you actively cultivate and maintain your spiritual form to endure the challenges of the long spiritual marathon? Reflecting on your recent spiritual journey, what obstacles have you encountered, and how have you overcome them to stay on course in your race of faith? DO THIS: Run and keep your form. PRAY THIS: Father, guide me as I lace up my spiritual shoes and embark on this marathon of faith. Grant me strength to overcome obstacles, discern your voice, and run with endurance towards the eternal prize awaiting me. Amen. PLAY THIS: Run To The Father.

Does your spiritual life, as of late, feel like it is in an endless free fall? Today's callout goes to Rolf Jostad from Birchwood, WI, who recently signed up for Video Access on our website. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. — Galatians 5:5-6 The Free Fall of Faith Our spiritual journeys can sometimes feel like free falls. This is how faith works. But faith is not like free-falling out of a plane without a working parachute attached to our back or jumping off a cliff without a bungee cord securely attached to our ankles. The spiritual journey comes with an assurance attached—the Holy Spirit. The Free Fall Instinct Yet here is the problem with the free fall of faith. When we take a leap of faith for the first time, we may not completely trust the security of the Holy Spirit. If we don't, we will instinctively reach for something. This something, whatever it is, is usually something tangible. It is something we have reached for in the past. We reach for it to create a sense of security in the fall. But all this does is tangle our parachute, propelling us faster toward the ground; thus, we end up rejecting our security and salvation through the Holy Spirit. In the free fall of faith, we need to do what Paul recommends in the text. We need to stop reaching for other things. Rites and rituals are not the right things to reach for in a fall of faith. The right thing to reach for is our security in the Holy Spirit. We must trust that the Holy Spirit is going to catch us. That the Spirit cares about us. That he is interceding for us. He will ensure the parachute will deploy at precisely the right time because he loves us. And this is what Paul means by, "faith working through love." #FaithJourney #HolySpiritGuidance #TrustInGod #SpiritualFreeFall #EmbraceTheUnknown ASK THIS: Reflecting on your own spiritual journey, what tangible "securities" have you instinctively reached for during challenging times? How can you shift your reliance towards trusting in the Holy Spirit's guidance instead? In what areas of your life do you struggle the most to let go of control and trust in God's timing and provision? How can you actively cultivate a deeper sense of faith and surrender in those areas? DO THIS: Trust in the love of the Holy Spirit. PRAY THIS: Father, help me release my grip on earthly assurances and trust wholeheartedly in Your guiding Spirit, knowing that Your love will catch me in every free fall of faith. May my journey be a testament to Your faithfulness and grace. Amen. PLAY THIS: Give Me Faith.

Are you convincing yourself to do the wrong thing? Today's callout goes to Takoda Ruble from Pace, FL, who recently signed up for Video Access on our website. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. — Galatians 5:4 Your Mind Is Powerful Our minds are powerful tools. They perpetually and privately persuade us. In fact, today, the salesperson living in your mind has already convinced you to say and do things you probably should not do. If people heard even half the thoughts you have in your mind, they would think you are crazy—and maybe a little abusive, insecure, or maybe demented. But here's the deal: Our minds are always stirring. They process information so quickly that sometimes we grab onto thoughts and ideas that are dead wrong. Then, we privately persuade ourselves these thoughts and ideas are true. Without anyone knowing it and with great speed, our minds have convinced us of things that are untrue about ourselves and about God. Our Thoughts Don't Justify As Paul says, this is exactly how we fall away from grace: We justify thoughts that do not justify. This is exactly why you and I need to read and ruminate on Scripture daily. Scripture renews and resets our minds because they need to be renewed moment by moment. Scripture tells the salesmen in our heads to "Shut up" and "Stop selling me that." Besides, in the end, your self-justifying thoughts don't justify anything. The only one who justifies is God alone. #MindOverMatter #GraceOverJustification #RenewingTheMind #SilencingTheSalesman #GodsTruth ASK THIS: How can you identify and challenge the self-justifying thoughts that lead you away from grace? What practical steps can you take to renew your mind daily with the truth of Scripture and resist the persuasive narratives of self-justification? DO THIS: Stop listening to the voices in your head and listen to God through Scripture. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me recognize the deceptive thoughts that lead me away from Your grace, and grant me the strength to silence them with the truth of Your Word. Renew my mind daily, guiding me to align my thoughts with Your will and resist the temptation of self-justification. Amen. PLAY THIS: Purify My Heart (Refiner's Fire).

Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. — Galatians 5:2-3 CALL OUT: Today's callout goes to Keron Taylorfrom Sterling, VA, who recently signed up for video access on our website. Are you feeling the pressure in our culture to conform to practices when they contradict the Gospel of Grace? We have discovered through Galatians that circumcision was the big issue in these churches. Jewish teachers were putting pressure on non-Jewish new male converts to fit in with the new Christian culture by being circumcised. In the following ten verses, Paul will be very direct about addressing this matter among men. What I find interesting about this issue is that new converts, and even some well-known believers, are falling for it. They are succumbing to the pressure to conform because they are convinced there is no harm, and it might enhance their relationship with God. This is evidence that the peer pressure we faced as young teens will manifest into adulthood. Peer pressure never goes away. You don't outgrow it. You are going to experience it everywhere, including in the church. Sometimes, this peer pressure can be good, helping us avoid sinful actions. On the other hand, sometimes it can be bad, leading us toward feelings, beliefs, and actions that are abominable in our relationship with God. The latter is Paul's concern here. We often succumb to social pressure because we give too much credence to the people who expose certain ideas. For example, let's consider some of the comments made by Whoopi Goldberg just a few days ago on The View. She used one of the Ten Commandments to justify abortion. Obviously, you and I believe her statement is blasphemous. But don't forget some people give Goldberg and the things she says a lot of credence, so much so they will follow her right off the cliff in blasphemy. And that is Paul's concern here. That new converts are going to follow false teachers right off the cliff into blasphemy. But did you know there is a way to test when a false teaching or false teacher is pressuring us? The test is quite simple. Paul presents it in our text, in verse three. It's this: Play the principle out practically. Here is what Paul says: I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. All you need to do is play the concept out. If it plays out and doesn't align with the intended outcomes of the Gospel, then it's not the Gospel. And if it isn't the Gospel, then don't listen to it, don't be pressured to do it, and definitely don't share it with others. #FreedomInChrist #RejectingConformity #GospelOverCulture #DiscerningTruth #StandingFirm ASK THIS: How can we discern between beneficial peer pressure that aligns with the Gospel and harmful pressure that leads us away from Christ? Reflecting on your own experiences, what are some practical steps you can take to guard yourself against conforming to cultural practices that contradict the principles of grace found in the Gospel? DO THIS: Test the pressure by playing it out. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to stand firm in the truth of your Gospel, resisting the pressures of this world that lead me astray. Grant me discernment to recognize and reject falsehoods, and empower me to live boldly according to your Word. Amen. PLAY THIS: Pressure.

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. — Galatians 5:1 CALL OUT: Today's callout goes to Jay Riggleman from Williamson, NY, and his group, whichis using our study 7 Challenges Men Encounteron RightNow Media. Thank you so much. Do you see what Paul is doing here? Paul is persuading the Galatians that it's time to resist. This text is both a charge and a command. Paul wants believers to anchor themselves in a truth that can only be realized if they refuse to return. They must resist. If they don't, they will be drawn in and dragged down, yoked like slaves to their former ways. What an image! You see, the war a believer fights is fought in our hearts and minds for the soul. Each day, believers go to war empowered with the Holy Spirit—the very power of our risen Savior. As we go to war, we must remember we are not fighting for freedom. Freedom has been won by Jesus. We are also not fighting against people. We are fighting against the temptation within us to submit to any of our former ways. Our former ways are so devious and insidious that the temptation to return is strong. But we must resist. If we don't, it's like walking up to the yoke and willingly putting our neck back in it. That would be preposterous! Today resist. Resist the old temptations. Resist the old thoughts. Resist the old language. Resist the return. Plant your feet and spiritual identity firm in the freedom already won for you. That is good news! #FreedomInChrist #StandFirm #ResistTemptation #AnchoredInTruth #VictoryInJesus ASK THIS: How can you actively resist the temptation to return to your former ways and instead embrace the freedom that Christ has won for you? What practical steps can you take today to anchor yourself firmly in the truth of Christ and avoid being yoked again to the slavery of sin? DO THIS: Resist all your old yokes. PRAY THIS: Father, grant me the strength to resist the allure of past temptations and to stand firm in the freedom that Christ has secured for me. Help me to anchor myself in Your truth and walk boldly in the victory You have provided. Amen. PLAY THIS: Who You Say I Am.

But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman. — Galatians 4:30-31 CALL OUT: Today's call-out goes to Jay Turner from Seabrook, SC, and his group,who is using our study Attributes for Men on RightNow Media. Thank you so much. Are you hearing voices that are competing with the truth? Paul's words in this text pierce through the legalistic voices we all hear. He urged us to cast off the shackles of slavery that entangle our souls. Just as Sarah demanded the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael, so too are we called to purge our lives of legalism and legalistic voices that come from anywhere or anyone who would speak anything but the truth. As you travel your spiritual journey, you will encounter people and voices that seek to ensnare you. Certain Jewish teachers in Galatia did. They sought to impose circumcision and obedience to the law as requirements for salvation, which was a denial of the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice on the Cross. Some believers silently accepted this, assuming it was the truth. But Paul's voice rose louder. He spoke back to these people and their voices, proclaiming that legalism has no place in the life of a believer. Today, instead of passively accepting everything you hear, it may be time to test these people and their voices. When they do not align with Scriptural truth, speak back to them. Preach the truth to them and know that sometimes just saying it is enough to reject the voices and people who entangle us all. God, give the believer listening today the strength to reject and speak back to any untruth that is stirring in their mind or resting on their soul. Liberate them from legalism. In Jesus's name, amen. #FreedomInChrist #RejectLegalism #VoiceOfTruth #CastOutShackles #EmbraceGospelFreedom ASK THIS: How can you discern between voices that align with Scriptural truth and those that promote legalism or falsehood? In what areas of your life do you feel the pull of legalistic pressures or voices? How can you actively cast out these influences and embrace the freedom found in Christ? DO THIS: Speak back to the voice of untruth. PRAY THIS: Lord, grant me discernment to recognize and reject the voices of legalism that seek to entangle my soul. Empower me to boldly embrace the freedom found in Your truth. Help me to speak out against falsehood and stand firm in the liberty secured for me by Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Amen. PLAY THIS: Truth I'm Standing On.

For it is written, “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband.” Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. — Galatians 4:27-29 CALL OUT: Our call-out today goes to Thomas Hine and his men's group that has been using our book 30 Men Who Lived With Conviction. Thank you so much. This text can be confusing because it combines several different genres and literary devices. Paul uses a historical account with an allegorical interpretation, followed by a prophetic text (Isaiah 51:1), in a letter to the Galatians. This makes it very hard to interpret this text with precision because it is hard to understand Paul's intent. The simplest interpretation is: Rejoice! You are people of the promise. The life you enjoy is a miracle. Cast out all other means and methods, but faith alone. Thus, we witness a profound reversal—believers move from barrenness to fruitfulness, from despair to joy, from desolation to blessing—which is only accomplished by Divine intervention. This text reminded me today that we need to regularly celebrate God's work in our lives. It's appropriate to sing praises to his name and thank him for his faithfulness. We are all prone to move too quickly past moments of great spiritual joy—the salvation of a friend, the birth of a child, the answer to a prayer, or a physical, emotional, or spiritual healing. We move too quickly past these divine events to get on with the next thing. But when we take the time to celebrate, it communicates to God that we know what he did, and it sears this emotional event to our soul, which benefits us down the road. Sometimes, it becomes the emotional, mental, and spiritual anchor that reminds us of God's faithfulness when we need him the most. So the next time God does something for you, to you, or with you, take the time to rejoice like a child of the promise. #RejoiceInGodsPromises, #DivineIntervention, #CelebrateGodsWork, #Faithfulness, #ChildOfThePromise ASK THIS: How can we actively cultivate a mindset of celebration and gratitude for God's work in our lives, even in the midst of challenges? In what ways can we ensure that we don't overlook or rush past moments of spiritual joy, but instead anchor them in our hearts and minds for future encouragement and faith? DO THIS: Rejoice in your relationship and celebrate God. PRAY THIS: Father, thank You for Your unfailing faithfulness and the miraculous work You do in my life. Help me to rejoice continually in Your promises and to anchor every moment of spiritual joy in my heart, trusting in Your enduring love and provision. Amen. PLAY THIS: Celebrate.

GET THE BOOK: Daniel: A Strong Man Is Faithful here https://amzn.to/3ToZqOk Do you testify to others about your fiery trial of faith? Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king's counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them. Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king's command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God. Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.” Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon. — Daniel 3:24-30 We live in times ruled by the spirit of Babylon. Satan roams the earth, and men like Nebuchadnezzar still exist. They will till the end of this time. This means we're going to have trouble in this life. We might even have long seasons of fiery trials. We will experience trials on a macro-level in the world, in our countries, with governments, politicians, and leaders. We'll also experience trials on a micro-level in our marriage, family, workplaces, and personal lives. Somedays, the furnace of these trials is going to rage on both levels. Occasionally, the heat is going to get turned way up. But know this — a man of faith always has God standing by their side. God will stand by you through the fire, even when a vengeful spirit walks you to the edge of the furnace and pushes you in. God will not let you be burned. Not a hair on your body. Not a singe of your skin. Not even a smell of flame. But you'll have to have faith that the Spirit of God is greater than the spirit of this world. In fact, I bet you have a story like this—a tale of a test where God intervened for you. This story is a testimony of God’s greatness and faithfulness through you. It’s worth recalling and retelling because it tells the tale of a faithful God who is ready to save. So do that today. Testify about God by telling the tale of your trial and his salvation. Give some hope to others who are walking through the same test or trial that you did. Because the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is not the only great story of God’s salvation. It’s one of many God has done through men just like you. God, use our stories to testify about the great works you do. As we share them, may they testify to your faithfulness and greatness and help others know there is hope in their tests and trials. May our stories of you be salvation to others. In Jesus’s name, amen. If you liked this devotional series, check out the 30-day Devotional Book that partners with this study—Daniel: A Strong Man Is Faithful, which you can find on Amazon at the link below. https://amzn.to/3ToZqOk

Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. — Galatians 4:24-26 CALL OUT: Our call-out goes to Kenneth Webber from Irmo, SC. Thank you so much for your support, brother. You are in our prayers today! In this allegory, Paul contrasts two mothers: Hagar, a slave, and Sarah, a free woman. Through their respective sons, we witness the birth of two distinct covenants. Hagar symbolizes covenant slavery through Ismael, representing the former religious system. Sarah embodies the covenant of freedom, corresponding to the present family of faith born from above. Essentially, one is the mother of bondage, the other the mother of freedom. Paul's contrast is not just a literary device but a tool he is using to explain the freedom we have in faith. Using this allegory, Paul proclaims a truth that would be offensive to a devout Jew. He is saying that Jerusalem, the Temple, and all its priests and practices are a sign of religious bondage. The time of adherence to these legal regulations is done. Circumcision, festivals, and former religious systems and practices hold no meaning anymore. In fact, those who still do them are like Ishmael, sons of a slave woman birthed into slavery. However, Paul's illustration can easily be understood as outdated and irrelevant to us today. But it's not, and here's why. Anytime we embrace even a subtle belief that our good works will earn us status, standing, or salvation with God, we link ourselves to the lineage of Hagar and slavery. And it's easy to be conned into doing this. We might think, "If I just prayed more, read my Bible more, and attended church more, then maybe God will reward me and be pleased with me." Now, there is nothing wrong with these activities—we should do each of them—but believing that doing them will save you is an enslaving lie. It has led many believers right back into the arms of Hagar, the mother of bondage. These works-based religious beliefs result in a mentality of trying to earn God's favor through our efforts. Think about it. When we believe that our performance dictates our standing with God, we're essentially saying that Jesus's sacrifice on the Cross wasn't enough. We're saying that we need to add our good deeds to the equation to experience salvation. But that's not the message of the Gospel. Paul has been telling us throughout Galatians that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works. It's not about what we do; it's about what Jesus has already done for us. He paid the price for our sins on the Cross, once and for all. When we put our trust in him, we are set free from the bondage of trying to earn our salvation, and we do good deeds as a result. So, while this allegory might feel outdated and antiquated, it's not. Don't fall into the trap of works-based systems of belief. Remember that you are a descendant of the free woman born into freedom by the Son who came from her seed—Jesus Christ. Embrace the truth that you have been saved by grace, not by your own efforts. And let's live our lives in response to grace and freedom. #FreedomInFaith #GraceOverWorks #AllegoricalWisdom #GalatiansInsights #LiberatedByGrace ASK THIS: Reflecting on your beliefs and practices, do you find yourself leaning more towards a works-based mentality or embracing God's grace? How can you shift your focus to relying on His grace rather than your own efforts? In what ways can you practically live out the truth of being saved by grace through faith in your daily life? How can you share this message of freedom with others who may be trapped in a works-based mindset? DO THIS: Rid yourself of works-based religious lies. PRAY THIS: Father, help me fully grasp the depth of Your grace and live in the freedom You have provided through Christ. Guide me to share this liberating truth with others so that they, too, may experience the joy of salvation by faith alone. Amen. PLAY THIS: Freedom.