Devotional - July 3, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 3:26-27  So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Tomorrow is July 4th.  I hope you all get a chance to enjoy the day in some way.  Be it, taking time for fellowship with family and friends, eating good food, and enjoying the fireworks.  Time well spent celebrating the day we, the United States of America, declared our independence.  Make no mistake, it cost us dearly...  The red in our flag is a constant reminder of just how dearly it cost.  Yet, many of us do not know what the blue stands for in our flag.  It stands for vigilance, perseverance, and justice for all.  In other words, the independence we enjoy is not a once-and-for-all thing.  No, it must be maintained and lived-out each day.  So too is our salvation through Christ.  Paul has made it clear in this letter, we (Gentiles) have received our salvation through the promise given to Abraham.  When we receive it, we immersed ourselves in the life and revelation of Christ.  Then, we continue living it in our daily lives.  It becomes our identity ("clothed").  And like any other clothing we wear on a daily basis, it takes a lot of upkeep.  I hope you do not hear this as an added chore to your daily routine.  No, let this part of your day, the time you spend with God, be the fireworks.  Let it be a time of encouragement, liberation, and hope.  

Pray with me.., Holy God, at times, all we see is the battle, the difficulties, and the setbacks.  Keep our eyes heavenward.  Help us to remember that battle has already been fought.  Help us to live out the victory we have in Christ each day.  Lord, we ask Your blessing on our loved ones and on our church in Jesus' name, Amen         

God's peace,

Pastor Brian