Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

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Read

Galatians 1:11-24 (NRSV)

For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus.

Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days; but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord’s brother. In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie! Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, and I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea that are in Christ; they only heard it said, “The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me.

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Reflect

The good news in this passage of scripture is that God’s amazing grace revealed in Jesus’ tender teachings is given to you as a precious gift. God promises to hold you in grace every step you take in life. So you can live in the secure faith of these words: God’s grace is available for all of my needs. God’s power is strongest when I am weak. The Bible was inspired and written to make this grace available to me.

In this time of devotion, let this grace transform your life. Sit quietly and as you breathe out let go of all your weaknesses and fears and feel them flowing from your body. As you breathe in let God’s goodness, grace, and love come into your life. This is a life-changing experience: By God’s grace you are being transformed! Grace is a healing word, and it brings with it the gifts of love, joy, and peace.

This grace is freely given to all! As you have received grace, now think of ways you can share grace with your family and friends. And that is precisely what makes this a marvelous daily gift. By God’s grace all of us are kept every step that we take in life!

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Pray

Loving God, in response to your grace we praise you and entrust the burdens of our lives and our loved ones to your care. Let all anxiety and despair due to the power of evil in our lives be dispelled and let the gift of peace reign supreme. Open our hearts to others that we may all be family where every person is precious and important. Let our eyes see the needs of others, our hearts be moved with compassion and love, and our hands be lifted to help one another. Let our old nature pass away and let the new nature modeled by Jesus come with the gifts of grace, love, and peace. Amen.

Go with God.