9/13 - Galatians 1

The overwhelming theme of this chapter, beyond Paul's censure of the Galatian church for their deviation into error, seems to be that God is truly the author of every good thing and every blessing we bank on as believers.  This is evident verse 15 where Paul describes his ministry and identity in Christ, as well as where Paul speaks of the gospel that he preaches, something that he received by revelation from Christ (v. 12).  What this says to me is that there truly is no room to praise men at all for any part in our salvation, not even for a "messenger of the gospel," as it were (v. 10).  To God truly belongs all the credit and is due all the praise.

9/14 - Galatians 2

Paul continues to discuss the history of his ministry and his encounters with the Judaizers.  What I love about this chapter is how Paul calls attention to his ministry and even has "personal ownership" of it to a degree, in the sense that it is his unique calling and derives from how God created him and crafted his personality and experiences (v. 8).  Nevertheless, Paul would acknowledge, and does so frequently throughout the book, that it is God who works in and through him to draw people to Himself.  But it is so refreshing to learn that even in working through us, God does not work in the same way through everyone (though never to the contradiction of His character), but uses the individuality He has given us.

9/16 - Galatians 3

Paul addresses the Judaizers' heresy here and continually reminds us that we are operating under a new, superior covenant of grace, one that has surpassed the law.  As Paul emphasizes in verse 12, the law causes us to focus on our own human effort and standards and give the credit to ourselves for our moral achievements, whereas the new covenant of grace is focused only on God and ascribes all the praise and glory to Him.  The old system, the law, is representative of everything Paul denounces in this letter--living in terms of human effort, being aware of and focused on our fallen state.

9/19 - Galatians 4

I love Paul's pastorly concern for the Galatian church that comes through in this chapter.  It is especially evident in verses 12-20 where Paul reminds the church of their attention towards and concern for himself when he was with them, the evidence of their faith working itself out through love (action).  To me it is the picture, the paradigm of exhortation through encouragement--Paul does not lecture or berate them, but sympathizes with them and pleads with them to come back in the light out of a very evident love for them.  This is a pattern I can definitely use in my own life when I encounter friends and acquaintances for whom I am concerned.

9/20 - Galatians 5

Paul brings in the application in this chapter.  Verses 6b and 22 speak of a faith "expressing itself" through love, or action ("works").  It is a concept very much akin to what James speaks of in his book, and Paul's exposition of it reinforces it in my mind and life.  As James says later on, and Paul would attest to, faith that is not working itself out through love towards others is useless, and there can be no love and concern that is from God without first having faith in Him and His salvation.  I am convicted that I need to bring these two qualities back into balance in my own life, and I pray that God would show me where I am falling short and strengthen me in those areas.

9/22 - Galatians 6

This chapter also touches on a theme Paul discussed earlier--that of self-perception and from where we derive our standards of holiness.  He discusses the external reference point of the law, which made is easy for us to compare ourselves one to another and boast about our personal moral achievements relative to others (v. 12-13).  He contrasts this with an internal, more God-centered reference point (v. 4) which enables us to live focused on God and not comparing ourselves to others.  I was convicted reading this chapter that this is something of which I do far too much--comparing myself to others.  God knows me inside and out and spurs me onward to a deeper walk with Him and thus more conformity with His character, which should be my ultimate reference point.

9/26 - Ephesians 1

This chapter feeds my heart.  It is almost as if I am simply agreeing with Paul throughout his long, long doxology of expression and worship toward God.  Some things stand out, though.  First of all, I love how God's grace is represented as targeted and purposeful in our lives (v. 8).  God knows exactly what we need, when we need it, and brings His complete knowledge of us to bear in every situation.  And also, Paul once again juxtaposes faith and its working out in love (v. 15).  One is not complete without the other, and they confirm each others' authenticity.

9/28 - Ephesians 2

Paul again writes about how our salvation comes about through God's grace and not through our individual efforts (v. 8-10).  If anyone, He deserves to boast, to brag about what He has done in us through His son.  He deserves all the praise and glory for it.  And not only that event, but the working our of our salvation, the gradual process of santification, God lays out in advance (v. 10).  This is such a comfort, knowing that the LORD has set a path before us, given us the strength we need to walk it and completely wrapped up its conclusion, where He brings us home to be with Him for eternity.  Praise Him!