Brand-marks (Galatians 6:17-18)

Today's scriptures: Galatians 6:17-18

As we end our journey in Galatians today, let’s focus on Paul’s last words to his fellow believers.

First, he states that he has the “brand-marks of Jesus” on his body. We know of the physical suffering Paul withstood for preaching. He was whipped and beaten several times, and he certainly would have scars. Scars he proudly wore as “brand-marks of Jesus.”

When I think of brand-marks, my thoughts go to cattle (not very romantic, but that’s the vision …). When calves are branded, they’re branded for life. Paul’s brand-marks were evident to any who saw him.

What “brand-marks” do you have? Do I have? Perhaps our brand-marks are physical, as Paul’s were. But perhaps they’re emotional or spiritual. Perhaps we’ve been “branded” as a troublemaker at work because of our faith. Or a friend has turned her back. Or fellow students have ridiculed us.

Can we wear them as proudly as Paul did his?

Second, Paul prays that the grace of the Lord Jesus be with the spirits of his readers. As we wrap up this book, with all its God-inspired wisdom, I pray the same for you.

May you experience abundant grace and love from our Savior and Redeemer, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

See you tomorrow as we begin a walk through the book of Ephesians!

Tell God's Stories (Psalm 40:9-10)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:9-10

One of the greatest joys I have in being a Christ-follower is that I'm part of His family. I have brothers and sisters all over the world, and I can rejoice with them when God works in and through them.

I love sharing stories of God's faithfulness. It's one of my favorite things to do. I love hearing stories of His faithfulness as well. When I'm feeling discouraged or doubtful, sometimes just hearing about how God has worked in someone else's life gives me hope.

I think this is one of the reasons God calls us to "assemble" with other believers (Hebrews 10:25). We certainly need to listen to God's word through the teaching of godly men and women, but it also gives us the chance to hear what God is doing in others' lives.

This is also why it's important to be part of a small group. When you meet with the same group of people regularly, you share stories. You have a front-row seat to God's work. My small group has been meeting together for quite a while now, and we know each other very well. We've seen God's hand through amazing blessings, and we've seen His comfort through the deepest pain. Without fail, my heart is blessed when I hear of God's righteousness, faithfulness, and lovingkindness through their stories.

We really do need to "proclaim" God's faithfulness and not "conceal" it. Through stories of God's faithfulness, our faith grows.

If you're not already in a church where you hear truth, I pray you find one. If you're not part of a small group of believers with whom you can share God's stories, again, I pray you find one.

Proclaim His truth. Share His stories. You will be blessed.

Testify of the Light (John 1:6-8)

Today's scripture: John 1:6-8

Each of us has a testimony. Each of us has a story to tell. We have histories, events that make up the sum-total of our earthly lives. And each story is unique, with its own purpose.

For some of us, our stories are filled with abundance and blessings. For others, those stories are rife with tragedy and sorrow.

But for those of us who follow Jesus Christ, our stories have one thing in common: He changed our lives. So we should be eager to tell others about this Christ, this Savior who shown light into a dark world.

John the Baptist was the first to witness to Jesus' earthly ministry. John was called from God to "testify about the Light," to tell the Jewish people that the Messiah they had so longed for had finally come.

I imagine he may have told his own story. How his mother had been barren, yet at an age where childbearing should have been impossible, God miraculously gave her a child. How an angel appeared to his father, saying:

Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayers. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son, and you must name him John. His birth will make you very happy, and many people will be glad. Your son will be a great servant of the Lord. He must never drink wine or beer, and the power of the Holy Spirit will be with him from the time he is born. John will lead many people in Israel to turn back to the Lord their God. He will go ahead of the Lord with the same power and spirit that Elijah had.
(Luke 1:13-17, CEV)

John's own story testifies to a God of miracles and points to a Savior. The Light.

Does your story testify to the Light? Can you tell others how God has used you? Can you witness to a changed life?

Tell your story so that others "might believe" through you.

Strength from Stories (3 John 1:11-12)

Today's scripture: 3 John 1:11-12

I’m often inspired by the stories, by the testimonies, of other people of faith.

When I’m struggling with pain, I read testimonies of people like Joni Earekson Tada. When I’m fearful, I remember how Queen Esther faithfully and courageously entered into the king’s presence, risking her very life. When I’m impatient, I recall my grandfather’s amazing ability to remain calm during times of crises. When I'm discontent, I remember my grandmother's quiet contentment even when she had so little.

I so admire people who live what they believe. They imitate Christ and strive to do good. And I’m challenged to the same.

Are you feeling a shakiness in your faith? Read the stories of God’s people from the Old or New Testament. Are you questioning God’s plan? Find words of wisdom from whose who’ve walked before you.

And remember: Someone maybe watching you, and your testimony may encourage and inspire her. Live as Christ would. Walk the path the Father has designed just for you. And then be ready to tell your story.

Testifing Faith (3 John 1:1-4)

Today's scripture: 3 John 1:1-4

We’ve journeyed through John’s first two epistles. Now we’ll study God’s wisdom that flowed out of John’s pen in his third and final letter.

A couple of things stand out to me in these verses.

First, John prayed that his recipient “may prosper in all things and be in health …” We hear a lot these days about a prosperity gospel that says God wants all His children to prosper (i.e., be rich). Since we’re not all rich, does that mean we aren’t children of God? I don’t think so. John adds a caveat: He prays that they prosper, “just as your soul prospers.”

And how does our soul prosper? By meditating on God’s word. By communing with Him in prayer and solitude. By glorifying Him. By surrendering everything to Him.

God may indeed bless us with financial wealth, but He would rather see our souls “prosperous” than our having huge bank accounts.

Second, John gave a most beautiful commendation of the faith of his recipient: “For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.” His heart burst with godly pride as he saw his spiritual children share truth, so much so that others “testified” of their faith.

And so I’m convicted. Would others “testify” of my faith? Would my spiritual “parents” be filled with joy as they heard of how I served God and others?

I pray so. And I want to make certain those who led and mentored me in my faith would be delighted in how I live for God.  How I walk in truth.

My Testimony (1 John 5:7-8)

Today's scripture: 1 John 5:7-8

I’ve been asked why I believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation, why I believe that the God of the Bible is the one and only true God. If you’re a follower of Christ, you have probably been asked the same.

What’s your answer?

Part of why I believe what I believe is I trust the Bible as God’s word. I believe God the Spirit wrote through the pens of men.

But that’s not the only reason. In fact, in some ways, it’s not even the main reason.

I believe what I believe because of how God has changed my life. I could share countless testimonies of others' dramatic life-changes, but when it comes down to it, the only story I can really tell is my own.

And God changed my life. He took a rebellious, angry young woman and made a strong, compassionate "daughter of the King."

I see Him work in my life each and every day. He gives me peace in this very peace-less world. He gives me strength when I simply can’t function on my own. He opens unexpected, but perfect doors. He provides—miraculously sometimes—for my needs.

I know this sounds melodramatic, but I honestly believe I wouldn’t be alive today if it weren’t for God’s work in my life. His very, very real presence. If I didn't believe there was a purpose for my life, for my pain, for my day-to-day, I wouldn't want to go on. Why would I?

I know God is who He says He is because of what He's done in my life. And as John said, I know the Holy Spirit is in me. I’ve been baptized by water and cleansed by blood. Those three testify to my being God’s daughter.

That’s my testimony.