March 12, 2016:  SOAP #2291:

Scripture:  Galatians (NIV) 3:5 Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?

Observation:   Just why is it that God gives us the promised Holy Spirit?  Is it because we have done such an excellent job in keeping the law?  Is it because He owes us for working so hard at keeping the law?  Or does God give us the life of the Spirit because we believe His word?  Obviously the answer, un-given, is clear.  It is because we believe!  The next verse: 6 Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Application:    God is God.  There is no one above God.  No one can force God to be other than He chooses to be.  God wants to be believed.  He wants people to believe He exists and that He is the rewarder of those who seek Him diligently.  (Hebrews 11:6) God has chosen to respond to faith.  God responds to my faith.  My faith obtains for me what I do not deserve and what I could never earn.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, I believe you exist and I believe Your Word.  Thank you for the great gift of salvation!  Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to work in me and through me!    Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!