March 13, 2016:  SOAP #2292:

Scripture:  Galatians (NIV) 4:8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.  9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God— how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?  10 You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!

Observation:   It seems that the church in Galatia had believers from two backgrounds.  Some came from Judaism where they worshipped God by keeping the laws of Moses with special days, special foods and special offerings.  Others (known as Gentiles) came from the world in which they worshipped idols.   Serving God is not a matter of keeping a special routine, but of maintaining a relationship in which we know Him and He knows us!

Application:  What a privilege to know God.  Truly that is the greatest knowledge I can have!   But much greater is that He knows me!  Oh how He knows me!   He knows my thoughts and intentions.  He understands my limitations.   Because He loves me, He uses that knowledge to help me rather than destroy me.

Prayer:   Lord, I know I can count on you!  I want to grow in my spiritual life so that You can count on me.  With all my failings and weaknesses and limitations, You alone are my God.     Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!