Devotion: Galatians 3:26-27 “But the scripture says that the whole world is under the power of sin; and so the gift which is promised on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ is given to those who believe. But before the time of faith came, the Law kept us all locked up as prisoners until this coming faith should be revealed. And so the Law was in charge of us until Christ came, in order that we might then be put right with God through faith. Now that the time of faith is here, the Law is no longer in charge of us. It is through faith that all of you are God’s children in union with Christ Jesus.” We are all sinners. Romans 3:23: “everyone has sinned and is far away from God’s saving presence.” If we were all pure of heart there would have been no purpose or reason for Jesus to come to earth in the first place. We needed salvation! We know the rules, through the Law written and handed over to Moses thousands of years ago. The difference between right and wrong is no big secret; it is but a matter of choice. Yet we always manage to make the WRONG decision and we end up in sin alley with a whole lot of baggage – pain, depression, loneliness, abandonment, sorrow, all the baddies. Then we sit in wonder that things turned out as it did. You, human, are responsible for your own life and your own choices. God gave us free will, after all. But if you make mistakes and blame it on an inhumane God, you are wrong. God does not punish us, He guides us and His guidance can, at times, be a painful process. The problem is that we, as humans, are always so dead set on getting OUR OWN WAY that we lose focus and forget God’s plan and purpose for us. Once you make the seemingly insane decision of following the lead of an invisible God (yes, your pals will have a good laugh at that) you will notice that things start to fall into place. You see, we were not just born by accident. We were placed here, in this temporary home for a specific purpose and once you understand your purpose and follow God’s will, your life will be more peaceful, less anxious. Why? Because you’ll know God is in control. Now, how do you know what God wants from me? You study His Word, you listen to His voice in your heart (that conscience you so abruptly shrugged off in the old days), you bring each decision to Him in prayer and you will receive an answer if you are patient and if you are listening well. 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow to do what he has promised, as some think. Instead, he is patient with you, …” God speaks to you all the time; you just seem to NOT notice the signs at all. Look for it, listen for it…He is always near. Remember, no matter what happens, or what sins you committed, God will forgive you through Jesus Christ who died on the cross just for that purpose – to release us from the stronghold of sin. He doesn’t want you to be lost, He sent His Son so you can be saved. 2 Peter 3:9: “…because he does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants all to turn away from their sins.” Are you still a prisoner of the Law or are you free through the blood of Jesus Christ? More reading: Acts 16:31, Romans 10:9, 1 John 5:1-21 Prayer: Father, we are humbling ourselves today in Your presence. We have been fools, stubbornly trying to carve out our own path. We are still prisoners of the Law. Help us then, Lord, to listen to Your voice. Open our hearts and minds so that Your will can be done in our lives. Thank you for granting us forgiveness. Thank you for accepting us as Your children. Amen. Would you like to share your testimony, need prayer or would like to talk to our counselors? Please send an email to crossroadsministries.sharon[gmail].com #Devotion #Galatians3 #TurntoJesus #TrustGod