May 10, 2022
JUDGES 12-13:
Yesterday, after hearing of three minor judges,
we heard of Jephthah. Jephthah was a man of very poor credentials,
but he turned out to be a surprisingly good leader. His story shows
clearly why it is better not to make rash vows to the Lord. Indeed,
the New Testament tells us to not make vows at all.
PSALM 84:
This
favorite psalm has inspired many worship songs. Note the theme of
joy!
GALATIANS 5:22-6:
Building on the concept of freedom from
requirements of the Law in chapter 4, Paul continued on that theme
in chapter 5. (Of course there were no chapter boundaries when he
wrote his letter!) The freedom Paul described is founded on the
idea that we are now controlled by the Holy Spirit. A second very
important concept is considering ourselves dead to sinful desires
and deeds which were enumerated at the end of chapter 5.
NLT Translation notes:
8
Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest
decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to
please [God’s/the] Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the
Spirit.
10 Therefore, whenever we have the
opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those [who
are fellow believers//in the family of faith].
14
As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our
Lord [Christ Jesus//Jesus Christ]. Because of that
cross,cmy
interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest
in me has also died.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.