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Today's Scripture : Galatians 5:1, 4–14  (NIV)

Insight  Circumcision was common in ancient Egyptian and Canaanite cultures (Jeremiah 9:25), but God made circumcision the physical sign of the covenant between Him and the Israelites (Genesis 17:11). Circumcision became the badge of Jewish spirituality; Gentiles became known as “the uncircumcision” —those outside of God’s love. Paul didn’t condemn circumcision in itself; he circumcised Timothy—a Greek—because of his ministry to the Jews (Acts 16:1–3). But Paul opposed the Judaizers who insisted it was needed for salvation ( 15:1–2 ). In the council of Jerusalem ( vv . 6–29 ), the early church affirmed that salvation is by the grace of Christ alone ( v . 11 ).

We may have the same problem. Perhaps we grew up in churches with rigid rules that fenced us in. Or we were raised in permissive homes and are now desperate for the security of rules. Either way, it’s time to embrace our freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1). Jesus has freed us to obey Him out of love (John 14:21) and to “serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13). An entire field of joy and love is open for those who realize “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). By:    Mike Wittmer

Reflect & Pray How have you been kept from experiencing freedom in Christ? How can realizing this freedom help you serve others? Jesus, help me to believe I am as free as You say.

September 1 Lesson 1 ( KJV ) Faithful During Distress Devotional Reading: Luke 17:22, 26–37 Background Scripture : Genesis 18:16–19:29 Genesis 19:1, 4 , 5 , 15–26 , 29 1 And there came two angels to Sodom at even, and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground. 4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: 5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men who came into thee this night? Bring them out unto us, that we may know them. 15 And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. 16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; ...

August 31: Walking with Jesus Isaiah 65:1–66:24; Luke 24:13–53 ; Job 14:11–22 Imagine encountering Jesus on the road to Emmaus. It would be a surreal experience. You’re walking to the next town, and you start a conversation with a man beside you, only to find out later that you’ve been talking with the resurrected Son of God. Even more surreal, the topic of conversation up to your moment of discovery has been the death of the man walking with you (Luke 24:13–35). I have often wondered what it would be like to meet Jesus face to face—to have Him explain to me how He exists in the biblical text from Moses, in all the prophets, and in all Scripture (Luke 24:27). How different would my life be after that experience? Would I rethink everything I had known and heard—perhaps everything I do? Asking these questions is not only healthy, it also turns on our spiritual GPS. Are we on the path God has called us to? Have we strayed in one direction or another? Are we caught in some odd ro...

Saturday , August 31, 2019 | Octoechos Twelfth Saturday after Pentecost Epistle 1 Corinthians 1:26–29 Gospel Matthew 20:29–34   Byzantine Lectionary (Gregorian) . Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2015. Print. Sat , Aug 31, 2019 (Aug 18, 2019) | Octoechos Eleventh Saturday after Pentecost Bright Vestments Epistle 1 Corinthians 1:3–9 Gospel Matthew 19:3–12   Byzantine Lectionary (Julian) . Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2016. Print. Saturday , August 31, 2019 | Octoechos Eleventh Saturday after Pentecost Epistle 1 Corinthians 1:3–9 Gospel Matthew 19:3–12   Byzantine Lectionary (Revised Julian) . Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2015. Print.

Saturday, August 31, 2019 | Ordinary Time Saturday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time Year 1 | Roman Missal | Lectionary First Reading 1 Thessalonians 4:9–11 Response Psalm 98:9 Psalm Psalm 98:1, 7–9 Gospel Acclamation John 13:34 Gospel Matthew 25:14–30   Catholic Daily Readings . Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2009. Print. Saturday, August 31, 2019 | After Pentecost Proper 16, Saturday Year 1 Psalms ( Morning ) Psalm 20 , 21:1–7 ( 8–13 ) Psalms ( Evening ) Psalm 110:1–5 ( 6–7 ) 116 , 117 Old Testament 1 Kings 7:51–8:21 New Testament Acts 28:17–31 Gospel Mark 14:43–52   The Episcopal Church. Book of Common Prayer Lectionary . Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2010. Print. Saturday, August 31, 2019 | After Pentecost Saturday before Proper 17 Year C Psalm , First Reading & Second Reading, Option I Psalm Psalm 112 First Reading Proverbs 21:1–4, 24–26 ( C...

Bible in a Year  :  Psalms 129–131; 1 Corinthians 11:1–16

Today's Scripture : Psalm 126  (NIV)

Insight  Psalm 126 is one of the songs of ascent, a title given to fifteen of the psalms ( 120–134 ). These psalms are also known as pilgrim songs and were most likely sung by Jewish worshipers as they ascended the road to the temple in Jerusalem to attend the three required festivals or feasts ( Passover, or Festival of Unleavened Bread ; Pentecost , or Feast of Weeks ; and Tabernacles , also known as Tents or Booths ). We read about this requirement in Deuteronomy 16:16. Other scholars believe these songs were sung by the Levite singers as they ascended the steps to minister at the temple. Psalm 126 calls worshipers to rejoice as they remember how God “restored the fortunes of Zion” ( v . 1 ), or Jerusalem, most likely when the people returned from captivity in Babylon during Ezra’s time. By:  Alyson Kieda

You and I need not look far in our own experiences for examples of great things from God, especially if we believe in God through His Son, Jesus. Nineteenth-century hymn writer Fanny Crosby captured this sentiment when she wrote, “Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done, and great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son.” Yes, to God be the glory, great things He has done! By:    Arthur Jackson

Reflect & Pray What great things have you experienced from the hand of God? How does reflecting on these increase your trust and hope? Great things in the past can inspire great joy, great prayer, and great hope.

August 30: Dawning of a New Era Isaiah 63:1–64:12; Luke 23:26–24:12 ; Job 14:1–10 Jesus’ resurrection brings a new era. Although Jesus told His disciples and loved ones that He would suffer, die, and be raised on the third day (Luke 9:22), they didn’t fully comprehend His promise. The women preparing fragrant spices and perfumes for a burial ritual fully expected to find Jesus’ body in the tomb. Instead, at the dawn of the first day of the week, they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. The women were perplexed by their discovery, but the angels challenged them, reminding them of Jesus’ promise: “Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has been raised! Remember how he spoke to you while he was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of men who are sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise?” (Luke 24:5–7). Jesus’ resurrection presents new hope for the disciples and those who believe in H...