Grace to you and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
‭‭GALATIANS‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Good morning from the very beautiful New Orleans.  The sky is cloudless this morning as I prepare to depart this city rich with culture.  The visit has been a wonderful opportunity for me professionally and personally.  However, I miss my husband and  I’m ready to return home.  If you ever visit New Orleans, the food is magnificent.

During my stay I worked on my studies some at night.  I’m currently studying the Book of Galatians.  The first chapter is packed full of information.  I spent three or four hours last night studying Galatians 1 and I’m still working on it.  One theme that jumped out at me and I wanted to share is “Grace versus Legalism”.  I often hear people say legalism, but I didn’t realize what they meant until now.  It’s completely understandable as Christians that we feel obligated to do something, but that is legalism.  It could be dressing a certain way, following Old Testament laws, or feeling obligated to go or serve at Church.  Legalism puts the focus on us rather than on our sweet Lord.  Rather that working to please God, we should focus on working for God because we love Him so much and in thanksgiving for all our blessings.  You see, we have salvation by faith and spirituality by grace.  There is nothing we can do to be saved, but accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  As our verse today tells us, peace is a part of that grace (Galatians 1:3).  Isn’t that great!  Then, the “works” we do should be in thanksgiving and a way of honoring our Lord.

So, today try something new by spending your time pleasing God in thanksgiving.  Have a super day!  God bless you.