Daily Devotions

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Book of Galatians

Posting daily, Monday – Saturday, starting October 24, 2022.
 

These devotions are based on a letter that Paul wrote to the Galatian Christians. You can read about how Paul planted these churches on his first missionary journey in Acts 13-14. Like in other letters Paul writes because of an issue that is disrupting the church. People were losing sight of the grace that gave them this new life of freedom in Christ. They were going back to a life of “slavery” to Judaistic legalism, with the act of circumcision becoming the indicator of discipleship instead of faith leading to transformed lives. The issue is relevant today because at risk here is the grace, or unmerited, surprising love of God in Jesus that is often missed in the pursuit of holiness (maintaining “God’s standards”) because of a reluctance to listen to the Spirit. I pray that through these devotions you will (re)discover that grace! For an overview of Galatians please watch: Watch Here

Remember, these are devotions – it is not a study. Please first pray asking God to speak to you, read the passage at least twice, then the devotion. Use the questions to help you think about how the passage relates to you, then pray the prayer I’ve written, it may be more important than the devotion! May I suggest you write your own prayer that is more relevant to your situation and add it to the comments for others to be encouraged? Or maybe you have a question/comment that others can respond to. If you have a personal question/comment please email me directly. I’ve also chosen a song for you to listen at the end of each devotion. Be blessed!

Week 2, Thursday, James 2:1-7

“James”

by, Pastor Sunil Balasundaram
 

Scripture

Go to James 2:1-7

(Please read the passage before, or after, reading the devotion.)

 

“…really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ (or, the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, RSV)” (v.1). That’s what is important to James: real faith (= a living relationship with Jesus) is shown in attitudes and behavior. A simple test: how do we naturally treat strangers among us – whether in the church or outside – on the basis of their external appearance? Do we see them as much of the world would, and discriminate in our behavior to them on the basis of that appearance – low respect for the poor-looking, high respect for the rich-looking? Or do we see them as Jesus (who really is the only one deserving of “really high respect”) would – all of us as needy, and therefore to be treated with equal mutual respect? Faith should change our “eyes,” and that should change our behavior (cf. Matthew 6:22-23)!
 

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I didn’t realize that I grieve and even insult your Name by the way I see people according to their appearance and discriminate in my behavior towards them. Forgive me for convincing myself that knowing You is only a spiritual matter. You want my relationship with you to constantly make me more and more humble – just like you. Then maybe I will see others as you see them, and act towards them as you would. In compassion. Help me to see; transform me to act. Amen.
 
 

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Week 2, Wednesday, James 1:26-27

 “James”

by, Pastor Sunil Balasundaram

 

 

Go to James 1:26-27

(Please read the passage before, or after, reading the devotion.)

 

“Like father, like son” is not usually used as a compliment. Yet in Jesus, that is exactly what happened – “Whoever has seen me (Jesus) has seen the Father” (John 14:19). And that is what God intends for us as His children – “Be perfect…as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Jesus’ death, resurrection, and promise of the Holy Spirit is so that we would be saved (made whole) and adopted (made His children, to be like the Father). James suggests three simple (and obvious) ways to show this. First are our words – not just what we say, but how we say them. Do we reflect who our Heavenly Father is by our words? Second is our compassion – how do we show the Father’s care for the most vulnerable? In those days they were orphans and widows; today the list would include victims of every form of injustice and violence. Third is our holiness – how do we live as if we are in the world, yet not of it (read John 17:15-18)?

 
Prayer

You are asking too much of me O God. But are you? You expected no less from your Son Jesus; you intend no less for us your children. Maybe it’s because I only see myself as a human on my way to (hopefully) heaven. And you see me as your growing (and therefore not complete as yet, and fallible) heavenly child placed on earth to represent You. You desire that I reflect you in the simplest ways that You will work through me by Your Holy Spirit in me – words, compassion, holiness (Your distinctiveness in me). Thank you for who you are making me to be. Amen.  Song Lyrics: “Into the Night”

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Week 2, Tuesday, James 1:22-25

 “James”

by, Pastor Sunil Balasundaram
 

 

Go to James 1:22-25

(Please read the passage before, or after, reading the devotion.)

 

Verse 21 ends with “Word…which can save you.” In other words, God’s Word can make you whole…complete. [The Greek word translated as “save” and “salvation” also means “healed,” “made whole.”] So it would be logical that God’s Word in us makes us whole when we obey it; so that is what we would naturally do. But apparently not. There are some that look, listen seriously into God’s Word – and then do nothing with what it speaks about in their lives. The analogy drawn about the person and the mirror is funny – absurd even – and yet true for many. Much like the person who hears but ignores Jesus’ words in his analogy about the one who built his house on the sand; which collapsed in the wind and rain (cf. Matthew 7:24-27). Be hearers and doers. James is simply repeating what Jesus said. Listen intently, then put God’s revelation into practice. The result always changes the doer!

 

Prayer: Forgive me Lord, I wasn’t listening. You first warned me to talk less and listen more. Now you challenge me to not just listen, but do something about what I hear. And keep doing it! You assure me that contrary to what it seems, my obedience does not imprison me, it will actually free me. Not only will I be doing your will, that’s how you transform me, you make me whole. That’s how I experience the fullness of who you are – your blessing. Help me to be a listener. But not just stop there – help me to be a doer of the Word too. Amen.

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Week 2, Monday, James 1:19-21

 “James”

by, Pastor Sunil Balasundaram
 
Scripture

(Please read the passage before, or after, reading the devotion.)

Go to James 1:19-21

 

If God’s intention for us is to grow from new birth to new lives, how does He make that happen? I’m pretty sure that James has Jesus’ Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-20) at the back of his mind while writing this. Just as Jesus kept repeating “Let anyone with ears to hear listen,” James calls us to be attentive to God and His Word. This is more than having a regular devotional time, this is having an intentional listening ear! Receptivity to God always has two aspects. The first is preparation – having an attitude that is not defensive, does not pander to selfish passions, turns away from the “weeds and thorns” of our past inclinations. The second is response – humbly allowing God’s Word in us (cf.v.18) to grow in us (and thereby grow us) by our obedience.

 
Prayer

Help me to be honest with myself, O Lord. I am so quick to speak, whether to defend myself, or to show I know more, but in so doing I do not listen for your Voice through your Word and your people. I excuse my anger as righteous indignation, forgetting that I am not all that righteous and besides, even You do not hold on to it forever. Forgive me Lord. I will be intentional in listening to you. May Your Word grow in me even as I obey you so that You Lord Jesus may fill my life. Amen.

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Week 1, Saturday, James 1:17-18

“James”

by, Pastor Sunil Balasundaram

 

Scripture
(Please read the passage before, or after, reading the devotion.)

Go to James 1:17-18

 

Reminder: There will be NO daily devotion tomorrow, Sunday. Hopefully most of you will join us through our Live stream Worship and listen to God yourselves. Come with open hearts!

 

We mustn’t think of God as someone who keeps preventing us from the things we like – something like a “party-pooper!” On the contrary, God wants to give His best to His children. And He does so generously; that’s His very nature, which doesn’t change. While “sin gives birth to death (v.15),” God, on the other hand, does something extraordinary. He plants His Word in our hearts which, in turn, brings about a new (spiritual) birth in our lives (cf. John 3:3). He gives us absolutely new lives which, like the first-fruits in the Old Testament, can then be offered back to Him as a love offering. Do we?
 

Prayer

Thank you gracious God, for every good gift. You’ve kept nothing good away from me! You gave me new life, and with it, yourself – your Holy Spirit. But that’s not all; you have given me every other blessing besides, of loving relationships, of every necessity. I have discovered that I lack nothing Lord, when I have you. Thank you. But now I must learn what it means to give myself to you as “first-fruits:” the best of who I am, the best of what I have is all I can give you in response. So take Lord, receive. Amen.
 
 

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Week 1, Friday, James 1:12-16

“James”

by Pastor Sunil Balasundaram
 
Scripture
(Please read the passage before, or after, reading the devotion.)

Go to James 1:12-16

 

“The devil made me do it” or “If God loves me, why didn’t He stop me?” is what some people say when they mess up, do something horribly wrong, cause intentional pain, in short sin! James knows how easy it is to deceive oneself. He knows as true what Paul writes in Romans 7:14-24, that our human inclinations are self/pleasure-oriented and enslaving. Left to ourselves we will follow those inclinations which will eventually translate thought to action, and we end up sinning, with spiritual destruction that results. The Christ-follower is not immune to this, because of the human tendency of self-deception. But what they do know is that as followers of Christ they can recognize when those instincts are surfacing, and turn back to following Christ (and not themselves) because they love Him more.
 

Prayer

 I almost fell away from you Lord, that time when I listened to my own inclinations and instincts. I made all kinds of excuses, but in the end I knew it came down to “Do I love Jesus or myself more?” Thank you for your love, gracious God, because that’s what won the day. All I could think of was “How can I do this and hurt the One who loved me enough to die for me?” I realize now that every temptation is a kind of test – of love – that asks me, “Do you love me, Jesus, more than these?” I do, Lord. Amen.

 

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Week 1, Thursday, James 1:9-12

 “James”

By Pastor Sunil Balasundaram
 
Scripture

(Please read the passage before, or after, reading the devotion.)

Go to James 1:9-12

 

Please don’t misunderstand James – he is not saying that it’s a virtue to be poor, nor is he saying that it’s a sin to be rich. There are rich and poor people in the world, even among followers of Christ. That is a reality the Bible recognizes. But what James reminds the person “in humble circumstances” (a person of modest economic means) is that when they know Christ in their lives, they actually have spiritual dignity and wealth that is tantamount to lasting riches (read-Mark 10:21; 2 Corinthians 8:9). On the other hand rich believers should remember that their riches had absolutely no influence on God showing His grace in their lives. In fact God deals with them as if they had nothing; and still gives them grace. That is what they should celebrate – that God blesses us not because of what we are or have – which could vanish in a moment – but because of who He is: a God of Love who gives.

 

Prayer

You became poor so that I, through your poverty, may become “rich” (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:9). How can I ever say that I am poor, if I know you are by my side, Lord Jesus? In fact your Word reminds me how you richly bless me with “every spiritual blessing.” Forgive me when I take my eyes off you and focus on my circumstances, just like Peter took his eyes off you as he walked on water and began sinking! Forgive me too when all is going well and I focus on my blessings, forgetting the Giver. I humble myself before you O gracious Giver – whether it is in plenty, or when I have nothing. It is You I need most of all – you will always be my crown. Amen.

You need to watch this Song: Go to Song

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Week 1, Wednesday, James 1:5-8

 

 “James”

by Pastor Sunil Balasundaram
 
Scripture:
(Please read the passage before, or after, reading the devotion.)
 

Go to James 1:5-8

 

Ever heard of “growing pains”? It’s true because growing can be painful, even (and especially) if that growing is to make you “mature and complete” as a Christ-follower and child of God. We will need more than our own resources for that growth; we’ll need God’s wisdom to negotiate all that the evil one, the world (the culture around us), and our own (often foolish selfish) human inclinations throws at us. We will need to see things as God sees them, and then respond as He would have us, with insight and faith. And that to me is what Godly wisdom is all about. And James says that all we need to do is ask God for that wisdom. He will “give generously to all,” with no strings attached. That is a promise to claim!

 
Prayer
God of all wisdom and comfort, so often I feel the pain of my suffering doesn’t allow me to see you clearly. Sometimes I feel you don’t even care. I forget that you cared so much that you bore the cross for my sake. At such times I rely more on my own understanding and strength rather than yours. And even when I do ask you for your wisdom I am unwilling to listen to your answer because it is different to what I want and expect. Forgive me for thinking I know better. Forgive me for not believing that you really love me, and that you will grow me and my faith through the suffering. I surrender my fears, doubts, and suffering to you O Lord. I will trust you with single-hearted devotion. Amen.
 

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Week 1, Tuesday, James 1:2-4

 

“James”

by Pastor Sunil Balasundaram
 

 

Scripture:

(Please read the passage before, or after, reading the devotion.)

Go to James 1:2-4

 

masochist (noun). a person who takes pleasure in pain and suffering (general meaning). No, that is not what James says followers of Jesus are to be(come). But he sees pain and suffering as realities of life. Especially in the life of the follower of Jesus. God does not shield us from it; He even allowed His Son Jesus to go through it (cf. Hebrews 2:10). I don’t believe that the Bible teaches that God causes the suffering people experience. And yet He seems to allow it. C.S. Lewis gives one perspective why, in his book The Problem of Pain: “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” Could it be that I listen more intently through my pain? James reminds us that one of God’s greatest desires for us humans is that He finish what He started in us, and make us “mature and complete” as His new creation. And He will especially use pain and suffering to make that possible – if we will allow Him. That’s why I can have “joy” – I know that God and I will not let that suffering to either overwhelm me or be wasted!

 

Prayer:

Forgive me, O Suffering Servant, when I feel you don’t understand me. You went through all I go through, and more, didn’t you, Lord? I now feel your compassion in my deepest suffering. But there’s more: I know you are with me through it all. And when I give you my pain, you don’t let it overwhelm me (even though at times I feel I cannot take any more). Instead, you take that pain and with your nail-scarred hands use it to complete the masterpiece you began when I accepted you as my Savior. And that gives me hope, and an overflowing sense of fullness – joy! Amen.
 
 

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Week 1, Monday, James 1:1

“James” Devotions

by Pastor Sunil Balasundaram

 

Introduction

It took me a long while to decide on doing a series of devotions based on the letter of James in the New Testament (NT). It doesn’t speak much about things like salvation, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for us, grace, and other subjects that we are used to reading from Peter and Paul the apostles. In fact it almost did not get into NT for this reason. It has been both celebrated and criticized for dwelling mostly on practical things; making it a kind of “Proverbs” of the NT. And maybe that’s why I’d like us to spend a little “devotional” time on it, to remind us how deeply rooted in the gospel it is. And maybe discover how our lives as followers of Christ show transformed behavior that reflects who Jesus really is.

 

Scripture

(Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.)

Go to James 1:1

Who was James, and why did he write this letter? The writer simply identifies himself as “James,” a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing else can be known about him from the rest of the letter. And yet Church tradition describes him as Jesus’ own brother (born to Joseph and Mary, after Jesus’ birth). But he wasn’t always a follower of his big brother. In fact, there was a time that he thought big bro Jesus was crazy (Mark 3:21)! But things had changed for him. Now, after the Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, after Pentecost, James had become a follower… no wait! He had become a servant of Lord Jesus. Furthermore, now we see a man who actually cared for people he didn’t even know. He had on his heart the people who had been scattered by the persecution leveled against Christians. Humility and love seem to form the basis of this letter.

 
Prayer:

Lord Jesus, James had enough reason to feel proud, to feel privileged. After all, he was your “half-brother,” born to your human mother Mary. Yet all I see of him is someone who would rather be known only in connection with you. In fact he called himself your servant and acted like one, even as you called yourself your Father’s servant. Is it true that only one so completely invested in your business can actually have your heart of love? Lord, as I embark on this journey, teach me to be your servant, teach me to love your way. Amen.

 

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