Bearing each other's burdens (Galatians 6, Proverbs 16:18-20, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

Galatians 6

I was so excited to see the world leaders joining hands together last week.  My Pastor, Lloyd Pulley of Calvary Chapel, Old Bridge and others prayed with me.  Just to see the faces of people moving on and not giving up is so huge.  We have some good candidates for the next Presidential elections as well, in the USA.  I believe one is my Governor, "Chris Christie."  He has no problem speaking his mind at all : )  He genuinely cares about our safety and serving people.  It was good to see Benjamin Netanyahu with so many other great people.  He's had such a tough job for a long time.  I can't even imagine, except the hand of God.

God definitely has more plans for us than dodging all this terrorism.  We do have a responsibility to let the authorities know when something looks wrong.  In my experience they don't mind if it turns out to be nothing.    

On to the last chapter of Galatians.  It's kind of refreshing.

1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.
This is so important.  We all mess up, we all sin.  Sometimes we want to broadcast what others have done to us to the world just to show what a martyr we are.  But God tells us not to.    If we think we're so great even as a world leader, we're bound to trip and fall.  What goes up always comes down especially egos.  This is saying that if we see someone sinning, we should be kind and gentle and correct them.  

6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
I've always loved this verse.  I was able to make a copy of my testimony for my first Pastor who led me to Christ in Utah.  He was really excited to get it and it felt great to let him know how much he had helped change my life.  It is good to share what we've learned.  We all have pieces of the puzzle to put together in Heaven.  What a magnificent story will unfold!

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
I don't know how many people I've led to Christ.  I never counted.  Just love the Lord.  We'll see the whole picture in the end.  I have ripped what I sewed though... argh argh argh...  < not a seamstress at all.  I do best with paints and cameras.

18 Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20 He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.
(Proverbs 16:18-20 NKJV)

Proverbs 16:18-20 are some of my favorite verses.  When ever I feel like I am so good or cool, there's usually a stair I miss and trip over.  Actually it did happen at my husband's Christmas work party.  He went upstairs and I followed him.  When he turned around I did too and there wasn't a step there...  My Father-in-law said I was making an entrance.  Being clumsy is a real challenge lol.  These verses are good too:

9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.
(2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NKJV)

What that means to me is when I am full of myself, I am most vulnerable to do something kinda stupid.  But when I am at my end and just don't know what to think, God inspires me with noble thoughts and deeds.  His Holy Spirit is full of wisdom.

11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! 12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.
The Apostle Paul is in prison as he writes this message.  I don't know what exactly is wrong with his eyes here.  He did have vision problems.  So he mentions having to write with really big letters.  To me the point here is circumcision was an ancient Hebrew requirement.  Grown men shouldn't have it done just to fake holiness.  God doesn't require it for salvation.  Honestly, it was probably first started by God for health reasons. Under Jesus' sacrifice it's all about faith and believing that's what God wants from us.

Paul is praying for us all in these verses.  The Holy Spirit has changed him inside and out.  He's no longer the Saul who persecuted Christians.  Now he's a leader.
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
This sounds like Paul is suffering from his many jail sentences.  He probably had some serious wounds inflicted on him.

Amen
(Galatians 6:1-18 NKJV)

Here's a song by Toby Mac, Speak Life (link)