September 09, 2025 | Be God's Family
Weak and Miserable Principles
Scripture: Galatians 4:8-11(NIV)
8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? 10 You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! 11 I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.
Devotional
Are you always the perfect Christian, obeying God and doing all that he requires? If your answer is a strong NO or a wavering MAYBE, this Bible verse is for you. Paul asks in Galatians 4:9 “But now you know God-or rather are known by God- how is it you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces?” The Galatians had begun to understand the power of the gospel and the freedom it can bring, but they started embracing their own laws again, which included other gods.
I am sure this happens to all of us at certain times in our life. Just like Paul preaching to the Galatians, most of us need to hear and be reminded of the power of our one true God so that we don’t revert back to our old performance mentality. As a Christian, we cannot let life just go by and creep into our heads. We must stay strong in our beliefs of our faith and continually pass it on to others.
Thinking of how I tend to waver away from God, I find that when I am missing church on Sunday or not being involved with my church family in some way, I tend to start finding other life events more important. The thing is, I know in my heart, that God does know me, but what I forget is that I need to put Him back as #1 in my life. We must be careful not to “turn back to those weak and miserable forces”.
With summertime passing us by, I tend to get very lazy about my faith, so I made a concerted effort to have some quiet time with God every morning that I can, on my porch, and just listen for him to speak to me. It is very rewarding. Find a way to discover your time with God at a falling faith time.
Poem
Freedom From Enslavement
Psalm 107
So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor; they fell down, with none to help. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart.
Psalm 107:12-14
What holds me captive?
Lord, break the bonds!
What bends me low?
Lord, lift my head!
What wears me out?
Lord, renew my strength!
What distresses me?
Lord, give me peace!
What makes me cry?
Lord, anoint me with joy!
What enslaves me?
Lord, set me free!
