DAILY READING Galatians 5:1-15 REFLECTION   True Freedom By Terry Gustafson What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word “freedom”? Perhaps you think of fireworks and the 4th of July. Perhaps you think of those who have fought to preserve the rights we have in our constitution. Maybe a symbol like the Statue of Liberty or a bald eagle comes to mind. My own first thoughts are a bit more mundane. I cannot think of freedom without visualizing Mel Gibson’s portrayal...

DAILY READING Malachi 3:1-4 REFLECTION   God's Justice By Terry Gustafson “It’s not fair!” It seems like that is one of the first sentences that a child learns and continues to use from then on! We all have a natural tendency to want justice. But if I am really honest with myself, I want justice for others, but mercy for me. Are we really prepared for God to exact His justice? In the verse preceding today’s passage ( 2:17 ), the prophet accuses the people of wearying the Lord with their...

DAILY READING 1 Peter 1:17-25 REFLECTION   Resident Aliens By Terry Gustafson I have had the privilege to live and work in other countries for extended times. I remember feeling very out of place when we lived in Japan for four months. I knew that I was not like all the other people on the train on my way to work. I looked different and I did not understand the language. The recipients of Peter’s letter were also “strangers in the world” ( 1:1 ), dispersed across several Roman provinces...