Category Archives: Clarity

Alone, Attitude, Bible, Calling, Clarity, Distractions, Holy Spirit, Indwelling, Peace, Restoration, Scripture

GOT TO GET AWAY

GALATIANS 1:17

“nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus.”

Have you ever just had to get away? I mean, out of Dodge, away from it all. Sometimes that is nice. My wife and I like to go to the mountains. Others like the beach scene. But I especially like to get in the woods. If I am hunting, that’s just icing on the cake. The real treat is just to get away. That is not meant to be a slam against anyone. I love people. Getting away from all the “noise” allows me to hear God more clearly. How about you?

In today’s verse, Paul describes an event that is absent from the book of Acts’ description of his early years. Paul, obviously, knew where he was then better than Luke (the author of Acts) did. To recap – Paul gets saved and then goes away for a period of time into Arabia. We don’t know exactly where he was or what he was doing. We can only conjecture. The point Paul is making in today’s verse is that he did not get his message from men. He got it from God.

APPLICATION

What can we learn from Paul in today’s verse and how do we apply that to our lives? We can learn that even the most honored Biblical saints needed to get away. Paul had to “unlearn” a lot of his earthly teachings and begin to listen to the Holy Spirit. Hmmm? What can we learn from that? We need to listen, don’t you think?  One way is to get into His Word. I recently read that the Scriptures give us communication with God so we can commune with God and have union with God. I like that.

Luke 5:16 tells us something about Jesus that we see reflected here in Paul’s life. “But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.” If Jesus modeled this and Paul did this, why shouldn’t we? I have found value in doing this. It clears my head. Do I always come back with some great new insight? Nope. But do I come back feeling more in tune with my Lord? You better believe it.

We can’t live in the wilderness. Paul didn’t stay in the wilderness. Jesus didn’t stay there either. He had work to do. We have work to do. In fact, we have HIS work to do. May you experience some solitude so your attitude can give you the fortitude to advance His kingdom. (That last sentence is an original Carl quote, lol.)

O Father, I thank You for those times I am able to get away and hear You clearly. I want to hear Your marching orders.

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Accountability, Bible, Clarity, Commands, Scripture, Testimony, Truth

THE BRACKETS

GALATIANS 1:1

“Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through human agency, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead),”

I entitled this devotional “The Brackets.” No, I’m not talking about the CFP (College Football Playoffs) or March Madness (NCAA Basketball Tournament). I am talking about those statements you make that are used to clarify a point. That’s what I did above. I wanted to make sure you knew what CFP and March Madness stood for. We do this all the time in conversation. We may not use the brackets in our speech, but they are there to clarify.

We see the same thing in the first verse of Galatians, which we are starting today. Paul begins this letter to the Galatians, whom we will describe later, by clarifying his position as an apostle. He says very clearly that he was appointed by Jesus and the Father. He even states it was God the Father who raised Jesus from the dead. He wants to remove all doubt of his authority to address them on the matters in this letter. Hang on, it’s going to be a great study.

APPLICATION

Are there some things in your life that need clarifying? We all have some. I know I do. We have to clarify why we said something to someone. We have to clarify why we did a certain thing. That’s okay. It’s good to be clear. Jesus even tells us so in Matthew 5:37. “‘But make sure your statement is, “Yes, yes” or “No, no”; anything beyond these is of evil origin.’”

James says something similar in James 5:12. “But above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you do not fall under judgment.” Clear, simple remarks are always best. Then, if need be, clarify it to make sure you are understood.

I heard the story of Winston Churchill when he addressed the students at Harrow School on October 29, 1941. He began the speech by saying, “…never give in, never give in, never, never, never – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.” That’s pretty clear, isn’t. Nor should you give in to anything or anyone. Let the Lord lead the way this new year.

Father, I thank You for a new year. Help me be clear in all I say and do and when necessary I should clarify.

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