Accountability, Allies, Bible, Calling, Gospel, Purpose, Scripture

IN VAIN

GALATIANS 2:2

“It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that somehow I might be running, or had run, in vain.”

A few times in my life I have found myself trying to get something done and everything fell against me. It was like taking one step forward and two steps back. I was getting nowhere fast. It’s a hopeless feeling and a complete waste of energy. I want to see something accomplished.

I love today’s verse, not so much because of Paul’s revelation or his ministry to the Gentiles. I love the fact that he submitted himself to leadership and wanted confirmation that he was not “running, or had run, in vain.” In the Greek, “vain” is the word kenos. It means to be empty, ineffective or worthless. Paul wanted to know that the work he was doing was not worthless. He wanted to be held accountable. That speaks volumes.

APPLICATION

In Philippians 2:16 Paul says this, “holding firmly the word of life, so that on the day of Christ I can take pride because I did not run in vain nor labor in vain.” He said it again in 1 Thessalonians 15:58. “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

Vain work is worthless. Vain labors are ineffective. Do you think God wants us to just do something to stay busy? No! Everything God does has purpose. He wants the same for us. Years ago, there was book entitled “The Purpose Driven Life.” It was written by Rick Warren, former Pastor of Saddleback Church in California. It was a best seller. Why? Because people want to have a purpose.

Well, guess what? We are all given a purpose when we come to Christ. What is that? To share the Gospel with as many people as we can before we die. We need to have a passion for others so they can be led to the cross. That is a worthy purpose. It is not in vain. Give God the glory and find your purpose in Him.

Thank You, Lord, for giving me purpose when You called me into Your kingdom.

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Allies, Bible, Companions, Disciplemaking, Ministry, Relationships, Scripture

TRAVELING PARTNERS

GALATIANS 2:1

“Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also.”

In my ministry to men through Every Man A Warrior, I travel a good bit. I am actually going to Haiti in a couple of months to lead a training conference for the men there who are in the Every Man A Warrior ministry. I asked a “Titus” to accompany me. Why? Accountability is one reason. Safety is another. But also, this “Titus” is one of our men who is in our Ambassador program in which we train men for leadership. I want to give this “Titus” that kind of opportunity.

Paul didn’t need to take anyone back with him to Jerusalem after fourteen years. By that time, he had proven himself as a minister of the Gospel. So, why take Titus with him? Most scholars agree that Titus, who was a Greek, was most probably saved under Paul’s ministry. He became one of Paul’s main traveling partners and someone Paul entrusted with various missions. Titus died at the age of 94 after a long and fruitful ministry, thanks to Paul.

APPLICATION

Do you have a “Titus” in your life? As believers, we have the privilege to walk alongside those younger in the faith and equip them to lead. Paul did this time and time again. Probably no better example of this is Timothy. Look at these words from Paul as he addresses his first letter to Timothy. “To Timothy, my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” Paul loved Timothy, just as he did Titus. He invested in these men. Why? Because the Lord needs more leaders out there.

Let me encourage you to take a minute or two and read Romans 16:1-16. Make a list of all the people Paul named in this closing chapter. These are individuals who Paul helped equip for ministry. They are people who served with Paul and, in some situations, actually served Paul. We all need our “Titus” to invest in.

Pray about this. Ask the Lord whom He would have you take under your wing. Who does the Lord want to use to assist you in your own personal ministry. You may be surprised at the answer you get from Him. We cannot do this work alone. We need each other. Will you reach out this week?

Father, thank You for the people You have placed in my life to assist me in ministry and for the opportunity to invest in them.

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Bible, Glorify, Glory, Praise, Reverence, Salvation, Scripture, Testimony, Worthy

GLORIFY GOD

GALATIANS 1:24

“And they were glorifying God because of me.”

What exactly does it mean to glorify God? Have you ever wondered if you were doing it right? I mean, who wants to do that wrong? Am I right? Well, according to Strong’s Concordance the Greek word doxa means “to esteem glorious.” Thanks a lot, Carl. That doesn’t really help. It means to value God for Who He really is. Only He is worthy of glory. We certainly aren’t.

I love that Paul shared this in today’s verse. The people of the Judean churches, once they knew of the change in Paul, were glorifying God. Albert Barnes says of this verse, “They regarded me (Paul) as a true convert and a sincere Christian; and they praised God that He had converted such a persecutor and had made him a preacher of the gospel.” Paul’s conversion was something only God could have done. Therefore, only He (not Paul) was deserving of glory.

APPLICATION

I am sure you have known people who were converted from a horrible lifestyle. We’ve heard of adulterers and murderers getting saved. We may know of drug addicts or alcoholics who have done the same. How do we react? We give God glory! When Peter was called before the Jewish leaders after being arrested for preaching about Jesus, he said in Acts 4:12, “‘And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.’” The same is true today.

When you hear of someone coming to Christ, give praise to the One who brings salvation to mankind. Don’t praise the actions of the one who was saved. Sure, encourage them. Walk with them as they begin their journey with Christ. But all the glory for their salvation goes to Jesus. Ephesians 2:8-9 is another of my favorite passages about this. It says, “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

That passage was written by Paul. He knew he had done nothing to deserve his salvation. He knew “it is the gift of God.” Coming out of a works-based religion, he knew his salvation in Christ wasn’t based on his works. It was all from Him. Only Jesus deserved the glory. And here, in today’s verse, Paul is praising God that the churches recognized that and gave God the glory. Will you glorify God today for all He has done in your life. He is worthy of all glory!

I glorify Your name, O God, Who saved me from the wretched life I was living and placed me into Your eternal family.

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Abiding, Accountability, Bible, Blameless, Encouragement, Following, Integrity, Ministry, Reputation, Salvation, Scripture, Testimony

YOUR REPUTATION PRECEDES YOU

GALATIANS 1:23

“but they only kept hearing, ‘The man who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy.’”

I have had the opportunity to go back to my hometown church a few times to share about my ministry. Now, you need to understand something about me. I wasn’t always what you would call “ministry worthy.” My life before Jesus was filled with self. I wouldn’t call me a persecutor of Christians like Paul, but I didn’t want to be labeled as a “do gooder.” I kind of liked the reputation of a tough guy or at least as someone who loved to party. So, when I return now as a minister of the Gospel, those who knew me then raise an eyebrow or two.

As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, the churches outside of Jerusalem had heard about Paul, but didn’t know him. They would have been a little wary of this guy showing up preaching Jesus. They may have seen him as a threat, as someone who was trying to trick them. Paul is still laying out his story here in Galatians. He is telling them who he was and where he had come from. He wasn’t who he was before. He had changed, and Jesus was the One who had changed him and given him the message he was to preach.

APPLICATION

Have you ever met someone for the first time, and they told you they had heard of you? That’s happened to me a few times, and I usually reply, “Well, I hope it was all good.” Listen to me – our reputation matters, especially to a lost world. I love Revelation 12:11 that says, “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.” Notice that phrase “word of their testimony.” Our testimony has an effect on people. I don’t mean you have to have this testimony of coming out of drugs or alcohol. Your testimony consists of when you accepted Jesus and what He has done in your life since then.

But back to our reputation. How others see us and hear about us matters. Proverbs 22:1 tells us, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” We are told in Ecclesiastes 7:1, “A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth.” I could go on and list numerous verses on the importance of our reputation, but I will stop there. You can do your own study on that.

Why is our reputation important? Because we are representing the King of kings and Lord of lords. We are Christians – Christ like. We are His ambassadors who have been given a mission to carry out to a lost world. Paul had to overcome his bad reputation of being a persecutor of believers by showing them how he had changed. He had to love them. He had to share what Christ had done for him on that road to Damascus. He was faithful to the end, up to the moment he was martyred in that Roman prison. How about you? What is your reputation?

Let me never forget, Lord, that I represent You? I want others to know Whom I represent.

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Abiding, Affection, Bible, Choices, Commands, Friends, Gospel, Neighbors, Scripture

UNKNOWN

GALATIANS 1:22

“I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which are in Christ;”

In this day of Facebook, Instagram and other social media, it is harder and harder to not be known. People leave a digital footprint all over the place. You may not know somebody personally, but you are friends on the internet. I have friends all over the world, most of whom I have met. But there are some whom I have never met in person. I am known to them, but I am also not really known by them.

Paul stated in today’s verse that the churches of Judea (outside of Jerusalem) did not know who he was. He had not visited them. There were no pictures of Paul being circulated. He could have walked into any of those churches, and they would not have known who he was. Sure, his reputation as a Christian persecutor had spread quickly, but they did not know Paul, especially this new Paul who had been converted and was now preaching Jesus.

APPLICATION

Let me ask you a question. Who knows you? I mean, who really knows you? Do your neighbors know you love Jesus? I have to admit that a lot of the people who live on my street do not know me. Oh, they know I am the guy who drives by in his white pickup. They may have met me at an HOA meeting, but they don’t really know me.

Today’s verse has convicted me that I need to get to know my neighbors, not so much for me, but for them. I need to find out who they are spiritually. I have been placed where I live for a purpose. I have been given the opportunity to be a witness for Jesus right on my street. Would you pray for me that I could be a better neighbor and reach out to those who are literally all around me?

In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus asks the question – who proved to be a neighbor? If we answer as the lawyer did, we will get Jesus’ reply. Luke 10:37b “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do the same.’” We are commanded to take the healing balm of the Gospel to those around us. Will you join me in reaching your neighbors for Jesus?

Forgive me Father for not being more “neighborly” and reaching out to those who are all around me.

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Bible, Calling, Following, God's Will, Gospel, Ministry, Missionaries, Scripture, Witnessing

TRAVEL PLANS

GALATIANS 1:21

“Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.”

When I travel, I like to have the travel plan mapped out. I want to know how far we are going, where the best stops might be along the way and where we are staying once we get there. My wife accuses me of panicking when I miss an exit, or the GPS stirs us wrong. It’s not that I panic. I just want to know where I am and how to get where I am going. I would not be a very good nomad, lol.

After Paul’s visit to Jerusalem, he tells us he traveled to Syria and Cilicia. Some background to this would prove helpful, I believe. We find this described in Acts 15:22-23. “22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas who was called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 23 and they sent this letter with them: ‘The apostles and the brothers who are elders, to the brothers and sisters in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia who are from the Gentiles: Greetings.’” Paul and Barnabas had previously spent over a year in Antioch teaching after the Word had spread there. It was in that city that believers were first called Christians.

APPLICATION

Thanks for the history lesson, Carl, but what does this have to do with me? Well, I am glad you asked. Where is God sending you? Where has he called you to go and share the good news? I remember a quote I heard from Keith Parks, one of the former presidents of the Foreign Mission Board of the SBC (now called the International Mission Board). He said unless God has called you to stay home, you are called to go and spread the gospel. That is true. We are all called to go somewhere – across the ocean or across the street.

Acts 1:8 tells us, “‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’” How about this one? Jesus tells us in Mark 16:15, “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’” One more Jesus quote – Mark 13:10, “‘And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.’”

I think you can see now how today’s verse in Galatians applies to us. We are just like Paul; in that we are being sent out to proclaim the good news to a lost world. Take some time right now to ask the Lord who He wants you to share with today. It could be that crusty, old neighbor who just grunts at you when you meet at the mailbox. It might be a server at a restaurant or your car mechanic. Your mission field is your mission field. Pray for it.

Lord, I am grateful You call each of us uniquely. You have a place for us to go and share the good news.

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Accused, Bible, Deceit, Enemies, Lying, Scripture, Truth

I AM NOT LYING

GALATIANS 1:20

“(Now in what I am writing to you, I assure you before God that I am not lying.)”

Have those words (I am not lying) ever come out of your mouth? If you are like most people, they probably have at some point. Maybe you were telling an incredible tale that most people would not believe. Perhaps you were defending yourself from a false allegation. I think of our U.S. courts that swear you in by asking you respond to the question – Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth (they used to include “so help me God” but not anymore)? I wonder how the court would respond if you said, “Heck no, I am going to lie the whole time.”

Obviously other stories of Paul’s journey to Jerusalem had circulated in the Galatian churches. Perhaps someone said that Paul got all his instructions from the apostles. Maybe they were saying Paul had no authority to teach. So, Paul explains that he only met with Peter and James on this trip. The word Paul uses here for “lying” means to willingly misrepresent, to deceive. It was important for Paul to make it clear he was not doing that.

APPLICATION

We shouldn’t be surprised when the enemy falsely accuses us. Look at Matthew 5:11-12 from the Beatitudes. “11 ‘Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’”

In other words, we are in good company. People more spiritual than us have been falsely accused. Jesus Himself was falsely accused by those who wanted Him gone. We just have to keep telling the truth. In John 8:31-32, Jesus tells us the importance of the truth. “31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”

Yes, we may have to defend ourselves from time to time. But if we are living according to His truth, He will defend us. He will give us the words to say. He will give us His words of truth to say. That’s what matters the most. We can honestly say “I am not lying” by living according to the truth each and every day.

You are the truth, Lord. Show me how to walk in it daily.

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Advice, Allegiance, Allies, Authority, Bible, Church, Counsel, Direction, God's Will, Leading, Scripture

SEEKING COUNSEL

GALATIANS 1:19

“But I did not see another one of the apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.”

I have had the privilege to work with some fine men through my lifetime. I won’t begin to name names for fear of leaving someone off the list. Some of these came to me through my work environment. Others came through church or a men’s group. Some I chose, and others chose me. Funny how that works, isn’t it?

As Paul made his journey to visit with Peter, he had the opportunity to meet with a lot of different people. Jerusalem was still the hub of Christianity at this time. Surely there were more apostles present besides Peter and the one named in today’s verse – James. Scholars disagree whether this was the James, the son of Alpheus and cousin of Jesus, or James, the actual brother of Jesus born to Joseph and Mary. Irregardless, this James was a leader of the young church there in Jerusalem and someone who could come alongside Paul.

APPLICATION

We have another reference to James in the book of Acts that is quite interesting. In Acts 15, there is a council held in Jerusalem. You really need to read verses 1-21 to get the full picture, but here is Paul and Barnabas before the council giving evidence of the work of God among the Gentiles and seeking the church’s approval of their methods.  After some discussion and Peter’s speech, James speaks up. He is obviously the leader of the church by this time. Verse 19 says, “‘Therefore it is my judgement…’” This is James giving his judgment.

Why do I bring this up? Why point to this passage while discussing Galatians 1:19? Paul had no idea how God would use this James in latter years. But here we have evidence of James’ leadership. That leadership, that respect from the other apostles, gave James the role he held in Acts 15. God led Paul to James early in his ministry in order to seek counsel from the future leader of the church.

From whom do you seek counsel? Do you ask the Lord about that before you seek it? You know, He may direct you to someone you would never think of. He may put someone in your path who has just the right words for you. Don’t just go to your buddy or pal or best friend. Seek counsel from those you respect as a leader in your church. Go to an elder or deacon whom you have observed for a while. God’s counsel is not spoken through just anyone. Be selective and watch how God works.

Lord, You have blessed me with many great counselors in my lifetime. Help me be that for others.

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Allies, Bible, Commitment, Companions, Decisions, Gospel, Ministry, Missionaries, Relationships, Scripture

LINKING ARMS

GALATIANS 1:18

“Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him for fifteen days.”

Years ago (and I mean YEARS AGO) I taught team building through group games and adventure based learning. One great exercise we did was a group stand up. We began by pairing up in twos, sitting on the ground back to back, linking arms and then standing up together. We kept adding people until the entire group was on the ground with linked arms, using each other as leverage to stand. Not so easy, but it can be done.

Paul knew he had to link arms with the apostles, the ones who had walked with Jesus. Who better to get to know that Peter, called Cephas here? Surely, Paul knew of him. He probably had even seen him with Jesus in Jerusalem years earlier. But now, Paul is a believer. Here he was, an educated former Pharisee, going to meet with Peter, an uneducated former fisherman, to talk about Jesus and their callings to ministry. What a pair!

APPLICATION

God sends us into some strange partnerships, doesn’t He? People we probably would have never crossed paths with in our former lives are now our dearest friends and confidants. In Acts 9:26-27, we see Barnabas (remember him from Acts 4?) taking a chance on Paul. “26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried repeatedly to associate with the disciples; and yet they were all afraid of him, as they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles…” Paul and Barnabas later traveled together on missionary journeys.

Is there someone you need to link arms with to accomplish what the Lord has told you to do? Perhaps it’s a neighbor or a person in your church. You may just have to take a chance. Reach out and see what the Lord can accomplish with your partnership. Maybe you need to link arms with a missionary who is doing work that you cannot do. Missionaries always need more ministry partners to come alongside them and support them financially.

Whomever it is that God is sending your way, get back to back with them, link arms and stand up. Stand up for Him. Stand up for the kingdom. Stand up and fight for those who need to hear the message of the cross. God is sending you. Link arms with others to accomplish more than you could ever see done separately.

Thank You, Lord, for those You have sent my way to link arms with. Show us how You want to use us.

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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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