August 25, 2025 | Be God's Family
Paul's Fourteen Years of Practice
Scripture: Galatians 2:1-5 (NIV)
1 Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. 2 I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. 4 This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. 5 We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.
Devotional
Galatians 2:1-5 shares with us that Paul spent fourteen years carrying the Word to the Gentiles before going to Jerusalem to meet with the esteemed leaders (the Apostles) to be sure he was sharing the Word correctly. We can call that Paul’s fourteen years of practice.
I think some of us have spent most of our lives sharing the Word with others during study groups, conversations, disciple studies, etc. at church. It has helped us grow spiritually and has helped us to strengthen both our faith and our understanding of the Bible. Could this be “our practice?” Could it be that God is preparing us to reach unchurched people who have either never truly heard God’s word or have drifted away from “organized religion?” Could it be that God is preparing us to have a serious conversation with that person who needs God in their life and just doesn’t know it yet?
There is comfort in discussing The Word with other believers. It’s an important part of our spiritual growth. BUT, could it be that God is preparing us for the time we are talking with a friend who possibly needs the comfort and understanding that God loves them as much as he loves us? I suggest we keep our eyes and ears open that we might not miss that opportunity. I suggest we use that practice to bring that person, whom God puts in our path, closer to Him.
Prayer: Loving God, help me to see your opportunity to bless others with your wisdom, your love, your forgiveness, with which you have blessed each of us. Amen
Poem
The Trumpeting Band
Psalm 67
May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth. May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.
Psalm 67: 3-5
Over the seas, across hill and plain
God’s Spirit wind blows, revealing Christ’s name
The breath of God’s trumpeting mission’ry band
The called ones proclaiming in every land
Great news to all nations, great news to all tribes
O, to be part of the orchestral vibe!
Then band turns to chorus as voice anthems raise
Proclaiming with glad joy the great global praise
To God who created, to Christ—redeemed, saved
To sustaining Spirit, our sin’s debt full paid
