Along With Me

Daily Reading: Galatians 2

Scripture Focus: I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. (Galatians 2.1b)

Devotional Thought: "Never go alone." That piece of advice was given to me many years ago by a veteran pastor. He was referring to when I went out to do ministry - hospital calls, nursing homes, other visits and functions of the pastorate - I should always take someone with me. The 'never' and 'always' are impractical, of course, but it is a good principle.

The Apostle Paul modeled this principle in his ministry. On almost every recorded occasion of ministry, Paul had someone else with him. He learned that practice, of course, from the Master himself! Jesus took his disciples with him wherever he went, and he let them stretch their apostolic wings under his tutelage.

When Paul had to go to Jerusalem to settle a dispute with the elders of the church, he went with Barnabas, taking Titus along as well. Barnabas was a Jew. He was probably older than Paul and had been a Christian a lot longer than Paul. As a matter of fact, Barnabas had been instrumental in Paul's spiritual and ministerial development. Titus, on the other hand, was a Greek. He was younger - both in physical years and in spiritual experience - than Paul, who had served as an instructor and supervisor to him. This shows that Paul was always learning, and always teaching.

I have been taught to ask myself two important questions: "Who is discipling me?" And, "Who am I discipling?" How would you answer those questions? If you don't have a mentor who is leading you to higher heights, ask God to provide someone! Seek out relationships that will enhance your understanding and broaden your perspective. And, if you aren't discipling someone else, open your eyes, for - as Jesus said - "The fields are white unto harvest."

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the people whom you have sent into my life to help me grow in spirit and in service. Help me to be a positive influence in someone else's life, too, that they may grow in wisdom and knowledge and grace. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 106.24-31

24 Then they despised the pleasant land, having no faith in his promise. 25 They murmured in their tents, and did not obey the voice of the Lord. 26 Therefore he raised his hand and swore to them that he would make them fall in the wilderness, 27 and would make their offspring fall among the nations, scattering them among the lands.

28 Then they yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor, and ate sacrifices offered to the dead; 29 they provoked the Lord to anger with their deeds, and a plague broke out among them. 30 Then Phinehas stood up and intervened, and the plague was stayed. 31 And that was counted to him as righteousness from generation to generation forever.