Galatians 1:21-24

Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they praised God because of me. (NIV)

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After several failures to find others, a fourth turned up. He came through an acquaintance who had heard the good news. (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 158)

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Our reputation precedes us,
follows us,
defines us among people we'll never meet.
What do they say of us?
Does it matter?
"What you think of me
is none of my business."
But is it really true?
Does it matter what people say?
What if they say it about me
as a member of the fellowship?
What if my behavior
is the only view some people have
of the rooms?
Do they stay away,
not wanting what we have?
Do they praise God
because of me?

God, let me be an instrument
of your peace.

Galatians 1:18-20

Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie. (NIV)

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We are greatly indebted to the doctor in attendance there, for he, although it might prejudice his own work, has told us of his belief in ours. (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 162)

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Older, wiser,

or at least more experienced.

We're not alone,

not required to rely

on ourselves,

to look to God and no human.

More will be revealed,

not only through prayer and meditation.

Revelation comes through folk

of all ilk,

not just older, wiser.

Sometimes through fools,

though the mouths of babes. 

God can use anybody —

especially when I'm convinced

I'm better, smarter, more advanced

than God's chosen.

God, thanks for lessons,
both the content and
the messenger.

Galatians 1:15-17

But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, 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. (NASB)

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Returning home we find a place where we can be quiet for an hour, carefully reviewing what we have done. We thank God from the bottom of our heart that we know Him better. (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 75)

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God with me,

one-on-one

coming back home

where I've never been before.

God with me,

one-on-one.

Who would have thought

he'd single me out,

talk to me,

be with me

one-on-one.

What peace, what love,

what serenity, joy, glory.

What am I, who am I

that God could love me

one-on-one?

God, I thank you

from the bottom of my heart,

the depths of my soul,

the fulness of me being.

Galatians 1:13-14

For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. (NIV)

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Renewing my resolve, I tried again. Some time passed, and confidence began to be replaced by cock-sureness. I could laugh at the gin mills. Now I had what it takes! (Alcoholics Anonymous, pp. 5-6)

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I'm in control,

hear me roar!

Stand aside and see me,

watch what I can do.

Step back,

I don't need you.

Can't you see it's a complex whole,

that ceding power causes seams?

It's not arrogance if you're right!

You know I do it well!

I'm in control.

God, I need to know

I'm out of control

when you're not really

the one who's

in control.

Galatians 1:12

For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (KJV)

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With few exceptions our members find that they have tapped an unsuspected inner resource which they presently identify with their own conception of a Power greater than themselves. (Alcoholics Anonymous, Spiritual Experience appendix)

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All around me,

voices knowing better,

people more experienced,

others who've walked

this path before,

and they may be messengers,

sometimes,

 a mouthpiece for God,

but I know if I miss the point

in a group, or studying alone, hope's there,

help's there,

guides may lead me

step by step

toward the right direction.

Sometimes God speaks through them.

Other times, they're giving advice,

not really working program,

not in sync

with God.

When I've listened long enough,

I recognize his voice,

hear his message.

But I need not wait.

He's ready for me, any time.

God, protect me from leaving the path

you're trying to send me along

no matter who speaks 

for you.

Remind me you don't need

interpreters.