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July 4, 2025

Doing It God’s Way

Rachel Gilmore   |   Read Galatians 6:12-16

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Lectionary Week
June 30–July 6, 2025
Scripture Overview

I may have many gifts and strengths, but navigation is not one of them. I don’t know how I survived before the dawn of Google Maps. Daily, I follow the guidance offered by that little app because without it I would be hopelessly lost. The lectionary readings for this week are a reminder that we were created to follow, daily, in the way of God. Naaman sought healing but could only receive it when he was obedient to God’s way of restoration. The psalmist sought help and healing after suffering and struggle but had to wait on God’s way to reverse the situation. In Galatians we learn about the cause and effect of following God’s way as those who sow to the Spirit reap a different result than those who sow to self. In Luke, Jesus sends the disciples out in pairs to go God’s way, the way of peace for provision and healing. May we take time this week to evaluate our journey of faith and see if we are living life our way or God’s way.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read 2 Kings 5:1-14. When has healing come to you in unexpected ways?
• Read Psalm 30. Think of a time when God turned your mourning into dancing, and give thanks.
• Read Galatians 6:1-16. When you grow weary of doing good, what helps you take the next right step?
• Read Luke 10:1-11, 16-20. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Who could you invite to go with you as you share the good news of God’s peace and love with others?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Galatians 6:12-16

12 Whoever wants to look good by human standards will try to get you to be circumcised, but only so they won’t be harassed for the cross of Christ. 13 Those who are circumcised don’t observe the Law themselves, but they want you to be circumcised, so they can boast about your physical body. 14 But as for me, God forbid that I should boast about anything except for the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The world has been crucified to me through him, and I have been crucified to the world. 15 Being circumcised or not being circumcised doesn’t mean anything. What matters is a new creation. 16 May peace and mercy be on whoever follows this rule and on God’s Israel.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Our desire as humans to find a place to belong can lead us down the wrong path. The church in Galatia isn’t so different from many churches today. A group called the Judaizers wanted to define what it meant to follow Jesus. But they added steps or marks of faith...

God, help me focus more on you and the life you offer than the rules I want others to live by. May my goal be to fit more into your loving community than one I design for myself. Amen.


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