“Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them,
Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere. Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.” Luke 9 v1-9
To be like Jesus. To have confidence, to trust in our faith is to find peace and bring others peace as well. Faith destroys controlling fear and the divine word spoken and heard strengthens our faith.
“And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10 v15
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10 v17
Many are sent to give opportunity to others, yet all will not receive the word. As I travel, I see some who are controlled by fear-even on their jobs, and witness or tell of the confidence that can have by faith. Even then it seems some rejection comes. Prayer overcomes that rejection. As we walk through life, we struggle with our own issues and work to overcome them, and some are very challenging.
Our purpose is not to know always, who, when, or why, but to go and share the gospel of peace. Jesus, he was born a virgin-conceived of the Holy Ghost, lived a perfect-sinless life yet suffered the pains and temptations we all do, gave his life on the cross-as the perfect and final sacrificial lamb, and rose again to return again one day for his own-those who choose life and follow him.
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.” Psalm 37 v23,24
As I walk, I pray. Lord, I thank you for this day. To be like Jesus, engage in the right way, with confidence and not overbearing, a relationship to others that will help their own faith. Let me know when to “shake of the dust” and move on when needed, and to stay when I need to stay. We thank you Lord again for this day. Amen
January 9
Threecrosses 