From: June 22, 2023
“Upon arriving in Antioch, they called the church together and reported everything God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, too” (Acts 14:27 NLT).
Although the 72 disciples that Jesus sent out two-by-two were perhaps the first to offer a missions report, this report by Paul and Barnabas to the church at Antioch may have been the first to a church. While there was no mention of souvenirs brought back, nor a slide show to illustrate the trip, they reported “everything God had done” and how God had “opened the door of faith” for the Gentiles too.
This mission trip, from its Spirit-led commissioning service to its comprehensive mission report, is a paradigm for modern missions. They reported back to the local church that had sent them. Yet, in reality, just like the 72, they were reporting back to Jesus, who is the Head of the Church, His body.
Our church has sent out many short term and long term mission teams. But you don’t have to leave town to be on mission. Everyone who follows Jesus is sent. You are sent to your family, your neighbors, your classmates, your coworkers, and your city. What will you report to Jesus?
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the privilege of being sent on mission in Your Name. We are Your ambassadors carrying the gospel to the world. Empower and embolden us, so that Your Word goes out. Stretch forth Your hand to open doors and hearts. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: June 22, 2022
THE OFTEN OVERLOOKED MEDICINE
Solomon was given wisdom from God to write many proverbs on many topics. Among them, is this proverb on the connection between body, mind, and spirit, and how the health of one affects the other.
Modern medicine attempts to treat the body absent the soul and spirit, often failing to recognize the unity and connection of the whole. Yet, the proverb teaches that a cheerful and joyful heart is “good medicine.” And in like manner that a discouraged and depressed state of mind has a debilitating effect on the body.
Those that lack a joyful heart should take this as seriously as any other heart condition. Remember the second attribute of the fruit of the Spirit is joy. Bring your heart condition to the Lord. He is the remedy.
As Nehemiah said, “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Neh. 8:10).
PRAYER: Dear Father, You have made us so that our spiritual joy and our physical strength are connected. Encourage us this day by Your Holy Spirit. Give us the joy of the Lord that we might be strengthened to do Your will this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: June 22, 2016
Modern medicine attempts to treat the body absent the soul and spirit, often failing to recognize the unity and connection of the whole. Yet, the Bible teaches that a cheerful and joyful heart is “good medicine.” And in like manner that a discouraged and depressed state of mind has a debilitating effect on the body. Those that lack a joyful heart should take this as seriously as any other heart condition. Remember the second attribute of the fruit of the Spirit is joy. Bring your heart condition to the Lord. He is the remedy.
From: June 22, 2012
The “worthless things” to which Paul referred was the worship of Zeus and Hermes. He contrasts them with the “living God” who is Creator of all. We are still called to bring this message to the nations until every tribe and tongue has heard.
From: June 22, 2011
The Shunammite woman built a “Prophet’s Chamber” for Elisha. Rural homes often provided a room like this for itinerant preachers in the US. Would there be room at your house for such a one?