Jesus - the Great "Underdog"?

            One of the great stories coming out of the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament (“March Madness”) is the Florida Gulf Coast University Team. There are four regions, each with 16 teams, playing off for an opportunity to go to the Final Four, when a national champion will be determined. Each region seeds their teams between 1 and 16. FGCU started as a number 15 seed. This means they had to begin the tournament by playing the number 2 seed (Georgetown). The higher seeded teams are generally expected to win, but upsets can happen. And FGCU did upset Georgetown, playing with an enthusiasm that makes them fun to watch and even to root for. While upsets do happen in this tournament, putting two together is extremely rare. But in fact, FGCU won their next game against 7^th-seeded San Diego State University. A 15^th-seed making to the “sweet 16” has never happened before. FGCU is the first. Today there are four teams from each region left. They play this coming weekend to narrow it to eight and then four – one winner from each region. Will FGCU - a team that lost to the University of Maine team before Christmas - continue its unlikely run at the championship…? Even now very few people expect them to go all the way. Every game they play, they are the underdog. Every game they play they have to prove they deserve to be in the tournament. We will have to wait until this weekend to see.

            2000 years ago Jesus was the ultimate underdog – at least from a human perspective. When the Jewish leaders made up their minds that He had to go, and began plotting against Him, the “odds” were definitely not in His favor. When the people were turned by the leaders, His “chances” sank even lower. Then the Roman government got involved, and determined Jesus’ “end”. When Pilate gave in to calls of “Crucify Him!”, Jesus really had no chance at all. When He was crucified, He was alone. Even His “friends” had abandoned Him. One of His closest disciples – Peter – had denied Him. The world could look at Jesus and easily give up on Him. In fact, it did. Everyone “counted Him out”. As far as they were concerned, His death on the cross was final, and irreversible. After all, why should Jesus be any different than every other human being who ever lived? In the end, the grave is seeded #1. It always wins, right? But Jesus was no common “underdog”. He won a victory that no one expected… one that no one else has ever won: He was raised from the dead by God the Father. And this is the foundation of our faith. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians that if Christ was not raised, then our faith is futile and we are still in our sins.

            I do not gamble, nor do I advocate it. But you could say I’ve “bet my life” on Jesus’ resurrection. I have totally trusted in His victory on the cross and over death when He rose again on the third day. And nothing more in the universe could be closer to a “sure thing” than these facts. My hope for eternity rests in Him. Paul writes that “if only in this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” (1 Corinthians 15:19). A Christian is one who has given up trusting in anything and everything else and has come to trust in Christ alone for hope in this life and in eternity. While the world sees Him as the underdog – ultimately defeated by death like the rest of us – we see Him as the greatest victor in the universe. I pray that you have this hope in you, because our victory comes through His. His victory is the power that gives us new life. Thanks be to God for what He has done for us!

1 Corinthians 15:55-57 – ⁵⁵ “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” ⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17 – ¹⁷ “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

Romans 10:8-11 – ⁸ “But what does it say? ‘The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,’ that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: ⁹ That, if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. ¹¹ As the Scripture says, ‘Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.’”

 PRAYER: “I praise You, Father, for raising Jesus Your Son from the dead, and for the victory won there over death. Thank You for giving me faith to believe, and for the foundation in reality for that belief. Thank You that the tomb of Jesus is empty, and the new life that is mine because I am in Christ. May this Easter season remind me of all the joys of Your victory.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!

Scott

Slow Down

          Recently I paid a visit to my dentist in order to have the first step in having a crown done. Part of the procedure involves taking an impression. To do this the dentist injects some kind of soft polymer into the area to make a mold from which a “replacement” tooth can be made. The mold takes 5 minutes to set up. That doesn’t sound like all that long, does it? I was told not to open my mouth during this time. As the minutes passed I began to realize that this simple thing was not as easy as I thought it would be. Staying still and keeping my mouth closed is not something I’m used to doing. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to move and open my mouth, but I knew I couldn’t. If I did I would mess it all up and the impression would have to be done again. It did not become unbearable, but it was definitely noticeable. Keeping my mouth closed was different than keeping quiet. Not making noise and being still are not the same thing.

            At times in the Scriptures we are commanded to be still. Important things happen when we are still. We are more apt to hear from and recognize God’s presence. Noise and busyness in life keeps us from noticing Him. But slowing down allows us to listen. Chuck Girard, an early contemporary Christian music artist performed a song called “Slow Down”. The neat thing about the song was that it didn’t just talk about slowing down. The performance of it involved places where Girard intentionally slowed the song. And whenever I tried to sing along I kept “jumping the gun” and finishing phrases too quickly. It was almost annoying, but very clever on Girard’s part. The song forced you to slow down, not just hear about it.

            How well do you respond when the Lord says “Be still” or “Slow down”? He only does it because we are bypassing Him in some way and not giving Him what He is due. May this simple reminder cause us to open our ears and hearts to His voice and to stop and enjoy Him. I don’t think He is particularly interested in us hurrying into and out of His presence. He always acts in His own time. So let us make time and take time for the Lord and obey His Word to be still and acknowledge who He is.

Psalm 37:7 – ⁷ “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”

Psalm 46:10 – ¹⁰ He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

PRAYER: “Father, slow us down and still our spirits, so that we might be with You and listen to Your voice. Instruct us in the way we should go, and teach us not to be in a hurry whenever we are in Your presence. Thanks.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Areopagus

            You probably have heard about Daryl Witmer’s visit to our church (coming up Sunday). I have announced that he represents a ministry called Areopagus II America. Not everyone may understand the name “Areopagus”, so I thought I’d give you a little background. I was greatly blessed (back in 1995 was it?) by our church you when you gave me a trip to the Holy Land. It was a wonderful experience which included two days in Greece. While there we had the opportunity to tour the Acropolis. While on our way up to the Acropolis we stopped at Mars Hill, which is in its shadow. So many people have walked on it over the centuries that the stone is all smooth (treacherous when wet). There is a beautiful view of Athens there, but it is lower than the Acropolis.

 

            The name “Mars Hill” is a Roman term for (the Greek) Areopagus. It is 377 feet high and stands northwest of the Acropolis. In ancient times the Areopagus court assembled here. This court consisted of city fathers and in early times exercised complete authority over all political and religious matters. In the Apostle Paul’s time (Roman Empire) it was primarily educational and religious. In Acts 17 Paul delivered a famous speech there. I can imagine he would have been impressed by certain aspects of Athens. I know I was, and it was 2000 years later. In Paul’s time the buildings must have been magnificent. You can read about all of Paul’s experience in verses 16-33. Mainly what happens is that Paul meets a group of philosophers and preaches to them the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the resurrection. They bring him to the city fathers at the Areopagus and he speaks in a much more detailed way, giving them an “answer” for the faith he had in Christ. At the mention of the resurrection (at the end of his remarks) these men responded in three different ways: some sneered, some wanted to hear more, and some believed.

 

            This model has been a foundation of apologetics (the branch of theology concerned with the defense, proof, and rational justification of Christianity) ever since. The goal of apologetics is similar to Paul’s: to gain a hearing for the Gospel wherever and whenever possible, especially in the marketplace and in the marketplace of ideas. It is hoped that gaining a hearing for the Gospel will result in belief, though it is recognized that skepticism and uncertainty are two likely responses as well. Areopagus II America Institute is a contemporary, adapted construct of the original Areopagus, offering information and perspective on various worldviews and thought forms from a distinctly Christian perspective. I am very excited for Daryl’s visit and hope you will be too. Please keep Sunday in prayer, do your best to attend, and consider inviting a guest.

 

            Each one of us lives or works on or near an Areopagus of sorts. We interact with people in the realm of ideas. Like Paul, we have a Gospel to share. When we do, some may sneer. Others may want to know more. And some may trust Christ. One thing is sure. None of those responses will take place if we do not share Christ. God has given us something to talk about. Let us prepare ourselves to speak knowledgeably, boldly, and respectfully when we speak about Christ. But let’s talk about Christ.

 

Acts 17:22 (NIV) ²² Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious…

 

1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV) ¹⁵ But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

 

PRAYER: “Father, thank You for those who are gifted and knowledgeable and can help us know better how to have an answer for the faith we have. Teach us to hunger for more. Thanks.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

 

Jesus Christ is Lord!

Scott

Jesus Has the Fix

            Our house has two bathrooms. The other day, while in one of them, I noticed a bunch of things that I normally don’t notice: marks here and there, dirt, cracks, spots, cobwebs, dust, rust… all kinds of imperfections. Joanne and I (mostly Joanne) keep a pretty neat house, so it’s not like the place is falling apart or dirt is piling up. This is just stuff that happens in every house over time and sooner or later I know we’ll get to it. But we’re not obsessive compulsive about such things and we are not perfectionists. In fact, I usually don’t pay much attention to all the marks and spots and various imperfections. Unlike Joanne, I tend to be oblivious to them and they just don’t seem that important to me.

            So why did I start to notice so much detail on this day? The reason is that I was thinking about company that we may have sometime in the near future. When I thought of a special guest coming I began to see the bathroom in a new light. What will he think when he sees the spots and marks and imperfections? What kind of impression will it make on him? What opinion will he form of us? How will we look to him? All of a sudden everything that I normally take for granted and think almost nothing about took on a different significance. Everything stood out. All the flaws were noticeable and I cared about them in a new light.

            This all struck me as a spiritual lesson hit home. How often do I get “comfortable” with the imperfections of my heart and life: the “small” sins and spiritual inconsistencies that become unnoticed or that I too easily overlook? We are often more aware of our sins of commission than we are of our sins of omission – the things we leave out, forget to do, or overlook. We also forget that THE most special guest possible – the Lord Jesus Christ – is a resident of our hearts by the Holy Spirit. And the more we forget that, the easier it is to overlook all the sins that accumulate there – even the ones we think are small and inconsequential. But He doesn’t overlook such things. He sees and knows everything that is there. Nothing misses His eye. But He doesn’t condemn us. He doesn’t think poorly of us. In love He offers a way to “clean up the place”. Instead of criticizing He invites us to confess our sins to Him and experience the cleansing power of His blood. For my part, I realize that ignoring my sin never produces spiritual health. Ignoring my sin is like pretending my bathroom is spotless when it isn’t. It won’t fix the problem. But the Bible teaches me that Jesus has the fix. It is the power of His blood that He shed for us. Rather than pretending or trying cover up or hide my sins, it is so much wiser and productive to let Him forgive them and take away their power and unsightliness. And this He does willingly and freely. He is gracious and happy to do it – and all at His own expense. What a great Savior Jesus is! How awesome is His grace and mercy!

1 John 1:5-10 - ⁵ This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. ⁶ If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. ⁷ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. ⁸ If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

Matthew 7:1-5 – ¹ “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ² For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.³ “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ⁴ How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? ⁵ You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

PRAYER: “Father, rather than getting discouraged when I become more aware of my sins, lead me to the cross where Jesus’ blood was shed. There I find cleansing. And it is free. Thank You.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!

Scott

Tell the story again!

Good morning,

                Have you ever read a book more than once? Why in the world would you do that? You know the story. You know the plot, the characters, the climax, and the end. If you read it again, there won’t be any major surprises. Maybe you’ll note a few small things you missed the first time. Why take the time to read it all over again?

                When we were children - if we were blessed to have parents who read to us - it was probably a common thing for us to ask for a certain story over and over again. Or perhaps your own kids ask for a certain story repeatedly. You may be sick and tired ofThe Cat in the Hat or have memorized by now the Berenstain Bears. You can only take so much, right? When I get some time in the evening or in the car I am currently listening to a dramatized version of The Lord of the Rings. I’ve read the books several times and listened to this audio version quite a few times. A year or two (or three) will go by and I will come back to it and give it a fresh listen. Even though I know the story and everything that will happen in it, I love to listen again. I think it is because I know the story and everything that will happen in it that I want to read or hear it once more. There is an enjoyment… a comfort and good feeling that comes from hearing the familiar repeated.

                I once learned that this is how worship works. Our worship involves telling stories over and over. This coming Sunday we will share the Lord’s Supper, which tells the story of His sacrificial death for us on the cross. In a few weeks we will celebrate Easter, and we will hear the story of the resurrection of Jesus… again. Even though we know the story of the death and resurrection, we come together and are reminded. The retelling of the story leads us to worship the Lord… to attribute worth to His name and to love Him for who He is and what He has done. This is one of the great things the Bible does for us. The reading of it – and the repeated reading of it – tells God’s story to us and we delight in it. In fact, delighting in God’s story in the Word is to worship. We know the beginning, middle, and end, but we want it again, because we love it. We often think about what we would do if we were the person being described. We wonder what our response, what our actions, and what our reactions would be. The Bible draws us in and calls forth a response of some kind from us. We want to find ourselves in God’s story.

                More than any other book, the Bible is not a book to be read one time followed by a conclusion of then having it all figured out – once and for all. It draws us back again and again. If we delight in it, the most commonly remembered stories (like David and Goliath) in it will speak to us anew, spark our imagination afresh, and spur us to deeper areas of love for the Lord and obedience to Him.

                There is an old hymn called Tell Me the Old, Old Story. In it the singer seeks to hear the good news again and again. Here are the lyrics…

Tell me the old, old story of unseen things above,  Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.
Tell me the story simply, as to a little child,  For I am weak and weary, and helpless and defiled.

Refrain         Tell me the old, old story, tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story, of Jesus and His love.

Tell me the story slowly, that I may take it in,  That wonderful redemption, God’s remedy for sin.
Tell me the story often, for I forget so soon;  The early dew of morning has passed away at noon.

Tell me the story softly, with earnest tones and grave;  Remember I’m the sinner whom Jesus came to save.
Tell me the story always, if you would really be, In any time of trouble, a comforter to me.

Tell me the same old story when you have cause to fear  That this world’s empty glory is costing me too dear.
Yes, and when that world’s glory is dawning on my soul,  Tell me the old, old story: “Christ Jesus makes thee whole.”

                The song was written by Arabella Katherine Hankey. Daughter of banker Thom­as Hank­ey, Kath­er­ine (known to her friends as Kate) (1834-1911) be­longed to an evan­gel­ic­al group known as the Clap­ham Sect in England. The group was main­ly known for its an­ti-slav­ery and pro-mis­sion­ary stanc­es. While still a teen­ag­er, Hank­ey taught Sun­day school for girls. Lat­er, she tra­veled to South Af­ri­ca to be a nurse, and to help her in­val­id bro­ther. In her early 30’s, Hankey con­tract­ed a se­vere ill­ness. Dur­ing her pro­tract­ed re­cov­ery, she wrote a long po­em about Je­sus. It is in two parts, with the first, 50 stan­zas in length, ask­ing about Him, and the se­cond an­swer­ing the quest­ion. I Love to Tell the Sto­ry and Tell Me the Old, Old Sto­ry both come from this po­em.

Deuteronomy 6:20-23  -  ²⁰ In the future, when your son asks you, “What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the Lord our God has commanded you?” ²¹ tell him: “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. ²² Before our eyes the Lord sent signs and wonders—great and terrible—on Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household.

PRAYER: “Father, may we never grow weary of Your story. And every time we open Your Word please excite our imagination and increase our love for You and lead us to worship.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!

Scott

Keeping Love from Growing Cold

            I have this thing about my driveway in the winter. I like to keep it really clean every time it snows. I scrape it clear to every edge. I try not to drive or step where I am about to shovel, because the compacted snow is always harder to scrape and lift and move than fresh snow. One reason for good clearing is that even the smallest amount of sunshine – even on a cold day – works well to heat the pavement and melt the little snow that remains. And after another short while, the pavement will be clear and dry. I know my mailman likes it that way as well.

            In Matthew 24 and 25 Jesus teaches about the end of the age and the many signs that will accompany it. Though there are different interpretive approaches among Christians to try to understand what Jesus said and how to apply it, there is one verse (24:12) that I think applies to most any time – past, present or future. In that verse Jesus says, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” Jesus is warning that Christians will live in difficult and challenging times. One characteristic of those times is that wickedness will be on the rise at all levels of life. That wickedness will have both a direct and indirect impact on those who claim to be His followers (“Christians”). There will be wickedness directed at Christians. And there will be wickedness that is more in the way of being a temptation to Christians. It will seek to draw them away from Christ. Jesus expects that wickedness to be so prevalent and so dominant that it will “freeze” any love that might be directed to Him. In other words, the hearts of many will become cold toward Him.

            I’ve always been surprised and intrigued by people who once claimed a burning love and passion for someone, yet who end up despising and hating the same person. I always wonder, “How could this happen? How can love that burned so hot grow so cold?” And it seems like this happens sometimes with people who claim to love Jesus so much. Jesus’ message in Matthew reminds us that we live in a “snowy” world (if I can put it that way). Temptation and wickedness “fall heavy” at times and seek to bury our hearts. Evil seeks to cover us up and “insulate/isolate” us from God’s love. We must be ever vigilant about it, and keep our hearts “clear” through confession of our sin and by making intentional choices to do away with wickedness “shovelful by shovelful” you might say. Unless we are watchful, wickedness will “pile up” on us. And one result of that is love for God growing cold. Isn’t that such a sad thing to see? And, even worse, to experience?

            Love is related to our will more than it is to our feelings. It is an action and a frame of reference that is chosen. We must be intentional about love (especially for God) because it is not automatically produced in us. Every time we choose Him rather than the wickedness that is so prevalent around us, our hearts respond to Him like the pavement to the sun. May our love for God not grow cold, even when wickedness around us is thick and heavy. May we turn from wickedness (even in all the small things in life) and cling to Him in love. We love because He first loved us. May everything else in our lives melt in the presence of His love and our response to Him. And may we be diligent in clearing away evil, so that our love will not grow cold.

Matthew 24:10-13 (NIV) ¹⁰ At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, ¹¹ and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. ¹² Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, ¹³ but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Proverbs 23:19 (NIV) ¹⁹ Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.

Joshua 22:5 (NIV) ⁵ But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul."

PRAYER: “Father, deliver us from evil and lead us to choose You in love day by day and moment by moment. Keep our eyes and hearts diligent so that we will not allow the wickedness around us to “bury” us and turn our hearts cold toward You. May we ever have a first love for You.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Lessons from a long chapter on Skin Problems

Good morning,

            “Okay… what was it Pastor Records said yesterday in church? ‘If you read Leviticus 13, God can fill your heart with something if you’re open to Him. I’m sure of it.’ So… let’s take a look at what it says.”

            (about 10 minutes later…)

            “Are you kidding? Skin disease… white hairs… black hairs… unclean… clean… flesh… boil… spot… sore… mildew…? What a long chapter on skin problems. Yuckkkk!  Is there really any spiritual benefit in such a passage? Any spiritual lessons of value? Well, let’s think about this.

            First, a chapter like this reminds me that God cares very much for the physical welfare of His people. These people were in a hostile wilderness and were likely prone to bites and bacteria of many kinds. Perhaps the reactions in the skin and some of the diseases that developed were contagious. We can’t apply modern medicine to biblical times. The medical approaches of our time were simply not available in those days. And since the Fall we can have no expectation of perfect health, perpetual healing, or exemption from death. They needed guidance that could make a difference in their day-to-day health with the extremely limited resources available. So these were precautions and methods supplied by God so that the people had safe and prescribed ways of dealing with common, transferable diseases and infections. And it seems like the concern – over and over again – was the safety and security of the community, and doing everything possible to separate the sick from the well until they are no longer sick: then restoring them to their families and community. Though it seems foreign and unappealing to me, I do not miss the clear indications of God’s caring love for His people. In very tangible ways God is seeing to the well-being of people whom He loves. Thank you, God, for this practical indication of Your nature and mercy.

Second, when I read this chapter I think of the amazing grace and love of Jesus. Verse 45 describes the need and requirements for people with infectious diseases to dress and appear in a way that will repulse others and aid them in keeping their distance. If that were not enough, they are also directed to cry out (about themselves) “Unclean! Unclean!” People were to stay away. Imagine what that must have been like. How humiliating! How isolating! Necessary, but difficult if you’re the unclean one. And yet, when a leper (Matthew 8:1-3) with a very serious skin disease comes to Jesus, we read that Jesus touched him. Unheard of! Touch someone that Law said “Stay away from”? By rights Jesus could have turned His back on him and walked away. But it was a wonderful expression of grace for Jesus to place His hand on him and then heal him. And that’s my Savior! What a privilege to know Him and be loved by Him!

Third, Jesus expected His followers to emulate Him. Not long after He healed the leper, He commanded His disciples to follow His example – literally. They, too, would need to love enough that they would be willing to touch the sick. How can I do something like this, Lord? Certainly not by my will and ability. Only by Your presence and power. Only by Your strength through me, because my impulse is to run away from the person who cries (literally or silently)… “Unclean! Unclean!” In myflesh I want nothing to do with them. But by Your Spirit, I can be like Jesus to them. Lord… help me to be Your hands to those in need around me.

Fourth, mildew can kill, and it’s an indicator of the presence of death in some way. It will spread if not checked. God knew its danger and again makes provision for practices which would lead to life and health and protection of clothing and other articles from destruction. Again… God caring for His people. Praise Him! When you think about it, Leviticus 13 isn’t very pleasant, but it causes me to appreciate the Lord all the more because of His concern and compassion. Thank You, Lord!

Matthew 8:1-3 (NIV) - ¹ When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. ²A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." ³ Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.

Matthew 10:5-8 (NIV) -  ⁵ These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. ⁶ Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. ⁷As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' ⁸ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

PRAYER: “Father, thank You for this chapter in Your Word, another reminder to me of Your deep love. You always know what’s best for Your people.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!

Scott