Drop Everything for the Journey

He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money: and do not have two tunics apiece. (Luke 9:2-3 NKJV)

Jesus told the disciples not to take anything for their journey. Don’t take a staff, nor bag, no bread, no money and no extra shirt. That’s like telling us today to take a short trip to another town, and although you will have to stay over at possibly a complete stranger’s house, don’t take any extra changes of clothes, don’t pack a light lunch for the road, please don’t take with you any money, and ladies definitely no purse or bag. You can’t even take with you your staff or walking stick. In essence, don’t take anything that can serve as a crutch for you when you really need to lean on something, for example, your cell phone, which many I know view as their lifeline to the world. Continue reading →

A CHRIST-mas Message

Friends, it’s that time of year where we rejoice and celebrate the birth of the most important person this world has or ever will experience; and that is the birth of the CHRIST, our Lord and Savior Jesus of Nazareth. This season marks the 2013th year of celebration since Jesus was born a baby. Unfortunately, just as His birth went barely noticed, with the exception of Mary, Joseph and three shepherds in a distant land, from a worldview perspective, His birth still goes largely unobserved. Continue reading →

What Is Your Addiction?

Let all that you do be done in love. Now, brothers and sisters, you know that members of the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. This same verse in the King James Version reads they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints. I urge you to put yourselves at the service of such people and of everyone who works and toils with them. (1 Corinthians 16:14-17, New Revised Standard Version)

The text says that the household of Stephanas’ focus was ministry. To minister is to serve. In essence, Stephanas’ entire household was committed or devoted to serving saints. I don’t think the words committed or devoted are strong enough which is why I presented also, the KJV’s wording “addicted” I believe Paul used the word addicted because he wanted us to understand the strength, and potency of their desire to serve. Continue reading →