Devotion
Go Preach God’s Kingdom
Frances Taylor
Jesus is sending out the apostles to preach the Good News of God's Kingdom and to heal the sick. But he told them to take nothing with them. What he is saying is that he will be with them so they don't need anything else. We, too, have been sent by virtue of our baptism to preach the Good News, and we have everything we need because Jesus is with us. There's a tradition that St. Francis of Assisi said that we should preach everywhere and if necessary use words. In other words, our actions should speak for us. This passage also tells us that not everyone will be receptive to our message, but that's not our concern. We are only charged with the preaching. What we do need to have is the knowledge of the reasons for our faith. It is one thing to talk about salvation, but others want to know why they should believe. They want to know why it's important to those of us who are Christian. If it's just so that we can get to heaven, I'm not sure that's enough. It wouldn't be for me. To know how Jesus has revealed himself in the ordinary of your days is much more powerful. To learn how our faith has supported us in our darkest days, and has brightened up our good days, will let them understand why God has a part in our life now, not just after we die. Think about the reasons for your faith, so that you will be able to explain it to your children, your friends, and anyone who notices your joy and wants to know the reasons for it.
Prayer
Lord, you sent out your apostles as you send us out to preach the Good News of the Kingdom, the promise of salvation. May we trust that you will be with us as you were with your apostles as we spread your message in our words and in our actions. Amen,
Morning Prayer
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
Inspiration
As believers, we thank God for sending his Son to set us free from our sins. Our sin held us captive. But through Christ's death and resurrection, he triumphed and defeated darkness. Because of this triumph, we rejoice and are able to share Him with others. The next time you see someone struggling, tell them how Jesus Christ triumphed over the grave and ask them if they want to be introduced to this savior.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for sending your son, Jesus Christ, to free us from sin and darkness. We rejoice because he triumphed over death and set us free. You were victorious! O Lord, give me opportunities to share your hope with others every day. Allow me to share the knowledge of your son with those who need him. In Jesus' name, amen.
Night Prayer
And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
Inspiration
It's easy to become a busybody without realizing it. We have access to the details of a person's life through social media, national news, or small-town gossip. We feel we have valuable information to share when, in reality, we are only causing trouble. We unintentionally spread rumors powerful enough to create division, break a heart, or destroy a friend's reputation. We must remain alert to the power of gossip and focus on the work at hand. God needs us to actively spread the Gospel, not harmful details regarding a person's life.
Prayer
Dear Father, please forgive us for wasting time spreading rumors when we should be actively sharing Your Word. We will keep our work in alignment with Your plan and not gossip of the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.
