“There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42 (NLT) The heart of this ministry is to inspire a love for God’s Word and encourage the discipline of daily Bible reading and SOAP journaling. These are a few of our SOAP notes from today’s reading. We encourage you to read and journal on your own first, then join us in conversation about what God revealed to YOU today. Click HERE to go directly to the daily reading if you wish.
Printable reading plan: Discover One Thing Reading Plan
Want to walk through the Bible one book at a time? Head over to Discover One Thing Online Study!
Complete Trust | Angela Kansou (guest post)
S~ Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness…Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give…“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— 10 no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave…On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:1, Matthew 10:8-10 and Matthew 10:18-20 (NIV)
O~ Jesus gave the disciples authority to Heal disease and drive out spirits. He told them to heal the sick, raise the dead cleanse those with leprosy and drive out demons. He reminded that they have received freely and should thus give freely. He then tells then that they should not take any money with them or material goods for they would be worth their keep. He tells them they are to stay at the house of a worthy person in each town or village they enter. He also tells them they will stand before governors and kings to be witnesses but will be given words directly from the Holy spirit so they do not have to worry about what to say.
A~ It is funny the way Jesus prepares to send out his disciples compared to the way most of us would send someone out for any trip..especially to do work for them. Even on just a small trip, we pack as much as possible, trying to meet that person’s every need….shorts in case it is hot, pants in case it is cold, an umbrella in case it rains, extra food in case you get hungry, etc. Jesus instead says to his disciples that they can’t take anything. When we are about to send someone out to speak for us, we spend long hours prepping them on what to say. We have them practice and we critique them, until the message is just right. Jesus instead says, don’t worry about it…the Holy spirit will give you the words at the right time. Jesus placed a high calling on the disciples. He gave them authority to do miracles. In doing so, he also called them to complete dependence on God. He would not allow them to find their strength or sustenance in anything that was worldly or could be attributed to the work of their own hands. They could not rely on their paychecks, or their friends, or anything. They HAD to rely on God alone. As God, calls us to do more for Him, He also will call us to trust Him more. He will take away what we have depended on so that He becomes all that we depend on. This process is scary and painful. It can feel as if he is pulling everything out from under us…like He is throwing us over a cliff. How great though when we understand that it is no longer rock upon which we stand, but in the palm of the hand of the Great Redeemer…the Creator of Heaven and Earth…The Alpha and the Omega…The Great Provider…The Shepherd…The Prince of Peace…The Lord of Lords…The Most High God.
P~ Lord, I often want you to provide me with things that make me feel secure. I want you to show me your way and each detail of how you will provide for me so that I feel confident to walk along the path you call me to. Thank you for reminding me that when I ask you to reveal to me your plan I am actually putting trust in the earthly provisions you give, rather than you. Help me to want you alone. Help me to rely on you alone. Help me to embrace not having the answers so that I am forced to rely solely on your knowledge, solely on your provisions, solely on your words. It scares me completely to pray this prayer, but I don’t want to pass up the opportunity to miss out on your calling in exchange for my own need for security. Help me to trust in you completely. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
You Speak | Kim Chipman
S~ For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:20 (NLT)
O~ Jesus is speaking to the 12 disciples. He is sending them out and gives them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. He also warns them they may be arrested, flogged, whipped and stand trial. This is their opportunity to tell unbelievers about Jesus ~ but they aren’t to worry about how to respond to them. God will give them the right words at the right time because the Spirit will speak through them.
A~ I need to remember that I’m not unlike the disciples. There are unbelievers all around me, yet sometimes I’m timid to share. Why? Because I know my personal limitations. I noticed recently that an acquaintance of mine was wearing a Jewish star on her necklace. My first thought was – darn it! She doesn’t know my Jesus and I will never be able to convince her. Really!? Your Spirit is within me and You would need to convince her anyway. Why feel defeated and never share? If I have opportunities to share You with people who do not know You – however that looks – then I need not worry and just let Your Spirit flow….
P~ I’m so very grateful for Your Word. Grow my trust so I don’t worry about my own limitations – when I am weak You are strong. I love You.
Our team would love the privilege of praying for you! Please share how we can lift you in prayer at prayer@DiscoverOneThing.com
Discover One Thing 