Corona Devo 435

Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, (2) along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; (3) Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples. ~Luke 8:1-3

Following Jesus is a gift, an adventure, a challenge-to-accept, and a life-long journey. Jesus invites us into relationship and to "tour" with Him, and then we are tasked with the mission of how we can contribute from (our) own resources (that He has blessed us with!) to support Jesus and his disciples. How can we serve Him?

Those of us that follow Jesus today seek the same relief-from-guilt and renewed-purpose-for-our-lives that the disciples and some women did as they followed Jesus to nearby towns and villages.

Jesus has a message for us: He came to preach and announce the Good News about the Kingdom of God (Luke 8:1), and coupled with that news comes a freedom/healing/release from the ties that bind us.

It is not always (or often) a physical healing, but Jesus always gives us a perspective-"healing" and hope-"healing" that casts out our demons of anger, fear, loneliness, pride, self-loathing, critical spirit, or anything seeking to overturn the good plans that God has for us.

And once we have been touched by or introduced to Jesus, we have a natural and spiritual reaction to want to get on board with Jesus:

...some women...had been cured of evil spirits and diseases.... Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; (3) Joanna...; Susanna;... and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples. ~Luke 8:2-3

What are our resources? How can we "support Jesus and his disciples" with our unique resources?

A good friend of mine has a sister living in a still-quarantined part of the Nation, and the church doors are closed. They attend services virtually but have felt the Lord call them to tithe differently in these times. They pray for opportunities to support and bless those in need right now, whether a charity, person, or cause, and then they give sacrificially to that call. Tithe/give/donate for Jesus and let us contribute from (our) own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.

My sister is a pastry chef who provides gourmet baked goods for her church congregation on Sunday's and for the teachers investing into her kids at their local Christian school. Bake for Jesus and let us contribute from (our) own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.

Two of my friends have the voices of angels--one a crystal-clear soprano and the other a gorgeous-deep alto. They sing for their churches and public audiences too, and their songs are a gift to all who listen. Sing for Jesus and let us contribute from (our) own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.

My sister-in-law has spent her years investing in the days of middle-school students. Much more than a teacher, she is a life-changer that shapes, connects-with, and challenges the young-people of tomorrow by allowing them to enjoy learning and themselves. Teach for Jesus and let us contribute from (our) own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.

We have friends that have spent their lives serving others. After raising eight kids, they left their empty nest to move in and care for their aging parents and a special-needs adult brother. When those duties were exhausted (but their hearts for serving were not!), they sold their house to move to another state to love-on and serve one of their children and grandkids living out-of-state. Serve others for Jesus and let us contribute from (our) own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.

Fishing is a close-second behind Jesus in the heart of my brother, and he takes his casts and catches seriously when out on Lake Erie. But when he fills the boat with delicious walleye, it is not to stock his own freezer. He joyfully and consistently blesses friends and family with the fillets that took him so much time and effort to catch. Fish for Jesus and let us contribute from (our) own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.

My husband coached each of our kids in soccer, and many other people's children as well. Patient and fun, he encouraged the most agile kids to share-the-ball, and the shy-est ones to give-it-time. I recall a little boy that stood (still) on the field and cried during games. But my husband built-in to him, and years later, I smile when I see the boy (still playing soccer) and competing with a courage and confidence that was not always inside of him. Coach for Jesus and let us contribute from (our) own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.

Following Jesus is a gift, an adventure, a challenge-to-accept, and a life-long journey. Accept His invitation to "tour" with Him today let's ask ourselves how we can contribute from (our) own resources (that He has blessed us with!) to support Jesus and his disciples.

Blessings,

sarah

https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com 

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