39Whoever finds their life wi...

39Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

40"Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. - P43

At first glance, Jesus’ words sound as though He wants to bring division. However, He is addressing the issue of lordship. Loving our family members is, of course, a good thing, but if we love them more than Jesus, then we have made them lord over our lives. Whomever or whatever we have acknowledged as lord also dominates our thoughts and actions. This is why Jesus says that whoever does not take up their cross and follow Him is not worthy of Him. - P44

The person who refrains from doing so shows that they are not fully devoted to Christ. Taking up the cross is difficult and requires self-sacrifice, but those who do so know that it is worth it because they are walking the path of their Savior.
- P44

The gospel can sometimes offend the mind, but the work of the Holy Spiritcan turn hardened hearts into ones that are ready to receive His Word.
- P45

Ultimately, we can take our cues on how to be a Christian from ChristHimself. When faced with opposition, He spoke razor sharp truths whilemaintaining deep compassion for the lost. Though this can be challenging,
with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can boldly model Christ and openlyshare the Good News. - P45

Jesus, I acknowledge You as Lord over my life. I remember Your sacrifice and renew my commitment to take up my cross and follow You. I desire to work faithfully for Your kingdom and honor others who do the same. In Your name I pray, amen. - P45

19But when they arrest you, d...

19But 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,

20for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

- P38

32"Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.

33But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. - P39

For the Twelve, being sent out like sheep among wolves is probably not their ideal job description. Jesus warns His disciples to be on their guard because they will face fierce opposition and persecution, including being flogged in the synagogues and being hated by everyone. However, the disciples are also promised strong support. They will not have to worry about what to say or how to say it because the Holy Spirit will speak through them. - P40

Sometimes we may be worried about what to say when people challenge our beliefs. However, we can be confident that God’s Spirit will give us the words to say when we need them. We become His mouthpiece as God speaks to others through us. - P40

Lord, I know that when I face opposition and persecution, I do not need to worry because Your Spirit is with me. May my faith and courage rise so that I may live fearlessly as Your disciple. In Your name I pray, amen. - P41

We must remember God has shown Himself to be the ultimate expert. Heisn‘t just available to us for a one-time salvation from the judgment that isto come; He saves us from living a meaningless life and calls us to live ac-cording to His plans and purposes.  - P41

His desire is for us to live life to the full,
and there is only one way to achieve this: Receive salvation through God‘sSon and grow in His likeness. The world may laugh at the notion of turningto God, but we should remember that we can turn to Him for anything,
whether that be concerns about our health, money, or relationships.  - P41

Let usalways look to God, the ultimate expert of this life. - P41

The threat of physical harm can paralyze even the most courageous amongus. However, we do not need to be afraid of people who may harm thetemporal body but cannot kill the soul because God cares for His people.
He knows every hair on our heads, and we can be assured that in due time,
He will bring all things to light. No injustice will go unpunished, and thosewho confidently declare Christ on earth will be acknowledged by Jesus inheaven.  - P40

Nothing escapes the all-seeing gaze of our Father. Be encouraged,
for we are fully known and cared for by our powerful and loving God,
and He will act with perfect wisdom and justice against those who comeagainst - P40

These twelve Jesus sent out w...

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans.

6Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.

7As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ - P34

14If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.

15Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. - P35

Jesus calls His twelve disciples and gives them authority to drive out evil spirits and heal every disease—tasks that He Himself has done on this earth. The disciples become an extension of their teacher as they demonstrate the power of the kingdom of heaven. - P36

The disciples’ mission is Jesus’ mission, showing that Jesus is present among them and working through them. Though the twelve disciples come from different backgrounds, each of them holds a special place in Jesus’ mission. - P36

Today, Jesus is likewise calling us to be His workers in the harvest of His kingdom. Having witnessed His power and authority through the Scriptures, we are called to continue His divine mission as His stewards. - P36

After calling His disciples, Jesus gives clear instructions for the harvest-where to go, what to do, and how to do it, including guidance on the rightattitude and approach. This marks the beginning of their mission, and allthey need to do is follow Jesus‘ strategy.  - P36

Though they may face oppositionand rejection, there is no need to worry or fear; God will provide for them.
As we step into the mission Jesus entrusts us with, we are not stepping intoit empty-handed. Through the Scriptures, He equips us with clear instruc-tions and guidance so that we can turn to Him when we are unsure of whatto do or how to do it. - P36

I am comforted as I am reminded that I, too, am called for a specific rolein Jesus‘ mission. Despite my limitations and imperfections as a mission-ary, Jesus reassures me that His power and authority are with me as I stepinto the world. He affirms me with His loving voice, leading my steps andshowing me the right path. As I walk forward in faith, I trust that He willcontinue to guide, empower) and use me for His glory. - P37

Dear God, I am honored that You have called me to be a worker for Your harvest. Help me to demonstrate the power of Your kingdom and be a witness to those who do not yet believe in You. In Your Son’s name I pray, amen. - P37

27As Jesus went on from there...

27As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!"

28When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" "Yes, Lord," they replied.

29Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith let it be done to you";
- P30

33And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel." - P31

35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.

36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

- P31

Two blind men follow Jesus, crying out for the Son of David to have mercy on them. They acknowledge who Jesus is—the long-awaited Messiah with the power and authority to bring healing and salvation. Jesus asks whether they truly believe that He can heal them, and when they respond with confidence in Him, Jesus affirms that their sight will be restored according to their faith. - P32

Jesus is not indifferent to the prayers of those who trust Him. He is the Savior of the world, and His mercy is ever ready to welcome whoever comes to Him in faith. - P32

When our faith meets His mercy, our eyes are opened to know Him as He is.
- P32

This passage builds a bridge between the work of the kingdom and thecalling of the disciples to continue it. All of Jesus‘ ministry-teaching, proclaiming, and healing is rooted in His compassion for the harassed andhelpless, those who are like sheep without a shepherd.  - P32

Now, Jesus invites thedisciples to join Him in His mission. This requires not only doing the worksthat Jesus did, but also having a heart of compassion toward the lost.  - P32

Kingdom ministry is a ministry of compassion, and we are all called to align withour Father‘s heart and willingly offer ourselves for the harvest of His field.
- P32

Remember, there are still who need the good news of Jesus Christ. - P32

In today‘s passage, Jesus likens the work of the kingdom to the harvestingseason. When the time is right for harvest,
t, the farmer needs to recruit manyworkers to gather the crops. If the harvest is delayed, the crops will spoil andgo to waste.  - P33

God has already sown the gospel in this world and into manypeople‘s hearts. Now is the time for workers to step up and gather thosewho are ready to enter Hikingdom. The time is now, but the workers arefew; more workers are needed in the harvest field. What would you do ifJesus asked you today, "Will you join Me in My mission of harvestingWherever we are and whatever our calling may be, we can all say "yes" andtakepart in His mission. - P33

Lord Jesus, I see Your compassion for the lost and Your desire to restore them. As I have received Your mercy and grace, help me to have a compassionate heart and join in the healing and saving work of Your Kingdom. In Your name, amen. - P33

18While he was saying this, a...

18While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live." - P26

22Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed at that moment. - P27

23When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes,

24he said, "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him.

- P27

Both the synagogue leader and the bleeding woman approach Jesus in faith,
confident that He can heal. Their situations are extreme. The woman hassuffered for twelve years and her condition has made her ritually unclean;she is expected to stay away from others. The synagogue leader‘s daughterhas already died, and when Jesus says that she is sleeping, the crowd laughsat Him.  - P28

But both the sick woman and the dead girl are completely restoredwhen Jesus steps in.  - P28

There may be obstacles, social pressure, doubt, or fearthat discourage us from drawing near to Jesus. However, when we reach outto Him in faith, we can trust that He sees us and will reach out to us.  - P28

Wemust not allow stigma or unbelief to keep us from seeking Him, for His touch still restores today. - P28

John the Baptist’s disciples ask Jesus why His disciples do not follow the common practice of fasting, and Jesus explains that His followers will fast when He ascends and is no longer with them on earth. Spiritual disciplines have their proper time and place. If they are done simply for the sake of following tradition, they become meaningless and unhelpful. - P28

In our faith journey, there will be different seasons of deep devotion, joy, rest, hard work, endurance, and celebration. As we remain close to God, we can discern each season and the areas that we are to grow in during that time. Then we can apply our spiritual disciplines with intentionality and find wholeness in Christ. - P28

Dear Jesus, thank You for Your love and grace. I desire to draw closer to You each day. Help me to come to You in faith without hesitation and to trust in Your plans for me. In Your name I pray, amen. - P28