You Are Called

Mark 6:7-9 (MSG)  Jesus called the Twelve to him, and sent them out in pairs. He gave them authority and power to deal with the evil opposition.  He sent them off with these instructions: "Don't think you need a lot of extra equipment for this. You are the equipment. No special appeals for funds. Keep it simple.  

Jesus sent his followers out in pairs. He knew they would need the support and encouragement a partner could provide.  While singly the disciples could cover more territory, as pairs they could give prayer cover while the other was dealing with a situation.  When one stumbled or despaired, the other could provide support or wisdom when faced with new problems. Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work (Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIV)
Keep it simple.  What a great way to approach ministry.  Keep it simple; how much more could be accomplished if we did this, if we kept things simple so our work could be easily duplicated. There is wisdom in these verses. It is simple to talk to a neighbor, to invite them over for a meal or to help with a chore. It is simple to ask if you could pray for them.

The relationship that is being formed will eventually allow you to take the next step and share your faith story. Keep it simple. Make friends, enjoy each other, develop trust and share your life. This is how we share the Good News, by sharing our lives, by opening our homes and keeping it simple.

It is good to remember too, when we feel inadequate and so very unprepared for what lies ahead, He (Jesus) gave them (and us) authority and power to deal with evil opposition," so we can know that we have truly been equipped. WE ARE CALLED! YOU ARE CALLED!

Mark 6:7-13

Keep it Simple - 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5

I have been to a few seminars where a gifted motivational speaker addressed the audience with flair and eloquence.  I went home from these events feeling like I could lick the world.  I was not only motivated but encouraged by what I heard and felt I just might be able to change myself and my circumstances.  I experienced a ‘confidence’ high and was certain life was going to be exciting and I was going to become rich and famous.

Unfortunately this was a momentary inspiration.  The lofty goals set forth by the professional speaker soon faded from memory and I found myself right back where I was and wondering why I could barely remember the speech that was going to change my life forever.  This is exactly what Paul was working to avoid.  He was an intelligent and studied man and could have wowed the crowds with his knowledge but he chose instead to keep it simple.

"And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling.  My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power." (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)

Paul believed the message of the cross was a simple message and he shared his story of salvation in a humble and unassuming manner.  He shared his story with the crowds and simply stated the facts. Paul took no credit for his redemption but gave all the glory to God and pointed to Jesus as Savior.  We too, can keep it simple when trying to tell others about Jesus.  Telling our own story and showing our vulnerability is powerful testimony.  

I still enjoy hearing a good message and I love the feeling I get when someone's talk resonates with my heart, but I know it is still the simple message of the Gospel that will change my life for eternity.

Read the 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5 text for today here.  Listen to a reading of the 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5 here.