Acts 13:1-13

Have you ever gone on a missionary journey, perhaps a short-term mission trip?  If so, you know what I mean when I say it is life-changing.  Following my first mission trip I felt different, I felt empowered, called and necessary to the advancement of Christ's kingdom.  In other words it was a powerful experience which helped me to see that even my small part can make a difference.

In the book of Acts we read about the first missionary journey of Paul. We are only given a snippet of the happenings during these trips, but even these brief glimpses provide wonderful stories of God working through His people. It is these missionary journeys where the church is spread over the entire world. That is still true today in the trips we participate in; abroad and at home.

Paul and Barnabas were chosen by God to lead this endeavor.  "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off." (Acts 13:2)

We too are chosen by God and called to spread the Good News.  We might be called to travel outside the USA, and outside our comfort zone.  We might be called to serve right in our own neighborhoods; the mission field is everywhere.

Read Acts 13:1-13 here.

Go! - Luke 1:1-12, 16-20

Luke 10:2-3 (NKJV)
² Then He said to them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. ³ Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.

This past Sunday, during our worship service, there was a time of commissioning a mission team.  This team is heading for Honduras to provide medical care to folks who seldom, if ever see a doctor.  They also bring with them a Vacation Bible School program for all the children who flock to see the "gringos".  My husband and I served on a number of these teams.  The memories of our trips to Honduras are treasured.  Every time we look at pictures of the children we remember the lives that were changed for Jesus, including ours.

This passage in Luke selected for today can be summed up in a word - GO!  Short term mission trips may seem to be too little for such a big job, but it soon becomes obvious to those who participate, that we serve a great big God and  He only needs willing hearts to work big things.

Of course, the mission field doesn't have to be in Honduras or outside our own country.  The mission field is all around us; our next door neighbor, co-worker, beautician, grocery store clerk or our best friend.  Get the point?  It is always wise to be prepared to share where ever you are.  GO! - is still the word of the day.

To read all the text for today click here.