finding meaning in Scripture

One of my favorite things in the world is Raceway Ministries where people from our church and others come together to serve race fans at our local speedway. This happens all over the country at all kinds of motor racing events, and this week I am part of the planning and celebration of this ministry.

I sat today listening and sharing with the board of this great organization, and our new leader began to unpack vision for growth and impacting lives. His name is Elliott Yancey. Elliott working with Raceway Ministries in Atlanta and moved on to work with fans through the ministry of Motor Racing Outreach. He has now taken the lead of our organization. He shared today the following Scripture that is loaded with meaning:

Mark 6:7-13 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. “And no luxury inns. Get a modest place and be content there until you leave. “If you’re not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.” Then they were on the road. They preached with joyful urgency that life can be radically different; right and left they sent the demons packing; they brought wellness to the sick, anointing their bodies, healing their spirits.

That is a powerful passage packed full of meaning, yet there is just one piece I want to call to your attention. For many churches and Christians there is a thought that we have to have big events, lots of resources and more to be able to share Jesus with people. But in these few verses Jesus says is all you need is a calling from God and yourself.

Jesus said, “You are the equipment.” Don’t be planning or thinking you need more. Begin where you are and with what you have. Begin with the people around you. God doesn’t call all of us to see everything and to move to Zimbabwe. He calls us to the place we are to share His love with what we have.

That is what the Bible says. There is meaning in Scripture if we just start reading and applying what we read. Keep on reading. Keep on listening. Keep on making a difference as you are what you need to share Jesus!

Have you heard of EDITH BURNS?

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas . She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns. One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her. Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved. Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Beverly said, "Why yes I do." Edith said, "Well, what do you ...

wash feet, sharing hope

John 13:4-5,14 NLT So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him… 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. Jesus set the example we follow. He served. He valued and gave value to others. That is why we choose to serve. For 18 years our church has shared an outreach called back2school, and for 16 of those years we have chosen to give students brand new shoes and socks as well as washing their feet. It is one of the most important parts of this event. Washing feet is a humbling experience where both the give and the receiver learn how to share some moments that might change their lives. Jesus said we should do this. See the verse above. Follow His example, do what He did, and give far more than you will ever know....

Catalyst ticket arrived

My ticket to the Catalyst Conference, in Atlanta Oct 8-10, just arrived. I'm excited!

Michael Harrison's e-devotion

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