Jesus said to them, "Surely you will quote this proverb to me: 'Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.'" (Luke 4:23)
We are practical people.
We read about the call to minister to those around us, and we make a quick
assumption, “We should start at home.” We look around us for what to
do, and then pray about which of the opportunities we should take on.
Many in Israel probably
thought that Jesus should have taken a similar approach. They expected Him to
bless the community that had raised Him before He began crossing the
countryside. In towns like Nazareth,
the community was very important to the identity of each of the children raised
there. Because few traveled very far, their identity was shaped by the
community.
Jesus took a different
approach. He did not let his community define His ministry. His outreach was
defined by God’s direction. So when you ask yourself where to start, don’t
assume anything.
Ask God for direction,
and follow it whether it focuses two doors down or 11,000 miles away.
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It can be difficult to be still in the Lord’s presence.
Let’s learn from Mary, Lazarus’ sister, to being willing to sit at Jesus’ feet
and spend time with him—regardless of the activities that pull at us.
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Prayer Requests
Pray for indigenous ministries that help starving children, and
people left helpless due to debilitating diseases like malaria and AIDS.
Pray for strength for Indian believers in the midst of
persecution.
Pray for the ministries: Orphanages, Pastors, Churches, Lepers,
and reaching the lost in India.
Asia International Mission is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry.
All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of donations are used as designated
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