January 8th, Thursday: Matthew chaps 9-10

As we've read in Matthew 8, God can meet every need.

Nothing is too hard for the Lord.

You cast every care on Him – that's what he wants you to do, you know.

Cast all your cares on Him, for he cares for you.

And God responds to faith.

The men who brought their friend exercised cooperative faith, while the sick woman had almost superstitious faith.

Christ asks you and me the same question – the same question He asked the 2 blind men, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”

What is your reply to that question from the Lord?

What is your greatest concern? Do you believe He is able to meet your concerns?

God's greatest concern is the salvation of sinners.

The healing of the sick is a great miracle, yes, and the raising of the dead is very impressive, an even greater miracle.

But the salvation of the lost soul is the greatest miracle of all.

And God calls us to help Him and reach the lost.

If you start to pray for labourers, beware! - you may become the answer to your prayer.

You pray, then you are sent out.

Some of these instructions apply mainly to the apostles, and some to those serving just before the Lord's return.

However, spiritual principles here for all of God's servants.

Christ calls and Christ equips.

Listen, if the Lord calls you, he will equip you for the task He wants you to fulfill.

You're not out there on your own, making it up as you go.

No, God is instructing and God is filling you and making you able with His grace and His empowering presence.

It has well been said, 'the will of God does not send you where the grace of God cannot keep you.'

You know the 11^th Commandment certainly comes in here: 'Thou shalt not sweat it.' :) God is in control.

It is a wonderful privilege to be an ambassador for the King.

But there is a price to pay – we are sheep among wolves.

The world hates us because it hates Him.

We'll see that Christ wants us to give freely to others.

In fact this Christian life is all about giving our lives away for the benefit of others.

You know, the apostles had power to do miracles, but even giving a cup of cold water is service to the Lord.

Everything we have is a gift from God, and must be shared lovingly with others.

We must live by faith and trust Him to provide.

And Christ can take away all fear.

If you fear God, you need fear nothing else.

You are precious to your Father, and He will care for you.

Here is a wonderful thought to ponder: 'God's servants are immortal until their work is done.'