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No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem

“Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread,  no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt.” They drove out many demons and  anointed many sick people with oil and healed them (Mark 6:8, 9, 13).

Scripture: Mark 6:7-13

Song: “Keep Changing the World”

When my 17-year-old daughter left for a mission trip to Uganda, she packed flip flops that got stuck in the mud, skirts that got covered in mud, and ate food that tasted like mud. She slept under mosquito netting, and if she was able to get a shower, she was joined by gigantic millipedes. The local people had little bread, few bags, and limited money for their nonexistent belts.

When Jesus sent His disciples out to minister, He discharged them in pairs, and instructed them to take nothing more than the shoes on their feet and the shirt on their back. They were not to bring any other stuff. They stayed with the local people, and if their hosts were not interested in what they had to say, they moved on. The disciples lifted up those who welcomed them to the Father and He met their needs. He cast out their demons and healed their diseases. The disciples didn’t rely on medications, therapists, or specialists—not because these are bad, but because they were not available. They came to people empty handed and left them full of the glory of God.

Mighty God, meet us where we are. Be our strength and our healer. We come empty and ask You to fill us with Yourself. In Christ’s name, amen.

David C Cook Editorial

Author David C Cook Editorial

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