Vicki's Wednesday Word

 Luke 9:1-6NLT   “1 One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. 2 Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 “Take nothing for your journey,” he instructed them. “Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes. 4 Wherever you go, stay in the same house until you leave town. 5 And if a town refuses to welcome you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.” 6 So they began their circuit of the villages, preaching the Good News and healing the sick.” Jesus’ instructions as he sent his followers out to spread the Good News were very specific and far-reaching. One in particular always strikes me and gives me pause: Verse 5. It is something I find contrary to what I think Jesus wants me to do. Therein lies the problem! I think I know, but maybe I don’t kno

  Titus 2:11-14 New Living Translation 11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. The Upper Room “New Every Morning” free devotional appears in my email box every day. I highly recommend subscribing (look for it at www.upperroom.org). There’s always a snippet from a meaningful book, then Scriptures and additional material for those who desire a deeper dive. The Holy Spirit has a way of dropping things in your lap when you least expect it. Our late friend, Judy Walker, called these “pearls.” This week’s readings reminded

  Matthew 6:28-33 NLT 28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Worry is a thief. Worry steals the present and clouds the future. It undermines everything we think and do, leading to confusion or paralysis. Worry is a waster. It wastes time and energy. Worry is a destroyer. It destroys our peace of mind. Worry breeds fear. Fear is the s

  2 Timothy 3:14-17 New Living Translation 14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. Believing in God is a choice. Plain and simple. Like the majority of the choices we make every day of our lives, it must be consciously made. Happily, I grew up with parents who believed and tried to instill that belief within me. Nevertheless, I had to make up my own mind once I grew up. World Religion, Christianity from the perspective of races not my own, and multiple philosophy cl

  Matthew 14:22-33 22  Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23  After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. 24  Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25  About three o’clock in the morning. Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26  When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27  But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28  Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29  “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30  But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrifie