Week Twenty-Two, 2020
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
It is one of the must see places in Washington D.C., The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Located in Arlington National Cemetery on the Virginia side of the Potomac River and overlooking the City of Washington, it is the final resting place of several unidentified soldiers who gave their lives defending their country.
For nearly 100 years the tomb has been guarded everyday around the clock. The guard change is very symbolic, conducted in accordance with Army regulations. The relief commander or assistant relief commander, along with the oncoming guard, are both required for a guard change to take place. The relief commander orders the guard being relieved to “pass on your orders” to the oncoming guard. The guard being relieved will say to the oncoming guard, “Post and orders remain as directed.” The oncoming guard’s response is always, “Orders acknowledged.” In all those years, the orders have never changed.
Jesus gave us some orders too and they, in more than 2,000 years, have not changed either. As He was about to leave this earth, He told his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything he had commanded them.
Those orders remain as directed. They apply not just to the disciples to whom He directly spoke, but to all future generations of Christians down through the ages. Those orders are passed on to you and to me. As Christians, Jesus commands us to go to the four corners of the earth and perhaps our neighbor next door to spread the word and to share our faith, teaching people that Jesus is Lord and encouraging them to accept Him as their Lord and Savior.
Are you willing to carry out His orders today? They remain unchanged.
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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:33-34
I love it when something that Jesus said is so clear.
• He didn’t say seek Him first, but after your second cup of coffee.
• He didn’t say seek Him first, but after you’ve read the paper or watched your favorite morning news show.
• He didn’t say seek Him first, but not before your spouse and/or family.
• He didn’t say seek Him first, but not before your career, career goals or work.
• He didn’t say seek Him first just behind any personal goals and dreams you might have.
• He didn’t say seek Him first just behind all the church work and church stuff you’ve got to accomplish first.
• He didn’t say seek Him first, but only if all your personal needs and desires are satisfied.
• He didn’t say seek Him first, but only if you don’t have anything better to do.
• He didn’t say seek Him first, but only if you feel like it.
• He didn’t say seek Him first if you feel Him close on the mountain top or if you’ve hit rock bottom in the valley.
• He didn’t say seek Him first, but only after you fret and worry about it first.
He said “seek FIRST His kingdom and His righteousness…” Marty Stubblefield
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Locusts and grasshoppers are a regular dietary component in local diets in many areas of Africa, Asia, and the Americas—and since they’re packed with protein, they’re an important nutritional staple as well.
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QUOTES YOU CAN USE
Your identity determines your behavior. Ken Whitten
Patience is not simply the ability to wait – it’s how we behave while we’re waiting. Joyce Meyer
Look back and be grateful, look ahead and be hopeful, look around and be helpful.
Distraction leads to destruction. Andrew Evans