While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

~Jesus (Matt. 9:10-14)

As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.

~Samuel (1 Sam. 12:23)

It is tempting to just stay with "our own" and not venture outside of our small circle of influence. I'm not sure we are called to just stick with our own. As God builds you up, remember that part of your walk is to share about the hope you have in Christ Jesus, always being prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

Jesus came for the sick. A part of our life must be to shine His bright light into dark places, no matter the cost. Give mercy... and Father, with face to the ground we ask for you to have mercy on us.

North America is one of the largest missions fields in the world today. Having more is reaping less. I am ashamed to say I don't always do my part, take up my cross, take His yoke upon me. Not a moment should go by that we are not desperate for people to be saved from their Hell and brought into the light. What will you sacrifice to be known by our Lord? What will it take for Him to be known through you, through you to others?

Remember that the New Testament was written to new believers. Everyone else was rebuked or corrected in their unbelief. Some of us choose to be the "everyone else"... the New Testament kicks my tired, searching in other places for something I don't need butt all over the place. People that do not believe in Jesus have no foundation or understanding of why you do what you do. Always point them to God in their questions, in the answers. Do not think that you will not be called out if you do not do this. It may not be today, but your life will go on so much longer after you die.

The beauty of a new Believer. A baby in the family of Christ Jesus... the innocence, the wondering questions, the longing for more, milk then solids... Be part of that for someone, for the masses... for whatever you are called to be obedient to.

"I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God." Luke 12:8

Father help each one of us carry the burden of the cross with us daily, in whatever way we have been called. Help us to be obedient, help us to take your yoke upon us and learn from you. In these horrible times may we cling to you for living water that you give us and never thirst again.