Listen

Then Jesus traveled through the surrounding villages teaching.

He called for the Twelve and sent them out in pairs. He gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a walking stick—no bread, no bags, and no money in their belts. He told them to wear sandals but not to put on two shirts. He said, “Whatever house you enter, remain there until you leave that place. If a place doesn’t welcome you or listen to you, as you leave, shake the dust off your feet as a witness against them.”

Mark 6:6b-11

Think

In the writing world, there are many dos and don’ts that you have to follow. Do use proper grammar. Don’t write run-on sentences. Do write with a specific format. Don’t write in passive voice. Now, I am not a writing pro, but I have written my fair share of papers in school. I do know that knowing these rules and being well prepared makes the writing process go more smoothly, with less need for notes from the editor.

As Jesus sends out the twelve disciples, he gives them clear instructions to prepare them for joining in his ministry. He tells them what to bring and what not to bring on the journey. He instructs them on what to do when they arrive at a new place. Jesus is inviting them into the story he has been sharing and teaching already. God also offers us the invitation to join the story with clear instructions so we are best prepared for the journey ahead.

Anna Beth Mann

Pray

Author of Life, thank you for preparing me for the story you are writing for my own life. Let me join the narrative with humility, prepared by you for whatever journey lies next. Amen.

Go

Go today with eyes to see God, ears to hear God, and a heart to answer God’s call.

Know your story matters and you are a part of the greater story written by the Author of Life.