The Best of the Portals of Prayer

Read: Matthew 10:7-13 // Psalm 142

“Acquire no gold nor silver nor copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, nor two tunics nor sandals nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.”
Matthew 10:9-10

You Can Take Him with You

Today is the Feast of Assissi, to commemorate the date Jesus summoned Francis from the Church Militant on earth to the Church Triumphant in heaven. St. Francis’ battle against sin, death, and the devil is a fascinating story. As he listened to the Scripture reading of Jesus sending out the 12, he assumed it was a commission from Jesus for him. The once wealthy cloth merchant dropped his cloak, sandals, and staff at the church door. With nothing but a peasant’s tunic, he set out to preach the Gospel and serve God’s people. His journeys for the cause of Christ took him as far as Egypt. His care for the poor inspired thousands. At age 44 he lay blind and ill in a little hut near his hometown. Singing Psalm 142 with his friends, he died. Throughout his adult life, nothing could distract him from his call to serve the Lord.
Jesus gave His all to save us. Nothing could distract Him from that mission. Should we not turn aside from every distraction to service to our Lord? With all who have followed Jesus before us, we rejoice that he gave up everything for us. Because Jesus has given all for es, let us give our all to serve Him, to give Him honor and praise.

Heavenly Father, let us gladly listen to Your call and serve You with faithfulness. In Christ’s name. Amen.

October 04, 1997