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Tuesday, July 9, 2024

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St. Augustine Zhao Rong
& the Chinese Martyrs


Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13
Psalm 115:3-10
Matthew 9:32-38

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oh, to be yours, jesus!

Jesus “said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is good but laborers are scarce. Beg the Harvest Master to send out laborers to gather His harvest.’ ” —Matthew 9:37-38

People long for a chance to serve the winning sports team. If that team posted an advertisement asking for volunteers to pass out their T-shirts, many would proudly volunteer, eager to be associated with their beloved team.

Jesus is the Captain of the ultimate winning team. He has issued a call for helpers (Mt 9:38). Jesus doesn’t require our help, but He does desire it. Mysteriously, Jesus even seems to “need” our help. He chooses to work through us, the members of His body (Eph 4:15-16).

Jesus called the simple and unlearned (1 Cor 1:27-28). He didn’t so much call the qualified; rather, He has qualified the called. He poured out the Holy Spirit on them and gave them power (Mt 10:1). Therefore, we have no excuse when Jesus calls us to serve Him (cf Lk 14:18-21).

Can you listen diligently for His call in your life? He has come to call sinners (Mk 2:17) and then fill those who are called with “every spiritual blessing in the heavens” (Eph 1:3). Are you as joyful and proud to answer Jesus’ call for workers as sports fans are to help the winning team?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, I am all Yours. May I be more “fanatic” for You than the most rabid sports fan is for a beloved team.

Promise:  “Our God is in heaven; whatever He wills, He does.” —Ps 115:3

Praise:  The 120 Chinese Martyrs, which included men, women, children, priests, religious, and lay people, showed the depth of their faith by giving everything, including their lives, to Jesus.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For our summer retreat schedule, visit www.presentationministries.com.)

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