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Day 64 Luke 8:1 Now it happened, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him, 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance. What do you do when you hear that your favorite celebrity is coming to town for a concert, fundraiser, or to promote something they’re interested in? Don’t you find a way to be near them? You buy tickets to their concerts; you go wherever they are to get a glimpse of them. You bring your autograph books for the chance you could get close enough for them to sign your book. Jesus had followers too. They came from every walk of life—demon-possessed, those who worked for a living, and those who were wealthy. Only three women were mentioned, but it says many others besides these women provided for His needs when he went to the cities of Israel preaching the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. Many Christians also follow those who teach and preach the good news of God’s kingdom. They give into their ministries to support them so they can keep doing what God called them to do. They go to their crusades to see them in person, they buy their promotional products, and hang on to every word they say. How do you know you’re supporting a person whose first commitment is to Jesus? Jesus didn’t ask anyone to give to His ministry. He didn’t have promotional products for them to purchase. Those who followed Him did so because they wanted to hear the glad tidings of God’s kingdom. They didn’t hear about God’s kingdom from the scribes and Pharisees who taught them from the Law of Moses in the synagogues. They heard the truth about God’s kingdom and what the law said from Jesus. He added nothing to what He taught the people. It was a fresh word and one they wanted to hear more of so out of the goodness of their hearts, they provided everything He needed. When you hear God’s Word, think about the method of the teaching. Does the minister open God’s Word and teach from its pages? Or is there more to their teaching than found in God’s Word? Do you NEED to pay to sit under the teaching? Or is there a free-will offering and you are not compelled to give? God’s Word is not for sale. It should not come with a price tag on it. It should be your choice to give to God’s kingdom. Those who followed Jesus provided what He needed. When you give to God’s kingdom, He will provide what you need. Those who provided for Jesus’ needs were not left out, Jesus also provided for their needs. Let’s pray: Father, let me find the glad tidings of Your Word taught by the minister who puts You first in his life. Let me provide for the ministry, not because I’m compelled to do so, but because I want to, knowing that You will provide everything I need. Let Your Word become fresh in my heart and fill my life to overflowing as I follow You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 17 September 2023 by Valerie Routhieaux The image belongs to me.