Hi Everyone!

You're witnesses of miracles! Isn't that incredible! And if you don't know what I'm talking about, read the comments yesterday... then you're a witness too!

The disciples watched.

So did you.

And then what?

Please read Matthew 10. It was time for the disciples to learn to follow... without physically seeing Jesus in front of them. However, what did Jesus spend the entire chapter doing?

I'll tell you! He spent the entire chapter equipping them to follow Him. Wow. He saw what was ahead and prepared them. He's done the same for us. However, the road between here and there is not something we see, and often something that scares us. But He's equipped us with how we are to handle things, and He speaks to us, He listens to us, and He is with us. So we can follow. Isn't He wonderful?

Until this point, the disciples had watched as others acted on what they believed... rather than what they knew. The father in Matthew 9 chose to base his actions on the fact that Jesus could raise people from the dead... rather than the fact that his daughter had died, which was also a reality. The people who were suffering were the ones who became “the workers”... AND they were the ones who experienced the miracles.

The disciples had watched. They knew more. They had completely crumbled in a storm and acted on their fear rather than the belief that Jesus was in the boat. Now it was time to go out into an often unaccepting society. Until this point they were still mostly allowed to base their decisions on circumstances because Jesus was right in front of them. Would they now base their actions on the circumstances they had seen? OR on what they knew about Jesus Himself? What do you choose?

Faith comes first. Are you faithful? Check out this definition: faith[ful]... faith comes first, then Christ will come and FILL the questions in front of you. The work is to believe.

Simon and his friends parted ways for the first time since meeting Jesus to practice staring into the face of circumstances.... and acting based on the face of God. They had a message to share. And what was it? Please read Matthew 10:7. “The kingdom of heaven is near.”

That was the message. “The kingdom of heaven is near.” And if that was all they were to say... if they weren't to argue with circumstances, other people's beliefs, or popular opinions, why should anyone listen to them?

Because they are witnesses.

And so am I. And so are you.

And so today, Tuesday, go. [Follow Him.] “And as you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.” Because it is. We are witnesses! Praise the Lord! Know it. Live it. Share it.

For Discussion: How do you think Simon and his friends felt going out for the first time? Usually it seems that in any big task, going out to begin with... is the hardest. How can you persuade yourself to walk into unknown territory? Fix your eyes upon Jesus...

Want another little thought? It's a good one :)Check out verses 2-4. It's amazing how through the gospels, Judas has a terrible little parenthesis behind his name. [The one who would betray (Jesus)]. Did that stop Jesus from teaching Him? From loving Him? From leading him? No. It didnt. NOW... Look at Simon's name ...as it is written time and time again. “Simon (who was called Peter).” Here's the point. Judas walked on his circumstances and in the end, he was defined by one. Peter followed Jesus, because of who He was. And in the end, Peter was defined by his character and how he would be effectively used by the Lord... not by his circumstances. Who do you want to be?