Commissioning for Friend.

Mark 16: 1-20 After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, Salome, and Mary the mother of James bought some spices to put on Jesus' body. Very early on Sunday morning, just as the sun was coming up, they went to the tomb. On their way, they were asking one another, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance for us?" But when they looked, they saw that the stone had already been rolled away. And it was a huge stone!

The women went into the tomb, and on the right side they saw a young man in a white robe sitting there. They were alarmed.

The man said, "Don't be alarmed! You are looking for Jesus from Nazareth, who was nailed to a cross. God has raised him to life, and he isn't here. You can see the place where they put his body.Now go and tell his disciples, and especially Peter, that he will go ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you."

When the women ran from the tomb, they were confused and shaking all over. They were too afraid to tell anyone what had happened.

(Matthew 28.9,10; John 20.11-18)

Very early on the first day of the week, after Jesus had risen to life, he appeared to Mary Magdalene. Earlier he had forced seven demons out of her. She left and told his friends, who were crying and mourning. Even though they heard that Jesus was alive and that Mary had seen him, they would not believe it.

(Luke 24.13-35)

Later, Jesus appeared in another form to two disciples, as they were on their way out of the city. But when these disciples told what had happened, the others would not believe.

(Matthew 28.16-20; Luke 24.36-49; John 20.19-23; Acts 1.6-8)

Afterwards, Jesus appeared to his eleven disciples as they were eating. He scolded them because they were too stubborn to believe the ones who had seen him after he had been raised to life. Then he told them:

Go and preach the good news to everyone in the world. Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned. Everyone who believes me will be able to do wonderful things. By using my name they will force out demons, and they will speak new languages. They will handle snakes and will drink poison and not be hurt. They will also heal sick people by placing their hands on them.

(Luke 24.50-53; Acts 1.9-11)

After the Lord Jesus had said these things to the disciples, he was taken back up to heaven where he sat down at the right side of God.Then the disciples left and preached everywhere. The Lord was with them, and the miracles they worked proved that their message was true.

Commissioning

As Jesus ascended into the heavens, His last and current and ongoing directive was clear. Go and preach the good news of peace with God and redemption from sin and separation and mistakes. Pray for those around you that they might be healed body, soul, spirit, and relationships. His promise to work with us and cause miraculous results is fulfilled daily.

Running

This week's schedule provided some adventure. Wednesday night a friend and I ministered at an old line Pentecostal Latino congregation. What great people. What a sweet presence of God and encouragement. Thursday night we visited a new pastor in town and welcomed him. Friday was a wedding rehearsal. Saturday was an outdoor wedding melding Latino and Anglo families. Sunday became an explosive service ministering in a Black Baptist large congregation.

Encouraging

As a businessman/pastor life is an adventure day to day carrying the Good News that God is committed to love and encourage. Somewhere in the middle of all of that one of my coworkers hit a hard wall and just needed a hug and affirmation that life would be okay. Somewhere another friend needed a comforting ear. Somewhere I played with my grandchild. Somewhere I sat and listened to a son and a daughter. Our lives are so often connected and can bring an intersection of peace for those in need. And they bring a peace and fulfillment to us as we receive as much as give.

As Jesus prepared to rise into heaven, He charged us. Go and preach the good news. Go and bring hope and healing and encouragement. Go and declare freedom of heart and mind and emotion.

　

So, today, I speak to Friend.

Be free.

Be encouraged.

Be full of hope.

Be touched with a sense of His presence and commitment to Friend.

He loves Friend.

He is for Friend.

Phil Larson 405-388-8037 Add:508 Tumbleweed Dr. Yukon, Ok 73099
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Blog: http://prayermetrodevotion.blogspot.com
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