Have you ever received a gift with no strings attached? Many of us may recall the joy of receiving Christmas presents as a child. When you’re young there are no expectations of repayment; the gift is freely given, and certainly, freely taken.
Do you also know what it’s like to receive a gift with strings attached? Maybe you “won” a free night at the hotel in exchange for a timeshare meeting or your friend loaned you their car with an unspoken debt to pay. It’s not so fun to receive a gift and find out later it wasn’t really free.
The gift of salvation can only be received freely like a child. Life “in abundance” is free to us because our generous God paid the price with His own Son (John 10:10). We couldn’t pay the fair value for such a precious present, even if we tried.
When Jesus sent out His twelve disciples for the first time, He warned them about the quid-pro-quo economy of the world (Matthew 10:8–14). Jesus was well aware that when you start healing people, driving out demons, or raising people from the dead, there will be loved ones willing and eager to compensate you.
But Jesus does not want people to believe they can buy God’s love or favor. The Lord doesn’t want you to confuse the gospel with a bait-and-switch timeshare meeting. Christ warned the disciples against the temptation to take those payments. He reminded them that they had received spiritual gifts without paying for them, so they should not charge others. “Freely you received, freely give,” He instructed them (v.8).
We might not expect our neighbor or coworker to pay us money for our encouragement or service, but do we secretly expect them to pay us back with social favors or reciprocated acts? Are there spiritual gifts the Lord has given you that He wants you to spill out onto others lavishly? If you’ve been given the spiritual gift of encouragement, encourage others in the faith freely. If God has given you the spiritual gift of service, serve with a heart of generosity (Romans 12:6–8).
Everything we have has been given to us. When we remember that our salvation, financial resources, and spiritual gifts are purely by the grace of God, we become stewards instead of hoarders. As followers of Christ sent into the world, we are given the same instructions as the twelve disciples. Give away the most valuable gift of God’s love at no charge because that is how we all received it—freely.
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43 thoughts on "Jesus Sends the Twelve"
“Fear Him who can destroy both body and soul” are believe it or not- affirming words to me right now. I stepped out with a lot of courage and did something confrontational out of love, and because I felt called to do it. I feared the person:s response, and still feel a little fearful at times about what the person thinks of me, but then I am reminded. I chose victory when I chose to follow Christ. I fear Him and live for Him. I would have everything to fear if I was not in obedience to Him
Such an encouragement! We can convince ourselves we “earned” many things here on Earth, but truly it’s God who blesses us
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I needed to read this today! Praise be to God!
Thank you for this reading. Father in heaven, I give You my mind and heart, help me to inline with Your will.
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I am very late in commenting… but I got a lot out of today’s passages!!
Ephesians 4:13
*this is my desire!! Let it be so Lord!! Amen.
Mathew 10:8-14
*freely I have received (no strings attached) freely I need to give (no strings attached). I love the simple and deep humility in this!! Don’t take, don’t acquire.. just give, as God gives to us!! Be obedient to Him, listen to what He is saying and follow through with it!! We need nothing but Him!! I also love that it says to find who is worthy and to stay there!! Stay in worthiness.. don’t let the gifts God’s given us (peace, assurance, confidence, faith etc) be taken away!! Shake anything that isn’t from God OFF and let it stay off!! Lord, help us dwell in Your worthiness!! Amen!
**love this definition of walking worthy by Got Questions:
“The word worthy has the idea of “matching up”: our actions should match our words, and our outward presentation should match our inward convictions. To “walk worthy” of our calling means to live up to that calling, to live in such a way as to honor God as we complete His course of action for us. In Colossians 1, walking worthy is tied to four personal characteristics:
1) being fruitful in every good work
2) steadily increasing in the knowledge of God
3) using the power of God to joyfully endure and patiently persevere, and
4) giving thanks to the Father for what He has done.
The command to walk worthy of our calling does not mean that we are to somehow merit or earn our position. Rather, Paul is exhorting believers to live their lives so as to prove they belong to Christ. They are to maintain a fidelity to Christ and live with integrity. True believers will display the fruit of the Spirit who lives in them (John 14:17; Galatians 5:22–23). Their daily lives match their message (the gospel), their position in Christ, and the character of Christ. They live their religion, not merely profess it. The reality of that calling is reflected in our daily lives as we rely on His divine power to “walk worthy.””
Mathew 10:16-20
*may I always and unabashedly acknowledge and proclaim God no matter the cost!! Let me become a constant reflection of You Lord. Amen.
**speak out!! And a sword..this reminds me of Hebrews 4:12-13 “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
***also love the reminder that all the hairs on my head are counted & numbered! It reminds me that God’s eyes are on me at all times!! He protects and watches out for me.. it gives me great comfort that He KNOWS me every single detail, inside and out!! Makes me SO grateful!!!
Mathew 10:21-34
*may I always and unabashedly acknowledge and proclaim God no matter the cost!! Let me become a constant reflection of You Lord. Amen.
**speak out!! And a sword..this reminds me of Hebrews 4:12-13 “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
***also love the reminder that all the hairs on my head are counted & numbered! It reminds me that God’s eyes are on me at all times!! He protects and watches out for me.. it gives me great comfort that He KNOWS me every single detail, inside and out!! Makes me SO grateful!!!
Mathew 10:37-40
*very sobering and encouraging at the same time!! May I always choose God above everything and everyone else!!
Hope each of you are feeling loved and seen by God!! My thoughts and prayers are with each of you!! Xoxo
I need to pray about where God wants me to be using whatever gift I have that He has given me. I feel like I could be a leader. Always have been a follower and with my severe anxieties not sure what that will look like. Since joining this SRT community I have learned so much in God’s Word. And have looked at scriptures in a whole new way than I ever have before reading every day since 1/1/23 (read the Bible in a year with my chronological Bible and then starting with SRT studies in the Thanksgiving series). I can only give God the credit and glory for helping me and giving me the desire to read His word every single day for over a year. I feel so much more comfortable in knowing more of the plan of restoration and renewal that God had always intended it to be. Who knows…maybe I will start leading a women’s Bible study one day. I just k ow that I have a lot of love in my heart for others and for the lost. I just want to share what God has done for me and how much He loves me in spite of myself.
Many Hugs and much Love ❤️ SHES!!
Love all of this! Reading it, it felt like God’s nudging you, with your call out about leadership, a bible study, leading through anxiety!❤️
Thank you dear TINA for much wisdom in what you shared. This is my mother that you described. So much grief and resentment was on my end of the recipient growing up (in Asian culture and perhaps many other cultures too- where the parents have the ultimate say where they place the child to sit- as one of the proverbs and the child must obey). But on mom’s part, there was a big cost to her as well, which was her time, investment, finance, hope. She looked at me as the extension of her that I was to fulfil her dreams, her aspirations, even her uncommunicated expectations. I sat and ponder how this way of giving (human way) is so hurtful to both parties.
And praise God, The Holy Spirit brought me to these verses:
“Do not eat the bread of a selfish person; Or desire his delicacies; For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, “Eat and drink!” But his heart is not with you” (Proverbs 23:6-7).
“When you sit down to dine with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you, And put a knife to your throat If you are a person of great appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, For it is deceptive food” (Proverbs 23:1-4).
The Bible calls the giver “selfish” in this sense, and that gift “deceptive food”. I honestly do not want to be the victim of such deceptive gift. But as a child, I did not have a choice. There is a lot of grief when we do things human ways, versus godly ways. Giving and loving are just a couple of things, but very fundamental in all relationships. Loving God’s ways always comes with giving from the heart, and forgiveness to overlook the mistakes, love covers the multitude of sins. But my mom’s way, “because I love you so much, and you owe me this and this…”. May the Lord have mercy and change her heart and ways.
@KELLY (NEO): thank you for praying over my husband (caught your comment on the weekend ❤️), and thank you to other she’s who are still praying over our situation ❤️. A couple of church friends I reached out for help (men) .. they checked on him, and my husband’s reaction was embarrassment, and he was hiding away. He didn’t want to meet one invitation for coffee to talk about his struggles. And this man who reached out for coffee is a good Christian man who ran our Alpha group before. The devil is so sneaky to fill my husband’s mind with embarrassment and guilt. He also went on to deny that it was JUST a phase of sadness and there was no need for me to freak out. I find that extremely strange and twisted. I had to explain to him that he is so loved and can open up, and what happened was the devil, and not him.
Thank you again dear shes for your love and covering in prayers.
Be blessed dear sisters.
As for having a friend who always wants to pay for everything, I have another side to that. I have a friend who is always wanting to pay for stuff.. coffee, lunch, gas money for a ride someplace….. the problem is that she never just lets me do it for her. So, after a while I don’t want to do anything with her because I don’t want her to think I only do things with her because she pays for everything. So, the “joy” goes both ways. I think I just really need to have an honest talk with her and let her know I appreciate her generosity but that it’s making me feel a bit uncomfortable, too.
MIA FAITH, continued prayers for you and yours.. sending you love wrapped so tightly in hugs you can feel the Fathers love!❤️
@Laura Dianne – I love the story you shared today! ❤️ Thank you for the encouraging words! I appreciate them! :) We are believing as a community for your daughter to truly know the Lord, one day, in love. ❤️ Believing God to be at work in her life!
@Searching ❤️
@Mia Faith ❤️ praying peace and grace to you and your loved ones in this tragedy, still. God be near to your hearts. ❤️
@Rhonda J- God bless your ministries this week!
Thankful for each of you. Stay close to Jesus in all things. Love you :)
What spiritual gifts has the Lord given me that I need to freely give others? As I marinate on this question I realize I am struggling with some identity/purpose issues and ask for the Lord to keep guiding me and I am so grateful for His patience while I “figure” it out!
I know today’s reading was mostly about giving but something that really stood out to me today was Matthew 10:28 “Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell”. Whoa- super convicted by this- Satan I rebuke you today- I fear only the Lord our God!! Lifting you guys up in prayer today ☮️❤️to you She’s!
The family I asked you to pray about is the sister of a woman that worked for my husband. She said I was the first one she thought of to call when Parker, her nephew, died. She apologized many times I think because we are not close. I told her I believe God gave me Tanner for a reason. He knew that Tanner was going to have this illness. I know God would want me to help those that are in such early tragic stages of grief in the loss of a child. HE equips me. It is a gift that He has given. I want nothing in return but to lessen someone’s pain. To let them know they are loved. We suffer just as Christ suffered. That knowledge lessened my pain. It gives me the ability to give of my self freely. To take the call. To make the time.
On another note, I have a friend that always needs to pay you back. It is a bit frustrating. I like the comment about not stealing my joy!
Giving without expecting return is the best feeling
Cups of cold water-Doesn’t seem like much but to someone who is thirsty it means a lot. Our gifts don’t have to be big but they can mean a lot. Sharing our Savior to someone who has no hope will make an eternal impact.
CEEGEE sharing a song will encourage someone to keep going. Praying for each other will help us keep going in this world.
Today I’m going to remember to share smiles, God’s love, prayers, encouragement and yes, buy someone’s coffee…cups of cold water to weary travelers.
Praying for you all.
Wow! Chapter 10 is full of hard stuff. “they will hate you because of me, they will hand you over to local courts and flog you in their synagogues, When they persecute you in one town, flee to another” Sounds like a great trip, huh? I’ll be honest, I want a comfortable life. I don’t want things to be difficult. Anytime anything is difficult, I’m praying to God to make is easy. And here the disciples are, healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons. You’d think the people would love them for that. I guess my prayers need to change, I need to ask God for strength and courage rather than for ease and comfort.
After reading through a few comments this phrase came to me. And I’m running late to get ready for work haha… “No paybacks” When we give, as I read most comments, we are freely giving because we LOVE JESUS and do not expect anything in return. I love it!
Good morning sweet She’s…I just want to say that ALL of you here mean so much to me! AND missing Angie and Churchmouse and others who have not been with us for a while.
GM!
Not used to the time change yet, and got to get going to Pain Group…but got the reading in, and the devotional and comments! Prayers for you all! Love ya!
And (more morning musings as I get ready for the day)…
While we KNOW that the wages of sin is death and that we SHOULD BE obedient… I am sad for others that think their obedience will get them to heaven. Let’s not forget to ask for forgiveness and then repent. It’s what HE did for us, and not what we do/did. He was perfect. We are definitely not! I am so sad when a Christian, when asked about heaven, says that they hope they’ll be there. We can know it, sweet sisters, because of the great gift that He gave to us on that middle cross!
“Everything we have has been given to us.” It would do me good to remember this every single day… For so many years of our married life, we had so little. My husband was in Bible college and then seminary, by the time he graduated we had two children and the jobs he had barley paid minimum wage (which was about $5 an hour!) And when we first entered ministry the church was really hurting, especially financially. So as the years went by and the church grew & prospered & my husbands pay went up, it was very easy to want to keep all for ourselves. Little by little (God is so gentle) God has taught me how much more blessed it is to give. And now I LOOK for opportunities to serve others and give abundantly, and it blesses my heart so much!
@All my sisters,praying for all your requests as I read them.
Have a blessed Tuesday!
Thank You Lord for Your free gift of love, of grace…as freely as I have been given, may I give!
In Romans 5 and Romans 6, we are reminded of our many trespasses and the FREE GIFT that Jesus gives us. No strings… how nice. (However, we do have to believe that He gave us that gift… there are many that don’t. It’s sad that others don’t see that great gift.)
I also really zoned in on the juxtaposition of the sheep versus the wolf and also the dove and the serpent. Let us be gentle, like the sheep and dove, but let us keep our wits about us like the serpent and beware of the wolves. He GIVES us what we need and the words to speak. Thank you, Holy Spirit! Let us speak words of life, sweet She’s, to the many around us that don’t know about or accept this great, free gift.
Amen I receive Your Grace!
I have a friend who would always keep tabs on any gift or service that is given to her so that she can “repay” the kindness later. It used to really bug me. If I ever paid for her coffee, she would always say, “I’ll get the next one.” And she would. Every time. If I babysat her son, she would have a gift ready for me, or offer to do something in return for me later. She never let me just give her something without repaying me somehow later on. I finally told her one day, “You are stealing my joy when you pay me back all the time. Just let me give you a gift and receive it with no strings attached.” It took her awhile, but now we joke, “don’t steal my joy” when we give each other something. This is a silly example of human giving, but God’s giving is so much greater! If we always try to “pay Him back,” well, how could we? And that’s not what He wants us to do. He wants us to receive it and then go and do likewise, expecting nothing in return.
I liked the devotional today from both SRT and HRT but interestingly, both focused on the same part of this reading. My heart was drawn to the passages about being rejected for following Jesus, even by your own family. This is happening in my family, but also to so many others. I am comforted by these words from Jesus. He never said it was going to be without sacrifice following Him. I’m grateful that He didn’t, or I might just give up and go along with many of the “luke warm” Christians who compromise truth for the World’s favor. But He knew that the World would reject His message and His followers. Because the World is Satan’s domain, who is completely in opposition to God. But His Kingdom is NOT of this World. Hallelujah!
MICHELLE PATIRE I guess you are a combination of BOTH of my girls! Which truthfully, is what I pray for my youngest. That God uses her independent spirit, her head-strong nature for His good. My oldest daughter has the strong faith, my youngest has the strong independence. WHEN she comes back to her faith, she will be such a strong witness for our God, as you are, dear MICHELLE, to those here at SRT and to your family and friends who get to know you personally. We are so blessed by your words and your prayers and your heart.
Father let me FREELY and TRULY share and give, knowing your love will always be more than enough. Let others know this through me as well! Amen!
So many sisters are tired, weary from walking a hard road, I just had to come back and share this song for you:
Weary traveler
by Matthew West and Jordan St. Cyr
Beat down from the storms that you have weathered
Feels like this road just might go on forever
Carry on
You keep on givin’
But every day this world just keeps on takin’
Your tired heart is on the edge of breaking
Carry on
Weary traveler, restless soul
You were never meant to walk this road alone
It’ll all be worth it so just hold on
Weary traveler, you won’t be weary long
And no more searchin’
Heaven’s healing’s gonna find where all the hurt is
When Jesus calls, we’ll lay down all our heavy burdens
Carry on, oh
Weary traveler, restless soul
You were never meant to walk this road alone
It’ll all be worth it so just hold on
Weary traveler, you won’t be weary long
No, you won’t be weary long
You won’t be weary long (weary long)
Someday soon we’re gonna make it home
Someday soon we’re gonna make it home
Someday soon we’re gonna make it home
Someday soon we’re gonna make it home
Someday soon we’re gonna make it home
Someday soon we’re gonna make it home
Someday soon we’re gonna make it home
Gonna make it home
Weary traveler, restless soul
You were never meant to walk this road alone
It’ll all be worth it, so just hold on (just hold on)
Weary traveler, you won’t be weary long (you won’t be weary long)
Weary traveler, you won’t be weary long (yeah)
Weary traveler, you won’t be weary long
Songwriters: Matthew West, A.j. Pruis, Jordan St. Cyr. For non-commercial use only.
Amen, TINA ❤️ may we truly give to glorify God, without expectation of repayment or hidden agenda.
The devo reminded me of a term that drives me crazy … why say ‘free gift’ when a true gift IS free to us, though not to the giver – thank you, Jesus for the gift of salvation for which You paid an unimaginable price, thank You.
I need to be more observant of needs that I am easily equipped to meet, especially when the need might be simple yet overlooked – a kind word, encouragement in a tough time or a smile to a cashier.
Jesus draws from the Old Testament again in today’s Scriptures. In Matthew 10:35, He speaks from Micah 7:6, For a son dishonors his father,
a daughter rises up against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.
I continued to verse 7:
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me.
JULIA C ❤️ – amen to your prayer yesterday “May we run to Him”
Joining you in prayer for requests of COURTNEY DAVENPORT, TAMI C, TRICIA C, INDIANA ELAINE, CHANGED LIFE, GRAMSIESUE, CAT-TEE and THERESA.
MIA FAITH ❤️ – enthusiastically returning your hug, continuing to pray for you and family, and the the searchers.
CHERYL BLOW – praying for patience you carefully wait
KRISTI M – thank you for the forgiveness quote
CEE GEE ❤️ such good points and research yesterday, thank you. And looking for opportunities today and each day, Amen!
KIM BUTTONBERRY – amen, Lord we need Thee! ❤️
TRACI GENDRON – be careful, sister! We don’t mend as well or as quickly as we used to ❤️
MICHELLE PATIRE ❤️
MERCY ❤️
Jesus warned of much opposition, but promised protection.
Warren Wiersbe says, “No matter how difficult our circumstances may be, we can turn opposition into opportunities for witness. We can trust the Spirit of God to help us remember what the Lord has taught us (John 14:26). Instead of fleeing and looking for an easier place, we can endure, knowing that God will help us and see us through.”
Lord, help me to turn opposition into opportunity, tests into testimony – never expecting anything in return, but praising You for Who You are.
Lifting up the many requests! God, be with us all. ❤
SEARCHING – ❤
CAROL H – Glad it helped! ❤
What a great reminder “even all of the hairs on your head have been counted” v 30. I want to remember that today. Mia Faith- praying for you and your family and other requests as they come.
Give without expectation of repayment…now that is a high bar! Thankful I have the Spirit within to move me in that direction.
Praying for your requests
COURTNEY DAVENPORT – Praying your procedure today will go well
Dear Father,
Thank you for all you have given us, only by Your grace.
May we focus on giving instead of getting, knowing that You provide.
Help us to become like you, giving away “the most valuable gift of Your love”.
AMEN.
Claire B – ❤️
COURTNEY DAVENPORT – Praying for a successful procedure today
TAMI C – Praying for your brother’s chemo treatments.
MIA FAITH – Praying ❤️ Sending back virtual hugs to you
TRICIA C – Praying for God’s guidance regarding your job. Even when He stays ‘silent’ trust that He will go with you, whatever decision you take.
INDIANA ELAINE – Good to see you! Praying for a successful surgery for your former student Steven next week.
CHANGED LIFE – Praying that you recover quickly from Covid
GRAMSIESUE – Keeping you and other caregivers in my prayers
CAT-TEE – Praying for strength, peace, wisdom, and God’s presence for your friend’s daughter.
THERESA – Praying for healing for you and Sydney. May God provide you with strength to take care of your kids while you are sick. May He give wisdom to the doctors to give Sydney the treatment she needs.
I remember getting my first “real” job with a decent salary. I felt like such a grown up. And in my mind there was no better measure of success, of “I’ve made it” than offering to pick up the tab on the coffee run. In my poor college days, it was every man for himself and everyone scraped together their own change for coffee. But now, with my abundance, I could generously tell my friends “I’ve got this one”. Abundance makes it easier, safer, to give without strings attached. So maybe I need to start viewing my life as one of abundance. Do I have the biggest house or best paying job? No. But do I still have immeasurably more than I should, thanks to Jesus and his sacrifice? Oh yes. So Let me babysit those kiddos. Let me offer him that ride. Let me “it’s on me” that coffee run.
Kristine I love this!
Amen! That’s good!
Thank you Lord for your grace.
I’ve heard people say things like…
” After all I’ve done for you.. ”
“Is this the thanks I get….”
“I’ve given you everything, and this is your thanks”
Recently I heard someone say to their child, “..we spent thousands on your piano lessons, you don’t even look at the piano anymore, it sits idle..”
I had to step in, then, because the child had not wanted to be the next Chopin, but it was the parents insistence that every opportunity should be availed to the child… Fair enough, so why now, complain or even give the child grief because her piano lesson days are behind her..
This world is full of ‘you scratch my back, one day I’ll need you to do the same’ culture..
BUT GOD..
Thank you Lord God, that the gift of salvation, financial resources, spiritual gifts…. Life, are from you and by YOUR grace. The verse that came to mind as I wrote was, ‘ it is not I who lives, but Christ in me..’ Lord God, I pray, I do not give from my heart or your resources, so it can be paid back, but that my giving, absolutely and categorically points to YOU.. The God who loves to give without charge..
Lord, may this be my prayer today and in the coming days.. For your glory, Lord God..
AMEN.
Happy Tuesday my dears, prayerful your today is blessed beyond measure, and always wrapped in love!.❤❤
Thank You Tina for this reality check- I am that parent. When my kid complains about how horrible his life is (typical teenage drama) I throw in his face all we do for him, what we buy for him and how ungrateful he is. Lord change my heart; shut my mouth and help me to respond like Jesus!