Packing

It would be interesting to know how many hours I have spent in my life packing before a trip.  Even this morning my time is measured by getting my bags ready for another journey.  In 2013 I traveled to over 50 cities, 21 states, one foreign nation and 3 islands.  This year is more of the same. The key before every journey is making sure I am well prepared.

Meditation
Matthew 10:,9,10—Don’t take along gold, silver, or copper for your money-belts. Don’t take a traveling bag for the road, or an extra shirt, sandals, or a walking stick, for the worker is worthy of his food.
 
Jesus gave His disciples clear instructions before He sent them out on a brief journey to test their faith and hone their ministry skills.  To say they packed light would be an understatement! Contrary to later advice when He instructed them to prepare and carry what they would need for sustainment, on this trip He wanted them to trust God and allow people to minister to their needs.
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Here is a helpful acronym to consider before journeying into each day.
Prepare! What is it God wants me to do this day and what tools or materials will I need to have available?  This calls for prayer.  What study do I need to do in preparation to meeting people? Have I verified my travel arrangements?   
Assemble! I find it is a good habit to lay out everything I need before packing. For the military it is essential I have my complete uniform.  Next to the appropriate clothing attire I will need I gather my hygiene kit, health supplements, and reading material.  For ministry I need my Bible or the ability to access God’s Word through my computer or smart phone. 
Calculate!  It takes me about 25 minutes to get to the airport without traffic.  If the roads get congested travel time can easily stretch to an hour.  So I have to get moving in plenty of time to make my connections/appointments. 
Kiss! Someone once said “Kissing is a means of getting two people so close together that they can’t see anything wrong with each other.”  Actually, kissing is the opportunity to thank my wife who always helps me to pack and countless times has saved me from mistakes by reminding me of something I needed before traveling.

An English proverb says, “Travel makes a wise man better, but a fool worse.” Let’s ask our Lord to help us negotiate the journey wisely for His glory and our betterment!  

Inspiration
By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.—Benjamin Franklin
 
©2014 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)