Paul McKenzie

Memory Verse, Wednesday, April 1, Galatians 1:21

"Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;"

At first I wondered how the Lord might speak to my heart about a passage like this, but my recent experience helped me. My pretty wife and I just returned from a two-week trip that led us through Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, back to Tennessee and finally back home. Believe me, it was way out of my comfort zone.

Every morning I would type into a wifi site and do these devotionals, and it was interesting how different locations make you think a little differently. One of the blessings of the internet is that you can still communicate no matter where you are in the world. But, believe me, I'm really glad to be back home!

I am one of those unfortunate musicians who just hate to travel, which is an absolute requirement if you want to make a living off of it. So I didn't travel much, but stayed more in the local areas. I've seen some fellow musicians who went through those long travel periods, and it seemed such a hardship leaving their families alone for so long, trying to run a household away from them so much. I just couldn't do it, and don't regret it at all.

During our travels we were still able to catch our home church services, so we didn't miss a beat with the sermons, and worshiped in the car with our congregation. That was nice, but not the same thing.

So, when I read this, I see the beginning of Paul's ministry of travel, and he seemed to travel more than any other of the Apostles, tirelessly presenting the Gospel to a world that never heard it before. I really appreciate his gift, and am truly appreciative of those who have that desire to travel from place to place with the Gospel message. That's why we are happy to support our missionaries as well, for they are doing work that I would never have the desire nor the ability to do.

I say never, and am very careful about it, because you "never" know what works God has planned for you in the future. We hope that in a little way, we were reflecting Christ everywhere we travelled. If He ever called us to do something like that, I'm sure He would give us the strength and ability to accomplish it, for we are on His "yoke", and He is on the other side, walking with us, many times carrying us as we live for Him in this present darkness.

And I can tell you, that for me it would take all of His strength to carry me if I had to do all that travelling, lol!

Today if you hear His voice, harden not your heart.

*KJV used*

Memory Helps

"Afterwards I came
into the regions
of Syria and Cilicia;"

(Words per line: 3-3-4)

Another easy verse. I first looked at the initials of four words: "ARSC" for "Afterwards/Regions/Syria/Cilicia" then counted the word line pattern as I recited it. Didn't take long.

Linking verse numbers:

Well, since I use my friend "Nate" for 21 (N=2, T=1, vowels fillers), we are both wearing a big bow "Tie" to represent chapter 1 and go on a little road trip.