Tag: With Jesus
Week 7–Day 1–Learning the Ropes!
Scripture reading for February 9: Mark 3:13-15 “And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those whom He desired, and they came to Him. And He appointed twelve (whom He also named apostles) so that they might be with Him and He might send them out to preach and have authority over demons.”
When we volunteer or are hired to fill a position as a first responder, we automatically understand that part of the job is continuous training to sharpen our skills and develop teamwork and relationships. We may take required classes from a school or college or on-line. Where I volunteer at my local fire department we also have regular monthly training and special week end training events that enable us to simulate emergency situations and go over proper procedures and learn to use the tools we have to perform rescues, put out fires, work with wrecks and go on medical calls. Although we are volunteers, we want to respond with proficiency and excellence.
Jesus Christ studied those around Him and knew each person and their giftings and talents. He also knew their weaknesses and what they needed training in. As a Master Teacher, Jesus used an invitation to those whom He desired to follow Him. He wanted them to be with Him and observe His attitudes, actions, and gifts in action. He wanted them to see His mission to reach lost and hurting people walked out in the countryside, villages, and cities of their land. He desired to spend time with them and teach them the Word of God. He loved asking them questions to help them think. He told them stories (parables) and invited them to enter into the stories and learn God’s ways. (Mark 4:1-3)
Jesus’ goal was to multiply workers who would adopt His mission and carry His love for the lost. This was best learned through relationships. Questions and stories opened hearts and minds to make the needed changes and additions to skills and attitudes that would bring proficiency and lead to reaching those lost and hurting.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for taking time to invest in each person by calling them to spend time with You and teaching us the ‘ropes’ of following Jesus. Help me to set aside time each day to learn Your will and ways through reading Your Word and gathering with Your people. I want to be excellent in my calling! Amen.
Beholding Christ’s Glory
Scripture reading for April 29th: John 17, Psalm 85, Proverbs 23
Key Scriptures: John 17:24-26 “Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, may be with Me where I am, to see My glory that You have given Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know You, I know You, and these know that You have sent Me. I made known to them Your Name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which You have loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
As we listen to Jesus’ prayer to His Father for us and His disciples, we note that He desired that they would be with Him in the Father’s presence. There the disciples would be able to behold Christ’s glory and experience ultimate joy and fullness of life in God’s love. Christ’s prayer is pulling all believers towards the throne of God and the fullness of our joy, glory, and eternal life.
Faith Confession: Amen! Let it be according to Your prayer for me and all disciples! I desire to be with You where You are and see Your glory! Thank You for the Holy Spirit that is a down payment on the fullness to come!
Proverbs 23:17-18 “Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”
“Called To be with Him”
Scripture reading for February 12th: Mark 3
Key Scriptures: Mark 3:13-15 “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to Him those He wanted, and they came to Him. He appointed twelve–designating them apostles–that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.”
Jesus personally called the twelve and designated them as ‘apostles’. He chose working men from various backgrounds and called them to follow Him and to be with Him. Working men would be trustworthy to do the work Jesus was calling them to. We really get to know someone’s heart, values and temperament when we live with them. For these disciples to be what Jesus wanted them to be and accomplish the work of ministry, the first requirement was spending time with Jesus.
Jesus then gave them authority to preach and drive out demons. They learned about this authority by watching Jesus use His authority to preach and drive out demons. As they walked together throughout the land, Jesus continually preached to crowds and ministered healing and deliverance. Watching with the understanding that they would soon be doing ministry like Jesus made learning come quicker!
Observation for over-comers: As disciples, our first calling is to be with our Lord, allowing His presence to fill our hearts. The Holy Spirit is our continual guide! “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)