SCRIPTURE: Mark (NIV) 3:14 He appointed twelve-designating them apostles- that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons.
OBSERVATION: The pattern is clear. Those who would do great things for the Lord must first spend time with Him. Their calling was first to “be with him.” Their calling secondary was “that he might send them out…”
A business owner who has spent years in building a successful business probably will not take an extended vacation and leave his business in the hands of a novice. Before turning it over to someone, he would want to make sure they understand his ways and priorities. So, it was with Jesus. He did not send the disciples out on their own until they had spent time with Him.
APPLICATION: If I want the Lord to use me to do things for Him I must first spend time with Him.
Spending time in His Word and in His Presence forms my thought patterns to be like Him. I begin to see things as He would see them. I look beyond the surface issue and see the heart of the matter.
The Apostle Paul had time in Tarsus before Barnabas found him and took him to Antioch where his missionary journeys. (Acts 9:30 – ll:25) Moses had 40 years in the wilderness before God sent him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Joshua had all those wilderness years learning from Moses.
Ministry preparation time can be hard to understand, but the wisdom of God will soon be seen! Do not run away or skip out on God’s lessons for you!
PRAYER: Lord, if you would have sent me according to my plans, my preparation for this SOAP ministry would have been sorely lacking. But as you were using me, you were also preparing me. The times I spent with you in each segment of my life has worked together in preparation for what you are doing now. Amen
Pastor Leon
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