SCRIPTURE: Mark (NIV) 3:13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 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: Jesus set a pattern for His disciples. Those who would be sent to minister FOR HIM must first spend time WITH HIM.
A business owner who has spent years 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.
And so it was with Jesus. He did not send the disciples on their own until that had spent time with Him.
(Note the time Joshua spent with Moses, and Timothy spent with Paul.)
APPLICATION: The goal I see in ministry is not for me to do something for the Lord, but to let Him do through me what He wants to have done. Since the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) this is the day of Holy Spirit empowered ministry. We first spend time with Him in learning His ways and His heart. Then we go out and minister with Him.
It is not so much asking Him to help us in our ministry. It is Him allowing us to be a part of what He is doing.
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, you have been sent to dwell in me and to minister through me. I surrender my will and desires to you. Use me for the glory of Jesus and the honor of the Father. In Jesus Name, Amen
Pastor Leon
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