PAUSING
Find a quiet place where you can be alone. Take a few seconds or minutes to pause and be still; to breathe slowly, and to re-center any scattered thoughts or desires onto the presence of God.
PRAYING
Holy Spirit, You make all things new. Awake my heart to dream new dreams in this new year. I set aside any baggage or worries I have been carrying, releasing my burdens, and finding rest and home in Your presence. I breathe in Your pursuing love towards me.
ENCOUNTERING HIS WORD
"He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him." - Mark 3:14-19
Today, we reflect on the way Jesus invited His followers to participate in the daily mission of bringing God's light to a world in darkness. First thing I notice about this text, is that before Jesus did any ministry, He chose twelve people to be with Him. And what a twelve they were! Fishermen, tax collectors, lawyers, and someone who would eventually even betray him. Are you shocked by the incredible diversity of who Jesus called to be his disciples?
Apparently, the titles and where you fall on the holiness scale aren't what's considered when Jesus makes his decision to invite you on His team. Anyone is invited to join. Perhaps what interests Jesus most is not our capabilities or output; rather, how intimately involved He wants to be in your life.
Jesus ministry was all about intimacy.
REFLECTING AND PRAYING
What does it look like for me to simply be with Jesus today? Have I been distracted or discouraged from the simply joy of presence? God is making himself available. What might he be saying to you today?
Find a quiet place where you can be alone. Take a few seconds or minutes to pause and be still; to breathe slowly, and to re-center any scattered thoughts or desires onto the presence of God.
PRAYING
Holy Spirit, You make all things new. Awake my heart to dream new dreams in this new year. I set aside any baggage or worries I have been carrying, releasing my burdens, and finding rest and home in Your presence. I breathe in Your pursuing love towards me.
ENCOUNTERING HIS WORD
"He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him." - Mark 3:14-19
Today, we reflect on the way Jesus invited His followers to participate in the daily mission of bringing God's light to a world in darkness. First thing I notice about this text, is that before Jesus did any ministry, He chose twelve people to be with Him. And what a twelve they were! Fishermen, tax collectors, lawyers, and someone who would eventually even betray him. Are you shocked by the incredible diversity of who Jesus called to be his disciples?
Apparently, the titles and where you fall on the holiness scale aren't what's considered when Jesus makes his decision to invite you on His team. Anyone is invited to join. Perhaps what interests Jesus most is not our capabilities or output; rather, how intimately involved He wants to be in your life.
Jesus ministry was all about intimacy.
REFLECTING AND PRAYING
What does it look like for me to simply be with Jesus today? Have I been distracted or discouraged from the simply joy of presence? God is making himself available. What might he be saying to you today?
- Pray that Jesus would be the first love of my life.
- Pray that today, we would be "sent out" to show the world that God is love.
- Pray for our missionaries: Daniel and Cameron in North Africa