ACTS: A Way to Live

Thursday, March 10

ACTS: A Way to Live

The Gospel of Luke—Lent 2022

Read Luke 6:12-16

Focus verse—Luke 6: 12

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.

ACTion for Reflection: Withdrawing to Pray

Jesus considered prayer a precious that He spent with God, his Father—a time of reunion, refreshment, and restoration. It was also an opportunity to get advice from God. Jesus was about to select the men into whom He would pour the truth of the Gospel. These men had to believe that He was the Messiah and the Son of God, be receptive to everything He taught them, be eager to share the truth, and be willing to obey even if it cost them their lives. At that time, Jesus had quite a few followers who would have loved to be part of His inner circle, but He had to narrow it down to 12 disciples—and they had to be the right 12. Jesus knew that He couldn’t make this critical decision with the crowds all around Him, so he went alone up the mountain, where there was peace and quiet and He could commune with God. Scripture says that Jesus spent the night praying to God. Not a few brief minutes, or even an hour, but all night long. Jesus wasn’t about to say “Amen” until He had the answers from God that He was seeking. He had to see each man through the eyes of God because only God knows their hearts. Jesus, in his human form, needed to depend on God to help Him discern which of these men would grow enough spiritually during Christ’s stay on earth to carry the message of the Gospel. When Jesus came down the mountain the next morning, He knew exactly which disciples to choose.

Jesus was the ultimate example for us of how to pray. Over the years I have established a morning routine the takes me away from the business of the world to just be still and know. I begin my mornings, usually before the sun rises, just me and my Heavenly Father. It’s become a habit that fuels my soul and is a treasured way to start my day. Oh, how I long to be able to hear the voice of God like Jesus did. I want to know exactly what to choose in my daily walk/decisions – even if it means praying all night long! How about you sister?

ACTion to Live Out: Watch & Pray

An idea for today is to watch and pray. Observe what is going on around you and in the lives of your family and friends. Put on your “God Goggles.” In other words, ask God to let you see through HIS eyes. Once He makes you aware of a need, pray fervently about it. Keep praying for that person or situation during your quiet time and throughout each day until you get a peace about it, or God impresses on you something specific that you can do to meet that need.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you for teaching us how to live! After we daily reflect on your life-giving words, help us to then, through your Spirit, get up and ACT. Give us hearts of compassion, hands of generosity, and feet that take your good news to the world. What an honor it is to be your image bearer. Amen.

Audio of Luke 6: https://youtu.be/PoKrCduOAso