Date: 06-23-15
My Thoughts:
The plumber makes sure he has all the parts and tools for the job; the chef makes sure she has all the ingredients and cookware for the meal; the surgeon makes sure all the right appliances are available for the procedure. And the preparation is well worth it.
Before we start any project or procedure, it is best to assess the situation, making sure we have the necessary materials for it. Our LORD did this in the very beginning (see the main text below). He assessed the situation and made sure He had all the ‘right stuff’ before beginning. (Whereas many may need a tool box or truck load of tools and parts, all He needed was His Word….)
As we continue this series in Acts on Pursuing the Lord Jesus Christ, I find it most fascinating that during the waiting period, the leadership felt the need to assess the situation, taking an inventory of the needed personnel to get organized. They were not sitting around “just” praying, were they?
Lifestyle worshiper, whether it is the LORD or the early church leadership, don’t you think this is a good example to follow in our pursuit of the Lord Jesus Christ? Assess our spiritual condition and look about to see if we have all the essential ‘tools’ for this project. What do you think are some tools we need for this? Your thoughts?
Main Text: — Genesis 1:1-2 — 1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters [KJV]
Additional Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts
They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. … “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the book of Psalms, “ ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, “ ‘May another take his place of leadership.’ Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, — Acts 1:14, 20-21 (NIV84)
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. —Revelation 2:4-5 (NIV84)
For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? — Luke 14:28 (ESV)
Heavenly Father, empower me by Your Holy Spirit to see the condition of my situation. Lord Jesus Christ, be my wisdom as I assess the “tools” needed for my journey with You. In Your Name, Amen.
Pastor Mike