SCRIPTURE
Acts 1:12 17, 21 26 (NRSV)
Beginnings of the apostolic ministry
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day's journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.
In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, "Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry." ...
So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection." So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.
DEVOTION
Aren't you inspired by the words, "All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers."?
It is a wonderful example to us in 2010, that the very earliest Christian disciples were known for "devoting themselves to prayer."
Men and women alike bathed all of their decisions in prayer!
Just as the apostles consulted God when it was time to choose another person to bare witness to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, so too should we seek the wisdom and counsel of God for all of our decisions.
I am very sure that a choice made with the help of God, is going to turn out far, far better than a choice made without Wisdom's help.
Today, I want to invite you to turn your whole life over to God in prayer. Especially during this Advent season when we are called to get still and quiet, prayerful and reflective as we await the coming of CHRISTmas, let us seek God for the big and small things that concern us. May our witness always be that we have been "devoted to prayer" in all things!
Let us pray: God, you are the only All-Knowing and All-Wise One. I rely completely upon you to grant me the wisdom that I need to make wise choices. Please help me to always make decisions bathed in prayer and with the commitment to share the good news. I love you. Please help me to share our love with others. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.
INVITATION
If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta
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