Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. (36) Later Simon and the others went out to find him. (37) When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” (38) But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” (39) So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues, and casting out demons.
Mark 1:35-39 NLT (See also Luke 6:12; Mark 6:46; Luke 22:39)
Jesus was not need-driven or success-driven or opportunity-driven. He was vison, purpose, mission- driven. Even He had to get away in order to hear the voice of the Father and get a fresh focus. The pull of the crowd and the clamor of circumstances distract us all. The temptations are not always to do evil, but rather to do good things at the expense of the best thing: the will of God.
In this week between Christmas and the beginning of the new year, make time to find an isolated place and just chat with the Lord. How are we doing? Do we need to adjust anything? Do I need to adjust anything?
As you prepare for your time away, be sure to take these things along:
- Bible and notepad. (Hint for preachers: Read 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus.)
- Mission statements: yours and your ministry’s – What did God tell you to do? (Acts 26:19)
- Rhema words: review the things God has spoken to you from His Word and by His Spirit over the years. (2 Timothy 3:14-17) (If you don’t have them written somewhere, this is a great time to start collecting and archiving.)
- Prophecies: What has God spoken over you through other believers that you knew was a word for you? (1 Timothy 1:18) (Again, write this stuff down somewhere.)
- Memorials: History and testimonies of great victories in your life up to now. Review what God has done. It will encourage and inspire. (Joshua 4:7)
- A Calendar/planner: Write down what God says and shows you in this time away. Write it down, put plans on a planner, with descriptions and due dates. (Habakkuk 2:2-4)
What do I do when I get alone? Worship, pray (pray the prayers of Paul in Ephesians 1 and Colossians 1 for yourself), pray in the Spirit, and take time to be quiet. (Turn off the phone) Read the Scriptures and think on the things listed above. Whatever He says to you, write it. If it’s not written down and planned, it only exists in your mind.
2021 is going to be a banner year for the Kingdom of God.
Don’t miss it!
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