Looking Up and Looking Around

We are told in Ephesians 5: 1-2 We are told to be imitators of God and walk in love , just as Christ did, and be a sacrifice to God.  The question many have is how do we do all of that?

In Luke 6: 12-19 we are given three aspects of what Jesus did on a daily basis and I believe if we do these three things we will find the answer to that question.  Is actually simple as looking Upward, drawing Inward as we reach Outward.

Upward
Luke 6: 12 At about that same time he climbed a mountain to pray. He was there all night in prayer before God.

Jesus continually looked UPWARD to His Father.  If we will follow this pattern by spending time each day talking with the Father and listening to what He is saying to us the next two aspects of Jesus ministry will flow in and through our lives.

If you have a difficult time spending 30-60 minutes in prayer at one time I suggest you find many small moments to pray.  

Inward
Luke 6: 13-16 He was there all night in prayer before God. The next day he summoned his disciples; from them he selected twelve he designated as apostles: 

  Simon, whom he named Peter, 
  Andrew, his brother, 
  James, 
  John, 
  Philip, 
  Bartholomew, 
  Matthew, 
  Thomas, 
  James, son of Alphaeus, 
  Simon, called the Zealot, 
  Judas, son of James, 
  Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Jesus looked INWARD to those close to Him and was concerned about them.  He shared with them in intimate ways and was transparent with them.

Outward

Luke 6: 17-19 Coming down off the mountain with them, he stood on a plain surrounded by disciples, and was soon joined by a huge congregation from all over Judea and Jerusalem, even from the seaside towns of Tyre and Sidon. They had come both to hear him and to be cured of their ailments. Those disturbed by evil spirits were healed. Everyone was trying to touch him—so much energy surging from him, so many people healed!

Jesus was listening and looking for opportunities to move OUTWARD to those who were hurting around Him.

Jesus by praying everyday was open to what the Father was doing in the lives of others.

Imagine the powerful ministry each of could have if we were in communication with the Father and seeking to be involved in what He was wanting to do in the lives of the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the lonely, the imprisoned and the missing.  Imagine how powerful the Church would be if each part of the Body of Christ would imitate Jesus and pray each day for the opportunity to use the Spiritual Gift(s) that the Holy Spirit has given to them.  Imagine the changed lives that would result.  Imagine how healthy the Church would be.  Imagine the fun and adventures you would have.

It is only a prayer and step away from happening.  Each morning that you wake up, you my friend, are in complete control whether this happens or not.  

The above material was inspired by what I read in "Reap the Harvest" by Joel Comiskey.