“Anything you do for God flows from a life lived with God.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 13, 2025
Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons. Mark 3:14-15, NKJV
The Bible is filled with powerful stories of men and women who do great things in the name of God. In Mark 3, we see the twelve apostles appointed to preach the good news of the reign of God, being given power “to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons.” This is a remarkable display of the power of God at work in and through his people, and as such, it might be easy to focus our attention firmly on the actions of these faithful men. However, there is an even more foundational truth upon which everything they do is built. Notice the first half of verse 14: “Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him.”
Anything you do for God flows from a life lived with God.
Over the years, people have often come to me in pastoral settings to express struggles in their life of faith. Perhaps they are unsure of how they are meant to live out their life as a disciple of Christ, wondering what ministry they should serve in or how they can discern their gifts and calling. Or, they might be struggling with a sense of the absence of God’s presence. Similarly, there may be a theological position or aspect of the Christian faith that leaves them frustrated or confused. In such moments, my response was almost always the same. “Tell me about your prayer life.”
This wasn’t meant to be a source of shame or unnecessary prying into the intimate details of their lives. However, their response was often telling. Seasons of confusion or questioning were more often than not paired with seasons in which daily prayer and attentiveness to the presence of God had fallen by the wayside. In a rush to know what God wanted, they had missed the joy and wonder of simply being with Jesus.
I’m reminded today of Paul’s words in Philippians 3:8, where he speaks of “the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Knowing Christ is a treasure that cannot be rivaled. It is a gift of “surpassing worth” that invites us to wholeheartedly give ourselves to the pursuit of his presence. There is no greater calling in all of life. This is the purpose for which you were made and the foundation upon which your entire life must be built. The answer to every question that weighs on your heart can be found when we hear his voice and open the door to receive him afresh.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20, ESV).
Prayer
Father, remind us afresh that everything we do in our lives flows from a life lived in your love. Give us the strength to cling to that truth today, and to abide in you, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
What does it look like for you to “prioritize his presence” in this season of life?
Related Reading
Matthew 11:28-29; Luke 10:39; John 15:4
Worship Resource
Hannah McClure: You Are My One Thing
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