Even though Jesus wanted to spend time alone with His apostles, He gave up His plans and taught the vast crowd at great length (Mk 6:34). He was so overwhelmed by the masses of people that He could not even eat (Mk 6:31). However, Jesus felt it was more important to teach at great length.
We probably don't have the same priorities as Jesus. We are spiritual snackers. We usually don't pray at great length. Most of us rarely spend one hour with Him. We don't study the Bible at great length. But we're content to read a little here and there. We usually don't minister to God's people at great length. Many will help out on a specific project, but make no long term commitments.
Snackers are usually not healthy. We need to eat something substantial to grow physically strong. Likewise, spiritual snackers are not healthy and don't mature (see 1 Cor 3:1-2). We will never be inspired to build up the Body of Christ unless we give ourselves time with God, substantial Bible reading, and deep personal involvement in ministry. Make time for Jesus. You'll never regret it.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I mature and not stay a baby Christian. May I move from a spiritual diet of milk to solid food (Heb 5:12-14). |
| PROMISE: | "Give Your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge Your people and to distinguish right from wrong." |
| PRAISE: | St. Agatha was born into a wealthy family in Catania, Italy. She is honored for her purity and was martyred during the Third Century persecution of the Roman Emperor Decius. She is now the patroness of nursing mothers, breast cancer patients and victims of abuse. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College