Today you should read: Luke 6:12-19
In today’s reading, Jesus chooses His twelve closest followers – the Apostles – the men that would lead the charge – The Movement to change the world.
- Peter (Simon) – leader in Acts eventually crucified by Nero
- Andrew – preached in western Greece – crucified there
- James – killed with a sword early in Acts 12
- John – wrote John, 1, 2, 3 John, and Revelation – died on Patmos
- Philip – missionary in Asia – crucified in Egypt
- Bartholomew – preached in several countries including India – beheaded
- Matthew – missionary to Ethiopia where we was killed with sword
- Thomas – missionary to India – killed with a spear
- James (son of Alphaeus) – pastor of the church in Jerusalem – stoned
- Simon the Zealot – preached in Africa then England – crucified
- Judas (son of James) – missionary to current Turkey – crucified
- Judas Iscariot – betrayed Jesus – committed suicide
Up to this time Jesus had many disciples – maybe even hundreds that were following Him. During this important time of choosing who would be in the twelve, Jesus went to the mountains (as was His custom) and prayed to God all night. We can learn some very important lessons from His example.
Big decisions deserve careful consideration
We want everything done YESTERDAY. Good decisions are based on good information. Take time to carefully weigh all of the information before you decide.
Get alone – get quiet
Jesus would often go to the mountains to be alone and to pray. There’s a great benefit in getting alone to think. Our livings are busy and noisy. Get quiet – even if it means getting up extra early.
Pray for Guidance
Jesus is God in the flesh – and HE prays all night before making this critical decision. We often only throw up a few quick prayers or we don’t pray at all about decisions we make. Jesus teaches us the utter importance of consulting our Heavenly Father and waiting till He speaks before we act.
What happened? What was the result of this monumental decision? These men would go on to change the world – to begin The Movement that would take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. It worked! They were the right choice. You and I sit here today knowing the Gospel and incredibly grateful for Jesus prayer.
- What decisions do you need to take before the Lord today?
- Do you want His will or just His blessing?
- Will you commit to pray?
By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor
JumpstartCPC.com 
Thank you Tim! First after reading this, I thanked God for carefully picking the 12 and the work they did in his name! It was good to see the breakdown of importance /role of each disciple. I thanked him for his example of going to the Father for all things. God has been showing me and He confirmed it today that I make decisions without completely consulting Him! I needed this reminder and from today’s passage see the importance of going to Him before making a decision. It also directed me to thank you for carefully praying and selecting the few you chose to start CPC.
Thanks Diana. I’m sure glad God sent us you and Skip. He’s really blessed us.