First, we want to express our deep appreciation to all of you for your faithful donations and prayers, which have allowed us to continue to bring David’s programs in English and Arabic to thousands of people in the Middle East and beyond. You really have been wonderful! We cannot begin to find the words to thank you enough, so we turn to God and ask HIS blessings upon you!
Thoughts and Comments from David regarding his Seed Program from the Book of Luke 6:12–16:
12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountain side to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: *Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Many things are going on in the ministry of our Lord at this time. He has been teaching people what it means to be part of the Kingdom of God, calling people to repent, forgiving sin, healing many people of their diseases, and casting out demons. He knew his ministry on earth was to last only about three years, and already half of this time had passed. The eternal weight of the world is on His shoulders, and He must choose a few good men to pass on God’s gift to others so they could have eternal salvation.
Everyone is faced with making decisions in their lives. Some of them are life-changing. Kings and Presidents of nations are faced with major decisions that will affect the lives of the people under their rule. However, no one but Jesus was faced with making a decision that would affect the future of every person who God had created on earth!
His prayer with the Father and the Holy Spirit was a time in which they united to make this important decision. After this time of praying, the decision of who to select to be His apostles was made. The focus of Jesus’ selection had to do with the Glory of the Father and the advance of His Kingdom.
So Jesus chooses twelve ordinary men—Fishermen, Tax Collectors—simple, ordinary men. They were (Luke 6:14–16):
- Peter and Andrew, who were brothers. Andrew was the first home missionary (Jn. 1:40; 6:8; 12:22). He brought people to Jesus.
- Peter, among other things, launched the Church on Pentecost, brought the first Gentiles to Christ, and wrote I–II Peter.
- James and John were sons of Zebedee. James was the first martyr (Acts 12:2).
- John was the disciple Jesus loved (Jn. 13:23). He wrote the Gospel of John and Revelation.
- Philip of Bethsaida, Bartholomew, Simon the Zealot, Judas son of James (Jn. 14:22).
- Levi (Matthew) invited his tax-collector friends to hear Jesus (Lk. 5:29). He later wrote the Gospel bearing his name.
- Thomas was the doubter but came through with a ringing declaration of Jesus’ deity (Jn. 14:5; 20:25, 28).
- James son of Alphaeus, and Judas Iscariot, who became the traitor.
After the decision was made, it is wonderful to see that the disciples were all willing to give their lives over to God and follow HIS commandment.
In Luke 5:10–11, there was a time when Jesus was with Simon Peter, James, and John when they were fishing. After they successfully had caught many fish because of Jesus’s prayer, Jesus told Simon:
“Don’t be afraid! From now on you will bring in people instead of fish.”
The men pulled their boats up on the shore. Then they left everything and went with Jesus.
Jesus did not mean that everyone should forsake their jobs, family, or place in life, but that they are willing to put HIM first and PRAY each day for HIS will, so they can bring other people into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Luke 6:12–16 is one of the most wonderful scriptures in God’s Word. It allows the believer to understand that above all, we need to be close to GOD in prayer so we can be guided in HIS way and truth.
Prayer helps us make important decisions because prayer leads us to choose God’s will instead of our own will. Prayer always draws us close to God’s heart. We need to always remember that God is always willing to hear our prayers and is there to help us, especially in making important decisions in life. Prayers for others can bring major changes in their lives. This is especially true for those who do not know the Lord.
The kindness, giving, and caring of GOD’s people towards others can and does open the way for God’s Kingdom to grow. One of the greatest blessings in becoming a follower of Jesus is knowing you can lead others to the Lord. At the heart of this important calling is PRAYER. This is bearing fruit, and this is how God’s Kingdom advances. This is our greatest blessing in life.
We like to always close with these thoughts:
We are continuing to pray that GOD will open many doors for all of you, that GOD will bring others to you who need to hear how JESUS can heal them through the forgiveness of their sins.
We are so grateful to GOD for your faithful prayers for the Seed of Abraham listeners—many who are Muslim and Jewish—who DO NOT KNOW the compassion of GOD’S GRACE and the JOY OF BECOMING part of GOD’S ETERNAL KINGDOM!
GOD BLESS YOU IN HIS LOVE AND GRACE
David and Pat
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