Luke 24:1-12
This angelic announcement was a precursor to the Great Commission. It reminds me of an embarrassing reprimand. We were on break. We had enjoyed our cookies and coffee that our wives had packed. Our nail pouches and hammers lay on the ground beside us. We told stories and laughed. It was good to relax. Time must have gone faster than normal that day because we were somewhat surprised when the boss stopped by to say, “Are you men going to sit there all day? This house isn’t going to build itself.”
The angels looked at the disciples and said, “Why are you standing around with your hands in your pockets?” “You have a hammer in your hand, why don’t you use it?” “There is a world to be won why are you wasting your time?” “There are people going to hell without hearing the good news, why are you spending so much time reading the bad news?” “There is a kingdom to build, you have the tools God has given you in your hands, why are you spending all of your time looking at the blueprint?” ?” Jesus said it this way: Matt 28: 19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” KJV
Dr. Gayle Woods
Ex 32:30-35 (32)
Great Christian leaders are people who know the power of prayer. Those who have been able to motivate intercessors are doubly blessed. Charles G. Finney, one of the most effective evangelists of the last century, met Daniel Nash early in his ministry. Father Nash, as he was called, became Finney’s personal intercessor and would frequently travel with him and pray while Finney preached.
John Hyde, missionary, and known as praying John Hyde had a dual ministry. He interceded for the lost but also had the gift of personal evangelism. What a combination! He would pray for a certain number of people to be saved. That day he would go out to lead them to the Lord.
One of Billy Graham’s prayer partners is Pearl Goode. Graham attributes much of the evangelistic power of his ministry to this faithful intercessor. Face it, Graham is not a very good preacher. Is he an effective preacher? Do many people respond to his invitations? Why are the simple sermons that Billy Graham preaches so powerful? He has an intercessor behind the scenes.
Oh that God would give every pastor, missionary, Christian leader, Bible school administrator and teacher their own personal intercessor! No question exists in the minds of those who have experienced it; committed, faithful intercession brings increased spiritual power to Christian ministries.
Dr. Gayle Woods
