Based on “Past, Future, Today” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 1/3-4/09,
Message #MB380; Daily Devotional #1 - “Stay Busy Doing Good”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): “Son, one of your best teachers is something called a ‘mistake.’” My dad has told me that all of my life. It is not my favorite way to learn, but he was correct. Think about the first time you touched the hot stove. I don’t know about you, but once I did it, I didn’t want to do it again. How many times have you seen a “Touch the Hot Stove” ride at a carnival? That’s right, never. The first time we experienced the pain of a hot stove we made a voluntary decision to not do it again. Many of life’s decisions don’t have that kind of immediate, intense pain or most of us would be up for the ‘Best Christian of the Year’ award. New Year’s Day usually brings out those “wish I could have done that differently” thoughts called regrets. We wish we could go back in time and whisper in our own ears how to avoid those stupid decisions. As we are looking forward to the coming year, let’s see what God has to say to us about those decisions.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): We need to understand that we will not always make the right choices. Check out these passages:
- If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. (1 John 1:8-10)
- "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
This may come as a surprise, but God doesn’t expect us to be perfect. He has created us with a free will, and that free will oftentimes fights against God’s will. I wish it didn’t, but I have come to the point where I know that every day there will be a struggle between God’s Spirit and my own stubbornness. Sometimes I will side with God, but other times I will find myself fighting for something that will eventually hurt me. That’s right; I fight God for the privilege of touching the hot stove! Is there any question about my sanity?
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:7-9) Paul wrote this to the Galatians because they were growing tired of the struggle. Paul told them that no one would be exempt from the consequences for their actions. Consequences can be both positive and negative, if you read it through. The way I see it, I can avoid regret by staying diligent in the positive things of the Spirit. Maybe that’s the way I need to look forward to the New Year. I will purpose to do good more than not “doing bad.” See the difference? Emphasize the positive this year. Help those who need help, pray for those who need prayer, touch the untouchable. My mom also had a saying: “If you are too busy doing the right thing, you won’t have to worry about doing the wrong thing!” It’s time that we all stop running to the stove and start running to the people who need us.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Psalm 37:25-28; Hebrews 10:32-35
TCH
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.
New King James Version = NKJV, King James Version = KJV.