Based on “God Meeting With Man” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
1/17-18/09, Message #2469; Daily Devotional #4 - “Outstretched Arms”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Remember when you were a child and needed help doing things like brushing your hair, tying your shoes, or reaching something that was too high? Or how about at the pool when you were just not sure if jumping in was the right thing to do, until you saw the strong, open arms of someone waiting to catch you? Doubt turned to trust, and suddenly your fear turned into faith—the childlike faith that Jesus speaks of so clearly.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): When Moses climbed the mountain to meet with God, do you think he went up with fear and trembling? The very same mountain where they met at a burning bush was where Moses returned to approach the Almighty God, one on one. Why did God call Moses by name to meet Him? Not because Moses was a great man or because he was Jewish, and certainly not because he was perfect. The nation of Israel was also chosen by name, not because of what they had done, but in spite of it. Their unbelief produced lives of idolatry and immorality, much like our society. So too, God calls us each by name because of His great love for us (1 John 4:19). God’s covenant with Israel is offered to everyone who calls on His name. We are His treasured possession—He yearns to be on a first-name basis with us. Have you responded to God’s calling? Are you afraid to jump into His arms? Consider this Psalm of David: “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalm 9:10). When we know God personally and love Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, we can claim the victory over our lives. Hallelujah!
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): God can speak to people in burning bushes and lofty mountains, but He wants to speak directly to our hearts. Because of His great mercy and amazing grace we can meet with God one on one and ask anything in His name, and He will gladly provide it (1 John 5:14). Isn’t that great news?! God can be trusted—He always does what He says He will do (1 Samuel 15:29). We can do nothing to increase His love for us and nothing that will cause Him to take it away (Romans 8:38-39). If you are wandering in the dry desert or depressed in the dark valley, you are not alone. Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. (Isaiah 59:1) God has called you by name and wants to meet with you. Are you too busy for Him? Do you make plans and then try to squeeze Him in? God stands with outstretched arms waiting for us to come to Him. If you desire to become holy, as He is holy, you must meet with God one on one. The world conforms us to sin while the Word transforms us into the likeness of Christ. He promises to be there when we cry out to Him, to deliver us from evil and bring us to life everlasting: Then we cried out to the LORD, the God of our fathers, and the LORD heard our voice and saw our misery, toil and oppression. So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with miraculous signs and wonders. He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. (Deuteronomy 26:7-9)
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Isaiah 45:3; Psalm 34:15; 2 Corinthians 7:15
KYR
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.