Based on “Come Apart, or Come Apart” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 1/26-27/08,
Message #MB359; Daily Devotional #6 - “Missed Opportunities”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction):
I'm in a hurry to get things done
Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I'm in a hurry and don't know why.
(From the song “I’m in a Hurry” by Roger Murrah & Randy VanWarmer)
Every time I hear this popular country song recorded by the group Alabama, I think, ‘how true.’ I’m always in a hurry and don’t know why. True, we all have to live and die, but it’s what we do in between that gives us fulfillment and satisfaction from life here on earth.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Computers and the technology we have today move at unbelievable rates, yet for what? It really doesn’t make our life easier. Instead, it has caused people to think that everything should just be done faster. Instant gratification! We are in such a hurry to make more money, get more things, and feel satisfied. There are more people on anti-anxiety and ulcer pills than ever before. I’m sure Satan loves our technology and fast paced lives, with the result being less time spent in a relationship with Jesus because we are in too much of a hurry. Society is less and less satisfied and often turns to drugs, alcohol, and a whole host of other addictions to cope with the emptiness within. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead be filled with the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18, NLT). Without God at the center of our lives we will never fill the void. We will be empty instead of filled with the Spirit. Jesus can’t shine through our lives when we are frustrated and angry instead of having His peace and loving attitude. This is just what Satan wants.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): So, what is our hurry? All we have to do is live and die, but we can make an impact on others by what we do while we are living. Then, when we die we will hear “…Well done my good and faithful servant...” (Matthew 25:21) When we hurry, we miss opportunities to be kind and share Jesus with others. (Ephesians 5:15-16) How will the lost see Jesus in us when we have hurry sickness, just like the rest of the world? Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. (Philippians 4:4-5, NLT).
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Philippians 2:14-18
jej
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 Living Translation = NLT.