Based on “Ventures of Faith = Step out” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 3/24-25/12,
Message #MB509; Daily Devotional #1 - “Do You Want to See Miracles?”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): A little over seven years ago, the snow had stopped the work I was doing up north, so I came to Florida to work for a few months. I loved the job I had up north, but I knew God was preparing me for a move. However, I had no idea it would bring me here, and it was never my intention to stay in Florida. I had looked all over the country at different Bible Colleges, knowing God was moving me in that direction, yet nothing seemed to fit. I found Calvary Chapel by listening to the radio on my lunch break. The pastor was teaching through the Bible, verse by verse, making no apologies for what the Word said. He called sin, sin, and pointed to Jesus as the answer. From the first time I visited CCM, I knew where God wanted me, for that season at least. I just had no clue that season would last 7+ years! In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): The education I have received is not at all what I expected. I expected to go to school for two years and then move off to start a church somewhere. God knew I was not ready and had more life lessons for me to learn. I can look back and see so many things God has moved out of my life, so I could focus on Him. Relationships were in the way, and desires of my heart had to be divinely changed. I have seen God work on a scale unimaginable to me prior to coming here. Looking back, I can see I was not prepared. Preparation is so important. At times I have gotten antsy, wondering if God remembered His future plans for me. Two years turning into eight makes me wonder sometimes. I know His timing is always best – the problem is my view is so limited. Hindsight is 20/20. I have to stand on what God has already done in my life to have the faith to step out in the future. “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15)
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): 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 6:9) Now, God is preparing a move again. I can tell you, though, as my faith has grown over the last seven years I have seen how woefully unprepared I am for the future before me. Yet, I have a God who is able. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. (John 14:11-12) ANYONE who has FAITH IN JESUS will do what Jesus has been doing. I cannot imagine what Jesus will do through me in the next twenty years; however, my eyes have been opened wider to the endless possibilities in Him. God wants to be seen in the world. He has Jesus-sized tasks to accomplish through us, if we will just step out in Faith. Are you ready to see miracles? Today, what are you doing? How are you stepping out in faith in Jesus to do miracles? Step out.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Hebrews 11
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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.