Based on “Pray This Prayer for Me – Part 2” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 6/12-13/10,
Message #6050; Daily Devotional #4 - “Reach Out and Touch Someone”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16) I am a person who is definitely motivated by time. I am the one that always watches the clock. That isn’t a bad thing, since it keeps me focused and motivated to try to make good use of my time. But, just as I have to be cautious to not waste too much time, I have to be just as careful not to fill my days with so much that I am not leaving any room for Jesus to use me. I am reminded of the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42). Martha was busy doing wonderful things and trying to be a good hostess, but in her quest to make everything perfect, she was missing the wonderful opportunity to spend time with Jesus. We heard Pastor Mark’s story of his plane ride. What if he remained focused on preparing his sermon and neglected the people sitting next to him on that flight? Those men would have lost an opportunity to hear about Jesus. Sometimes we need to set aside our “work” to touch people around us. That is, after all, what Jesus would have done and wants to continue to do through us.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): About a year ago, my sister encouraged me to open a Facebook account. I debated for a while whether or not I should open one, and when I did, I can’t believe how the Lord has used that as an opportunity to reach others for Christ. I have gotten in touch with people that I have not seen or heard from in over 20 years. I still have relationships close to home, but technology has made it wonderful and easy to connect with people that otherwise would have drifted out of my life due to the miles that separate us. Be honest—we all wonder whatever happened to certain people who were once in our lives. Some people I have reconnected with have stories that are heartbreaking. There are so many lost and hurting people in our world. What I have found most interesting in this quest are the people the Lord has brought back into my life. Rather than the people I was closest to in my past, He has instead brought many that were mere acquaintances. He has allowed me to share the Gospel with them and has allowed me to just be an ear to listen. I call these God appointments. I didn’t have a deep personal connection with them 20 years ago, but the Lord allowed us to be connected in a superficial way then so He could develop a more personal connection now. He knew from the beginning of time that I would become a Christ follower and then bring me into contact with them again, years later, to share the Gospel with them. Not only that, I was a pretty messed up kid back in school, and these people are now able to see how Jesus can transform a life when it is surrendered to Him.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Our world today has so many ways to connect with others. It amazes me to see how many people we can reach, not only in our church building, but via the internet and video campuses. Be open to the Holy Spirit’s leading. Let’s remember to not get so involved with our work and preparations, as Martha did, that we miss a precious opportunity to listen or touch a person in need. Jesus modeled that perfectly for us. He taught the multitudes, but He would also stop and touch an individual when needed. Use the tools He has given you; we have many to use!
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Luke 19:9-10, John 4:1-42, Colossians 4:5
HS
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.