Based on “Role Models, Part 2” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 9/17-18/11,
Message #6076; Daily Devotional #6 - “Fit for Heaven”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): What do ballerinas, football players, surfers and gymnasts all have in common? How does a dancer do an endless series of pirouettes with such ease? How does a 280 pound football player run with the grace and speed of a gazelle while dodging the aggressive attacks of his opponents? How does a gymnast keep her torso immobile in mid-air while her arms and legs are committed to a separate opposing movement? How does a surfer stand on a piece of board in the middle of a giant ocean swell that appears to be ready to engulf him at any moment? We are often awestruck as we witness the masters perform their brand of artistry in motion. With ease they seem to defy the laws of gravity. We admire their agility and talent and their willingness to do whatever it takes to attain the core strength, balance and focus needed to master their skill. Behind each performance is a commitment to countless hours of study and exercise and a willingness to stand up and try again after a fall. What separates the experts from the amateurs is the ability to keep eyes focused on the prize and a long-term commitment to finish well.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14) Paul encourages us to “train” with the commitment of an athlete as we follow Jesus Christ. None of these athletes rise to champion status alone. Every one of them has a trainer or, more likely, a team of trainers who help them keep their focus. Like the ballerina, we must keep our eyes focused on God when the world seems to be spinning around us. Like the football player, when we get knocked down we must jump right back up without looking back and resume the path we know the Lord has shown. Like the surfer, we must keep our lives balanced with our focus on Jesus rather than the heavy waves that often surround us. We may perform with excellence but, at the end of our lives, we must finish strong. Our dismount should be poised in the confidence of salvation and our feet firmly grounded on Jesus in order to attain eternal life in Heaven. And those we select and surround ourselves with as our examples, or trainers, are of utmost importance.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith... (Hebrews 12:1-2) How will we measure up in utilizing the gifts, time and resources that He has given each of us? As we follow Him, He does not count the number of times we stumble and fall, but looks into our hearts, not just our actions. Perseverance in the life of a Christ follower is not portrayed by a lone athlete who crosses the finish line to victory, but by the one who spends his life learning from other Christ followers, where he learns to encourage the lost to cross it with him.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): John 6:47-51; 2 Timothy 4:5
blw
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.