Based on “Live the Bible and Share the Word of Life” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
11/6-7/10, Message #6062; Daily Devotional #5 - “Reach Out and Touch Someone”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): When my sister got a new cell phone, she gave me her old “smart” phone. She and other family members and friends excitedly told me of the “apps” available on this phone. It was technologically overwhelming for me to go from my former “basic” phone to one with which I could reach out and touch the world in so many different ways. Of course, my friendly encouragers could not possibly tell me of all the benefits of the phone, nor could I fully understand all the processes from their word alone. It was necessary for me to consult the manual to even begin to comprehend the versatility of the phone. Each page shows a new application and the way to access it and use it most efficiently. The phone is “smart;” I am not. I find myself referring to the manual over and over again, even for things I thought I had previously learned.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Life for a Christ follower is similar to having a smart phone. There are many applications, blessings, and joys, as well as instructions and warnings from our Creator that are vital for us to know if we are going to live our lives effectively for Christ. It is imperative for us to read the Bible (the Maker’s manual) consistently to know all that God has for us and expects of us. The Bible is our lifeline to God. As we study it regularly, we find that it accomplishes four purposes in our lives (2 Timothy 3:16):
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It teaches us God’s will for our lives.
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It rebukes us when we are wrong, convicting us of sin.
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It corrects and restores us.
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It trains us, showing us the right way.
We become more like Christ as we internalize the truths found in His Word and hide them in our hearts. As we allow Christ to transform our lives, we become sensitive to the need of those around us to know Him as well. Our desire, like Christ’s, is to introduce people to our heavenly Father and His glorious salvation.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Christ followers have been given a mission by the Savior Himself: Then Jesus came to them and said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) He has given us the Bible (His manual) to hide in our hearts and to hold out to others to offer them the hope that lives within us. Consider the people in the world around you: your friends, family, co-workers, store clerks, mechanic, etc. Do you know if they have received the gift of salvation? Pray for the opportunity and the boldness to ask them. Hold out God’s Word to them as the source of eternal life. Do you know a Christ follower who is struggling? Speak a word of Scripture to encourage them. Remind them that the Bible has the answers to their every need. Use your Maker’s manual to reach out and touch someone today.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Colossians 3:16; Philippians 2:15-16
klw
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.