Based on “Get Jesus to People” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 11/21-22/09,
Message #MB397; Daily Devotional #5 - “Where’s the Remote?”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:12-16) The remote. Do you remember the last time you lost the remote for your TV? I will look all over the house, garage, car, (you can tell I have had issues with this before) covering over 300 feet of territory. I remember life before remotes. My dad made me the remote. He would say, “Turn it to channel 6, or channel 2,” and I would get up, walk over to the TV, and turn the channel. This may be a stretch, but spiritually speaking, I am still in the same position. I am now my Father’s remote.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you--guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. (2 Timothy 1:12-14) God has entrusted us with a very precious gift. Paul said it was a deposit. A deposit is like a down payment on something much greater. The Gospel, or Good News about Jesus’ work in the world, is a message of hope and second chances. Many of us were so wrapped up in ourselves that we oftentimes abused privilege, used people, and rarely thought badly about it. That is until we received the life changing Good News. When that happened, we became the remote. The Father has told us, “Go change the world and bring the ones that are in darkness into the light.” (Ephesians 5:8) He gives the directions; we must do the footwork.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:13-15) From the Scriptures, we now understand our position and role. We are God’s remote controls. We have the responsibility of going into the world and doing the things that Jesus did. Think about it. Jesus was the pattern for doing God’s will. He lived and died seeking after the Father’s will. As a matter of fact, on the night before His death He pleaded that the trip to the cross would be unnecessary. With His heart heavy and his body shaken by stress He simply said, “Father, not My will, but Yours be done.” (Matthew 26:39) Is this all we need to do? Could it be that simple? The answer is a resounding YES! We can be a follower of Christ when we are willing to follow Him all the way to the cross – a cross that is ours. God is telling you to go somewhere, see someone, do something, and change the life of someone in your life. Join with me as I pray, “Father, Your will, not mine, is what I long for.” Now, get up and go change the channel.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Luke 15:3-10; 1 Peter 2:9; 2 Corinthians 4:5-7
TCH
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.