Based on “Jesus, It’s All about You” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 4/7-8/12,
Message #HOL122; Daily Devotional #4 - “Right Where You Are”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept. (Mark 14:72)
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): What an amazing God we serve! What joy there is in knowing that the story of Peter did not end there (John 21:15-19). We have the joy of knowing that even when we fail from time to time just as Peter did, Jesus still seeks us out because He so wants a personal relationship with us. We can rejoice because we serve a God who loves us so deeply. Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39) No matter how far away we might be from God, no matter how many times we fail, God loves us just the same. He forgave us long ago on a cross (Luke 23:34), a cross many thought at the time of His death seemed like a failure, but oh how wonderfully wrong they were! Three days later our Savior and King arose, victorious. My friends, the same Savior who arose and is seated at the right hand of God lives inside of you, if you belong to Him. The power of God can change any life regardless of our past, present or future. Just as Jesus met Peter right where he was, Jesus can and will do the same for you.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): It doesn’t matter how many charities you have given to, or the many good deeds you have done. No, what matters is if your life has been changed by, and is centered on, Christ Jesus. We are each given a choice to either accept Christ or deny Christ, and where we spend eternity depends on this very choice. My grandfather passed away about two weeks ago, and what a peace I have in knowing that Jesus was so excited to welcome him home with open arms, where he will spend all of eternity, and where I will see him again one day, too. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. (Revelation 3:20-21)
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 John 5:12-13
ws
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.