Based on “God Reaches People through People” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 4/14-15/12,
Message #MB512; Daily Devotional #2 - “Pull Back the Curtain”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): In every heart there is born a cry that disturbs the soul and mind. It lies within the darkness of the unsaved heart and will relentlessly seek and pursue the comfort and peace that will pull the curtain on that empty place devoid of light. Since this heart knows nothing yet of the light of God, it reaches to sources of temporary relief, which create more darkness. And in all its attempts to fill the emptiness from which the cry originates, it remains a lost soul – until someone who has a committed heart after God reaches out with the light of God’s Word to point the lost homeward, as did Jesus (Luke 19:10). It is like being in a dark room with no light, only to have someone come in and pull back the curtains, letting the light shine brightly, for the light of God is always shining brightly – we just need to realize it is there, ready to bring hope and peace to all who will embrace it. But who comes to pull back the curtains of darkness; which of us has been sent? Jesus, after his resurrection from the dead, told His disciples “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16, NLT) We, like the disciples, are followers of Christ. Therefore, we all have a mission as they did, as did Jesus.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): No one, committed or not, can change a heart. The wonder of salvation lies in knowing that the sharing of the Word changes hearts because it is alive (Hebrews 4:12). God’s Word pierces the heart with truth, and truth sets people free (John 8:32). Jesus was available to His Father, the disciples were available to follow Jesus, and we too, can be available if we chose to do so. Every one of us makes choices every day. We usually try to fit in time for the things we love to do, and be with the people with whom we love to spend time. And if one of those we choose to spend time with is our Lord, then we are listening to Him and seeking to obey Him, preparing to carry out His will for us. So as opportunities arise, we must be capable and willing to share the Good News as often as possible, for it is the Good News that saves those who receive it. The following words of the apostle Paul enlighten us to the importance of standing firm in our salvation and what we believe and why, “I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, NLT)
Harvesting the Crop (Action): Why do we love the Lord? We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Without love, nothing is accomplished of any lasting spiritual value. Those whose hearts are still in darkness know nothing of this amazing love of which the Bible teaches. Their hearts need the dark curtain pulled away, and they need to be exposed to the light of His Word. God opens doors; our only job is to walk through them. He will work out His good plan in and through our lives, and it will be good – just trust Him. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the first born among many brothers and sisters.” (Romans 8:28-29, NLT). Go where you are sent, and pull back the curtains of darkness where you are enabled to do so. And may God give us grace as we commit to following Jesus and leading others to Him.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): John 14:27; Mark 1:17; Psalm 139:3-6
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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.
New Living Translation = NLT.