Based on “God Reaches People through People - 2” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 4/21-22/12, Message #MB513; Daily Devotional #4 - “Grow as You Go”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): The term “grow up” frequently brings a negative connotation. It is often spoken to a whiny child, or even an adult, who refuses to own up to their responsibility, with the purpose of making the person see how childishly they are behaving. For the Christ follower, however, “grow up” is a divinely issued imperative. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. (I Peter 2:2-3) Whether we are 10, 20, 30 or 80 years old, when we come to a saving knowledge of Christ, we are directed to become grounded in the basic foundational truths of the Scripture so that we would grow up in our salvation. Growing up spiritually is a lifelong process, not a destination. As we grow in the knowledge of our Savior, we learn more about His specific will for our lives. We learn that our faith causes us to trust God in new ways, as we step out in obedience to His personal calling in our lives.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Our growth is demonstrated in our willingness to be obedient to what God has called us to do. Clearly, He has called us to share the Gospel with the people in this world (Matthew 28:19). When we spend daily, personal, uninterrupted time with God in prayer and reading of the Scriptures, we open ourselves to the direction He has for each of us. He gives us the heart to be His hands and feet to the people in need around us. He has given us His Spirit to empower us, and He will open the doors of opportunity. We have all we need to do His will.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): This week, ask God to open a door of opportunity for you to share the Gospel with another person and ask for the boldness to be obedient. Step out in faith. Never underestimate the power of the Gospel and never underestimate the power of God’s Spirit moving through a yielded disciple. Watch and recognize the next opportunity He opens for you, and step out again. Pray and consider becoming part of the Global Media Outreach online ministry (http://www.calvaryccm.com/missions/globalmediaoutreach.aspx). Grow as you go in love and service to Him.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): John 15:1-17; Acts 4:23-31
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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.