Based on “A Temporary King?” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 3/31-4/1/12,
Message #MB510; Daily Devotional #1 - “Keeping Christ at the Center”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!” (John 12:12-13) I have often wondered how many of this multitude were calling “Crucify Him!” at the end of that same week. Why were they not there to defend Him? It is often easy to criticize Old and New Testament believers for their lack of faith and commitment, but I find myself just as guilty many times.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): This weekend, we sang the song, “Jesus Be the Center” by Israel Houghton. Take a look at some of the lyrics:
Jesus, be the center of my life
Jesus, be the center of my life
From beginning to the end,
It will always be
It's always been You, Jesus
Jesus
Nothing else matters
Nothing in this world will do
Jesus, You're the center
Everything revolves around You,
Jesus
I will admit that I had to stop singing the second time we sang these words: “It’s always been You” and “Everything revolves around You, Jesus”. Honestly, it hasn’t always been about Jesus, and everything hasn’t always revolved around Him. When I first understood that salvation was a gift from God, through the atoning blood of Jesus and not by any works that I could do, I gladly accepted Jesus as my Savior. My heart was overjoyed at the knowledge of Who Jesus really was, and I truly wanted Him to be the center of my life. However, I struggle constantly with my sin nature, which threatens to take control of the throne of my heart. It is important to realize that every Christ follower must contend with a sin nature that seeks to depose Christ as King of their heart.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15) Obedience to God is an essential antidote to the sinful nature. Knowing God’s Word shows us the way that God wants us to go (Psalm 119:105). Not only does He show us the way, He gives us the desire to do His will (Philippians 2:13). One of the key elements I have found to be effective in overcoming my selfish tendencies is to develop an attitude of gratitude and worship of the King of my heart. When I consciously choose to focus on how great God is and how blessed I am, there is no room for anyone else on the throne.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Colossians 3:1
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.