Based on “Don’t Know What to Do – God Does” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 1/2-3/10,
Message #MB402; Daily Devotional #6 - “Heads or Tails? You Choose.”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. (Psalm 18:30). God is sovereign and clearly superior to man in every way. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1) God, who has been from the very beginning, created man in His own image and likeness and gave him dominion over all other creation (Genesis 1:26-27). What really makes a difference in our lives at the turn of a new year and decade? Days come and go; we can hardly keep a hold on time. We look to the manufacturer’s or the owner’s manual for information about our cars and things. But God is our source, and to do life right in 2010, and the rest of our lives, we need God and His Word.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23). Yesterday is gone. Welcome to your new beginning. The most important thing about you this year is that you made it through the previous one, and you are alive! Last year might have been a tough one for you, but it is over. Most of us wonder what the new year has in store for us. Will life be better for individuals and families? The treasure, God’s Word, is the answer to all our questions. Our approach to life and the choices we make are important in determining our outcome. There will always be trials and tribulations in the world, but Jesus has assured us of peace because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). We can choose the way of life and godliness. Trusting in God alone and putting Him first in all we do is a good starting point. After all, nobody really knows what life holds. Absolute trust in God alone empowers us to handle each day with confidence, no matter what it holds. It opens us up to God’s purposes and plans for us, and they are always good! (Jeremiah 29:11). The God of the universe also makes our path straight when we trust in Him and lean not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). God’s Word guides us to make right choices and tells us what God is saying in every situation. With thanksgiving, we can continually pray and make our requests known to the Lord (Philippians 4:6).
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him (2 Corinthians 2:14). Dear one, will it be ‘heads or tails’ for you this year? God has made adequate provision for you to be the head and not the tail in every situation, if you choose His ways (Deuteronomy 28:13). God gives the strength to handle everything that comes your way and accomplish all that concerns you. God is the Ancient of Days, and He remains the same. The situations in the world may go up and down; that is not new. The only person that can make a notable change in your world this year is you! God has empowered you to choose. I pray that we all experience Jesus in a new dimension this year as we walk closely with Him. May there be open doors and pulling down of strongholds as we march on towards the ‘mark.’ Amen.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Psalm 18:31-34
LO
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.