Based on “The Church – Why We Do What We Do” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
1/30-31/10, Message #MB406; Daily Devotional #1 - “We Are Family”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Gather and scatter; the two words go hand in hand. One is not effective without the other. We are called to gather together on a regular basis. We meet together as a large family to praise, worship, and hear God’s Word during weekend and mid-week services. We get plugged into small groups. We grow and learn in events such as the upcoming Spiritual Gifts Seminar. We have a fun Friday evening at Kidz Blitz and pray that our children are saved. We laugh and share over dinner in the Commons. We invite friends over for dinner. We dive deeper into God’s Word. We call each other when we need someone to pray with us. We fellowship! We gather, so we may encourage and be encouraged. We gather, so we may empty ourselves of self and be filled by the Holy Spirit. We gather, so we may be strengthened and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is during these times that we connect and grow our relationships with other Christ followers. We do this in preparation to scatter.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): We are family at Calvary Chapel Melbourne—on all of our campuses. We are blessed to be a part of God’s family. We are called to gather together on a regular basis. It is important to remember that we do not speak of a ritual of “going to church” and crossing it off the “to do” list for the week. Gathering is about authentic relationships and connecting. It has to do with our hearts. This goes way beyond passively attending a weekend or weekday service. So ask God to speak to your heart and guide you in this area. Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7) Then practice active faith. Step out and join a small group. Make a commitment to do it this week and follow through. It is God’s will for you to gather, connect, and grow with Christ followers. As a result of your faith and obedience, God will bless you, and you will be a blessing! For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. (Deuteronomy 30:16)
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Acts 2:1-4
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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.