Based on “The Church – Why We Do What We Do” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
1/30-31/10, Message #MB406; Daily Devotional #5 - “The Church in Full Bloom”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Having always been an admirer of gardens, I find them to be a sanctuary in which one may find peace and rest. As God’s Word says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” (Psalm 23:2-3) The church is a garden in bloom, a resting place where one finds love, forgiveness, and restoration. God is always pulling the weeds (undercutting the wiles of the enemy) in His Church. The Lord gathers His Church and tends to the needs of His people. We are the Church, His bountiful and sweet, fragrant garden, raised up and trained by the Lord Jesus to create gardens everywhere in this world; gardens that attract and welcome the lost and weary wanderer, as Christ followers once were, but were directed into His haven of rest (Matthew 11:28).
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): We are to be a Church that is growing more beautiful in every way, attracting the lost and welcoming them home. If 66% of Americans agree that churches have little or no value in helping them find meaning and direction in their lives, then let us hope it is because they haven’t walked into our garden or received a flower tended by the Master Gardener, Jesus. God gathers us as a gardener gathers his flowers, in groups to enlarge the beauty of all the different colors and varieties. He places borders around them and fiercely protects them from the elements that would do them great harm. Then, there are some flowers that the understanding gardener chooses to dig up to be sent off to distant places, that they may bring joy and hope to those who have no gardens. They in turn, can grow and nurture their plants and with new cuttings, start new plants, and on it goes. A plant puts its roots down deep and drinks its fill. And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (Colossians 2: 6-7, NLT). As the church of Christ, we are the flowers that must bloom where He has planted us. We must bloom in the day and in the night, so even in the darkest of hours, hope may be grasped and the glorious fragrance of one simple flower can make the difference of death to life.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): God has brought beauty from ashes (Psalm 113:7), for His love and power have no bounds. The Master has planted the seeds (Matthew 13:3-8) for His Church. He has planted them in blood, sweat, and tears. One day soon, He will come back and, for the last time, gather up His flowers for His eternal bouquet. His Church will be home in Heaven with Him. All will be gathered, and joy will abound. Dear Lord, may you find your church in full bloom in these last days. May we gather together and grow in our groups, so we may be the garden that is enjoyed around the world, doing the will of the Father. May we do this by your grace and in your strength. Amen.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Acts 2:46-47; 1 Timothy 3:15
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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.