Based on “The Church – Why We Do What We Do, Part 2” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
2/6-7/10, Message #MB407; Daily Devotional #5 - “ONLY those who do…can teach”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. (1 John 2:6) As disciples of Christ, we are to be lifelong learners under discipline and spiritually mature. A disciple learns to think, to live, and to minister like Jesus. We are to learn to have the mind of God (1 Corinthians 2:16); learn to live, walk, and be just like Jesus (Ephesians 5:1), and then learn to minister like Jesus (John 14:12).
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Most have heard the saying, “Those who can’t do, teach.” For Christ followers, the saying should be, “ONLY those who do, can teach.” If we are not walking an authentic walk with God, it is impossible to speak with power to those who do not know Christ. Our lives are to be different. When the world is crashing down around us, we are to trust in the Lord, obey His instructions, sing His praises, and give Him thanks. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5) When the lab results are not good, we are to focus on Him. When jobs are being cut, we are to focus on Him. When we focus on Jesus and His will for our lives, we can rest in His arms, be filled with His power and strength, and walk through any valley of life. And equally important, when we walk in such a manner, our lives can be a testimony for people who do not yet know the love of God. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39)
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Just reflecting on yesterday, how is your walk with our Lord? As Pastor Mark reminded us, we are to think, live, and minister like Jesus. Can others see your trust in our Lord through your actions and words? Is your speech filled with God’s joy and peace or the world’s worry and anxiety? Do others see you bogged down with the concerns of this world or living a life pleasing to God? Are you resting in God’s Word and promises, or are you listening to the destructive lies of the enemy? The only way we can be ambassadors for Christ is to be authentic Christ followers. Our thoughts, speech, and actions must reflect our trust in God. Only then will we be able be a light for Jesus Christ, for He did not die only for us, but for the entire world. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2)
Cultivating (Additional Reading): 1 John 3:16-20
lh
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.