Based on “The Church—Why We Do What We Do, Part 5” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
3/6-7/10, Message #MB410; Daily Devotional #2 - “Listen to the Voice of Truth”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): “Oh what I would do to have the kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in onto the crashing wave. To step out of my comfort zone into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is. And He's holding out His hand. But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me. Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed. The waves they keep on telling me time and time again. "Boy, you'll never win!" "You'll never win!" But the voice of truth tells me a different story. The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!" The voice of truth says, "This is for my glory." Out of all the voices calling out to me, I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.” These are the lyrics to the contemporary Christian song by Casting Crowns called “The Voice of Truth.” It is one of those songs that are so uplifting you’re likely to find yourself hitting the replay button on your MP3 player, so you can listen to it over and over again. Christ followers who study and fully accept the Bible as the true Word of God will also recognize that the words to this song are more than just motivational lyrics, they are Biblical truth.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. (Matthew 14:25-29). There are many accounts of miraculous events in the Bible in which God has called ordinary flawed people like you and I to do the impossible. Peter, who always seemed to say the wrong things or ask the wrong questions, was the only disciple who was bold enough to ask Jesus if he could join Him in this miracle. Not only did Peter have the courage to ask to be a part of this miracle, he was also willing to take the risk of failing. He had the faith to believe that Jesus would be there to protect him from harm. Peter got distracted by the wind, became afraid, and sank but Jesus reached out and caught him by the hand. Faith that isn’t tested can’t be trusted. Jesus tested Peter’s faith. Peter was no different than you and I, yet because of his faith, he was able to walk on water. Who among us today would have such faith that we would be willing to take the same chance?
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): We live in different times than the early disciples. Jesus does not physically walk among us. He has gone back to His home in Heaven. But we have the written Word of God and the Holy Spirit to guide us. The Word of God tells us that we are capable of doing all of the works that Jesus did and more (John 14:12). The Holy Spirit lives within us and is the Voice of Truth. He “nudges” us to step out in faith and believe that God will do miracles through us that will result in changed lives. Peter, unlike most of us, did not wait for God to perform miracles in his life; he actually asked Jesus if he could be a part of a miracle He was already performing. Peter had so much faith that it is no surprise that God healed sick people who were touched by his shadow alone. For most of us, God is not calling us to walk on water, but He is telling us to believe that we can do things that we never dreamed we could do. He can still heal incurable illness and feed the hungry. He gives us wondrous signs and performs miracles in our lives. Like Peter, we can be distracted by fear. But in spite of that fear, we must remember that if we should fall, Jesus will reach His hand out and pull us out of the water. What truth is God telling you to believe? Do you believe the greatest miracle of all has already occurred? Christ died and rose again from the dead so that you and I could be forgiven for our sins. Have you accepted the miracle of salvation in your life? Knowledge of our salvation leaves us nothing else to fear. If you are a believer, expect miracles in your life. What work does God want to do through you? Don’t be afraid. Step out of that boat you’re in and face the daunting waves! “Ding!”
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Hebrews 2:2-3; Acts 9:32-35; Acts 12:1-11
blw
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.