Based on “The Church—Why We Do What We Do, Part 5” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
3/6-7/10, Message #MB410; Daily Devotional #3 - “Let’s Go Surfing!”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people the full message of this new life.” (Acts 5:18-20) Wouldn’t it be fun to be able to go back in time? I would have loved to have seen the faces of those men as the angel of the Lord set them free from prison. Put yourself in their shoes; how would you have reacted? I don’t know if we could put into words all of the emotions they felt at that moment. I am sure there was some fear of being in prison. They may have felt a bit of hopelessness. Let’s not forget the sense of awe looking upon the angel that set them free. When we read these stories about the early church we believe that they happened, but for some reason, we feel as if God doesn’t work that way today. We feel that those events were for a time long ago. Nothing could be further from the truth! The Holy Spirit wants to do far more through us to impact this world, but our lack of faith, along with our human reasoning, prevents Him from doing so.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): In my devotional time this morning I read something written by Oswald Chambers that just touched my heart. He said this, “Huge waves that would frighten an ordinary swimmer produce a tremendous thrill for the surfer who has ridden them. Let’s apply that to our own circumstances. The things we try to avoid and fight against—tribulation, suffering, and persecution—are the very things that produce abundant joy in us.” (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest) No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37) Think about that statement for a moment and then ponder the Scripture verse. These are the times the Lord uses to test our faith and also to show His Glory to the world around us. Nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): What would happen to our world if Christ followers closed the gap between what they believe and their actions? Well, we would greatly impact the world for Christ. As I heard the story of Pastor Seige, it challenged me to live a life of faith and obedience. God will provide for our needs. The only thing that blocks Him from working in our life is our lack of faith and obedience. I am reminded each day that I need to get rid of my own human reasoning and realize that God’s ways are not my ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). If we all do that and shake the world’s grasp from our lives, He can work through us in ways that are only possible through Him. Let’s look at those waves as an opportunity to surf, not to run away from them and watch them from the shoreline. I admit most of the time I get into the water, but only to my ankles. Maybe you do the same. Let’s help each other and jump in! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to experience the thrill of following Jesus surfing through those waves, versus just watching from the shore wishing we could ride the waves? We can, we just have to jump in and trust that He is with us.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Matthew 14:22-36; John 14:12
HS
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.