Based on “The Church—Why We Do What We Do, Part 5” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
3/6-7/10, Message #MB410; Daily Devotional #4 - “Streams in Deserts?”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. (Romans 14:8) I am often amazed at how people give up most of their lives to pursue an interest, hobby, or career. It must take a lot of hard work, dedication, and discipline to achieve the desired goals or outcomes. Such dedication has indeed paid off over time, as we have witnessed in our lifetime- major breakthroughs and discoveries in science, medicine, and a better understanding of our world. Sportsmen preparing for major competitions can train for months and even years, striving to be at their very best performance. The focus is always on achieving the goal – meeting the mark. As Christ followers, our lives belong to Jesus. In our various ‘walks of life’, His purposes and the expansion of His kingdom should be our ultimate goal.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death (Philippians 3:10) Truly knowing Christ draws us closer to Him and helps to close the gaps in our lives. The Holy Spirit opens the eyes of our understanding, making us alive to the Lord’s plans and purposes. Living a God centered life requires faith, obedience, and living under the influence of the Holy Spirit. After we receive salvation, we have to deliberately choose to keep the Lord at the center of all we do. The Holy Spirit helps us see ‘God moments and opportunities’ during our daily activities. After the apostles received the Holy Ghost at Pentecost, (Acts 2:1-4) their lives were never the same again. After that experience, the apostles seized every opportunity to make Christ known. They declared His glory everywhere they went, regardless of their circumstances.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. (2 Corinthians 2:14) Christ followers are the “hands and feet” of the Lord at this time. God wants to use us in ways beyond our imagination. How willing are you to let go and allow God to stir the course of your life? God can remove every hindrance and help close any ‘gaps’ in our lives. He takes every situation we are faced with and turns them around for His glory. God can use us as vessels to make an Impact in His world even in our own circumstances. Our God is able to do all things; He makes a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19).
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Acts 2-3
LO
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.