Based on “The Church—Why We Do What We Do, Part 5” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
3/6-7/10, Message #MB410; Daily Devotional #6 - “Move Forward Today”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Just like most of us, I am guilty of not exercising the power we have at our command. I know I have a hard time believing I have all this power to fulfill my God given potential, and so it is hard at times to live expectantly. We live our lives as though we are not children of an All Powerful God, essentially putting Him in a box. “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.” (John 14:12-13, NLT)
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Jesus lived a Spirit filled life full of miracles. We are to become more like Christ as we walk with Him every day. He says we not only have this same power within us but even greater power because He is now seated in heaven next to The Power Source. How amazing this statement is! But we often have a gap between our belief and our actions when it comes to how we expect God to use us. He has already placed the power within us to do even more than Jesus did when He was here on this earth! Jesus’ ministry was brief compared to how long you and I have already been on this earth and equipped to do God’s will. How stubborn I am that it has taken so long for this message to be played out in my own life. How much time have I already wasted living in fear and condemnation, giving Satan the territory instead of utilizing the God-power that is within? Jesus already conquered Satan when He shed His blood on the cross for our sins. Satan only has the power we yield to him. So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. (Romans 8:1-2, NLT) We only live in fear and condemnation because we allow it, instead of living in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): If Jesus told us we can do more than He did here on earth, what fear is holding us back? Stop obsessing over things you cannot change, and move forward. God has already given you a vision of your purpose, something you are passionate about that you can use to change people's lives. What are you passionate about? Where are you using your spiritual gifts today to change people’s lives? Nothing is impossible if God is behind it (Luke 18:27). Even if you feel you face an impossible obstacle, God has put the strength of the Holy Spirit within you to overcome this obstacle. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.(Ephesians 3:20, NLT) Satan is the one who places that fear in your mind to keep you from using your God given potential. Whatever God has asked you to do, He has already gifted you for. As Christ followers we have the Holy Spirit residing within us, waiting for us to ask Him to fill us to be used to meet people’s needs and change people’s lives. We need to expectantly believe, so we will have the power to go forward without fear. What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) Live dangerously, miracle to miracle, from the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit within. How much more exciting it is to rely on God for the next move instead of self! Pray for a clear vision of how God wants you to use your passion (gifts), then move forward with it TODAY.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Ephesians 4:14-21; Romans 8:28-39
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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.