Based on “Advancing the Gospel” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 7/3-4/10,
Message #6053; Daily Devotional #5 - “Once Upon a Time”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): “…and they lived happily ever after!” The End. Salvation is not like a fairy tale. We don’t get to ride off into the sunset on a white stallion to live a life of bliss after we are saved, not as long as we are living in this world. We still face illness, financial problems, unemployment, marital problems, and problems with our children. We still wake up in the morning without knowing what the day will bring. God did not give us salvation so we could live out our lives in bliss. In fact it is just the beginning. Like a craftsman who journeys from apprenticeship to journeyman to master, we are expected to grow in our walk with Christ. In the process we will become more like Him. Remember, in all His goodness and glory, Christ Himself was still crucified at the hands of man. Christ warned us that if we follow Him, we will experience persecution (John 15:20). God did not give us the gift of salvation so that we could pursue our own selfish desires; He gave us salvation so that we would go out and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). If we are living our lives according to that commandment, we can expect not fewer, but more challenges in our lives.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. (John 15:18) Jesus reminded us that the world would turn on His disciples. Satan does not favor those who will do Him damage. But don’t be disheartened. Don’t forget that Jesus Himself was tempted by Satan. Remember, remain strong in your faith and God will keep His promise to bring you joy. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:11-13) God does not promise that He will free us from the challenges of this world but promises that He will bring us joy as we witness His mighty power in our lives. He promises that when we trust in Him, He will take control and lead us out of even our darkest hour. Finally, as we face death, we will experience joy in knowing that we are facing an eternity free from the presence of sin.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): God wants us to count on Him to see us through life’s difficulties and challenges. He wants us to step outside our comfort zone to love one another when the world tells us we should not. We should not hide from these challenges but actively pray to God to see us through them. Our struggles and challenges bring us closer and give us greater knowledge of our God. At the end of his life, Paul sat in a prison cell awaiting his death, yet he was full of joy. Jesus taught us that we can experience such joy even when we are overshadowed by seemingly unbearable circumstances. Jesus taught us to reach outside of ourselves when God summons us. Learn to trust in God. Try to do what He is telling you to do no matter how difficult or incredible it seems to be! Someone may be waiting for you to yell into their mailbox!
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Matthew 24:40; Luke 4:1-13
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.