Based on “Living and Dying for What?” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 7/10-11/10,
Message # 6054; Daily Devotional #1 - “Carrot, Egg, or Tea”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Paul was in prison, still loving life. Would you? Are you a carrot, an egg, or tea? When the circumstances of life come like boiling water, how do you react? The carrot starts strong, yet when the boiling water comes it softens and becomes weak. The egg does not change much in appearance. However, when the boiling water comes, the inside changes; it becomes hard. The bag of tea when the hot water comes does not wilt or harden. Instead it changes the water into something useful, desirable.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith (Philippians 1:24-25)
Paul understood that, though his circumstances were not desirable, God was and would use them for the good of others. When the boiling water came, Paul did not wilt or harden. He became useful to others. Paul's prison letters have been changing lives for 2000 years. Had Paul become hard and his letters been complaints of how life was not fair and he did not deserve to be in jail, we would not be reading them today. If he had crumbled under the pressure and lay in jail waiting to die, we would not have letters to read. Yet Paul knew with confidence God had a plan. In that plan God would use Paul and the circumstances to bless others and bring glory to God. Paul understood life did not revolve around him. That life is to be lived for others. 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)
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): People, people, people. Pastor Mark will not get off this topic. Why? Well Jesus gave us two instructions on how to live, love God - love people. (Matthew 22:37-40) If we are going to enjoy life, we are going to have to love people. Life without other people in our lives will always become selfish. When we are selfish, we will never be satisfied for long. Lasting satisfaction comes from helping or serving others. Even when you are suffering if you know someone else is benefiting, it is easier to bear. Do you have anyone in your life that is benefiting from your trials? God takes us through tough times in our lives for a reason, and many times it will reveal two important aspects in our lives we need to work on. Both are relationships, our relationship with God and our relationships with those around us. Take some time and work on both today.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Hebrews 11:32-40
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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.