Based on “Gel and Flow Together – Everyone Is Needed” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
7/31-8/01/10, Message #6057; Daily Devotional #5 - “Doing Good”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:9-10)
Whatever thing God has placed our hand to do, we must do with all of our hearts. Since it has been commissioned from the Throne, then there must be some value to our time spent in that area, because God never wastes anything, especially the valuable time of His saints. Only the world has placed value on position. God, not being a respecter of persons, loves and respects each of us individually. He never loses track of any of us, and knows exactly what we're doing at any given moment (scary, huh?). He never places any of us on the shelf of inactivity and then forgets we are there. Each of us is precious in His sight. He has a plan, and even though we can't see it or understand it, doesn't mean that He has somehow lost or forgotten us. Besides, if what we are doing in the Body is becoming a burdensome chore, then perhaps we should re-evaluate our motivation and direction. God offers fresh Bread and Living Water to refresh His children, because it is difficult for Him to use complaining, frustrated believers to their full potential. We are building a Kingdom of freedom and love to the glory of our King, so let’s have fun!
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Man's rewards cannot hold a candle to God's blessings. Man can only compensate with money, promotion, or material possessions, but God allows peace, joy, contentment, and divine fulfillment to abound in our lives. Man's accolades are only temporary and fleeting, while God blesses us completely and eternally (Psalm 21:6). No boss will ever know us as intimately as our God, and no benefits package will ever compare to God's Kingdom. Through the power of His Spirit, God offers the ultimate mentoring program. We have the best job in the world, and our Boss truly appreciates and loves us! We work because we love Him and cannot imagine life without Him. Every sacrifice we make ripples out to touch the lives of thousands and impacts the world for Christ. No amount of eloquence will ever capture the true job description of a believer!
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Because our time on the earth is quickly drawing to a close, we must not give up or become frustrated. Now is the hour to throw our shoulder to the plow and work harder than ever (1 Corinthians 15:58). There is still much work to be done, in and out of the Body. God is looking for devoted, determined folks to work in His vineyard, people who adore Him and desire to see Him glorified. All of us have been equally equipped for the work of the Ministry and, because of the blood of the Lamb, we are empowered to succeed! No task is less than, or better than, another. All of us are servants working for one Master! Soon we will all be part of the biggest gathering in the universe, where we will receive a crown of righteousness from the hands of Jesus Christ Himself!
Cultivating (Additional Reading): 2 Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 1:11
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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.