Based on “Christ, Our Example” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 8/7-8/10,
Message #6058; Daily Devotional #2 - “Pride Reduction Surgery”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): …”Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” (John 13:8) I have had quite a bit of time this summer to think about Pastor’s sermons he has preached these last few weeks. The break from the busyness and routine has allowed me more time to reflect, and has allowed me to listen more intently to what the Lord has been speaking to my heart. It has been a time of hope, but also a time of pruning.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): I have been thinking about the “things” that so often become focal points in our lives. As Pastor said a few weeks ago, they aren’t bad things, but they can take center stage where Jesus is supposed to be. Pastor listed a few—travel, money, and relationships, but I struggled because some of those didn’t quite fit for me. Yet, deep down inside I knew I had a thing or two that would often be switched to the center and Jesus would be set to the side. The more I thought about it, one thing came to me that had never occurred to me as an issue, but it was. It may be for you as well. My focus centered on “finding my purpose”. We know that God created us for His plan and purpose (Jeremiah 29:11). However, if we start to seek our purpose instead of Jesus’, we have a problem. Our focus is to be on Christ; then He will guide and direct us down the path He wants us to take. Sometimes He takes us down roads we don’t plan, but the question is….are we prepared for that? Will we humbly serve where He calls us, even if it isn’t the most glamorous of positions?
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): The last couple of years have been interesting in our country and in our world. We have had to adjust our lives according to the downturn in the economy. Some have had to take jobs that are well below their qualifications and pay scale in order to feed their families. Some have lost their homes. Others have had to completely adjust their way of life or move in order to find work. I think we have often felt entitled to these things and got a bit too comfortable, and to be honest, sometimes wasteful in our lifestyles and spending. I don’t say these things to condemn, but I believe our society has needed a bit of a reality check and a good dose of humility. I know I needed these things in my life. It is funny; if you had asked me a few years ago if I needed some “Pride Reduction Surgery”, I would have said “No, I don’t think so.” That was until the Lord asked me to give up some things that were barricading me from receiving His direction for my life. That was o.k.., but then I allowed my focus to be planted on the direction we were heading and began asking “What next?” when I should have been looking at Jesus and enjoying each step we were taking and getting to know Him better. Sometimes, things must be stripped away before the new and wonderful things can be added to your life by our Precious Father. We forget that we are being transformed into the likeness of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). Jesus is more concerned with us getting to know Him and the journey when, so often, we get focused only on the final destination. We have learned what the meaning of JOY is. Jesus first, others second, and yourself last. Just as Jesus came to serve, so should we. Are we above our Master? When we allow Jesus to change our hearts and learn to model the life He lived, only then can we find fulfillment and joy. But, in order to have our lives transformed we MUST submit to Christ and to His leading. He may call us to serve in an area that isn’t so glamorous. Jesus did. Jesus came and performed the lowliest of tasks to wash the feet of His disciples. He then died a humiliating and painful death for you and me. He did it so that none would perish. He did it out of submission to the Father and also His willingness to sacrifice Himself for us. Oh, the love He has for us. It is so hard to fathom. We will all bow down to Him. Will we do it now or later? Submit to Christ and His Lordship. It is only then that He can work through you! May the Lord bless you as you walk the journey He has planned for you! But remember to focus only on Jesus and don’t worry where you are headed, you will get there in due time!
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Philippians 2:1-11, John 13:1-17, Hebrews 12:2
HS
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.