Based on “The Name of Jesus – Confess and Bow” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
8/14-15/10, Message #6059; Daily Devotional #4 - “Our Humbleness Meter”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): We measure many things in this world in degrees. And much can be accurately measured, like wind velocity, air temperature, compass points, etc. These things are important to know, but God also measures us. He knows the degree of servitude, humbleness, love, and growth that takes place in each heart of those that belong to Him (Revelation 2:23). Christians do more damage to God’s name and His image by being lukewarm in their hearts toward Him. Therefore, our degree of humbleness and servitude toward God should always be piping hot, or we shall only displease Him and disgrace His name. We must humbly serve Him with all of our hearts, for He says, “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other!” (Revelation 3:15, NLT) And God’s message to the lukewarm believers in the Church in Laodicea was “But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! (Revelation 3:16, NLT)
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): The credit card company that had the catchy phrase, “Don’t leave home without it!” reminds me that too many people have been willing to leave church without Jesus. Don’t leave church without Jesus. If you don’t know Him personally, today is the day! And to those Christ followers who have received forgiveness and the promises of God’s Word, Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30) Jesus says He is humble in heart, therefore, we who desire to follow Him must learn how to be humble in heart (1 John 2:6). Let us not leave church or home without the willingness to truly live this day for God. We must take all He has taught us, thus far, and hide it in our hearts. Walk through this day with love and humility shining through; greeting those God has given us to love for Him. We only find who we are in Christ when we determine to follow who He is in us.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): If we had the opportunity to read the “Humbleness Meter” of our hearts, would we be pleased to say that it resembles Jesus as He walked this earth? Or would we find it to be neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm. Each morning is a gift that we have been given and another opportunity to seek forgiveness for yesterday’s sins of omission or commission. But if our hearts are still beating, (and I am guessing, if you are reading this, that is the case) then we must live joyfully and humbly today, to the glory of our mighty God. Know that God will see the attitude of your heart and greatly bless all your efforts to live for Him this day. Bow your knees today, for your God is great, and He will lift you up!!! For today, may our humbleness meter read hot (100%) – and our prayer be; let no lukewarm attitude remain in this heart today, Lord!!! Now, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Matthew 25:37-46
bam
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.