Based on “Living from Bad to Worse” by Pastor Dave Folkerts;
8/21-22/10, Message #DF150; Daily Devotional #2 - “See God!”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Romans 13:14)
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Have you ever watched a wonderfully entertaining advertisement on television, only to be unable to recall what the advertisement was for? One thing true in the advertising world is this: If the product’s message is not conveyed to the audience, the advertisement does not serve its purpose. An advertiser’s worst nightmare would be to air an advertisement that did not advertise its product, but instead sent people in search of the major competition’s similar product. Pastor Dave reminds us that our lives are to be walking advertisements for Jesus. When people see us, they are to see Jesus. We need to be certain that when people walk away from us, they see God, not something or someone else. We must take extra care to be sure that our motives are not focused on wanting others to see our works. Yes, we do need to strive toward becoming more and more like Jesus every day. Yet, the goal is not so other people see how we are Christ like. The goal is so other people see Christ…and who He is. Ask God to work in your heart. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:24) After every interaction with someone, ask yourself these questions:
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Am I more concerned about what they may say about me or about what they may say about God?
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Did I leave that person thinking, “Wow! She’s a good person,” or “Wow! God is a great God.”
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Do I want people to think: “She does so much work for God. She’s a Godly woman.” or “To be able to live for God is an honor and gift.”
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Do I want people to walk away seeing me, or seeing God?
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): So how are you doing in this area of your life? When are you more concerned about impressing people with your good works rather than telling others about God? Are there certain people in your life you want to impress more than others? Ask God to examine your heart and reveal any areas that need to change. We are all a work in progress. Let us allow God to clean our hearts every day, so He is glorified and honored in and through our lives.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Psalm 119:33-40
lh
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.