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Brave Like Jesus!
Based on “Follow Jesus – Live Dangerously” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
8/23-24/08; Message #MB367; Daily Devotional #2 - “Brave Like Jesus!”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:14-15)
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): How brave of our Savior to continue to proclaim the Good News of God, even though John had just been imprisoned for the very same offense. I wonder if John’s disciples were also carrying on his work, or if they were pacing up and down outside his prison cell, wringing their hands with worry and fear. Perhaps, like Jesus, our resolve to spread the Good News should be strengthened by the persecution of our brothers and sisters in Christ. How delightful to thwart Satan’s plans by rising up in power and numbers to let the Light of God’s Truth shine bright across our planet, in spite of his best efforts to silence us! Apparently, Jesus was not only inspired by John’s persecution, but He also understood the urgency of the situation. “The time has come, he said. the Kingdom of God is near…” (Mark 1:15) And for us, as His end time Church, this message is all the more urgent! Soon the voice of Truth will be gone and mankind will be left to fend for himself in a very, very, very dark world. What a terrible ordeal that will be! So now, more than ever, we need to let our Light shine on God’s redeeming grace. Whenever the Spirit prompts us, or every time He opens a door, we must be prepared to present our Pearls to any whosoever who is seeking the Truth, in spite of the world’s opinion or laws!
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): “…Repent and believe the Good News!” (Mark 1:15) Jesus said. In other words “take your eyes off of yourself and look at the wonderful treasure that is offered by the Son of God!” Even the worst of the worst and most undeserving of mankind can be redeemed, sanctified, holy, and complete. They can be transported into heavenly places and empowered by the Spirit of God. They, like us, can be sealed and branded for eternity as God’s own, and can inherit every treasure in God’s Kingdom! Their sins can be forgiven and forgotten by their magnificent Father because they are already loved unconditionally. They can be destined to live in His presence for eternity, and He will bless and care for them here in the earth. They can even be gifted and anointed to reconcile mankind back to their Creator, and His great grace will always see them as perfect children, because the blood of Jesus covers it all! Wow, I don’t know about you, but I think that that’s some pretty good news!
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Luke 9:1-11
CD
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.
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