Posted:
Based on “Under HIS Influence – Empowered” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
8/22-23/09,
Message #MB386;
Daily Devotional #4 - “Where is That Book?”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): “The most difficult thing I face day in and day out, is a book put in the wrong place.” This is a quote from many years ago that I heard while working in a library during the summer. The librarian was explaining to me that it is difficult to find a misplaced book in a place with many books. Now, think about that in a spiritual way. Where is the worst place to lose an unsaved person? That’s right, in the midst of spiritual people.
Jesus spoke to many religious people in His day.
One such person was Nicodemus. Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, `You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." "How can this be?" Nicodemus asked. "You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? (John 3:1-10)
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Here was a religious person asking the most basic of spiritual questions of someone who had no official training in doctrine. This is a clear picture of many people in church today. Many of us have been associated with “religious” organizations for so long that we have blended in. The danger is obvious.
I can be separated from God yet look like I’m not.
I can talk and act like a Spirit filled believer and yet be in danger of plunging headlong into hell.
This is so important.
Jesus told Nicodemus that he had to go through a spiritual transformation in order to see the kingdom of God. The transformation was the doorway to the presence of God. We need to remember something at this point: Nicodemus knew all the facts already. He was schooled by the brightest religious minds of his day, but, spiritually speaking he was clueless. What a shame.
He had settled for religion instead of a walk with God.
There are so many of our friends and relatives in this group of people. Maybe even someone reading this finds himself here. Please remember this one thing: God is not looking for another religious person, He is looking for someone who is looking for Him.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response):
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)
The word for “committed” can be translated as “their hearts are completely His.”
God says that He is literally looking for the people who are His. In other words, their hearts are not divided. They are not trying to serve two masters. They are striving to find God in everyday life. The Scriptures have a promise for those people: For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
There are few words to describe the experience of fully surrendering to God. There is peace. There is wisdom. There is power. The Spirit of holiness will change your life, just as He did with Nicodemus. You just have to make sure you are not the book lost in the library.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Matthew 11:28-29
