Based on “Get People to Jesus” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 11/14-15/09,
Message #MB396; Daily Devotional #3 - “The Hiding Place”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1) From time to time, we all love to take a break. It could be a break from work, a family vacation, or just a time to ‘get away’. The human soul benefits from proper rest. Everybody needs a time to slow down and lay everything down, while the world continues in its fast pace. Just as a ship needs an anchor to help it stop and stay in place, we also need a sort of “pacesetter” to keep our lives in good order and give us peace. Jesus came so that we can have peace and rest. He is our peace (Ephesians 2:14).
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (Luke 11:9-10) Three wise men set off from the Far East to seek the newborn King Jesus; they had seen His star and wanted to worship Him (Matthew 2:1-2). At that time, these men did not know everything God’s Word tells us about Jesus, but they knew enough to lay everything down for a divine purpose. They must have travelled for weeks following the star until it stopped over the place where the child was, and they were overjoyed (Matthew 2:9-10). An event had taken place which was to change the course of history. God’s plan for mankind from the foundation of the world was unfolding. It was the appointed time. Note that, from that point onward, the world has sought after the King of Kings, either to try to destroy Him (Matthew 2:16-18) or to worship Him. Jesus came so we can be adopted into God’s family and have everlasting life. Wise men and women still seek Jesus as Lord of their lives.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. (Colossians 2:9) Jesus is the answer for all our needs and for the world today. In Him alone we are complete; we can find purpose in life and be joyful in every situation. Are you weak and heavy laden? Can you see people around you crying out for help, just by the way they live? Embrace Jesus in His entirety, and you will have what it takes to help those around you. Jesus said “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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 11:28-30)
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Matthew 1; 1 Peter 5:7
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