Based on “Get People to Jesus” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 11/14-15/09,
Message #MB396; Daily Devotional #6 - “Today is the Day of Salvation”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (Hebrews 4:12-16) God's Word is the only book that has ever been written that is alive! The words written on each page can touch us to our very core. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, it can transform us into His image and renew our minds, so that we can think His thoughts and speak His Words. It allows us to discover the character of our Creator and know His will for our lives. Like the finest surgeon's knife, the Word of God can cut through pride, unbelief, pain, sorrow, and fear, to expose every abscess that plagues us. As He pours the precious Balm of Gilead to soothe our pain, we are healed and restored. Once healed by His touch, we are eternally changed. No more scars for the people of God, only the afterglow of our Father's presence, love, gentleness, and grace.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): These verses teach us that no human being, no matter their annual income, education, social status, or profession, can hide from the prophetic Words of God. Each of us is naked and exposed before His eyes. He knows every unconfessed hidden agenda and transgression that every one of us has embraced. Mankind may think they are pulling the wool over God's eyes, but how wrong they are. They can legislate Him out of their laws, and never mention Him in their constitutions, but He will always be there, looking over their shoulders and waiting for them to call on His Name. And one day they will. When the rocks are falling from heaven, the moon turns black, the oceans are turning to blood, and the antichrist is fully exposed, man will look for his God. Thankfully, for some, it will not be too late, and I'm convinced their first words will be, "What took me so long?" But hopefully, for many, it won't take the earth literally crumbling around them before they call on the Lord. That's why we continue to cry that, "Today, is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Since man will be held accountable to his all-knowing, all-seeing God, then it just makes sense for us to make this God our Friend! The first step in that direction is receiving Jesus Christ as Lord. Once He is firmly entrenched in our hearts, we have a High Priest Who will make intercession on our behalf. It's the ultimate "friends in high places" theory. With Jesus on our side, we have the "inside track" with the Father. Plus, this High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, because He faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So, not only does He plead our case before God, but also, because He understands what we have to deal with every day, He is fully able to convince the Father of our difficulties. How cool is that! You have to admit, when God does something, He really does it right! So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God today. Because there we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it. Not because of our sterling looks or wonderful personalities, but because of the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ!
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Romans 1:16; Mark 2:1-12
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