Based on “Under HIS Influence – Mission Possible” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
10/17-18/09, Message # MB393; Daily Devotional #1 - “The God Hug”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): We are often told of the wonderful benefits of belonging to a small group. One of the benefits is in the sharing that takes place between members. Frequently “God” messages circulate via e-mail from members of our home group. Some give unexpected insight into God’s Word, while others give the “warm fuzzies”. Recently I received an e-mail entitled, “I think you can use a God Hug”. It was a picture of Jesus warmly embracing a woman in blue jeans and a sweatshirt. There was a caption beneath the picture that said “Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor in the morning the devil says, “Oh no, she’s up.”’ This was definitely a message of the “warm fuzzy” persuasion. In our final teaching of the Under HIS Influence series, Pastor Mark reminded us that God delivered a prophecy to Calvary Chapel Melbourne. The “Under HIS Influence” series was preceded and inspired by that prophecy. With a few changes in wording, the caption under the “God Hug” picture could be a mission statement in the work that God has invited us to join Him in.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): As we continue to study God’s Word and grow in our faith as Christ followers, we learn to look for where God is working and join Him in that work. When God speaks to us about work He has for us to do, we should consider it an invitation and a privilege rather than an unwelcomed labor of love. We often hear testimonies from people who have been invited by God to do amazing work with Him. This weekend we heard about the invitation one couple had to create a home called “NANA’s House” for 5 children. God invited them to become a part of a work He intended to do. When we respond to God’s invitations with a “yes,” we are on the verge of an experience that will be certain to put us in awe. Rarely do we have the opportunity to see so much accomplished with so little effort on our part. God does not always let us know His entire plan, but He does let us know our part in it. In the overall scheme of things, considering how much child abuse and neglect there is in this world, giving a home to 5 children may not appear to be a monumental accomplishment. When we consider that nothing is impossible for God to accomplish, however, is it a far reach to consider that one of those children could grow up to be a pastor of a church of 8,000 or more people? We have no idea what His plans are when He invites us to work with Him. If we say yes, a seemingly insignificant work performed in a CCM small group could lead to an invitation to participate in something as huge as a worldwide ministry. As in all things, Jesus should be our example. There was no task too menial or too large for our Savior. He washed the feet of the disciples (John 13:5) and brought the dead back to life (John 12:9). We should approach the work God asks us to do for Him joyfully and with a humble heart. We are privileged to have the opportunity to work for Him. We must always remember that it is God’s work, not ours; we are only invited to assist. What is God asking you to do? Does it appear to be too big to accomplish? Trust in the Lord and wait for His instructions. Refer to God’s Word to insure that what you are being invited to do comes from Him. Pray to be filled and refilled with the Holy Spirit. Ask Him be your guide in all that you do. Take every opportunity to give credit to our Lord for what He is doing. Finally, in every work you do, take the opportunity to spread the Word of God.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): If we accept God’s invitation to join Him in His work, we will experience the joy of watching Him turn our world upside down. Through the grace of God, we received a prophecy at Calvary Chapel Melbourne. No matter where we worship, we are called to be disciples and spread the Word of God, both locally and throughout the world. He has promised to continue to “expand our tents.” His message to us is the same as it is to his children all around the world, women or men, young or old, wealthy or poor. No matter what our part is in the Body of Christ, no matter what work He has invited us to do, we should be the kind of Christians that when our feet hit the floor in the morning the devil says, “Oh no, they’re up!
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Matthew 19:26; James 4:2; John 14:12
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