Your mission-Choose to Accept it~Mark Balmer

Based on “Under HIS Influence – Mission Possible” by Pastor Mark Balmer;

10/17-18/09, Message #MB393; Daily Devotional #3 - “Your Mission – Choose to Accept It”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Pastor Mark spoke of an old television series, “Mission Impossible”. The Mission Impossible team leader, Jim Phelps, would get the “impossible” mission details via a taped recording. At the end of each taped assignment, the speaker would tell Jim that the agency would disavow any knowledge of the Mission Impossible team and their part in the mission. In other words, the team was given an impossible mission and no acknowledgement or help. How unlike the Christ follower’s mission from God: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) Not only does He give us a very possible mission, He promises His Spirit to enable us to carry it out.

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): There are things we need to know as we step out in obedience to God’s calling on our lives. He makes it possible. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13) When we are under His influence, His Holy Spirit accomplishes what we can’t. It is His power that accomplishes, not ours. ‘…Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6) We may not always see the immediate fruit of our efforts. We may be planting a seed or watering a seed, but we must trust that God’s purpose will be fulfilled. (Isaiah 55:10-11) Remember, we touch lives, but it is God who changes them. Obedience is our responsibility, results are God’s.

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Jesus told his disciples, “…freely you have

received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8) Why would we not want to share the greatest gift we have received when Jesus gave all He had for us? Unlike the Mission Impossible team on TV, we have a Comforter who teaches us, guides us, and empowers us. Our success is guaranteed and our mission is made possible. We have everything we need. Our obedience is the key. Step out in faith and let God show you the possibilities. When we share the Gospel with others, we are not only giving them the best we have, we are giving Jesus the praise and thanksgiving for what He has given us.

Cultivating (Additional Reading): Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 4:2