Based on “Unlimited Opportunities, Part 1” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 1/8-9/11,
Message #MB446; Daily Devotional #3 - “God is Close on this Day”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Everyone wants change for their future; change for the better, that is. That is exactly what God wants for our future, too (Jeremiah 29:11). Our future begins today and is shaped, in part, by the decisions we make each day. And of course, the best decision we can make today is to trust in the One who gave us this day. Consider the way our days are represented by the four seasons. Winter could represent the cold hard reality of loss, that rest is needed, or that activity has slowed for a season. It is a time to give and receive the love of the Lord, for God is close on this day. Spring could represent hope abounding, bringing with it new life in the revelation of God’s amazing grace, and we find God is close on this day. Summer brings the fullness of the Holy Spirit breaking forth, joy increasing with the glory of God shining all around us, and God is close on this day. Fall reminds us that winter is coming and is a time to prepare our hearts for spiritual battle and to reach out to others, for without the Lord, the days would be dark and cold. But with His warmth, hearts change and turn to Him, and God is close on this day. No matter the season, He says, “….Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5). We have today. This day was given to us that we might love God, love others, and make wise use of our time.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): As you start this New Year, you are in one of the seasons mentioned above, and God is close on this day. You are free to worship God today, free to love others for Him, and free to make your plans and commit them to Him (Proverbs 16:3). No matter what the season of our life, we are making plans. We are living life, and hopefully we are allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us. Then we can rest knowing, If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. (Psalm 37:23-24) A Christ follower wants to live his day blameless before God. Why? The days of the blameless are known to the Lord, and their inheritance will endure forever. (Psalm 37:18) No one is promised tomorrow, only today. This is the day the Lord has made (Psalm 118:24), let us give God our praise and worship. If we fill our hearts with the things of God, the seasons may come and go, but our spirit will sprout new wings and fly above our circumstances with renewed strength.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Heavenly Father, we are thankful for today. It is a day to seek forgiveness for yesterday’s sins, a day to find comfort in your amazing love, and a day to let your Word teach us new truths for our own lives. It is a time to gather strength for the seasons to come. Bless us today that we, in turn, might be a blessing to others. Thank you for saving us and calling us sons and daughters. May we go out today and face an unbelieving world with grace, truth, and above all, love. Thank you, God, for being close on this day. Amen.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Psalm 119:1-8
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