WORDDEVO: "The Weekly Word with Mark Balmer" [11-25 thru 12-02] Discipleship

 

Seven Days of Devotion

 The Weekly Word is a Collection of Devotionals to be read on the Day Listed and presented freely as a service to and for the Body of Christ and Believers throughout the World that We may Hear God Speak to us as the Spirit of God gives us ears to hear and eyes to see what God would have for us daily in relationship to Him.

 

- “Quit Talking and Begin Doing”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.  (Psalms 116:15) Walt Disney has been called a “folk hero of the 20^th century.” He was a man of amazing creativity and foresight who attained worldwide popularity through his ideals of optimism, imagination and excellence, presented with whimsy and attention to detail. Born in 1901, he produced the first full-length animated musical feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937. During the next five years such childhood classics as Pinocchio, Dumbo and Bambi followed. Beyond the movie venue, he also became a television pioneer. Envisioning a clean, organized amusement park led to the opening of Disneyland in 1955. We of central Florida are well acquainted with the power of the Mouse. It has been estimated that Walt Disney World and its related businesses in our state generate $18.2 billion a year in economic activity.

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Even a man of such amazing accomplishments and enough ideas and interests to last several lifetimes was ultimately faced with the same fate as all humanity. On Dec 15, 1966 Walt went to meet his Maker. Isaiah tells us The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; (Isaiah 57:1a) The prophet seems to marvel that the death of a good man does not cause those who see it to take it to heart and ponder what will become of them. We all would like to think we won’t have to face that day, but wouldn’t it be better to prepare for the inevitable? Whether we leave behind a powerful and long lasting legacy, such as Walt did, or slip away with barely a ripple on the sea of humanity left in our wake, we will all one day die and each one face the ultimate question: What did you do with Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:15)? Committing to follow Him is the only way to escape eternal separation from God. When Jesus is invited to be your Savior and Lord, the fear of death is diminished by the knowledge that we are headed for heaven when we die. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death. (Isaiah 57:2) A future in the presence of God, experiencing unimaginable wonders, is promised to His followers. We will probably be like five year olds on their first trip to Disney World when we find ourselves on those streets of gold.

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): If you have never asked Jesus to forgive your sins and become your guide through life, why not do it now? Why put such an important decision off for even one day when there is so much to gain? Listen to the words of Walt himself when he said, “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”

Cultivating (Additional Reading): 2 Corinthians 6:2; I John 5:11-13

 

 

MONDAY

“Validating the Resurrection”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): There never seems to be a shortage of “historical experts” to present the case against the Biblical accounts of a worldwide flood, the destruction of Sodom, the Exodus, or the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.  In the name of science we see people presenting theories as historical fact that are sometimes harder to swallow than the miracles they are attempting to refute. The Biblical account of the resurrection of Jesus has had many opponents throughout history. One of the original disciples, Thomas the Apostle, stated that he would not believe that Jesus had defeated the grave until he himself saw him and could touch the wounds he received at Calvary. A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:26-29) Thomas received the validation he needed and went on to faithfully spread the Gospel outside of the Roman Empire, all the way into India.

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): We as Christ followers must be careful to not compromise the Biblical account of the resurrection. Christ did die on the cross and, after three days, rose from the grave. Jesus was a fully living person; he was not a ghost. Jesus was physical – He ate food, and His wounds were real. The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of our hope and salvation. The resurrection was necessary to prove the claim by Jesus that He was the Son of God (Romans 1:4), which is also why the religious leaders had him put to death. Through the resurrection of Jesus, God confirmed and vindicated His Son and His works. Jesus conquered death. If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. (1 Corinthians 15:13-14) For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. (1 Corinthians 15:16-17) The Resurrection of Jesus fulfilled hundreds of Biblical prophecies in the Old Testament, and because of it the Word is complete.

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Be careful not to take the resurrection lightly. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the single most important event in the history of man. It is a fact that we cannot allow ourselves to bend on and potentially compromise our belief in. Our eternal destiny hinges on how we receive and interpret the resurrection of Jesus Christ. “…I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me shall live even if he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26) The Bible tells us that in heaven we will receive bodies that are perfect and unscarred for all of eternity. The only scars in heaven will be the same wounds that Thomas saw on Jesus. We need to make sure that we are not waiting to physically see them ourselves before opening our hearts to His salvation and grace.

Cultivating: (Additional Reading): Matthew 28:1-10; John 20:1-10

 

 

  

TUESDAY

- “Believe God's Truth”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): "Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"  Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."  Jesus said to her, "Mary."  She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).  Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." (John 20:15-17) The story of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of my all-time favorites. Mostly because it secured my Spiritual position and eternal destination, but also because it defies man’s reasoning! I just love it when God does something that is beyond man’s ability to explain. You know what I mean: parting seas, manna falling from heaven, plagues, floods, raising folks from the dead and feeding five thousand people with 2 loaves and 5 fishes--stuff that just causes our bottom jaw to hang loose for several seconds! Yet, for one reason or another, people just feel compelled to explain the unexplainable and disqualify the miraculous. The first humanistic alternative to Jesus’ death was that He never died in the first place! Genuinely deceived people actually believe that the natural anesthetic “mandrake” was mixed with the vinegar that was offered to Jesus on the cross. By swallowing this mixture, Jesus was rendered unconscious and believed to be dead. Once He was removed from the cross, Joseph of Arimathea took Him home, doctored His wounds and once He was well enough to travel, helped Him escape to an unknown destination. In Matthew 28:7 the angel told the women, “Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." He didn’t say He has risen from the swoon!  He definitely said, “He has risen from the dead”! Jesus Christ was undeniably dead when He was removed from the cross. The blood and water that flowed from His side was a sure sign that He was deceased!

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): The second manmade alternative to the story of His death, was that the disciples came in the night and snatched His body, or, that He never made it to the tomb at all and was buried in an unknown location. This theory is almost laughable. As we all know, Jesus had told His disciples over and over again that He would die and resurrect. But they never “got it” because if they had, they would have been camped out at that tomb, just waiting for His glorious resurrection. But instead, they all fled in fear and were hiding out until the coast was clear. Then they went fishing!  But some people heard it and listened; the Pharisees “got it”! Amazingly, Jesus’ enemies believed more of what Jesus said than His own disciples did! They wanted Him sealed, secured and guarded. But all that did was validate the miraculous resurrection work of God! In their fear, they secured and sealed His Truth for all eternity. Hallelujah!  Jesus did indeed supernaturally rise from the dead. He did what man could not; He removed the wall of separation between humankind and their Creator. Once and for all He finished the work of redemption and opened the Holy of Holies to anyone who was sincerely seeking God!

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): The enemy has indeed devised many lies to disqualify the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, but the greatest lie of all is that we can place our hope in the works of our flesh! But this lie begs the questions: “When do enough good works tip the scale to outweigh my sin?” “How many random acts of kindness must I do, in order to outshine my failures?” “What types of good deeds will impress God the most?” Sadly, there are no answers to this puzzling dilemma, just a deceiving, fallen angel driving the unbelieving mercilessly into darkness. But the Word of God has the answer. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (Ephesians 2:8-9, NLT) The only “work” that God is interested in, is the finished work of Jesus Christ! We must believe by faith that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, that He died on the cross for our sins and resurrected from the dead for our redemption. So let us believe God’s Truth and give no place to Satan’s deception! The Father is willing, Jesus has completed everything that was required, and the Spirit is calling “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Cultivating (Additional Reading): Romans 10:9

 

WEDNESDAY

- “Not in a New York Minute”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. (Psalm 40:1) May 1st is the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Empire State Building in New York City. At one hundred three stories it was the tallest skyscraper in the world when it opened. More amazing than its height was the speed with which it was erected. Construction took only thirteen months. An astounding four and a half floors were raised per week. The Big Apple has long been known for the frenzied and hectic pace at which its inhabitants rush through life. The taxis whiz through the streets. The subway zooms along underneath them, and the people hustle past each other as if being chased by swarms of bees. Johnny Carson once said a New York minute is the interval between a Manhattan traffic light turning green and the guy behind you honking his horn. The idea seems to be that the more frenetic your lifestyle becomes, the more successful you must be. That is not only true of the inhabitants of New York, however. Multitasking and over scheduling can so easily creep into our own lifestyle. Just the other day I caught myself talking on the house phone, typing a text on my cell phone and looking for something in the closet all at the same time. Unfortunately, as is often the case, I was doing a poor job of all three. In the same hurry and scurry mindset, down time is considered wasted time. Being incredibly busy equates with doing well, but actually often simply pushes aside time for meaningful relationships with God or others and leaves us exhausted, lonely and frustrated.

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): As the new CEO of the Israelites, Joshua’s first orders were to move everyone down by the river. They excitedly waited to see what he would instruct them to do next. Meaningfully, on the threshold of the most momentous changes of their lifetimes, he had them all stop their everyday activities and wait three long, slow, quiet days. They watched the river churn by. They watched the sun come up and go down. They might have noted that the water was even deeper on the next morning as they gazed across to the hills on the far side, but still they waited. They may have expected Joshua to start instructing them to gather wood for rafts, or boats of some kind. Maybe canvas the camp for ideas on how to build a bridge, or instruct them to look for a narrower spot to cross, but he didn’t seem concerned. His leadership was not the leadership of calculating and accomplishing. His leadership was the leadership of listening for God. He knew that voice because he had spent lots of time hearing it in the past, and he was not about to rush ahead without hearing it once again.

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): The thing about hearing God is that He doesn’t usually communicate in a New York minute. While He can speak to you in an instant, He often delights in having His loved ones just wait in His presence for a bit. There is something about being still that fosters heavenly communication. Like other disciplines of life, morning devotions build upon each other. Just as one bout of vigorous push ups and sit ups a year can do more harm than good, regular time set aside for spiritual renewal produces the best results. Just as the body is designed to need consistent exercise to grow and flourish, so the spirit is designed to feed daily off God’s presence as we wait on Him. He may not speak today or tomorrow, but He will share amazing things with those who choose to wait.

Cultivating (Additional Reading): Isaiah 30:18

 

 

  THURSDAY

“Feed the Spirit”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): God provided a beautiful example of His provision in the Old Testament by giving sustenance to the nation of Israel in the form of manna every morning as they traveled to the Promised Land. The Israelites had used up all of their provisions a short time after God freed them from slavery in Egypt. The people of Israel began to murmur against their deliverers (Exodus 16:2), and as always God heard their grumblings. “And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host. And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground. And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, “This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat.” (Exodus 16:13-15, KJV) Jesus refers to God's miraculous provision of manna to the Israelites and states that God provided Him as the true bread from heaven. “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35, KJV)

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): To us as Christ followers, Jesus is our manna from heaven. Just as God taught the Israelites to gather manna, we can learn valuable lessons on how we should seek Jesus. Then said the LORD unto Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day...” (Exodus 16:4, KJV) First of all, God was very strict in telling the Israelites that they should only gather enough manna to last them for that day.  Our Lord wants us to be dependent on Him because, as sinful people, we become independent and proud otherwise. Likewise we should seek Jesus daily and come to Him for the strength to handle that day. It is not enough to seek Him on Saturday or Sunday and then stumble through the rest of the week's challenges without Him. The Israelites were also told to gather the manna before the sun came or it would melt away. In the Gospels we are told that Jesus would get up very early in the morning while it was still dark to pray in a solitary place. (Mark 1:35-37) We benefit from focusing on God while we are mentally and physically fresh and before the activities of the day grab our attention. No one in this life or eternity to come will ever refer to me as a morning person, but I can admit that my morning quiet times are much more fulfilling than those I try to squeeze in throughout the day.

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): This week, try to spend at least 15 minutes of uninterrupted time in prayer with Jesus before the start of your day. As we spend more time with Jesus it is likely that we will desire more closeness and grow as Christ followers. There will almost certainly need to be some adjustment in your schedule, but making it a priority is the first step. To lead a Spirit-filled life it is completely necessary to feed our spirit daily with the Word. As always God has provided all that the spirit needs to grow.

Cultivating (Additional Reading): Psalm 63; Psalm 105

  FRIDAY

“Give Him the Time”

 

Preparing the Soil (Introduction):  As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. (Mark 1:29-39) After a busy day of ministry, healing the sick and casting out demons, and facing another busy day of ministry the next day, Jesus knew He needed time alone with God for renewal, direction and encouragement.

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): If the very Son of God had the need to start His day by being alone with God, should not His followers do the same?  God has a purpose and plan for each Christ follower.  As we set aside quiet, uninterrupted time with God each day, we acknowledge our dependency on Him and open ourselves up to be used by Him. We need the quietness and solitude of the early morning to commune with God and meditate on His Word. We need to hide it in our hearts (Psalm 119:11) and let it be a lamp unto our feet (Psalm 119:105).  Our living, personal God will make His Word active and alive in our hearts and minds if we give Him this precious time.  It is important for us to take this time to focus on God because, once the daily treadmill starts, it will be difficult to keep that focus on Him without it.

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response):  God knows the challenges of the day that is before us.  He knows every opportunity He will place in front of us. He is willing to equip us with everything we need (Philippians 4:13).  Give Him the time.  He will give you the victory.

Cultivating (Additional Reading):  Psalm 1:1-3; Psalm 119:15-16

 

SATURDAY 

“How to Spend Time with Him”

 

Preparing the Soil (Introduction):  In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. (Psalm 5:3) Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. (Psalm 143:8)

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Ok, you’re up and it’s early. You are sitting at the dining room table with a big mug of wake up juice, your Bible, a piece of paper and a pencil. Now what? First things first – say good morning to God; take a moment to pray and praise Him. It doesn’t have to be long, just long enough to relax and be quiet before Him. Some people listen to their favorite worship music, some write out their to-do list and say, “Lord, I give this to you, show me what to do,” some spend this time just thanking Him for all He has done, and others reflect on yesterday. Regardless of how you start your time with God, make sure you center your mind on Him, waiting expectantly to hear what He has to say. Now that you have spent time focusing on God, the next thing to do is to read His Word. I love devotionals, obviously; however, just reading it through sometimes isn’t enough. Our devotional writing team doesn’t get memos saying, “These are the needs of the church, please write on…; or the church got a lot of calls about…, could you please address one of the devotionals on this topic?” We simply write what God has placed on our hearts during the message from Pastor Mark as the Holy Spirit guides. So, while you are reading a devotional or Scripture and an “Aha!” moment comes your way, write it down on your piece of paper. You just experienced a God moment! I always thought I would actually hear a voice, and to be honest, some people do, but most often we hear God when something inside of us, our spirit, connects with God’s Spirit (the Holy Spirit), and we know without a doubt it was meant directly for us. I also want to encourage you whenever you see a reference to a Scripture verse, even if you may know it by heart, look it up. After you have spent time sitting before God reading His Word and listening to Him, it’s time to start talking to Him. This is the time for you to get personal with God, sharing not only your to-do list, but your heart. For me personally, it isn’t the time to say, “OK Lord, time is ticking, and I only have X amount of time to hear from You before I have to start getting ready for work or when the little one is about to wake up.” If that is the case, I have to advise you to wake up earlier and get a bigger mug. God desires this time. Give Him all the time He requires and, most importantly, that you need. When you have finished spending time seeking Him, take a moment to thank Him and praise Him.

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Ok, honesty time. I have to admit there are days and sometimes a whole week that goes by when I haven’t spent any quality time with Him. This is very hard to admit. It isn’t that I haven’t talked to God, listened to worship music, gone to Bible study or church, it’s that I haven’t sought Him first for daily direction. It is critical to spend time with God – good quality time. Even Jesus made a point to get up early and seek time with the Lord, and He was closer to God than any of us could ever imagine. My challenge to you and to myself this week is to have a devotional time, a quality quiet time every day this week. Find a routine that works best for you, but don’t get stuck in it. If you find that your time with Him is becoming monotonous, switch it up, do something different like listening to music before you start, or going to a different location, but don’t stop. God wants to speak to you and loves spending time with you; all you have to do is be willing.

Cultivating (Additional Reading):  Mark 1:35; Psalm 119:15-16

 

THE WEEKLY WORD WITH MARK BALMER

Can be found here:

 

http://theweeklywordmarkbalmer.blogspot.com/

  

WORDDEVO: "The Weekly Word with Mark Balmer" [11-18 thru 11-24] DEVOTIONALS

 

Seven Days of Devotion

 The Weekly Word is a Collection of Devotionals to be read on the Day Listed and presented freely as a service to and for the Body of Christ and Believers throughout the World that We may Hear God Speak to us as the Spirit of God gives us ears to hear and eyes to see what God would have for us daily in relationship to Him.

 

“Hanging a Palm Frond”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): When living in St Augustine, one of my favorite days of the whole year was Palm Sunday. One of the local churches in the downtown area always had a special Palm Sunday service, and after the service they passed out palm fronds to each person as a reminder for the upcoming week. I always hung my palm frond above my front door, so I could see it all times. I haven’t hung a palm frond above my door in years--not since I moved from St. Augustine, but this year might be different.

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): My husband and I went to a birthday party this week to celebrate my great aunt’s 80th birthday. We had a great time at dinner, chatting and catching up with relatives we hadn’t seen in a long time. When we left, my husband commented that it was sad to look around the table and see people who are followers of Christ and those who weren’t. I thought about Jesus as He rode into Jerusalem on that donkey, looking at His family, seeing those who truly believed in Him and those who didn’t. No wonder He wept (Luke 19:41). Jesus didn’t weep that day because of the suffering that was ahead of Him, or in gratitude for how the crowd applauded and rolled out the red carpet. No, He saw the hearts of the people. “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. (Luke 13:34-35) He wept, knowing the only way to true salvation, forgiveness of sins and eternal life with Him was through Him, and yet the people didn’t see anything but a victor for their earthly needs and desires. The people were looking for temporary relief, but Jesus came to offer eternal peace. I have always looked at Palm Sunday as the start of an exciting week; a week that proclaims the soon victory over Satan and sin, but this Palm Sunday I am looking at it in a different light, the way my Jesus did; a week of crying over those who sat around the table at my aunt’s birthday party, knowing they are constantly searching for temporary relief, when in fact they could have eternal peace.

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): The third point in Pastor Mark’s teaching was that God needs us to lift up Jesus. Not just by our lifestyle, but also by opening our mouths and proclaiming the victory that Jesus had over Satan and sin. This year, I might just hang one of those palm fronds over our front door as a reminder to me, before I leave the house each day, to share what God had done in my life, not just as a temporary fix, but for eternity.

Cultivating (Additional Reading):  Matthew 21:1-11; Acts 4:12

 

 

MONDAY

“Conform to TRUTH, Not the World”

 

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): What is truth?  Webster’s definition is “conformity with fact; reality, actual existence; correct; accurate.”  Does this not describe our Lord Jesus?  Everything He said and did fulfilled the prophecies written hundreds of years before He walked the earth.  And not just some of the prophecies, but every one of them, completely and accurately!  Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, NLT) Jesus walked this earth and fulfilled all the prophecies, and it was recorded by those who were with Him and saw with their own eyes (1 John 1:1).   

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. (John 1:1-2, NLT).  So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. (John 1:14, NLT) The Word of God is living and true.  God is our standard of truth, and Jesus confirmed it: He existed in the flesh and was correct and accurate in all that He did--the definition of truth.  He is our example by which to live.  Not one of us can claim to be perfect and righteous.  No, only Jesus could claim this, and therefore we are only justified by Jesus’ blood sacrifice for our sinful actions.  Pride caused Satan to be cast from heaven, and he now roams the earth looking to deceive us into thinking there are other ways to God other than through Jesus, the Truth and the Life.  Satan desires to blind the eyes of as many as he can by the false idea that there are other ways to God, using man’s pride and his desire for pleasure as his bait. Only through Jesus do we find freedom.   But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.  (I John 1:9, NLT).  Don’t let sin build up because your pride doesn’t want to let you confess your faults and submit to God. 

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response):  When we obey the Word, Jesus said we will know the Truth and the Truth will set us free (John 8:31-32).  If we take our thoughts captive and don’t let them get to the point where we have to bend the truth to justify our actions, we can live in freedom.  Jesus died to set us free.  He has already paid the price for our sins, and there is no other way to God but through Jesus (Acts 4:12).  This is the Truth.  It has been proven to be accurate and correct.  We don’t have to stumble our way through life, unsure of the correct path to take; we just have to read and obey the living Word.  It is our standard of which we can be sure. Satan will try to present false ideas and use people to give us a different approach to God, but don’t be fooled.   Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2, NLT).

Cultivating (Additional Reading):  Psalm 118:25-26; John 15:16

 

  

TUESDAY

“Strength in the Word”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): The disciple John wrote that the Word has been there from the beginning. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) The Word was there from the beginning and will endure forever.  The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever. (Isaiah 40:8) The Word validates itself through the fulfillment of prophecy, and we are assured of its divine inspiration. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): The Word of God has been under attack for thousands of years. The methods change, but the goal of attempting to steer us from God's truth remains the same. Many people today will argue against the infallibility of the Bible by focusing on its translation from the original text. You may hear that the Greek or Hebrew does not say that, or that the King James translation is outdated and difficult to read. Jesus assured us that His Words would never be diluted or outdated. “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." (Matthew 24:35) The Bible is complete and should be obeyed in its entirety. We cannot obey some directions from God and ignore others. See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it. (Deuteronomy 12:32) As we present the Word to others who struggle with sin, we also must be careful that we don't attempt to mold it into something that fits with what the world tells us is right and wrong. “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’” (Matthew 15:8-9) The Bible is the means for people to gain freedom from their bondage to sin through the love of Jesus, our Savior. The Word of God should be the foundation that every Christian builds his or her life upon. By obeying the Word we prepare ourselves for the trials we will inevitably face. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24)

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): As Christ followers, we know that Jesus is coming back, and that those who have not accepted Him will be left behind. Imagine if you knew that certain destruction was going to come and decimate every home on your street. I am sure that every one of us would run from door to door to make sure each family was safe. As Christ followers, we have knowledge that something far worse is coming to people we interact with every day.  We know end times are near, and the need to share that knowledge is urgent. Pray that God will open doors for you to communicate the Gospel. Be careful not to over complicate the task; all we have to do is tell the people about Jesus, and He will do the work!

Cultivating (Additional Reading): 2 Timothy 3:16; John 6:63; 2 Peter 1:15-19

 

WEDNESDAY

“The King is Coming Soon”

 

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are His judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of His servants."  (Revelation 19:1-2)

Hallelujah to our faithful God! Once he has decreed something, it will happen. Whatever He has promised, He will provide, because His confidence is not in the world's economy or in the acts of our flesh, but in Himself. Since He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19), we can rest in His great and precious Promises and have hope for tomorrow. Long before the foundations of the earth, He knew we were coming, and began, even then, to prepare for our arrival. From the moment we breathed air into our tiny lungs, He knew the path that lay before us. As insignificant as we are, He still is intimately involved in our lives. How amazing that such a grand and marvelous God would choose to spend time and energy on such mundane people. Yet, He has invested the very life of His Son so that we may be victorious. Truly, never has the earth seen such a great love, nor been given such an amazing Gift! It will take us all of eternity to thank Him properly for His generosity!

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Each day with the Father is an adventure in faith. As he opens our eyes to His ways and instructs us in his Word, we are enlightened to the Spiritual realm of His dear Son. Embracing all of the benefits of the cross, we have been equipped with everything we need to succeed. Not one drop of blood was wasted, and not one tear was cried in vain, for God saw to it that each second of Jesus' persecution and death was eternally deposited into our Spiritual account. With our names eternally etched into this covenant, we are free to withdraw unlimited amounts of grace, peace, hope, healing and joy. It is by faith alone that we are privileged to access the treasuries of God, and it is His unconditional love for us that keeps them full. It blesses Him to see us appropriate His Kingdom and appreciate His blessings. Only here, in His presence, will we truly find fullness of joy!

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Just as He prepared for our arrival, and cares for us each day, so too will He be faithful to take us home.  The same resurrection power that pulled Jesus Christ from the grave will one day pull each of us into His presence.  All of our tears will be dried, and our health and youth will be renewed in resurrected bodies.  Oh glorious day of reunion, when we will finally see Jesus face-to-face!  Our voices will be a part of the great shouts of praise emanating from heaven.  By His side we will witness the destruction of evil and the implementation of peace.  Because His judgments are true and just, our enemy will be properly dealt with and punished for his arrogant deeds and malicious lies. Happily, Jesus is as excited as we are, and longs for us to finally see all the wonders He has prepared for us.  Yet, we must wait on His perfect timing and be content to live here in time for as long as He ordains.  But deep within our hearts we can hear Him whisper, "I'm coming soon, Beloved, so rest in My peace, walk in strong faith, proclaim the Gospel to all and anticipate My arrival with great joy!”

Cultivating (Additional Reading): Matthew 21:1-11; Revelation 19:11-16

 

 

  THURSDAY

“Victory in Jesus”

 Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Did you find it hard to turn to the person next to you in service this weekend, only to hear them say, “You are eventually going to die one day”? I thought it was a little unnerving, even knowing I will be in a better place! I am blessed to live a healthy lifestyle, relatively free from sickness and free to come and go as I please. I don’t often stop to consider death at this stage of my life, but thinking of the Christians in China being unable to freely worship puts freedom in a different perspective. We are so blessed to worship freely, and I believe we take it for granted. What if we couldn’t meet freely to worship? Are we sold out enough to go underground to meet in secret with the threat of imprisonment or even death a very real possibility?  Would we continue to wear our blue bracelets and tell others about our relationship with God? It would really make us stop and think about what we really believe and how much it is worth.

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Jesus suffered beatings and an awful crucifixion to save us from eternal separation from our Creator. He chose to suffer, not just willfully, but joyfully because of the glory that awaited Him. There must be some awesome joy awaiting us that Jesus would joyfully suffer through horrific beatings and death knowing what was waiting on the other side. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. (Hebrews 12:1-4, NLT). What is the weight that so easily pulls you down? It might be painful at first to give it up, but Jesus already paid the price for that sin; He already claimed the victory and nailed it to the cross. You can choose to either stay weighted down to that sin or break free of it to live a life full of purpose and joy doing what God had planned for you while you were in the womb. Nothing can compare to being directly in the will of God. Jesus knew this, and He also knew what we can only try to imagine--the glory of the Father and Heaven. Jesus could have chosen to skip dying for us and gone straight back to glory, but He was totally submissive to the Father’s will, not His own. The Father did not want us to be eternally separated from Him, so He came to us in human form, as Jesus Christ.

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Someday we may be faced with the same situation as the Christ followers in China. We may lose our freedom to gather and worship. How much would this affect your life? The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. (John 16:10, NLT). Do you still have doubts about placing your faith in Jesus with all your heart? By believing in Jesus Christ and what He accomplished on the cross and at the tomb, you already have guaranteed victory over spiritual death because Jesus paid the price for your life. It’s up to you what you do with this knowledge.

Cultivating (Additional Reading): Ecclesiastes 7:1-14, NLT

 

  FRIDAY

“The Law and Love”

 Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Picture this: One day you are driving down the road, very late for an important appointment. There is no way to get there on time without speeding. While driving 15 miles an hour over the speed limit, you pass a police car. What is the first thing that goes through your mind? “Oh, no! Maybe he didn’t notice me. Maybe he will not have time to get out through traffic to catch me.” Many things go through your mind. Yet I am sure there is one thing not going through your mind. It would sound something like this, "I drive at or under the speed limit more than half the time. Surely I will be able to tell the officer, and he will let me go." Saying this would be ridiculous. You know you broke the law, and it does not matter how many times you obeyed it. You broke it the minute you went over the set limit. You know you deserve a ticket. All the times you drove the speed limit did not negate a single time you went over it.

 Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” (Galatians 3:10) Perfection is such a high standard. Yet if we want to earn our salvation, that is the only option. Most people in the world today would say they are going to heaven. When you ask them why, they will tell you it’s because they are a ‘good person.’ In their minds they see a set of scales with all their bad deeds on one side and all their good deeds on the other. They think as long as the scale tips in the direction of the good, God will let them in. I have known many Christians who think the same way. Some have found the truth, while others just can't let go. Instead of looking at God as He is described in the Bible, they play “If I were God.” “If I were God, I would show mercy because I am not nearly as bad as those other people.” Does it make God mean if He is just and will punish those who disobey? Is a judge mean if he sends you to jail for committing a crime? Would the judge say, "I know what you did deserves jail, however, here is my son who has committed no crime"? I will send him to jail in your place. No judge in the country would say that, yet because of God's love for us, He did. The question remains, are we willing to accept it? For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

 Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39) If we could be good enough, Jesus would not have had to die. He went through our punishment in our place. If we could be good enough on our own, there wouldn’t be a Good Friday or Easter. Do not fall into the trap of believing you can be good enough to deserve God's love. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) Set aside a few minutes to contemplate what Jesus went through for you. Read the Scripture below. Think of His great love and sacrifice for you—for all of us. This is what Easter and Good Friday are about.

Cultivating (Additional Reading): John 19 - 20:1

 

SATURDAY 

“We Have the Cure”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): I just spent the weekend with my 18 year old cousin. At the beginning of the year, doctors found that she has a very rare cancer and has, at best, 5 to 10 years to live. So, 28 years is her expected life span. Stopping to think about her prognosis, I realize that I would already be gone by now if that were my diagnosis at 18. My son and expected daughter wouldn’t be here, and I would have never known the home we live in presently. Thinking about your life since the age of 28 and all the things you would have missed can send you straight into depression. But if you think about what life would be without God through all that time, then it’s almost unfathomable.

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Easter weekend is always a great celebration of what Jesus did on the cross for us. And He didn’t stay there, He has risen! What is most exciting to me about Easter weekend is that the celebration doesn’t have to stop or be enjoyed just once a year; it’s a continual thing, just like our relationship with Him. So many people come to Easter or Christmas service expecting to leave the same way they came in, and yet their lives are changed forever. The goal isn’t to have a one time event, but the beginning of a new way of life with a whole new lifestyle. When the disciples met Jesus for the first time, they didn’t follow Him for a day and then go back to fishing or collecting taxes. No, they followed Jesus all the way through His death, burial, resurrection and beyond. There is no greater joy in this life than following Him, no matter how long or short our years on earth. The scariest part of life is going through it not knowing Him. Yet, there are people all around us who are walking dead: dead in their sins, searching for peace and chained in unforgiveness. Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. (Ephesians 2:1, NLT) We, however, have the cure, not only for their physical needs, but more importantly for their spiritual needs. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) All it takes is each Christ follower listening and watching for the opportunity to openly share Jesus Christ and the cross. Sometimes it takes words, while other times it takes action, but in either case it takes a lifestyle, not just once or twice a year at Easter or Christmas, but throughout the whole year.

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:12-13) Each Christ follower has an opportunity to share, not just with the family around us during holiday times, but also with those at work, at the grocery store, at the gym, or even the person you wave to across the street. Is it always easy? No, but there are dead people all around us who are searching for the answers to life, before and after death. My challenge to you (and me) this week is to find someone with whom to share the Good News when God opens the door. You never know if the dead person before you is soon to become alive. Take every opportunity!

Cultivating (Additional Reading): Revelation 3:20

THE WEEKLY WORD WITH MARK BALMER

Can be found here:

 

http://theweeklywordmarkbalmer.blogspot.com/

  

WORDDEVO: "The Weekly Word with Mark Balmer" [11-11 thru 11-17] DEVOTIONALS

 

Seven Days of Devotion

 The Weekly Word is a Collection of Devotionals to be read on the Day Listed and presented freely as a service to and for the Body of Christ and Believers throughout the World that We may Hear God Speak to us as the Spirit of God gives us ears to hear and eyes to see what God would have for us daily in relationship to Him.

 

 

“Breaking from Routine”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): I grew up in a Christian home where we attended the Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday night services. However, I still had so many unanswered questions. Nothing seemed to make sense to me, and no one really had an answer to give. The church was very traditional. We sang from hymn books, and everyone wore their Sunday best.  Pantyhose were as much a staple as the special song during the offering, and attending Sunday school was not optional, but required. Now don’t get me wrong; this was and still is a wonderful church, and it gave me a great foundation.  However, tradition was paramount, and routine was everything.  You knew what was expected every Sunday and Wednesday night.

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!” Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? (Matthew 15:1-3) You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’” (Matthew 15:7-9) The video testimony we watched this weekend shows how someone could sit for 8 years under amazing teaching and still not hear the Word of God. Then I thought about it. I sat for longer than that under another teacher and still did not hear the Word of God. Yes, I heard it, but I was stuck in tradition and a routine. I honored God with my lips, and yet my heart was so far from His. I worshiped God at church, and yet paid more attention to pleasing those around me. Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10) I am truly convinced that the only reason why tradition within churches is still alive and well is because of this verse. Understand that a routine or structure is not a bad thing; It is necessary for order. CCM has routine and structure within our services.  But do we, as Christ followers, have a daily routine in our lives that our unlimited God never has the opportunity to enter? He enters through various ways, including through His Word, other people and the Holy Spirit. It isn’t until we truly get right with God and declare: “No more people pleasing, no more tradition, no more of my routine.  God, you show me where and how to please You.” And believe me, He will.  He’ll show you that it’s not just hearing the Word of God once or twice a week.  It is also being in the Word every day, connected to other Christ followers, and daily being led by the Spirit. It’s breaking from the routine, the tradition, and saying that my lips not only honor You, but my heart follows you, and my worship is not only in my heart, but also through my actions.

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Like Pastor Mark said, it’s never too late to start doing right. Sometime today I challenge you to be spontaneous for Him, step out of your routine, throw off the pantyhose (or that tie) and say, “Lord, whatever you ask, it will be done.” Who knows what He will tell you to do, but know that it is an opportunity from the Lord to tell someone else what an amazing God we serve.

Cultivating (Additional Reading):  Psalm 37:23; Matthew 9:9-13

 

 

MONDAY

 

“In Our Own Eyes”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.” (Numbers 13:33) I have a friend who once told me that I had a personality that reminded her of a pillow. It was a bit hard to know how to take a remark like that. Being a typical American woman, I have always felt the need to slenderize. Was she insinuating I was as overstuffed and fluffy as her bed pillow? Was she saying my personality is as dull and boring as talking to a pillow? Before I could take offense, my puzzlement must have shown because she went on to explain that she felt I was someone she could come to for comfort when she was hurting or upset. That I managed to absorb her stress without reacting, and support her when she was weary and needed a place to recuperate, like a pillow. It is hard to interpret the thoughts of others correctly. We read remarks, gestures and eye contact through the lenses of our own inner doubts and insecurities and act accordingly. We assume we know what people are thinking, when we actually have no idea. I am sure ten of the original twelve spies sent out by Moses felt like grasshoppers in their own eyes when they saw the size of the inhabitants of the Promised Land. Knowing the plan was for them to drive these people out; their insecurities shrank their size while magnifying the hulk of the Nephilim giants in their minds. In all actuality, the Israelites had their entomology wrong when it came to what the natives in the land thought of them. They were sure they looked like grasshoppers, but I believe the Nephilim were fearfully dreading an intrusion of locusts when the time came to defend their land from God’s people. Like locusts, their numbers filled the land. There appeared to be no stopping them once they were on the move, because they were led by an unearthly power. Rahab the prostitute painted the true picture of the state of mind of the inhabitants in the Promised Land. She told her guests, “I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you.” (Joshua 2:9) It doesn’t sound quite like the story those original spies told, does it? The devil is a mastermind at planting seeds of doubt and fear. He knows exactly what buttons to push to keep us bound and inactive. Those ten faithless spies listened to his lies and refused to tackle the task that would have presented them with unlimited opportunities.

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): What kinds of lies does the devil whisper in your ear when you stand on the border of Unlimited Opportunities? Does he remind you of past failures that disqualify you from future successes? Does he tell you the assignment God has given you is gargantuan and your skills are tiny? Are you struggling with feelings that others might look down on you and what you have to offer? When you think of inviting someone to church, does his voice whisper, “They would never be interested”?

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Remember that the devil is the father of lies (John 8:44) so whatever he says, the opposite must be true. Don’t be like the ten spies and listen to his exaggerations. If he is using fear and shame to keep you from God’s potential, send him packing by boldly stepping out into that new land God has set before you. It’s never too late. Start today!

Cultivating (Additional Reading): Philippians 3:13-14; Ephesians 6:9-11

 

  

TUESDAY

“Allowing Change”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): We all struggle with weaknesses and bad habits in our lives which can lead to behavior we’d all rather forget. Our ‘self-improvement’ focused society drives us to spend time, money and energy in gyms and read countless books and magazines in a vain effort to improve ourselves. The problem is that these efforts often address the effects of the problem in the body and mind rather than the source of the problem, the heart. Inevitably we fall short of our goals and disappoint ourselves and sometimes the people we love. Anyone who has tried to caringly change a loved one knows the frustration of seeing them repeat the same mistakes to the same end. There is an old phrase that goes something like this, “You can’t ask a leopard to change its spots.” Whether it’s you personally, your best friend or even your spouse, the fact is people can’t change people, but God can!

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): God alone has the ability to change our hearts for the better. The process starts with accepting the sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary; For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13, KJV) Accepting the grace of Jesus allows Him to start cleansing us and making us Holy for presentation (Ephesians 5:25-27). It is not an event, but a process that doesn’t end until we take our final earthly breath. God wants us to be changed by the truth, (John 17:17) and gives us the power of the Holy Spirit to conquer our bad habits and desires (Romans 8:9-14). To truly grow in the Lord we must open our hearts to Jesus in prayer and present ourselves humble in our imperfection. In addition, it is imperative to consistently study God’s Word, which will completely satisfy a Christ follower’s every need. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NKJV)

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): God knows how to make us the best person we can be. Submit yourselves in prayer to Jesus, and allow Him to begin to shape you. We started as wood fit only to be burned in the fire, but in prayer and studying the Word, we allow our rough edges to be smoothed and our hearts shaped. Jesus, the carpenter, has a tool for every imperfection, and He will continue to shape us until we are a gift worthy to be presented to the King of Kings.

Cultivating (Additional Reading): Hebrews 13:9, Luke 18:9-14

 

WEDNESDAY

 

“Changed lives change lives”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): A couple of weeks ago our fridge quit working. It was beyond repair. We have had many things come up lately, and finances were short, so we prayed and waited on God to provide. Over a week had passed, and I was thinking maybe it was time to stop living out of a cooler and bite the bullet. Yet on my way home from work I saw a sign propped up in front of a house saying, sale. This was the middle of the week, not a time you would usually see a garage sale. I felt God's prompting to stop and see if there was a fridge. So I did. I looked around, and there was not much there and no fridge anywhere. I talked with the man for a minute and figured I had nothing to lose, so I asked if he had a fridge for sale. When I did, he paused and got a funny look on his face and said, "Well you know, I do. We thought something was wrong with ours and bought a new one but found out the old one works fine. I will sell it to you." The price was in our budget, and when he brought it by I had the opportunity to tell him how he was an answer to prayer. We had a great conversation about the Lord. 

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): The work of God in a life is the most powerful evangelistic tool available. There are many formulas and methods out there concerning sharing Jesus. Yet before there was "The Romans Road" or "One Verse Evangelism," God was at work in individual’s lives. And how did the Gospel spread? People talked about what God had done in their lives. Remember the Samaritan woman? Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him... And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”  (John 4:28-30, 41–42) How did it start? One woman, who was not perfect, who did not have it all figured out, experienced the power of God in her life and told others. Many people wanted to see who made that difference. Did all of them believe? No, but many did. Our responsibility is not to make someone believe. It is just to tell what God has done. Give God the credit for what He has done, and some will believe.

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Changed lives change lives. My story of God's work in my life above is just as powerful as someone being relieved of their addiction to drugs or sex or whatever else. It is the power of God at work. As we talk to others about all the things God has and is doing in and through us, many people will want to know that God for themselves. How did Rahab and the people of Jericho know about what God had done? People talked about it. How will people know about how great, powerful, loving and forgiving our God is? We will have to open our mouths and tell them. We will tell anyone about a great sale or a new product. Let's start telling them of something even greater! Our God and His power at work in our lives!

Cultivating (Additional Reading):  Psalm 66

 

  THURSDAY

“Unlikely Saints”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. "Go, look over the land," he said, "especially Jericho." So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. (Joshua 2:1) Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof and said to them, "I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will save us from death. Our lives for your lives!" the men assured her. "If you don't tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the LORD gives us the land." (Joshua 2:8-14)

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): This story of Rahab should encourage our hearts and boost our confidence in God’s ability to use anyone for His glory. In spite of her occupation, God still saw a potential saint in our sweet sister. I imagine that her neighbors would have never imagined that this “lady of ill repute” would be included in the lineage of the Messiah of Israel. Yet, God directed Joshua’s spies right to her front door! I wonder if they were as surprised as she was to make their acquaintance. It’s good to know that God values the unseen, even though mankind disqualifies the outward appearance. I often wonder how many “divine appointments” I have missed because I judged the outside of the container and overlooked the “creamy vanilla filling.” Remembering that God can use anyone, at any time, should keep us from disqualifying the unlovely or the unfriendly. A prime example of His ability to take nothing and make it something is you and me! We haven’t always been this good!  In fact, some of us could probably identify quickly with Rahab. It’s comforting to know that the saints that have gone before us were not perfect, but just like us. They needed a Savior to help them see the Light!

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): I find it interesting that the king of this city knew that the spies were in town, but couldn’t find them. Just like many other kings in God’s Word, he knew something was up, but couldn’t get an exact reading on how or where. In fact, his soldiers were at Rahab’s front door, and they still didn’t catch Joshua’s spies! Amazingly, they took the word of a prostitute and flew out of town on a wild goose chase! (Which just goes to show you that when God has a plan, no one gets in the way, not even the king!) It’s good to be reminded that God is not under the obligation of the “local authority” and even though our enemy talks big, he is a conquered foe! Oh he may threaten and jeer, but he is a puny creature trying to make a big show! Even now, he knows that God is up to something, he just isn’t exactly sure of what and with whom. It frustrates him no end that he cannot read our minds and must wait until we speak to know what we’re up to. Isn’t it empowering to know that through Jesus Christ, God has elevated us above the god of this world? Remember that the devil is the father of lies (John 8:44), so whatever he says, the opposite must be true. Don’t be like the ten spies and listen to the enemy’s exaggerations. If he is using fear and shame to keep you from God’s potential, send him packing by boldly stepping out into that new land God has set before you. It’s never too late. Start today!

Cultivating (Additional Reading): Joshua 1-2

 

  FRIDAY

 

“Decision Time”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction):   It is so easy to follow the Lord when things are going as we think they should.  As Jesus was entering Jerusalem, the people were happy; the timing for the Messiah was at hand. They knew the time He was to come because of the prophecy in Daniel 9, so they were expecting Him. They were excited to follow Jesus. In their minds, things were progressing as they thought they should. Very soon, Jesus would set Himself up as king and overthrow the rule of the Romans. They were tired of the Romans telling them what they could and could not do. The Romans had taken away their right to capital punishment, and they had to get permission from the Romans to do much of anything. And they were tired of the taxes, which were very high because of corruption and massive building projects. They were ready to be a sovereign nation again. So, when Jesus came riding on a donkey after all the other miracles were performed, they knew the time for Messiah was upon them.  The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,  (Isaiah 61:1-2) Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.  (Zechariah 9:9)

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): They were looking for their king. The only problem: in a few days many of the other prophecies about Jesus would be fulfilled. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  (Isaiah 53:3) We people are just so fickle. It is easy to follow Jesus in the good times, when everything is going our way. Yet the minute we run into trouble, we start to question whether we really heard God or not. Over and over I have heard people proclaim they heard from the Lord on a direction they were taking, only to hear them say later when times got tough that it must not have been God's will because it was not easy. Whether something is easy or not has no relevance in determining if it is God's will. “... In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.  (1 Peter 4:12) There is no promise in Scripture that says all things will go as we desire, or that everything will be easy. Yet there are many promises that we will have trouble and things will be hard. But through tough times, God says, ...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.  (Matthew 28:20) Trouble will come, and things will be hard, yet we are not in it alone. The One who created and conquered the world is with us. We cannot let the circumstances of life determine our steps.

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): It is easy to let our close, personal feelings and our emotions drive our decisions.  Yet Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. (John 14:1) If we are trusting in God and His truth (the Bible), our feelings and emotions should not be at the forefront. Who God is and what the Word says should determine our every move. Our feelings and emotions should be judged and changed by the Word. We do not want to be the unstable man, blown by the wind that James talks about (James 1:6-8).  When life does not go as we think it should, we are to look back to God and His Word to determine our next step. They had problems with it 2000 years ago, and we will have the same struggle. So what is the answer?  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.  (Philippians 3:14-16)

Cultivating (Additional Reading):  James 1:2-5; 2 Corinthians 11:23-33

 

 

SATURDAY 

“Influenced”

 

Preparing the Soil (Introduction):  Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Joshua 1:8) When I was in my early 20’s I became friends with a man who, in my eyes, was very successful.  One day he said to me, “You become like the people you associate with and the books that you read.”  Since then I have reasoned that it’s a good idea for me to hang around with positive people.  I also recognized the fact that if books are highly influential, then I wanted to be influenced most by the Holy Bible.  Joshua said to the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God. (Joshua 3:9)

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth):  When I first began attending CCM, I joined a small group.  There I found that the small group leader was so well versed in the Bible that he spoke with a lot of wisdom.  After hearing how much Biblical wisdom he had, I made two very important decisions: first, to get around him as frequently as possible and second, to keep my mouth shut and listen.  Prior to having met him, the only thing I understood about Jesus was my need for obedience (I have to do this and have to do that). After having met him, I understood that it was all about having a personal relationship with Jesus, and that this relationship comes through daily prayer and time spent in God’s Word. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. (Proverbs 2:9-11)

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds.  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)  Do you spend quality time associating with individuals who are Spirit filled?  Do you spend some time every day reading from the Bible?  Do you spend time every day in prayer with Jesus?  I believe these are the only ways that you can grow spiritually: by first believing in Christ, then seeking after and following Christ, and finally associating with other Christ followers, especially those who are further along in their walk with Jesus than you are.  They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42)

Cultivating (Additional Reading):  2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 40:8

  

 

THE WEEKLY WORD WITH MARK BALMER

Can be found here:

 

http://theweeklywordmarkbalmer.blogspot.com/