Breaking Down Every Barrier

Pastor Mark Balmer is doing a series right now called "Enjoying Marriage on the River of Life".  This devotion was written by one of the staff based off of part 3 of that series.  Enjoy.

Breaking Down Every Barrier Posted: 24 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT Based on “Enjoying Marriage on the River of Life, Part 3” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 9/18-19/10, Message #MB423; Daily Devotional #5 - “Breaking Down Every Barrier” Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? (Amos 3:3) In recent times, we have witnessed various fallouts in our society, especially economically. Banks have been bought out, financial institutions closed down, and investments have lost value.  A book I studied as a young student referred to chaos in the society and described how “things fall apart and the center can no longer hold”.  In a world where nothing is constant and everything is subject to change, God’s Word and love for us is steadfast and unchanging (Lamentations 3:22-23). There is hope for relationships, marriages, and homes today. Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans: 5:5).  Satan is out to destroy our homes and marriages, but Jesus came so that we may live life to the fullest (John 10:10). God is love, and an essential part of the marriage triangle, the ‘bond’ that holds it all together. Understanding the purpose and how to love begins with a personal relationship with God. Coming to God, just as we are, opens the door for Him to teach our hearts how to respond to His love (1 John 4:19). When God gives us the ability to love just like He does, then we start to comprehend the depth of His agape love for us. Humanly speaking, we cannot effectively love someone else in our own strength; it only results in what I describe as ‘conditional love’. God’s love for us is unconditional, and He wants us to love unconditionally as well.  This unconditional love does not depend on what someone does or owns. God’s love in our marriage helps us love in all areas. Relationships are no longer a constant struggle as we obey God’s command in response to His love for us. Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us. (Ephesians 3:20) Where are we presently on the river of life? It all depends on if Jesus is in or out of our boat. Even as believers, it is possible for Jesus to be out of the boat! Sometimes our marriages are in trouble because we have built various barriers around ourselves. They could be barriers resulting from offenses, bitterness, pride, and even financial problems. All these barriers are strategies from the enemy and not of God. God has the power to break down every barrier in our relationships and marriages. Let God have His way in your life.  He has a greater purpose for you and your home. Christ follower, you can make it! God wants you to be a shining light in your world and has given you all you need to accomplish that. Cultivating (Additional Reading): 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 LO Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673 All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.

Truly Organic

So ~ I have a lot of friends that have chosen to live "Organic".  I think it's pretty cool.  I myself am an ice cream, sugar  and soda addict, so I haven't quite made the switch ~ however ~ I did want to post some views on living Organic. I think it's very important to see the similarities in living Organic Spiritually and living Organic Physically ~ so ~ here goes.


People that eat Organic food are concerned about what goes into their bodies.  Today we have to be so careful about what we eat.  Sometimes, I'm not so sure those nuggets are actually Chicken if you know what I mean.  But I wonder ~ are we as concerned with what goes into our Spirits?


Now, like I said, I'm not the "Organic Queen" but I know a little bit about how Organic people live (thanks to Dina).  They are dedicated to living a certain way.  They spend time, money and effort on being Organic.  I have several friends that have started planting their own gardens.  Others only shop at certain stores and buy certain items.  They take time to plan out their meals and make sure they are doing their best to have the best foods and products for their families.  They exercise their beliefs and have made "Organic" their lifestyle.  They are dedicated and no one can take them off course.  I believe this is the way we should live.  I haven't quite mastered it myself, but I figure no one is perfect and we're all striving, right.


Here are some questions I want to throw out ~ just something to think about  


Are we as dedicated in our spiritual walk as people are to live Organic?  Do we take time daily in the Word of God to make sure that we are doing our best and giving our families the best?  Do we exercise our faith like we do our bodies?  When I look at my own life, the answers would have to be no.  See, I will NOT be late to go to a movie, a sporting event or a concert ~ but let me tell you what ~ it's a miracle if my family is on time to church.  Kinda shows where our priorities lie doesn't it?


See, the Bible says in Philippians 4:8 ~ Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.


I don't know about you ~ but when I evaluated what I was watching on T.V., or at the movies, what I was listening to on the radio ~ it didn't really match up with that verse.  See ~ the inappropriate language, the sex, the violence, the anger, rage, hatred, disrespect, lust, etc started to become part of my life ~ it's what was on the inside and it started coming out ~ hmmm ~ how can I expect God to work things out for my good ~ when I'm meditating on things that aren't pleasing to Him?


When we take in the wrong food, or too much food goes into our bodies ~ we suffer.  We get sick, over weight, can have serious health issues ~ we just don't feel good.  The same goes for our spiritual lives.  If we take in the wrong musical lyrics, movies, T.V. shows, friends ~ we suffer.  We become accustomed to things the world says are okay ~ even if God says it is not okay and then all of a sudden, we are OF the world ~ not just IN it.


Now, every one of my friends that has kids knows, if your child is any where near me ~ I will be the FIRST to give them candy, soda, ice cream, etc.  Some parents don't mind.  Others do ~ and they have every right to be concerned about what goes into their child's body.  My question to all you parents out there is this ~ are you just as concerned ~ if not more ~ about what goes into their mind and spirit as you are about what goes into their mouth?  Are you as concerned about what YOU are watching on T.V. that they are seeing?  Even if they aren't old enough to know what's going on ~ the images they see, last a life time.  Do you care enough to be concerned about damaging their minds or are you only concerned with what vaccinations will do to them?


The Bible teaches us that we don't just have an obligation to our children physically.  We are to train them up in the ways of the Lord, so when they are old they won't depart from it.  Do we live our lives so on fire for Christ that they see that in us?  Do they "taste and see that the Lord is good" and how to live properly or do they only learn how to eat properly?  


We can't just know about eating right and exercising and expect our bodies to look great ... we have to do the work.  Same thing with our spiritual lives ~ we can't just listen to what the pastor says or just "read" the Bible.  We have to take action and apply it to our every day lives.  When we do this ~ people will see the difference in us and desire to know more about "how we got like that". They will ask, "Can you show me how?" just like they do when you have an awesome physical body and they want you to train them.


What happens when you're a health nut and you "sneak" junk food in private?  People don't notice right?  Well, eventually they start to see the extra pounds ... the breakouts on your face ... your insides get messed up.  When you have "secret sin" people start to see the extra weight you're carrying around as well.  Your attitude and priorities are messed up as well as your insides and that comes out for everyone to see.  


What's the point you may ask.  Has Kymm fallen off her rocker?  Nope!  Am I saying that you shouldn't watch T.V. or go to the movies or listen to music?  Nope.  Not at all ~ just wondering if what we focus on is contrary to the Bible. I challenge you to reference your life ~ what you watch ~ what you listen to ~ where you go ~ against Philippians 4:8 ~ if need be ~ ask the Lord to help you make the necessary adjustments.


Living Organic is hard, but it's not so bad.  I want to eat healthier, live healthier and be healthier.  I just don't always have the desire to put those wants in to action.  But here's my view on living the Spiritually Organic Life ~ Love God FIRST ~ with all your heart ~ and the desires of your heart will be to serve Him and follow His commands.

True Success

Has anyone ever seen the movie Castaway with Tom Hanks?

In the movie, Tom plays a Fed Ex employee that gets stranded on a deserted island for years and to keep his sanity, he talks to a soccer ball he has named, Wilson.

I'm just wondering if anyone out there has ever felt like they have been stuck on a deserted island.  Like you’re all alone and no one cares for you?  Like you’ve been forgotten?

In the movie – there is a Fed Ex box that has survived the crash and Hanks feels compelled to deliver the box should he ever get off the island.  Any of you ever wonder what was in that box?

There was a Fed Ex commercial made to show how their employees will deliver your packages no matter what, and the “Castaway” finally was able to deliver the package.  In the clip, they give their version of what was in the box:

·          A satellite phone

·          A GPS locator

·          A fishing pole

·          A water purifier

·          Seeds for planting a garden

Every one of these items could have changed his life and saved him from 5 years of pain and suffering on this deserted island – IF HE HAD JUST OPENED THE BOX.  Each item could have saved him in different ways.  For example:

·          He had to hunt and scrounge around for food – eating things that weren’t too great.  If he would have found the seeds in the box, he could have planted his food.  It would have been right there at his finger tips.  Same goes for the fishing pole.  He could have used it to catch fish everyday and he would have eaten well.  Instead – he nearly starved to death.

·          He could have used the satellite phone to call for help or turned on the GPS locator.  The coast guard could have come and gotten him in a matter of hours.  Instead he stayed there for 5 years.

·          Instead of having dirty water – he could have had clean drinking water.

ALL HE HAD TO DO WAS OPEN THE BOX!!!!!

Now let’s talk about us.  We all feel like we too are on a deserted island.  Like no one cares, we’re alone and sometimes we feel like there is no escape, no help, no salvation from our situations.

Friends – God has sent us a “Fed Ex” box with the exact tools we need to get through our daily lives without struggling – to make the hard times a lot smoother – we just have to open the box – that box is the Word of God.

John 10:10 says, “A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life—life in all its fullness.”  The devil is the thief that this verse talks about.  He comes and tricks us into believing that we’re no good.  That God can never love us, but God says differently.

See, God Loves YOU.  God wants to make sure that you know that He will do anything and everything He can for you to know that He wants you to be in His family.  He doesn’t care what you’ve done – He doesn’t care that you have tattoos – He doesn’t care that you’ve done drugs – He doesn’t care that you have stolen something – He doesn’t even care if you’ve murdered someone - He doesn't care if you're a "good person" - He doesn’t care about ANY of the things you have done to keep yourself from Him and your heart hard towards Him – HE CARES ABOUT YOU and He wants you to live life to the fullest.

Revelation 21:4-6 says “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain, because all the old ways are gone."    The One who was sitting on the throne said, "Look! I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this, because these words are true and can be trusted."    The One on the throne said to me, "It is finished. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give free water from the spring of the water of life to anyone who is thirsty. 


God wants to make you brand new today.  All we have to do is ask God to forgive us and He does.  See with God, through Jesus, there is SUCCESS after failure.  You may feel like you’re a failure, society may even tell you you’re a failure – but if you have been made new in Christ – He sees you BRAND NEW.


I know that sometimes, in our situations, it may seem that there is no way out.  There is no way to do what God would want us to do because life is just too hard, but that is not the case.  See, when you have God’s wisdom, you see the correct way to deal with situations.  To get God’s wisdom – you have to spend time with HIM daily.


In the Bible – you will find murders, thieves, adulterers, drunkards, molesters, rapists, liars, cheats, you name it – you can find it in the Bible.  And when they asked God for forgiveness – He forgave each and every one of them without hesitation.


The Bible says in Acts 16:31 “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.”  Now, a lot of people believe in Jesus or in God, but that doesn’t mean that they are or will be saved.  The belief that the Bible is talking about is the belief that causes you to act differently.  You believe in God so much that you desire to obey His Word and nothing else matters.


A lot of Christians teach that in order to be saved or to be a Christian – you have to follow the do’s and don’ts – I however do not believe that.  I believe that if you love God FIRST above all else – you can then do whatever you want.  The reason I believe this is because if I love God FIRST – I really love Him and Trust Him and put Him above everything – I am only going to want to do the things that are pleasing to Him.  The things that He says in the Word that I should do.  That is what the Bible means when it says if you “Believe” you will be saved.


Today, I just want you to remember that God loves You.  He died for You and would have done so – if you were the only person on the earth.  Remember, He doesn’t care about your past – He cares about your present and your future.  If God doesn’t have access to your heart – you will never change.  Today – give him access to your heart – choose to believe in Him like never before – trust Him and let Him change your life so that you can become successful.