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.