Based on “Unlimited Opportunities, Part 1” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 1/8-9/11,
Message #MB446; Daily Devotional #4 - “God’s Bucket List”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): “The one thing I would like to do before I die would be to……..” Most likely, we can all think of something we were never able to accomplish. We may even have regret over that goal we were never able to reach. As time goes on, we may forget about these unaccomplished goals or think of them as unfulfilled “dreams.” There are books, movies, and websites available that will teach us how to create a “bucket list” of things that we would like to do before we die. These various forms of media often include suggestions for travel, marriage, and meeting financial goals. They may also include “personal developments” such as learning to forgive or beginning a project that will bring one “happiness.” “Bucket lists” are often devised from our desire to fulfill our forgotten dreams before we die. But in truth, they will probably do little to provide the fulfillment we are seeking, unless we change the words.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21) There is nothing that we can obtain from this world that is going to fulfill all our dreams. We will not find comfort in the possessions we amass, the travel itineraries we have fulfilled, or the clothing that we are adorned in on the day Lord calls us home. “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:28-31) Solomon set out to seek understanding through “wisdom, madness and folly” (Ecclesiastes 1:17). He discovered that a life without God, even having great wealth and wisdom, was a life spent “chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14).
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:31-33) God does not deny us earthly blessings, but Jesus tells us not to focus all our time and energy in attaining these things. God will provide them for us if we follow Him. God promises that He will not only reveal His plans for us but also promises to provide us with what we need to accomplish His goals for us. What if we were to change the original statement to say, “If there is one thing I believe God wants me to do before I die, it would be to ………..” Start filling in God’s bucket list.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): 2 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 3:20
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