At the Heart of Faith...Craig Denison Ministries

 At the Heart of Faith

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith is the undercurrent of everything we do as followers of Jesus. Without faith we lose all that Christ died to give us while here on earth. It is by faith we access the peace, joy, guidance, love, and purpose that comes from restored relationship with our heavenly Father. As we seek an increase in faith in response to God’s faithfulness this week, may you experience a greater depth of intimacy with your living, Almighty, and loving heavenly Father.

Scripture:“That your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:5

Devotional:    

As believers living our lives founded on the hope given to us by God, faith is our lifeblood. Without faith we have nothing. Without faith, all sense of purpose, value, and joy in present trials and circumstances scatters as dust in the wind. But with faith we discover a wellspring of life with its origins found in the faithfulness of our Creator God. With faith we experience the effects of promises made to us by our living, loving, active, and trustworthy heavenly Father. With faith the abundant life God desires for us is removed from a shroud of doubt, fear, and hopelessness and becomes our reality. So what’s at the heart of this incredible gift of faith? How do we as children of God access the life-giving fruits of faith?

The Bible defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Hebrews 11 continues in verses 2-7 saying,

For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Hebrews 11 tells us that faith is simply this: trusting in our God who is completely and altogether faithful. Faith is the natural response to a revelation of God’s faithfulness.

We are to live entirely by faith, or entirely in response to God’s faithfulness. Every action, thought, emotion, word, and perspective is meant to be founded on the faithfulness of our heavenly Father. Abel offered a more acceptable sacrifice because he had a greater revelation and trust of God’s faithfulness. Enoch was saved from earthly death because he pleased God with his faith. Hebrews 11:6 makes it abundantly clear: “Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” We are to believe in the reality of God and to trust that he will reward us when we seek him. In other words, we are to live our lives entirely out of the revelation of God’s faithfulness. And Romans 4:20-21 says in reference to Abraham, “No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” We are to be children convinced of the overwhelming ability of God to move and work in our lives.

Where do you lack faith today? What areas of your life have you taken into your own hands? Where are you full of fear, anxiety, depression, or hopelessness today? Know that the path to faith in those areas is paved with fresh revelation of God’s faithfulness. 2 Timothy 2:13 says, “If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.” Your God will always be faithful to you. You can trust him with any problem you are going through. He longs to work in your favor.

Seek out a greater understanding of your God’s faithfulness and allow your heart to be transformed. Spend time in prayer meditating on the character of your heavenly Father and allowing the Holy Spirit to do a work in your heart on a level that would fill you with the ability and desire to live entirely in faith.           

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on how Scripture defines faith.

“No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” Romans 4:20-21

“That your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:5

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

2. Reflect on any areas in your own life where you struggle with faith. What areas do you seem to live out in your own strength? What anxiety or fear consistently comes against you?

3. Meditate on the faithfulness of your heavenly Father. Allow God’s faithfulness to wash away any fear or anxiety you struggle with. Allow his amazing character to fill you with hope, joy, and peace.

“If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13

“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9

“For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.” Psalm 33:4

“Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.” Psalm 36:5

The Scriptures declaring the faithfulness of God go on and on. All of the earth finds its life as the result of God’s faithfulness to his promises. We live and breathe by the goodness and love of our God. God longs to give you a tangible story of his faithfulness. He longs to work in your life specifically and uniquely. Open up your life to him, ask him for his help, and watch as he works faithfully in your midst. Your God loves you, cares about you, and is for you. May you experience the abundant life only faith can bring you today.

Extended Reading: Hebrews 11

The Secret of Contentment...Dr. Charles Stanley

 The Secret of Contentment

Dr. Charles Stanley

Philippians 4:4-13

In today's reading, the apostle Paul says he has learned the secret of experiencing contentment in all circumstances, good or bad. Does it surprise you that he wrote this when he was in prison, unsure of his future?

We're often discontent even when all is going well. Consequently, we wonder how it's possible to be truly content during our most difficult trials, especially when there's no end in sight. So what is genuine contentment? Paul is speaking of a freedom from worry and frustration about everything in life--even unfulfilled desires.

It's usually when we cannot control or change our situation that we feel discontentment. As long as our satisfaction depends on whether certain things actually work out, we'll allow circumstances to cheat us out of peace. I'm not saying there's some spiritual stage where you will never again experience anxiety or frustration. But what matters is how we respond when those feelings grip us.

This is something that the apostle had to learn. Paul endured amazing suffering, from shipwrecks and hunger to unjust imprisonment and beatings (2 Cor. 11:24-30). He had gone through countless situations that were uncertain, extraordinarily painful, and seemingly hopeless. But he finally discovered that contentment could not be dependent upon his circumstances.

How do you respond when circumstances are out of your control? Do you get angry? Do you try to escape? Does despair make you want to give up? Paul chose to give his anxieties to Jesus in exchange for peace that "surpasses all comprehension" (Phil. 4:7). That same peace is available to you!

Jesus Cares About Your Joy...by Melissa B. Kruger

 Jesus Cares About Your Joy

by Melissa B. Kruger

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
John 15:11

Last words matter. When someone dies, we often think back to our final conversation, remembering and reflecting on what we said to each other. I hope my final words will be full of love and care for those I leave behind.

On the night before He died, Jesus shared a final meal and conversation with His disciples. Though they didn’t understand that Jesus was about to die, Jesus knew His time was short. What was Jesus concerned about as He prepared to leave those He loved?

The apostle John recorded much of their conversation. In John 14–16 we read that Jesus comforted His disciples and encouraged them to not be troubled. He assured them that although He was going away, He would come back for them. He told them that if they loved Him, they would obey Him. He explained that the Spirit would come and dwell within them and be with them always.

He also taught them to abide. He told them He was the Vine and they were the branches. Apart from Jesus they could do nothing. They’d be dry and useless. But if they would abide in His Word and in prayer and obey His commandments, they would bear much fruit—all to the glory of God.

And then Jesus explained why He was telling them all these things. His answer is somewhat surprising. We get so caught up in what we’re supposed to do that we often forget the reason Jesus wants us to do what He’s asking.

As Jesus spoke these words, He was on His way to the cross. He was preparing to endure unimaginable pain. At this moment, what was on His mind? What goal prompted His last words to those He loved?

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” ( John 15:11).

Jesus was concerned about our joy.

As I write these words right now, my eyes brim with tears. Love so amazing, so divine! At the height of His own agony, His love desired my joy and yours. It’s unbelievable, isn’t it? For the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the cross ( Hebrews 12:2).

And Jesus wasn’t hoping for us to have a little bit of happiness. He wants us to have fullness of joy—overflowing, abundant. Our joy matters to Jesus.

Here’s what Jesus knows: He knows that joy isn’t found in the latest and greatest new gadget. It’s not found in getting our way or having more money, more friends, or more adventures.

Jesus is the source of our joy, and He’s the sustainer of it. Apart from Him, our lives are made up of empty, meaningless attempts to find satisfaction. We wander, desperately thirsty until we drink from Him. He’s the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega. Every good gift is from His hand, and nothing good exists apart from Him. Our desire for joy is ultimately a desire for Jesus.

Joy begins with salvation and increases as we experience true fellowship, understand Christ’s lordship, partake in Christ’s humility, and obey God’s Word. As we grow in faith, our desires change. We long to know Jesus. We place our hope in heavenly joys rather than earthly circumstances. We pray with thanksgiving rather than fret with anxiety. We give generously to further the work of the gospel.

Just as Paul learned the secret of being content in plenty and in need, as we grow in our dependence on God, we bloom into women of joy. By relying on God, we grow in courage, saying with Paul, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (NIV).

May His joy be in you, and may it be full.

God Is Our Refuge in Times of Trouble...By Jessica Van Roekel

 God Is Our Refuge in Times of Trouble

By Jessica Van Roekel

“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:8-10

“No offense.” That’s how an email detailing my faults as a leader ended. I closed my email program and turned off all notifications for the rest of the night. I felt disregarded and dismissed yet needed to march forward in my role. I hid for a few brief hours and then needed to face the world again even though I wanted to run far, far away. But I couldn’t. This wasn’t a situation where moving across the country or running away was the appropriate response. I needed to make the Lord my refuge while facing the battle waged against my leadership.

Troubles blow into our lives like storms. Sometimes they blow up out of nowhere. Other times, you can see the clouds gathering and blotting out the sun before it reaches you. This world has troubles. People and circumstances can seem to conspire against us. It can feel like we’re on the defense more than we are on the offense. There are those who rub us the wrong way and know the right buttons to press to get us to react poorly. It’s in these moments that our character gets refined. These times in our lives allow our belief about God and who he says he is to get put into action.

David wrote a plaintive prayer from the cave of Adullam where he hid from King Saul who was determined to kill him. David had gone from hero status after he defeated Goliath to a lonely, fugitive in a dark cave. He looked and saw no one who cared. His refuge was more like a prison because of his life on the run. But he turned his heart to God and his faith didn’t waver. He declared that God was his true refuge and that he expected God’s deliverance. David declared this while his life was in danger and while he faced a relentless enemy.

What are you wanting to hide from?

Facing battles is a normal part of life, but God has promised to be our refuge. Refuge in battle seems a little contradictory, but it’s the great rescue God has given us. In the heat of a battle, choices get made and we wound others and receive wounds. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but it’s far easier to respond with anger. A trusting heart in God’s goodness guides the way for faith to grow in challenging circumstances. And knowing how to find refuge in the Lord is one of the ways we can face our battles with courage.

In him we have hope, but when we walk outside of his hope, we struggle with hopelessness. In him we’re able to endure, but when we choose not to trust in him, we grow tempted to quit. When we submit to him, by running to him for help and trust, we make him our refuge. It’s in the refuge place where we find healing for our wounds. We find strength to face perpetual difficulties. It’s where we learn to be gracious to those who hurt us. The refuge place is where we learn to forgive and lean on God’s understanding instead of the constant, “Why is this happening to me again?”

Intersecting Faith and Life:
The next time you find yourself facing an overwhelming situation, allow yourself to be overwhelmed by God. He loves you. He cares for you. He is able to make good out of bad situations. It’s okay to take a step back to process the hurt and confusion you feel. Then, place your energy into trusting God instead of fretting about your circumstances. I know how tempting it is to replay scenarios imagining a different conversation or outcome. Turn the repeat button off. Let the Lord minister to your heart as you spend time in prayer and worship. His Word has everything you need, and you can meet him in those moments when you read a passage of the Bible, pray, or worship him.

God longs to be your refuge, run to him today with your worries, fears, and regrets. He will meet you in the mess and bring you peace and strength to stand again.

Further Reading:

1. Psalm 142