Faith Guides Us In..Craig Denison Ministries

 Faith Guides Us In

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

Living an unveiled lifestyle is the way in which we experience the fullness of what’s available to us in our restored relationship with God. It’s a powerful lifestyle of faith, direct encounters with our heavenly Father, and life transformation. It’s when we live our lives in light of the perfect sacrifice of Jesus that we begin to experience all his death was purposed to bring us. God longs for his children to walk in intimacy with him directly connected to his wellspring of love for us. May you experience a more tangible, loving, and powerful connection with your heavenly Father this week.

Scripture: “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” Hebrews 10:22

Devotional: 

To see the living God face-to-face is to have our spiritual eyes opened through the important practice of faith. The entirety of our relationship with God really boils down to faith. By faith we trust in him even though we haven’t seen him. By faith we believe the Bible is truly his word. And it is by faith that we enter into his tangible presence where our hearts are transformed and our lives changed.

Paul prays an important prayer at the beginning of Ephesians that I believe God desires for you and me today. Ephesians 1:17-18 says, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.” We need the eyes of our hearts enlightened. We need to develop spiritual eyes to see all that is available to us in God. We need faith to guide us into the deeper things of God.

Hebrews 10:19-23 says,“Therefore, brothers,since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”

God longs for us to draw near to him. He longs for us to experience him unveiled, face-to-face with the eyes of our hearts open and our hearts full of awe and wonder. The single most exciting truth of our lives is that the God of the universe, the Creator of all, can be seen and known. Spending time with him is more satisfying, entertaining, uplifting, and better than any other way our time could be spent. If we will have the faith to make time and let God move in and on our hearts, practicing faith as God’s word tells us to, we will experience a reality unknown and unseen to the naked eye. We will experience the reality of heaven: God and man joined together in communion.

Faith is a gift given to those who cry out to know God. It is a gift given by the Holy Spirit in response to our desperation for relationship. If you will seek out more in your communion with your heavenly Father, he will respond with an increase of faith. He will answer your call by carrying you into the depths of his endless love where you belong—where you’ve always belonged.

May God grant you a “Spirit of wisdom and revelation” and open “the eyes of your heart” today as you spend time in prayer.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the importance of faith in seeking the face of 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.” Hebrews 11:6

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” Hebrews 10:22

“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened.” Ephesians 1:17-18

2. Ask God to give you an increase of faith. Ask him to open the eyes of your heart to see him. Ask him for the Spirit of wisdom of revelation in the knowledge of him. Wait on him and allow him to fill you with faith.

3. Spend time seeking the face of your heavenly Father. Rest in his presence. Allow him to show you new things about himself. Ask him how he feels about circumstances going on in your life.

“You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek.’” Psalm 27:8

May we be a people that seek out the fullness of God. May we be children awed by the beauty, majesty, mystery, and love of our Father. God has more in store for us than we could ever ask or imagine if we will seek him with all of our hearts. Fight the mediocrity of this world for the higher calling of experiencing all that God longs to give you.

Extended Reading: Psalms 27

The Beauty of Broken Jars..SUSANNA KOH

 The Beauty of Broken Jars

SUSANNA KOH FROM MALAYSIA 

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)

Editor’s Note: In Malaysia, Christians ministering to the local community are often targets of the government and extremist groups because the act of leaving the local religion to follow Jesus is illegal. Susanna Koh and her family, as well as thousands of other Malay believers, know this persecution firsthand.

In so many ways, I identify with Ruth from the Bible. Like Ruth with her Boaz, I also have a Kinsman-Redeemer. In the absence of my husband, it is God who has done everything for me.

I can honestly say God alone is the restorer of my life and soul. And just like He did for Ruth, He continues to show me He has a future and plan for my life — even in the midst of my fears and brokenness.

For the last 5 1/2 years, I haven’t seen or heard from my husband, Raymond. On February 13, 2017, in broad daylight, he was abducted with military-like precision. It took only 40 seconds. Raymond was a pastor, and when he disappeared, he and our family were leading a ministry to the unreached community. The investigation into his disappearance has now revealed that the police were involved in his abduction.

I could never have imagined a nightmare like this. Often, people ask me how I can continue on with no answers or glimmer of hope about Raymond. I’ve thought a lot about that, and I’ve come to realize the impact of being intentional to connect with Jesus every day. Fear is real and can be extremely powerful. It is a daily battle, and each day I have to put on the armor of God. (Ephesians 6) We all do.

Each morning, I spend a few hours in prayer, worship and Scripture. I pray God will give me songs and scriptures throughout the day to remind me He’s sovereign over this situation and I can rest in Him. I pray for contentment — to be grateful for what God is doing in my life right now and what He will do. Gratitude centers me and reveals what’s important. So does worship. During worship, I can feel the presence of Jesus, and His presence strengthens me.

Psalm 22:3 says God dwells in the praises of His people. In our praise, God pushes back our fear and draws nearer to us. Even when things seem hopeless, praising Him through worship brings me assurance that God is present with me in my pain and fears. And He is also present with Raymond.

Still, choosing to pray and worship can be hard. It has been so long without Raymond. Sometimes I just don't know how to pray; we have prayed so many ways, so many words. In those dark moments when fear and weariness seem to be winning, God has taught me to call out to Him for His mercy. I’ve learned He is not disappointed in me when I’m afraid. He knew we would face fear. That’s why so many of His words for us address it.

Over the last 5 1/2 years, being in God’s presence and Word have given me the strength I need to push back the darkness and continue to fight for justice. God has empowered me and emboldened my faith. Before Raymond was kidnapped, I did no public speaking and was actually quite shy. Now, I speak publicly, advocating for the return of Raymond and several others who disappeared in similar ways.

Praise God that He continues to show me there’s beauty in the brokenness. 2 Corinthians 4:7 offers the imagery of us as jars of clay: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” It’s only when the jar of clay is crushed that the fragrance — Christ Himself — pours out. And it’s only when we’re broken that we can more clearly see the grace of God in our lives. I’m so thankful that He uses my brokenness to bring glory to Himself and draw me nearer to His heart.

Jesus, thank You for being present with me in my fear. Would You help me to choose You every day and to intentionally sit at Your feet? Please continue to comfort and strengthen Susanna and her family as they live without Raymond. Give them and our global family both courage to live for Your glory and peace to walk in every trial they may face for following You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Choosing the Right Building Material..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Choosing the Right Building Material

Dr. Charles Stanley

1 Corinthians 3:12-15

Believers build their lives on the Rock of Ages: Jesus Christ. Every motive, every deed, and every word is material for our spiritual house. The apostle Paul warned followers to construct with care because on the day of judgment, fire will test the quality of each person’s work. This refers not to a literal fire but to the purifying presence of Jesus Christ.

When I stand in the Savior’s perfectly holy and just presence, all the wood, hay, and stubble in my life will disappear. Good things done with wrong motives will vanish along with secret sins and bad attitudes. Only what has been done and said in Jesus’ name remains. And the moment the chaff is gone, we will see that God is right—those things didn’t fit the life of His child.

On hearing this explanation, someone usually says, “All that matters is that I get into heaven.” But that attitude is shortsighted because the judgment of believers is about rewards. In the parable of the unrighteous steward, Jesus explained the basic concept to His disciples: “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). Our time on earth is the beginning of an eternity serving and rejoicing in the Lord. God will reward us with heavenly responsibility according to our faithfulness here.

Wise people plan for the future (Prov. 27:12).I want to receive as much of God’s goodness as He offers, so I am determined to build with top-quality, enduring materials. The privilege of serving is only the beginning of the rewards. In heaven, God’s generosity will be even more abundantly unleashed.

How to Grow in Your Salvation..by Lynette Kittle

 How to Grow in Your Salvation

by Lynette Kittle

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your Salvation”—1 Peter 2:2

Many think, once we accept Jesus as our Savior, we’ll just know what is true. However, if we aren’t studying God’s Word and feeding spiritually on His truth, we’re vulnerable to living more by what we feel than what is true, which over time is sure to lead us astray.

Too often we don’t realize if we don’t know the Word of God, even when we are believers, we can be led astray. Knowing what Scripture says helps us to discern if what we are hearing and reading is based on God’s truth or on the enemy’s lies.

Like 1 Peter 2:2 encourages, when it comes to the Word of God, we want to be like newborn babies who crave pure spiritual milk, so that we may grow up in our Salvation.

So what is this pure spiritual milk? Hebrews 5:12 explains how the elementary truths of God’s Word is the milk needed for our lives to grow spiritually and mature, so that we can progress to eating solid foods, which are the deeper truths.

If we don’t feed on Scripture, 1 Corinthians 3:1 describes what stage of spiritual growth we’ll remain in. “Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ.”

So why is it so important to grow spiritually as a Christian? Isn’t it enough to be saved?

1 Timothy 4:1, points out the dangers of not growing in our faith. “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”

If we don’t grow in our knowledge of God’s Word, we become vulnerable to being deceived and led astray by the evil one. 2 Timothy 4:3, warns of what can happen if we haven’t matured in our faith. “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desire, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”

So what can we do to make sure we’re progressing in our spiritual growth? 2 Timothy 2:15 urges us to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

So many Christians become discouraged, feeling like they can’t even read God’s Word on their own, thinking they don’t have the education or capability to understand it. However, Jesus tells us in John 14:26, we can rely on the Holy Spirit to teach us all things.

As well, if we are diligent to read it, we will gain understanding and grow in our Salvation knowing, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrew 4:12).

A Prayer to Embrace God’s Grace and Mercy..Tiffany Curtis

 A Prayer to Embrace God’s Grace and Mercy

By Tiffany Curtis

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” - Hebrews 4:15-16

Overall, I was a pretty good kid growing up (and yes, my parents would actually attest to that!). But on the occasions where I found myself in the wrong – whether on accident or not – my first instinct was to hide. 

A vivid memory remains in my mind of the time my sister went to see The Nutcracker ballet, and proudly brought home a large, fully wax, nutcracker candle souvenir. One night, as I sat at the foot of her bed admiring the nutcracker candle, I picked a little piece of wax away with my tiny fingernail. Before I knew it, I was sitting with a pile of wax shavings in front of me, and a very sad, very unrecognizable nutcracker in my hands. I was caught in the act, and there was no hiding what I had done.

There was no ill will in me destroying this treasured souvenir, and my parents knew this. But when it came time for me to take accountability for what I had done, that’s when I tried to hide. The evidence was, literally, all over my hands as I looked my parents in the eyes and told them it “wasn’t me” who did it. Oh, and by the way, my sister and I are their only children. You can imagine the smirks as my parents undoubtedly thought to themselves… “who else would have done it?” My shame overtook me and caused me to hide from my problems rather than confess and be free of them. Desperately trying to cover up and refuse to admit to it only made my shame, and the situation itself, so much worse.

We may blame Adam and Eve for disobeying God and allowing sin to enter the world, but I don’t think any of us blame them for hiding from Him afterward. They knew what they had done, and they knew that God knew. But their shame forced them to hide from Him. We’ve all felt that awful feeling of shame - knowing what’s done is done, and we cannot take it back no matter how remorseful we may be. We see our weaknesses as just that – weaknesses. And we hate to admit it when we give in to them.

Hebrews 15 tells us that Christ empathizes with our weaknesses. He gets it. He walked through the same temptations that we face, but our hope is found in this: He did not sin. And this was not done so that he could sit back and say, “Shame on you - if I can do it, anyone can!” No – He lived the perfect life so that His mercy and grace could be freely extended to us when we falter.

It is our job, then, to approach God’s throne with confidence. This isn’t always easy when we’re natural hiders! But God assures us that in our time of need, He is more than ready to help us. So, boldly embrace God’s grace and mercy today. Humbly accept His help. Rest in His empathy – He loves us and truly desires for us to let go of shame and live in His presence.

Let’s Pray:

Lord Jesus,
Thank you for the grace and mercy you extend to us. Our sinful nature tells us to sit in our shame and to hide from your light. But you came to this earth and lived the perfect life so that we no longer need to be shackled by our sins. True freedom is found when we lay down our pride and bring our weaknesses to you. 

Thank you for walking through this sinful world. You understand how we are tempted because you were tempted as well, yet never sinned. Your empathy allows us to bring every worry, every fear, and every fault to your feet because we know that you understand. 

Help us to approach your throne with confidence because it is a throne of mercy. When we try to hide our sin and shame, remind us of your boundless grace. I pray that we would draw nearer to you no matter what we’re going through. Your Word promises that you will give us gracious help in our time of need – help us to believe that today!
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

The Freedom of Integrity..Clarence L. Haynes Jr.

 The Freedom of Integrity

By Clarence L. Haynes Jr.

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” – Proverbs 10:9

I went to pick up my daughter from school and as I was driving, my mind was drifting, thinking about this word integrity. Eventually I was brought back to a time in my early twenties when I was serving in the children’s ministry at church. One of the leaders handed me a card. I cannot remember why he gave it to me, but I believe it was a thank you for serving. When I opened the card, he had written one sentence in it. I had never heard these words before, but I quickly realized these words were wisdom for life. Here is what he wrote “Character is who you are when no one is watching.” Over the last three decades of my life, those words have always rung true in my heart.

For a few moments today I want you to think about the freedom of integrity. Every one of us has two lives. There is the life you live in front of everyone else (your public life), and there is the life you live behind closed doors (your private life). The perception of who you are is determined by your public life, which is what you show to the world. The reality of who you are is demonstrated in your private life, which only you and God know. Yes, your family and those you live with can see you up close and can peak into some of your private moments, but there are still parts of you they may not know. I want you to let this question simmer in your heart and mind today. Does the public you match the private you? Is the person you show to everyone else, the same person you look at in the mirror every day? I have discovered that the difference between those two people is your character. So where does your character lie?

In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon reminds us of the security, and I will add freedom, that come with walking in integrity and living a life of character. To sum it up in my own words, when you walk with integrity you don’t have to look over your shoulder. There is freedom in knowing you don’t have to worry if someone looks at your text messages, or checks your emails, or investigates your finances because everything is above board and there is nothing to hide. Can you feel how liberating that is? This is one reason why integrity matters so much. When you demonstrate integrity in the parts of your life that no one sees, you can walk freely in the parts that everyone sees. 

As you look through the channels of history, there are countless tales of people who gave the appearance of being men and women of character and integrity. However, when the curtain was pulled back it exposed something different than what they portrayed in the public eye. This is not the freedom God wants you to live with. People who secretly live in sin or who lack integrity live with a constant nagging in the back of their mind, wondering if or when they will get caught and the truth revealed. This becomes an ensnarement to them. Here is how Solomon wrote it.

“An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him.” – Proverbs 5:22 (NLT)

Have you ever seen the downward spiral of a person trapped in their own sin? Usually, it compounds, and one sin leads to greater sin which leads to further captivity. The first sin usually requires a cover up, which leads to more sin in the process. Just think about David and Bathsheba if you need an example. This is not the prison God wants you to live in but thankfully your integrity can unlock the prison door and set you free.

Today I want to issue you a challenge. God is calling you and me to walk with integrity and be people of character. The life of integrity is not always the smoothest or easiest of roads. There will be opportunities to compromise along the way. Just recognize that each compromise makes your footing less and less secure, and it is only a matter of time before your world will begin to crumble around you. But if you will choose to walk with integrity, your feet will stand secure regardless of what comes against you.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
As you walk through today, think about these three questions.

• Who are you when the world is watching?
• Who are you when no one is watching?
• What is the difference between these two?

Remember, the real you is the person you are when no one is watching. Don’t spend your life trying to look the part to please the world. Spend your time trying to be the part to please God.