God Gives Peace..Craig Denison Ministries

 God Gives Peace

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

Our heavenly Father is the giver of every good gift. His mercies are vast, powerful, and real. His love has the ability to completely overwhelm and satisfy every one of our needs. Everything he gives us satisfies, transforms, and leads us to abundant life. As we spend this week stirring up our affections toward God, allow your heart to become soft and open. Allow his loving character to draw you close and provide life to every dry and weary place in your soul.

Scripture:“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints.” Psalm 85:8

Devotional:

Peace is a commodity that can only be found with time spent seeking the face of God. The world can’t offer us peace because it has nothing in which to place its hope, trust, and security. Kingdoms come and go. Leaders move in and out of power. What societies value changes like the passing of the tides. Our only constant is God. He has been, is, and forever will be the Creator, Sustainer, and Lord of all. All authority has been given to him. He governs the change of seasons. He thwarts the plans of our enemy. And he longs to offer total and sustained peace to all who place their hope and trust in him.

Isaiah 26:3 says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”Our God has peace in store for us in every situation if we will choose to keep our mind stayed on him and trust him. The world says that peace can only come when you’ve worked your fingers to the bone and have finally attained all you want. You can only have peace when you have enough money, friends, the right job, or the right spouse. You can only have peace if friends, family, and bosses like you. God’s way is to draw you into himself and offer you peace in the midst of your circumstances. He doesn’t want you to wait until everything gets worked out before you can have rest—he’s offering you rest right now.

Psalm 23 says, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul . . . . You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (Psalm 23:1-3, 5). God longs to prepare a table for you in the midst of whatever trouble surrounds you. He is calling you to keep your mind stayed on him no matter what lies before you. And he is asking you to seek his face and find your rest in him rather than toiling and striving for circumstantial peace.

Romans 8:6 says, “To set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” It’s by the Spirit alone that you will find life and peace. Stop looking for your fulfillment in the things of the world. Stop asking the world to offer you what it never had to begin with. Look toward your heavenly Father for the peace that surpasses all understanding. May you be filled with rest and peace today as you spend time in prayer seeking the face of God.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the truth that God is your sole source of peace and rest. Allow God’s word to mold and shape your perspective.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” - Psalm 23:1-3

“To set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” - Romans 8:6

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” - Isaiah 26:3

2. Where have you been running to for peace? Have you had much peace and rest in your life lately? Acknowledging your past pursuits will help you make present changes.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

3. Seek the peace that comes from placing your hope and trust in God alone. Ask the Spirit to fill you with peace in the midst of your circumstances. Let your requests be known to God, and receive the peace that comes from casting your burdens on the loving and capable shoulders of your heavenly Father.

“The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:5-7

You will be robbed of peace as soon as you turn your trust away from God and begin to live in your own strength. The only source of consistent peace is keeping your mind stayed on God. You can trust in the reality of God’s desire and ability to help you. You can wait on him if he tells you to wait. You can move when he tells you to move. Offer your understanding, actions, and emotions to him, and allow him to be Lord over them all today.

Extended Reading: Psalm 23

He Rescues Us..CRYSTAL PAINE

 He Rescues Us

CRYSTAL PAINE

“Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24 (ESV)

Last week, I took my toddler daughter, Kierstyn, out for a walk in our neighborhood. It was raining a little bit, so we bundled up in jackets before we left.

For the first 10 minutes, I was thinking how refreshing the light rain was. I felt so prepared to have thought to put on jackets so we didn’t even notice the little bit of wetness coming down from the sky.

But then the floodgates of heaven opened up on us, and it started pouring rain!

We were about three-quarters of a mile away from home. The wind was whipping around us, blowing the rain, making visibility and pushing a stroller really difficult. Within a few minutes, we were both soaked, and Kierstyn started crying.

I wasn’t sure what to do, just that I needed to get back home and get her dry ASAP. But despite pushing the stroller as quickly as I could, I was not making much progress at all because of the wind and the rain.

In the middle of her crying, us getting soaked and me feeling so bad about taking her out on a walk, I saw a car approaching us on the road. I thought, The person driving this vehicle is probably wondering who this crazy lady is taking a toddler out for a walk in a thunderstorm. 

As the car came closer, my embarrassment turned to enthusiasm and relief as I realized it was our car, and my husband was the driver! I hadn’t even thought to try to text him (much less get my phone to work in the pouring rain), but he had realized we were out in the storm and had come to rescue us.

Not only was it one of the most romantic gestures ever — especially in my cold and soaked state! — but it was such a picture to me of my heavenly Father. How often God rescues me before I even think to ask for help or even know I need help!

As Isaiah 65:24 says, “Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear.” And Psalm 18:19 says, “he rescued me, because he delighted in me” (ESV). God is always working on our behalf — often behind the scenes in ways we don’t even see or know!

When I was out there in the middle of an unexpected storm, rain-soaked and wondering what to do, my husband was at home realizing I needed help. He didn’t just think about my needing help; he got in the car and drove to physically help me.

Our heavenly Father is the same way. He not only sees us in our distress and discouragement, but He is faithful to send the physical, spiritual and emotional help we need, just when we need it.

If you are going through a storm right now, hear this encouragement: You are not alone. God is with you in the storm. Look to Him for what you need. Cry out to Him; ask Him for help as Psalm 50:15 instructs:

“… call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me” (ESV).

Our heavenly Father is a faithful, trustworthy Deliverer. And even on the stormy days, He is working on our behalf to watch out for us, carry us and rescue us.

Lord, help me to look to You instead of trying to white-knuckle through life on my own. Let me constantly remember — especially when the unexpected storms come up — that You are my Helper and my Rescuer. Thank You that I can rest in You and rely upon You and that You will be faithful, even on the dark and stormy days. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Our Caring and Able Father..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Our Caring and Able Father

Dr. Charles Stanley

2 Chronicles 20:1-4

Everyone faces challenges in life. Whether our struggles are financial, vocational, relational, or physical, we can be certain that nobody is exempt. Fortunately, we serve a God who is both interested in our problems and able to take care of them.

When trouble looms, prayer is always a good first step to take. But having a foundation upon which to build our prayers also makes a difference. Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah, faced an enormous challenge. Three different tribes--the Moabites, Amonites, and Meunites--simultaneously waged war against him. Most leaders would have crumbled under such pressure, or at the very least taken drastic measures, but Jehoshaphat was a wise king. Though afraid, he did not strike out against his enemies.Instead, knowing that God was interested in his dilemma, he "turned his attention to seek the Lord" and proclaimed a fast throughout the land (2 Chron. 20:1-3).

Jehoshaphat also knew that God, who was greater than any earthly problem, had done miraculous things for Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, and Daniel. That same God would help him, too, in his hour of need. We should never underestimate the Lord's interest in our affairs. He helped our ancestors in the Bible, and He can and will help His children today.

It's easy to think our problems are unimportant in the eyes of God, but He doesn't feel that way at all. Whatever concerns us concerns Him. If we, like Jehoshaphat, turn right to God and proclaim His power, He will intervene. And no matter how great our challenges are, God is greater.

Running to God When the Storms of Life Hit..Betsy St. Amant Haddox

 Running to God When the Storms of Life Hit (Philippians 4:6-7)

By: Betsy St. Amant Haddox

Today’s Bible Verse - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)

Storms make my miniature Schnauzer Cooper incredibly nervous. When the thunder booms, he dances around my feet, staring up at me as if to say, “Why aren’t you freaking out, too?”

The other night, we had a significant storm roll through. Cooper kept looking out the window into the darkening sky, then glancing back at me, wide-eyed and anxious. I curled up in my armchair with a hot cup of coffee and a good book, tucked my favorite blanket around me, and then looked back at him.

“Want to sit with me?” He immediately jumped into my lap as if I couldn’t have given permission soon enough. He instantly nestled against my leg, head on my knee, pressed against my hip. I alternated sips while patting him, and the storm was soon a thing of the past.

I couldn’t help but draw a comparison about how we must seem to the Lord, prancing around, wide-eyed, and anxious, fretting over things we can’t control. Thankfully, we know He has patience and love for us, just as I had compassion for my sweet fur-baby. When storms come through our lives in various forms, we tend to only hear the booming thunder, don’t we? We’re so busy staring at the black sky and swirling winds, we lose sight of the still soft voice guiding our paths, offering us shelter and comfort and warmth.

The Bible gives us clear instructions on what to do when we’re afraid or anxious. My dog Cooper can’t talk (though I believe he understands English!) so he couldn’t come to me with his requests, but if his eyes could speak, he was 100% begging to come sit with me in my cozy book and coffee nest. He sought protection in my presence.

When your life storm begins to spiral, do you run around frantic and fearful, or do you remember to “not be anxious for anything” and to “let your requests be made known to God?” The best part about this advice is that it isn’t just an arbitrary command—it comes with a promise. The second half of Philippians 4:6-7 states that when we follow these commands the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ. I don’t know about you, but me (and Cooper!) crave peace during a bad storm. In fact, that’s all we’re after, isn’t it?

Whatever you’re going through right now, don’t forget to stop, avert your eyes from the gathering storm clouds, and pray. With thanksgiving and gratitude, go to God, who is in control over every wind and wave. Crawl up in His lap with your fears and seek protection in His presence. Take it from me and Cooper—it’s the only way you’ll find peace. Eventually, the storm will subside, the sun will peek behind those fading clouds, and you’ll sit back and bask in the glory of God’s faithful promises.

A Prayer to Let the Lord Lead..Chelsey DeMatteis

 A Prayer to Let the Lord Lead

By: Chelsey DeMatteis

"For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you." John 13:15

Something I’ve found deeply enjoyable about growing older is watching the things that come to fruition that God has knit in my heart. You know, the things that make me, “me” and you, “you.” The “me and you” that was formed in our mother’s wombs. God created all of us with individual gifts, quirks, and personalities to show us the vastness of the God we serve. Within this reflection, I’m stunningly aware of how sin broke His perfection and why we needed a Savior.

I see this in how I get caught up in serving the Lord through my gifts. I begin trying to take the lead and want to work in my own strength.

The Lord began unfolding this all in my heart as I sat at a meeting with two other Christian women. I pulled up my chair, fully confident that they’d want to hear my ideas and that we’d all be on the same page. Well, I couldn’t have planned it more wrong had I tried. This nice lunch quickly turned into two of us butting heads over the way we wanted things done.

As I sat at that meeting, I felt as though my way of serving was being taken away. I felt like they were stepping all over my toes, and squandering my giftings. Does this sound like something you've experienced too?

Pride, fear, and rejection began rising up within me. All thoughts of God’s grace and His position of authority at this moment were diminished by my fleshly desire to serve the way I wanted, instead of submitting my heart to His plans.

As I made my way to my car and finally handed over my pride-filled heart to the Lord, I knew the meeting went the way it needed too and the gospel message pierced my heart again, it always does. This life is not about me and my way. Getting to serve isn’t supposed to be about me and having my plans go the way I'd prefer. It's about the Lord and His glory.

This lunch showed me much about the condition of not only my heart but everyone else's heart too. He showed me that I have to trust Him and His leading even in something as little as a lunch meeting. I was reminded that I have to take pride, fear, and rejection to the cross and put them to death so I can rightly serve The Lord in the giftings He’s given me.

I want to leave you with this: when Jesus came to serve the people of this world, He came with a heart full of humility, truth, and love. While He had all authority, He chose submission instead of demanding to be served.

John 13:15 tells us that as He washed the disciples’ feet, Jesus said this: "For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you." I pray that this leaves you trusting God’s leading. We don't need to make things happen, we just need to be obedient to God and have a heart humbly ready to serve.

Let's pray:

Lord,

Thank you for the gifts you knit within me. I pray Lord, as I live for your Kingdom, that my heart would always find itself attentive to your Holy Spirit. I pray that my heart would seek to serve you from a place of humility and honor you by honoring your truth. Help me see my pride clearly and reject it fully. Help me serve in humility and trust that you will open up opportunities for me to use my gifts and talents for your kingdom.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

The Unexpected Gift of Availability..By Laura Bailey

 The Unexpected Gift of Availability

By Laura Bailey

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Galatians 5:13 ESV

Have you ever had a conversation that radically changed your life? Perhaps you prayed, asking God for wisdom, and He sent along someone who shared exactly what you needed to hear.

After the birth of my second daughter, I became a full-time stay-at-home mom. As weeks of taking care of our girls turned to months, I became restless. In the dark, early mornings (the only time I had to myself anymore), my mind wandered. Am I wasting my talent if my days are spent caring for my children? I was used to having a schedule full of coffee dates, lunch meetings, and conference calls. No one had to wonder what I did all day because I had the sales numbers to prove my worth. I knew that my true identity was in Christ, but I was lonely and felt consumed by motherhood. 

The first time my husband and I visited the church we now call home, I'll never forget the warmth and welcoming nature of the community. I began volunteering in children's ministry and met two of the sweetest souls. Their love for the Lord and servant's heart was contagious; we quickly developed a friendship that eventually evolved into mentorship. Both of these women left the workforce when they had children, and even though they were empty-nesters, neither had returned to full-time work. 

Finding their situations odd, I asked why they never resumed working outside the home after their children were grown. Their response forever changed my perspective on the struggles of my current season. They both provided the same answer, "I wanted to be available." Available? As in no "real" purpose of their own except fulfilling the needs of others? Yes, that's precisely what they meant. These ladies had a kingdom mindset; their purpose was to glorify God and make Him known in whatever task they had that day. They shared that they felt God placed them in a unique situation. 

They believed their primary role and responsibility was stewarding their marriage and children. They did so by taking care of their families, diligently teaching them biblical truths, guiding their children to live godly lives, and disciplining and correcting them when they went astray. Next, they wanted to be active in the local church by attending Bible studies, praying for others, caring for children, and mentoring the next generation of women. Lastly, they wanted to be available to be a light in their community. They were active in outreach programs feeding the hungry and giving time to people who needed a listening ear. And on top of all that, they spent hours in prayer and Bible study.

God used these women to show me that being available is very significant to God! I pondered their response and thought of how I'd felt that my new role as a stay-at-home mom was somehow insignificant to God. I wrongly assumed God gave more critical assignments to others and left me to "just take care of the kids.

Not all kingdom assignments are glamorous; motherhood indeed isn't most days. But, when we think about Jesus' life and how he spent most of His time, we can be encouraged.

This world will feed us the lie that significance is found in a job title, a bank statement, social followers, or status. In God's Kingdom, the greatest are those who humble themselves in service to others as Jesus modeled.

One conversation with two wise women taught me that my purpose wasn't in what I could accomplish in a day but rather in how I was using my time to serve those around me. Eventually, my girls will grow up, and my days of around-the-clock mothering will diminish, leaving open opportunities on my calendar. When that time comes, may their wise advice remind me to continue making myself available and willing to serve others for God's glory, not my own. 

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Take a look at your schedule. Is there any availability for spontaneous service? Could you weave in space to foster relationships or spend time with the Lord? Pray God would provide you with margin and availability to serve others.

Further Reading:

• 1 Peter 2:9
• Colossians 3:23-24