The Simplicity of Grace..Craig Denison Ministries

 The Simplicity of Grace

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

The Christian life is meant to be marked by simplicity. Jesus summed up our purpose with two statements: love God and love people. But in our humanity we have made complex what God designed to be peaceful, purposeful, and simple. A. W. Tozer remarks in The Pursuit of God, “Every age has its own characteristics. Right now we are in an age of religious complexity. The simplicity which is in Christ is rarely found among us. In its stead are programs, methods, organizations and a world of nervous activities which occupy time and attention but can never satisfy the longing of the heart. The shallowness of our inner experience, the hollowness of our worship, and that servile imitation of the world which marks our promotional methods all testify that we in this day, know God only imperfectly, and the peace of God scarcely at all. If we would find God amid all the religious externals, we must first determine to find Him, and then proceed in the way of simplicity.” May we discover the peace and joy that come from pursuing a simple Christianity this week.

Scripture:“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.” >1 Corinthians 15:10

Devotional: 

Grace is a glorious commodity of heaven that can only be received and experienced in surrender to the will and love of our heavenly Father. Our world is unable to offer grace because it is in a constant state of need, and grace can only be offered from a place of true wholeness and love. In utter completeness, our God is able to offer us grace because he needs nothing from us in return. He requires nothing of us, so he offers us everything apart from any ability or inherent value we possess.

Grace comprises the core of the Christian foundation. It’s God’s grace that drove him to send his Son as payment for our sins. It’s through grace that we enter into the fullness of restored relationship with our good Father. It’s through grace that we receive forgiveness for our sins. And it’s in the simplicity of grace that we are transformed into the very image of our Savior.

I find myself continually missing out on all that God’s grace offers me. I retreat into a lifestyle of works where I try to earn what God has already given me. I work for the love of my heavenly Father and others, vying for affection rather than receiving the ceaseless love of God for me. I strive and work for holiness and righteousness instead of simply aligning myself with the new nature of freedom God has offered me in grace.

1 Corinthians 15:10 says, “By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain.” Can you say today that you are what you are by the grace of God? Is your life marked by and founded on God’s limitless supply of grace? Are your emotions, perspectives, pursuits, and relationships founded on the notion that God loves you simply because he loves you? Have you found total security and rest in the loving embrace of a God who longs to fill you, sustain you, bless you, provide for you, and love you simply because it’s his desire?

Allow God to fill you with a fresh revelation of his grace today. Come before him with an open heart, and allow the truth of his unceasing and grace-filled love wash through you. Allow him to cast out any fear, toil, or burden that is keeping you from the abundant life available to you. Spend time in guided prayer being transformed by the simplicity of grace.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the principles of grace. How does it work? Where does it come from? How can you experience it?Allow God’s word to lay a foundation of grace by which you live.

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.” >1 Corinthians 15:10

“For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” >Galatians 2:19-21

2. In what ways are you living a works-based life? Where do you need a fresh vision for living by grace?

3. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a fresh vision for how deeply God’s grace goes in any and every circumstance you face. Ask him to fill you with a fresh revelation of how deeply he loves you regardless of what you do. Allow him to lead you into a lifestyle of living by grace in every pursuit, relationship, thought, and perspective.

Living in response to God’s love rather than working to earn it changes everything. It eliminates the pressures of this world that are founded upon personal success in every area of life. It frees us to live joyfully and satisfied rather than incomplete and in a constant state of want. May you make time throughout your day today to receive a fresh revelation of grace. May you discover through grace the life Jesus died to freely give. May you discover how wonderful it is to be loved by a God who requires nothing of you before he gives you everything.

Extended Reading: Ephesians 2

He Who Holds the Pillars Firm..SARAH FREYMUTH

 He Who Holds the Pillars Firm

SARAH FREYMUTH

“When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm.” Psalm 75:3 (NIV)

It’s been a roller-coaster time for my family: My 2-month-old nephew has been hospitalized for bacterial meningitis.

His sweet little body flush with fever. Swelling in the brain, at the base by his spinal cord. A PICC line to better receive antibiotics rather than struggle with his tiny veins.

The days drag, slow, uncertain. We don’t have answers to most of our questions, just prayer and possibility, and I feel helpless that I can’t make his body better.

Sometimes, it’s torture to wait. I pray in every style I know how, and still I can’t quite grasp God’s presence in this. I know in my head that He’s here, but the knowledge doesn’t fully make its way to my heart. My heart — my heart is on shaky ground, grasping for sure footing.

What do we hold to in times like these?

With no solid ground beneath our feet, we stand on the Word of God, build our faith on who He is and the pillars of His protection.

• God is, above all, loving. Our Abba loves us with a fierce, delicate and selfless love that stretches from one corner of the cross to the other. His affection is gentle, and His tenderness is great. His love is pure.

“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:8, NIV)

• God is faithful. His eyes never stray; His heart stays fixed on us, and He tenderly keeps us close with unwavering loyalty. From the beginning, God made and kept His promise never to leave nor forsake us. God has our good in mind, and there is nothing that can separate us from Him.

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23, NIV)

• God is in control. This crazy world can spin right off its axis, but it will roll right into His capable hands. Our God holds the pillars of the universe in His grasp — how much more does He care for us? When the darkness doesn’t seem to fade and night stretches on, God is there, unfazed.

“When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm.”(Psalm 75:3)

• God establishes our steps. As we walk along life’s path, it can get uneven and sprayed with loose gravel, but our God guides us through tight and tough spaces. There’s peace knowing He’s our journeyman, coming alongside us, holding our hand and not allowing us to go alone.

“The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” (Isaiah 58:11, NIV)

I don’t have the outcome yet for my nephew, but I know an outcome will arrive. And each breath of prayer is another foundation laid at the foot of the cross, where Jesus Himself breathed out to the Father for us all. He who holds the pillars firm holds us. We can trust Him with our hearts, fears and all the unknown. He is the One called faithful and true.

As the old hymn goes, “On Christ the solid rock I stand. / All other ground is sinking sand.” There is no surer footing.

Father God, You are my solid rock when all other ground beneath me quakes. I look to You to steady me and to fill me with Your presence and peace. Please increase my faith and trust in You as I face trials that attempt to overcome me. You are faithful. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Consequences of Drifting..Dr. Charles Stanley

 The Consequences of Drifting

Dr. Charles Stanley

Hebrews 3:12-13

Spiritual drifting--the gradual wandering away from God and His will--takes place when a believer ceases to steer toward the Lord. Like an empty boat set loose upon the waters, he or she makes a slow and lazy glide away from good practices like disciplined obedience, regular Bible study, prayer, and assembling with fellow Christians. And there are consequences for casting yourself on uncharted and dangerous waters.

A life adrift is outside of God's will and therefore in sin. The Holy Spirit pricks a believer's conscience to send a message when he is off course, but the drifter is prone to ignore such warnings. If a Christian continually excuses his wandering ways and denies sin, then his conscience gradually numbs. A person who becomes desensitized to wrongdoing has paved the way for more sinful behavior with less guilt. Can you imagine a more dangerous situation?

As the drifting believer's conscience becomes anesthetized, his spiritual ears are also deadened--truth cannot gain entrance because he has invited wrong attitudes and philosophies into his thinking process. What's more, his heart hardens to the things of God. Shrinking away from testimonies about divine power, grace, and mercy, he avoids situations that might reawaken the conscience and stir his spirit to repentance.

People drift from God in search of more--more freedom, choices, and pleasure. But since the consequences are a hard heart, a numb conscience, and dead ears, what they end up with is less. The drifting believer sacrifices the victorious life in Christ for an existence devoid of permanent satisfaction.

5 Questions to Help You Teach a Bible Passage..Ron Edmondson

5 Questions to Help You Teach a Bible Passage
by Ron Edmondson

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching.” - 2 Timothy 3:16

Someone asked me recently how I address a Bible passage in order to teach about it. I certainly don’t claim to be an expert, but I do have a system. Of course the process begins and ends with prayer, but God has wired me to think systematically, so I need a format that works for me in writing a sermon message.

When teaching on a specific passage of Scripture, I consider five questions about the Bible text:

1. What does it say? – I usually look at several translations, and depending on the passage, may research the original words if needed. I want to know what the verse or verses says in a way that I can understand it. At this point, I attempt to understand the text within the context it was written… time period… location of writing… people to whom it was written.

2. What does it mean? – I always allow Scripture to interpret Scripture first. I like to use cross references and word searches for specific words or phrases I may not understand or want to explore further. At this stage, I want to understand the passage in the context of the entire Bible.

3. How does it apply it to my life? – Here I’m basically trying to decide how I can apply the truth in the text to the way I live my life… what changes I need to make in my life… how my life should be lived because of the truth in the text. This is where I use commentaries or other writings to help me better understand the text. I want to know how this passage, written so many years ago, has relevance for me today.

4. How does it apply to others? – Now I ask myself, “How can the people listening to this message apply this text to their life?” Although a text has only one true meaning, it can have multiple applications in a person’s life. I try to consider as many of these as possible. I see part of my job communicating as helping listeners connect the passage to their life, the changes that may need to be made, and how to live out the truth of the text in their life. Of course, the real teacher is the Spirit of God, but I also know God uses teachers to help people grasp Biblical principles and apply them.

5. How can I communicate so they will understand and apply it to their life? – The final question is perhaps the hardest step for me, but equally important to the other steps. I want to teach in a way that appeals to different learning styles in the room, captures and holds people’s attention, and engages them in the message enough that they will consider the message even after the message is delivered. The real win for me is not when people enjoy a message as much as when they are willing to make changes in their life to live it.

Now obviously, once you do something many times you start to form habits and so I don’t always think through these questions consciously, but basically this is the process I go through each time I preach. Also, it should be noted (because if I don’t someone will for me) that this entire process should be done in a spirit of prayer. My end goal is that God would use my limited abilities to communicate His truth.

A Prayer to Rediscover Hope..Kristine Brown

 A Prayer to Rediscover Hope

By Kristine Brown

“I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.” Ephesians 1:18 (NLT)

What is hope? If I asked that question to any stranger on the street today, I might get a cynical answer or frustration in return. Hope is something the world seems to think is in scarce supply these days. And as feelings of hopelessness spread, believers are in danger of becoming its victims, as well.

With the discouraging times we are living in, it’s easy to lose focus on our promise as children of God. We get frustrated with how things are and forget that hope has a special meaning for us. Where the world bases its hope on what we see happening around us, we know that through Christ, it means so much more.

When we invite Jesus to be Lord of our lives, we are offered the gift of eternal hope that will bring joy and peace, regardless of what we face in this life. Because we have this eternal promise, our outlook doesn’t have to be affected by what we see. We have the supernatural ability to exude hope in even the worst of situations.

Jesus was hope in human form when he walked on this earth, and he continues to be our living hope as we anticipate his return. Ephesians 1:14 explains the benefits of this hope we have in Christ. “The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people.”

The apostle Paul knew our hearts must be filled with the light of Jesus, so we will be in constant awareness of the hope God so graciously gives. The expectation that his promise will be fulfilled. If we let the light fade, we become vulnerable to the darkness of discouragement. But inspiration like the words God spoke through Paul to the Ephesians will restore our hope when our circumstances tempt us to give up.

Let’s include some inspiring verses in our prayer today to the Author of Hope. As we pray this together, let’s allow the words to guide us in rediscovering the hope that is ours as God’s precious children. May the world find this undeniable hope when they see Jesus’ light shine through us.

Let's Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving your son Jesus Christ to be our living hope. We do not deserve the sacrifice he made for us, but you loved us enough to allow him to pay the price for our sin. Although we may never fully grasp the magnitude of his gift, we have hope because of Jesus.

Lord, we wait expectantly for Jesus’ return. We long for the day we will see him face to face. That is the confident hope Paul talks about in his letter to the church. “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.” (Ephesians 1:18) Help us to keep the light of Jesus in our hearts so we do not lose hope. The world may not see this hope right now, but through us may everyone discover and know the eternal hope of our Savior.

It’s hard to rediscover hope when bad things happen. But your word confirms that your goodness prevails through it all. You never forget the needs of your people. Psalm 9:18 says, “But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.” Thank you for this promise that even in the darkest times, hope will ultimately win.

When we feel ourselves giving in to discouragement, help us claim the words of Psalm 33:20, “We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield.” Today, tomorrow, and in the future to come, our hope remains in you.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

4 Practical Ways to Teach Your Children to Love and Know God..Lynette Kittle

 4 Practical Ways to Teach Your Children to Love and Know God

by Lynette Kittle

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him” - Psalm 127:3

As parents we want to teach our children to love God but how do we go about it, especially if our own parents didn’t train us, or we are new Christians and didn’t grow up in a Christian home? Below are four ways moms and dads can help train their children to love and know God.

1. We can dedicate our children to the Lord.
Whether it’s done formally at church or at home, we can give our children to God, reminding them as they grow how they belong to Him. Many parents fear the thought of surrendering their children to the Lord. However, we’re not giving up our influence when we entrust them to God but rather yielding to His will for their lives, knowing He is watching over, protecting, and leading them in life.

2. Teach them who He is.
By reading Bible stories, playing Christian DVDs and music, and teaching them Scripture from an early age on, we are planting God’s Word in their hearts. Some mothers-to-be start reading God’s Word and playing Christian music to their babies in the womb. Although some aren’t convinced unborn babies are able to be spiritually receptive before birth, consider when Mary the mother of Jesus walked into the room with baby Jesus in her womb, and how Elizabeth’s unborn baby responded. “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit” (Luke 1:41).

Like Elizabeth’s unborn baby responding to Jesus entering the room, we can teach our children from an early age to recognize and know who God is. Like the Bible instructs, we can, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

3. Pray for our kids.
By praying for our children and with our children, letting them hear our prayers over them, our kids will experience God answering our prayers for them. The contemporary Christian singing group made up of five brothers, the Katinas, share how before their Mom passed away, she asked God to send mothers to be like mothers to her children. Because of her prayers, the brothers have moms walk up to them after concerts, telling them how they pray for them like they are their own children.

As well, we can ask God to keep our children’s hearts tender heart towards Him, to watch over, protect, and put a guard over their hearts, remembering, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23).

4. Live out our faith before our children.
Of all the ways to teach our children to love and serve God, the most powerful and influential way to accomplish this is by openly living out our faith before them. It’s important for them to see our faith at work through the ups and downs of life, the good the bad, the sad, and the happy, and to demonstrate a relationship with God that is sincere, real, and genuine.

Kids are much more likely to follow our example in what we do, than doing what we say. As well, they are quick to see if we are saying one thing and living another way. As parents, we are accountable to God in how we live our lives in front of our children.

Whether we like it or not, how we live our lives will be reflected back to us in our kids' behaviors and attitudes. If we’re not happy with what we’re seeing in our kids, we need to take time to examine ourselves, to see if there are ways we are being a less than godly influence in their lives (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Seeing us live out our faith day-to-day in real, practical ways is one of the most effective tools we have as parents is teaching our children about loving and serving God. Revelation 12:11, explains how the word of our testimony is powerful enough to triumph over the enemy, including defeating his evil plot to steal away and destroy our kids.

Our Children Need to Know
It’s vital to teach our children God’s ways and His love for them because their future depends on it. As Romans 14:12, explains, “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” As God explains in Malachi 2:15, His plan for marriage includes couples raising godly offspring for His glory and purposes, and to fill the earth with people who love and know Him.

Intersecting Faith & Life:
Ask God to show you practical ways to teach your children about Him and His ways. Look for everyday situations to teach scriptural truths that reveal who God is, whether it’s while riding in the car or cooking a meal together in the kitchen.