The Glory of God in Man..Craig Denison Ministries

 The Glory of God in Man

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

We have a great High Priest who constantly intercedes on our behalf. The Son of God and Man loves you more deeply than you can fathom. He prays for you, that you might walk in the abundant life his death affords you. And in John 17 we get a glimpse into the fullness of his desire for all those who would believe in him. As we dive deeply into the riches of Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer this week, may your heart be awakened and your life be transformed by the riches of God’s love.

Scripture:“The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.” - John 17:22-24

Devotional:

As disciples of Jesus, we are being fashioned into his likeness that we might be reflections of his glory. Jesus prays in John 17:22-24,

The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

Through the power of Christ’s death, we are now filled with his very Spirit who is working constantly to fashion us into Christians in the truest sense of the word. To be a Christian is literally to be “a little Christ.” We are meant to be marked by similarity to the one whom we serve and love. Our lives are to be filled with his love. Our minds are to be transformed by his words. And our hearts are to be devoted to serving him alone.

2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” Through the death of Jesus we can come before God with unveiled face. Jesus came to declare the truth about who our Father is and to clear the path to restored intimacy between humanity and our Creator. And as we devote our lives to seeking the face of our heavenly Father, we will naturally become like him.

God’s desire is that we would live with the same freedom, intimacy, power, authority, and good works as Jesus. He sent his Son to die that we might be clothed from the inside out with Christ himself, thereby affording us a new life, nature, and identity. You are not the person you were before salvation. When you were filled with the Spirit of God, you were filled with the very glory of God, the image of Christ engraved upon your heart.

And while this concept of becoming like Christ often sounds heady and theological, it couldn’t be of greater practical importance. It couldn’t be more vital for us to believe and pursue the life given to us by the grace of God. Being transformed into the image of Jesus has powerful and practical implications for you and me. When you spend time with the Father, he desires to love you with the love he has shown Christ, a tangible and transformational love. He longs to set you free from the bonds of worldliness and sin. He longs to empower you and lead you to a life of purpose, miracles, and good works filled with the love of God himself. And he longs to lead you to a destiny laid before you since the foundation of the world.

Take time to seek the face of God today. Come before him with unveiled face and allow him to reveal to you the imprint of Christ upon your heart. Allow the Spirit to show you the purpose for which you were created. And receive the love of God that has the power to transform you into the very image of Jesus Christ, your Lord and example.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s glory given to you at salvation. Reflect on the importance and availability of living like Jesus.

“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.” >Galatians 2:20

“The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.”>John 17:22-24

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” >2 Corinthians 3:18

2. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh. Ask him to engrave upon your heart the love and image of Christ in new ways. Ask him to guide you into a direct encounter with Jesus that you might know him personally.

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.” >Ephesians 5:18

3. Spend time allowing God to transform you, love you, and set you free. Ask him what in your life isn’t like Jesus. As he reveals sin in your life, confess it and turn to Jesus as your model. Seek out a life like his today.

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” >1 Peter 2:21

The death of Christ has more powerful implications than you or I will ever know this side of heaven. God has truly paved the way for us to live a life of incredible abundance. He offers us a life greater than we will find in anything of the world. May you pursue all the wealth of relationship available to you by the blood of Jesus. May you be transformed into his reflection on the earth. And may others come to know him by the depth of his love in you.

Extended Reading: 2 Corinthians 3

Did You Get Hit With Hard News Recently?..LYSA TERKEURST

 Did You Get Hit With Hard News Recently? Read This

LYSA TERKEURST 

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6 (NIV)  A couple years ago, I was already in such a hard season, and in the moment my doctor said, “Lysa, I’m so sorry, but you have cancer,” everything around me got incredibly quiet and seemed to move very slowly. I could hear the doctor continuing to talk, but I couldn’t make out his words. I could feel words trying to form in my mouth, but there was no energy to actually speak. I knew I should probably cry, but no tears seemed available. I am absolutely a woman who believes with all her heart that the presence of God is in the midst of her life. But in that moment, He felt distant and mysterious. I just felt stunned. And then I felt OK. And then I felt stunned again. I wanted to hold it together. But then falling apart seemed quite reasonable. It’s scary when doctors shock you with test results, and you don’t know what the future holds. But during that time, God had so many people share simple words that became powerful revelations reminding me how very near God was to me. I think times of desperation often lead us to great revelations if we make the choice to look for and be open to them each day. One example is an email I got from my friend Shaunti Feldhahn. Her note said, “Lysa, this is news. This is not truth.” Wow. I’ve always thought of news and truth as one and the same. What the doctor gave me was news. Honest news, based on test results and medical facts. But I have access to a Truth that transcends news. What is impossible with human limitations is always possible for a limitless God. Truth factors God into the equation. So I find myself looking at the word "impossible" a little differently today. “Impossible,” in light of Shaunti’s note, could be completely different if I just stick an apostrophe between the first two letters. Then it becomes I’m Possible. God is the great I Am. Therefore, He is my possibility for hope and healing. Maybe you just got some bad news. News of an impossible financial situation. News of an impossible family situation. News of an impossible job situation. News of an impossible friend situation. News of an impossible medical situation. News of an impossible global situation. Whatever news you just got or will get, I pray my friend’s advice helps you too. What you've heard is news, and this is God’s Truth: I AM MAKING A WAY.  “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) I AM FOREVER FAITHFUL.  “He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—he remains faithful forever.” (Psalm 146:6, NIV) I AM HOLDING YOU. “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.” (Psalm 73:23, NIV) One of the greatest comforts to me, no matter what I’m facing, is knowing that, somehow, God will use it for good. God will be my possible in the midst of what can sometimes feel so impossible. Of course, I still have those less spiritually secure moments when I feel like I’m sinking into a consuming fear of the unknown. But that’s when I’m so thankful for the One who will absolutely “guide me in [His] truth and teach me” (Psalm 25:5, NIV). I’m so sorry for whatever it is you’re going through today that’s making the tears flow and your heart sink. I’m praying for you today, my friend. I’m praying that every time the word “impossible” creeps up and starts to steal your hope, you will see the words I’m Possible and hold on to the great I Am. Our God will help us through any news we get and remind us of what’s ultimately true. God, You are I Am, I’m Possible. You are the Way, the Truth and the Life, and You are forever faithful. Help me lean on these truths when the news I receive feels impossible. In my home, in my family and in my circumstances, I trust You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Refined by Fire..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Refined by Fire

Dr. Charles Stanley

1 Peter 1:6-7

God is always at work in our lives. Even during seasons of adversity, He wants to accomplish something powerful and good. How should this knowledge affect our response? Today's passage teaches us to choose to rejoice during difficult times. This doesn't mean we have to be happy about the hardship itself. Instead, joy comes from drawing close to the Lord and believing steadfastly that through His redemptive power, He is growing and preparing us. If your usual response to trials is anxiety, anger, or depression, the idea of having joy in the midst of a negative situation might not seem logical. However, if you look beneath the surface, you will discover that this biblical directive makes sense for several reasons.

Often, our natural reaction to pain is to run in the opposite direction, and as fast as possible. However, God wants to teach us endurance--much like a long-distance runner builds up strength in training--so that we can fully benefit from what He is doing in our hearts. He uses trials as a refining fire to purify us like gold and bring us to greater spiritual maturity. As we realize that we are actually being made more complete through our adversities, we'll begin to face challenging times with confidence that He always has our best interest in mind.

While a worldly viewpoint sees hope and joy in the midst of dark times as naïve, a spiritual perspective discerns that we're really progressing on a journey toward life at its fullest. We can be filled with supernatural joy, knowing that the Lord is making us into world-changing spiritual warriors.

Sailing through the Storm..Greg Laurie

 Sailing through the Storm

By Greg Laurie

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” – James 4:8

One day Jesus said to His disciples, “Let us cross over to the other side.” So they boarded their boat and were cruising across the Sea of Galilee, a large freshwater lake known for its unexpected storms. And sure enough, a storm came. This one was a doozy, because even the seasoned sailors were despairing of life.

Meanwhile, what was Jesus doing? He was asleep in the boat. The disciples woke Him up and said, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38 nkjv). In other words, “Hey, Lord, are You paying attention? Don’t you care that we are going through this? Wake up and do something.”

So Jesus rebuked both the storm and the disciples. He turned to the storm and said, “Peace, be still!” (verse 39 nkjv), and it stopped. But then He turned to His own disciples and said, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (nkjv). Jesus was saying, in effect, “Boys, you haven’t learned anything. I said, ‘Let’s cross over to the other side.’ I didn’t say, ‘Let’s go to the middle of the Sea of Galilee and drown.’ ” Jesus didn’t promise smooth sailing, but He did promise a safe passage.

It’s better to be in a storm with Jesus than anywhere else without Him. I would rather be in a fiery furnace with Jesus than in a palace without Him—or in a lion’s den with Jesus, or in a prison, or even shipwrecked. As long as I know the Lord is there, then I can get through it.

Remember, God is with you, regardless of what storm, regardless of what shipwreck you are going through right now. You are not alone. He cares. And He will never leave you or forsake you.

Heavenly Father, whatever storm life may bring our way, remind us to cling to you. For you are the one who calmed the seas with a single word. Amen.

A Prayer to Show Others Jesus..Meg Bucher

 A Prayer to Show Others Jesus

By Meg Bucher

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for me, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 ESV

The world is desperate for people to show them Jesus. There are a lot of people who speak of Jesus, but it’s harder to find those who truly live their lives in a way that puts Him on full display. We all know the old saying, “actions speak louder than words.” Though not quoted from Scripture, the concept is Biblical. The apostle John wrote:

“Dear children, let us know love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)

He wrote to caution his readers against false teaching, to remind them to live within the love of Christ. Proverbs 4:23 tells us to “guard our hearts, for everything we do flows from it.” Some translations say, “it determines the course of your life.”

Let’s pray now to show others who Christ really is, by living our lives in a way that reflects his character and with actions that glorify him.

Father,
We give praise, honor and glory to You in the highest. Abba, You are our faithful and compassionate Father. Yahweh, You are powerful and mighty to save and always near to us. Jesus, our Savior, You died so we could be forgiven and embrace the grace and peace of God.

Our hope is in You, and Your Holy Spirit lives in us. Spirit, as You counsel, comfort and heal us, move our hearts and lead us in the will of God for our lives.

Every day when we wake to breathe, let us find a long list of things to be grateful for. Faithfully, let us lift all of our worries of this life up to You, because You care for us. May we daily confess our sins, choosing to repent and instead turn to You through Jesus.

Bless our lives, Lord. Keep us physically and mentally safe, and healthy. Guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, today and always. May we be and have honest, loyal, kind and Christ-centered friends and relationships. Bless and heal our physical ailments, and our mental strifes. We pray miracles over our lives that will bear witness to our faith in Who they come from. The God of miracles. The God who saves.

Father, help us to extend Your compassion to those people you have placed in our lives to love. Help us to remember we aren’t here for ourselves, and not to give half-efforts in anything You have given us to do. Parenthood, friendship, our jobs, our ministries, discipling other people… You don’t demand perfection, God, but You do expect our best effort. We pray we would be a witness to your goodness and glory in all the places you have put us.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

When David Was Ignored..Rev. Kyle Norman

 When David Was Ignored

By Rev. Kyle Norman

"But David when back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem." - 1 Sam. 17:15

The story of David’s battle with Goliath is one of the epic tales of Scripture. We know it well. David defeats Goliath and emerges as one of the heroes of the Bible. From that moment on we read a lot about David. He is described as the person after God’s own heart, the mighty king, a valiant warrior, an inspired poet. In fact, so important is David to God’s work in the world that the Bible mentions him close to one thousand times. But this isn’t the full story.

When we first meet David, he isn’t the strong and mighty warrior. He is but the youngest child of a humble shepherd. His brothers, hansom and mighty, tower over him; they are the ones in whom greatness lies. In fact, in these first stories, David is often overlooked. He is the smallest of the family, and often left to the side. Case in point: When the prophet Samuel comes to anoint the future king, David isn’t even invited to the gathering (1 Samuel 16:11). He is left in the fields to tend the flocks. This happens again when the Philistines attack Israel. While others go forward to battle, to do great things for their families, their nation, and their God, David is left behind with the animals. 

I wonder if David ever felt dismissed or disregarded? There can be so much emphasis placed upon us to make a name for ourselves, to achieve our 15 minutes of fame or to cast an enduring legacy.  With so much emphasis placed on achieving recognition, or popularity, it can sting when we feel left out. 

Do you ever feel like David, stuck in the back-country fields? Do you ever feel ignored, forgotten, insignificant? I know I do. In a world that glamourizes the rich, the powerful, and the successful, I often view myself as less than others. My imperfections stare at me. Other people make the life of faith seem so easy, so effortless, so uncomplicated. I, on the other hand, often struggle in prayer; I have questions about my faith, and at times, God feels distant. If I am being honest, there are times when I feel alone and cast aside; there are times when I question whether God could possibly use someone as small as me.

But this isn’t the full story. It’s not David’s full story, and neither is it ours. The description of David’s life amid the animals is easy to dismiss. We tend to skip over it in favor of where the action lies. Yet it is here, in these silent fields, where God does God’s most important work. This unseen place, where David stands alone is where God prepares David for what he will face. Although David may feel forgotten or ignored, God’s hand moved upon him and within him. 

In fact, it is only because David tended the animals that he was able to defeat Goliath. David says, “When a lion or bear came and carried off the sheep of the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth” (1 Samuel 17:34). Make no mistake, David’s defeat over Goliath does not occur on the battlefield. The victory is won here, in the place of quiet preparation, where God moves unseen. It is in these fields that David is prepared to overcome the gigantic obstacle he will eventually face. 

Intersecting Faith and Life:
There is never a moment where God is not at work at our lives. The Lord never goes on vacation, never takes a leave. As David himself affirms in Psalm 121, the Lord who watches over us never slumbers or sleeps. To realize this biblical fact is to realize that much of the Lord’s work in our lives goes on behind the scenes, in the regular spaces of the day. As we go about our lives, whether it be in the fields, the classrooms, or the workspaces, we do so in the presence of God. What is more, interwoven into each of our lives, is the silent working of God’s hand.

Instead of looking for the mighty act of God in miracles and majesties, how might we enter the normal places of our lives with the daring belief that God is preparing us for something? Where might God be working in you right now?

Perhaps David is the man after God’s own heart, not because he was a mighty king and valiant warrior, but because he allowed the Lord to work in the unseen places of his life. Perhaps it is this vision of David we are called to embrace.  After all, we all face struggles and obstacles. Some may seem small and inconsequential; others may appear like giants before us. The temptation is to feel that we lack the sufficient power and strength to combat all that we face. But this is not the full story. God is with us. God never abandons us nor forgets us. God does not judge us insignificant to his plan. In the quiet spaces our lives, even when we feel forgotten and left to the side, God is equipping us to take part in the working of his Kingdom.

Further reading 

• 1 Samuel 17:1-50
• 1 Corinthians 1:20-31