God is Present..Craig Denison Ministries

 God is Present

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

There is no better father than Creator God. He formed us and knows us. He provides for us, loves us unconditionally, and longs for real, life-giving relationship with us. He runs out to meet us in our sin, clothes us with new identity, and restores to us the abundant life he has always planned for us. As we spend time looking at the father heart of God, may a fresh revelation of his love for you guide you into greater depths of relationship with your heavenly Father.

Scripture:“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” >Deuteronomy 31:6

Devotional:

If there’s one truth that has the power to guide you into the fullness of life available to you in Christ, it’s that God is present. Psalm 139:7-10 says,

Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.

No matter where you go, no matter what you do, God is with you. And he isn’t just with you in an abstract sense, he is available for you to tangibly and powerfully experience. Psalm 23:4 says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” In the presence of the Lord there is fullness of comfort. Throughout every season of your life, he is there ready to empower you, encourage you, strengthen you, and love you. He longs to meet you where you’re at and provide all the guidance, love, comfort, and fatherly encouragement you need.

You see, when God meets with us he both satisfies our emotions and transforms us. He heals our hearts and empowers us to live the life he has planned for us. As our Father, he not only comforts us when we need him, but guides and helps us through the various seasons of life. God is present not only to love you emotionally, but practically as well.

Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” As a father teaches his son or daughter how to walk by upholding them, your God longs to uphold you through whatever decision, trial, season, or pain you are presently experiencing. He is not a distant God who just gives his children rules and tells them to go through life on their own. He is not a far-off Creator who leaves his creation to its own devices. He is working presently in our midst to shepherd us toward the fullness of life Jesus died to give us. There is no more present, loving, or powerful father than our God. There is no greater helper than the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. And there is no greater life than one lived in constant communion with our Creator.

Whatever season you find yourself in today, press into the heart of your heavenly Father. As you enter into guided prayer, allow God to fill you, satisfy you, comfort you, and love you. Allow him to shepherd you, empower you, uphold you, and encourage you. Experience the nearness of your heavenly Father and walk today in constant communion with your God who is present.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the fact that God is present. Allow Scripture to fill you with the faith to encounter your heavenly Father today.

“‘Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do I not fill heaven and earth?’ declares the Lord.” >Jeremiah 23:23-24

“The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil.” >Zephaniah 3:15

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” >Deuteronomy 31:6

2. Where do you need God to be present in your life? Where do you need his encouragement, love, guidance, and empowerment?

3. Ask God to make his presence known to you. Ask him to fill you with his love and nearness. Rest in his presence and allow him to love you and speak to you.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” >John 10:27-28

“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” >1 John 4:16

A vital part of Christian spirituality is making time to simply fellowship with God. Resting in the presence of the Lord puts all of life in perspective. It places God at a higher value than whatever else we could spend our time pursuing. It empowers us to live peacefully and purposefully. And it lays a foundation of God’s love on which we can live out the calling given to us by our heavenly Father. Take time throughout your day to receive God’s presence. Allow him to flood wherever you are with his love and encouragement. May your day be transformed by the nearness of God.

Extended Reading: Psalm 139

You Are Significant to His Kingdom..SAVANNAH GWINN-WRIGHT

 You Are Significant to His Kingdom

SAVANNAH GWINN-WRIGHT

“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them …” Romans 12:4-6 (NKJV)

Growing up in church, my deepest desire was to be used by God. Yet through comparison culture, the enemy convinced me that because of (insert the long list of my shortcomings here), I wasn’t making a significant impact in the Kingdom.

I battled this mentality for years until one day, as I was comparing myself to a specific person, God gently reminded me, “I made you both.” In that moment, friend, I was liberated by this truth:

There is no competition in the Kingdom of God.

God’s Word intentionally refers to His people as “the body” of Christ. In Romans 12:4-5, Paul states, “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” Because of their different purposes, all parts of the body are essential for its success.

Did you know the smallest bone in the human body rests in your middle ear, measuring just 3 millimeters by 2.5 millimeters? If size indicated significance, we could quickly dismiss this tiny bone as unnecessary. Yet without it, we would experience severe hearing loss.

As Christ followers, we’re each called to minister to our circles of influence with our gifts. (1 Peter 4:10-11) I wonder how many members of the body are unable to hear what God is speaking because we allow comparison, competition and our resulting insecurities to keep us from releasing what He has placed within us?

How different history could be if the Bible’s hidden heroes hadn’t obeyed God’s call. We know the legacy of Moses but rarely hear about Shiphrah and Puah, two midwives whose faithfulness to God saved Moses in infancy. (Exodus 1:17) We speak of Elijah’s bravery but rarely discuss how it was the simple obedience of Ahab’s servant, Obadiah, that brought Elijah to Mount Carmel. (1 Kings 18) Could it be that a Kingdom moment is awaiting your willingness to say “yes” to God’s purposes for you?

Friend, don’t allow the enemy to silence you, or to suppress what you’re carrying for Christ, with feelings of insignificance. You are essential to the success of the body, and he knows that. Whatever gift you’ve been given, be willing to share it.

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:6-8, NKJV)

It could mean preaching to thousands from a platform or sharing your testimony with a friend over lunch. It could mean writing a worship song that reaches nations or singing scriptures over your little ones as they drift off to sleep.

Kingdom success is not measured with earthly standards. If your obedience leads just one person to Jesus, all of heaven rejoices. That is significance in the Kingdom.

Lord, thank You for every gift You placed within me. Forgive me when I allow the trap of comparison to keep me from stewarding Your gifts well. When the enemy makes me feel insignificant, remind me that, through You, I am uniquely equipped and empowered to accomplish Your purposes on earth. Thank You for allowing me to be a part of Your Kingdom story and bring You glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

The Practices of Maturity..Dr. Charles Stanley

 The Practices of Maturity 

Dr. Charles Stanley

Hebrews 5:12-14

Believers are on a continual growth track that ascends higher and higher. This side of heaven none of us ever "arrive," but we each have a responsibility to press on to maturity. Though many people think those who know a lot about the Bible are the spiritually mature ones, Hebrews 5:14 adds the element of practice to the growth equation. This word means a custom or habit. Christian growth requires the discipline of godly habits carried out daily.

The most important practice to cultivate is a personal devotional time. Since God is the source of all spiritual development, you can't neglect Him and expect to become mature. Transformation begins with time in His Word and prayer.

Obedience is another essential element for advancement. When our desire to obey the Lord is stronger than our attraction to sin, we'll know we are making progress in our spiritual life.

In terms of physical development, the goal is to become more independent and self-sufficient as we age. But in the spiritual realm, the opposite is true. Those who are mature in Christ recognize their own inadequacy and rely on the Holy Spirit within them. It's His job to transform our character and empower us to accomplish everything the Lord calls us to do.

Getting older doesn't mean maturity in God's eyes. By digging into Scripture and developing righteous habits, we can use our years to grow stronger in the Lord instead of wasting time with passivity. No one accidentally becomes mature. Spiritual growth requires a diligent pursuit of God.

5 Essential Lessons You Need to Know from the Book of Ruth..Chris Russell

 5 Essential Lessons You Need to Know from the Book of Ruth

By Chris Russell

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: “But Ruth said, ‘Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the LORD do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me.’” – Ruth 1:16-17

The Book of Ruth is one of only two books of the Bible to be named after women (the other is Esther). Even though it’s small, this remarkable book contains many principles with profound impact to our lives today.

As we read over the great story of Ruth, there are five important applications that jump out at me. Here they are:

1) God is concerned about all people regardless of race, nationality, or status. Ruth was not a Jew. She was a Moabite. Even though many discriminated against her, God loved her just the same. God does not discriminate, and He loves all people just the same.

2) Men and women are both equally important to God.God cares about men and women all the same. We are all one in His eyes. While most false religions that have been constructed over the centuries often elevate men and dishonor women, Christianity is the one religion that consistently honors men and women at the same level. There is no difference in His eyes.

3) There is no such thing as an unimportant person in God’s eyes. At a surface level, few saw Ruth as an important person. But God saw her as important and His plan for her life culminated in her becoming a part of the lineage of Jesus (as the grandmother to King David). God’s plan typically involves using people who are considered to be underdogs or unimportant or unimpressive from man’s perspective.

4) God uses “little” things to accomplish great plans. What an amazing plan God had for a series of “little” things that all added up to important pieces in God’s big plan. God intended for Ruth to be a part of the story of the lineage of Jesus. So, He pulled together events such as the famine, Naomi’s relocation to Moab, their return to Bethlehem, Boaz’ bloodline, and many other events just to ensure that Ruth could be a part of His plan. And God does that same thing in our lives today!

5) God has a Redeemer in place who can rescue us from the devastation of our own sin. God has a Redeemer for our lives, too, and His name is Jesus. Boaz was a type (prophetic symbol) of Christ and His redemptive work in our lives today. We are empty, just as Naomi was empty and devastated after she had lost everything and returned to Judah. Our sin has rendered us empty and desolate spiritually. But Jesus is willing to redeem us. He wants to rescue us from the penalty of our sin. And all we have to do to be rescued is to call on Him in faith and ask Him to save us ( Romans 10:13).

My hope is that you are one of His redeemed. If you are not, my hope is that you will call on Him right now and ask Him to save you once and for all from the consequences of your sins!

A Prayer for Children..Emma Danzey

 A Prayer for Children

By Emma Danzey

Matthew. 19:14 says, “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”

Children are the future of the world. They are young and growing now, but one day they will be the leaders and the society shapers of their day. Jesus placed a special emphasis on children. He wanted the young people to come to Him because His kingdom belongs to them too. He warns us not to hinder children from coming to Jesus. This is an important concept because children need to be taught the gospel and invited to see how Jesus works on their hearts. As someone who genuinely accepted Jesus at a young age, I know the power of the gospel to transform any life. 

Today, as we take time to pray for children, think about those whom God has placed in your life. Whether this is your own kids, nieces or nephews, neighbors, or friends, we each have a role in training up the next generation to know the love and forgiveness found in Jesus. 

Let's Pray:

Father, we thank You for the gift of sharing Your gospel with the next generation. Just as Eli was there to confirm Your voice in Samuel’s young life, we pray that we would be voices to children of Your love for them. We ask that there would be a hunger for eternal truth and salvation among the young people of today. Would You help us to teach about Your love in our homes, churches, and communities? Remind us how much You value young people and welcomed the little children to Yourself. Help us never to hinder the curiosity of a child who desires to come to You, Jesus. 

You say in Matthew 18:6, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Lord, we pray over those causing little ones to fall into sin. We pray against abuse, neglect, and immorality being taught to them. Protect their innocent young minds and hearts. Keep them physically safe. Remind them of Your constant presence with them. 

We confess that we are sinful and do not always treat children the way that we should. Please forgive us for our harsh tones, selfishness, and missed opportunities to show Your grace in teachable moments. Help us to love well and discipline like You. Give us Your wisdom and discernment when children misbehave or need to learn valuable life lessons. May our words be sprinkled with gentleness and grace. Give us great patience to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. 

Help us to live out the fruit of the Spirit among children. Help us to model lives that live Spirit-filled. When we fall short, give us the humility to apologize to young people. We pray that by our words and actions, they would be intrigued to know more about the life-changing work of Christ. 

In a world filled with technology and social media, Lord, would you help us to implement and encourage a healthy balance for kids? Give them protection from what they are exposed to. Help them to find their identity in You and not what others think or say of them. We pray against bullying and any avenues where the devil wants to cause confusion and discouragement in children’s lives. Provide rest for their souls in You. Let spiritual wisdom and discernment guide parents in making decisions in an ever-changing culture.

We ask that we would train up the next generation to know and love Your Scriptures. Help us to speak about it regularly, memorize it with them, pray it over them, and motivate them in their growth of study. We ask that they would be anchored in Your truth to combat the lies of the enemy that are thrown their way in society. Give them boldness to stand for what is right and what is holy. Help them to live out the truth in love. Amen.

Fully to the Lord..Emma Danzey

 Fully to the Lord

By Emma Danzey

1 Chronicles 28:20 says, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Therefore, My Dear Brothers and Sisters, Stand Firm Let Nothing Move You
Being a part of the family of God is a blessing but also a struggle at times. This is because the enemy hates what we are doing for the Lord. We are called to stand firm. When is the last time you physically had to stand firm? Were you hiking a mountain? Balancing on a board of some kind? Standing in a choir? Wherever it was, you had to think about where your feet were planted. When we follow Jesus, our feet are firmly grounded on the Rock, so we are steady not in our strength but in God’s. When we are firmly set in Christ, we are called to let nothing move us. Sure we may go through hardship and trials, but we are established in Jesus, and nothing can move us.

Always Give Yourselves Fully to the Work of the Lord
As we stand firm and do not move, we are to give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord. This does not mean we only serve God occasionally or when we feel like it. This means fully. This is a calling for every believer to worship God in all things, with all of their gifts and talents. Whether this is work, parenting, friendships, missions, service, or hobbies, we are motivated to always give ourselves fully to what God is doing. We can ask the Holy Spirit to direct us in all things so we do not miss opportunities to love well. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” We are sons and daughters of the Living God, and He has commissioned us to glorify Him in everything. Even the most mundane moments can become beautiful opportunities for the Lord to work. 

Because You Know That Your Labor in the Lord Is Not in Vain
Have you ever felt like the work you were doing for the Lord has gone unnoticed? Maybe you serve behind the scenes in a mission or at a church? Maybe staying at home as a mom and investing in your kids feels unappreciated. Perhaps you do not feel heard by those whom you have been witnessing and praying for many years. God reminds us in 1 Chronicles 28:20 that our labor in the Lord is never in vain. We do not have to wonder if He is using our efforts to build His kingdom; he is. We do not have to fear that what we are doing is not significant. Our God cares. He has commissioned us into the world with the responsibility to share the gospel with others. This is done fully by the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of us. 

A key phrase in this verse is, “in the Lord.” The scary part is that our labor can be in vain if it is not done in the Lord. When we run ahead of God’s time, or we try to be self-sufficient in pride, that labor is in vain. It can be tempting to try to take credit for ourselves, but when we humble ourselves and ask Christ to use our lives for His purposes, our hearts are aligned with His will. We can rest in the work that He is doing and surrender our lives to be used for His glory. This is not in vain, this is a heart of humility offered to the Lord.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Brother or sister, are you standing firm in faith? Is anything moving you right now? If so, take time in prayer to ask God to help remind you that He is your Rock. Are you giving yourself fully to the work of the Lord? If not, what is holding you back from fully serving Him in all areas? Are you laboring in the Lord or your own strength? How can you remember to stay humble and have Him be the leader of your life?

Further Reading:

• Psalm 90:17
• Colossians 3:23-24
• Galatians 6:9