Being a Carrier of Joy..Craig Denison Ministries

 Being a Carrier of Joy

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

As children of the Most High God, we are to be marked by contagious, unceasing joy. Through the Holy Spirit we have access to an unending supply of joy that comes from the wellspring of restored relationship with our heavenly Father. God longs to fill us with his joy that we might live the abundant life Jesus died to give us. He longs to make us children fashioned in the image of our Father that we might share his unending joy to a world without hope. May you discover the greater portion of joy available to you through the Spirit as you encounter the heart of your Father this week.

Scripture:“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” >Isaiah 55:12

Devotional:

As disciples of Jesus, we are to carry the joy of our salvation everywhere we go. You and I have the power to change atmospheres on earth with the joy of the Spirit. We have the power to brighten people’s days, break off heaviness, and lead people to a deeper revelation of the goodness of our Lord when we reflect his joy to others.

God is a joyful God. He is the inventor of happiness and fun. Luke 15:10 says, “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” >Nehemiah 8:10 tells us “the joy of the Lord is [our] strength.” In order to truly declare to the world who our heavenly Father is, we must be carriers of joy. We must be a people marked by the joy that only comes from restored relationship with an all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving God.

It’s taken me a long time to learn and an even longer time to realize the truth that circumstances, people, trials, work, and worldly stress do not have the inherent ability to steal my joy. It’s when I open my heart to outside elements that I allow stresses to come in like robbers and take what is rightfully mine in the Lord. It’s when I allow a fellow driver, a time crunch, a negative comment, or a troublesome problem to take precedence over the joy and hope I have in Jesus that I step outside of my allotted portion of peace.

To be carriers of joy, we have to choose to value the fruit of the Spirit over worldly emotions. We have to choose to only open our hearts to the things of God and shrug off that which is fleeting. If we don’t take control of our thoughts and cast any fear, worry, or doubt on the shoulders of our heavenly Father, the circumstances of this world will rule our emotions rather than the steadfast joy of the Spirit.

Isaiah 55:12 says, “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” The Lord longs to make us a people that go out in joy. He longs to make us children who are overwhelmed by his love to the degree that the cares of this world pale in comparison to his grace and affections. Ask the Lord for perspective today. Allow the Spirit to help you focus your attention on the true purpose for which you were created: restored relationship with your heavenly Father. Choose the joy of the Lord over the stress and cares of the world. Choose to “be led forth in peace” rather than led by your flesh. And experience today the lifestyle of carrying the joy of the Lord with you everywhere you go. May others come to know the abundant goodness of your heavenly Father through the way you exude joy.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the importance of carrying joy. Allow Scripture to establish a new emphasis on joy for you.  

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” >Proverbs 17:22

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” >Romans 14:17

“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” >Isaiah 55:12

2. What do you allow to steal your joy? What circumstances, negative comments, or people have been robbing you of peace? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the root of whatever is stealing your joy.

“The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.” >Proverbs 10:28

3. Surrender your emotions and thoughts to the Lord alone. Ask the Spirit to help you open your heart only to the things of him instead of the things of the world. Ask him to make you a carrier of joy.

“And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” >1 Thessalonians 1:6-7

Our heavenly Father is much more patient than we often believe. He is not in a rush with you. He will not let you miss his perfect will for your life if you are willing to follow him in obedience. Trust in his timing. Cast off the burden of paving your own way to an impactful life. Take time to become a carrier of joy by resting in his presence and getting to know his heart. Allow his perspective of patience to become your perspective. May you be filled with peace and joy in the knowledge of your God’s great love for you.

Extended Reading: Isaiah 55

This Isn’t Where I Thought I’d Be..DONNA JONES

 This Isn’t Where I Thought I’d Be

DONNA JONES

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.” 1 Peter 1:1-2 (NIV)

This isn’t where I thought I’d be at this point in my life. 

Chances are you’ve had this thought; I certainly have.

When all my friends were buying houses, I struggled to buy groceries.
When the plus sign on the pregnancy test left other women elated, the negative sign on my test left me defeated.
When others watched their careers soar, I saw mine get sidetracked.

More than once I’ve hung my head in grief, anger, regret or shame and whispered, “This isn’t where I thought I’d be.”

It’s almost second nature to measure ourselves by where we are in life. We define our position relationally: single, married, widowed, divorced. We define our position professionally: top of the ladder, bottom rung. We even define our emotional well-being in language that alludes to where we are, with phrases like, “I’m in a good place” or “I’m in a tough spot.”

Why do we depend on defining ourselves by where we are?

I suspect it’s because, deep down, we’ve bought into the belief that where we are in life defines who we are in life. But what if this notion simply isn’t true?

Tucked away in the greeting of 1 Peter, we read words that might be easy to miss: “To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces …” (1 Peter 1:1).

Where were Peter’s readers? They were in exile. Who were Peter’s readers? They were God’s elect, “who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood …” (1 Peter 1:2).

Exiled by others, they were elected by God. Rejected by culture, they were chosen by Christ. They were out yet in. Scattered yet secure.

And so are we. Where we are is not who we are.

And yet where we are affects us, doesn’t it?

The great temptation is to allow where we are to influence how we are rather than allow who we are to determine how we are and, therefore, how we live.

Like those early exiles, only when we maintain a firm grasp on who we are in Christ — chosen by the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, sprinkled by the blood of Christ — can we live obedient to Jesus, especially when where we are is not where we want to be.

The world, circumstances and other people may determine where we are, but only Jesus determines who we are. This truth is as vital for us to embrace as it was for Peter’s original audience. The success of our faith depends on the choice to live based on who we are rather than where we are. To go the long haul with Christ, who we are must inform how we live, wherever we live.

When we finally find ourselves at home in the place where who we are trumps where we are, we discover grace and peace in abundance.

Because no matter where we are — further along than we dreamed or further behind than we hoped — where we are isn’t who we are.

Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me. Help me to embrace the truth that You have called me, and help me live based on who I am rather than where I am. Help me live fully obedient to You no matter where I am in life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Baptism: Identifying with Christ..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Baptism: Identifying with Christ

Dr. Charles Stanley

Matthew 3

Christ began His public ministry with baptism. At the time, John the Baptist was calling people to confess their sins and demonstrate repentance through immersion in the river. So why did Jesus, the sinless One, ask to be baptized? At first, John actually refused, knowing Christ was the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). But Jesus wasn't demonstrating repentance; He was sacrificially identifying with sinful humankind.

As Christians, we're called to follow His example in all things, becoming more like Him as we grow in our faith. That's why baptism is the first step in following Jesus. As He was willing to identify Himself with us, we publicly identify with Him when we are baptized, which is a symbolic way of declaring, "I have trusted Jesus Christ as my Savior and believe that the debt of my sin is fully paid through His sacrifice. I believe that as He rose from the dead, I will also be resurrected through Him. I look forward to walking in God's will while I'm on the earth and living with Him throughout eternity. Since He loved me enough to identify Himself with me in my sin, I will show my love for Him by following His example right now, and for the rest of my days."

Baptism demonstrates our connection not only with Christ but also with our spiritual brothers and sisters--past, present, and future. We're joining everyone who has walked before us in faith, saying that we are members of one body, redeemed and brought to life by the same Lord.

Shame On Me? Not Anymore..By: Anne Peterson

 Shame On Me? Not Anymore (Isaiah 50:7)

 By: Anne Peterson

Today’s Bible Verse: But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame. - Isaiah 50:7

It was Christmas time, and our Bible teacher spent a lot of time picking out something special for each of us in her home Bible Study. Handpicked verses. Of course, with Lois, not only did I know she would be praying about each choice, but I also knew how well she knew each of us.

My verse was the one about setting my face like a flint. I had to research what it meant. That verse fit me perfectly, and she knew it would. Having grown up in a dysfunctional home, I wore shame often. I even remember one of my aunts telling us more than once, “Shame on you.”

I don’t remember our crimes, just how wearing shame felt. Her eyes would narrow and she’d point a finger in our direction. All I can guess is that she was the recipient of shame in her life as well.

But meeting Lois Peterson changed everything in my life, which was God’s plan. For Lois saw through my brokenness, and she loved the self-righteous girl who showed up at her house one day.

On September 12, 1972, on my way home from her Bible study, the truth of what Jesus did on the cross came alive. I moved from knowing he died for the world to knowing for certain Jesus’ blood was shed for me. The next day I called her to tell her.

“Lois, I’m saved! I know for sure I’m going to heaven!”

Little did I know the journey ahead. A journey where God would reveal parts of his character with every single trial I’d go through. I would learn God had started a work in me that rainy night in September and that job will not be complete until I see him in glory (Philippians 1:6).

I would learn when Jesus died on the cross, even though he was perfect, having no sin, he took our sin on him. He took our shame as well.

Hebrews 12 tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and now sits at the right hand of the throne of God.

As prisoners served their sentences and were released, the Roman guards would write the word, tetelestai on the wall by the prisoner’s cell. It is the same words Jesus exclaimed right before he died, “It is finished,” (John 19:30). The payment for the offense was complete for the prisoner. It was paid in full.

Just like our payment for sin.

No wonder Paul tells us there is now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). When we choose to feel shame, we are minimizing what Jesus did. We are telling Jesus, “It’s one thing that you carried my sins, but I can’t ask you to carry my shame as well.” In other words, what he did was not enough, so we will carry our guilt.

I also had to learn what it means to set my face like a flint. Jesus set His face like a flint to accomplish his mission on earth. He knew God would provide everything needed to complete that mission. Just like we know we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

Jesus died for your sins, and he took your shame. It is finished!

A Prayer to Pray for Others..Victoria Riollano

 A Prayer to Pray for Others

By Victoria Riollano

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” - James 5:16

I didn’t want to go.

After being invited to a homeschool mom’s outing, I spent the entire morning coming up with reasons I shouldn’t attend. It was at my children’s naptime. I had too many errands to run. I won’t know anyone there. My children may misbehave. My excuses were numerous, but no matter how hard I tried to get myself out of the event, I could hear the Lord gently tugging at my heart to attend. Out of obedience to the Lord, I went convinced that there must be a greater purpose behind it all. Sure enough, after sitting in the playgroup counting down the moments to leave, the Lord drew my attention to a fellow mother who was having a tough day. 

“Go pray for her.”

Although at this point, I had been a licensed minister for years and I had been in ministry for over a decade, I was filled with the hesitation of approaching a stranger and asking to pray. Somehow, I mustered the courage to ask if I could pray for her. In that church parking lot, I prayed for her peace, I prayed for a strategy for caring for her little ones, and I prayed that she would encounter God in a new way. Little did I know that this simple prayer would change her life. Years later, this same mother from the parking lot plays the keyboard for our church plant and has brought her entire family to church. Her children have a fond love for the Lord and have all been baptized. Whenever sharing how she got to the church, she always shares the story of the lady who prayed for her in the parking lot. My mind always pauses and thinks, “It all started with a prayer.”

My friends, we have been called to pray. The heartbeat of every Christian should be to seek our Father any chance that we have. Yet, we miss a great opportunity when we hoard our prayer life to ourselves, never considering others who may be in need. Yes! There are those around us waiting for someone to simply say, “Can I pray for you?” 

I love the words found in Job 42:10, “After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” 

The story of Job is a powerful example of the importance of prayer. Job had lost everything. His children, his wife, his livestock, and more. Yet, in this moment, Job removes his attention from his own cares and frustrations. Instead, he prays for his friends. And we see that God responds to this act of selflessness with complete restoration.

There is power in prayer! Our friends need others who can pray and intercede for them. When we do so, we will find peace in taking our eyes off our own needs to care for another person. May we be intentional about finding an opportunity to pray. Whether through a text message or in an old church parking lot, may we be bold enough to pray.

Let’s pray:

Lord, I thank you for opportunities to pray for others. I ask that you bring people to my attention who are hurting and are in need. Give me the courage to pray boldly and the words that will resonate in their heart. I pray against fear and insecurity that would cause me to stay silent. Help me to move and speak by your Spirit. I thank you that there is power in prayer and I am believing in you for blessings on behalf of those I pray for. Show up in mighty ways, as you always do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Giving Thanks in All Things..Emma Danzey

 Giving Thanks in All Things

By Emma Danzey

Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Whatever You Do
There are times in life when we need to push through the tiredness or laziness to accomplish a task. Do you remember school projects? Or reaching a work deadline? Do you think about the time when you had a newborn in the house? Or the moment you were in that workout class ready to give up? We have all been there. We have all had experience with the temptation not to give our best. However, when we think about Colossians 3:17, it reminds our minds and hearts that whatever we do is for the Lord. This means that even when we are given less than glamorous tasks, we can remember that we can embrace that opportunity as an act of worship before God in whatever we are doing.

In Word or Deed
There is a reason why God gives most of us the ability to talk. We have the ability to use our words as a testimony of Him. When we are given moments to share words of thanksgiving and praise, we need not hold back. Our words can be used for evil or good. We can ask the Holy Spirit to empower us to speak words that bless through His help. Also, our deeds, or actions, matter to the Lord. When moments arise to be there for someone in need or give to the poor or provide a practical need for another, we get to decide if we will represent Christ with our decisions. Our actions speak just like words do to this broken and fallen world. We can love like Jesus in both. 

Do Everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus,
We do not get to flip a switch on and off as to when we want to follow God or be thankful to Him. This Scripture tells us that we are to do everything in Christ’s name. This is not a small task, and we cannot accomplish this on our own. It is only by the grace of His Spirit in us that we can make decisions to honor Him. This means that we do not get a pass because we are having a bad day. We are not excused to be ungrateful when things do not go our way. In fact, we are motivated to press into God and do everything in His name with a grateful heart.

Giving Thanks to God the Father Through Him
We are called as believers to give thanks to God through Jesus. We can be grateful at all times when we have received the gift of salvation through Jesus. We know that we are eternally sealed, wholly His, and fully loved. There will be times when external blessings pour out on our lives and we can celebrate these great gifts from God. However, there will also be times of struggle and hardship. We can be equally as thankful in these times. This is not because things happening in life are giving us a reason to be thankful, but because Jesus’ gift of salvation and His presence never leaves us. 

We can always be thankful because we are His and Romans 8:28 tell us that God works all things for the good of those who love Him. Even in suffering, we can find gratitude in Christ. He is where our joy is found. Psalm 34:8 says, “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” May we taste and see the goodness of God each day with hearts of thanksgiving.  

Intersecting Faith and Life:
How are you living a life of gratitude? In what ways do You find it challenging to have a thankful attitude in your daily life? What area, in particular, is difficult for you to give thanks in right now? How can you begin to be grateful in word, deed, and in all things through Christ?