Once a Child Always a Child..Craig Denison Ministries

 Once a Child Always a Child

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

As children of the Most High God, we have been granted access to unconditional, tangible, and perfect love. All we need we have in relationship with our Father in heaven. He longs to reveal himself to us as a loving, real Father. He longs for us to live in the fullness of restored relationship with him. He longs for us to experience his vast and limitless affections. May we grow in our understanding and experience of God as our good and loving Father this week as we look at what it is to be his child.

Scripture:“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” - John 10:28

Devotional:

As a disciple of Jesus we have full assurance of eternal, face-to-face relationship with our heavenly Father. John 10:27-30 says,

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. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.

Once we have become a child of God by confessing with our mouth and believing in our heart that Jesus Christ truly is Lord of all, we are the child of God forever (Romans 10:9). No sin, struggle, trial, or rebellion can pluck us from the Father’s hand. And as children of God, we no longer look to this world but to our total restoration, redemption, and glorification as our source of hope.

There is peace and transcendent joy in the truth that this world is not our final resting place. Your pains and trials are temporary and pale in comparison to the incredible life that awaits you in heaven with your Father. Romans 8:38-39 says, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rest in the fact that you are fully and constantly loved by your Creator. Nothing you or anyone else could ever do has the power to pluck you from his hand. God made salvation as simple and complete as possible. Once you have been saved and brought into the kingdom of God, you are forever saved.

Titus 3:4-7 says, “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Your salvation is about the grace of your Father, not your own works. If salvation ever became about our own strength, it would cease to be rooted in God’s loving grace and rest on our shoulders instead of the death of Jesus.

Placing our hope in eternal relationship with our Father is the path to freedom from the cares and burdens of this world. We will never truly know abundant life until we live surrendered to our King and Savior and lay the crowns and cares of this life at his feet. This world is not your home. This world is not meant to be your highest satisfaction. Pursue greater depths of relationship with your Father and watch as the stress and cares of the world fall off in light of his glorious grace. Place your hope in him alone, and follow his leading to an abundant life free from the worries, doubts, and fears that come from living for the world instead of Jesus.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s promise of your eternal salvation as a believer. Allow Scripture to guide you to place your hope in the Father alone.

“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. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.” - John 10:27-30

“But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” - Romans 10:8-10

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” - Ephesians 2:8-9

2. Where have you been placing your hope? What have you been pursuing as your source of satisfaction apart from Jesus?

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.” >Jeremiah 17:7

3. Take time to confess and surrender any ways in which you have been seeking satisfaction over Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you place your hope and trust in God alone.

“‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’”  - Lamentations 3:24

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” - Romans 15:13

May Romans 5:2-5 ignite a lifestyle of continual surrender and pursuit of restored relationship with your Father:

Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Extended Reading: John 10

A Job Well Done..ANITHA ABRAHAM

 A Job Well Done

ANITHA ABRAHAM

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Colossians 3:23 (NLT)

When I was 16 years old, I had my first job, as an orderly at a hospital. I was entrusted with transporting patients to and from the radiology department. I’m not sure what the patients thought when they saw me coming with the wheelchair or stretcher, but thankfully we all survived.

We may or may not talk about it a lot, but it is a part of our daily lives: WORK. In the United States, there is even a holiday to celebrate the contributions of the workforce — Labor Day.

How we perceive our work varies from person to person. For some, it is all about the paycheck. For a fortunate few, their work is centered around their passion. They get to spend every day doing what they love and get paid for it.

There are also many who work but do not receive a salary, like stay-at-home moms and caregivers or those who are retired from their jobs but still volunteer.

Regardless of the “why” or “what” of our work, one thing should be consistent for the working believer: “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people” (Colossians 3:23).

As someone who has been in the workforce for more than 30 years (yikes, did I type that out loud?), I’ve learned there are several ways we can practically demonstrate “working for the Lord”:

1. Completing our assignments. 

We are at work to work, and we should do it well. This means getting our tasks done thoroughly and on time. People should see us, Christians, as the standard of a good employee. Our work ethic can either point people to Christ or away from Him.

The story of Joseph in the Old Testament reflects this idea well. “So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.” (Genesis 39:6a, NIV) If we exchanged “Potiphar” for the names of the people we work for, could we insert our name where Joseph’s is?

2. Constructive feedback. 

When we work for someone else, we might be evaluated on an annual basis. Sometimes, we are also given opportunities to provide feedback. In the moment, it’s easy to stay silent out of fear but then complain later about how things are done.

As we continue with Joseph’s story, we see that when he was given the opportunity, Joseph provided Pharaoh with a plan (see Genesis 41). Because of it, many lives were saved. We have the same Spirit of God in us, giving us ideas and insights others won’t have. We can be a blessing to our employers and the people around us if we are willing to share what God puts in us.

Whether we are giving or receiving feedback, we should do so with a humble spirit.

3. Considerate communication.

“Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” (Colossians 4:6, NASB1995)

ALWAYS, no matter what our personality type, introvert or extrovert, and no matter what is happening at home or how bad traffic was, we should be respectful and kind to everyone we encounter at work.

Joseph’s transition from the prison to the palace hinged on one question to his fellow prisoners: “Why do you look so sad today?” (Genesis 40:7b, NIV). This question led to him interpreting their dreams and would eventually open the door for him to stand before Pharaoh.

Saying “good morning,” “please” and “thank you” can go a long way! When we look people in the eye and ask them how they are doing, we demonstrate concern on a personal level. Who knows? Maybe, like in Joseph's life, a promotion could happen as a result.

4. Counting our blessings. 

The ability to work is a privilege. The job itself serves a purpose, no matter what we do or who recognizes our contributions as important. It may not always feel like it, but our work is a blessing from God. Now, it is up to us to be a blessing to the people we work with.

Dear Father, thank You for the opportunity and ability to work. Help me glorify You in everything I do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God's Clear Instructions..Dr. Charles Stanley

 God's Clear Instructions

Dr. Charles Stanley

Joshua 6

Joshua needed guidance as he faced one of the most crucial moments of his life. Because the Lord had promised him success in conquering Jericho, he knew the outcome of the battle, but as the day of combat approached, he needed a specific strategy for victory. What he heard the Lord say must have made his jaw drop.

Can you imagine the soldiers' thoughts as they carried out this bizarre battle strategy? In confusing times like this, it's good to remember three requirements for benefiting from God's instructions. We need:

• Faith to believe the Lord
• Courage to obey Him
• Patience to wait for His timing.

When God gives us clear instruction through His Word or His Spirit within us, our response shows how much we trust Him. If we truly believe Him and His promises, precise and complete obedience will follow. His victory in any area of struggle is available only to those who act upon His directions.

Submitting to the Lord's timing is also an essential part of obedience. What would have happened if the army decided to bypass God's plans for the first six days and skip straight to the seventh day's march around Jericho? They would have missed the victory.

How often do we beg the Lord for guidance, yet hesitate to obey when He finally gives it? Living by faith can seem like a huge risk when His instructions make no sense or require a lengthy wait. But knowing His eternal perspective and unlimited power can strengthen our resolve to obey.

You Are Not Your Own..Lynette Kittle

 You Are Not Your Own

By Lynette Kittle

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” - Jeremiah 10:23

When Adam rebelled against God in the garden, he didn’t understand it meant he would be giving up his power and authority over the earth to the devil (Genesis 3). His sin against God caused the whole world to come under the evil one’s dominion (1 John 5:19).

From that point on Adam became a sinner and passed his fallen legacy on to all future generations, placing mankind in opposition to God.

Romans 5:12 explains what happened stating, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.”

However, in today’s culture, countless individuals mistakenly believe if they don’t choose God, then they belong to themselves but it just isn’t true. There is no middle ground between good and evil. No third choice, no neutrality to choose from.

Jesus came to earth to pay a high price for your sin (1 Corinthians 6:20). But it’s still your decision whether or not you accept His payment and receive the “Paid in Full by Jesus Christ.”

In accepting God’s free gift of salvation, 1 Corinthians 6:19 explains how the Holy Spirit comes to live inside you, taking up residence within you. When He does, your life no longer belongs to you but to God.

If you choose to reject Jesus’ sacrifice for your sin debt, the devil has a claim to you.

By not choosing God, you’re making a choice, whether you realize it or not.

So if you, like multitudes of others, believe not choosing God’s way is choosing your own way, you are misinformed.

Many are unaware of the spiritual forces at work on the earth, as Ephesians 6:12 explains “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Unknowingly, individuals are daily carrying out the devil’s desires, unaware they aren’t free agents like they believe, but rather being influenced and led by the evil one (John 8:44).

1 John 3:8 also describes how, “The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”

Jesus came to free you from the devil’s claim to you but it’s still your choice to accept it or not. If you refuse to take Him up on His offer, by default, you belong to the evil one.

Yet, know it’s God’s heart and desire for all people to be saved  (1 Timothy 2:4).

A Prayer for When You Feel Alone..Molly Law

 A Prayer for When You Feel Alone

By Molly Law

"Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted." -Psalm 25:16

Loneliness feels like the worse thing in the world, and it is something we all, at one time or another, endure. Loneliness can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Someone can be surrounded by crowds of people or with their family and friends and still feel lonely. The reasons can be numerous — whether they feel like they don’t belong in that group, going through a season of change they feel the people around them won’t or can’t understand. Or loneliness is when we are physically alone and no one is around us. Some people find themselves isolated through no fault of their own. 

There is loneliness felt when someone desires to be loved by a romantic partner and that answer to prayer is delayed. It can be amplified when surrounded by happy couples, seeing their love, wedding photos, vacations, etc. spread all over social media. It can be felt when someone is childless, longing to be a parent and seeing their friends having healthy, happy babies. There are so many ways and reasons to feel lonely, and in those moments, life seems hopeless, dark, and sometimes not worth living. That is a lie from the enemy.

Loneliness is a tricky emotion. On the one hand, what you feel is totally validated. No one can take away your feelings. On the other, loneliness, if left to fester, can lead to false ideations and actions that can be harmful. Loneliness can also cause us to bottle up what we are feeling. The lie that this feeling tells is that no one knows but us is going through this and that no one will ever understand. But when we have the courage to reach out to others, we will certainly find that we are not alone in our feelings — that someone else feels the exact same way.

Although we may feel lonely and are not ready to share with anyone how we feel, we are still never truly alone. There is One who promises to be with us always. When Jesus ascended into heaven, leaving his disciples, his friends — he didn’t leave them alone, he left them with someone who would never leave them, someone who would live inside them forever — the Holy Spirit. 

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Throughout Scripture, God promises us that he is with us — we do not have to be afraid or feel hopeless.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,
I’m feeling lonely today, and I don’t know why. I’m feeling hopeless, alone, and scared. I feel like there is no one to talk to about this. I feel like the only person in the world who feels like this. I don’t know how any way else to feel.

Please be with me. I know your promise. I know you will never leave me — that you will strengthen me. I pray that you’ll surround me with your peace and with your Spirit. I pray for the strength to open up to my loved ones about how I feel. To find a support group with people who are going through the same thing. I pray you relieve this feeling. 

I pray for those who don’t feel like they can open up to those around them, who feel like they won’t be understood or can’t be themselves. I pray for those who feel like something is missing in their life — that the world is revealing that they are the only ones to not be married, have children, have a dream job, etc.

My Father, thank you for your overwhelming presence in our lives. Thank you for your peace and understanding. Thank you for providing us with your Spirit who will indwell us until we see you face to face. Thank you for giving us friends and family who love and support us. Thank you for giving us the courage to seek comfort in our loneliness when the enemy tries to deceive us that this is not possible — that all is lost. Thank you for your truth. 

We love and trust you, our King and Shepherd. Amen

Asking God with Confidence..Lynette Kittle

 Asking God with Confidence

By Lynette Kittle

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” - Matthew 7:7

As a Senior Publicist for the largest publisher in the world, pitching media outlets and asking boldly for author opportunities was hard at first but soon became easy to do. The more I asked, the easier it became to ask. Because publicity work involves constantly making requests, I soon discovered how, in the long run, learning to ask unhindered and without fear is a very beneficial skill to acquire in life.

As well it’s a career where one has to learn to be unafraid of being rejected, hurt, or offended if people say “no thanks,” respond rudely, or totally ignore requests. It's also one that involves unexpected surprises like shooting for the stars and finding out that sometimes they’re reachable.

Most importantly, it teaches how to rely on God’s leading rather than our own ideas. Like Proverbs 3:5,6 urges, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Overall, publicity work is like boot camp training for letting go of the fear of asking, it’s an intense course in how to practice what Hebrews 3:16 urges, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Practice, Practice, Practice
Growing up as the baby in the family and as a “daddy’s girl,” my mother and brother would often push me to ask my dad for things rather than asking themselves. Reluctant to approach him on their own, they routinely asked me to be the messenger, and because I was confident in my dad’s love for me, I had no fear of asking him.

Sometimes my requests surprised him, and he would chuckle at my boldness in asking him, not knowing many times that I had been put up to do so. Most often, my generous father would say “yes” to my requests. Like my dad wanted to meet my requests, James 1:17 explains God’s heart as our Father, towards us. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Looking back, I see how my family’s push to be the one to ask my dad was great training for my future publicity work but even better preparation in teaching me how to be bold in approaching and asking my Heavenly Father.

It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask
Like in publicity work, where it doesn’t hurt to ask, isn’t it better to ask God than not ask at all? Although some Christians might believe it’s not right to ask God for anything or impose heavy restrictions on what is okay or not okay to ask Him, He encourages us to ask. As James 4:2 explains, many Christians are experiencing lack because they aren’t asking God.

Others think they can’t ask God because of who they are or what they’ve done but asking God isn’t dependent on our failures or our accomplishments but rather on whom He is. “For God does not show favoritism” (Romans 2:11). As well, God is a giver, and it’s not His nature to withhold from us. As Psalm 84:11 describes, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”

Start Asking God
God is the ultimate giver (John 3:16), “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32) He is the God who longs to fulfill the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4). So keep asking Him and if you haven’t been asking, start asking today.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Have you been hesitant in asking God for anything, thinking He doesn’t care, isn’t listening, or you’re undeserving to receive? If so, step out in the coming weeks and start turning to Him when needs come up, asking Him to lead you in your requests, and see what happens.