Jesus is the Best Thing..Craig Denison Ministries

 Jesus is the Best Thing

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

As children of God, we have been given a new home and a new hope. May your heart be set aflame by the joy and purpose of living out God’s command to live for heaven this week: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” - Colossians 3:1-4

Scripture:“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:1-2

Devotional:

Of all the wonders our Creator provides us, boundless and unadulterated relationship with Jesus vastly exceeds them all. Jesus is the best thing we will ever know. His love restores, satisfies, transforms, and heals. His grace empowers and brings transcendent peace. His nearness resolves the great fears of our hearts. And his Kingship calls us to a right lifestyle of living for heaven rather than a pursuit of that which is worldly and fleeting. Colossians 3:1-4 says, If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

You and I have limited space in our hearts. When we choose to fill our lives with the things of the world, we crowd out that which will fill us with pure and abounding relationship with Jesus. It’s for this reason Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

As disciples of Jesus, we must learn to lead different lives than others around us. Instead of looking to others as our standard for what is good or right, we must look to Jesus. Instead of setting the bar for our lives by looking at successful people, even successful Christians, we must set our bar at living like Jesus. Jesus valued relationship with the Father above all else. He valued obedience to the Father’s will above all other pursuits. Every breath he breathed was done to the glory of God the Father and in fulfillment of his plans, and you and I are to do the same.

To live for heaven is to throw off every weight that would hinder us from pursuing the fullness of relationship with Jesus. To live for heaven is to declare with our thoughts, actions, and emotions that Jesus truly is Lord of lords and King of kings and that he is worthy of our lives. To live for heaven is to make as much room in our hearts for Jesus as possible. Live for heaven today and discover the wealth of relationship and satisfaction available to you only through the sole pursuit of Jesus.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the principle of serving two masters. Allow Scripture to stir up your heart to pursue relationship with Jesus above all else. Renew your mind to what truly has value in this life.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” - Matthew 6:33-34

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:1-2

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1

2. What things of the world have you been pursuing? In what ways has the world crowded out space that was meant solely for the things of God?

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” - Romans 12:2

3. Ask the Lord to lead you to a lifestyle of living for heaven. Ask him to give you a vision of what it looks like to pursue relationship with him above all else. Commit to following his leadership to paths of righteousness and relationship and turn away from worldly cares and pursuits.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” - 1 John 2:15-17

Living with a heavenly perspective takes time spent in God’s presence, studying his word. It’s unnatural to live in the world but not of the world (John 15:19). There are few to no people we encounter in our daily routine who truly live out this command. If we are going to fully pursue the abundant life to which we’ve been called, we must choose to live differently. If we are going to truly live for heaven, we must allow the Lord to daily renew our perspective on what matters. The life available to us through pursuing Jesus alone may be countercultural, but it is filled with adventure, wonder, satisfaction, and purpose. May you be filled with the courage to throw off the burdens of the world and live solely for Jesus today.

Extended Reading: 1 John 2

The Burden of Inadequacy.. Dr. Charles Stanley

 The Burden of Inadequacy 

Dr. Charles Stanley

Deuteronomy 1:19-36

Standing on the edge of the Promised Land, the Israelites were overcome by fear. The size and strength of the enemy contrasted sharply with their own weakness and inability. Because we're human, everyone at times will experience inadequacy and the uncomfortable feelings that accompany it. The issue you and I face is not whether we are sufficient for a task, but how we will respond when a challenge is beyond our capabilities.

Like the children of Israel, we can give in to fear and then focus on the expectation of certain failure. As the obstacle grows in our minds, our feet run in the opposite direction, away from the challenge and toward safety. However, turning away from the task that God has given us will lead us not to security but into bondage. By allowing fear to control our choices, we'll become chained to feelings of inadequacy, which will shape our future decisions and, ultimately, our destinies.

As a result of their refusal to trust the Lord and move forward to conquer the land, the Israelites were consigned to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. The men who did not believe God's promise never saw the land that He wanted to give them. Opportunities are always lost when we let fear overrule our faith.

When God calls you to a task beyond your abilities, instead of giving in to your feelings, choose to rely on what you know about Him and His promises. By moving forward in faith despite your inadequacy, you will discover the Lord's faithfulness. He always empowers us for the works He assigns.

Perplexed but Not Driven to Despair..Mark Altrogge

 Perplexed but Not Driven to Despair

By Mark Altrogge

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. (2 Corinthians 4:7-10)

There is a word in the Bible that I’m so glad is there. I’ve come back to it again and again over the years. I have said many times, “Yeah! That’s the word for it. That’s what I’m feeling right now.”

What is the word? “Perplexed.”

Perplexed, but not driven to despair!

Paul, the author of most of the New Testament, was perplexed at times. The brilliant theologian Paul didn’t know what the heck was going on at times. He didn’t understand why certain things were happening to him. There were things in his life that didn’t make sense. Outcomes that shouldn’t have happened. Friends that shouldn’t have betrayed him. Unexpected twists and turns. And he was perplexed.

Like when he was being a servant, gathering sticks for a fire and a poisonous viper latched on to him. Ever had that experience? You were just trying to serve and you wind up getting bit.

So many things in our lives are perplexing. We try to do the right thing and someone gets angry at us. We do all we know to do as parents and a child rebels. We help someone financially and they go around slandering us. We give someone godly counsel then they blame us for the problems their sins have caused. Perplexing. Confusing. Mind-boggling. Head-scratching.

Why does God allow us to be perplexed? To display his power. To remind us that we are jars of clay and all our strength is from God.

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed” – When life beats us down and we rise up out of the ashes praising God, it displays his incredible power.

“Perplexed, but not driven to despair” – When we go through confusing circumstances that would drive others to despair, yet we continue to hope in God, that displays his might.

“Persecuted, but not forsaken” – Others hurt us, yet we find again and again that God is with us.

“Struck down, but not destroyed” – We just keep getting back up again. Why? Why don’t we just stay down? Why don’t we just give up? Why do we keep coming back to God’s word, and to church? Why do we lift up our hands in praise when we should just quit? Because of God’s power!

“Always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.” When we “die” in any way – when we’re disappointed, betrayed, confused, perplexed, hurt, persecuted, disrespected, abused – it’s then that the life of Jesus shines most brightly through us. All our afflictions are intended to reveal the power and glory of God in our lives.

Are you perplexed? Are you down? Get back up. Keep going. Keep seeking Jesus for strength. Keep asking him for answers. Don’t despair. Jesus is about to display his glorious power through you.

A Prayer While You Wait..Molly Law

 A Prayer While You Wait

By Molly Law

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” - Psalm 27:14

It seems like life is just one big waiting game. We wait in lines at the grocery store, airport, amusement parks etc., — there is even a room called “waiting” at a doctor’s office. In every instance, the time we wait far outweighs what we are actually waiting for. As a culture that increasingly pushes instant gratification, even Christians cannot escape this subliminal messaging that we receive in our everyday lives. 

But what the world tells us is often in direct conflict with Scripture. Throughout the Bible, the concept of waiting is expressed in many different ways. We read about how long the Israelites had to wait to enter the Promised Land, but that was due to their disobedience (Joshua 5:6). Scripture also tells us to wait for our own peace of mind. God tells us that “he has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

I know that I am not alone in this, but I have a really hard time waiting, especially for good things. Often, it feels like my choices are taken away from me in times of waiting, but when I remember who my Lord is — I realize how wrong I am. I do have a choice. I can either stress, spiral, or bemoan to anyone who will listen about my plight. Or I can be still. I can turn to the Lord and be with him. The more time I spend with him, the more I glean about his will for me. I experience peace, and before I know it, the time of waiting doesn’t feel so long. 

However, if I don’t turn to my Savior, I’m more likely to disobey, just as the Israelites did when waiting for Moses: they crafted a golden calf to worship because they were not focused on their God. Instead, they were hyper-focused on every minute that passed as they waited. I have found that when I take matters into my own hands in times of waiting that I miss out on the amazing blessings God has for me or I have to wait even longer — if I only had just waited for him.

When I was still and waited patiently, it was hard and frustrating, but God never let me down. He was faithful, and I experienced the exact blessing and perfect timing he wanted for me all along. I have been waiting a long time for one desire in particular. This prayer of mine has been decades in the making, and I’m still waiting. Yes, I can feel God’s provision and promise, but for reasons only he knows, he is keeping me waiting. One day, when I felt utterly heartbroken and confused, I poured my heart out to God. Afterward, my daily devotional directed me to this verse in Scripture:

And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end — it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay (Habakkuk 2:2-3).

 Because I turned to the Lord in my pain, he comforted me.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,
Thank you for your constant presence in our lives. Thank you for your marvelous works — the ones we may or may not see. Please be with us in times of waiting, when it seems to go on forever — when the answer seems far away, so much so that we can no longer envision your promise. 

Not only do we wait for worldly matters, but as believers, we are also awaiting our eternal citizenship. We await the day that we are reunited with you, Jesus, our Savior. But you never told us to just sit on our hands and wait life away, but you called us to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matthew 28:19-20). So that when we finally make it to heaven, we will hear, “Well, done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).

Father, today I pray for those waiting to hear back about a diagnosis for themselves, their child, or a family member. I pray for couples who have prayed to start a family but are still waiting to conceive or waiting to hear back from an adoption agency. I pray for people who are feeling lonely and are praying for their future spouse. I pray for those waiting to hear back about their dream college or career. I pray for everyone who is waiting for an answer to prayer. 

I pray that while we wait that we turn to you for comfort. I pray that anxiety and stress may be lessened. We need you, Jesus, every moment of every day before we come into your presence where there will be no more death or weeping. Be with us in the waiting — something we all experience — that we may not only pursue what we want, but as we grow closer to you that we will desire to do your will to bring you glory for ever and ever, Amen.

God Is Our Helper..Jessica Van Roekel

 God Is Our Helper

By Jessica Van Roekel

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2, ESV).

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by so much to do in a day? There are times when it feels like I wander around my home and wonder what to do next. The list seems long and never gets shorter. I wake up the next day, and there’s more added to the list. Clean the bathroom. Go to the bank. Call the accountant. Make dentist appointments. Take care of clients. Take care of yourself. Pretty soon, it’s weeks before I finally get around to making that dental appointment and even longer before I sweep the dust bunnies. These are the tangible items that press in to take our attention, but there’s more than just the external living that we do. There’s the internal too.

The internal place is where we feel anxious about the future or frustrated with the present. It begins to demand attention if we ignore it for too long. Our worries linger on the edge of our consciousness, and we lost sleep. Then we snap at our loved ones because the tension inside us reaches a breaking point. After that, we add guilty conscience to our list of things. The next day comes, and more instances like these get added to the list. Eventually, we can’t add any more, and we’re left sidelined because life has become too much. Instead of living from a place of victory in Christ, we’re barely able to see our next step.

In Mark 10:46-52, we read about a blind man named Bartimaeus, who was sidelined from life. He begged from the side of the road and his daily sustenance came from those who took pity on him. One day, he heard that Jesus was near, and he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me,” (Mark 10:47, ESV). Those on street told him to be quiet, but he ignored them and cried even louder. Jesus called for him to come and Bartimaeus threw off his cloak, sprang to his feet, and stood before Jesus. Jesus looked at him and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51).

There are three things we can learn from Bartimaeus. One, he knew what Jesus could do. He had heard the stories of Jesus’ miracles, and he believed. In our days filled with life’s ups and downs, we can forget that he walked on water, healed hearts, and rose from the dead. We need to remember that he is more than a great teacher, he is our help, and he makes his power available to us.

When was the last time you begged Jesus for help? Or are you like me and try to solve problems on your own first? Sometimes we value independence and view dependence as weakness. Jesus becomes a last resort instead of our first choice. There is great power in admitting we need help. He loves it when we call out to him.

The next lesson we can learn from Bartimaeus is that he ignored the voices that told him to be quiet. Maybe there’s someone in your life or your own voice that tells you that Jesus can’t be bothered by your requests for help with the ordinary problems in life. Maybe you think that you need to reserve your requests for big issues. But God cares and desires to help us in our everyday lives, from helping us through difficult situations to knowing the next step to take in the unending to-do list.

Third, Bartimaeus knew what he wanted Jesus to do for him. He wanted to see again. Do you know what you want Jesus to do for you? Maybe you need peace because you’re anxious about many things. Or you need strength because your journey has an unwanted diagnosis. But maybe you don’t know, and that’s okay. The beautiful thing about following God is that you can ask him what you need. You can say, “Lord, I know I need help, but I’m not sure what kind of help. Would you show me?” Then, take a moment in silent prayer and listen for his voice.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
God is our main source of help, not our jobs, families, or friends. He is compassionate toward us in our needs and desires to act on our behalf. When we look beyond the factors that overwhelm us, we can call on God to be our help. He answers us and meets us right where we’re at. We can call on his name and expect his reply.

Further Reading:

• Psalm 121
• Mark 10:46-52