Heaven on Earth..Craig Denison Ministries

 Heaven on Earth

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:“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” - Matthew 6:9-10

Devotional:

In Matthew 6:9-13 Jesus taught us to pray:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

To seek God’s kingdom coming to earth is to declare our great need for God’s presence, provision, love, and redemption. We have been given a mandate of the highest importance from our King of kings. We are to carry the kingdom of God with us everywhere we go and release this kingdom through everything we do. We are called by Jesus to bring heaven to earth.

In Matthew 16:19 Jesus tells his disciples, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” What would it look like for the people of God to release the kingdom of heaven everywhere they go? What would it look like for even just a few of us to truly say yes to the calling of God on our lives to live for more than just worldly pleasure and comfort, to step outside of ourselves and live with an eternal perspective?

You are made to make an eternal impact far greater than you can imagine. God has placed within you keys to the doors of heaven, and he longs to use you to release his love, grace, peace, mercy, and redemption to others in desperate need of him. He longs to call you out from the daily grind of life into a higher pursuit of seeing the earth transformed by his goodness.

Seeing heaven come to earth all starts with declaring your need of God. It all starts with drawing a circle around yourself and allowing God to transform you from the inside out. You are not called to minister to others in your own strength. You are not called to figure out how to best love people. You aren’t even called to muster up a desire to bring God’s kingdom to earth. All the weight of eternal impact rests on the shoulders of your heavenly Father. All that is required of you is to take time to let God love you, fill you with the desires of his heart, and follow his leadership into the fulfillment of those desires.

God wants to take your five loaves of bread and two fish and multiply it to feed the souls of thousands. Say yes to partnering with the Holy Spirit, and allow God to use you to change the world by bringing his kingdom to earth through simple acts of love and obedience. Take time in guided prayer to allow God’s word and his Spirit to teach you, empower you, and release you into the calling of bringing heaven to earth today.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the calling to bring God’s kingdom to earth. Allow Scripture to lay a foundation for powerful works of God’s Spirit to pour out through your life.

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” - Matthew 16:19

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16

2. What keys has God given you to release his kingdom? What spiritual gifts has he given you? What ways do you best love people? How has he used you in the past to reveal his love?

3. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you how to bring heaven to earth today. Ask him to fill you up that you might pour out. Ask him to tear down any walls that would keep you from loving him and others well.

Being used by God to bring heaven to earth is meant to be a part of the normal, daily Christian life. We are called to more than simply working a job, going to school, hanging out with friends, and trying to enjoy life. No matter what job you work, God wants to bring the kingdom to earth through you. No matter who your friends are or where you find yourself, God wants to bring the kingdom to earth everywhere around you. If you will say yes every day to the adventure of being used by God, your life will begin to take on a whole new purpose so much more fulfilling than anything you’ve previously experienced. May you live to see God’s kingdom come to earth through your life today.

Extended Reading: Luke 9

You Are Worth Taking Care Of..BONNIE GRAY

 You Are Worth Taking Care Of

BONNIE GRAY

“See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” Matthew 6:28b-29 (NIV)

I forgot I left out the flowers after coming home from the grocery store. I’d spent an embarrassing amount of time deciding whether even to get flowers.

When it comes to buying flowers for friends to cheer them up, I don’t hesitate. But flowers for myself? It felt too indulgent. Then I felt torn between buying flowers that cost less or buying the ones I wanted: hydrangeas.

I decided to go for it, placing the hydrangeas in my cart. But they ended up on the countertop at home that night. Because I was rushing to get dinner on the table, by the time the family gobbled up the food and washed the dishes, it was too late.

I forgot to put the flowers in water! They were neglected, put to the side. The petals all wilted.

So many times, I feel like those wilted flowers, worn and exhausted because I’ve neglected my emotional and physical well-being. I get so busy taking care of everyone else, I forget God cares about my well-being.

Do you, too, ever feel like those hydrangeas, in need of nurturing? Do you find it easy to put your heart to the side?

God understands all the hard circumstances surrounding you. Yet your well-being is at the very center of God’s heart. You are His beloved daughter. God cares for you.

How you feel is important to God. He sees how you’re really doing. He wants you to take care of yourself because He loves you.

Having grown up the oldest child in a single-parent family, I’m an encourager by nature. I find it easier taking care of others, yet so often I forget my own well-being needs tending to … until I end up feeling exhausted and burned out with stress and worry.

When you feel overwhelmed, hear Jesus whisper to you in Matthew 6:25-29:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these” (NIV).

Do not worry about tomorrow, God says. Look at the wildflowers — they do not toil. Yet how beautiful I’ve made them … How much more you mean to me, more than any of these!

Are you worried about so many needs around you that you’ve forgotten you, too, are worth taking care of?

Let’s get practical. Maybe you’re wondering, What is a simple way to remind myself of God’s care? Soul Care Tip: Buy yourself flowers. A Rutgers University study found that simply looking at flowers improves emotional health; the presence of flowers triggered happy emotions in participants, increasing feelings of life satisfaction. Flowers are a God-given, natural mood enhancer!

Today, when you feel pressures pressing in, here is truth you can hold on to and breathe in.

Do something that brings you joy.
Do something that brings you peace.
Do something that brings you beauty.

And hear Jesus whispering:
I love you. I am with you.
Shine your light. Sing your song.

You are worth investing in, taking care of and nurturing.

The happy ending to my story is that I learned hydrangea petals freshen up when placed in warm water. A few hours later, my flowers were refreshed again!

Your heart will also be refreshed, just like flowers blooming in the warmth of the sun, when you take time to rest and enjoy what brings you peace and joy.

It’s never too late to run into the arms of our loving Savior, who cares deeply about our well-being!

Dear Jesus, I don’t want to neglect my emotional needs and wellness anymore. Quiet me with Your love. Bring calm and peace to me again. Help me let go of my worries about tomorrow so I can take better care of myself today, safe in Your arms of love for me, just as I am. Thank You. I love You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Parents Responsibility..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Parents Responsibility

Dr. Charles Stanley

Luke 3:22

As we saw yesterday, words are but a small part of parental communication. Now let's look at two types of messages we should purposefully model for our kids.

First, boys and girls need affirmation that they are loved, accepted, and competent. In today's passage, God the Father spoke those very things to His Son. It is essential that our children gain a sense of security and belonging at home so they won't seek acceptance elsewhere. And the way we care and provide for them will help them grasp the heavenly Father's love.

Second, parents are responsible for presenting the principles needed for living a godly life. One way to do so is by reading Scripture aloud and sharing stories of the Lord's involvement in our lives. But actions must match what we say. For example, we cannot expect children to truly understand the golden rule if we act with selfishness, arrogance, or insensitivity.

Modeling a godly life is oftentimes an intentional pursuit, like reading Scripture or serving as a family on a mission trip. It can also be as simple and unplanned as picking up a piece of trash on a neighbor's lawn. But keep in mind that actions and words aren't always perceived correctly. Check that your children's understanding matches the message you hope to communicate.

Your words and actions are teaching lessons. Do your children know, beyond any doubt, that they're treasured and capable? Are you giving them the tools they need to follow Christ? Remember, God doesn't expect perfection. He will guide the willing heart—and cover missteps with His grace.

When Bitterness Creeps In..Dena Johnson Martin

 When Bitterness Creeps In

By Dena Johnson Martin

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: “When King David heard all this, he was furious. And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad; he hated Amnon because he had disgraced his sister Tamar.” (2 Samuel 13: 21)

The bitterness welled up inside me, almost crushing me. I wanted to lash out, to forget whose I am and act like one from the world. I wanted to shout out in my own defense, telling of all the wrongs done against me. I wanted to let the bitterness and anger have its way with me.

Even as I battled the bitterness, I had my daily Bible reading playing on my phone. I’m reading through the Bible chronologically, and I’m at the kingship of David. I’ve read the dysfunction in his family, from rape to murder. Here’s an excerpt from a couple of David’s children:

Amnon [David’s son] said to him, “I’m in love with Tamar [David’s daughter], my brother Absalom’s [David’s oldest son] sister.”

“Go to bed and pretend to be ill,” Jonadab said. “When your father comes to see you, say to him, ‘I would like my sister Tamar to come and give me something to eat. Let her prepare the food in my sight so I may watch her and then eat it from her hand.’”

So Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill. When the king came to see him, Amnon said to him, “I would like my sister Tamar to come and make some special bread in my sight, so I may eat from her hand.”

David sent word to Tamar at the palace: “Go to the house of your brother Amnon and prepare some food for him.” So Tamar went to the house of her brother Amnon, who was lying down. She took some dough, kneaded it, made the bread in his sight and baked it. Then she took the pan and served him the bread, but he refused to eat.

“Send everyone out of here,” Amnon said. So everyone left him. Then Amnon said to Tamar, “Bring the food here into my bedroom so I may eat from your hand.” And Tamar took the bread she had prepared and brought it to her brother Amnon in his bedroom. But when she took it to him to eat, he grabbed her and said, “Come to bed with me, my sister.”

“No, my brother!” she said to him. “Don’t force me! Such a thing should not be done in Israel! Don’t do this wicked thing. What about me? Where could I get rid of my disgrace? And what about you? You would be like one of the wicked fools in Israel. Please speak to the king; he will not keep me from being married to you.” But he refused to listen to her, and since he was stronger than she, he raped her.

Then Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her. Amnon said to her, “Get up and get out!” 2 Samuel 13:4-15

Here was the king’s son raping his half-sister. He lured her in, overtook her, and then threw her out. She was forever disgraced, humiliated. And her brother Absalom? I don’t know if you have brothers, but they can be fiercely protective.

Absalom took his sister in, cared for her needs. His love for her was fierce… but his anger toward Amnon was even more fierce. We see this anger, this bitterness, mixed throughout the rest of David’s story.

Absalom ordered his men, “Listen! When Amnon is in high spirits from drinking wine and I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon down,’ then kill him. Don’t be afraid. Haven’t I given you this order? Be strong and brave.” So Absalom’s men did to Amnon what Absalom had ordered. Then all the king’s sons got up, mounted their mules and fled. 2 Samuel 13:28-29

Absalom’s life is a portrait of the danger of bitterness. He chose not to deal with the hurt and pain of his past, and instead chose to allow the bitterness to destroy his life.

That’s exactly why God tells us to forgive. That’s why God tells us to rip out of the root of bitterness so it doesn’t get a hold on our lives. That’s why God tells us to obey His word… because His way is so much better than our own.

I made a decision years ago not to let bitterness consume me. Some days, it’s hard… really hard. Some days, it’s a minute-by-minute decision to focus on my Savior, to focus on His love for me. Some days, it’s a challenge to remember the forgiveness He pours out on me, the forgiveness I’m expected to give others. But it’s the right way, the best way, the only way.  

A Prayer of God’s Blessing Over Those You Love..Debbie McDaniel

 A Prayer of God’s Blessing Over Those You Love

By Debbie McDaniel

“The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

As believers, we can know in our hearts that God is sovereign and strong. We can believe that His plans for us, for our loved ones, are for good and that He has blessing in store as we follow after Him.

Yet often, when life presses and things feel stressed, when problems overwhelm, and hardships come our way, our focus gets blurred. We somehow start to believe that it all depends on "us." Like maybe we blew it, messed up and got ourselves off the course from "the road to "success." We spin our wheels trying to find a fast way out of difficulty. We feel like it's up to us to make things happen. Stirring up action. Trying hard to get one foot into an open door, or wondering why a closed one shut. We start thinking that if we're not "able enough," "talented enough," "brave enough," that maybe God can't quite use us.

We forget that the very God who created this entire universe, who holds the stars in place and knows the exact number of hairs on our head, also knows our way. That His favor rests on us as we seek after Him first, and He holds the power to cause things to happen in just a moment that would otherwise take us years to do. He can line up our pathways to cross with others He wants us to meet. He can open doors that leave us surprised at how they open. He can close doors that He knows are not the best for us. He has a plan in the good and in every hard thing we face.

And often, the greatest blessings come after the greatest times of testing. Over and over through Scripture, we see story after story of when God turned around for good the difficult pathways of those He loved. And He still works the same today, for He never changes.

We are children of the King. He is Sovereign, and He reigns Supreme, giving favor, guidance, and blessings to all those who seek after Him.  And our prayers are powerful on behalf of our families and friends. May His hand of mercy and grace, His presence of peace, be over every one of these who we love so much. We may not be able to be with them every hour of every day. But He is. We can’t see every struggle, every worry, every burden that may weigh them down. But He does. And He is always there, carrying them, and us, straight through. He is a safe place, and He is Mighty.

Resting there today, hope you are too.

Let's pray:

Dear God,
Thank you for your great love and blessing over our lives. Thank you that your favor has no end, but it lasts for our entire lifetime. Forgive us for sometimes forgetting that you are intimately acquainted with all of our ways, that you know what concerns us, and you cover us, as with a shield. We ask for your guidance so that we might walk fully in your blessing and goodness today. We ask that your face would shine on us. That you would open the right doors for our lives and for our loved ones, that you would close the wrong doors and protect us from those we need to walk away from. Establish the work of our hands and bring to fulfillment all that you have given us to do in these days. We pray that you would make our way purposeful and our footsteps firm out of your goodness and love. Give us a heart of wisdom to hear your voice, and make us strong by your huge favor and grace.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Does the Bible Really Call People Stupid?..Clarence L Haynes. Jr.

 Does the Bible Really Call People Stupid?

By Clarence L Haynes. Jr. 

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge but whoever hates correction is stupid” – Proverbs 12:1

It’s not very often you see the word stupid used in the Bible. For as long as this word has been around, it has rarely, if ever, been used in a positive light, especially when referring to another person. This usage in Proverbs is no different. I don’t know if you have ever been called stupid in your life, but if you have, you know the term is highly offensive and should rarely be used to describe someone. For this reason, we should pay close attention when the Bible chooses to define someone in this manner. Before we begin to pull out some truth from this verse, I want to share with you what one commentator wrote about the word stupid that is used here in Proverbs.

The NET Bible notes, “The word בָּעַר (ba’ar, “brutish; stupid”) normally describes dumb animals that lack intellectual sense. Here, it describes the moral fool who is not willing to learn from correction. He is like a dumb animal.” I hope that begins to shape your perspective on the gravity and intensity of this word. Now let’s make some personal applications.

Two key questions to ask yourself in this verse:

1. Do you love discipline?
There are two correlations made in this verse. The first one is between discipline and knowledge. Here is a definition of the word discipline, and you will see why it correlates with knowledge.

The Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible states, “Learning that molds character and enforces correct behavior; from a Latin word meaning “instruction” or “training.” To discipline a person or a group means to put them in a state of good order so that they function in the way intended. Discipline, in spite of a popular misconception, is not inherently stern or harsh. Bible translators chose “disciple” as an appropriate term for one who learns by following.” [2]

When you define discipline in this manner, you can see why it is correlated to knowledge. The person who loves discipline loves being instructed and trained and therefore sees it as part of the process of attaining knowledge. The disciplined person in this verse is the person who loves learning and will endure the process so they can obtain knowledge.

Do you hate correction?
The second correlation in this verse is for the person who hates being corrected. This type of person either thinks they know it all or views correction as some type of dishonor or disrespect. This can affect anyone. We can believe we know so much about something that there is nothing anyone can tell us about it. This is a form of pride that does not make us look smarter but makes us look foolish, and if you behave in this manner, the Bible calls you stupid. That is a humbling pill to swallow.

How can you make this verse very practical in your life? Here are two simple ways to do this.

1. Always be a student.
There is so much to learn in this world that it is truly impossible to know it all. For this reason, always be a student. I heard Pastor A.R. Bernard say this. “I am sometimes the teacher, but always the student.” The disciplined person recognizes how much they don’t know instead of celebrating how much they do. This type of person will always acquire more knowledge.

2. Embrace the people God places around you.
One of the reasons God places people in your life and encourages you to walk in fellowship with them is that we don’t know it all. God puts people around you to help you grow and get better. For this to happen, there will be moments of correction. Sometimes these moments are not pleasant, but we must learn to embrace them and not despise them because they are for our good. Obviously, there is wisdom in how correction is given, but even if it is not done right, don’t automatically reject the correction, especially if there is merit to what is being said. 

In the Proverbs verse, the word hate means literally to abhor, to detest, to loathe, or to have a feeling of intense dislike. This is the attitude of the person who hates correction and doesn’t want anybody to tell them anything they don’t want to hear. Is it any wonder why the Bible calls this person stupid? Let’s not be those people.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
As you think about your own life, what type of person are you right now, and what type of person do you want to be? I know correction is not always an easy pill to swallow, but it’s better to struggle with swallowing the pill than to be declared stupid. As I said earlier, rarely has that word ever been used in a positive light.
“Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity.” – Rick Rigsby