Glorious Relationship..Craig Denison Ministries

 

Glorious Relationship

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus we have been afforded an opportunity to live an incredibly abundant life here on earth. Our God is nearer, more tangible, and has a greater ability to make his presence known than we’ve yet realized. He longs to make his children more in tune and aware of the depths of his love, guidance, empowerment, and nearness. He longs for our days here on earth to be marked by unveiled communion with him. As we look at what it is to live an abundant life here on earth, I pray that your heart will be awakened to the reality of God’s presence and affection in your life.

Scripture:“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

Devotional:

There is a wealth of glorious relationship available to us on earth that we have yet to fully experience. Jesus has made a way for us to have restored relationship with our heavenly Father again, not only in heaven, but right now. We have been washed clean by the blood of the pure and spotless Lamb so that the presence of the living God now resides with us. God is here, and he is ready for you and me to experience the fullness of life only found in continual communion with him.

Revelation 3:20 says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” God is continually knocking on the doors of our hearts, ready and willing to come in and meet with us in every part of our lives. Each of us are created for intimacy, free from shame and rejection. We live unsatisfied until our hearts find their home with our loving and present Father.

God is knocking on the door of your heart today and asking you to allow him to come in and fill you with the life of glorious relationship. He longs to breathe into your frame of dust so that the dry and weary places of your heart are filled to overflowing with the living waters of his love. Psalm 139:1-6 says,

O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.

God is always available, always ready, and always willing to guide you into an encounter with him. All that is required of you is an open heart. True life here on earth finds its roots solely in restored relationship with the Creator. There is no good apart from the Lord (Psalm 16:2). There is no love like the one we have found in God. There is no friend like the Holy Spirit. There is no purpose like wholeheartedly pursuing the fullness of relationship available with God.

Zephaniah 3:17 says, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” Take time to allow God to rejoice over you. Allow him to quiet the stress and cares of this life with his loving presence. Ask him to reveal to you just how near he is. And live today in light of the glorious relationship with your heavenly Father made available to you by the powerful sacrifice of Jesus.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the wealth of relationship available to you with God. Allow Scripture to fill you with a desire to have more consistent encounters with your heavenly Father.

“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.” Psalm 139:17-18

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” Isaiah 49:15

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

2. In what ways are you not experiencing the fullness of life available to you in God? Where do you need more encounters with God’s presence and love?

3. Take time to simply let God love you. Open the door of your heart to your heavenly Father, and let him come meet with you. Have faith that he will guide you into an encounter with himself today and give you exactly what you need. May you find refreshment and revitalization in the loving embrace of your Father.

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

May the words of Jesus in John 15:4-6 fill you with a desire to stay in communion with your heavenly Father throughout everything you do today:

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

Extended Reading: Psalm 139

Light the Way..LAUREN GREEN MCAFEE

 Light the Way

LAUREN GREEN MCAFEE 

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

Every morning growing up, hours before most of my friends were awake, I was up learning math from my dad.

Since I was home-schooled until middle school, I would wake up before the sun, eyes still drowsy, and march downstairs to see a dim light stretching out from my dad’s office, where I would start my lesson for the day.

The soft glow from my dad’s office pierced the darkness and gave me enough light to see the stairs I walked down. And there, behind his desk, my dad would be reading his Bible — allowing the Light of the World to shine into his heart.

Today when I read our key verse, Psalm 119:105, I often think of those early-morning math lessons.

Many years after my middle-school days, my dad would end up leading an effort to found a world-class museum dedicated to the Bible, called Museum of the Bible, in Washington, D.C. When you walk into Museum of the Bible, one of the first things you see, etched in the marble pillar in the middle of the lobby, is the museum's theme verse, which is also our key verse today: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).

This verse is found in the middle of the longest chapter in the Bible. This majestic chapter celebrates the incredible gift that is the Scriptures. What we have in the Bible is a miracle the children of ancient Israel only saw in flashes during the Exodus or received from the prophets.

God has spoken to us, and we have His words preserved. And what are we to recognize His Word as? Light. But if I’m being honest, I don’t always see it.

The day-to-day busyness of parenting, marriage, cleaning the house, volunteering at church, working and trying to stay engaged in my friendships can feel like there is never enough time in the day to study and appreciate God’s Word or see its light for my path. Yet every time I prioritize the space for Scripture engagement, I find myself more refreshed and strengthened. What a gift, that God has given us His Word to light our paths!

Ultimately, the light of God’s Word makes Him known. John 1:4-5 says, “In him [Jesus] was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (NIV). Jesus showed us what a life following God’s path looks like. Each step He took, every person He touched, every word He spoke, was filled with love and truth. Jesus’ words brought healing to the hurting and life to the broken. They also brought judgment on the wicked and rebuke to the religious.

It was because He claimed to be God that the religious leaders of the day killed Him. Jesus, the “light of the world by darkness slain,” as one hymn puts it, was murdered on a cross. At the moment of His death, it was noon, yet there was a blackness that covered the sky. Darkness seemed to have won. Yet the promise in John 1:4-5 was true. The light of Jesus shined into the darkness, and the darkness could not overcome it.

What is darkness but the absence of light? You can’t spread darkness; you can only make things darker by hiding the light.

My dad’s passionate dedication to God’s Word has had an impact on me I will never forget. And it is my prayer now that, as I learn to take time to allow God’s Word to be a light to my feet, it will have an impact on my daughter as well.

Father, thank You for not keeping Yourself a mystery from us but revealing Yourself to us in Your Word. Forgive me, for I so quickly turn to words from people rather than to the words You have given to me to better understand You and how to live life. I ask that You would give me eyes to see new things in the Bible that might illuminate my life’s path more clearly. Make me faithful to yield to Your way, no matter the cost. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Judgment..Dr. Charles Stanley

 The Judgment

Dr. Charles Stanley

2 Corinthians 5:9-10

Every Christian is answerable to Jesus for how he or she lived life. We will not stand before the Great White Throne of Revelation 20:11--that is where unbelievers will be judged. Instead, we will go before Christ's judgment seat and give an account of ourselves.

Perhaps this seems like a contradiction: Believers will not be judged but will stand before Christ's judgment seat. The Greek word that 2 Corinthians uses for "judgment seat" is bema, which means a place of accountability. So those who believe in the Savior will not be condemned to death but will live and be accountable to Him.

Do not confuse accountability with giving a defense. We won't defend our worthless actions--those things we said and did that brought no honor to the Lord or shamed His name. God likens our selfish works to wood, hay, and stubble, which are items fit only for the fire (1 Cor. 3:13). The valuable thoughts, words, and deeds that serve the Lord are exchanged for rewards in heaven.

What we'll be judged on is the quality of our work. God has given every believer an individual purpose, along with the personality, talents, and spiritual gifts needed to fulfill it. The question that will be answered at Christ's judgment seat is, Did I live out my purpose to honor and glorify God?

Standing before Christ's judgment seat is something to look forward to. We need not fear, since we are beloved co-heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17, 34). Because of His sacrifice, we have a right to the treasures of heaven. He is eager to bestow them as a reward for faithfulness and obedience.

The Faith of Ordinary People..Jennifer Waddle

 The Faith of Ordinary People

by Jennifer Waddle

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. Hebrews 11:31

I love how the Lord employed unlikely people to do extraordinary things. Often, the outcast was embraced, the sinner was chosen, and the “labeled” was marked by God for a divine purpose.

I find it interesting that the two Israelite spies, sent by Joshua to search out the land of Jericho, went specifically to the house of Rahab the harlot. While it made sense that they would lodge at a house located on the wall of Jericho—for strategic purposes, it doesn’t make sense that they chose to lodge with a harlot.

Against the commandments of God, a harlot would normally have been avoided at all cost. Yet, against all of our rationale, God chose Rahab to help His people, and eventually become part of the lineage of Jesus. (see Matthew 1:5)

What a beautiful testimony of God’s character! He truly sees past the physical and straight to the heart. God looks for those who will be faithful to Him, and often finds them in the most unlikely places.

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him…2 Chronicles 16:9

By faith, Rahab risked her own life to help the spies escape. It was her belief in the Lord that saved her and her whole family. Unlike the other inhabitants of Jericho, the miraculous things she had heard about God spurred her to action.

Now before they lay down, she came up to them on the roof, and said to the men: “I know that the Lord has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. Joshua 2:8-11

In holy fear of the Lord, Rahab acted in faith. Instead of closing the door on the spies, she allowed her reverent fear of “God in heaven above and on earth beneath” to motivate her.

The lesson for us is to let a holy and reverent fear of the Lord motivate our service to Him; to remember what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will do. God does amazing things in the lives of ordinary people. All He looks for is faith in His Son Jesus—a faith that leads us to do great things for His glory. I don’t know about you, but I want that more than anything.

A Prayer to Love the Father..Tiffany Thibault

 A Prayer to Love the Father

By Tiffany Thibault

"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 of life —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 ESV

Do not touch it, it’s hot. Do not cross the street without looking both ways. Do not open the door to someone you do not know. These are all things that we tell our children as they are growing more mature and becoming more independent. We tell them these things over and over until we begin to see them practice this habit on their own. We are not giving them these instructions to ruin their life but instead to teach them wisdom about avoiding pain so that they can be better equipped to go explore their world.

The writer of our verse starts out this chapter by saying these words: “My little children.” Just as any child is tempted and filled with intense longing when entering the toy store, we too, though older and more “mature,” are also tempted by all that the world proclaims is good. 

Fame, success, material things, prestige, status, social media impact, self-image, and the list could go on for a very long time. Turn on any show, movie, podcast, talk show, or scroll through social media and it's very clear that what the world deems important is very far from what God’s standard for our life is. Our verse speaks of this perfectly! For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life —is not from the Father but is from the world. 

This verse is a command for us to reexamine our thoughts, our actions, and our priorities. The command is very clear. There is absolutely no ambiguity in it: 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. 

Take a few moments right now. Examine your intentions, your actions, your habits, and your attitude. Are they echoing the world's mantra of “ME” as the god of my life? Or are they glorifying God, serving others, sharing the gospel, and pointing others to Jesus? 

Everything in this world is fading away, but GOD will endure forever. Who is your God? Is it materialism? Is it prestige? Is it affirmation from others? Is it embracing a lifestyle that keeps God confined to a Sunday morning time slot? Our verse says this: “the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” 

So how do we live in the world but still do the will of God? We can start by making our life one of worship. We all must work, care for others and do the daily tasks that our jobs and lives require. As we do, we can intentionally seek God in every moment. We can fill our homes with worship music. We can read and listen to the scriptures. We must seek out friends who are pursuing the Lord. Moment by moment, choosing the things that keep our eyes on the Lord will put us in a position of knowing what God’s will is for our every situation, attitude and decision. I pray that today will find you looking to Jesus more, loving Him more, and finding yourself abiding in His will. 

Let’s Pray: 

Dear Heavenly Father,
I come to you today, asking that you fill me with hunger, with a burning desire to keep my eyes, my heart, and my thoughts on you. Teach me, guide me, and fill me with a clear understanding of what your will is in my life. May every worldly desire fade away and let my life be a clear reflection of who you are to those around me. 

In Your name, I pray,
Amen

The Only Lasting Legacy You Can Leave..Dr. Michael A. Milton

 The Only Lasting Legacy You Can Leave

By Dr. Michael A. Milton

"For you, O God, have heard my vows, and have given a heritage to those who fear your Name."—Psalm 61:5

"He is building his legacy." We have often heard that statement about a politician seeking to establish his record for posterity. We sometimes hear about one seeking to build a legacy in terms of business. For example, it is frequently uttered as a frail older man laying his hands upon a favorite child to carry on a heritage of leadership. We have all experienced this and, to some degree, have probably wanted it for ourselves. At its core, without selfish ambition, or any nefarious motives, this is ordinarily a good thing. However, the psalmist uses this familiar transfer of wealth, prestige, leadership, or a record of accomplishment to the legacy of faith. Nothing is more important because nothing is eternal as leaving a legacy of faith. Faith in Jesus Christ transcends the finite heritage of power or prestige. The legacy of faith will remain when the presidential libraries, multigenerational and well-earned successful businesses are gone.

When I was pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga, one of our older members passed away. She had been known as "a mountain woman." Long widowed from a faithful husband who worked with his hands in a local factory, this woman was known for teaching Sunday school, vacation Bible school, and cultivating an incomparably fruitful garden. She lived to a ripe old age. At her funeral, the children, who all lived in neighboring states, came together for the memorial service. Before the service, as I gathered with them privately, I learned that the most significant epitaph repeated was, "She didn't have that much, and she never did." They were speaking of a legacy of wealth. That part was indeed genuine. The summary of her life, however, was much more extraordinary than such a dour assessment. Indeed, those of us who knew Mrs. Moore recognized that she was one of the wealthiest women in the community. Mrs. Moore’s life was filled with love and admiration from those who had sat under her teaching and guidance as children. Her garden was much more than a standard backyard vegetable patch. A veritable nursery, the garden reflected the care born out of a love of God as if doing her best in her garden was a way to say thank you to God for his lavish grace in saving her from her sins. She was also one of the happiest ladies I had known. At her service, I read this verse to the congregation, including her seven children seated up front with their families. I talked about one of the wealthiest women I had ever known. There was a strange look on the faces of her children. "Didn't we just say to you, she never had a thing in her life?" If faces and expressions could talk, that is what I heard. We concluded our service with the question,” Having looked at this passage and considered its meaning, can we not say that Mrs. Moore has left you with a legacy of inestimable value? As with any estate, the question remains how you will use the opportunities she has bequeathed."

There is a message for each of us here. Your most significant legacy for your family, community, and this world is a heritage of faith in Jesus Christ. How are you building that legacy today? You will not need a team of financial professionals or estate lawyers. Everything for faith and godliness is available in word, sacrament, and prayer. Oh, that each of us would see the pathway to the incredible and indestructible nature of the heritage of faith in Jesus Christ. What of eternal wealth will you leave to those who follow? 

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
One of the greatest things we can do is invest in our families with spiritual capital. There is no greater way to do this than merely praying with your child. The power of going to your knees in front of your child and praying for that child will leave an indelible impression on her soul. I challenge you this week to commit to praying for your children nightly, daily. So that God’s Word and His promises to a thousand generations will begin with you. Amen

Further Reading:
Psalm 105:8; Exodus 20:6; and Deuteronomy 7:9