Eternal Impact..Craig Denison Ministries

 

Eternal Impact

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:“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

Devotional:

You and I were created to make an eternal impact that no one else can make. We’ve each been given a destiny of good works that are incredibly important and wholly unique. No one else can touch people’s lives like you can. God created you for a unique purpose that is solely yours, and he is ready today to equip and empower you to make a deep and lasting impact on this earth.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” You are the workmanship of the Master Craftsman. You are the creation of the Almighty Creator of all. And he has made you for such a time as this. You are not here by mistake. You are not less than other believers around you. Your calling and anointing carries no less weight or importance in the kingdom than anyone else’s.

As a Christian, you have been made new. The person you were before believing in Jesus has been redeemed and transformed. You now have the same Holy Spirit dwelling within you who raised Jesus from the grave, empowered the disciples to save, heal, and set free the lost, and authored the words of Scripture.

Making an eternal impact is all about you becoming and living out of who you are in Christ Jesus. It’s about adopting the new creation that you have become through the power of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. 1 Peter 2:9-10 says,

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Making an eternal impact is less about you and more about the “excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” It’s about proclaiming with your life the depth of power, love, grace, transformation, and forgiveness your heavenly Father has toward all who believe. You belong to the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is with you always and is ready to empower you for a life of eternal impact. There is no greater life than one seeing the world transformed by the love of its Creator.

Take time in guided prayer to ask God to fill you and empower you with his love, to reveal to you the impact he longs for you to make today, and to help you choose to live out of the new creation you are in Jesus.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the importance of making an eternal impact. Reflect on the goodness of working with the Holy Spirit to transform the earth around you with God’s redeeming love.

“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

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10

“Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” Titus 2:14

2. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the plans he has for you today. What good works have been prepared for you beforehand? How can you change the world with the message of God’s grace and love?

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

3. Ask God to help you live out of the new creation you are in Jesus. Ask him to lead you away from temptation and toward the fullness of his presence that you might see his kingdom come to earth in all you do.

Making an eternal impact is really all about love. The world is looking for love. Love sets us free from the bonds of worldliness. Love empowers us to live for heaven over the pursuits of the world. And it’s love that will draw the lost into the fold of God. Allow the Lord to fill you with love for others around you. Ask him to give you his heart for those in desperate need of a revelation of his love. Follow the Spirit and live today to make an eternal impact with the message of God’s grace and love for all he has made (Psalm 145:9).

Extended Reading: 1 Corinthians 13

Help Is Here..MAX LUCADO

 Help Is Here

MAX LUCADO 

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NKJV)

Somewhere in my mid-30s, I ran out of fuel.

While serving churches in Miami, Rio de Janeiro and San Antonio, I resolved to study hard, counsel wisely, solve problems, organize committees and satisfy each cranky member.

But after three or four years, I lost my energy. Suddenly, I could not sleep. How does a person lose the ability to sleep? When my head hit the pillow, my mind would race. I thought of members to be called, decisions to be made. On more than one Sunday morning, I stood before the church having had little, if any, sleep. I was desperate.

In those late-night hours while I was still awake, I would climb out of bed, pad down the stairs, kneel at our couch and pray. What a dejected figure I was. Not Max the pastor. Not Max the church leader. That fellow in the crumpled pajamas was Max the depleted, confused disciple.

My prayers were moans. My faith was a frazzled thread. I couldn’t even summon the energy to fake it. I was honest. Honest to God, I was. Turns out God has a soft spot for an honest prayer.

Little by little I began to sense the Spirit. He led with a kind touch. He wooed with a whisper. Mysterious? By all means. But figment of my imagination? No. Not at all.

I requested strength. He gave it. I asked the Spirit to heal the sick. More than once, He did. I prayed for vitality and joy. Both returned.

Why? Because the Holy Spirit comes with power.

Jesus told His disciples, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Mark it down. Power. Power to make good choices, keep promises, and silence the inner voices of fear and failure. Power to get out of bed, get on with life, get busy about the right things in the right way. Power to face the unexpected, unwanted passages of time. This is what Jesus promised then, and this is what Jesus promises still.

How is your power level?

Maybe today you find yourself lacking energy, enthusiasm or strength. Your step has lost its spring; your voice has no song. You want to be a joyful, empowered person, but you are weary from life’s chaos.

Friend, I want to encourage you that the Spirit of God longs to give you His great power. He will guide, teach and energize you. He will shoulder the burdens you were never intended to carry.

Help is here.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me the precious gift of Your Holy Spirit. Teach me how to experience the Spirit’s power so that my life is filled with purpose and strength for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God Acts On Our Behalf..Dr. Charles Stanley

 God Acts On Our Behalf

Dr. Charles Stanley

Philippians 4:6-7

We have become so accustomed to this hurried world that we've begun to demand speed in our spiritual life too. However, God "acts on behalf of those who wait for him" (Isa. 64:4 niv). Wise believers endure until the fruits of His labor appear.

In this devotion, we'll look at three reasons believers are called upon to wait. First, God may be preparing us to receive His blessings. Perhaps we need new skills or greater maturity. Sometimes people require fresh spiritual insight before their hands are ready to hold what their hearts desire. For example, David waited years to sit on his appointed throne. But when he did, he was a wise, strong, and battle-tested king.

Second, the Father is often teaching His children to have confidence in Him. How would believers ever learn faith if God immediately fulfilled their every request? In my own life, the Lord has often said two words: "Trust Me." And He has never been late to meet my needs. No matter how we justify rushing ahead of God, doing so amounts to saying, "I don't trust You."

Finally, the Lord will at times withhold blessing to protect us from harm we can't see. We may never find out what caused the delay. But be assured that God examines the object of our desire closely before placing it in our hands.

Waiting is rarely easy, particularly in this instant-everything world. But rushing ahead of the Lord short-circuits His plan. Believers who do are left unsatisfied, and they often must live with terrible consequences. Be patient while the Lord works out details. His best is on the way.

The Eyes of the Lord Are on You..: Anne Peterson

 The Eyes of the Lord Are on You (Psalm 33:18)

By: Anne Peterson

Today’s Bible Verse: Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love. - Psalm 33:18

I have developed the habit of walking. Every day I walk in the cemetery by my house. A friend of mine pointed out that she clocked that path, and two times around equaled one mile.

So, every day I walk that path and then come home and put a sticker on my calendar showing I had completed my task. I had gotten up to 5 miles a day and then even 6 miles a day.

To keep track of the times I went around, I used what I had with me: my wedding ring and my hands, moving my ring each mile. That is until Friday. When I looked down at my hands, I realized my ring was gone! Trying not to panic, I knew I would simply have to retrace my steps.

My heart started racing as I thought to myself, what if I couldn’t find it? No. I would push that thought out of my mind. I was just glad I realized it when I had, before going even further. Tears started sliding down my face.  A simple band of gold.

Sure, I could go and buy another one, but I didn’t want another one, I wanted the one Mike put on my finger. I wanted the one I had worn for 45 years.

“Lord, I need you to help me find that ring. You see exactly where it is.”

After searching that same area for about 30 minutes, I went home. I walked into the door and burst into tears.

Mike was understanding and just held me. He even told me we could get another one, but I wanted mine. The one that had withstood all the ups and downs we had gone through.

Later that day, I walked the path with my daughter. Two sets of eyes would be better. We combed the path. And after about 30 minutes, hot and exhausted, we headed home. The next day I cried as I walked the path. I kept looking down, but no ring. And the same thing happened the following day as well.

I saw a sparrow and remembered how God said we were worth more than sparrows (Matthew 10:31). And God knows when even one sparrow falls to the ground (Matthew 10:29).

I still tried singing like I usually did on the path. Even though tears would slide down my face. I knew that if I never found my ring, God would somehow bring good out of the situation (Romans 8:28).

I decided how fortunate I was to be able to say I have been married for 45 years. I thanked God for my husband. Forty-five years is a big accomplishment, ring or no ring.

A short while later, something caught my eye. Glancing down I saw something shiny.

Was it? Could it be? There, shining in the hot sun, was my gold wedding band. In the same spot I had searched days before. The same spot my daughter and I had combed.

I had even walked over that spot for 3 miles today!

I picked it up and slipped it on where it belonged. Once more, tears slid down my face. But these were tears of joy. God does keep his eyes on his children. God heard my prayers.

God tells us to cast our cares on him because he cares for us (2 Peter 5:7). I know God loves me, just as I’m sure you know God loves you. But today when I look down at my hand and see my gold band, I can’t stop smiling. Oh, how he loves you and me!

You love me more than sparrows, God;
you meet my every need.
And all you ask is that my faith
is like a mustard seed. 

- Anne Peterson

A Prayer for Christians who are Stuck..Meg Bucher

 A Prayer for Christians who are Stuck.

By Meg Bucher

“Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!” - Romans 12:16 NLT

What happens to us, Christians, after we have an encounter with Jesus so immense it changes the course of our eternity that we lose our sense of who He is and why He came? Paul warned the Roman church in his letter, and we would be wise to take note today not to throw people into different categories of Christianity. He was specifically referring to the way they were tempted to shut those out who they could not gain anything from. “Ordinary” people. 

Division always distracts us from the main thing, and the main thing is Jesus. He was crystal clear in dictating doctrine when confronted by Pharisees and very adamant about what the greatest command is: Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. Love God. Love people. Today, we run the risk of being written off altogether, when one group of Christians looks down upon another group of Christians. The Bible is clear about correction within the church. I believe it’s important to make quick work of it and move on to the task at hand …because reaching the far corners of the world is no small task, and it will take all of us. The seemingly important and the not so noteworthy. The “fake” Christians … the party crowd … and those not like us. Don’t put it past Jesus to reach people through anyone. 

Let’s pray today that we don’t get stuck categorizing Christians when there are still so many people who have yet to know who Jesus is. 

Father,
We come to You today humbled and ready to remove any and all stigmas we have placed on other people. Father, we get so caught up in healthy boundaries we start letting our pride, offensiveness, and impatience write people off our timecard. We are reminded today, Father, that You punch that timecard! Author of our days and Creator of our hearts, we surrender our lives anew to You today, God. We freely release our scheduled perimeters and trust You anew to design our days, knowing You are not a God of chaos but purpose and promise. 

Thank You, Jesus, for Your sacrifice for us. Thank You for allowing us to be a part of Your plan for people. What a privilege and a joy to walk alongside others in this life. Thank You for placing us purposefully, among other people, God. We trust who You have placed in our lives. We believe the community You set us in is where we are supposed to be. 

Father, when we get impatient and are tempted to quit, renew our strength and re-fix our perspective. Let us see through Your filter of love, God. 

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen. 

Redemptive Power..Emma Danzey

 Redemptive Power

By Emma Danzey

Jeremiah 31:4 says, “I will build you up again, and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt. Again you will take up your timbrels and go out to dance with the joyful.”

Build You Up Again
Before this chapter in Jeremiah, the people of God had rejected Him continuously and ignored His initiation to repentance repeatedly. Sometimes the Lord is the One who breaks us when we run away from Him and make idols out of other people and things. Have you ever felt like God was trying to get your attention? Well, He had been attempting to get the attention of the Israelites for many years, but they muted His voice in their lives and went after sinful desires. We have all sinned and gone after various idols, when we look at the Israelites, we can think about how often in our lives we too have rejected God and gone after our own idols.

And You, Virgin Israel, Will Be Rebuilt 
In Jeremiah 5:7, God says, “How shall I pardon you for this? Your children have forsaken Me And sworn by those that are not gods. When I had fed them to the full, Then they committed adultery and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots’ houses.”

Israel had committed spiritual adultery time and time again; they played the harlot against the Lord. It can be easy to point the finger at them and get frustrated with their behavior; however, we, too, have committed spiritual adultery. Before Jesus saved us from our sins, we were harlots too. We rejected God and were not holy enough to be reunited with Him.

I love how this part of the verse addresses the Israelites as Virgin Israel in their rebuilding. A virgin is the exact opposite of a harlot or a prostitute. A virgin is set apart and 100% pure for her groom. We, the church, who were harlots in our sin, have been reconciled by Jesus as the bride of Christ and are pure and perfect in holiness by His blood and sacrifice. He has made us whiter than snow not because of anything that we did but because of everything that He did for us.

Again You Will Take Up Your Timbrels and Go Out to Dance with the Joyful
The Israelites, at one point in time, were following the Lord and dedicated to living for Him. However, they took a huge detour and fell into sin and rebellion. After they repented, God, in His mercy, brought them back to Himself. They were able to return to their music and dancing. These are activities often associated with happiness and joy. The truth is that the Lord was their joy. He told them that He was their joy and their strength. They forgot their first love and when they returned there was a great celebration.

We have been given the best gift of salvation through Jesus. We earned eternal separation from God, but Christ has given us eternal life. We were filthy, and He made us perfectly clean. We who believe in Jesus have every reason to celebrate. Where we appeared to be doomed for destruction and out of reach of our Creator, we now have everlasting life with Him because of Jesus. Not only that, He has sent His Holy Spirit to live within us as a permanent gift of His presence with all believers. Whether we were broken in sin for a short period of time or many years before discovering this good news, we have reason to celebrate. We have been brought back to God.

For those who are in Christ Jesus, today and each day is a victory party. The devil has no hold on us, we have eternal life in Him. If you have not accepted the beautiful gift of salvation from Jesus on behalf of your personal sin, take a moment to ask Him to be your Savior and Lord. It is only by Jesus that we are saved and given eternal life. Once we believe in Him, we are His forever.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
How have you been broken before God? How has He worked in the brokenness to show His great love for you? How does thinking about Israel’s spiritual adultery cause you to think about your own? In what ways has Jesus spoken restoration over the areas of sin and rebellion in your own life? How can you celebrate this gift today?

Further Reading:

• Isaiah 1:8
• Isaiah 41:10
• Romans 5:8