Encountering God through Thanksgiving.. Craig Denison Ministries

 

Encountering God through Thanksgiving

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

Having consistent and transformational encounters with God while on earth is meant to be foundational to the Christian life. Our God has not left us. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, we’ve been filled with the very Spirit of God who longs to reveal to us daily the nearness and love of our heavenly Father. We are never alone. There is nowhere we can flee from the presence of our God. May this week be filled with transformational encounters with the living God as we learn what it is to seek the face of the one who has formed us, knows us, and loves us unconditionally.

Scripture:“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” Psalm 100:4

Devotional:

Thanksgiving is a gift given to us by the good and loving nature of our heavenly Father. In and out of every season of life, we have a reason to give thanks because we serve a wholly faithful, good, and loving God. We serve the only King who would lay down his life for his unworthy, rebellious servants. We serve a God perfectly worthy of all the thanksgiving and praise we could possibly give.

In using the incredible gift of thanksgiving, we remind ourselves of how truly good our Father is. In thanksgiving, we experience the joy of a proper perspective and have our hearts stirred by the renewing of our minds. Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” When we come before God with thanksgiving, we seek the face of our Father while grounding ourselves firmly in the truth of his perfect nature. When we begin our days, prayers, worship, reading, and fellowship with a heart of thanksgiving, we live out of a place of faith and reality found in the kingdom of God come to earth.

Our God is bigger and better than our circumstances, fears, wounds, misconceptions, and past failures. There is security and joy in declaring the goodness, kindness, loving, and eternal nature of our Father. We dictate the emotions we feel by what we choose to dwell on and believe. Our minds are the battleground for our emotions, actions, and desire to dwell in communion with our good God.

Ephesians 5:20 says we are to be “giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” And Psalm 92:1-5 says:

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. How great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep!

Our hearts become glad when we offer continual thanksgiving. Five minutes of thanksgiving and praise has the power to change the direction of each day. It has the power to stir our hearts and make us open to and aware of God’s will for us in every situation. It fills us with an atmosphere of joy and of the Spirit. And it can greatly assist us in choosing the life of communion with the Father over the pursuits of the world as temptations and situations arise. May you be empowered and filled with transcendent joy as you engage in continual thanksgiving.

Take time in guided prayer to practice thanksgiving and enjoy the fruits of a renewed mind and a heart filled with joy and truth.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the importance of thanksgiving. Allow Scripture to stir up your desire to offer thanksgiving in every season.

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Psalm 103:2

“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” Psalm 95:1-2

2. Take time to give thanks to God. Think about how he sent Jesus to die for you. Think about how faithful he is and always will be. Think about how good heaven will be. Give thanks for any gift he’s given you.

“I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs.” Psalm 69:30-31

“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds.” Psalm 75:1

3. How do you feel after taking time to engage in thanksgiving? Have your concerns, desires, and perspectives shifted? Journal about the effects of thanksgiving on your heart and mind.

We are continually commanded by Scripture to remember the deeds of our God. When the world comes crashing down around us, it’s hard sometimes to remember how faithful God has been and will be. It’s easy to get so wrapped up in the fleeting cares and problems of this life and forget how perfect and never-ending the next life will be. Psalm 103:2 says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” May you be quick to remember the benefits of restored relationship with your heavenly Father today as you take time to bless and thank the Lord for all the wonderful things he’s given you.

Messy Kitchen, Messy Heart..EVAN AND JENNY OWENS

 Messy Kitchen, Messy Heart

EVAN AND JENNY OWENS 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV) 

Evan and I had finally reached the stage of life when it made sense for us to host family gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas. It was just too chaotic to travel with all the kids, so having everyone come to our house seemed like the easier option.

But hosting had its downside.

If you’ve ever cooked for a family gathering, you know how big a mess can be created in a very short time. Mixing bowls, silverware, dirty dishes, pots and pans — no surface is left uncovered.

While everyone was seemingly having a nice time, I was freaking out a little. The enormity of the mess that had overtaken my kitchen pushed me to the brink of wondering, Is this all worth it? I mean, maybe we could just order pizza. Something had to be easier than this mess.

But as I sat down for the meal, surrounded by loved ones, and took that first bite, I found the mess was worth it. You see, a messy kitchen is a sign that a feast is coming.

Emotions are the same way. As you face past trauma or hidden wounds, engaging your true feelings may leave you feeling like an absolute, snot-bubble mess. But despite what seems like disorder and chaos, something good is coming. As you begin to move forward, surrounded by people who care deeply about you and a God who loves you, you’ll find the mess will be worth it.

When it comes to processing and managing our feelings, it’s important to remember a few facts:

1. God can handle our strong emotions. Feeling strong emotions isn’t indicative of a lack of faith or trust in God. Recall that Jesus felt strong emotions, and no one would doubt His faith or trust! (John 11:35; Matthew 26:38; Mark 3:5) God can take it when we feel desperate, furious, terrified or overwhelmed. He wants us to bring the emotions to Him and let His Holy Spirit point us to the source of the emotions so that they can be healed. (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:5b-7)

2. Emotions become more stable as we spiritually mature. A newly planted tree bends and sways in even the slightest breeze. But as a tree grows, it becomes less affected by the elements — more stable. The same is true with our emotions and our faith. Re-engaging our feelings for the first time in a while can leave us feeling vulnerable — like a tender sapling about to be completely uprooted. However, as we grow and survive the storms of life, our resilience and stability grow right along with us. As we continue feeling and healing, our confidence that we can feel without falling apart increases.

3. Emotions are not indicative of the presence of God in our situation. Sometimes when we’re happy, we say that we feel God’s presence. Other times, we feel His presence when we weep. But our lives consist of more than just mountaintops and valleys. And we can be sure of God’s presence even when we can’t feel Him. That’s because God’s presence isn’t a feeling; it’s a fact. Whether or not you feel close to God right now, He’s close to you. He longs for you to experience His uninterrupted presence. Jesus spoke of this gift to His followers on the eve of His death:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

A counselor, a teacher, one who brings peace — doesn’t this sound like someone we need when we are overwhelmed by strong emotions? Our feelings can be messy, but we are never alone in them. And we can trust that, one day, the mess will yield something beautiful.

Father, help me bring my strong emotions to You. It may be messy and even painful, but I trust You can heal my hidden wounds and give me peace. I pray my story will be a beacon of hope in a hurting world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A Partner for Accountability..Dr. Charles Stanley

 A Partner for Accountability

Dr. Charles Stanley

Galatians 6:1-10

An accountability partner is able to perceive what we can't see when blind spots and weaknesses block our vision. Such a person serves as a tool in God's hand to promote spiritual growth, and he or she watches out for our best interest. When choosing this type of confidant, look for these characteristics:

1. Godly. A person who walks in the Spirit will offer genuine wisdom based on biblical principles rather than personal opinion.

2. Trustworthy. No matter what you share with this individual, you must be certain that he or she will keep everything in the strictest confidence.

3. Accepting. He or she must allow you to be yourself--frailties and all--and not try to remake you into someone "perfect."

4. Courageous. A good accountability partner will lovingly confront you with the truth, even when it hurts (Eph. 4:15).

5. Forgiving. When you make mistakes, trust is built through mutual forgiveness.

6. Edifying. Don't choose someone with an overly critical attitude that will make you feel worthless. Love edifies and builds up (Eph. 4:29). It never destroys.

7. Encouraging. You don't want someone with a checklist, who judges or acts like a prophet. Instead, choose someone who takes great joy in encouraging you.

We all can benefit from someone who is able to say what we need to hear without making us feel threatened. Answerability provides checks and balances that promote spiritual growth and protect us from pitfalls. If you don't already have an accountability partner, pray for that person today.

How Do We Say Yes to God..Amaris Beecher

 How Do We Say Yes to God

By Amaris Beecher

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: “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.” - Proverbs 3:5-6

How do we say yes to God?

First, determine to say no in your mind.

“A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out.” – Proverbs 25:28 MSG

I like how the New King James Version put it as well: “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.”That word “spirit” can also mean mind. And isn’t that the truth. If we can’t rule our minds, then we are defenseless against the enemy’s schemes. We are like a home with its doors and windows knocked in. Anyone can come in and steal and kill whatever they want. A person without the ability to control their thoughts is the exact person that the enemy will go after.

Telling yourself no means confronting the thoughts that are not from God. Thoughts of rejection, insecurity, doubt, self-doubt… these things are not from God. And if those thoughts are running rampant in our minds, we are actually telling God no! We cannot believe lies and truth at the same time. If we are accepting the lies, then we are rejecting the Truth.

Where in your thought-life do you believe lies?

Second, have faith in God’s promises.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.“ - Hebrews 11:1

Saying yes to God means stepping out into the unknown; moving forward in something that you believe God is asking you to do (it’s confirmed in His Word). When that young man and I broke up, I had no idea where God was going to lead me. I remember one time confessing to my pastor that I was planning to be a nun because I didn’t see any men in my future. He just laughed and told me no.

If you read Hebrews 11, you’ll see all those who have gone before us with faith to see things that were unseen at the time. Take Abraham for example; God asked him to leave his country and go somewhere else to establish a new covenant with Him. BY FAITH Abraham obeyed and went out even though he did not know where he was going (Hebrew 11:8-9)

Here are more verses for mediation. Do you believe God when he says these things? Do you trust that He is working all things for YOUR GOOD? That He does have a purpose in your life?

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”- Romans 8:28

 “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  - Isaiah 40:31

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”-Isaiah 43:2

Even our lack of faith cannot thwart God’s purposes. All of the saints spoken of in Hebrews 11 were flawed humans just like us, and God still used them. Why? Because they continued to say yes to Him! They rejected the lies of the enemy and continued to trust despite their shortcomings.

This word is for us too.

This day, if God is asking you to move forward on something – say YES! How will you know if God is asking you to say yes to something? He will confirm it through His word. Do not be shy to ask for confirmation, either! Ask God to confirm what He is asking. He will do it.

A Prayer for the Pursuit of Perfection..Meg Bucher

 A Prayer for the Pursuit of Perfection

By Meg Bucher

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” - Matthew 5:48 NIV

“Why do you expect me to be perfect?” Every teenager asks this as they are being disciplined or held accountable. The pressure they, and we, put on ourselves to be better than we are is more immense than we like to admit. Buried under denial, shame, and guilt, lies a sinner in everyone in need of a Savior.

“I don’t expect you to be perfect,” I repeatedly explain to my daughter. “But I do expect your best effort.” Our heavenly Father expects, and holds us accountable, for no less a standard. The same effort one student applies to achieve straight A’s could lead the next to barely passing grades. The effort is the most important lesson in character development.

The above verse commands us to be perfect, or complete and whole. “Jesus sets up the high ideal of perfect or complete love- including both attitude and action,” the NIV Study Bible explains of Matthew 5:48. “This is God’s high standard for his people, empowered by the presence of Jesus in their midst.”

Perfection is an illusion for humanity, but not for God. We strive for it, because in every human heart lies the desire to be closer to God. To be close to our holy God requires the pursuit of perfection. “The future tense holds out an emphatic goal that is to shape the disciples’ entire life… the future tense also implies a promise, because the Father is not only the divine goal but also the divine enabler,” the NIV Application Commentary explains, “Jesus puts his command in such a way that disciples may look for divine help as they press toward God’s goal for them.”

Life within the love of Christ Jesus allows us to tap into divine power to achieve a level of obedience and success that we could not accomplish in our own strength. Jesus’ use of the word perfection was in the context of an objective goal. (Strongs) We can and do achieve great things without a thought towards God. But in this verse, Christ is calling us to do more than just reach a worldly benchmark. The perfection He is commanding us to aim for is complete: physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Perfection is achieved by the Spirit of the living God living in us. Paul also wrote, “But when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.” (1 Cor 13:10). God doesn’t ask us to be perfect here on earth, much like I don’t expect my children to be perfect. But He does command we stay on the path toward perfection and seek Him with all of our hearts.

Let’s pray now for God to persevere us until the day we are finally and completely made perfect.

Father,
We praise You for this day and Your purpose for it. This is the day that You have made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Father, let the chains of our sins fall off so we may run unhindered after Christ Jesus today and always. Remove the self-condemnation, shame, and guilt we feel when we sin, mess things up, and fall terribly short. Renew us each day, Father God. Restore us on the road to perfection, which will culminate when we meet You in heaven for eternity.

Oh, God! Help us to focus on Your perfection and rely completely on You as we journey through this day. Help us to forgive ourselves alongside others, Father. Enable us to run free and hard in the race You have set for us to run… not for earthly crowns, but the eternal reward and rest of heaven.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Why Tests of Faith are Important..Liz Lampkin

 Why Tests of Faith are Important 

By Liz Lampkin

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." - Hebrews 11:1

Faith in God is something all believers have. When we ask for anything through Christ Jesus, it is our faith that drives the assurance that we will receive it. However, faith is not only the confidence that we will receive what we ask according to God’s divine will for our lives. It is also having confidence that God will provide all that we need and trusting Him no matter what the situation looks like. Imagine praying for a son and watching him grow. As you watch him grow, so does your love for him. Then you’re told to sacrifice Him. This was one of Abraham's tests of faith. God commanded Abraham to take Isaac to Mount Moriah and offer him as a sacrifice. Without question, Abraham gathered his things, two men, his son, and wood for a burnt offering, and went to where God told him to go. As they traveled, on the third day, Abraham saw Mount Moriah from afar. He instructed the young men traveling with them to stay where they were, and he and Isaac would continue towards the mountain to worship. When they were done worshipping, they would return to this place. 

Then, Abraham gathered the wood, fire, and a knife, and he and Isaac went towards the mountain. As they went forth, Isaac saw that there was no lamb for sacrificing. He says to Abraham that he sees the fire and wood, and then he asks where the lamb is. Without hesitation, Abraham told Isaac that God would provide a lamb for a burnt offering. As they arrived to the place where God instructed them to go, Abraham built an altar, laid the wood in order, bound his son, and placed him on the wood. He then took the knife in his hand and prepared to sacrifice his son, but not before an angel of the Lord called out to him, commanding him not to lay a hand on Isaac. The angel knew that Abraham feared and trusted in God because of his willingness to sacrifice his son without question. When the angel said this to Abraham, he looked behind him and saw a ram caught in a bush by its horns. He then took the ram and offered him up as a burnt offering instead of his beloved son. 

Abraham's faith was tested by God to see how much he trusted Him. Not only this but his obedience was tested. He didn’t question God, He didn’t try to reason with God or compromise His instructions. He simply went forth, in faith and obedience, knowing that the outcome would be what God wanted and it would work out for his good. 

Intersecting Faith and Life:
God refines us by putting tests of faith before us for His glory. Has your faith ever been tested? Have you ever wondered why? Tests of faith come to develop our character. They drive you to a better commitment and a different level of obedience to God. They drive you to pray differently, fervently. They build your trust in Him.

They drive you to delve into His Word for a deeper understanding of who He is and who He is to you. They help you understand where you are with your relationship with God and how to develop a more profound one with Him. The journey through tests of faith is not an easy one. Let’s be honest, many of us are not as strong in our faith as Abraham was. However, God is aware of our strengths and weaknesses along this course. That’s why he gives us tests of faith so we can become stronger in our faith in Him. If you’re struggling with a test of faith or even in your faith in God, pray and ask Him to help you along the way. Ask Him what He wants you to do when each test comes about. Ask Him how He wants you to respond and, most importantly what He wants you to learn about Him during this time. Tests of faith are necessary for our growth. Without them, we would always remain babes in Christ. 

For Further Reading:
Genesis 22, Hebrews 11