God Longs for Us to Know His Truth..Craig Denison Ministries

 

God Longs for Us to Know His Truth

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

One of the most scandalous truths of the gospel is that our Creator longs to be encountered by his creation. God longs to meet with us. His greatest desire is for relationship with us. I can’t fathom why God in all his holiness and goodness makes himself available to us, but it is the powerful truth of Scripture. God is pursuing each of us with his relentless love, seeking out those who might respond to his open invitation by opening the door of their hearts to him. My prayer is that in response to God’s desire to meet with his people we would be those who say yes to centering our lives around his nearness. May your week be marked by the reality of God’s presence and love.

Scripture:“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

Devotional:           

In the incredible, abundant blessings of Scripture and the Holy Spirit, God has demonstrated his longing for us to know truth. Truth is a powerful weapon against the schemes of the enemy. Truth has an ability to bestow confidence and freedom on all who find their satisfaction in it. And truth in the eyes of God is completely founded in relationship with the person of Jesus Christ. May God grant us a hunger for truth that is deeply satisfied in communion with our loving Savior today.

Everything God is and does is truth personified. There is no lie or deceit in our God. And therefore it is only in centering our lives around relationship with him that we will begin to experience the fruit of truth in our lives. In John 14:6 Jesus says,“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” The life of Jesus is our example of truth. Everything he did was a perfect demonstration of truth. If we don’t devote ourselves to the study of his life and experiencing who he is personally, we’ll find ourselves living on the rocky shores of indecision and half-truths. We need his example to follow.

We need the life of Jesus at the forefront of our minds if we are to enjoy the abundant life that truth has to offer us. 1 John 5:20 says, “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” Jesus is the Word made flesh. And through the Holy Spirit and Scripture, we have access to not only learning about his life, but being transformed into his likeness.

Romans 8:29 says, “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” You and I are created to seek truth and see it come to fruition in our lives. We are created to shine the powerful light of truth into a world filled with the darkness of lies and deceit. But before we can share the truth of God, we must allow it to fill and transform us. 1 John 3:18 says, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” Truth is meant to manifest itself in our actions. Truth is so much more about our deeds of love than the words we say. Anyone can say words and not truly mean it. No one can truly love someone without revealing to them Jesus, truth made manifest in flesh. We can’t love someone without the power of truth shining forth into the core of who we are, that God loves us unconditionally just as we are.

Take time today to allow the truth of God’s love and Jesus’ life to make its way into every part of your life. Continue the process of being conformed to the image of Jesus by meditating on Scripture and experiencing the living, active person of Jesus today. May the truth of God’s love lead you to a life of enjoying God’s presence and loving others well.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the importance of knowing and experiencing truth. Allow Scripture to stir up your desires to seek truth.

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18

“Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” James 1:18

2. Where is the truth of God not shining forth out of you in deed? Where are you not experiencing the fruit of truth in your life?

“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

3. Give that area of your life to God and ask him to transform you into the likeness of Jesus today. Meditate on truth centered around that area and allow it to sink down from your head to your heart. Make space to let God fully love you and ask the Holy Spirit to help you love others well throughout your day.

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” John 16:13

God longs to reveal himself to you and fully love you today. He longs for you to taste and see his goodness. To grow in godly truth isn’t like taking a class or learning a subject; it’s all about relationship. May the truth of Scripture be revealed to you in relationship with the living, active God. May you experience firsthand the God of the Bible and see truth in the man of Jesus. And may your life be a better reflection of God’s love today as his truth works its way into every part of your life.

Extended Reading: 1 John 5

Consider the Source..LYSA TERKEURST

 Consider the Source

LYSA TERKEURST 

“The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.” Proverbs 15:2 (NIV) It was one of those voicemails that left me rubbing the sides of my head, wondering, Why me? Why today? I was blindsided by the criticism and felt this would be the perfect time to find a hole and crawl into it. Criticism hurts — no matter who you are, how many people are encouraging you, or how happy you felt before you got “that call” or “that email” or “that comment on social media.” When we’re trying to keep our hearts swept clean, pursue Jesus, read His Word and take steps of healing every single day, we have a choice in these things. We can stay disciplined in these things. But criticism is different. We can be doing all of the “right” things, and criticism still shows up on our front doorstep completely unsolicited and usually at the worst time. In these moments, I wish I had an escape route. But I don’t. However, I do have a perspective shift that has helped me, and I want to encourage you with it today: Harsh and unnecessary criticism may say more about that person’s insecurities than our inadequacies. This isn’t to puff ourselves up in pride and shame the critical person. No, it’s actually a posture of humility that allows us to maintain a compassionate heart when criticisms are thrown at us. Rather than reacting out of defensiveness and emotion, we can consider the source of this criticism and discern if this person is offering their criticism to help us or intending to hurt us. If there’s some truth to the criticism, we should consider a course correction. However, if the criticism is only destructive and hurtful, we must remember the words of Proverbs 15:2b: “… the mouth of the fool gushes folly.” The definition of “folly” is a “lack of understanding or sense.” Again, this verse isn’t meant to be weaponized and used to label as a “fool” the one criticizing us. But their criticism may reveal that there is a lack of understanding driving what they’ve said. My counselor always reminds me to get “curious, not furious.” Sometimes asking questions or starting conversations instead of immediately trying to defend myself helps me stay more calm. I can say things like “Help me understand why this is bothering you so much” or “Thank you for caring about me enough to bring this to my attention. What are you hoping I do with this information?” We might not feel like being calm at first. But I'm learning that staying calm is as much a gift to myself as it is to the one criticizing me. When I take the time to stay calm, I am much more able to process some of the emotional charge that happens when criticism comes my way. I will better be able to manage my reaction if I lead my brain with thoughts like, This is one person’s opinion, but it isn’t the entire world’s opinion. If there is something helpful in what they are saying, then I can take that and release the rest. And lastly, I’m safe and I can move forward. While we can’t choose what comes at us, we can choose not to compound criticism by adding our poor reactions into the mix. We can choose not to compound criticism and instead respond with a gentle, God-honoring response. We can also open up needed dialogue surrounding healthy boundaries that may need to be implemented into this relationship. If we sense someone’s actions are constantly having a negative impact on our mood, reactions or the way we feel about ourselves, we may need to consider reducing this person’s access to our most vulnerable emotions and limited resources. This will look different for each of us, but this boundary could be as simple as muting someone on social media to prevent ourselves from getting triggered. This may be a better first step than unfollowing them … but if unfollowing is more appropriate, then we can make that choice. None of this is easy to navigate. And I’m so sorry for any hurtful criticism that has come your way and made you doubt that you’re anything less than the holy, dearly loved child of God who you are. As you consider these truth-filled perspectives today, you may find it helpful to further process with a trusted friend or Christian counselor so you can find a way to guard your heart from criticism moving forward. God, criticisms can cut my heart so deeply. Heal my heart of any past critical scripts I’m still holding on to. Help me release any hurtful accusations or comments and instead walk in my God-given identity today. Please show me where I may need to consider drawing healthy boundaries in any relationships where I’m continually feeling criticized. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Obeying God..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Obeying God

Dr. Charles Stanley

Acts 5:27-32

The high priest ordered Peter and the apostles to stop teaching about Jesus, but they ignored the order. When questioned about their actions, Peter replied, “We must obey God rather than men” (v. 29). What motivated them to follow the Lord with such conviction?

God’s Sovereignty. Peter and the other disciples recognized that God had carried out His divine plan of redemption in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Convinced that salvation was found in Christ alone, they had the courage to speak boldly about their faith. They didn’t alter their words, even in front of a powerful authority. Instead, they gave allegiance to God and obeyed Him.

Thankfulness. Their obedience was also motivated by gratitude. After betraying the Lord, Peter had wept over his failure (Mark 14:72). Think of the disciple’s joy to realize that Christ had forgiven him for his mistakes and restored him to a right relationship with God (Mark 16:7; John 21:15-17). With his past behind him, Peter became a leader of the Jerusalem church, with a passion to obey fueled by a thankful heart.

God is in charge of our lives. He has rescued us from the bondage of sin, forgiven us, and brought us into His family. Grateful obedience should be our response too.

Each day we have a choice. We can acknowledge God’s sovereignty and trust Him, or we can turn away and follow our own plan. Cultivating a thankful spirit will motivate us to stay the course and obey the Lord. Like Peter, let’s commit to following our heavenly Father wherever He leads.

How to Show Hospitality without Grumbling .. Amanda Idleman

 How to Show Hospitality without Grumbling (1 Peter 4:9)

By: Amanda Idleman

Today’s Bible Verse: Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. - 1 Peter 4:9

Do you remember the days of Sunday afternoon covered dish potluck meals? Or when going to church was a week-long event! You attended Sunday school, Sunday service, Sunday night church, Wednesday night church, and more!

Most of us don’t have the space in our lives for that much church anymore but we all still are in desperate need of the community. Our sense of community and belonging only grows when we rub shoulders with others on a regular basis. God literally made us for relationships. The first thing in the Bible that God said was not good in all of creation was the fact that Adam was alone! He knew Adam needed companions, friends, and partners for life. The same is true for every human ever created. We need each other.

Sadly, we are all living through a time in history where distance is encouraged. During these trying times, It’s easy to forget that one way to protect each other is through closeness. Loneliness, isolation, and fear wreak havoc on our emotional and physical well-being. We should not be reckless in our interactions, but we must not leave each other alone for too long! Isolation makes space for the enemy to steal so much from our lives.

Now is the time to revive the ministry of hospitality! This does not mean we have to bring back to the 90’s style of church potluck, the same way that Target has embraced the 90’s style in their new clothing line, but it does mean that we need to start making more space to love on others that are in our lives. People need people! This is a fact that will never change. Here are a few ways to show hospitality to others:

1. Cook a Homemade Meal to Share

I know you are going to immediately think of all the reasons cooking and hosting is not for you! Pinterest has totally ruined our idea of what hosting a dinner party should look like.

My husband and I have lived in apartments, old houses, newer houses, tiny houses, and now an average house... I am happy to report that friends have come to dine in each and every one! The imperfect layout of our rooms or lack of square footage had nothing to do with our ability to build community within the walls of the home God had blessed us in at each stage of our lives. Being faithful to love others with the resources God is given is all that is required. Perfection is not at all necessary to show amazing hospitality to others.

2. Organize a Meetup

If cooking and hosting are not your things, then do a little planning and invite others to meet up for an activity! Pick something that brings you joy and takes an extra moment to think of one person who would enjoy doing it with you. Invite them to be a part of your fun!

How many of us are just waiting for the invitation? Wishing we were the ones with closer friends and more ways to destress at the end of our weeks? Guess what you are not alone! Basically, everyone else is also waiting for the invite, so be brave and take the first step towards community by initiating.

3. Start a Bible Study

One quick way to get a group onto common ground is through the Bible! People from different backgrounds can unify through the power of the Holy Spirit that becomes more evident when we study God’s book together. Connection and growth happen when we spend time in God’s Word as a community.

Think of people that you spend time with in your daily life and invite them to take time out of their schedule to read the Bible together. This can be co-workers, neighbors, Mom friends, family, fellow parents at your child’s school, or people from church. Throw in some free coffee and treats and people will feel so loved and excited to connect with you in this way.

Remember, 1 Peter charges us to joyfully open our homes and lives up to others. These words should encourage us to take time to step a little out of our comfort zones in an effort to be a place where other people can find God’s love. We were made to live in close proximity with each other, so that we can be encouraged when we desperately need it.

A Prayer for Grandparents..Emma Danzey

 A Prayer for Grandparents

By Emma Danzey

Proverbs 17:6 says, “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”

Whether you are a grandparent yourself or you have grandparents in your life, this verse reminds us of the joyful season and the value of the parents of parents. The Proverb says that grandchildren are a crown to the aged. When I think about the joy of my parents and in-laws entering this season, I smile. I am delighted to watch how they step into this new time with such anticipation and excitement.

Many times, grandparents are no longer the disciplinarians, the ones responsible for nighttime feeds, or on call for each diaper change, but they are gifted with being there as lifetime encouragers, givers of wisdom, givers of many cuddles, compassion, and generosity. They are passing the torch to the next generations, and it is an incredible experience. Not all grandparents play the same role. There are definitely some who do play more of a parental role in their grandchild’s life, but there is still a sweet difference because of the gift of being the generation above. Today we are going to pray over the grandparents in our lives. This is a unique role, and not only that but a calling from God. Grandparents get the opportunity to disciple their children in this season and disciple their grandchildren towards the gospel through their testimony, words and actions.

Let's Pray:

Lord God,
Thank You so much for the grandparents in our lives. Thank You that You say that they are still bearing fruit in their old age. (Psalm 92:14) and that You say from everlasting to everlasting, Your love is with those who fear You and Your righteousness with our children’s children. (Psalm 103:17) We pray over the generations in our families today. We ask that those who are grandparents would experience great honor and press into the calling that You have entrusted to them.

We pray for grandparents to be like Lois was to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:5. Help their sincere faith to be lived out in front of this new generation. Help it to be taught, encouraged, and modeled. Help grace and truth to abide in grandparents' homes and in their visits. Help grandparents to have memories that they share of Your faithfulness to every generation in their families. 

Guide grandparents in the balance of yes and no. Help them to know what boundaries to have in their own lives and ministries. Give them wisdom on how to love well but not to be over or under-involved. Bless them with peace and patience. Help them to reinforce the honor of their children to their grandchildren. Lead them with thoughtful words to help them to learn the principles of honoring their father and mother. 

Help parents to value grandparents and not to cast them off in their aging. (Psalm 71:9) Help them to love them well. Give parents the heart to value the depth of wisdom from godly grandparents or godly grandparent types in their children’s lives. Give them an urgency for their children to learn from them and be around them to glean from their lives. If any grandparents are struggling in their old age, remind them that You will carry them (Isaiah 46:4), that You are faithful to every generation (Psalm 100:5), and that gray hair is a crown of splendor. (Proverbs 16:31) 

Help grandparents to know that the greatest gift that they can pass on is their legacy of faith in Christ and their character. Even if this has not been the case for their whole lives, we pray that grandparents everywhere would see this as a redeeming opportunity to follow Jesus and to walk with Him in this time in their lives. You are not done using them. We pray against that lie. We pray that they would feel valued and be filled up with Your Holy Spirit to be witnesses to their grandchildren of the gospel. We pray for health and well-being so that they can participate in wonderful ways. We pray that Your name would be made known through this role that You have bestowed upon them. Amen.

Be Strong & Courageous..Jessica Van Roekel

Be Strong & Courageous
By Jessica Van Roekel

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Autumn unfolds slowly with leaves that transition from varying shades of green to yellow to gold to brown. Leaves flutter to the ground as the wind blows. If summer brought enough moisture, the leaves look like yellow jewels on a green velvet background. Other years, all is brown too soon, and my soul quakes at a monochromatic winter of browns and grays.

Our lives reflect seasons. We have seasons of growth and seasons of dormancy. Winds and storms blow through our lives with varying degrees of ferocity. I revel in perfect fall days when the sky stays blue, clouds scud along the horizon, and the breeze cools my sun-warmed cheeks. All is perfect except for one thing. The pirate bugs. These tiny black insects flock to exposed skin, and their bite feels bigger than their size warrants.

Like fall with its wonder and its painful pirate bugs, life holds pain and wonder. At times wonder exceeds pain, and other times pain overtakes wonder. We can wander through the wreckage of unmet hopes and dreams, or we can fail to enjoy the blessings because we’re on the lookout for the next big bad thing that is going to happen. However, in both cases, we can walk by faith.

Joshua and the Israelites were on the cusp of entering the long-awaited promised land. Out of all the Israelites, it was Joshua and Caleb who had first-hand knowledge of the wonderfulness of the Promised Land. Long ago, they were two of the ten spies sent to scope out the land. Because the other eight spread fear and doubt, the Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years.

The same task awaited them now as it did then. Conquer and take the land. The book of Joshua opens with God commissioning and reassuring Joshua. His task is to be strong and courageous, to remember God’s word and obey. God doesn’t say that it will be easy or that they won’t have troubles. Instead, God promises Joshua his presence.

When our lives feel like a hurricane swept through, it’s easy to fall prey to the idea that God has abandoned us. When we face an enemy—whether it’s a person or a diagnosis, or our own self-sabotage—we can remember God’s words to Joshua.

Be strong and courageous: The Hebrew word for strong and courageous expresses the strength of various phenomena, such as the severity of famine, storms, and humans overpowering one another like David and Goliath, Amnon and Tamar, and Samson’s last act of supernatural strength. Moses urged Joshua to be strong. God bid Joshua to be strong—don’t give up, give in, or run away—and then Joshua encouraged his people in the same way.

In Joshua 1, we read how God instructed Joshua not to turn from God’s ways. He was to meditate on it day and night—to let God’s word fill his mind and thoughts. When storms come our way, it’s easy to let their fierceness distract us. But, when we choose to make God’s word our guiding authority for our beliefs and actions, we can recognize and respond to God’s presence in every area of our lives. Unknowns abound. Unanswered prayers and times of waiting are opportunities for us to know and obey God’s word and believe that he is with us.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
So how do you be strong when storms take over your life? How do you be strong when you feel so weak? Beth Moore writes in Believing God, “Faith is never the denial of reality. It is belief in a greater reality.” Strength comes from rejoicing that God is with us, whether we face good circumstances or horrific ones. God’s presence stays constant. That’s faith in a greater reality. Fulfilling God’s goals and plans for our lives is the greatest measure of success for each of us. Sometimes that takes us through times of adversity. But through it all, we can be strong and courageous and let go of our fear because God is with us.

For Further Reading:
Joshua 1:1-9