Do We Know Him?.. Craig Denison Ministries

 

Do We Know Him?

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:“Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23-24

Devotional:           

Of all that God longs to reveal to us, his children, he most desires that we would simply come to know him. Of all the great mysteries, truths, plans, and longings of his heart, he most desires that we would find all our satisfaction, joy, and purpose in relationship. Jeremiah 9:23-24 describes this profound desire in the heart of God. Scripture says,

Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.

What greater knowledge is there than that of God? What greater pursuit exists than knowing the heart of our Creator, the God who would lay down his life to make himself available to us? You and I can know God in deeper, more transformative ways than we can know anyone else. Through the blood of Christ, God has made himself more available and nearer to us than we have yet to discover.

Psalm 46:10 is a powerful and incredible command of the Lord. Our heavenly Father says to us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In a world wrought with the hectic chaos of task after task, God says to us, “Be still and simply know me.” In a world founded on the principles of earn and receive,  God has an open invitation before us to know him apart from any merit of our own. We can know God simply because he desires to be known. We can know God simply because he loves us right now, as we are.

More than God desires any work of our hands or any gifting he could place within us, he wants us to know him. So often we get caught up in the works of the kingdom and forget that our chief purpose in life is simply to be enjoyed by God and to enjoy him in return. This life is meant to be about relationship above all else. It’s meant to be about continually encountering the heart of our heavenly Father that we so often live without.

Out of all that we know, may we know God himself the best. Out of all the knowledge and wisdom we can gain from Scripture, may our highest pursuit be a true, intimate knowledge of its Author. Out of all the earth-shattering works set before us, may we know the God whom we serve. And at the end of our days, may our lives have been chiefly marked by a true, passionate, intimate relationship with our heavenly Father.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the availability of knowing God. Allow Scripture to stir up your desire to know God above all else.

“And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

2. What pursuits are higher in your life than knowing your heavenly Father? What is a higher priority to you than simply having relationship with God? Take an honest look at your heart, time, actions, and perspectives.

3. Ask the Lord to help you be someone who is simply enjoyed by him and enjoys him. Ask him to help you cast aside all other pursuits that aren’t in line with this chief pursuit. Make space and time to “Be still, and know that [he] is God” (Psalm 46:10).

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18

“Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23-24

Recentering our lives around relationship with God is a process in which God has total patience and grace. He knows that you will only center your life around that which you chiefly enjoy. He knows it takes time for him to become your chief joy. But this is most definitely the highest, most important process you can pursue. When he becomes your chief joy, all other aspects of life find their proper place. When he becomes your chief joy, your emotions will no longer be subject to the fickle, fleeting things of the world, but rather grounded in the unshakable, unchanging nature of your heavenly Father. May you offer your whole heart to God today that you might fully enjoy him. May his love and presence be the foundation of your life. And may you seek relationship with him above all else.

Extended Reading: Psalm 46

Seeing God’s Daily Provision in Nature..SARAH GERINGER

 Seeing God’s Daily Provision in Nature

SARAH GERINGER

“Like an eagle that rouses her chicks and hovers over her young, so he spread his wings to take them up and carried them safely on his pinions.” Deuteronomy 32:11 (NLT)

On my property in the Missouri countryside, I have seen bald eagles exactly three times. Each incident has been majestic and inspiring … but the third sighting was a holy moment!

I had just gotten off an epic, challenging phone call, in which a family member and I had unearthed a piece of the generational puzzle that helped decades of trauma make sense. But the revelation shook me with righteous indignation.

Adrenaline and cortisol rushed through my body, causing me to tremble with anger. I didn’t know if I’d be able to hold myself together on the afternoon drive for my kids' school pickup. But I breathed a ragged prayer while I got behind the wheel.

I had barely turned out of the driveway when an eagle rose straight up from the ditch on my passenger side. For a few slow-motion seconds, I watched in awe as its powerful wings almost brushed my car while they flapped upward.

In that amazing nature sighting, I sensed God shouting to me: “I’ve got you, girl!”

He knew I had been shaken to the core, and I believe He sent an eagle to encourage me and remind me that He is in control. He gave me hidden manna, bread from heaven, on a country road that day just as He provided for His people in the wilderness. (Exodus 16:35)

“Like an eagle that rouses her chicks and hovers over her young, so he spread his wings to take them up and carried them safely on his pinions.” (Deuteronomy 32:11)

In the awful muck of my problems, I would have liked nothing more than for God to take me up and literally carry me safely to a faraway place. Yet the encouragement from seeing God’s power, might and strength displayed in that eagle spiritually uplifted me for days.

Though God didn’t literally lift the Israelites out of their problems in the wilderness, He lovingly cared for them and protected them with His mighty strength. He gave them the picture of a mother eagle tenderly caring for her chicks, hovering over them and carrying them to safety.

The Bible is full of nature metaphors like this one that help us understand different aspects of God’s character. When we look at nature to find clues about God, He often rewards our searches with inspiring images.

When you have relationship struggles, parenting problems, work stress or hurt feelings, try looking out your window or stepping out your door. Ask God to show you something in nature to encourage you, and study whatever you find for signs of His character. I am certain God will inspire you, give you comfort and point you back to Him.

Today, the Lord may send you a bald eagle of encouragement. Or He may whisper His care for you through the beauty of a leaf, flower, rock or sunset.

Though He may not lift us out of our problems, God is always hovering over us with love and protection. When we seek out His character in nature, we’ll feel uplifted.

Heavenly Father, I praise You for the immense beauty of Your creation. What a delight it is to see Your glory on display through plants and animals. May I learn more about Your character by studying the wonders and even the metaphors You leave for me in nature, and may I gain encouragement from what I discover. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Assurance in Trials..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Assurance in Trials

Dr. Charles Stanley

Romans 8:32-39

We all experience hardship, and trials can shake us unless we cling to truth. Let me share three assurances to remember when troublesome circumstances arise.

First, God will always meet our needs. This doesn't mean He provides everything we want. Instead, the Lord will bless us with all that is necessary to fulfill His purpose for our lives. His goal is to sanctify us, not simply to satisfy each immediate desire.

Second, we're never alone. God promised to be with us always (Heb. 13:5). Loneliness often accompanies hardship, so we may feel deserted or opposed by family and friends. But our Father has sent His Spirit to be with us and in us, until the day He brings us to heaven (John 14:16-17). He is all we need--our advocate, guide, helper, and comforter. Recognizing His intimate presence gives us confidence in the midst of trials.

Third, God's love is eternal. Regardless of our circumstances or poor decisions, His care is unconditional--even when He reprimands us. Loving parents allow disobedient children to experience the consequences of wrong choices; they recognize the benefit of learning from mistakes. Of course, there are also times when we are negatively affected by others' wrong actions. Even then, God is sovereign and allows only what will bring good in His followers' lives.

In difficult times, we can remember that God will meet all of our needs, is always with us, and loves us forever. Though Jesus said we would face troubles in this life, He offered encouragement: The ultimate victory is His. So keep in mind that trials are fleeting, whereas our Father's love is forever.

Remember God is Faithful..John Barnett

 Remember God is Faithful

By John Barnett

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: "Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:22-23

What should be our response to what we've learned through Revelation 19 this week and last? Look at verse 19:10 again: "I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." There are two gems in this verse: 1) worship God, and 2) see Jesus.

Worship God by giving Jesus your consecration. Focus on the reverent presentation of all you have to God, which is your spiritual worship: "Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:1-2).

Worship God by yielding to Jesus: "Beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. . . . It came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight" (Luke 24:27-31).

Worship God by earnestly living for Jesus: "Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow" (1 Peter 1:10-11).

Make a Choice to Live in Hope: To live in enduring hope, reaffirm today that you will not let anything interfere with consecrating your body and your life to Him. Ask the Lord to empower you to not walk in pride, to not walk undisciplined in lust, to not let anything wicked be before your eyes, and to not let your hands be used for things that defile and thus grieve and quench the Holy Spirit. Make this commitment to Jesus: By Your grace, I will not let myself be any less than a consecrated sacrifice to You. That is how you can worship the Lord as He deserves.

So then, I exhort you to choose to see Jesus as Faithful and True. See Him as the faithful One who always speaks Truth. See Him as the One who will never break a promise. See Him as the One you can always trust!

A Prayer for the Discouraged..Andy Lee

 A Prayer for the Discouraged

By Andy Lee

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

Discouragement is dangerous. It’s one of the greatest tactics of the enemy, because discouragement ushers in doubt, and doubt makes us question our calling or even worse, our faith. Discouragement stirs frustration and apathy. It whispers to our hearts that we aren’t good enough, nothing will ever change, or we heard God wrong. Discouragement strips our courage to continue, but our God is bigger than discouragement.

God knows the human heart. He knows our weaknesses, and that is why as he prepared Joshua to step into Moses’s shoes to lead the Israelites into the Promise Land, he knew Joshua and the generations of believers to follow would need this command and promise.

But this is not just a command. This is an assurance. Another way to translate this scripture is: “Have I not appointed you?” God was reminding Joshua that God himself had chosen Joshua for this position. God had prepared him. God believed in him, and God would never leave him.

Perhaps this is why, centuries later, as Paul sat chained in a prison cell, discouragement did not silence his pen. Despite his lack of freedom, Paul preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ in prison through his letters to the churches. Chains did not stop him because he never doubted his call nor the presence of Jesus.

Discouragement only holds power over us when our eyes are fixed on failure or disappointment rather than the promised presence of God. When we lean heavily on our feelings rather than Scripture, we risk allowing the giant of discouragement to threaten us as Goliath did David. Remember how David responded to Goliath’s taunts?

David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defiled.” - 1 Samuel 17:45

Not only did David knock down this giant with one smooth stone, but he also used his sword to cut off Goliath’s head. The giant’s lips would never again speak words of discouragement and doubt. This bully was silenced by the power of YHWH working through a little shepherd boy who had been appointed by God.  

For those of us discouraged today, may we stand up against discouragement. Let us grab our swords of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and stand up against our feelings. May the Lord help us lean on Scripture and practice His presence in prayer. God has called us. He is with us.

Let’s pray:

Dear God,
We are so easily discouraged. Social media constantly reminds us that someone else seems to be doing a better job, has a stronger marriage or is a better parent. Our success pales in comparison to others, and even though we know better, we can’t silence the taunts of discouragement weighing down our hearts. We want to quit. We’ve lost our courage, our strength to continue. We need you.

Lord, please speak louder than the doubts. Lead us to scriptures that speak into our circumstances and remind us of your presence and promises. Your Word is active. It’s sharper than any double-edged dagger. Pierce the lies. Silence the foe and clean out the wounds infected with doubt.

We want to serve you in the workplace, in our marriages, and in our families knowing without a doubt that you called us to these places. You will not, and you have not forsaken or left us. Open our receptors to your Presence and our ears to your voice. Forgive us for our doubts and fears and help us trust your truth more than our feelings.

Thank you, Lord, for the trials of faith. Thank you for this discouragement because it draws us to you. It keeps us humble. Just as Joshua couldn’t go into the Promised Land without you, neither can we. On our days when we feel we’re finished and should quit, give us a glimpse of hope. Show us why it’s not time to change directions. Show us you’re here. Don’t let us measure success with the world’s measuring stick. Give us eternal perspective.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Calling of Nobody..Christopher Eyte

 The Calling of Nobody

By Christopher Eyte

Today’s reading: Exodus 3:11-14
But Moses said to God, “I am nobody. How can I go to the king and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” 
God answered, “I will be with you, and when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will worship me on this mountain. That will be the proof that I have sent you.” 

But Moses replied, “When I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors sent me to you,’ they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ So what can I tell them?” 
God said, “I am who I am. You must tell them: ‘The one who is called I Am has sent me to you.’ 

Hot dust bites the man’s tired, dark eyes. He staggers at the sudden whirlwind from the sand dunes and squints ahead, facing an indifferent horizon of hostile desert. The heat from a ferocious Sun in the harsh sky above burns through his head covering, searing his scalp. The stranger is alone in this silent wilderness, walking mile upon mile. He is unwanted and unnoticed: a former royal prince turned killer. ‘Lonely’ hardly begins to describe such an ordeal. 

This is Moses, the nobody. He is unaware of the prophetic destiny ahead of him, of the fact he would follow some miles of this same route years later as the leader of thousands of people. Right now, this prophet doesn’t understand his true identity. He sees himself as (what I would call) a ‘nothing man’ - devoid of self-actualization. A fugitive running for his life and ignorant of the irony that he is running to his life. God has a plan for this loner as he heads away from Egypt and eventually approaches Midian. Moses assumes a new identity with a hitherto unknown family in this foreign land and seemingly melts into the background, working as a shepherd. Any vision for his life looks to be vanquished until the day comes when he walks alone up a mountain in the company of a flock of sheep and sees a burning bush. And God’s powerful “I Am” proclamation sweeps away the protesting plea, “...but I am nobody.”’

That is how I imagine it. The Bible doesn’t say a lot about the solo journey Moses took to Midian, but it’s remarkable to think that this powerful figure journeyed alone for so many days to a foreign country. What was he thinking? What was he feeling? Did he have any hope left in his life? When he met God in that burning bush and discovered love defined, he seemed to be void of self-pride - willing to embrace his calling but unsure how to do it. It was the lovingkindness of the Lord that brought Moses to his true identity as a child of God. He developed a close bond with his creator, to the point whereby ‘The LORD would speak to Moses face to face just as a man speaks with his friend’ (Exodus 3:11A). God took hold of this outlaw, who had emptied himself of personal significance, and made him one of the most significant men in history. 

There are many ‘nobodies’ in the world today who live on the fringes of society. I remember a time when I was unemployed with post-traumatic stress, under the care of a psychologist, and I visited a local library every day. I went there to feel useful and soon noticed other vulnerable folks, just like me, searching for significance. Our community of seemingly insignificant nobodies gathered each morning to hide from the indifference of the world. We read books and newspapers, ‘studied’... something, asked the librarians important questions that weren’t really important, checked email inboxes for emails that never arrived, and tried all sorts of busy activities to stave off the loneliness. I remember one of the men fluttering his arms and making jet engine noises, pretending to be an airplane. 

Why did we go to this library every day? To hide from the issues that affected us: mental health problems, unemployment, physical health challenges, difficulties in personal day-to-day living, domestic issues... flotsam and jetsam in life, which made us feel unwell and alone. We found meaning in pretending to do something meaningful, to mask our vulnerabilities. I knew God was on my side (and his love pulled me through), but the reality of this monotonous existence was still very difficult, even with the support of family and friends. 

God calls so-called nobodies to obey him and transform, through Christ, into his children. The Bible is full of further examples, other than Moses, of such redemption tales: David, the boy shepherd, youngest of his brothers; Joseph the dreamer, sold by his siblings into slavery; Gideon, called the least of his clan - and think of the first disciples, a motley band of men and women insignificant in the world’s eyes but precious to the Lord. Jesus himself was a boy refugee who later sat with sinners like you and me! We’re so used to seeing strong people in church culture today - leaders with confident public careers (written 20 best-selling books, evangelized in 30 countries, that sort of thing). That understanding God calls nobodies, not somebodies, can be a bit of a shock. Yet it’s there: recorded in the Bible. Remember what Jesus once told his followers: 

“And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones, God can raise up children for Abraham’. (Matthew 3:9). Humility is a key marker of leadership. 

Moses was mistaken in trying to find his significance in Midian. I was mistaken in trying to find my significance in the local library! Yet the wonderful news is that our Father is patient and kind. It’s only in the close, ongoing relationship with Jesus that we find our worth if we’re willing to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). The world may see nobodies but God, knowing that we are just dust formed with his breath, sees His image in us. What image? The image of His Son, Jesus Christ, bringing redemption for those who open their hearts to Him. The ‘I Am’ changed the destiny of the ‘I am nobody’ in Moses. And He is changing people today as well: ‘But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.’ (2 Cor 4:7) 

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Do you see yourself as a nobody, a ‘nothing man’ - or as a child of Christ? What obstacles prevent you from feeling free? Do you need to pray about your self-perception with a trusted prayer partner? How can you help others to understand their true identity in God?

Further Reading: 

Romans 8
Galatians 5:1
2 Corinthians 6:3-10 Judges 6:11-16
1 Samuel 16:1-13 Genesis 45:1-8

Gratitude in Affliction..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Gratitude in Affliction

Dr. Charles Stanley

Psalms 119:65-72

At Thanksgiving, we typically express gratitude for God's blessings. But did you ever consider thanking Him for something that doesn't seem like a blessing—such as a trying circumstance you want Him to remove or change? A grateful heart is most precious to God when, humanly speaking, our situations don't warrant giving thanks. By making four foundational decisions, we can begin to see the value of our adversities and respond with appreciation.    

Believe and trust the Lord. Only by viewing life from a scriptural perspective can we understand His purposes in our trials and trust His wisdom in allowing them.

Accept the situation as coming from God—either directly sent or permissively allowed. If we truly believe He's working for our good (Rom 8:28-29), we can choose to receive each difficulty as coming from His loving hand. Then we can say "Thank You."

Submit to God in the circumstance. Although we may not like the situation, knowing that God "[is] good and does good" (v. 68) allows us to confidently place our lives under His authority.

Draw from Him the strength to endure. No one has the ability within himself to endure hardships with gratefulness. Only by relying on the Lord can believers go through adversity with an appreciative heart.

Now, think about that circumstance you would like changed, and with a new mindset, offer this prayer to God: "Lord, I accept this situation as coming from You. In faith and trust, I place myself under Your loving authority, and draw from You the strength I need to endure with gratitude."