Light and Dark.. Craig Denison Ministries

 

Light and Dark

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

We live in the reality that there is both light and darkness around us at all times. This world has both good and evil, right and wrong. As believers we must grow in both our acceptance of this reality and our pursuit of the light. We must allow God to mold and shape us into those who rid ourselves of any darkness, become fully known to God, and allow his light to transform us into reflections of his Son. May the Lord open our eyes to see the glorious light before us this week.

Scripture:“For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’” Ephesians 5:14

Devotional:

All throughout Scripture God reiterates a consistent, powerful metaphor: light and dark. Scripture depicts the darkness as that which is without God and light as that which has God in it. As “children of light,” it’s vital for us to dive deeply into this concept of light and dark that we might experience the fullness of all God has made available to us (1 Thessalonians 5:5). We must accept that both light and dark exist, that we can engage with both, and learn what it is to choose light at every turn.

In Isaiah 42:16 God says, “I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.” God has not left us to wander in darkness. He never leaves us or forsakes us (Deuteronomy 31:6). We who were blind to the paths of God have had our eyes opened through the powerful sacrifice of Jesus. We now have relationship with the Holy Spirit who seeks to guide us into the light with every thought, emotion, action, and decision.

Ephesians 5:14 says, “For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’” It’s time for you and me to arise from any part of darkness and live in the shining light of Christ Jesus. It’s time for us to wake up from our former lives that were consumed with chaos, lies, and sin, come out of the shadows, and find true life in the light of God’s presence, will, and word.

God has so much more in store for you than a life lived working to escape darkness. The power of Jesus’ sacrifice has hidden you in him. His light is your light. But before we can experience this fullness of life available to us, we must allow him to open our eyes. We must allow him into the darkest places of our past, thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. We must allow his light to illuminate our darkest of sins in order that those which cause us the most shame might be healed and broken off of our lives.

Just as light can hurt a little at first when we’ve become accustomed to darkness, seeing the parts of our lives that we’ve shut off to God, others, and even ourselves can be painful. But, once we’ve allowed God to illuminate our whole lives that we might see ourselves as we truly are, we will discover a wealth of grace, love, and forgiveness unlike any we’ve ever known. Once we experience the unconditional love of a God who knows all we’ve ever done, thought, and felt, our lives begin to change by his overwhelming goodness. Light is powerful in its ability to heal, set free, and empower.

Take time in guided prayer to open your heart to your heavenly Father and reflect on this biblical principle of light and dark. Allow Scripture to fill you with a desire to seek the light of God in all things. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the places in your life he longs to heal. And find grace, rest, and forgiveness in the loving presence of your heavenly Father.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on this biblical metaphor of light and dark. Reflect on the truth of Scripture that your mind would be renewed to the reality of the choice before you to live in the light.

“The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” Matthew 4:16

“And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16

“For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’” Ephesians 5:14

2. What areas of your life have yet to be fully illuminated, healed, set free, and empowered by God? Where do you need God’s grace, truth, and help in choosing light over darkness?

“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8

“The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.” Proverbs 20:27

3. Ask God to show you how he feels about the dark places in your life. Ask him to speak truth to your areas of need. Ask his forgiveness for any ways in which you’ve been living in darkness.

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

“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.” 1 Peter 2:9

The fullness of life is only available in the light. Anything we experience in darkness is a mere shadow of what is available to us with God. Any pleasure we find in impurity, lies, and pride is nothing compared to the inexhaustible satisfaction available in God’s light. Trust God that he absolutely has the best life in store for you if you choose him. Trust him that the fullness of joy, peace, purpose, and pleasure is found in him alone. May your day be filled with the peace and joy that comes from living in the light of God.

Extended Reading: Ephesians 5

A Commitment to Obey..Dr. Charles Stanley

 A Commitment to Obey

Dr. Charles Stanley

Psalms 1

The Bible declares the Lord's great power and majesty while also revealing His deep mercy and love. He is worthy of wholehearted, passionate submission, but He doesn't often get it. Are you among the few who offer themselves to Him without reservation?

Complete obedience is a choice to follow God regardless of the consequences. This means that we obey the Lord even if our friends choose a different path or when suffering or embarrassment is guaranteed. Seeing His will done is more important than our own comfort or personal ambition. We commit the consequences to God and cling to His promises: He will never leave us (Heb. 13:5), and He makes good out of every situation (Rom. 8:28).

Notice the word 'commitment' in the title of today's devotion. I'm not writing about obedience that is born of the moment (as in, I choose to follow God in this instance) but about submission as a way of life. Setting restrictions on compliance is so tempting--we want to be able to change our mind when obeying upsets our lifestyle, the final result is unclear, or we're just plain scared. But let me ask you this one sobering question: If Jesus is the Lord of your life, what right do you have to limit how and when you'll do His will?

Believers have no right to set their own limits; their one criterion for making decisions should be, What does God want me to do? The answer at times may cause suffering, but obedience is always right. And following God in all things is the surest path to favor and spiritual growth.

He Does Not Treat Us As Our Sins Deserve..Lynette Kittle

 He Does Not Treat Us As Our Sins Deserve (Psalm 103:10)

By Lynette Kittle

Today's Bible Verse: “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities” - Psalm 103:10

Whether it’s talking about a relationship, work, or home situation, I’ve been hearing individuals saying, “I deserve better.”

It’s not surprising because our culture is all about focusing on ourselves and on what we believe we deserve.

But what comes to mind in hearing their words is my gratefulness to God for not receiving what I deserve. Ephesians 2:3 reminds us how by a sinful nature, we are deserving of God’s wrath.

Yet it’s difficult for many to understand because they don’t see themselves as undeserving, not recognizing their sin and need to be forgiven. Rather they believe that on their own merit, they are well deserving of all life has to offer.

1 John 2:16 explains why, “For everything in the world- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”

Clouded by worldly mindsets, many believe its lies and buy into its prideful claims of being well deserving of goodness on their own, not recognizing their need for a Savior to pay the penalty for their sin.

Asking to receive what we deserve reveals a misled heart deceived by worldly thinking.

Salvation Comes to the Undeserving

Yet Salvation comes to the undeserving because God offers it as a gift to us based on who He is and not on what we deserve. As Romans 6:23 clarifies: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Because sin hinders us from ever being able to earn forgiveness on our own, God made it possible for us to receive a gift we don’t deserve.

Although some may believe seeing ourselves as undeserving of God’s gift diminishes our value and worth but instead it opens our eyes to see how much God loves us in our weaknesses.

An Offer Too Good to Be True

Because society teaches people that nothing in life is free, it’s every man for himself, and God only helps those who help themselves, they reject an offer that seems too good to be true.

But the truth is God freely gives, does not leave us alone, and helps those who cannot help themselves.

As well, worldly thinking doesn’t understand how evildoers are able to receive God’s gift just as freely as every do-gooder on earth. It doesn’t seem fair to them.

Likewise, it doesn’t make sense to them why God would offer forgiveness and eternal life to the undeserving? Yet Romans 2:4 reminds us how it’s God’s kindness that leads us to repentance.

Only the Undeserving Receive

The truth is, we as sinful men and women are completely undeserving of God’s kindness, His grace, and forgiveness. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Thankfully God doesn’t offer us Salvation based on what we’ve done or haven’t done. He offers it based on His love and goodness to every undeserving person who will receive it.

A Prayer to Help Me Evaluate My Priorities..Kristine Brown

 A Prayer to Help Me Evaluate My Priorities

By Kristine Brown

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, NIV)

Life seemed out of sync, although I couldn’t figure out why. Something just felt off. Restless tossing and turning replaced sleep as my life filled up with important things-to-do. I was serving my family, neighbors, and church, but I wasn’t enjoying it. In fact, I wasn’t enjoying much of anything. I needed a reset, so I turned to the Lord in prayer and asked for the Holy Spirit’s help.

I started a habit of coming to God each morning with my coffee and calendar in hand, inviting the Holy Spirit into my day. That time together became a precious gift I guarded with conviction. I learned so much about the value of my days during those morning prayers. As I reflected on my schedule and talked things over with God, I noticed a disturbing trend. My planner no longer aligned with my priorities in life, and that needed to change.

Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Moses cried out these words to God in a prayer of lament when the Israelites were seeing God’s supremacy firsthand. Moses’ prayer shows us a valuable truth. In all things— whether in suffering or blessing— we need to keep our priorities aligned with God’s will. We should value each day as we walk in humble obedience to our loving Father.

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary explains it this way. “To number one's days is an act of recognition of the vast difference between God and finite humanity. The wise reckon continually with God's existence and human accountability.”

When we learn to number our days, we become more aware of the Holy Spirit at work in us and through us. And staying in sync with him helps us consider each item on our to-do list and decide whether it is a priority. One way to ensure we are living our God-directed priorities is to start each day with him in prayer, asking for his help. When we ask, he will freely give us the guidance we seek. We may discover we’ve let less important tasks replace things like prayer, Bible study, and spending quality time with loved ones. But it’s never too late to realign our priorities with the Lord. 

Let’s start a new habit together with this prayer to help us evaluate our priorities. May God meet us where we are and give us the reset we long for today.

Let’s pray:

Dear Lord,
Lately I’ve been feeling out of sync, and I’ve been distracted by all the things on my schedule. I need the help of the Holy Spirit today. Search my heart, Lord. Reveal anything in my life or on my schedule that needs to change. 

When I look at my calendar, I get discouraged. I haven’t been putting you first, which has thrown everything else off balance. I am starting anew right now, coming to you each morning in prayer to evaluate my priorities. Help me to see what’s most important according to your truth. As I bring each decision before you, guide me with your wisdom in how I spend my days. 

Even in the midst of struggles or busy seasons, help me remember to enjoy this life you’ve given me. I will also give myself grace when I notice I’m out of alignment with you. Because you are always there, ready to give my heart the reset it needs. Thank you, Father, for filling me with wisdom and teaching me to number my days.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Finding the Joy in Serving Others..Laura Bailey

 Finding the Joy in Serving Others

By Laura Bailey

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,  since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

"Why isn't this sticking?" Frustrated, I ripped the fragile tissue paper, knowing it meant starting again from scratch. I plopped down on the stage steps feeling sorry for myself because I'd been at the church all week preparing for Vacation Bible School, one of my favorite weeks of the year—at least it used to be.

"Everything okay?" a nearby friend playfully asked. Trying to conceal my mini break-down, I muttered, "Yeah, I'm fine." Sensing I was upset over more than a few pieces of torn paper, she descended from the ladder and sat down next to me. 

As she wrapped her arms around me, I choked back tears, exasperated and embarrassed. Assuming that trying to balance mothering and directing VBS had caused my mini-meltdown, my comrade in arms rubbed my back and assured me that I was doing an excellent job in both roles. Unable to hold back a week's worth of growing annoyance, I voiced the real reason for my irritation: laxed church members who rarely, if ever, pitched in to help...with anything. It just didn’t seem fair.

"Are you finished?" my friend asked without a hint of judgment in her voice. Quickly realizing that I had just vented my ugliest thoughts to one of the most respected women in my church, I scrambled to excuse my outburst. "I'm sorry. I'm just tired and hungry after skipping lunch. Please ignore my grumbling. Let's call it a night." 

Taking my hand, she looked directly into my eyes and said, "You can't let others' failure to serve rob you of your desire to serve; remember, this is not about them, it's about Him," tilting her head toward the cross that hung above the stage. 

The advice she shared that day profoundly changed my life. I’d lost the desire to serve the Lord out of a heart of gratitude and love; instead, I equated ministry “detail” with godliness. Sitting on those steps, I realized it wasn't just the past week that had left me frustrated, but years of carrying the weight of comparing myself to others, meeting self-imposed expectations, and faking a sense of false humility about all that I did for the church. Suddenly, it was too much to bear, at least with a smile.

Growing up in the church, I'd heard numerous sermons about being joyful in all circumstances, doing everything without grumbling or complaining and humbly serving others. I actually framed Colossians 3:23-24 to hang by my desk at work as a constant reminder that God called me to work with all my heart for His glory in whatever I do.  

Sure, I genuinely enjoyed planning and leading programs for our church, but wanted people to know how much time and effort I’d put into the process. If someone else received recognition for something I'd made happen, I became agitated and resentful. Critical and judgmental of other members who weren't actively serving, I figured they were spiritually immature or outright disobedient Christians. All the while I inwardly praised myself for my commitment to the Lord's work and being a faithful follower. 

I realized that trying to outdo my fellow sister and brother in Christ pleased neither the Lord nor me. Joy, happiness, and self-worth no longer depended on everything going perfectly at Vacation Bible School, nor did praise for all of my input. Although recognition and compliments for a job well done do encourage and lift up, they were no longer the reason I signed on when our church presented "opportunities."  My volunteerism now stems from a heart filled with love for Christ and a desire to bring honor and glory to Him instead of myself.

After that conversation with my friend that day, I'd like to report that irritation at others' unwillingness to roll up their sleeves to help shoulder our church's needs never surfaced, but it does at times. However, my heart's perspective is firmly focused on the eternal, not the temporary. I am learning to cheerfully serve, even in those unseen areas, even when others do not. Content without the praise of man and confident that it is not what I do but my genuine willingness to do whatever God intends for me, I count it all joy.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Do you ever compare your service for God’s Kingdom with others? Are there times when your joy in serving depends on praise or recognition? Ask the Lord to help you remember that we serve Him and His glory.

For Further Reading:
James 1:1-4
Matthew 6:3-4

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.

Extended Reading: Deuteronomy 8