Plans.. Craig Denison Ministries

 

Plans

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

Trust is something we are not created to give away lightly. We value trust like we value our own lives, constantly scrutinizing others to see if they're worthy of our trust. But still we are made to do life with help. We are made to place our trust in that which will provide us with more life, joy, and peace. I pray that this week you and I will discover how trustworthy our heavenly Father is. I pray that we will willingly hand over control of our lives to a capable, loving, and near God. And I pray we will experience the abundant life that can only come through placing our trust in a God who gives up everything for relationship with us.

Scripture:“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21

Devotional:

Our plans are one of the areas of life in which it can be most difficult to trust God. So often we look within ourselves to discover desires and ambitions and form plans based solely on our understanding and limited perspective. We place the weight of planning our lives squarely on our own shoulders and settle for a life filled with pressure and failure. Our heavenly Father is speaking over his children his great desire to guide us. He longs to share his wonderful plans with us that will satisfy the deepest desires of our hearts and help us store up bountiful treasure in heaven with him.

James 4:13-15 illustrates the necessity of looking to God for our plans:

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

Why do we look to ourselves when we “do not know what tomorrow will bring”? Why do look to our own will when our heavenly Father longs to share his perfect will with us? For some of us, we simply don’t know that God wants to reveal his plans to us. So many believers are living without the  revelation of all that’s available to them through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Know today God’s heart for you. Romans 12:2 commands, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” You can discern the will of God. You can know his plans for you. He is a good Father who longs to shepherd you into the greater things of this life.

For others of us that know God wants to share his plans with us, we fail to look for or follow his leadership because somewhere in our hearts we doubt that he will truly give us the best life. We look at the lives of other believers and decide we’ll have more fun if we go our own way. So often, we as Christians have not exhibited to others a lifestyle of being fully satisfied in God and his plans. We exhibit a lukewarm faith where we neither experience the fullness of God or what the world has to offer. And as a result, our lives are lived without passion, joy, or abundance in any form.

The truth of God’s heart for you and me today is that he has perfect, pleasing plans for us that he longs to reveal. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” God longs to make straight the paths laid before you. He longs to guide you into greater and greater things in every season. He knows what lies ahead of you. He knows opportunities and roadblocks that are coming your way. And he is the Good Shepherd who will lead you into the fullness of life available to you this side of heaven. May you trust your loving heavenly Father with your plans and experience his leadership in every decision you face today.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the availability and fruit of trusting God with your plans.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

2. What keeps you from trusting God with your plans? Why do you look to yourself to plan your own way?

“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’” James 4:13-15

3. Lay your plans before your Good Shepherd and ask him for his plans. Look to his plans for your work, family, and relationships. Ask him how he has plans to satisfy the desires of your heart for joy, passion, and purpose.

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:17

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” Psalm 138:8

God is more concerned about the state of your heart than the work of your hands. Romans 14:17 says, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Of course God cares about what you do. But before he longs for you to accomplish his plans for you, he simply wants you to know his love. You serve a God who cares about your emotions, thoughts, perspectives, and sense of worth. More than he wants you to do something, he wants you to be something. He longs for your life to be a reflection of his overwhelming love and goodness. He longs for your life to be a declaration of his grace and nearness. Look to God for your satisfaction and follow the desires he places in your heart. May the work of your hands and the state of your heart be centered on the goodness of your loving, powerful, and near heavenly Father. 

Extended Reading: Romans 12

When I Am Most Like Jesus..LYNN COWELL

 When I Am Most Like Jesus

LYNN COWELL

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Philippians 2:5-7 (NIV) 

I had only one thought when I opened my eyes in the pre-dawn darkness: Why do I have to get up before the sun does? I knew the answer — but I was tired and not thrilled about being awake that early.

My husband and I were part of a team that turned a public school into a church sanctuary on Sunday mornings. Hanging drapes, setting up chairs and transforming classrooms into children’s church rooms were all part of our volunteer description.

Most mornings, I was happy to be serving with my man. This type of work was a welcome change from the roles we each played during the week.

Other mornings, when my alarm went off at 4:45 a.m., my thoughts were not that positive. Sundays are for rest, so why am I not resting? 

And still other times, it wasn’t my alarm but my own desire for recognition that tempted me to take my thoughts in the wrong direction. Right there in that high-school cafeteria, the enemy and I would have a knock-down brawl as I fought to serve from a pure heart.

I am guessing I am not the only one who struggles at times with serving in the unseen spaces. We get confused, thinking ministry is more in the spotlight, such as teaching a Bible study. Yet Scripture shows us clearly, through the example of our Savior, what pure service looks like:

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:5-7).

Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, made Himself nothing for us, and He did that by assuming the posture of a servant.

If our desire is to be like Jesus, then Paul tells us here in Philippians that serving like Jesus is less flashy than we think. It looks more like taking groceries to our elderly mother. Serving like Jesus is making a meal for women in a local shelter. Serving like Jesus is caring for those who won’t or can’t ever pay us back. This is when we are most like our Savior.

Jesus Himself instructed us in this way: “… whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26-28, CSB).

When I’m truly serving like Jesus, I am serving Jesus. When we choose to do the hidden work, the less-than-beautiful, unseen work … when we choose to humble ourselves and give our time, effort and resources to those who need love most … this is when we are like Jesus.

Jesus, help me to choose to humble myself and live the hidden, selfless life of a servant. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Sufficient Grace..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Sufficient Grace

Dr. Charles Stanley

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

I thought the Christian life was going to be easier than this. Have these words ever entered your mind? Sometimes we come into the family of God thinking that our heavenly Father will fix all our problems and devote Himself to our happiness and comfort. However, that is not the reality portrayed in Scripture. Paul was a man whom the Lord used greatly, and yet his life was anything but easy.

In fact, at one point, the apostle thought his pain was too much to bear, and he begged God to remove it. There’s nothing wrong with asking the Lord to relieve our suffering, but what should our response be if He doesn’t? Paul probably had no idea that His experience would find its way into the Bible, to comfort and guide believers throughout the ages. The promise God gave him applies to us as well: “My grace is sufficient for you” (v. 9).

God’s grace could be defined as His provision for us at the point of our need. The problem is that sometimes it doesn’t seem as if the Lord truly is meeting our need. But He frequently sees deficiencies, outcomes, and complications that we don’t. His goals for us involve spiritual growth, the development of Christlike character, and strong faith. And trials play a vital role in achieving these.

The important issue is how we respond. If all you want is relief, you could descend into anger and doubt. But if your desire is to become the person God wants you to be, you’ll see each trial as an opportunity for Christ to display His character and strength in you.

3 Psalms to Read When You Can’t Sleep..Christina Patterson

 3 Psalms to Read When You Can’t Sleep

By Christina Patterson

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. - Psalm 4:8 NIV

Some nights I'm left looking at my ceiling or my iPhone wondering why I can't seem to go to sleep. I have, however, found ways to help myself relax, making it easier to fall asleep. One of which is to read the Bible, specifically the Psalms. The beautiful poetry of the Psalms mixed with the power of God's Word almost always puts my nerves to rest so I can get some shuteye.

If you’re like me and sometimes need help getting to sleep, I want to share with you my favorite psalms to read to help me surrender to rest:

1. Psalm 116

Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. - Psalm 116:7 NIV

Psalm 116:7 is a Psalm I memorized almost 10 years ago. It is my first go-to scripture to say over and over to myself on a sleepless night. I say it slow to really think about the words. I'm reminded that my soul can rest, because the Lord is good and I have so much evidence of His goodness in my life. I then start to think about all the good the Lord is going and has done for me. This scripture reminds me that God is with me and that gives me a peace that relaxes my mind, body and soul.

2. Psalm 4:8

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. - Psalm 4:8 NIV

After a super busy day you would think the only thing my body would want to do is quickly fall asleep. Nope! I've realized a busy day usually leads to more difficulties falling asleep. My mind races with everything that happened that day and what might happen tomorrow.

What will happen tomorrow?

What will happen next year?

What if something bad happens to me? My husband? My children?

There is nothing worse than trying to fall asleep on anxious thoughts. It's during these times I love to pull out Psalm 4. It always reminds me God is in control, He is my protection, and I can trust Him. Now that's some truth I can sleep on.

3. Psalm 91

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. - Psalm 91:1,5,11

During the day, I'm not thinking about scary thoughts. But as soon as I hit the pillow they all want to attack. And fear is the enemy of sleep. Which is why I absolutely adore Psalm 91. I've only listed a few verse from the Psalm above but, if you have time, or find yourself losing sleep due to fear, I highly suggest you read this Psalm in its entirety. It reminds me God will not only protect me, but He will defend me as well. Psalm 91 reveals that my fearful thoughts don't even come close to the power my God has to overcome them.

I have yet to face a battle that the Lord has not addressed in His Word. This includes my struggle to fall asleep some nights. It is the Word of God that helps me to let go of the worries of this world and grasp how trustworthy our God is. And leaning on His truths, even on sleepless nights, feels like God Himself is rocking me to sleep. So the next time you have trouble falling asleep go ahead and give these Psalms a try. It is my prayer that the truth of God's word produces a peace in your soul that leads to many nights of good sweet sleep.

A Prayer for Strength..Emma Danzey

 A Prayer for Strength

By Emma Danzey

Exodus 15:2 says, “The LORD is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.”

There are seasons and even just small moments in all of our lives when we need strength from the Almighty God. We are all dust, we are all human, we are sinful, and we are in a broken world. There are days when we feel worn out, pressed from every side, overbooked, or burnt out. In these times, we can cry out to the Lord our strength. There are also moments when we are serving the Lord faithfully and do not know how He is going to show up in the midst of the busyness and in our inadequacies. However, He is ever faithful to provide all that we need in Him to accomplish His kingdom work even when we feel weak.

Exodus 15:2 reminds us that the Lord is the one who is our strength and defense. He is our salvation. We have full hope in Him because of His work on the cross and conquering of death and the grave for our sins. We have reason to celebrate and praise Him today and always because He has redeemed us, and we are His. Let’s ask for His strength today.

Let's pray:

Lord Almighty,
We praise you that You are not confined by this world. We are so thankful that You never grow tired or weary, that You never need sleep, and that You never miss a moment. You are sovereign and holy and worthy of being praised. We acknowledge that we are weak and we are imperfect. We need You to be our rock today. We ask that You would help us to have stability even if our circumstances are swirling around us.

Father, we pray that You would meet us where we are at. We thank You that You care for all of our needs, big and small. Please remind us that You are working behind the scenes even when we cannot see the results. Jesus, fill us up so that we can have the Spiritual strength to serve and point others to You today. Help us to love well and to make an impact on those around us not by our own efforts but by Your Holy Spirit. Remind us that regardless if we have physical or emotional ailments that limit our strength, that we have a spiritual strength that can ever grow even if our bodies are weakened. Grow our spiritual strength in You by Your Spirit and through Your Word. Show up powerfully.

God, we pray for loved ones who are feeling weak and who You care for and see. We ask that You would help us to have the strength to love them well. Help us to speak words of life in them that would encourage them in their struggles. Lord, sometimes our greatest need is for You to be our strength when loved ones are weak. Please remind us that they are in Your capable hands and that You care for them. Show them how much You provide for them in each moment.

Lord, You say in Isaiah 40:31, “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.” As we remember You as our Strength today, help us to ponder this in our hearts. We ask that You would do what You say You will and renew us. When we feel we are at our end, when we are weary, tired, or heavily burdened, give us renewal in You. Strength us to new heights that only You can. We praise You in advance for the ways that You give to us all that we need each day. Give us the vision to see from Your perspective that You are working everything out in Your way and in Your time. Even when life feels hard or taxing, remind us of Your grace on the journey and that You are always by our sides. Amen.

God Knows Your Name..Megan Evans

 God Knows Your Name

By Megan Evans

“But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.” - Isaiah 43:1 (NLT)

I like to identify the calls of birds and have learned many feathered voices that frequent my backyard, but as much as I try, I don’t know all of them. The melodies can be hard to distinguish. Even when I do correctly match the sound, I certainly don’t know if it’s the same cardinal or chickadee that I heard yesterday. Do you ever wonder if that’s how God feels when we pray?

Does God really know it’s you or me when we call to Him? With so many people in the world and so many prayers being spoken at once, is it really possible that God can tell us apart?

Isaiah 43:1 reminds us today that God loves us intimately and personally. God says to us, “I have called you by name; you are mine.” The prophet spoke these words over Israel and, as God’s Children today, they are meant for you and me. This tender verse speaks of the One True God who created us, formed us, and ransomed us. We never have to fear that we are faceless or voiceless when we cry out to God. We are too special to forget!

When you or I call something “mine,” we are attaching ourselves to it. We claim it, recognize it, and take care and responsibility for it. In a sinful world, broken people don’t always get this right. But we can be sure that when God says “mine,” it’s an enduring promise.

Psalm 139 tells of an all-knowing, all-present, all-powerful God who knit us together in our mother’s womb and calls us wonderfully made. Psalm 139:2-4 ensures us we are not forgotten by describing God’s attention, “You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.” It is hard to wrap our finite minds around such an infinite God, but we can rest assured that the One who knows our words before we even say them knows when we are praying and calls us by name.

Throughout the Bible, we see a Great God who talks and listens to His people. Deuteronomy 4:7 says, “For what great nation has a god as near to them as the Lord our God is near to us whenever we call on him?” Daily each one of us can pray confidently, knowing our voice is heard. As Psalm 18:6 states, “...He (God) heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
We matter greatly to the Lord, and so do your prayers. We can say our prayers out loud, think about them, write them, and even sing them. When we pray, we can rest in the promise that He hears us, has a plan for us, and will take care of us. This Amazing God who calls us “mine” tells us not to be afraid. Each day we can remind ourselves, “fear not, God cares about my well-being, my struggles, and what I am doing today.”

God cares when we laugh and when we cry. Not only does the Lord know us inside and out, but He also pursues a relationship with us. Every man, woman, and child who surrenders his or her life to Jesus Christ is welcomed into God’s family. If you have ever felt unwanted or unseen in your lifetime, this is good news to hear today. By God’s hand, we are fully known, and by His grace and mercy, we fully belong! You are the one God has loved, pursued, and redeemed. Confidently, let’s pray to the Lord today—The One who knows each of us intimately and recognizes us by name when we call.

Further Reading:

• Isaiah 65:24
• Lamentations 3:55-56
• 1 John 5:14-15

THE JOY OF THANKS-LIVING..Jeff Schreve

 THE JOY OF THANKS-LIVING

Jeff Schreve

"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:18

We've arrived at the best time of the year – the Thanksgiving/Christmas season. I just love being with family and friends… enjoying great food, great fellowship, and great football (Go Longhorns!).

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we tend to focus on our blessings and giving thanks for God’s goodness. While that is certainly a good thing, it is not the best thing. The best thing is to turn Thanksgiving into Thanks-living. Regardless of the day or the situation, God wants us to be thankful. Why is that?

1.  Thanks-living lets God know you have confidence in Him, no matter how deep the problems or how dire the circumstances. Thanks is faith turned inside out.

2.  Thanks-living changes your countenance and disposition. Instead of being down and discouraged, spreading gloom and despair everywhere you go, you begin to radiate the joy of the Lord. The best witnesses for Christ are those who are facing life’s trials with a song of thanksgiving on their lips.

3.  Thanks-living opens the door for God to work. God hates it when we grumble and gripe... but He loves it when we praise and give thanks. As we begin to live a life of thankfulness to God, He begins to work, even through the toughest trials and tests of faith. Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison… and they sang a hymn of praise to the Lord. And when they finished singing, the Lord sent a jailhouse rock, and the prison doors were opened. You mark it down: God does miracles on our behalf when we choose to thank Him and praise Him, even in the deepest, darkest pit.

Let me challenge you as I challenge myself.  Discipline yourself to give thanks in everything.  Thank Him for the mountains … and thank Him for the valleys.  He is worthy of all your thanks and praise.

A Prayer You May Need to Pray

Dear God, I hate to say it, but I have been guilty of grumbling and griping about all my problems and trials. I have failed to be thankful and to remember that You are at work in my life, even through all the troubles. Please forgive me, God. I want to be a person who keeps my eyes on You and praises You, no matter what may come my way. So, thank you God for these blessings (name them) and these challenges (name them). I know You are in control of all things. I know You love me and work all things together for my good. I choose to trust You, Lord. Teach me to be a “praiser” who always finds the good... and not a complainer who always finds the bad. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Love,

Pastor Jeff Schreve,