Vision for Yourself.. Craig Denison Ministries

 

Vision for Yourself

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

We serve a God of boundaries. In his limitless capacity, endless creativity, and boundless existence he still chose to create boundaries. He still had vision for what was good, right, pleasing, and perfect. And as children made in his image, we are to live, think, and create as he does. In a world marked by busyness from seemingly infinite opportunities, it’s important now more than ever for us to create boundaries. May you find freedom and joy this week as you receive vision and set boundaries under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

Scripture:

“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

Devotional:

For a long time I believed that all God wanted from me was more. I feared he would lead me to more work, more giving, more sacrifice, and less fun. I viewed fun and God as mutually exclusive, as if he was the great cosmic killjoy who only wanted me to sing, fast, pray, and evangelize.

Wrapped up in all my misconceptions was a very me-centric point of view. I thought if I didn’t work my fingers to the bone day in and day out for the kingdom that God’s will wasn’t going to be accomplished. It’s as if I believed that I was a savior, the sole hope of the world. And all these misconceptions led to a constant weight I couldn’t seem to shake. But Isaiah 55:10-11 says,

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

The truth is that God absolutely has good works laid out before me every single day. He has a plan for me that will impact eternity. But his chief desire in everything he asks of me is that we would do it together. He doesn’t need me. He wants me. He is not a taskmaster, and I am not his slave. Rather, he calls himself my heavenly Father, and I am to see myself as his son, a coheir with Christ.

God doesn’t desire me to lift a finger if it’s not out of love for him. He doesn’t need or want any of my works birthed out of a place of striving. He doesn’t need or want petty activity, reluctant yeses, programmed words, or burnt-out offerings. Allow the full impact of 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 to hit your heart today. Read it slowly. Allow it to shift your perception of the heart of God:

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

In response to the truth of God’s word, we need to have vision for ourselves. We need to set boundaries around our own emotional, physical, and spiritual health. We need to allow God to minister to our weary hearts, shift our perspectives on work, and empower us to live a life marked by inward abundance. What do you need today to enjoy life? What can you do with God rather than for God? What would he use to fill you up to a state of overflowing rather than running on empty?

As you enter into a time of guided prayer, may you find freedom today from the mentality of a slave and live with the joy and peace of a child of the One, True God.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the sovereignty and omnipotence of your heavenly Father. Reflect on his unstoppable ability to accomplish his will.

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11

2. Meditate on God’s desire for love rather than activity.

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

3. What would it look like to live an abundant life today? What do you need to create boundaries around? What would God use today to fill you up and satisfy the dry and weary places in your heart? Take time to rest in the love of God.

“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

The best boundary for maintaining a sense of health is a having a weekly sabbath. Genesis 2:3 tells us, “God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.” To rest is holy. It’s a declaration to yourself and the world that life is about far more than work. It’s a reminder that work is just a way that we live in relationship with God. May you find grace and courage to live in line with the culture of God’s kingdom as you set boundaries around what you need in order to live an abundant life.

Extended Reading: Matthew 11

The Mom They Need..NICKI KOZIARZ

 The Mom They Need

NICKI KOZIARZ 

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (ESV)

In every season of motherhood I’ve experienced so far, I’ve found myself in moments of feeling like I’m at a loss for what to do.

When bringing my babies home from the hospital and in those newborn days that followed, I remember staring at them and asking myself, OK, now what do I do?

Now, in recent late nights, with tears of frustration from teenage rebellion freshly fallen on my shirt, I’ve found myself asking God, OK, now what do I do? 

The truth is, I can’t think of very many times — even outside of motherhood struggles — when I’ve prayed for wisdom on the next thing to do and it has simply come to me.

Of course, if I need an answer immediately, I’ll say a quick prayer asking God for His help, and I’ll call or text a trusted friend. But most of the time, wisdom comes from a slow, gradual understanding of what needs to happen. Godly wisdom comes from experience, time and slow growth with God.

Praying and taking the time to slowly understand the Bible are some of the ways I experience growth. And so one of the prayers for wisdom I’ve prayed throughout the years is: God, please make me the mom (insert child’s name) needs, not the mom she wants.

This prayer came from understanding Philippians 4:19 a little better than I used to. Paul, the author of these words, was writing them specifically to the church at Philippi about their financial generosity: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

While we should not take this verse out of context and use it as a way to believe God will give us whatever we want, these words, this promise from God, can extend into all areas of our life, including the need for wisdom. But we have to pause and understand the difference between our needs and our wants.

In parenting, the mom my kids want is super “chill” about laundry and messes. She’s always understanding about homework and to-dos not getting done. She never loses patience on their bad days, is generous with money and is always fun.

While those are all great qualities, that’s not always the mom they need.

Sometimes they need firm reminders to get things done or to push themselves to be the best version of who God created them to be. The more I ask God to show me what my kids need, the more glimpses He gives me into their hearts.

And sometimes, when their decisions make me feel like I’m going over the edge, God reminds me that my kids need a mom who prays for and believes in the best of who they will become.

So when we are at a loss for what to do — whether it’s in parenting or a different area of life — asking God to be the God we need, not the God we want, is always wise. And this simple prayer I pray over my kids can transfer into any area of our lives: friendships, jobs, volunteer roles …

God, show me what this person needs from me today.

But may we also be prepared when God shows us what they need and it reflects those same things we need from God … grace, mercy, love, kindness and compassion.

Ultimately, when our view of God is based on need, not want, it will flow into all areas of our lives.

When we find ourselves asking the question What am I supposed to do?, we may not have an instant answer. But we can have a process with God — the God we can trust to see us through until the answer is clearer.

God, thank You for being the God we need. Help us redefine our wants in all areas of our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Names of Christ..Dr. Charles Stanley

 The Names of Christ

Dr. Charles Stanley

Philippians 2:5-11

The Bible ascribes many different names to Jesus, all of which provide great insight into His character and person. Here are some from John’s gospel that I find particularly revealing:

The Good Shepherd (10:11) protects his sheep at all cost from predators. They know His voice and follow Him.

The Door (vv. 7-9) is the only way to enter heaven. Whoever enters through the “gate” of Christ will be saved.

The Vine (15:1-10) is the source of our spiritual life. When we stay intimately connected to Jesus, we bear fruit. If we do not remain in Him, we wither.

The Bread of Life (6:25-35) the only one who can truly satisfy our hearts. Jesus feeds our souls with sustenance that never leaves us wanting for more.

The Light of the World (9:5) shines His light through our countenance as a ministry and testimony to a dark world.

The Way (14:6) to happiness, peace, joy, and eternal life is Jesus Christ.

The Truth (14:6) of His revelation, as recorded in the New Testament, is the reason we can know as much as we do about God.

The Life (14:6) Jesus imparts to believers is powerful, effective, and fruitful, not only in eternity but here on earth as well.

In biblical times, Israelites would choose a baby’s name based on the child’s characteristics or a hope or prayer of the parent. The names given to Jesus tell a great deal about His ministry on earth 2,000 years ago. The scriptural names describing Him reveal who He was and is and will be for eternity.

How to Certainly Know the Plans God Has for You..John UpChurch

 How to Certainly Know the Plans God Has for You

By John UpChurch

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11

All around the prophet Jeremiah, the whole world seemed to be falling apart. His home, his nation, his people—everything continued to slip away. But right in the midst of this dark time, God gave a promise that still fills us with hope today.

Perhaps you have come face to face with the sorrow that Jeremiah felt. Perhaps you, too, know what it’s like to see everything fall apart all around you. You know the pain, the uncertainty.

But do you know the promise?

God gave this pledge to the people of Israel who lived in exile, but it’s no less true to any of us who follow Jesus. He does have a plan and purpose for us that—while not always easy—is assuredly for our good and His glory (Romans 8).

So, how can we know this plan He has for us? And how can we walk confidently in it?

Listen Up

Before God gave this famous promise, He warned the people of Israel not to listen to false voices (Jeremiah 29:8–9). The same is true for you. All around, you’ll hear advice from a number of sources about what your purpose is, why you’re here on earth, and how to overcome challenges. In fact, all these voices can be deafening.

But knowing the plans God has for you means listening to the One who has them. You need to make time in your daily life to stop and read God’s Word and speak to Him. That’s the only way you can navigate the cacophony of opinions that come barreling at you. When you know your Creator and His voice, you can hear Him above the noise.

The more you grow accustomed to His Word, the more confident you’ll feel in His guidance through the Holy Spirit.

Action step: Make margin in your life for prayer and Bible study. You need to hear God’s voice above the roar of the world.

Keep Your Head Up

God spoke this passage to the people of Israel who had been dragged away in exile far from their homes. They faced some very tough times, but He didn’t want the former loss to be their focus. Instead, He wanted them to focus on the future hope.

The same is true for you. When you face challenges, you’ll want to quit or change directions. But if you’ve been spending time listening to God, challenges don’t necessarily mean that you need to throw in the towel. In fact, it could very well be the challenges themselves that prepare you for God’s purpose in your life.

When officials tossed the apostle Paul in prison, he didn’t take that as a sign that he should pack it up and return home. He used the opportunity to sing praises and witness to the jailer and his family (Acts 16).

If your children seem like they’re running farther and farther from Christ, if your marriage isn’t getting any better, if no job has opened up, don’t let those circumstances drag you down. Look for opportunities to shine the light of Christ even more. Ask God to keep molding you through the trials.

Keep believing that God is up to something, even if you can’t see it yet. After all, God’s purpose for our lives often leads us through the valley to refine us.

Action step: If you’re in the heart of a bad situation, take a moment to pray about and look for opportunities that God may have for you. Take stock of how God is using this tough time to change you.

Look up—to the Cross

God gave an amazing promise to the Israelites of Jeremiah’s day:

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

Not long afterward, God would fulfill all the promises He’d made to them. You see, from Genesis 3:15 to the exile into Babylon (and their later return), God had been telling them of a Savior, a promised One, a Messiah. And God wanted His people to remember that He would fulfill His Word to them.

In our case, all of God’s plans and promises for our lives begin with the cross. Our purpose on this earth starts at Calvary with the death of Jesus and proceeds to the tomb with His resurrection. As a Christian, we’re here to share that good news in all that we do. That’s at the heart of what God intends for us, and His purpose will never take you away from being ambassadors of His grace (2 Corinthians 5:20).

So, any plan God has for you will start and end with Jesus. You’ll have the opportunity to share the good news about Him in whatever situation God intends for you.

A Prayer to Let Things Go..Laura Bailey

 A Prayer to Let Things Go

By Laura Bailey

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 NIV

Recently I had the rare treat of grabbing dinner with some of my closest girlfriends. We began discussing our upcoming holiday plans. Within minutes the topic of in-laws, family tension, and general dread over getting together with relatives in the upcoming weeks was brought up. 

Even in the best circumstances, familial relations can be difficult to navigate. Dynamics can change yearly with new additions, such as a recent marriage or a baby's birth. Or perhaps your family feels the strain from the absence of a beloved patriarch or matriarch. While not always avoidable, relationship tension can be managed or at least subdued.

I’ll admit, I can easily get my feathers ruffled, especially regarding family. I perceive every slight, often take things the wrong way, and typically assume the worse in family members. Complaining to my husband about a last-minute change in holiday plans, my daughter, who I didn’t know was in the other room, piped up, “ Mom, just do like you tell me; let it go!” Welp, I wish I could relive those last five minutes. Had she just heard my whining and griping about something I knew deep down wasn’t a big deal? Nonetheless, she was right; I just needed to let it go.

While this instance shouldn’t have stirred me up, there are times when it may be appropriate to politely, without anger, speak up. When plans don’t work with our family’s schedule, we don’t have completely adjust our calendar, we can gently inquire if there is another date that would work for everyone.

When our family members bring up topics that create strife and discord, we can politely suggest avoiding those subjects and transitioning the conversation. When our in-laws ask a question about a food choice, child’s clothing, or the decision to stay in a hotel over their house, we can assume they are just inquiring, not knit-picking our decisions.

Paul knew that it was impossible for humans to avoid conflict, nor should we. Healthy conflict is good for a relationship; airing our grievances and talking through issues that causes irritation or hurt feelings helps to strengthen bonds. However, we must be diligent in guarding our words, protecting our hearts, and carefully thinking before we speak. 

 Paul gives us two stipulations in Romans 12:18. “ if possible,” and “as it depends on you,” living at peace with everyone means we have a choice. Sometimes that means we say nothing, ignore slights, and actively let things go for the sake of peace. It’s not just around the holiday table, but all year long, to our relatives, the family of believers, and unbelievers.

As you trim the tree, wrap the gifts, and celebrate the Christmas season, let’s do our part to share peace on earth. 

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, we humbly come before you, asking that you forgive us when we fall short. You offer us unlimited grace, abundant mercy, and unwavering love; thank you. Thank you for your son, Jesus, His death and resurrection making way for us to be redeemed. We are filled with hope as we eagerly await the return of your Son; when all will be made new, we will be glorified, and the effects of sin will be gone!

Lord, thank you for the family, both by blood and through Christ, you have placed in our lives. Guide our conversations, convict us when we’ve wronged others, and help us to guard our speech. Let us do nothing out of selfish ambition but think of others more than ourselves, looking to the perfect example in Christ Jesus. We ask that the Holy Spirit work in our lives as we assume the best in people and let the words of our mouths and actions align with someone who professes to be a follower of Christ. 

Should our feelings be hurt, our preferences overlooked, and our opinions ignored, let us forgive quickly, turning the other cheek. Let us choose the path to peace, no matter the cost to our personal pride. Help us to apologize when we’ve wronged others swiftly. May we remember that our Father in Heaven sees all, and You are just, and you will avenge and judge rightly. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Courage for the Table..Jessica Van Roekel

Courage for the Table
By Jessica Van Roekel

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” - Psalm 23:4-5, ESV

How do you spend the holidays with someone who rejected you? Once they were like family, and now, they’re your enemy. What if you’re at the same table? Or bump into each other in the buffet line? The sting of betrayal feels like a fire. Over time the flames turn into embers, but an encounter with the one who wounded you stirs them into flickers that want to consume your peace and joy.

It’s the season of light with twinkly lights hanging from every street corner, in businesses and homes. We deck the halls with garland and play songs of joy, but underneath it all, the hurt lies still and quiet, yet grumbles and rumbles as the day grows nearer when we will see our once friend, now enemy, face to face.

Families are a blessing because they are a gift from God. He created the family to reflect himself to the world, yet, because of sin, families shatter. Brokenness fills homes and hearts. Sometimes the break is irreparable, and other times we put on a smile to hide the hurt as we wrestle to forgive.

Our Lord is a Good Shepherd, and when we follow him, we can trust him to lead and protect us from our enemies. Sometimes that looks different than what we imagine protection should be. When a storm comes, the shepherd gathers the sheep so they can weather it together. Lightening crackles and thunder booms above the sheep’s heads. They are exposed to the storm yet secure because their shepherd is with them. 

Our imperfect relationships can rumble like a devastating storm. I live in the Midwest and saw my first derecho this year. A wall of black dirt overtook my home and my sight. It blackened the bright sun, and every one of my yard lights flickered on to pierce the darkness. It looked like the middle of the night, but it was five p.m. on a midsummer day. The wind shook the house and rattled the windows. I couldn’t see, but I knew damage ensued. All I could do was wait it out, helpless to do anything to change the outcome.

When rejection sweeps through one of our relationships, we can feel helpless too. We know there is damage, but we don’t know the extent of it till after the storm passes. The depth of the hurt relates to the depth of the relationship. Taking time to acknowledge the pain helps us to heal. Walking through the stages of grief over a relationship gone awry is necessary. Trusting our Good Shepherd, Jesus, to carry us through the rocky path is healing.

Psalm 23:4-5 holds much promise of the Lord’s presence amid our sorrow. We don’t have to wait until we’re sufficiently healed to know that He is with us. He walks with us. He guides us. He prepares abundance for us during our pain and among our enemies, even at the holiday table.

When a relationship, as we once experienced it ends, it can feel like a death occurred. We can no longer trust the person with whom we shared our heart. We wonder if the confidences we once shared will now become ammunition against us. Our friend or family member is now our enemy. Sometimes both parties are part of the same family and rather than breaking the family in two, we end up at the same table. Yet, because of God’s promise, we can retain our peace and joy.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
You can rest assured that God is with you. He guides you to green pastures even though wolves stalk the shadows. He sets an abundant table for you and invites you to sit at it in the presence of your enemies. God’s abundance means that you can have peace while you heal from the wounds of rejection. Even though your heart aches from the pain of a relationship wound, you can sit tall at the holiday table and remember that God chose you to be his own.

Further Reading:

• Psalm 23