God our Father..Craig Denison Ministries

 God our Father

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview

This week we'll spend time stirring up our affections for God through the renewing of our minds. Your mind is the gateway to your affections. What you think is worthy of your affections is what will receive them. So, as we grow in our understanding of God’s overwhelming goodness we will naturally give him our hearts. May you be stirred by the unconditional love of your heavenly Father this week as his perfect nature is revealed to you in greater, more transformative ways.

Scripture:“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” 1 John 3:1

Devotional:

As a follower of Jesus you have been brought into the family of God. Take a moment to let that truth sink in. Think about what it means to have God, the Creator of the universe, the embodiment of Perfect Love, as your Father. So often we lose sight of the fact that God is our Father and view him through perspectives not aligned with Scripture. We view God through lenses the world and unfortunate experiences have given us rather than a revelation of him as a good Father given to us by the revolutionary teaching of Jesus.

In Matthew 7:9-11 Jesus teaches us, “Which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” You have a Father who loves to give you good gifts. So often we think of God as a harsh disciplinarian who never lets his kids enjoy life. We assume he will say no to anything that gives us pleasure as if he only wanted us to go to church more, pray more, or give more time and money. But that’s not the heart of your Father. Your God is the author of joy, pleasure, happiness, and good gifts. He longs for your life to be filled with the perfect gifts he has planned for you every day. John 10:10 says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” As your perfect Shepherd, God will faithfully guide you to and supply you with all you need to live marked by fullness of life.

In Matthew 19:14, Jesus displays the heart of the Father when he says, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” As our Father, God longs for us as his children to simply be with him. He longs for us to know his love and embrace—to let it be the foundation of everything we do. More than God desires any task of you, he longs for your heart. So great was his desire for just the opportunity of relationship with you that Jesus displayed the fullness of God’s unconditional love by willingly laying down his life for you. There is no room in Scripture to view God as anything but perfectly loving and good. View God as the good Father he is, and run to him with open arms and an open heart that you might find fullness of life in his eternal embrace.

Take time in guided prayer to allow God’s presence to overcome misconceptions you might have about him. Often if we’ve been in church for long enough we stop at a theological understanding of God the Father and don’t allow time and space for him to heal our hearts and transform our lives.Don’t let that happen today! You have a good Father who loves and longs to simply meet with you. Spend time with him today getting lost in the sweetness of restored relationship.           

Guided Prayer:

1. Receive God's presence as you meditate on Scripture.

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.”1 John 3:1

“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14

2. Ask God how he feels about you. Listen and quiet your soul to receive a revelation of his heart.           

“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.”Augustine

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17

3. Where do you need to apply God’s character to your life? In what ways are you living as if God was a taskmaster rather than a good Father? In what ways are you seeking to provide for yourself rather than working to receive provision God has already promised?

“Which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:9-11

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:31-33

In every trial and circumstance you face today, God has a plan to lead you perfectly. He is not a God who sits back and watches as we try to figure life out. He wants to get involved in all that you do, just as a perfect father wants to help his children succeed and live with joy. Ask God what he thinks about what you’re doing. If you run into a problem today, ask for the Spirit’s guidance. Doing your day with God is the absolute best way to live. He knows everything and has a perfect plan for you! Take time today to listen to God and trust his leading.

Extended Reading: 1 John 3

When Comparison Invites Us Into Compassion..MEREDITH BOGGS

When Comparison Invites Us Into Compassion
MEREDITH BOGGS 

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts …” Colossians 3:12 (ESV)

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many of us into new routines we would have never chosen for ourselves and our families.

It pushed us into isolation, traumatizing us with fear while we navigated something new and unknown and grappled with the loss of jobs, friends or family members to the virus.

It is a time no one would ever choose to relive.

During the depths of that season, I found myself experiencing the same isolation and loneliness many felt. But as I scrolled through social media feeds filled with friends working from home and doing all the quarantine activities and home projects — while I still commuted to the hospital daily for my job — I allowed comparison to prevail.

All I could see was the isolation and loneliness I felt, but in reality this was a common experience for nearly everyone during that season, regardless of what their daily norm looked like.

In a moment of acute loneliness as I scrolled, I realized comparison was only compounding that feeling. Why?

Because comparison points out what is different.

While we tend to make comparison out to be something terrible, it’s not inherently bad. Comparing the lifestyle choices and eating habits we once had to a new routine of exercise and balanced nutrition helps us see the progress and transformation we’ve made. Comparing revisions and suggested changes to the project we submitted enables us to see areas for improvement.

Comparison doesn’t have to be an ugly pit or a despairing cycle we fall into; it can actually lead us to greater awareness and growth.

It can become negative when we start comparing our lives to someone else’s and focusing on what makes us different. When we concentrate on these differences, it creates chasms in relationships and isolates us. But compassion pulls us toward common ground and propels us into connection and communion with one another.

Compassion begins by seeing how we are the same. Compassion closes the gap of isolation, bringing us together over similarities in our stories.

And that is precisely what Christ modeled for us by coming to earth in the form of a man to be acquainted with our sorrows and to understand the human experience. The compassion He put on when He came to earth is also what we are called to in Colossians 3:12, which instructs us: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts …” 

As believers in Christ, we are called to be compassionate to one another just as Christ is compassionate toward us.

We tend to view our situation and circumstance as unique, or in my case, I saw loneliness as something only I was experiencing. While comparing my life to everyone else’s, I missed sharing with others the loneliness, fear and isolation of that season. We all felt the burden, even if it looked different for each of us. Instead of deepening the separation I felt, that shared experience could have been a common ground for connection through compassion.

Next time you are tempted to compare your situation with someone else’s, remind yourself to view the situation with compassion and look for the common ground. May comparison not be a dividing factor among us as children of God, but through compassion, may we extend and experience the love and connection we were all created for.

Heavenly Father, whenever comparison creeps in, may I be quick to clothe myself in compassion instead of pride or despair, which brings isolation. Help me to see others as You see them, holy and beloved, and help me to see myself that way too. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Priesthood of Believers..Dr. Charles Stanley

 The Priesthood of Believers

Dr. Charles Stanley

Revelation 5:9-10

According to Scripture, the believer’s citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). In other words, we’re not going to be citizens of an eternal kingdom; we already are.

What’s more, every person who professes Jesus Christ as Lord is part of God’s priesthood. In the ancient Israelite culture, priests were the privileged servants of Almighty God. They carried out all the tasks related to keeping the Law and preserving the spiritual well-being of the people. They cared for the temple, offered sacrifices, and interceded on behalf of the community.

When John says in Revelation 1 that you and I are priests, he is placing us among the ranks of a people set apart as God’s servants. It is a blessing and calling to worship the Lord, to adore and honor Him, and to ensure that all glory is given to His name. Our duties also include interceding on behalf of others.

The one priestly task we do not have to do is perform sacrifices. God Himself offered the final sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, when His Son died in our place. Our part is to bear witness to the breadth and depth of His love for all people. Once you grasp the fact that God looks on His children—every one a former slave to sin—with unconditional devotion, you can’t keep quiet about it.

Believers are special in the eyes of their God and King. We are a sacred people and a holy order. What are you doing with your life? As a believer, you are not your own anymore (1 Corinthians 6:19). You are a priest and a privileged servant of the Most High God.

Encouragement to Pass the Baton..Laura Bailey

 Encouragement to Pass the Baton

By Laura Bailey

“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction” - 2 Timothy 4:1-2 NIV

Recognizing the handwriting on the front of the card, a grin quickly spread across my face. The person behind this well-timed letter of encouragement? A wise, older spiritual mentor who had invested countless hours encouraging and spurring me on in various ministry avenues. Often times with notes just like the one in my hand.

 It had been one of those weeks, and really, the past few months had been difficult in ministry. Our church was experiencing a time of transition, the congregation constantly changing, causing a deeper strain and commitment on already maxed-out members to keep serving through this uncertain time. 

In this particular season, our church experienced great loss among our elderly serving saints, some rejoicing in Heaven while others were confined to their homes. We deeply felt the absence of these spiritual powerhouses, their physical contributions, their rich godly wisdom, and their deep love for the Lord and His people. 

As I read over the card from my mentor, a woman I playfully call my “church grandmother,” tears pricked my eyes. She wrote to let me know she was praying for me, that I would have strength and wisdom as I served. She closed the letter with warm regards and unexpected biblical commissioning from 2 Timothy 4:1-2, "I'm passing the baton to you."

Paul's letter to Timothy was his way of passing on the honor, privilege, and great responsibility of teaching the church. This charge to Timothy contained the Greek word diamartyromai, meaning obligation. Paul's word choice implies that he desired Timothy not only to listen but ready himself to obey. In the subsequent verses, Paul urged Timothy to prepare to teach the Gospel in all seasons, to all people, in times of prosperity and adversity. 

The inspiration for the final words in my mentor's letter came from Paul's final words as he passed the baton to Timothy because his earthly life would soon come to an end. With these words, Paul encouraged Timothy to persevere and remember the gospel as he had modeled. Paul and Timothy had a mentor relationship, a father/son bond, and a deep friendship. Paul loved Timothy and wanted to see him succeed in his earthly ministry, but he knew from experience serving the Lord is filled with opposition and hardship. 

Paul’s final words of advice, as he reiterated the passing of his ministry leadership to Timothy, “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:5) Paul passed down wisdom from years of experience; keep calm, preserve through the trials, share the Good News, and complete the calling of Christ on your life. As we read through other accounts of Timothy, we see that he did heed Paul’s wisdom. He grabbed the baton of faith, ran the race well, and persevered. 

My mentor and the Lord knew I would need encouragement and commissioning to navigate and persevere in ministry. May we strive to be people with arms and hearts open to receiving this great commissioning from the saints who have run their race and finished strong. And may we be faithful in looking for opportunities to pass the baton of faith when the time comes. 

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Is there someone in your life that encourages you, gives godly wisdom, and supports you in your Christian walk? If you don’t have a spiritual mentor, talk with your church's pastor or women’s leader, and ask them to introduce you to someone who can help you grow and mature in Christ. Perhaps you are in a place to be a mentor? Look for younger Christians to share your experiences, lessons learned, and biblical Truth. 

Further Reading:

• Hebrews 13:7
• 
  

Making the Most of Your Mouth..Lynette Kittle

 Making the Most of Your Mouth

by Lynette Kittle

“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them”—Matthew 15:11

In the current culture, it seems what goes into the mouth is given much more thought and priority than what comes out of it.

Even Jesus and His disciples discussed which is more important. As Mark 7:18 describes, “Are you so dull?’ He asked. ‘Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them?’”

Sadly in today’s setting much more focus and importance is put into what types of food goes into a mouth, while what comes out of it seems to be given very little thought.

Yet Jesus took great care to explain why what goes into the body through the mouth, is not as important as what comes out of it. “Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body?” (Matthew 15:17)

Continuing His dialogue with them on the topic, Jesus had more to say about it, “He went on: ‘What comes out of a person is what defiles them’” (Mark 7:20).

Current culture seems to foster hateful, hurtful, and careless words designed to humiliate and destroy others, and supports the sharing of it through public and social media for the whole world to hear or read.

As well, worldwide share-ability through technology has escalated the effects of its destructive reach.

Still Jesus emphasized that what comes out of peoples’ mouths is destructive to themselves (Matthew 15:11) a truth seemed lost in today’s society.

Yet how many people might think twice about what they are writing or saying if they understood their words are defiling themselves?

If individuals truly understood how their words towards others are actually revealing more about their own heart, along with causing much harm personally, they might reconsider the things they say and write.

Luke 6:45 explains how “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

If you’ve been tempted to jump onto the social media insult wagon, consider your words as Ephesians 5:31 urges, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”

Instead of lashing out with your words, Colossians 3:8 encourages, “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”

Ask God to, “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).

When you do, Scripture assures, “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin” (Proverbs 13:3).

A Prayer for an Anxious Heart..Ashley Moore

 A Prayer for an Anxious Heart

By Ashley Moore

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” - Romans 5:3-5, NLT

My phone buzzed the other day with a notification from the kid’s school. Severe weather was on the way! My mind swirled like the doppler image of the hurricane headed toward our area. Rejoicing is the last thing that comes to mind when I feel worried. Instead, my mind immediately begins to troubleshoot everything that can possibly go wrong and scramble to make a plan. I never want anything to catch me with my guard down! 

• Where should I take the kids after school?
• Will our house be safe?
• What about the dogs? 
• Should we leave town or risk riding the rough weather out? 

Maybe you can relate? Do you try to think through every possible scenario and how you might respond when life goes awry? Anxiety is often our response to life’s unwanted surprises. Our minds race to get ahead of anything that can and might get thrown our way. We exhaust all our emotional energy in an unfruitful effort to stay ahead of uncertainties. 

But I’ve never, not once, been able to overthink my way into predicting the future. Worrying and overanalyzing, assuming the worst-case scenario, does nothing to calm my anxious heart. Frankly, most of the time, it just leads to more anxiety. However, the good news is not all anxiety is harmful. We can harness our nervous energy into action, helping us work to get to a safe place, solve the problem, or resolve the issue. Then, we can use our anxiety to prompt us toward the truth. 

Scripture tells us to rejoice because our problems are doing something very useful. The problems anxiety tries to convince us we need to outrun are often the very occurrences God uses as His method to build character in us. This character leads us to the hope we have in the gospel. And this hope reminds us who God is and what He has done for us. No matter how dire the situation, His hope will never allow us to be put to shame. And the proof?! He sealed us with the security of the Spirit. (Romans 5:3-5).

The next time something catches you by surprise, and you find those anxious feelings bubbling inside you, your thoughts going every which way, try this. Allow anxiety to prompt you to pray. Talk to God about your problems and trials. Remind yourself that He is all-knowing, so you don’t have to be. Rejoice that He is present with you through every storm and trial, and He will use every bit of your trouble to drive you to hope that never fails. Allow this truth to be a balm to your anxious heart today, and know that you are never alone. God will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord, 
I admit I often don’t think to rejoice when trouble strikes. My knee jerk is worrying. But in your graciousness, you gently remind me through anxiety to lift up my circumstances in prayer. Lord, I pray your Word over my anxious heart. God, thank you that I can rejoice in these troubles because they are refining me into a strong and hope-filled person. So, Lord, I trust that as I lean on you during my trials, you stir hope in me and out onto others who may be enduring their own problems. God help me to be gentle with myself when I’m feeling scared. Help me run to you and not away from you. I know you are good, and you’ll use everything happening to me for my good and your glory. Thank you that as I praise you and ask for what I need, you give me peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6). Thank you that gratitude is the secret weapon to experiencing joy during the storms I face. 
In Jesus’ name, amen.