The Boundless Grace of God.. Craig Denison Ministries

 The Boundless Grace of God

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

This week we’ll spend time simply stirring up our affections for God. God has designed us to see him, to know his character and to let the truth of his goodness lead us into deeper relationship with him. Augustine wrote, “Thou hast formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee.” In seeing God for who he is, our hearts are naturally stirred to find rest in his goodness. May your heart be stirred at the revelation of God’s wonderful character.

Scripture:“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” Ephesians 1:7

Devotional:

Grace is one of the most astounding and life-transforming aspects of God’s character. From the beginning of time God has chosen to lavish grace upon us instead of wrath. Time and time again, we’ve turned our backs on him. And time and time again he demonstrates the depth of his desire for us through the giving of his boundless grace. In his grace we are afforded a life not only apart from his wrath, but lived in the glory of relationship with our Creator through the redemption of Jesus.

Ephesians 1:7 says, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” Let’s look at a few of these ideas today and let them stir our affections for God. Allow God to speak through his word to the places of your heart where the grace of God hasn’t been given the opportunity to abound yet.

Paul says that in Jesus we have “redemption through his blood.” Have you thought about the nature of your redemption at length before? Colossians 1:19-22 says, “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him.” Such is the grace of your heavenly Father that there is not a single thing between you and him. You, who at one time stood apart from God, have been brought into the family of God, redeemed by the blood of Jesus.

Not only have you been redeemed once and for all, but you are forgiven both now and forever. Paul writes that we as believers have “the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” Where in your life do you need forgiveness today? What do you feel is separating you from unveiled relationship with your heavenly Father? When you confess your sins, God offers you his forgiveness for anything you have done. “According to the riches of his grace,” which was made perfectly evident in the death of Jesus, you are being offered forgiveness. If God would send his Son to die in order to have restored relationship with you, you better believe he will forgive any trespass that seems to stand in your way now.

God doesn’t operate the way the world does. He doesn’t make you pay the penalty for your own sin. Instead, he offers perfect grace. In story after story in Scripture God turns the systems of the world on their head through the concept of grace. In the story of the prodigal son, the father allowed the son to dishonor him, set aside his rightful punishment, and threw a huge party for his wayward child returned home. He didn’t wait. He didn’t make him work for his redemption. He immediately offered him forgiveness freely in grace. God offers you the same today. Don’t attempt to pay for your own sin by separating yourself from the fullness of relationship with God. Jesus paid the only price necessary by his own death. Live in light of God’s grace. Offer your heart to God freely. Let him work out redemption in every area of your life that you might more fully experience the wonderful relationship you have available to you with God.

Guided Prayer:

1. Take time to reflect on the amazing grace of God.

“He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!”Psalm 111:9

2. Talk to God about any area of your life you feel separated from him through sin or a lack of understanding. Where in your life do you not feel grace? What part of your thinking is dominated by condemnation or negativity?

3. Ask God for forgiveness and understanding of his grace in those areas of your life. Receive the freedom that comes from his presence and forgiveness.

God works tirelessly to lead you into the fullness of relationship with him because he loves you. You are his child. He knows everything about you; he’s created you, and he loves spending time with you. May your affections be stirred towards him today. May you know and experience his love in mighty and transformative ways. May you spend your day in God’s presence, changed and empowered by the reality of his boundless grace.

Extended Reading: Ephesians 1

Two Unchangeable Things..SARAH FREYMUTH

 Two Unchangeable Things

SARAH FREYMUTH

"God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.” Hebrews 6:18 (NIV)

The freshness of a new year strikes excitement, hope and anticipation for what is to come. A clean slate of 12 blank, unwritten months.

Like the pristine snow outside my window, newness abounds. But honestly, I’m still slogging through the sludge of last year’s struggles — waiting on healing from long COVID-19 and anxiety, which has left me physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted.

Yes, a new year is here, but how do we move into it when we feel like there hasn’t been a dividing mark between seasons, when the days and weeks have rolled into one another without much change? How do we mark this new year as the potential for possibility when circumstances around us say “same old, same old”?

I’m reminded of Abraham’s longing for a promised son who would start the Israelite lineage. (Genesis 17:16-17) Years passed, but no son came. As Abraham and Sarah aged, God’s promise seemed to fade into the distance.

But Hebrews 6:13-20 tells of how God reinforced the certainty of His promise to Abraham with two unchangeable things: His purpose and His oath. We, too, can let this passage give us hope in God’s faithfulness.

“Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.” (Hebrews 6:17-18, NIV)

Since there was no one greater to covenant with, God took an oath upon Himself, promising that what He professed would come to be in the life of His servant Abraham.

The oaths or promises humans make are fickle and fallible, easily and often broken. However, God’s oath is totally different — trustworthy, true and unbreakable. God didn’t need to take an oath because God is Truth Himself, but He did so to emphasize how unchangeable He is.

The oath was given for Abraham’s benefit so that he would know with certainty that God would keep His promise to him.

And, friend, the oath was given for our sake too.

God doesn’t necessarily promise us a child like He promised Abraham, but in His greatness and mercy, He has given us this passage to show how solid His purpose for our lives is.

We may be living in the middle of the story, still waiting to see improvement in our circumstances, but we can hitch our hearts to the heart of God, who gives us great hope because He gives us His Word.

If He says not to fear, for He is with us, then He is with us and will not leave. (Isaiah 41:10)

If He says He has plans not to harm us but to give us hope, we can rest because hope is here. (Jeremiah 29:11)

If He says Jesus came to give us life in full, then the fullness of every aspect of life is ours. (John 10:10)

As God promised, Abraham eventually received his son Isaac. While in the waiting, God is at work. We can hold on to hope as we’re still walking through what seems like a never-ending wait and build our confidence that He is seeing us through.

If this new year has you navigating the same struggles and the ongoing fight to keep the faith, hold on to the hope of these two unchangeable things: God’s purposes are good, and His oath is based on His character.

The view may look murky as we turn the first pages of a new calendar, but hope is here. Take heart, dear sister. The God of unchanging covenants has given promises to you. He remains steadfast, and our encouragement can revive as we wait for His promises to be fulfilled.

Oh Lord, thank You for being great and loving. Thank You that You desire goodness for Your children and that You have given many promises that are reinforced by an oath from Yourself. Would You strengthen me with Your Truth? As I wait, please help me hold on to hope in all You promise through Your Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Call to Serve..Dr. Charles Stanley

 The Call to Serve

Dr. Charles Stanley

Philippians 2:7-9

When it comes to serving in the church, people rarely request positions where they will go unnoticed. They usually ask to be involved in a place of leadership.

Now, there is nothing wrong with heading a committee. But God calls us to have a servant's heart: He desires that our motive be to glorify Him, not ourselves.

Over the years, I've had many conversations with young men studying at seminary. Countless times, they share the desire to lead a sizable church. And those who are called to a small congregation frequently struggle with feelings of insignificance.

My encouragement to them is this: In His great love, God places us where He wants us to serve, and every task we undertake should be given our all, whether there's one person listening or a multitude. We ultimately serve Jesus, and He is not concerned with the recognition we receive. He desires our obedience and our best effort. This is true not just for pastors but for all believers.

There are many reasons the Lord calls us to serve. First, He rids us of pride and selfishness, allowing our focus to be on Him. Second, we proclaim our love for Christ through our care for one another. Third, God tests and purifies our hearts through service.

How do you define success? A common response is "achieving predetermined goals." Scripture's definition, however, is different. The Lord desires that we discover His plan, obey, and become all that He intended. In other words, for success in the biblical sense, God sets the goals.

Guarding Your Heart..Emily Rose Massey

 Guarding Your Heart

By Emily Rose Massey

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23, NIV). 

One of my nicknames in high school was “Queenie,” short for “Drama Queen.” I understand that not all women are this way, but I guess I have always been an emotional person by nature. Of course, there were many times when my emotions got the best of me often, and I was pulled under and tossed to and fro with anxiety, chaos, worry, and drama.

It took time, but I learned how to find rest in Lord, and the Holy Spirit helped me cultivate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Although I knew to run to Jesus when I was emotional, weary, or anxious, if I was around others (whether one-on-one or my family or people I encountered at work or even things I would hear in the news or on the internet) who were going through a dark time or just needed to vent, I still found myself taking on their negativity and anxiety, and I would inevitably feel #allthefeels. I wanted to help them through the struggle. I wanted to bear their burdens like the Bible says we are to do (Galatians 6:2). I wanted to be empathetic towards them- to put myself in their shoes. All good things, right? Sure…as long as you don’t lace up those shoes and run off with them!  

Ultimately, we cannot control the sadness or destruction going on in the world or in others’ lives around us, nor can we control others’ behavior or actions, but we can control how we react to it all and keep our very own emotions in check.  Before we become involved in someone else’s problem or emotional experience, I believe the most important thing we must do is guard our own hearts.

Proverbs 4:23 tell us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (NIV). 

We don’t want our hearts to become someone else’s dumpster. Considering the heart is the soil in which we bear good fruit (Luke 8:15), we must protect it from pessimism, worldliness, worry, bitterness, anxiety, etc., at all costs. 

Intersecting Faith and Life:
We have all experienced loss and pain in our lives- whether that is a loved one passing away, divorce, infidelity, miscarriage, infertility, financial crisis, losing a job, really, the list could go on and on. Since no one is exempt from encountering tragedy and difficult seasons, as humans, we all have this common bond. That’s why when the news breaks about a tragic or traumatic event in the world, like a mass shooting or the sudden death of a dear friend, (normally) it cuts us deep in the heart. Often, a part of us hurts for those who are hurting.  

The best thing we can do is simply stand with them in their pain and point them to the only One who can bring wholeness, peace, and comfort. Encourage them with scripture because it will be an anchor of hope to them in their storm. Pray with them and for them any time the Lord prompts you to. Walk with them in their trial and grief so that they know they are not alone in their suffering. Of course, if they are a believer, they will always have the Lord’s nearness, but God will put you in people’s lives who are struggling for precisely that very reason, to just be near. Through this time, you can encourage them in Matthew 11:28-30 and 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (NIV).

These passages of Scripture, along with many others, are there in the Bible to remind them (and you) to always turn to the Lord when you are in need. Allow God’s Word to keep you filled up with His hope so that others’ difficulties do not drain you. Yes, we are called to carry one another’s burdens, but most importantly, we help them carry those burdens to Jesus, the One who strengthens us on our journey and promises true peace and rest.  There are so many around us who are hurting and weighed down by the cares of this life. Being an empathetic and compassionate person is beautiful because God made you that way, and He is the One who will give you the right words and the right actions when walking with others through their valleys. Above all, guard your heart and keep Jesus at the center of it!

Further Reading:

• Proverbs 3:1-8
• Philippians 4:6-7

4 Ways to Cultivate A Thankful Attitude..Lynette Kittle

 4 Ways to Cultivate A Thankful Attitude

by Lynette Kittle

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Are there times in your life when because of your circumstances, you don’t feel like there is any reason to give thanks?

If so, you’re not alone, especially in a culture of comparisons and one-upmanship. Many people measure their success by their wealth, jobs, popularity, and possessions.

Yet Scripture explains how it is God’s will for you to be thankful in all circumstances, which means learning to be grateful despite your situation (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

So if you’re having trouble finding reasons to give thanks but want to follow God’s will for you life, how do you go about changing your outlook?

Below are four ways to cultivate a thankful attitude.

1. Present your concerns to God. Instead of focusing on where your present situation, Philippians 4:6 explains, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Instead of feeling stuck in your circumstances, turn to God and let go of the things weighing you down. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

2. Auto-correct your speech. Take time to listen to what you are saying. If you don’t like what you hear, revise your words. Ephesians 5:4 states, “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”

Choose to speak words of life rather than trying to mesh in with society’s standard of speech. When negative, sarcastic, or critical words come to mind to say or write, replace them with words of gratefulness.

3. Let God be your means of contentment, not your surroundings. Although the Apostle Paul spent much time in prison, because of his relationship with God, he learned to be content in whatever his circumstance (Philippians 4:11).

Like Paul, look to find your contentment in the faithfulness of God rather than your standing in society. As stated in Hebrews 13:5, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”

4. Live your life for God. Rather than focusing on you, decide to serve God in what you say and do. As Colossians 3:17 encourages, “And whatever you do, whether in words or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

As you seek to serve God, set your mind to seek Him as you go about your day. When you do, your outlook will be transformed. Although it will take time, effort, and consistency to redirect your attitude to be grateful in all situations, it will be worth it.

A Prayer for When Change Seems Impossible..Ashley Moore

 A Prayer for When Change Seems Impossible

By Ashley Moore

“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.” - 2 Peter 1:3, NLT

Something about transitioning to a new year drives people to reflect on the past and ponder ways to improve the future. We see it in businesses as they examine their last quarter and make new goals for the next four quarters. Family’s examine their rhythms and commitments and make decisions about what they want to keep or change moving forward. And people personally inspect their health and fitness levels and make plans for personal growth for the upcoming year. 

What typically happens next, though, can be rather disappointing. We start strong with the momentum of transition and ride the high of new habits and routines. But it doesn’t take long before employees get swamped maintaining rather than advancing the business, the family calendar gets overtaken by the kid’s sports and church commitments, and our sneakers and dumbbells begin to collect dust. 

Lasting change can feel impossible sometimes, can’t it? It only adds to our discouragement when we fail to meet our goals, keep our promises, or honor our commitments. 

Change can begin to seem futile. This is a dangerous mindset for the believer. When we doubt that change is possible, we can grow cynical. Our cynicism can breed hopelessness about our situations and whether others will ever be capable of making the greatest change–turning from their sin and following Jesus.

We fall prey to a lie that true and lasting change depends only on our ability, convincing ourselves we aren’t capable. Have you ever been there?

This is why I have so much love for Peter’s words from our key verse. Peter lived the reality of this human experience, this tension of desiring change and wanting to live a fruitful life, but not quite hitting the mark. To put it the way Jesus said in another reminder to our friend Peter, our spirits are willing but our flesh is oh so weak (Matthew 26:41). 

Peter was this headstrong disciple who was utterly convinced he was going to prevent Christ from being crucified (Matthew 16:22). Jesus, coincidentally, called him Satan and rebuked him for this (Matthew 16:23). He was also the disciple who claimed to Jesus that if everyone else abandoned him, he would be willing to go to prison and die for him (John 22:33-34). Still not quite understanding Jesus’ plan for salvation in an ill-fitting attempt to protect Jesus, Peter sliced off the ear of one of the High Priest’s servants (John 18:10) Finally, as Christ was taken to be crucified, just as he said he would never do, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times (Luke 22:57-60).  

But, we see from his writings in 2 Peter that people can change. Peter finally acknowledged and accepted that the power to change and live anything that remotely resembles a Christ-like life comes from God’s divine power, not our own. 

And we need that reminder as we seek to make changes in the new year, too. Our strength, grit, and sheer will won’t be enough to make lasting changes. God has given us everything we need to live a changed life, a life that is pleasing to Him. And we received this by coming to know Him. By the power of the Holy Spirit, change, true change that brings glory to God, is possible. 

Let’s pray:

Dear Lord, 
Thank you for giving your people a desire to make positive changes. We know every good thing about us is a gift from you. I pray that as we look to make changes in the new year, we would do so from a heart motivation of bringing glory to you. Lord, forgive us when that is not our motivation. But Lord, we also pray that as we seek to change, we would remember and depend on your spirit for power and not the power of our fleshly, faulty self-will. Lord, thank you that you’ve equipped us with everything we need to live a godly life this year and forever!
In Jesus’ name, amen.