Experiencing God’s Promises through the Renewing of Your Mind..Craig Denison Ministries

 Experiencing God’s Promises through the Renewing of Your Mind

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

Our heavenly Father has made incredible promises to us, his children. And while our God is completely faithful to deliver on his promises, he does not force them on us. He’s promised his nearness, his affections, and an eternal life spent with him. But we have the power to choose our own way. He doesn’t force himself where there’s no space. God’s word won’t have power in our lives if we don’t read it. We won’t hear God effectively if we’re not listening. And we can’t experience his nearness if we constantly fill our lives with other things. So, this week we’re going to talk about different ways we can experience the promises of God so that they might come to full fruition in our lives. May you encounter God powerfully as you grow in fully experiencing the incredible promises of your heavenly Father.

Scripture:“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

Devotional:

There is a battle being waged constantly for your mind. This battle isn’t about flesh and blood, but instead about experiencing the very promises of God. You see, your mind is the place where emotions, perspectives, and decisions all collide—where lies and truth wage war. It’s where you can choose to experience God and see the world as he does, or choose a different path and struggle in life to attain any sense of his promises at all. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” Paul makes it clear that there is a very real spiritual battle happening in which taking your thoughts captive is a chief weapon. So let’s look today at the weapon of renewing your mind and how to effectively use it to experience all that God has in store for you.

In God we have an incredible ally in the war for our minds. We’ve been given the Holy Spirit to help us think like God. We’ve been given the word of God to meditate on so that we can share in God’s wisdom. But we must engage in this process of transformation to experience all God has in store. Ephesians 4:21-24 says, “Assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” God has given you an opportunity for new life “created after the very likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” But in order to experience that new life, you must “be renewed in the spirit of your [mind].” Real action is required to experience God’s promise of a “new self.” You have to see yourself as God sees you. Your perspective must shift and be aligned with God’s perspective.

You see, renewing your mind positions you to fully experience God’s promises. For example, Romans 12:2 says, “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.” In the renewing of your mind, you are able to discern the will of God. It’s a real and practical step to receiving the knowledge of what God would have you do. Joshua 1:8 says, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” In the renewing of your mind to God’s word, your way will be made prosperous. Meditating on God’s word has the power to lead you to success.

God’s made a way for you to experience abundant life every day. He’s made incredible promises to you of his will, his peace, his nearness, and his victory over the enemy. But the battle for experiencing those promises is waged in your mind. Renew your mind today to the truth of God. Take captive any lies that run through your mind. Choose to align your thinking with his word. Filter your emotions and decisions through the word of God. And experience today the abundant life God has in store for you in the goodness of his promises.

Guided Prayer:       

1. Meditate for a moment on the power of renewing your mind. Allow Scripture to fill you with a desire to engage in this spiritual discipline.

“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

2. Where in your thoughts do you need victory today? Where do you feel like your perspective of yourself, others, or situations might not align with God’s perspective?

3. Renew your mind to God’s truth in those areas. Find Scripture that speaks to those areas. Ask the Spirit to guide you in renewing your mind to the truth you need.

You can take inventory of the battle being waged for your mind by simply looking at your life. Look at your emotions. Look at the decisions you’re making. You have the power to control those areas of your life by renewing your mind. God’s word is unchanging. His perspective is sure, steadfast, and perfect. He’s given you the tools you need to align your thinking with his in his Spirit and his word. Choose to engage in the life-giving process of renewing your mind. If you’ll choose to act on God’s word, to believe him, your heart will become steadfast and unshakable. You’ll experience a life full of the abundance of God’s promises. May your day be filled with the promises of God fulfilled in your life.

Extended Reading: Romans 12

Flare Prayers..CRYSTAL PAINE

 Flare Prayers

CRYSTAL PAINE

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (CSB)

Last night was a rough one. Our sweet little David — who has Down syndrome and other medical complexities — was up until 12:30 a.m. with really uncomfortable reflux. His crying woke up our other toddler, Kierstyn, who struggled to go back to sleep. And then our baby, Micah, was also up a few times to nurse.

My husband, Jesse, needed to be out the door at 5:50 a.m. to take Kaitlynn, one of our teens, to her ice skating lessons before school. Next thing I knew, both toddlers and our baby woke up — and two of them were not in the most cheerful mood.

Kierstyn wanted breakfast.
Baby Micah wanted to nurse.
David needed his morning thyroid medicine and his morning feeding through his G-tube.
Our other two teens were now up and getting ready for school, and I wanted to check in and be available for them.

I had two choices: I could feel frustrated, or I could start my day by acknowledging that I couldn’t do this in my own strength, asking the Lord for the supernatural strength I needed to get through the day.

I could focus on all my problems, or I could focus on God’s promises.

With a weary heart and body, I prayed: God, please multiply the sleep I was able to get last night. I’m going to trust that You are going before me today. I’m trusting You to show up in powerful ways on my behalf because Your Word says when I am weak, then I am strong in You. (2 Corinthians 12:10)

Instead of feeling exhausted, I actually went through the day excited that I was going to see God show up and be faithful. And guess what? It was a great day!

It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed, discouraged or stressed as we go about our days. I challenge you to start seeing those feelings as little red flags to remind you to stop and send up what I call a quick “Flare Prayer” … a short, in-the-moment, SOS prayer crying out to God for help, wisdom, direction, energy, strength or whatever you need in that moment.

You can pray with boldness, as Philippians 4:6-7 says: “in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

When you get that message that discourages you, stop and pray.
When your husband is having a rough day, stop and pray.
When your co-worker is frustrating you, stop and pray.
When you need to have a hard conversation, stop and pray.
When your toddler is getting on your very last nerve, stop and pray.
When your sleep is interrupted yet again, stop and pray.
When your friend is struggling and you don’t know how to help, stop and pray.
When your teen is going through a difficult time, stop and pray.

Ask God to multiply your sleep on the nights when you are up every hour with a sick child. Ask God to multiply your time when you have five unexpected interruptions back to back and you already have a very full plate. Ask God to multiply your energy when you feel tired and worn down. Ask God to multiply your inspiration when you are feeling drained.

He knows. He cares. He is enough. And He is longing for you to stop striving and start resting. You don’t have to do things in your own strength. You don’t have to carry your burdens on your own.

Lord, thank You that You are the creator of time. Thank You that I can trust You, that You will give me exactly what I need so I can do what You have called me to do. Help me to lean on You — especially when life feels overwhelming — and to expectantly look for how You are going to show up in faithfulness on my behalf! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God's Choice Shaping Tools..Dr. Charles Stanley

 God's Choice Shaping Tools

Dr. Charles Stanley

Romans 12:1-5

God's kindness to us is demonstrated by the fact that He doesn't leave us in the condition we were in before coming to faith. How tragic it would be if we still thought, felt, and acted the same way we did before receiving Christ as our Savior. Throughout our lives, the Lord uses His choice tools to shape us into the image of His Son.

Prayer. By talking to the Lord in open dialogue, we develop a relationship with Him. He becomes not just our Savior, but our friend, and as the intimacy grows, so will our passion to be with Him. Setting aside time for prayer each day will become a delight, not a duty.

God's Word. You can't grow in your Christian life if you keep the Bible closed all week long. No one lives on one meal a week, yet many Christians try to get by with just a Sunday dinner of the Word served up by their pastor. How can we expect God's truth to do its transforming work if we never let it into our minds and hearts?

The Church. Christ uses His body of believers as a place for transformation. That's where we rub against each other and have the rough edges of our character smoothed. It is a place of instruction, accountability, and encouragement.

Are you letting the Lord use His character-shaping tools in your life? Our culture has no shortage of worldly voices and pressures that fill minds and influence behavior. Only when we intentionally schedule time for God, His Word, and His people can Christ do His transforming work in our lives.

God Will Call You Out of the Boat..Jessica Van Roekel

 God Will Call You Out of the Boat

By Jessica Van Roekel

“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’” - Matthew 14:30-31, ESV.

One of my daughters didn’t like it when I declared, “Let’s go on an adventure!” She was five and afraid of getting lost, but we always made it back home. She needed to trust that I knew where I was going and what I was doing. Fear of the unknown can create a feeling of distrust in our hearts. We ask, “What if it doesn’t work out? What if we fail? What if we get lost?”

After the feeding the five thousand, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee, but he stayed behind to dismiss the crowds and spend time in prayer. Later that windy night when the boat was a long way from land, Jesus headed toward them walking on the water. This miracle terrified the disciples, but brash and bold Peter asked Jesus to confirm his identity by commanding Peter to get out of the boat and walk to him. So, Jesus did, and Peter stepped out of the boat.

There have been times in my life when I felt the Lord calling me out of the boat and to walk toward him. After my miscarriage, it was to walk the waters of grief. Later, when I was pregnant again, it was to walk the waters of trust. Life is full of adventures, but not every adventure leads us in a straight path. Sometimes they lead us through ravines and along cliffs. The winds of uncertainty and fear and unknowns buffet us, and we lose sight of Jesus.

The Bible has story after story that lays down evidence after evidence of the power of fixing our eyes on the Lord to provide what we need when we need it. Abraham is one of them. God called him to leave his homeland and go to a new land. Abraham went. God promised him descendants as numerous as the stars through his son, Isaac. But then God asked him to offer Isaac as a burnt offering. And Abraham did.

Can you imagine the difficulty these two commands created? Yet, Abraham kept his focus on the Lord. He left his homeland and lived a nomad’s life. He climbed the rocky mountain, built an altar, bound his son, and trusted God to provide a burnt offering. This was an adventure that took him to a deeper place of trust and confirmed his belief that God keeps his promises. His hope in God held firm.

When Peter first climbed out of the boat, he kept his eyes on Jesus. Bold Peter walked on water as the wind and waves raged around him. He walked into the storm. He made it to Jesus. But then the wind pierced his laser-beam focus on the Lord and he began to sink. Sometimes God calls us to do something impossible, like walk the road of grief or step into a new calling, and when we focus on the Lord, our steps remain firm.

Sometimes, though, the distractions of the unknowns in new adventures cause us to lose our footing. In these moments, we don’t have to sink because Jesus reaches down to pull us up. Grief can overwhelm us with its waves, and we sink deep into depression. New paths can overwhelm us with the fear of failure, and we sink deep into perfectionism. But when we look up and fix our eyes on Jesus, he enables us to walk through the winds and the waves. He grabs our hand and lifts us up. Our trust in him grows with each wave we walk over. It’s a daily choice to fix our eyes on him.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
What are you facing today? Has God called you to step out of the boat and to walk by faith? The winds might be blowing strong against you, but Jesus is your firm foundation. You might be wondering how this new adventure will turn out, but God is your provider. He is your strength, your joy, and your refuge. Like Peter, we can step out of the boat and face the wind. Like Abraham, we can have faith that God will provide. Set your distractions aside and fix your eyes on Jesus. He is mighty to save.

Further Reading:
Matthew 14:22-33
Genesis 22

When it Feels Like God Isn’t Listening to Our Prayers..April Motl

 When it Feels Like God Isn’t Listening to Our Prayers 

By: April Motl

“And Jesus went away from there, and withdrew into the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman came out from that region, and began to cry out, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed.’ But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came to Him and kept asking Him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she is shouting out after us.’ But He answered and said, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, ‘Lord, help me!’ And He answered and said, ‘It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.’ But she said, ‘Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.’ Then Jesus answered and said to her, ‘O woman, your faith is great; be it done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed at once.” ( Matthew 15:21-28 NASB)

This story is for those of us who have gone through seasons where we felt like God’s work went “quiet.”

Notice in verse 23 that Jesus “did not answer her a word.” And the disciples were even sick of hearing this woman crying out for help. It seemed like Jesus was ignoring her! Then when He finally did give her attention, He appeared to be less than immediately sympathetic.

Jesus wasn’t ignoring the Canaanite woman or lacking compassion toward her need. He was “setting the stage.” This woman who was an “outsider” to the Jewish faith displayed more belief than the very people who were supposed to have been ready and waiting for Jesus’ coming. In addition, her story prepared the way for the Gospel being preached to those outside the Jewish faith. She was a foreshadowing of the work God was planning to accomplish among the gentiles. And she was a great example of faith!

When you feel like the Lord isn’t hearing your prayers, take heart and emulate this woman’s example by doing the following:

1. Continue to pray.

Like the Canaanite woman who kept lifting her request, we also need to keep praying!

Read the parable of the persistent widow in  Luke 18:1-8 for another example Jesus highlighted pertaining to a steadfastness in our prayer life. The Lord cherishes a person whose faith keeps compelling them to come to Him.

2. Be completely humble.

The Canaanite woman engaged Jesus with total humility. She was on her face before Him.

Sometimes we are tempted to get frustrated in the Lord’s timing and spiritually shake our fists at Him, demanding an answer. That is simply not our place. A crucial piece of this woman’s availability to be a good witness was tied to her humility. We, too, need humble ourselves before the Lord.

3. Expect your Lord to meet you.

The Canaanite woman knew who she was talking to: the One who gives generously even to the littlest and weakest among us. She was there to receive from His hand whatever He saw fit to give her.

Regardless of your situation, remember who you are talking to: the One who has gone to the ends of Creation to meet you. The One who did not even withhold His very own Son in pursuit of you. Hang on to the truth that He will meet you.

4. Be thankful for whatever the Lord sees fit to give you.

The Canaanite woman declared that she would be content with crumbs, because even God’s crumbs were more than enough.

Sometimes crumbs are the very best because it leaves room for an appetite for the True Bread of Life. Sometimes, God opens the floodgates and we are shocked at His overflow of blessing. Whatever He chooses to give us, the right stance of our heart is gratitude.

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

A Prayer for Direction..Emma Danzey

 A Prayer for Direction

By Emma Danzey

Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

Our lives are perpetual experiences of trusting God and taking steps towards the plans that He has for us. Whether we are in a season of trusting the Lord which college to choose, or who to marry, or where to live, He is always working and moving us towards His greater plan for our lives. The beautiful part is that the Lord does not just make decisions for us, He invites us in to have choices.

As challenging as it is to be seeking Christ’s will for our lives, we can consider it a glorious invitation to walk with Him daily and follow His leading. The unknowns draw us to listen to our Savior’s voice. The question marks in life put us on a quest to know God more. The confusion takes us to the One who is the unchanging God.

Let's Pray:

Our Great God,
Thank You that You have everything under control. Thank You that You are perfect and Your ways are perfect. Thank You that even in my past mistakes, You have worked them out for my good and Your glory. You can use the poor decisions as testimonies of Your grace and mercy. Thank You that You already know what is next, and I do not have to be afraid. Thank You that You walk with me and never leave my side. Thank You that You want me to seek you in this decision and in everything.

Forgive me for the times when I have not looked to You in making decisions. Forgive me for going my own ways and thinking that I knew best. Remind me today of Your great compassion and help these past sins point me to the joys of following You in the future. Psalm 86:5 says, “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” I haven’t always done this right before, and know that I am likely to choose my own path today. Help my heart to align with Your will! Open my mind to Your best and Your ways.

Lord, You say in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Would You help me not just to hear that or read that, but to truly believe that? Help me to place my full trust in You. Holy Spirit, give me the strength to believe You and not what my human eyes can see and my human mind can comprehend. Give me the ability to do this in all my ways. Thank You for promising to make my path straight if I trust in You.

God, You told Isaiah in Isaiah 30:21, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Would You please open my ears to Your voice? You are still speaking and guiding Your people in this world today. Would you help me to take time to listen and be still and know that You are my God? There are so many voices around me competing for Your place in my life. Help me not to focus on the voices around me; help me to hear Your voice alone as my authority. Then, as I seek wise counsel and ask trusted advisors in life, may I always sift through their words with You and with Your Word.

Lord, thank You for giving me the gift of Your Bible. I am grateful for Your holy and perfect words. Help me to remember that You have many answers for me just waiting within the Bible. Give me the drive and the urgency to seek You out in Your Word. Help me to love the Scriptures and learn from the people within them. Thank You for this beautiful map of guidance in life. Help me to use it every day to grow in my love for You. Amen.

What Sorts of Folks Got Crucified?.. Senior Living Ministries

 

What Sorts of Folks Got Crucified?

Senior Living Ministries

[Jesus said]: "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."
--John 5:24

Early in Julius Caesar's political career, the people of Rome hated him so badly that he thought it best to leave his country. He sailed for the Aegean island of Rhodes, but on the way pirates attacked his ship and Caesar was captured.

The pirates demanded a ransom of 12,000 gold pieces, and Caesar's staff was sent to make the arrangements for payment. For almost 40 days, the pirates held Caesar captive.

He would jokingly tell them that he would someday capture and crucify them. The amused kidnappers dismissed his threats. But when the ransom was paid and Caesar was released, the first thing he did was gather his army together to pursue the pirates.

The pirates indeed were captured and crucified!

This was the Romans' attitude toward crucifixion. This cruel death was reserved only for the worst criminals. It was meant to show extreme contempt for the condemned. And the pain and humiliation experienced by someone crucified by the Romans was unmatched by any other.

They condemned and humiliated the person and name of Jesus thousands of years ago just as many people do today. And even though He died a lowly death, we as believers can rejoice in knowing that "He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification" (Romans 4:25).

Jesus died for the sins of all--including those who beat Him and nailed Him to the cross. You may know of someone today who doesn't know Jesus. Will you be the one to tell them about the forgiveness He gives? Will you be the one who points them toward eternal life through Jesus?

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to bring someone into your life this Easter who you can share the story of His death, burial, and resurrection, and the price He paid for their sins.