Make Time to Experience God..Craig Denison Ministries

Make Time to Experience God

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:“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!” Psalm 37:7

Devotional:    

Our world deems the busiest people to be the most successful. We look at the lives of those who work more than the average person and admire their fortitude and drive. We compare our own lives to those who seem to work more, have more, and do more with their time and wish we could have the resolve to be more like them. As a result of society’s epidemic of busyness, our spiritual lives are suffering. 

The Bible gives us a clear depiction of the life of a busy person and the life of a person who made time to sit and experience God. Luke 10:38-42 says,

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Jesus’ response in the last two sentences strikes me to the core. Jesus says, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” The good portion in Jesus’ eyes was to sit and listen to him, an idea that contradicts most of what we value in our culture. We value those who fill their time with service and action. But that’s not what Jesus valued. Jesus valued Mary, who spent her time sitting at his feet. Jesus valued Mary’s willingness to make time to be with him. And we don’t just find this teaching in this one instance either! Psalm 127:2 says, “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” Psalm 37:7 says,“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!” Clearly there is a principle of rest and making space for God that spans across the entirety of Scripture.

So, how can we respond to God’s word today? What does this principle of making time to spend with God mean for us? First, we have to choose to value God’s word over the opinion of man. Martha was angry with Mary. Martha must have felt that Mary was lazy and selfish the way many of us would. But Scripture is clear that Martha was wrong. Will you value God’s opinion over man’s? Will you choose to rest in God’s presence when the world is knocking at your door, telling you to get busy?

Second, we have to re-evaluate what we call success.Busyness and monetary gain aren’t the definition of success in God’s eyes. Working tirelessly, even for his kingdom, isn’t the same as working with God. We have to make room in our lives to experience God and his promises. God can’t bring you peace and a deeper revelation of his love if you don’t make time to encounter him. Martha proved this concept. She was in the very presence of the living God and only experienced anxiety and frustration. You have to make time to sit at the feet of Jesus with no agenda. Simply being with God is foundational to living the Christian life. Isaiah 30:15 says, “For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.’ But you were unwilling.” You must be willing to rest. You have to make time for God’s presence. He’s waiting right now to restore you and fill you with peace. He has a perfect plan to satisfy the longings of your heart. Wait on God today. Wait for the leading of his Holy Spirit. Receive the love and affection God is longing to give, and let it be the fuel that spurs you toward good works today.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the story of Mary and Martha. Place yourself in Scripture. Let the truth of Jesus’ words shift your perspective on success.

“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:38-42

2. Now reflect on your own life. Are you too busy? What perspective, person, or fear drives you to busyness?

3. Ask God to guide you into a life of consistently making time to experience him. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what needs to change in your life. What do you need to get rid of or say no to? Hand over whatever is holding you back from your heavenly Father in prayer. Cast all your burdens on his shoulders and find rest in his love.

Let encountering God be your fuel for action today. Move as he moves. Wait when he calls you to wait. Surrender your day to the Holy Spirit and follow his guidance. There are whole days God is calling you to simply rest in his presence. Decide to value God’s opinion over man’s today and spend time resting in the presence of your heavenly Father. There will be a time and place to work, seeing his kingdom come to earth, but he will faithfully lead you to those moments. Choose to wait on God today, rest in his presence, and experience a new strength for your day that can only be found in sitting at the feet of Jesus.       

Extended Reading: Isaiah 30

What’s Happened to You Hasn’t Changed Who You Are..LYSA TERKEURST

 What’s Happened to You Hasn’t Changed Who You Are

LYSA TERKEURST 

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” 1 John 4:16 (NIV)

A couple of years ago, our team at Proverbs 31 Ministries was brainstorming a new T-shirt concept. Once it was designed, printed and delivered, it was time to photograph the T-shirt for the bookstore. And I volunteered to model it.

Now, here’s something you need to know about me: I’m not usually the one who raises her hand and says, “I’ll volunteer to model that shirt!” Nope. Modeling is not my thing.

But this shirt had words on it that felt so personal to me: Known and loved.

“Known and loved” had been an anthem drumming in the background during some really hard days when I wondered if I’d survive the circumstances I was facing. And I knew taking a picture of me wearing this truth would be a good way to declare what I desperately wanted to feel.

Because instead of feeling known and loved, I felt forgotten and tossed aside. I needed a reminder to turn to God, open up His Word and listen to praise songs. When I did those things, I could hear the anthem of God’s voice rising above the chaos: Lysa, you are known and so very loved by Me. Trust Me. Turn to Me. Hold on to Me. He held me when I could barely hang on, and He reminded me what was true of me when I was tempted to forget.

I survived. And so will you. What’s happened to you hasn’t changed who you are.

I don’t know who in your life has told you that you are anything less than the most glorious creation of the almighty God. I don’t know who has spoken words over you and about you that have stripped you bare and broken your heart. But I do know whatever statement comes against the truth must be called a lie.

God’s Word is the Truth. And His Truth says you are a holy and dearly loved child of your heavenly Father.

You are wonderfully made.
You are a treasure.
You are beautiful.
You are fully known by Him and lavishly loved by Him.
You are chosen.
You are special.
You are full of purpose.
You are set apart.

I pray those three words — known and loved — remind you of what God wants you to know today.

Even if you don’t feel loved. Even if you don’t feel known or understood. Remember: Our feelings aren't always an accurate assessment of what's true. Cling to the words of our key verse today: “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them” (1 John 4:16). Then release a lie you’ve been believing that makes you feel like less than who you are, and set your mind and heart on these things.

Oh, sweet sister, we must remember God’s words. Repeat God’s words. Believe God’s words with our whole hearts.

Jesus, thank You for the Truth-filled words of Scripture that are always there to remind me who I really am. When my own insecurities rise up or hurtful comments from others threaten to disrupt this Truth, help me believe I am known and loved. Cared for and prayed for. Chosen and cherished. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Our Awesome God..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Our Awesome God

Dr. Charles Stanley

Revelation 4:9-11

In our culture, God’s name is oftentimes mentioned with little reverence. In fact, many people actually use it as a curse. Even among those who love Him, it is far too common to use His name casually, without taking time to ponder who He is. When you say a blessing at mealtimes, for instance, do you realize that you are talking to the almighty Creator God who rules over all things?

Our view of the Lord impacts three areas of life. First, it affects our prayers. As we come to know Him better and better, our desires will start to look like His goals for us, and our petitions will align more closely with His purposes. Furthermore, as we recognize His greatness and power, we’ll become more confident that He can accomplish mighty things—and we will venture to “pray big.”

Second, our understanding of His righteousness and goodness influences our behavior. If God has these attributes, surely it is in our best interest to obey gladly. We will desire righteousness and be quick to repent of sin.

Third, our faith is impacted. Grasping that Jesus is holy, good, and powerful grows our trust in Him. Knowing our awesome God and remembering His great works will further build our confidence in Him.

Do you personally know our loving and holy heavenly Father? He invites you into an intimate relationship with Him. But, as with any good friendship, time and intentionality are necessary to understand Him and learn His ways. The more you do that, the more your prayers, behavior, and faith will be impacted.

Being Merciful to Others..Emily Rose Massey

 Being Merciful to Others

By Emily Rose Massey

“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, [t]expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:35-36, NASB).

A couple of months ago, I shared in a blog post about a situation some years back where my husband and I were unnecessarily judged with some harsh words spoken behind our backs by some former pastors. They were warning others to not make associations with us because we are “dangerous.” I offered the readers some wisdom found in Luke 6: “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28, NASB).

I was trying to make the point in the blog post that instead of holding onto a grudge and allowing bitterness to form in my heart, I needed to forgive and pray for these pastors just as Christ encourages us to do. Then recently, I received an email from a reader criticizing this blog post and explaining how we can only forgive someone of the wrong that they have done to us unless they repent. This individual essentially was making the assertion that since God holds someone’s sin against them (when they are not in Christ), we needed to do the same. This argument cannot be found anywhere in the Bible, dear ones. On top of the criticism, I was accused of being prideful, not sincere, not a believer, spreading falsehoods about the gospel, and was told to “be dammed.” What a perfectly timed opportunity for me to put these scriptures on showing mercy into practice once again!

Friends, we don’t have to look very far in the scriptures to see how we are to treat others who have sinned against us (some helpful passages are listed below). In fact, Luke 6 is a wonderful chapter to reflect upon. I mentioned Luke 6:27-28 above, and Jesus repeats this sentiment again further in this same passage:

“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:35-36, NASB).

Intersecting Faith and Life:
God disciplines His children who sin (Hebrews 12), but His children are in Christ, and His righteousness has been imputed to us. As Christians, we stand forgiven before our Holy God; Our sins are thrown as far as the east is from the west, never to be remembered again (Psalm 103:12). For those who are not in Christ, yes, their sins are not forgiven, and God’s wrath is upon them unless they repent and turn to Christ. To proclaim that we are to judge someone’s sin and hold it against them would put us in the place of God. Friends, we are not God and cannot stand in the place as Judge. All have fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23), so we have no place to hold others to a standard we cannot meet apart from Christ! But we all receive mercy and kindness from God, even those who are “ungrateful” and “evil,” as Luke 6:35 tell us. Jesus commands us to be merciful just as God has been merciful to us. Although in the NASB translation, the word “forgive” is not used in Luke chapter 6, the word “pardon” is in verse 37: 

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned.” 

Pardon is another word for “forgive,” and “forgive” can be found in other translations such as the ESV, NKJV, and NIV. It is not wise to hold onto unforgiveness, friends. Not only can we not find any Biblical precedence for this idea that we should not forgive others unless they repent for their wrongdoing, it flies in direct opposition to what the Lord tells His followers to do: love, bless, pray, forgive, turn the other cheek, give, and be merciful. Not only does He command us to do these things that can seem so impossible sometimes, His Spirit gives us the ability to do it. 

Mercy is at the heart of the gospel, and as Christ's followers, we should rejoice any time we are given opportunities to extend mercy and kindness to those who have sinned against us. This doesn’t mean that we don’t hold others accountable for their actions, ignore their hurtful and hateful behavior, or not create healthy relationship boundaries, but for the sake of our hearts, we need to obey Christ by forgiving them and loving them. Freely we have received mercy, and freely we should give. 

Further Reading:

• Proverbs 3:3-4
• Proverbs 11:17
• Matthew 7:1-2
• Ephesians 4:31-32
• Colossians 3:12-14

He Has Set Eternity in Our Hearts.. Amanda Idleman

 He Has Set Eternity in Our Hearts 

By: Amanda Idleman

Today’s Bible Verse: “He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart.” - Ecclesiastes 3:11

Humans are unique in all of creation in that we contemplate life after death. The animals haven’t filled the jungles with caution tape in an effort to avoid death… they are born, live, and die without the ability to consider a different fate. Humans differ from animals because we are acutely aware of our mortality.

Death does not feel natural to us. It feels like a curse. As a conscious and reasoning creature, having to face the reality that we in this human form will come to an end feels unfair. I have asked many times the question: How do I live with peace with the knowledge that I have been born to die?

We all feel this tension and fear at some point in our lives. This is why stories of loss, death, disease, and other risks fill the headlines, because we as people can’t help but look. Humanity is not at peace with our own mortality. The Bible explains our situation in Ecclesiastes 3:11 which says, “He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart.”

If we are honest, existence without eternity is too short, too meaningless, and rubs against the truth we all feel when we stop to examine our own hearts. Thankfully, the God that made us has not left us alone. He wrote a story that we can read in the Bible that helps explain who he is, what we mean to him, and shares with us a glimpse into eternity.

Jesus, the Son of God, came to Earth in the form of a man so that we might believe and be saved. God knew that without a Savior who could make up for man’s sinful nature we were all doomed to an existence that would forever be separated from the perfect God. Jesus, during his time on Earth, shared with his disciples’ insight into what God’s big rescue plan is for his beloved creation.

In John 17:3 Jesus says, “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." Eternal life begins here and now. Until the moment we pray the prayer of faith we are dead. When we come to know God and Jesus Christ his son it is then that we are “reborn” and begin a new life as a part of God’s family.

Eternity begins with our conversation but extends past our physical death. Jesus explains to Martha in John 11:25-26 that He is the resurrection and life. Jesus goes on to say that if we believe in him you will live even if you die and those who believe never die. Jesus promises that when we pray a prayer of faith that invites God into our lives we are promised an eternity with Him in Heaven.

Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God has given us the free gift of eternal life with him. This is something that we surely do not deserve and it is only by God’s grace that we are saved. Take a moment and thank God for rescuing us from what we deserve. If you do not know him, consider asking him to be your God, so you can begin to experience eternity on this side of Heaven.

A Prayer for the One Feeling Overwhelmed..Ashley Moore

 A Prayer for the One Feeling Overwhelmed

By Ashley Moore

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” - John 14:27, NIV

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Yes, our society is desperately struggling to find peace, for their anxious and restless lives.

Life is too short to be anxious and constantly bent out of shape. And even more, I’m convinced when I allow my life to become like that, that Jesus didn’t want it to be this way.

When Jesus was having one of several final conversations with His disciples before His death and resurrection, He said the words from our key verse. He wanted them to know He was leaving them, but He didn’t want them to live in a state of panic. He knew their life would be hard, but He didn’t want them to think that He had abandoned them. He acknowledged that they would miss His presence, but He wanted them to know that He would give them His presence in a new way, and with it, they would also have His peace (John 14:25-28).

I love that Jesus took the time to compare His peace to the false sense of peace that the world gives us. You see, the world says to have peace, you have to be on a luxurious vacation in Malibu. Or to have peace, you have to have complete financial security, a great job, and a 401k to boot. The world says that you’ll finally have peace when your life looks like someone else’s Instagram feed. 

This world offers fake peace that leaves us chasing a moving target. Jesus said you will have peace when you have my Spirit because the fruit of the Spirit is peace ( Galatians 5:22-23). This isn’t peace that we can get from this world. This kind of peace only comes from a relationship with God. 

This kind of peace isn’t rattled when our finances aren’t where we want them to be or worse, when we are in financial despair. Jesus’s peace is still there as we wait for daily bread, sometimes moment by moment. The peace that God gives helps us to celebrate others’ accomplishments and give thanks for what God has generously given us. 

So when my heart is troubled and anxious, I have to ask myself, where are you looking for peace? When we find our peace in God, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live in a way that baffles the world. Onlookers don’t understand how we can be so peaceful while they frantically search for what can only be found in Christ. So today, when you are overwhelmed, instead of looking to the world for a reprieve, ask God for His peace.

Let’s pray:

Dear Lord, 
Thank you for giving us the gift of a relationship with you through the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. But God, you don’t stop there! You also ensure that we know you have not abandoned us by giving us the gift of your Holy Spirit. Lord, when we face difficulties, and we get overwhelmed, we have the assurance that you are with us because we have your Spirit living inside of us. And God, with that, you give us the unshakeable gift of peace. 

Lord, I pray you would help us to remember where we find true rest and true peace. Lord, forgive us for chasing down peace from this world. Lord, as you know, it never lasts. More money does not lead to peace; it creates new problems. More security just leads to more frenzied attempts at managing our lives. And attempting to live someone else’s life robs us of all joy, Jesus. I pray you’d give us the strength to turn away from these false sources of peace. Help us turn to you, God. 

You give us peace that the world cannot give and the world cannot take away. Jesus, help us believe and trust that every word you say is true. You are with us, you are for us, and you will give us peace so we don’t have to be troubled or afraid.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

What Children Need to Know about Easter.. Family Life

What Children Need to Know about Easter

Family Life

 

And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, "Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them."Mark 10:13,14

Children and Easter. New life and new beginnings. What better time to share the gospel with your children?

But what does a child, or any person, need to know to become a Christian? The following are the basics:

First, children need to be taught who God is and how He loves them. They need to know what sets Him apart from humans.

God is holy; He is perfect. People, however, are not perfect.

God is just; He is always fair. We are not just in all our decisions.

God is love; He desires a relationship with us. That's why He sent His Son. We are not always motivated out of our love for another.

Second, children need to be taught that their sins must be forgiven (see Rom. 6:23). Many parents in this culture of tolerance feel uncomfortable talking about hell. God is patient, but He is not tolerant. His justice calls for an atonement (a payment, a penalty) for people's sins. Our children must have some understanding that their sins can keep them out of heaven. Their sins must be paid for. And that is what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross.

Finally, children need to know that they receive God's forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ (see Eph. 2:8,9).

Faith involves repenting of our sins, turning to God in faith and trusting Jesus Christ to be our Savior and Lord. When we repent, we acknowledge our sins before God and express our sorrow about our sins to Him.

Those are the basics of what children need to know.

Prayer: That God would work in your children's hearts to bring them to Him.

Discuss: How have you done as a couple in explaining the gospel to your children? How can you arrange your Easter activities to take time to explain the gospel to your children?