Live in Harmony..Craig Denison Ministries

 Live in Harmony

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

This week we’re going to take a look at seven principles found in Romans 12 which describe the marks of a true Christian. The intent of studying this passage is not to condemn or lead you to comparison. Instead, let Paul’s teaching fill you with a deep, transformative longing to wholeheartedly pursue the life God intends for you. Ask God to help you see yourself as he sees you, to see the grace he’s placed upon your life by the blood of Jesus so that you might walk more fully in the power and anointing of the Spirit. Open your heart to God, and let him do a mighty work in you. He is near to you, ready to mold and shape you into a disciple filled with and fueled by his incredible love. May you discover God’s grace and perspective this week as you examine your life in light of this powerful passage of Scripture.

Scripture:“Live in harmony with one another.” Romans 12:16

Devotional:    

Harmony in music is this beautiful, fleeting occurrence that most singers and musicians work their entire lives to continuously experience. It requires diligence, patience, humility, and unity between people pursuing the same goal of making beautiful music. And when musical harmony is achieved, it touches not only those singing or playing, but everyone listening as well. Living in harmony with one another in everyday life isn’t too different than musical harmony. For most of us it’s a target just as elusive and fleeting. But like musical harmony, it’s worth fighting for. Like musical harmony, it produces joy and life in those who pursue it and touches those around them. All throughout the New Testament, we find exhortations to live life in unified, harmonious community. Scripture is clear that unity in the body is foundational to the Christian life. So, let’s look more deeply today at how we can grow in unity and open our hearts to the Spirit’s work to fill us with the desire and ability to pursue harmony with one another. Romans 12:16-20 says:

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Not only does Paul offer us the important exhortation to live in harmony, but he also provides practical ways to achieve harmony. Romans 12 teaches us that harmony requires humility, grace, the pursuit of peace, not fighting for our own justice, and blessing those who hurt us. What would our communities, churches, and families look like if we all committed ourselves to these virtues? What would your relationships look like if you strived to obey these commands? God doesn’t ask you and me to pursue these virtues; he commands us. It is a command because God knows that pursuing a life lived in harmony with one another will lead us to the abundance of joy, peace, and purpose we are created to experience. As our good Father, he wants his children to experience the peace that can only come from living in harmony with one another.

Not only do unity and harmony provide a better life for all involved, but they also glorify Jesus. Romans 15:5-6 says, “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” When we love each other well and offer grace and forgiveness, we demonstrate Christ's power to change hearts to the world. When we live in harmony together, we worship with our lives in one beautiful, unified voice. The power of the gospel is that God will always love us in our pride and transgressions, but he doesn’t intend to leave us there. God works in the hearts of his people, knitting them together in harmony like a beautiful tapestry of transformed lives. You and I are written into the pages of God’s beautiful narrative. We have an important place in his eternal story of redemption. Spend time in God’s presence today allowing him to fill you with the desire and ability to pursue harmony with others. Pursue unity with the people God’s placed in your life. And experience transformation in your relationships as God works through you to produce unity and joy.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s command to live in harmony with others.

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’” Romans 12:16-20

“That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:25-27

2. Humble yourself and ask the Spirit to mold and shape you into a person who lives out the virtues of Romans 12.

“Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Philippians 2:2

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” 1 Peter 3:8

3. Now ask the Spirit for specific ways you can pursue harmony with others. Whom could you invite over for a meal to hear their story? Whom can you bless who has hurt you in the past? Whom could you associate yourself with that the world deems "lowly?" How can you honor that person you always seem to disagree with?

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:14

When you remove from yourself the burden of appearances, you will experience a joy and peace that cannot be found in any other lifestyle than humility. Caring what people think is exhausting! Climbing the ladder in your work, society, or relationships will never lead you to more satisfaction. There will always be another step to take, always another person to surpass. Choose to pursue harmony, unity, and love with those around you. Count them as more significant than yourself. If you will live your life in the pursuit of glorifying God instead of yourself, you will gain more satisfaction in this life than 10,000 lifetimes lived selfishly could produce.

Extended Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Weary From Waiting? Remember This..LAURA LACEY JOHNSON

 Weary From Waiting? Remember This!

LAURA LACEY JOHNSON

“… ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised …’” Acts 1:4 (NIV)

“What’s the holdup?” I yelled out the car window, then shrunk back. Maybe no one would recognize me behind my sunglasses.

A gust of shame blew across my chest. Why was my response so disproportionate to the situation? Maybe more was going on than the to-do list adding to my impatience as I craned my neck out the window. I couldn't see around the oversized vehicle in front of me.

Frustration turned to tears as I realized I felt stuck in so many areas of my life — especially in my work. No matter how hard I tried, the doors kept closing. Sitting in my car only reminded me that my dreams sat on hold too. I wanted to pound the horn, not just at the vehicles in front of me but at God. Why hasn’t He answered my begging, pleading and asking?

We all have times when we feel the ache, the longing, the discomfort, of waiting.

Waiting to meet “the one.”
Waiting to have kids.
Waiting to see if the treatment will work.
Waiting for that promotion or for that person to change.

Waiting tests not just our faith but also our patience.

As I turned to God’s Word during my waiting season, one of Jesus’ final commands to His disciples captured my attention: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised” (Acts 1:4, emphasis added).

No one wanted to wait in Jerusalem. That was a city where the disciples hid behind locked doors from the religious leaders who killed Jesus. (John 20:19) Believers were hunted down; it would have been far easier to hide in a rural location instead.

Why did Jesus make them wait in a place they'd rather leave? Because Jerusalem was where He needed them to be.

Days later, on the day of Pentecost, thousands of people were gathered in Jerusalem for the Festival of Firstfruits. Without notice, the Holy Spirit surged through the believers. They spoke in languages they had never learned. They preached the gospel. (Acts 2:1-41)

The Jewish believers knew this wasn’t any ordinary day. They had celebrated the Feast of Firstfruits for generations. But on this birthday of the Church, they embodied what the holiday was all about — enjoying the firstfruits of God’s harvest — as more than 3,000 new believers rushed to know Christ.

Waiting when we have little control can feel vulnerable and dangerous. Yet sometimes, when we least expect it, we realize God might be doing something good in the middle of the wait.

There was something good going on during my wait in the line of cars that day. After what felt like forever, traffic began inching forward. The delay was a group of teenagers with flowers. Ugh, another school fundraiser, I groaned. I don’t have the time for this.

I faked a smile and drove on past.

Later that day, I learned those teenagers had teamed up with a local florist to give away 300 bouquets of flowers — for free. If I had just rolled down my window, I would have received two bouquets, one for me and another for a friend.

I love flowers.

If you're weary from waiting, remember this: God may have you right where you need to be for reasons you can’t yet see.

Lord, when I’m waiting, frustration often blocks my perspective. In my uncomfortable place of waiting today, help me believe You are working on my behalf even when I can't see any evidence yet. Please give me the courage and strength I need to wait on Your timing and goodness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Seeking Guidance..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Seeking Guidance

Dr. Charles Stanley

Psalms 25:4-5

When you're facing a decision, whether big or small, it is important to wait upon God for His direction and timing. And though it may sound paradoxical, there are three ways that we can take an active role in the process while we wait.

First, we should examine our heart, asking the Holy Spirit to expose any wrongs. If He brings something to light, it is important to take care of that sin immediately--by confessing, repenting, and doing whatever's needed to correct the situation. At times we push this task aside because the impending decision seems like our main concern. Yet we cannot hear from God or receive His full blessing until we deal with transgression.

Second, when seeking direction, we should listen patiently and attentively for the Lord to give the go-ahead. It can be difficult to wait, especially when emotions or logic lead us to favor one choice.

Third, the answer to our prayer at times requires our involvement. For instance, when people tell me they're out of work and trusting God to provide, I always want to know if they are actively looking for a job. Some are not; they are simply praying. We have responsibility not only to present God with requests and seek His guidance but also to be active in the process. Waiting on God is not an excuse to be lazy.

Prayer is a beautiful privilege that the heavenly Father gives to His children. He desires to lead us into a life of abundance. We should take an active part in seeking His will and listening for His voice. As we follow the Holy Spirit's guidance, we will experience all that the Lord has for us.

Growing Intimacy in Your Relationships..Amanda Idleman

 Growing Intimacy in Your Relationships

By Amanda Idleman 

"O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you." - Psalm 63:1-3

Intimacy is something that each of our souls deeply desires. Intimacy is defined as close familiarity or friendship; closeness. Intimacy in marriage includes physical acts of intimacy, but we yearn for intimacy in every close relationship we have in our lives. Our longing for closeness is a part of our design. In Psalm 63 it is articulated this way, “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.” We long to be close to our maker! We are created for relationships.

Yet, we all know how difficult it is to create safe spaces for true intimacy in our lives. Humans are imperfect, and we so easily hurt each other. Hurt, disappointment, insecurity, and grief lead to walls going up in our hearts. Only God is made of perfect love that we can trust with our whole hearts. Nonetheless, we need each other and can’t give up on the work of tearing down the walls and trying again to build safe, long-lasting, and close relationships.

Intimacy requires a commitment to forgiveness. 
Intimacy requires a radical commitment to forgiveness. Please note that forgiveness does not mean you are called to remain present in an abusive or unhealthy relationship. Forgiveness is a daily requirement to remain close to other very flawed humans. Guess what, you need to be forgiven that much too because you bring just as much selfishness and brokenessnes to your home each day too! It is so easy to see the ways my husband lacks empathy, love, and kindness, but while I’m worried about pointing out his failures, what plank am I missing that is in my own eye? I have to lay down my right to be right if I want to feel close to this man and embrace a life of radical forgiveness.

Unity is the foundation to an intimate relationship. 
1 Corinthians 1:10 instructs, “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” God tells us that we are to interact with our brothers and sisters in Christ with a heart that seeks unity. He likens us to a body, each of us different in our skills, gifts, and uses but we all work together towards one mission which is to keep the body alive! We do not have to see eye-to-eye on every issue in our relationships to live in unity, but we do have to be humble enough not to let divisions grow among us.

Intimacy is built when we spend quality time together. 
Building intimacy requires time spent sharing the same space with open ears and having an open heart ready to connect. One tip for time together is to commit to making some of this time screen-free time. When we want to really hear our spouse, friends, family members, or children’s hearts, we have to remove distractions such as our phones so we can fully engage. We grow closer in our relationships when we are intentional about being present with each other when we interact. 

Intersecting Faith and Life:
What relationships do you feel called to be more intentional about cultivating more intimacy in? What is one way you can push yourself to be more present and available in this relationship this week? Are there things that you need to release to the Lord and forgive before moving forward? Write out a prayer of forgiveness and allow God to start healing the broken relationships in your life. 

Finding Hope in the Darkest Psalm..Christina Patterson

 Finding Hope in the Darkest Psalm

By Christina Patterson

“LORD, you are the God who saves me.” (Psalm 88:1 NIV)

One of the most difficult seasons we can endure is when we feel God is silent, especially if we're already going through challenging situations. When it seems everything is going wrong and your Help seems to be nowhere in sight, it leaves a person feeling forgotten, in disparity, and simply rejected.

Our major frustrations from these seasons come not from simply being in this pit but thinking that God's silence means His absence.

If this is you, you're not alone. The author of Psalm 88 has not only been through this type of heartbreaking situation, he wrote about. Psalm 88 appears to be one of the saddest and most dismal chapters in the Bible. Check it out and I'm sure you'll agree.

The writer expresses feelings of being overwhelmed, cut off, forgotten, grieved, rejected, terrified, and despaired. Worst of all, he is crying out to God wondering where God is in all his suffering. The Psalm ends saying, "darkness is my closest friend" (Psalm 88:18 NIV).

However, the hope this Psalm offers is not in its ending, but in its beginning.

“LORD, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you.” (Psalm 88:1 NIV)

Before his laundry list of everything that's going wrong, the Psalmist acknowledges that there is hope for salvation in the Lord, even when God appears silent. We learn that just because God is silent does not mean He is absent, and it certainly does not mean He is not working behind the scenes on our behalf. Do not be deceived by the darkness in your life, it is never greater than where your help comes from.

Even when you feel you are in a pit, as the writer of Psalm 88 describes, God is there with you. Four times in this Psalm the writer calls out to God. His plea reminds me of Jesus on the cross crying out in his darkest moment to the Father.

About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? - Matthew 27:46 NIV

I want to ask, do you think God stopped loving Jesus because He was on the cross? Was Jesus’ suffering a sign God dismissed His Son?

Absolutely not!

If God didn't stop loving Jesus on the cross then no matter what dark season you are in He has not, and will not stop loving you. And if He's promised to never leave you for forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6) please trust He's right in the darkness with you friend. He walks through the valley of the show of death with us (Psa 23:4). We may not always feel or hear God but we can always believe His promise is greater than our darkness.

This dark season pushed the writer of Psalm 88 closer to God. He was not calling out to another person or thing for help. He called out to the One he knew could save. This Psalm reminds us that our dark seasons don't serve to show us that God is absent but how desperately we need His presence.

The Psalmist felt his life was near death so he cries out to the very One who raises the dead. He does not look for salvation from people or things. When you're near death you cry out to the One who overcame death.

There is purpose in your pain and hope in you dark season to push you to the light. I encourage you to do just as the writer of Psalm 88. Call out to God and wait for Him to show Himself greater. In my own experience, I've learned that sometimes God empties us so He can fill us back up. Sometimes He's silent so we can learn to listen. Sometimes He allows darkness so we can see that He is the true light of our life.

A Prayer for When God Doesn’t Do What I Want..Rev. Kyle Norman

 A Prayer for When God Doesn’t Do What I Want

By Rev. Kyle Norman

“Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

A church I was once involved with spent years discerning whether to engage in a multi-million dollar building project. The project would involve the complete destruction of the current building, the dislocation of the congregation, and a complicated rebuild of an impressive worship structure. The congregation had taken years to set this vision, develop the plan, and prepare for their soon-to-be exodus. But more than anything, the congregation prayed. They prayed that they might know the will of God for them and that they receive the spiritual capacity to follow that will. They prayed for insight, courage, and discernment. 

Then, on the cusp of this grand plan beginning, everything began falling apart. Despite the initial conviction that this new building project was the way forward, some began to question whether this was the way to go. Others began to raise questions about funding and whether the plan was fiscally responsible. And then the big one hit: the architectural firm they were working with got into legal trouble. Eventually, the congregation had to walk away from their plan. They put the project on hold and disbanded the project building committee. There was palatable sadness in the congregation when this took place.

Have you ever experienced something that you felt was divinely inspired not to take place? Have you ever prayed for God to do something, only to see the opposite occur? It can be hard and frustrating when this happens. When God doesn’t do what we would like our natural inclination is to believe that some sort of judgment is at play. Are we being punished? Did we anger God? Did we not pray enough? 

Underneath these thoughts and feelings is the unfortunate belief that somehow, God’s will depends on us. It is as if we assume that God’s will is equivalent to the wants and wishes of our own lives, and we needs simply wrap our self-defined plans in prayer to see them take flight. But this is not how God works. Even Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

While it can be frustrating when God doesn’t do what we want, this actually testifies that the Holy Spirit is present and working. Rather than pointing to a lack of prayer, we see the effective working of our prayers. After all, the congregation above earnestly prayed that their building efforts conform to God’s will and that God be in charge of their future plans. The fact that it turned out contrary to their original planning is immaterial. God answered their prayer! God did take charge; God did lead. 

If we truly pray, “thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” we should not be surprised when this prayer is realized! Praying the prayer demands that we lay ourselves before the Lord in raw humility. After all, we want the Spirit to move. We want God to take control. And so when these times come upon us, we are to meet them with rejoicing. Even if God doesn’t do what we want it is still God who is at work in our lives. 

Thus, we should never assume the abdication of God’s will simply because things turn out differently than we would expect or imagine. God’s ways are not our ways, and God’s thoughts are beyond our own (Isaiah 55:8). Furthermore, God works as much through causing things not to happen as much as allowing them to happen. We never force God’s will, nor do we control it. If we are to be people who resolutely pray to follow God’s will, we must be prepared to walk in ways we would not have chosen.

This is what Jesus was teaching Nicodemus when he says, “The wind blows where it chooses, you hear it sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So, it is with everyone born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). Like gusts of wind moving across the prairies, we never manage God’s will in our lives. We do not wield it or manifest it. Instead, we respond to it. In the end, God’s will happens to us. The question is not whether God’s will is blowing in the direction we would choose, but will we follow in the way the Spirit leads?

Let us pray:

Lord, sometimes I get in my own way. As much as I pray for your will to be done in my life, I know that I often rest upon my own power and strength. I pray to follow your will, but then I set up my own plans and directions, and I follow the wishes and whims of my heart and not yours. But I do pray for your will honestly. I do want your will to be revealed in me and through me.

I am sorry, Lord, for the times when I have responded to your will with frustration or annoyance. I am sorry for assuming that your will must conform to my plans. I am sorry for the times when I have failed to rejoice in your will. 

Father, open my eyes to see the path that you ask me to walk. Open my ears to hear your voice above that of my own desires or wishes. Open my heart to accept your will for my life. And, Father, when I enter those times where you don’t do what I what, may you open my mouth so that I may rejoice that your will is done, and not my own.