Living Honestly..Craig Denison Ministries

 Living Honestly

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

Honesty is more than the words we say. It’s a posture of the heart. We weren’t made to try and be something we’re not. God never asks us to keep up appearances. He longs for us to have the courage to be vulnerable. He longs for us to be so founded in his unconditional love that we live honestly. May you experience new levels of peace and joy this week as we discover God’s heart for honesty.

Scripture:

“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.” James 1:26

Devotional:    

There is no substitute for the peace and joy of living honestly. When you find courage from the unconditional love of your heavenly Father to truly be yourself, you alleviate yourself of the pressure and stress of keeping up appearances. And when you’re free from keeping up appearances you have time and energy to devote to that which is real—that which is eternal.

James 1:26 says, “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.” Did you know you were capable of deceiving your own heart? James makes an incredibly strong statement here. How could my religion be worthless if I simply tell a small lie here or there? How could a little deception in my heart make my religion null and void?

This verse illustrates just how important our hearts are to God. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Your religion is only as valuable as it is true. The parts of you that are outward, e.g.,your words, actions, and appearance, are only as valuable as they are a true reflection of your heart.

James is speaking here to those who think that what they say and do defines them. He’s speaking to those who believe their value and identity are wrapped up in their good works. But God flips our worldly paradigm on its head. He values actions done from the heart. He values appearances that are a reflection of the beauty in our hearts. He values words that come from a place of deep honesty and vulnerability. He values religion that is the fruit of his Spirit loving, leading, and filling our spirits.

As we close out this week on honesty, take time to truly assess whether you’re deceiving your own heart. Are you looking to that which is outward to define you? Do you see yourself related to what you do, or are your actions the result of who you are in Christ? May your time be filled with the loving-kindness of your heavenly Father and clear revelation from the Holy Spirit.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on what Scripture says about living honestly.

“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.” James 1:26

“For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

2. Are you looking to that which is outward to define you? Do you see yourself related to what you do, or are your actions the result of who you are in Christ?

3. Take time to receive revelation of how God sees you. Let him show you how deeply he values who you already are. Let him reveal his grace and loving-kindness to you. Take time to rest in a fresh revelation of his love and grace.

To live honestly is to value what God values. Only in consistently encountering God’s value of the heart can we begin to live out of who we are rather than working to become who we feel we should be. Only in seeing ourselves as God does will we value the wonderful identity we have as his sons and daughters. May your life be forever changed as you value honesty above appearance. May you find freedom and rest in the unchanging affections of your heavenly Father.

Extended Reading: James 1

David A Model of Servanthood..Dr. Charles Stanley

 David A Model of Servanthood

Dr. Charles Stanley

2 Samuel 8:1-16

David served God in many capacities--from simple shepherd boy to heroic ruler. Looking at the various stages of his life, we can see clearly how his godly devotion allowed the Lord to use him mightily.

Shepherd: David was anointed king long before commanding anything other than sheep (1 Sam. 16:1-13). Protecting the sheep was a job he took seriously, even killing a lion and a bear to do so. During those days, he learned to be strong and brave, and to take care of creatures weaker than himself. An early life of obedience to his human father taught him the humility he would later need in order to depend on God.

Psalmist: David's writings reveal his hunger for God. He is open about issues like fear, depression, defeat, loneliness, and sorrow. By describing valley experiences and communing with the Father in the night watches, David provided us with intimate glimpses of the God he knew so well.

Commander: Starting with David's encounter with Bathsheba, the king's life was plagued by heartache, pain, suffering, and conflict. David had sinned greatly, but God forgave him and continued to use him. He ruled Israel for 40 years, and his people called Jerusalem the "City of David." His restoration teaches us about the consequences of sin and the limitlessness of God's grace.

King David served God's purpose when he lived, and continues to do so hundreds of years later--every follower of Christ has been blessed by David's obedience, service, and literary skill. He is a great example of what God can accomplish through us if we yield our life to Him.

Making Friendships a Priority..Emily Rose Massey

 Making Friendships a Priority

By Emily Rose Massey

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.” - Ecclesiastes 4:9 NIV

Have you ever heard a statistic that just seemed to leave an imprint on your heart? Recently, I heard someone say 80% of babies in orphanages die because of a lack of compassionate, physical touch. Being a mom of three little ones, this statement obviously hurts my tender momma heart.

It does not take very long to see our children’s independence start to blossom. Understanding my little ones won’t always be small, I try to take advantage of all the cuddles and snuggles I can get. I know this has only strengthened my bond with my boys. Even medical professionals urge moms of newborns to enjoy times of “skin to skin,” which also aids in mother/baby bonding. Science has proven the release of Oxytocin, the “love drug,” occurs with physical touch and creates a lasting bond between humans.

As I let images of lonely, unloved little ones in those orphanages run through my mind, I begin to wonder: Do we ever outgrow the need for physical connection and affection? In the age of hyper-technology and social media, we can communicate with anyone and everyone from around the globe, around the clock. It’s obvious people still enjoy connecting with one another, not just as networking partners, but as in-person friends. (Right, Facebook?) But are we truly connected? Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 tells us the value of a friend:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.
 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
 But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.
 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
 But how can one be warm alone?
 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
 And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” - NIV

Over the years, especially after becoming a mom, I have to admit that I’ve relied on social media and texting to keep my friendships going. Although convenient, I have often wondered why I’ve felt short-changed relationally. The reason is that my friendships on social media — merely texting my friends — never allow them to pick me up when I fall or hold me when I’m “cold.” The warmth of a hug, a shoulder to cry on, or hands to hold when fervently praying for one another simply cannot be found online. No, we can only find that kind of affection face-to-face, enjoying the physical presence of a beloved friend. 

Intersecting Faith and Life:
I challenge you to join me in intentionally spending in-person time with friends. Keep the coffee date on your calendar (don’t cancel it again!), go on a shopping trip with friends (even if it’s just window shopping), or cook dinner with married friends (and put the phones away to enjoy mealtime conversation together!). Consider booking a flight to visit a long-distance friend for the weekend! It’s easy to say we “don’t have the time.” But it’s time to invest in friendships to see them flourish into lasting bonds that could last a lifetime, all for God’s glory. If a friendship lasts longer than seven years, psychologists say it will last a lifetime. Now, that’s a statistic worth striving for!

Let’s make it a priority to cultivate long-lasting friendships we can physically connect with on our journey, not just those we network with on social media. The friends we grow alongside, walking hand in hand, hold us up when we are weak as we seek to follow Christ. Let’s be those kinds of friends.

Further Reading:

• 1 Thessalonians 5:11
• Proverbs 18:24
• 1 Peter 4:8-10

Faith Needed in the Storm..Betsy St. Amant Haddox

 Faith Needed in the Storm

By: Betsy St. Amant Haddox

And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. - Matthew 8:26-28 (ESV)

One thing I often forget when reading the Bible is that the chapter and section breaks weren’t originally there. It’s common for people to consider those various breaks a “stopping point” when reading the Word and come back to it later as if the next section is a completely different story. But many treasures can be mined when we consider larger portions before and after these breaks and apply proper context.

One such example is found in Matthew 8. Verses 23-27 of this chapter are titled in many translations as “Jesus calms a storm”. Verse 28 picks up in a “new” story, with the title “Jesus Heals Two Men with Demons.” But when you read these verses as one continuous account, you might realize something crucial.

When Jesus got into the boat with the disciples, he was coming off interacting with a large crowd, where a lot of healings took place, along with the interaction with the scribe who hesitated in wanting to follow Christ.

Jesus was tired. It’d been a long day. So, when he got in the boat, he went to sleep.

Queue storm.

Now, Matthew uses a word for storm here that far surpasses a meek summer rain shower. Commentaries go so far as to say that even a “furious storm” isn’t a true depiction. The Greek translation comes to “megas seismos” which can be literally translated to “megas – exceedingly great, high, large, loud, mighty, strong” and “seismos – earthquake”.

That was not a good time to be in a boat. Understandably, the disciples were, shall we say, concerned. And yet, Jesus asked why they were afraid! He proceeded to rebuke the storm, calm the lake, and remind the disciples of their lack of faith.

This is where most people stop reading and call it a day. But read one verse further, and you realize that Jesus and the disciples were approaching the country of Gadarenes (vs 28) where two demon-possessed men met them as they docked the boat. Men so fierce, no one could walk past them. Men possessed by not just one or two demons, but an entire legion of them.

It’s not a reach to consider that this incredibly violent storm that “came out of nowhere” on this lake was connected to the spiritual conditions they were about to discover on Gadarenes.

Now, we see how these two stories and section breaks connect and provide additional application regarding spiritual warfare and spiritual fortitude. Jesus called the disciples “you of little faith”. He knew what they were coming up against. He knew why the storm had come. And He also knew there was nothing to worry about.

Just as he calmed the storm on the lake, He calmed the storm in these men. He didn’t even have to cast the demons out—His very presence stirred them up to where the demons requested permission to enter a nearby herd of pigs instead. They knew they had no rights in the presence of the Son of God. Jesus granted their request, and they left the men. They were free. Healed, finally in their right mind, and a breathing testimony to the glory of God.

Sometimes, like the disciples, we need what we learned during the violent storm for what’s coming on the other side. There are lessons to be learned, faith to be stretched, and miracles to witness. We need faith in the storm, but we also need it afterward. That’s where there is always the biggest potential for revival, victory and healing.

As frightening as they can be, the storms have purpose. So fear not. The One who controls the wind and waves and has the power to cast out entire legions of demons is the One who died for you, knows the hairs on your head, and considers you of far greater worth than sparrows. Have faith! This storm will pass—and there is much to take with you to the other side.

A Prayer for Boldness to Speak the Truth in Love..Emily Rose Massey

 A Prayer for Boldness to Speak the Truth in Love

By Emily Rose Massey

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” - Ephesians 4:15-16 ESV

Several years ago, I reconnected with a college friend who moved back to the area because of her career. We were not very close when we went to school together, but we attended some of the same classes and hung out at the same parties. She and I were party animals back then; So, it was exciting for me to find out that since college graduation, she, too, became a Christ follower. 

I reached out to her on Facebook and asked if we could meet up sometime when she got settled in her new place. She gave me her phone number, and we set up a time for her to come over and visit. We had such an amazing conversation sitting there in my living room, while my little one played. Considering our wild college days, it was a beautiful picture of redemption to reconnect and talk about the Lord! Over the next few months, our relationship blossomed, and we spent time praying together and discussing things we were learning in the Word. We seemed to be on the same page theologically until one day, she texted me from a women’s conference to tell me the Lord had given her instructions about her future. What she told me plainly contradicted Scripture. I had two choices: encourage her to pursue what she believed the Lord was telling her to do; or lovingly correct and lead her to what the Bible says on the matter, knowing very well I might offend her by questioning what she heard from God.

I chose to point her to the truth found in God’s Holy written Word. This situation happened a couple more times in our friendship. Each time, her reaction to loving, Biblical correction affected our relationship in a negative way. Eventually, she decided it was best not to speak on theology matters. She chooses to follow what she believed the Lord was telling her to do, moved to a different state, and continued to participate in unbiblical practices and beliefs. The friendship faded, and we both moved on. Of course, it does sadden me that our friendship had to end this way, but I can rest in knowing I obeyed the Lord by following what the Bible tells all Christians to do: speak the truth in love. 

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:15-16, ESV).

Speaking the truth in love isn’t about winning an argument or wielding the Bible to attack others’ beliefs. It is about lovingly guiding people back to Scripture so the Body of Christ can be built up in the knowledge of God, equipped to minister for God’s glory. The truth may offend, but our delivery does not need to be offensive. We long to see others walk in the truth so that we can see lives changed and the gospel go forth. Truth divides, but we do not want to be divisive with our words as if we are trying to prove ourselves right. It's not about being right (God is right). We want to learn how to rightly discern God’s Word together and grow spiritually. It can be intimidating to stand up for and speak the truth. It often makes us uncomfortable because we don’t want to come across as someone who is a “know it all” or a lover of confrontation. Yet, we show love for God and show love to others by pointing them to the truth found in God’s Word. We can only do that with His help. May we ask for the boldness to lovingly share His truth with others so they can be free of the entanglement of lies and deception and equipped in and built up in His love. 

Let's Pray:
Dear Lord,

I know that Your Word commands us as Christians to speak the truth in love. This task isn’t always easy because we might fear rejection from those You have called us to reach. I ask You to empower me with Your grace and that Your Spirit would endow me with boldness. Help me to renew my mind with Your Word. Thank You for the leaders You have placed in my life who help me rightly divide the Scriptures so that I am not deceived. Help me care enough to speak up so that others are also not deceived. Truth matters because souls matter to You, and You want to see the Body of Christ walking in truth and love so we can shine brightly for the world. Let them see Your truth shining brightly in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.