Living by Faith..Craig Denison Ministries;

 Living by Faith

Craig Denison Ministries;

Weekly Overview:

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith is the undercurrent of everything we do as followers of Jesus. Without faith we lose all that Christ died to give us while here on earth. It is by faith we access the peace, joy, guidance, love, and purpose that comes from restored relationship with our heavenly Father. As we seek an increase in faith in response to God’s faithfulness this week, may you experience a greater depth of intimacy with your living, Almighty, and loving heavenly Father.

Scripture:“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

Devotional:

Living by faith is the key that unlocks the door to the fullness of God’s promises. There is no doubt that God will always be faithful to his promises. Scripture is clear in 2 Timothy 2:13 that “if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.” Faithfulness is within God’s nature. But, without faith we will not experience the fullness of what is available to us in God’s promises. God does not force emotion on us. He does not force us to receive the joy and peace that comes through trusting him. He does not force us into the fullness of relationship available to us in faith. And he does not force his purposes on us. Faith is the vehicle by which we experience all that God longs to give us. Specifically, faith is the avenue on which we experience the fullness of God’s promises for intimacy with him, purpose in this life, and freedom from sin.

Hebrews 10:19-22 says, “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” By faith we walk into God’s presence. In faith we believe God desires to be with us. Experiencing the fullness of restored relationship with our heavenly Father requires a heart full of faith and trust that God longs to tangibly be with us, his children. Without faith we will live solely for the pleasures this world has to offer and miss out on all the satisfaction of living this life for and with God above all else. In faith we can experience all the intimacy available to us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Hebrews 11:32-34 says, “And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.” We’ve been sent out by Jesus to make disciples of all nations. We’ve been given a command to bring light into the darkness everywhere we go. You and I have been given a purpose of eternal value and of great importance to our Lord and King. And Hebrews 11 is clear that it is by faith that the works of God are done. When we live by faith we bring the kingdom of God into every dark corner around us. When we live by faith we invite the Holy Spirit to work in and through every situation to draw others to himself. It’s in faith that we find our purpose.

And finally, Ephesians 6:16 says, “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.” It is through faith that we walk in the freedom from sin available to us by the promise of God. As children of God wrapped up in the finished work of Christ,  we have been set free from the bondage of sin. By the power of Jesus’ death on the cross, you and I never have to sin again. But Paul teaches us in Ephesians that it is through faith that we extinguish the flaming darts of the evil one. If we don’t trust God at his word that we who were completely entangled to the schemes of the enemy by sin are now considered the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21), we will not walk in freedom. It is through faith that we renew our mind and experience the wonderful freedom from sin available to us.

We all need a greater measure of intimacy with God, purpose, and freedom from sin. Not one of us has experienced all that is available to us through faith. May you seek out all that God has in store for you if you will take him at his word and trust him in response to his faithfulness. Spend time in prayer receiving all that God longs to give you by faith.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on all that is available to you in the lifestyle of faith.

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

“And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.” > Hebrews 11:32-34

“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16

2. Ask God to lead you to a greater measure of faith. Ask him to give you the faith to pursue intimacy with him, his purposes, and freedom from sin. Listen to all that he would say to you in these quiet moments. Let him give you a fresh perspective of what it is to live by faith.

3. Pursue all that is available to you today in the promises of God. What new levels of relationship does God long to lead you to? What new purposes does he have in store for you? What freedom does he long to bring you?

May you be filled with hunger for the deeper things of God today. And may you have the courage and tenacity to seek out everything God has in store for you. If you will pursue him with all your heart in faith you will discover all that your heart has been searching for. He has adventure, excitement, joy, fulfillment, and love for all who live by faith. Today is the day to live in the newness of life Jesus died for you to have.

Extended Reading: 2 Corinthians 5

The Gift of a Friend Who Loves Like Jesus..BETH KNIGHT

 The Gift of a Friend Who Loves Like Jesus

BETH KNIGHT

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)

I heard the news no expectant mother wants to hear.

The doctor’s mouth continued moving, but my attempt to restrain the lump in my throat muffled his voice. This wasn’t supposed to be happening to me. The 13-week appointment is when you’re supposed to get the “all clear” and exhale a little, right?

Our home echoed with an eerie loneliness. With each of our steps toward the bedroom, the walls drew closer to grieve the loss of sweet baby pictures and sounds we had joyfully anticipated filling the empty space.

Although I desperately needed others, my sorrow prevented me from picking up my phone. So my husband made his way downstairs to call our loved ones.

Moments later, my creaking bedroom door startled me as my husband stepped in and whispered, “Someone’s here to see you.” The beautiful face of my best friend popped out from behind his 6-foot-5-inch frame.

She made her way over to my bed, climbed in with me, and uncomfortably blurted out, “I’m not good at this sort of thing. I don’t know what to say, but I didn’t want you to be alone.”

On one of my darkest days, my best friend epitomized today's key verse: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). A precious new life had been lost, but a little bit of life was breathed back into me because I didn’t have to walk through suffering alone.

Jesus commands us in John 15:12, “Love each other as I have loved you” (NIV). Through the prompting and power of the Holy Spirit, faithful friends love like Jesus and go out of their way to show it. They are willing to lay down their lives for others and be inconvenienced; they run toward us in our suffering when others run away.

How can we be that kind of friend? Here are three ways we can gift the love of Jesus to those who are hurting:

1. • Be the one who shows up.

Seeing my friend’s face was like feeling the sun reach down and wrap its arms around me, warming me to the core after freezing rain. When we vigorously pursue those we love in all circumstances — the good, bad and ugly — isn’t that a wonderful picture of Jesus? He is the Savior who says, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20b, NIV). We can pray to Him for wisdom about when and how to show up for our friends in the ways that best honor them.

2. • Be present in others’ pain even when you don’t have answers.

A godly friend soothes a broken heart, not through perfect words, solutions or theology but by being fully present amid someone else’s suffering. Frankly, the best kind of friend isn't the one with all the right words. She's the one who will climb into your mess and sit in it with you for a while.

3. • Be vulnerable.

My best friend entered my vulnerable moment while also exposing her own vulnerability: feeling unsure about how to care for someone who is grieving. What people often need most is an empathetic witness who will listen and pray over them with words they can't muster up for themselves.

Sweet friend, only Jesus is the perfect fulfillment of today’s key verse, but we can certainly pray for the grace to resemble Him in our friendships. Let’s not avoid life-giving interactions out of fear of doing or saying the wrong thing. Instead, let’s courageously move in love toward our friends, especially in times of adversity.

Heavenly Father, help me show up for those who have nothing to give back but a broken heart. Make me more willing to lay down my life and set aside my plans in order to be with those who are deeply hurting. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Drawing from the Source..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Drawing from the Source

Dr. Charles Stanley

Jeremiah 2:13

For us as believers, contentment should be governed by inner attitude and the decisions we make rather than by external circumstances. Because Paul had learned this secret, he was able to experience joy and peace in any kind of situation--whether he was surrounded by friends or isolated in a Roman prison; whether he had plenty or was in great need.

The apostle understood what it meant to live in Christ and to have Christ living in him (John 15:1-9; Gal. 5:22-23). He had made a simple but profound faith decision to draw his life from the Lord and, as a result, had the calm assurance that what he possessed inside could never be stolen. He was confident in his identity as a child of the Almighty, with full access to the abundant life Jesus offers.

I want to challenge you--this week, when something threatens to steal your contentment, choose to draw from God; decide to stop drawing from other sources and trying to be in control. When you find yourself becoming flustered, anxious, or angry, stop and say, "Lord, You are my source, and I draw from You the capacity to be kind. I draw from You the forgiveness I need to extend right now. I draw from You the love I need to express." This decision is a matter of simple trust.

Watch and see how God will quiet your spirit and provide confidence when you draw only from Him as your source. You'll be surprised at your own attitude: when you respond from within--rather than from the flesh--Jesus will give you the ability to respond as He would.

Could You Be Tithing and Robbing God at the Same Time?..By Clarence L. Haynes Jr.

 Could You Be Tithing and Robbing God at the Same Time?

By Clarence L. Haynes Jr.

“As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘Truly I tell you,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’” - Luke 21:1-4

I remember going to visit the church of a famous pastor. It was my first time there, so there was some excitement on my behalf. Because this pastor was also a gospel recording artist, I expected the music and the worship to be exceptional, and it was just as I expected. I would add the volume seemed to be turned all the way up, and even though the music was good, it was way too loud. However, after worship and a few announcements, it came time to take the offering. This process took about forty-five minutes because they collected about three or four offerings. 

There is much conversation in church circles about what we give and how much we give. Whether you tithe or not, tithe is a genuine issue in the church today. However, that conversation can potentially lead you in the wrong direction. When that becomes the sole focus, then I believe we miss the actual heart of giving, and that is the direction I want to turn your attention to today because that is what Jesus cares most about. 

This verse in Luke has a scene very similar to the church I visited. People were coming and bringing their gifts and putting them into the church treasury. At the church I visited, the offering baskets were at the front of the church, and people marched up to put their offerings in the basket. They did this for three different offerings, so it took forty-five minutes to collect the offering. This appears to be happening here in Luke. The people are coming forward to give, and Jesus identifies the huge contrast between their gifts. The rich undoubtedly gave large gifts, and a widow only gave two copper coins. Jesus tells us the gift of the widow was more than everyone else. What does this teach us about tithing and giving?

Some People are Robbing God by Tithing.
When tithing is the only measure used for giving, it doesn’t consider the level of blessing we have received. For some people, to give a tenth means nothing to them. It requires no sacrifice or trust in God, and while it may represent obedience, their heart is not engaged in the giving. Giving away something they don’t want or will never need becomes easy. In such situations, missing the heart of giving can become easy. For a person who has way more than enough, tithing may be a good place to begin, but if you stay there, you may not actually be generous and could rob God.

For Some People, Tithing Means Everything.
For many, just giving a tithe represents more than ten percent. It represents a total and complete trust in God and an acknowledgment of their dependence on him. If I have $1,000,000 and give away ten percent, I still have $900,000 left. For most folks, that is plenty leftover to live on. However, if I have $1000 and give away $100, I only have $900 left. Even though both may represent ten percent, one can represent a greater sacrifice. While I believe we should encourage people to tithe, let’s do it from a place of grace, recognizing that for some people, the tithe is their ceiling, and for others, the tithe is their floor. 

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Recognize there is grace in giving; sometimes, the amount you give says nothing about your generosity. If we are honest, for some, even tithing is not an authentic expression of their generosity, and for others, tithing is a genuine sacrifice that requires a substantial amount of faith and trust in God. Regardless of where you are, let’s approach this subject with grace and thanksgiving, recognizing everything we have comes from the Father above. We used to say not equal gifts but equal sacrifice. However, the sacrifice always seems greater for those with less to give.

Further Reading

• 2 Corinthians 8:7
• 1 John 3:17
• Deuteronomy 8:18

The Lord Has His Eye on You..Lynette Kittle

 The Lord Has His Eye on You

by Lynette Kittle

“The Lord looked down from His sanctuary on high, from heaven He viewed the earth” - Psalms 102:19

Have you ever felt like God is far away, like He isn’t interested in what’s happening on earth and in your life? Has the vastness of the world ever caused you to feel insignificant in the overall big picture of life?

Sill Psalm 33:13 states, “From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind.”

Likewise Psalm 33:14,15 assures of God’s great interest in mankind’s comings and goings describing how, “From His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth. He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.”

Amazing to realize the God of the Universe is considering everything you do. It’s a concept that may be difficult to grasp.

It’s true, though, and He is taking into consideration all things, too, because, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).

God is not just viewing mankind’s activities displayed out in the open but He is seeing everything, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Proverbs 15:3 states, “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.”

Things people think are hidden are fully visible to God.  As Proverbs 5:21 explains, “For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and He examines all your paths.”

Even more than mankind’s actions, 1 Corinthians 4:5 states, “He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.”

So God is looking past outward deeds into the motives of your heart. Mark 4:22 states, “For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.”

When it comes to what God knows about you, understand it’s a full disclosure.

Psalm 14:2 describes even more of God’s purpose in looking, “The Lord looks down from Heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.”

So if you’re wondering how to truly catch God’s eye, His Word gives the key. It’s by seeking after Him, to understand Him and His ways.

More importantly God is searching so He might make you stronger. 2 Chronicles 16:9 describes how the eyes of the Lord look to and fro through out the earth “to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”

Where is your heart focused? Are you seeking after God? If so, know God is looking to see how He might uplift, encourage, and support you.

A Prayer to Live as a Good Friend..Emily Rose Massey

 A Prayer to Live as a Good Friend

By Emily Rose Massey

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”- Philippians 2:3-4, NASB 

Since I was a young girl, I have struggled with having consistent and strong relationships with other girlfriends. I was far from being a part of the popular crowd, but I gave all my energy to make sure everyone liked me. I tried to fit into almost every group: the athletes, band nerds, theater troupe, art club, math club, and cheerleaders, but I always longed for a best friend. Any close friendship would unravel or fade away for different reasons- friends for a season, I guess. 

This pain of rejection and grief over lost friendships has followed me well into adulthood, especially since becoming a Christ follower. Christ makes it clear in the Scriptures that we must love Him more than anyone or anything, even our own life. We must lay it all down to follow Him at all costs, but He promises life abundantly to those who sacrifice everything to pursue Him and His ways. We are to imitate Jesus in all areas of our life. His way of regarding relationships is one of selflessness and putting others first. Instead of being consumed with grief and frustration over why cultivating relationships with other women has been so difficult, I need to look to the Scriptures for a perspective shift. Paul bought some clarity to the Philippians regarding relationships that reflect Christ to the world:

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4, NASB). 

Instead of wallowing in self-pity as to why no one seems to understand us (this is a lie that I used to believe anytime I faced rejection), we need to get our eyes off ourselves and begin to ask how we can be a good friend to someone else. The enemy wants us either in pride, thinking we are better off doing life our own way, or in isolation, bound in a pit of depression, unable to receive love or give out love, feeling like no one loves or cares. Instead of looking at how someone else can fill our “love tank” and meet our relational and emotional needs, we need to humble ourselves and look for opportunities to serve someone else with Christlike love, not needing anything in return. 

This requires intentionality and alertness to the interest of others. When you meet someone new, do you spend more time talking about yourself, or do you ask more questions and listen? Being a good friend means becoming concerned with your friend's well-being more than your own problems. This isn’t something that comes naturally, but it is a supernatural work of God in your heart. The more you lean into God’s grace, the more you will see growth and maturity in your heart and life and be able to love others as He does. God will sanctify us because He wants to see us conform to the image of Christ. One way this occurs is through studying the Scriptures and other spiritual disciplines such as prayer, serving others, and consistent discipleship and evangelism. The more we study the Bible and exercise spiritual discipline, the more the Holy Spirit renews our minds. This renewal of the mind helps us to think of Christ’s ways over our own. Our behavior and attitude begin to change, and God gives us the desire to love, obey, and serve Him fervently by loving Him and others with our whole hearts. May we be strengthened by God’s grace to walk Christlike in our friendships!

Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father,
I need Your help to love others as You do. My pride often gets in the way, and I miss opportunities to be selfless because my unmet needs consume me. Help me to be humble and consider others more highly than myself. I also don’t want to look to others to know I am accepted. When I experience rejection, I know that you love me. Instead of allowing myself to grow bitter or cynical, help me be hopeful and have eyes to see new opportunities to be a good friend to someone who may need it much more. Thank You for working in my heart and giving me the grace to love selflessly and sacrificially. In Jesus’ name, Amen.