The Marriage of Faith and Works..Craig Denison Ministries;

 The Marriage of Faith and Works

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 as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” > James 2:26

Devotional:

“Work” typically has a negative connotation in my mind. I associate work with something I have to do but don’t feel like doing. I separate out work from play or fun. But with God, the word “work” couldn’t be more different. Work is designed to be the expression of our abundant, life-giving relationship with our heavenly Father. God doesn’t call us to work out of obligation or to earn his love, but to live our lives in response to his love. It’s for this reason that Scripture is clear about God’s intention for the marriage of faith and works.

James 2:26 says, “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” What is our faith if it doesn’t produce action? What is the nature of our relationship with God if it doesn’t cause us to live differently? Often we have a misunderstanding about what it is God would have us do if we were to truly submit our life fully to him. And our misunderstanding veils our heart from receiving the fullness of life and enjoyment of the work God intends for us.

Often we believe if we were really to hand over our life to God in faith he would call us to do a lot of things we don’t want to do. Maybe we believe he’d call us to a foreign mission field, to make little to no money, or simply to live our lives awkwardly and intrusively. If you only remember one thing today, remember this: God will only ever lead you to a life perfectly, uniquely, and wonderfully designed to bring you and others around you the utmost fulfillment, purpose, passion, and joy. Everything he calls you to he intends to use to satisfy the desires of your heart. Maybe he is calling you to something you don’t fully understand yet, but if you will say yes to him, the very calling that you possibly feared most will be the satisfaction of a dream you didn’t know you had.

God calls us to a life of works because he loves us and has designed us for such a purpose. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” The work he is calling you to is perfect for you because he is the one who formed you and knows you. Have faith in the love and perfect will of your heavenly Father. Choose to live a life of good works. And experience the joy of living every minute of your day with intentional and eternal purpose.

Spend time in prayer allowing the word and character of God to renew your mind on the subject of faith and works. Allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with a desire to live a life of good works today in light of God’s love for you.          

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the marriage of faith and works. Renew your mind to the goodness of work.

“For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” > James 2:26

“And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.” > Titus 3:14

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” > Ephesians 2:10

2. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what works he has laid before you today. Hand over to him the tasks set before you and ask him to fill you with the knowledge of how he would have you accomplish them.

3. Commit to living today with a renewed perspective on work. Work is joyful and life-giving when we do it with the Holy Spirit. Choose to live your life in line with God’s intention for you and enjoy the work set before you!

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” > Matthew 5:16

What would your life look like if you chose to do your work filled with the joy and purpose of the Holy Spirit? The fruit of the Spirit is just as available to you during work as it is at any other time of the day! All you have to do is choose to live your life with a different perspective than others around you. Take hardships to God and ask him for his heart! Enjoy your days working and bearing the fruit of your faith.

Extended Reading: James 2

Following the Father’s Example..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Following the Father’s Example

Dr. Charles Stanley

Ephesians 6:1-4

Do you have a strong relationship with your children? The way we first think about God has much to do with how we were parented—especially by our father. What image of the Lord are youportraying?

Many men struggle in their role as dads because their own fathers were either absent—physically or emotionally— or poor examples. But regardless of what a person experienced in the past, the best thing any parent can do is imitate God the Father. But how do we know who He really is?

We get our best glimpse of what the heavenly Father is like by looking at His Son. Speaking with the disciples, Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me . . .
He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:6, 9). Not only is Christ our path to relationship with God; He is also the way we come to know the Father’s true character.

When we look at Jesus’ life, what do we see? He was merciful, patient, gentle, compassionate, kind, and full of goodness toward all people (Matt. 9:10-13). The Savior healed the sick, provided for needs, and offered forgiveness—regardless of the offense (Matt. 14:14-21; Luke 23:34). But in love, He didn’t hesitate to discipline or correct others when required.

More than a solid education or material possessions, your child’s greatest need is a role model of devotion to God through prayer, Bible reading, and holy living. If you make knowing and following the heavenly Father your first priority, you won’t have to worry about what kind of parent you will be.

Taste God’s Goodness..Whitney Hopler

 Taste God’s Goodness

By Whitney Hopler

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” – Psalm 34:8 NIV

Vegetable broth bubbled in multiple pots as the girls in my daughter’s Girl Scout troop cooked a stew together. The stew featured an outlandish variety of vegetables – a fresh version of every item the girls wanted to contribute – potatoes, onions, carrots, zucchini, celery, plum tomatoes, cabbage, squash, mushrooms, red peppers, spinach, green beans, lentil beans, peas, and corn. We seasoned the stew with even more ingredients – chopped garlic cloves, parsley, salt, and pepper. There was such a riot of food in this stew the girls joked the concoction would probably taste like nothing, with all the different flavors covering each other.

Once we tasted the meal, however, the result was just the opposite. Each flavor complemented the others. Every bite of the wonderful stew brought many layers of delight to our taste buds. The girls, who were earning nutrition badges through the activity, tasted how delicious healthy eating can be.

“Wow,” one girl exclaimed, “God is so creative!”

God has created a huge variety and abundance of food for us to grow, prepare, and eat however we like. Thanks to that, we can (and should) enjoy our food. Our taste buds remind us that every eating experience can open the door to wonder in our lives. Psalm 34:8 NIV encourages us to “taste and see that the LORD is good.” When we enjoy our food as a gift from God, we can discover and appreciate God’s goodness more. Ecclesiastes 9:7 NIV exhorts us to,

“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.” 

Psalm 135:25 NIV connects God’s generous provision of food with his love, pointing out: “He gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.” We often acknowledge God’s goodness at mealtimes when we say a grace prayer over our food to express our gratitude for it. But we can taste God’s goodness even more by exploring diverse kinds of food and savoring them all as good gifts from God. Here are a few ways to do so:

• Each time you buy groceries, buy a food you’ve never tasted. Whenever you discover a type of food you like, buy more and share it with your family.
• Eat out at different types of ethnic restaurants. Learn about various cultures around the world by eating their cuisine.
• Cook some new recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner regularly.

The physical nourishment God gives us through food reminds us of his goodness and encourages us to trust him more. Jesus declares in John 6:35 NIV: “… ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” 

Intersecting Faith and Life:
As you reflect on discovering God’s goodness through food, consider these questions:

• How does it feel to know God has created such a diverse and plentiful array of food for our nourishment and enjoyment?
• Take time to eat slowly, and as you savor your food, think about these questions: What are the flavors and textures you’re experiencing? Where did the ingredients in your meal come from, and how were they grown or prepared? Who brought this meal to your table, from the farmers to the cook who prepared it?
• What are some of your favorite foods, and why? How can you plan to savor those foods the next time you eat them to cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for God’s goodness in your life?
• Do you say a grace prayer at meals? If so, how does that help you focus on God’s goodness as you eat?
• What is one recipe for a meal you would like to try cooking soon?
• Which restaurant would you like to try for the first time in your area?
• How might you share God’s provision of food with others who may not have access to the same abundance or variety?

Further Reading:

• Matthew 6:11
• Psalm 78:24
• 1 Corinthians 10:31
• Acts 27:35
• Isaiah 55:2

God’s Sovereign Plan..Amanda Idleman

God’s Sovereign Plan
By: Amanda Idleman

 The Lord of hosts has sworn: “As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.” – Isaiah 14:24

As you read through Isaiah, you are clued into the nature and character of God through the prophetic gift given to Isaiah. Isaiah’s mouth is filled with words that paint a picture of what God has planned for the future. He clearly articulates God’s many emotions when it comes to His people. All of the prophecies from Isaiah became verifiable, historical fact.

Through the miraculous fulfillment of prophecy, we can see the absolute dependability of God’s plan. We can rest assured that no matter our present situation, we can stand on the promises of God who articulated them in His Word. In our most hopeless moments, we can draw encouragement from the sovereignty of our Lord.

God has a plan. He is not distant and uninvolved in the happenings of our world. We may look at world events and see random occurrences. We may become overwhelmed by your own powerlessness to change the tide of our society. But God does not see randomness, and He has the power to change things that feel impossible to us.

In Isaiah, God warns Israel from relying on the surrounding nations for security. God’s plan went against what seemed like a logical solution to the Israelites. He warned that the two major powers in the region, Assyria and Babylon, would fall despite appearing to be unbeatable forces in the region. These prophecies were fulfilled when the Assyrian Empire was crushed by Babylon. Later, as prophesied by Jeremiah, Babylon fell too.

The Israelites who heard these prophecies for the first time probably were skeptical and doubted God’s power over the forces that appear to rule our world. Yet, God’s Word has proven to be reliable over the course of history. When we see what feels like confusing and unbeatable challenges, rest assured in God’s sovereign plan for our world.

Just as God’s plan for the nations are fulfilled, so are God’s plans for our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 gives us this personal encouragement, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” This is a promise you can stand on. God’s plan is a good one. Even when evil attempts to steal from us: God is present, He is working, He is faithful, and He is good.

Isaiah 43:1 tells us even more about God’s reliability. He makes a beautiful promise and offers us words of encouragement for our moments of difficulty and doubt. God says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.” The Creator, Sovereign God of all knows it’s easy to be afraid. That’s why He so clearly offers us words of comfort and assurance. Our Big God identifies us as His. He is close, He is personal, and He is for you. Rest in the knowledge that we serve a sovereign God.

A Prayer of Protection..Ashley Moore

 A Prayer of Protection

By Ashley Moore 

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” - Psalm 28:7 ESV

A few years ago, I snapped a picture of a cloud that oddly resembled a giant eye in the sky. Once I saw it, I could not help but think God was watching with a careful and attentive gaze. Now that picture often cycles itself through a display of featured photos on my phone, serving as a reminder God sees me. The days I’m most comforted by this thought are when I’m struggling!

What about you? Is there something that reminds you of God’s careful protection and watchful eye over you? Maybe on a day when you were being inundated with lies and feared the enemy, you saw a flock of sparrows reminding you  God sees and cares for your every need. Or perhaps you were fighting with your friend, and a person from church prayed a specific, spirit-led word that spoke to your problem without her knowing the details. Or maybe on a day when you couldn’t afford to pay an overdue bill, the Lord provided the amount you needed through an anonymous donor. 

In the Bible, God refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the sheep. And He says we are the sheep of His pasture (John 10:11-14). Sheep are rather defenseless animals. They do not have sharp teeth or claws to ward off predators. They are covered in heavy wool that makes them susceptible to overheating if not groomed regularly and vulnerable to drowning if they fall into deep waters. They are known for getting themselves into precarious situations. And they need a shepherd's constant care and protection to stay safe and alive. 

All the above scenarios are ways God lovingly communicates His willingness to protect and help us. He reminds us we can trust Him to care for us, especially when we are afraid and struggling with doubt and worry. The Good Shepherd protects His flock, even at the expense of His own life! God sees us. He is our source of strength and our shield from the enemy's fiery darts. He longs for us to come to Him when we need help. We can trust Him, and even when we are afraid, we can sing praises of thanksgiving, knowing our hearts are completely safe and secure in His tender, strong, shepherding hands (Psalm 28:7). 

Let’s pray:
Dear Lord, 

Thank You for reminding us we are vulnerable without you. We face many dangers, and we are defenseless without You! But Lord, with You, we are safe. You don’t leave us helpless and defenseless. We are protected. You act as a shield, and You give us strength. You are the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep. You care for us. You watch over us. You never leave us and always have Your loving gaze locked on us. Forgive us when we wrongly think about how you watch over us. Lord, sadly some of us feel as if You are an unloving force just waiting for us to mess up. But Lord, that is not how You look upon us at all. You delight in us. And you sent Your Son to cover up all our sins and blemishes. When we are in Christ, You don’t see our mistakes. You see Your spotless lamb. You delight in us like a father delights in His child. And nothing can separate us from Your Love. Thank You for protecting us. Thank You that even though danger lurks around us, we are so safe we can sing! Thank You for being completely trustworthy and a secure place to run when we are afraid. We love You and trust You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.