Unity in Our God..Craig Denison Ministries

 Unity in Our God

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

We have a great High Priest who constantly intercedes on our behalf. The Son of God and Man loves you more deeply than you can fathom. He prays for you, that you might walk in the abundant life his death affords you. And in John 17 we get a glimpse into the fullness of his desire for all those who would believe in him. As we dive deeply into the riches of Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer this week, may your heart be awakened and your life be transformed by the riches of God’s love.

Scripture:“All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me,that they may be one, even as we are one.” John 17:10-11

Devotional:

We were created for unity with fellow believers. It’s in the pursuit of unity that the bonds of selfishness and pride are often broken. It’s in the surrender of opinion and selfish ambition that we find the abundant life that comes through sacrificial living. And most importantly, it’s in unity that Jesus is most glorified.

Jesus says in John 17:10-11, “All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.” Unity between two humans is only truly possible by the working of the Holy Spirit. Apart from God dwelling and transforming man, we will never be able to live sacrificially with any level of consistency. It’s for that reason that Jesus is so glorified through our unity. And it’s for that reason that pursuing unity between believers is of the utmost importance.

What are we declaring to the world when we bicker, slander, and give up on unity with fellow believers? Why would the lost want anything to do with a group of dramatic, hateful, judgmental, and selfish Christians? Christ has charged us with the command to be his hands and feet. He’s commanded us to make disciples. And our ministry is nothing without love. When we pursue our own pride and gain over unity, we are directly disobeying the commandments of Scripture. When we allow strife and pride to place barriers between us, we hurt the cause of Christ to which we are all called.

Scripture is clear in its command to pursue unity. Unity isn’t a suggestion that we don’t have to adhere to because people can be difficult. It’s a command straight from God, and it’s of the highest importance. Ephesians 4:1-3 says, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Romans 12:16 says, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” And 2 Corinthians 13:11 says, “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

You are called to be a carrier of peace. The Holy Spirit dwelling within you longs to make you a person who pursues restoration, comfort, agreement, and peace with fellow believers. He longs to fill you with love, honor, patience, and respect for the fellow believers he has placed in your midst. When you feel dissension arise within you, choose to serve your brother or sister out of reverence for God. Choose to pursue peace at all costs. And in doing so you will bring glory to Jesus and declare to the world the wonderful transformation that comes only through salvation in Jesus.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the importance of unity in the body of believers.

“All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me,that they may be one, even as we are one.”John 17:10-11

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3

“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11

2. What is keeping you from pursuing unity with believers around you? What thoughts or perspectives keep you from loving other Christians well? What work does the Spirit want to do in you today to help you pursue unity?

3. Surrender any pride or negativity that is keeping you from pursuing unity. Ask the Lord to give you the courage to fight for peace and choose a life of sacrifice rather than selfish ambition.

Loving others always has to start with you. You can’t expect others to change before you choose to love them. The Lord doesn’t call us to wait for others to get their lives sorted out before we pursue unity. He’s asking us to choose obedience to him by loving others even when they don’t deserve it. Choose love today and discover the abundant life and purpose within unity between believers.

Extended Reading: Ephesians 4

God Uses the Wicked..Dr. Charles Stanley

 God Uses the Wicked

Dr. Charles Stanley

Genesis 37

When we don't understand what God is doing or why, His ways can seem perplexing. The times when ungodly people seem to triumph over the righteous make us scratch our heads and wonder why the Lord doesn't intervene. But the truth is, He often uses the wicked to accomplish His purpose.

Joseph faced one hard-hearted individual after another during his years in exile. His brothers shipped him off to Egypt. His boss's wife accused him of an unspeakable crime. And even those he helped, like Pharaoh's cupbearer, forgot about him (Gen. 40:23). The actions (or seeming inactions) of God make little sense at this point.

But once the story of Joseph's life was written in full, it was clear that everyone who harmed or neglected the young man contributed to God's plan. The Lord used numerous people across several years to bring a humbled young Hebrew unexpectedly to power at the right moment to spare his family--who were the Messiah's ancestors--from the effects of famine.

In our circumstances, we can see God's actions only from the limited vantage point of our humanness. We experience the events He has allowed or caused but can't discern what He is thinking. Often the Lord's goals and purposes are hidden from us until His plans come to fruition.

God is sovereign over all the earth. We may wonder at the strange or even terrifying turns our lives take, but we can be certain that He is in control and at work. The wicked may triumph for a season, but the final, eternal victory belongs to Christ and His righteous followers.

Encouraging Ourselves through Tough Times..Lynette Kittle

 Encouraging Ourselves through Tough Times

By Lynette Kittle

“David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God” - 1 Samuel 30:6

Maybe you haven’t ever been to the point where people want to stone you. However, possibly you’ve experienced situations where everyone seems against you, whether at work with an employer and co-workers, or neighbors, or in a personal or family relationship. It’s tough and David knew what it’s like to feel downtrodden and hated. After all, King Saul was on the hunt to kill him. Like him, sometimes we find ourselves alone in a crowd, with no one on our side willing to support us. It’s times like these when we can turn towards God ourselves and find encouragement.

Sadly today so many of us count on others to constantly encourage and uplift us, causing us to be so dependent on others, that we don’t know what to do or where to turn when we find ourselves alone. In these situations, especially during desperate moments when there is no one around to help us, we want to learn how to encourage ourselves. 

Not Ever Truly Alone
Scripture reminds us that we are not ever truly alone and David understood that because he already had a deep relationship with the Lord. He knew where to turn to for support. Through his words in Psalm 46:1, he reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” 

In times where we experience doubt and discouragement, we can follow Jesus’ words in Mark 5:36. “Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

The following are three ways we can encourage ourselves:

1. Read God’s Word.
When feeling discouraged, God’s word is here for us, to strengthen and help us through challenging and difficult times. 1 Thessalonians 4:18 directs us to “Therefore encourage one another with these words.” Reading, remembering, and receiving God’s promises through His word uplifts and strengthens us. Whereas men and women’s words can fall flat with us, God’s word will not. His words are life to us and renew our lives when we take them in on a regular basis. Jesus explains to us in John 6:63, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothings. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.” 

2. Remember His goodness.
By taking time to remember God’s goodness to us in the past and present, helps us to look hopefully towards the future, assured of His continuing goodness in our lives. Psalm 27:13 reminds, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” David took time to remember God’s goodness. In Psalm 77:11 he explains, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” If you have trouble remembering God’s goodness in your own life, like David did, look back in time by turning the pages of the Bible to recall His mighty acts.

3. Refresh our relationship with God.
Along with reading God’s word, which is vital in knowing Him, we can spend time praying, praising, and worshipping Him. David’s heart thirsted after God and he made time to spend with Him. In Psalm 42:2, David writes, “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

Intersecting Faith and Life:
This coming year, ask God to help you learn how to encourage yourself. Look for a place where you can meet with God and spend time just with Him. God’s heart is to be with you up close and personal, and He is ready, willing, and waiting for you to come to Him.

How to Run with Endurance.. Betsy St. Amant Haddox

 How to Run with Endurance (Hebrews 12:1-2)

By: Betsy St. Amant Haddox

Today's Bible Verse: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)

I joined Camp Gladiator in February 2020, which consists of group outdoor workouts. Each week of the four-week camp cycle features a different theme, such a HIIT, Strength & Agility, Endurance, etc. The first time that strength week rolled around, I brought my five lb. dumbbells and thought “hey, this is pretty easy.” Well, it was too easy—my trainer immediately told me I needed to upgrade to ten lb. dumbbells. Suddenly, it wasn’t nearly as effortless. Every move I had mastered was now—quite literally—weighed down. The extra weight affected my breathing, my speed, my agility…the works. Now I’m trying to incorporate 15 lbs. into some of the exercises, and I’m really noticing that difference, too.

I can’t help but think of this analogy when reading these verses in Hebrews 12. The author tells us as believers to “lay aside every weight” so that we can “run with endurance.” Running with a 20 lb. sandbag on your shoulder is great for physical training—but what about when it comes to running our spiritual race with the weight of sin draped across our back? Not nearly as productive or helpful!

Your weight today might not be sand, but rather a mixture of regrets, anxiety, and worry. Or maybe you’re staggering under the burden of unforgiveness, grudges, and fear. Or perhaps you’re lugging around lust, greed, and pride. Regardless of the specifics, we all carry the weight of our sin when we forget to confess and take it to the Lord. As Christians, we know (via 1 John 1:9) that He is faithful and just to forgive us from our sins and cleanse us. So why do we choose to stumble around, sweating and struggling, instead of passing it over to Him? Romans 8:1 (ESV) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

So repent! Put those weights down! Run free and far and fast. Run with endurance, like the “cloud of witnesses” did that have gone before us. We can do that because Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father— the “seated” part signifying that it’s done. Over. Finished. (John 19:30) His completed work on the cross destroyed these weights we still try to carry.

Just like in physical training, spiritual training takes practice if you want to achieve new goals. If your goal is to run with endurance spiritually, then you must do the daily work to build those new habits and persevere. Remember, no one runs a 5K the first time when all they’ve done previously is lay on a couch (there’s an entire exercise program dedicated to bridging that gap!) To build your endurance spiritually, read your Bible daily. Pray. Surround yourself with your current “cloud of witnesses” in your church and encourage each other in the Lord. Get up when you fall. Keep going. You’re not alone—and you’re getting stronger.

A Prayer to Use Your Time Wisely..Emily Rose Massey

 A Prayer to Use Your Time Wisely

By Emily Rose Massey

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12, ESV).

A couple weeks ago, a dear sister from my church reached out to me and asked me if I knew of someone who could disciple her or if I happened to have time to walk alongside of her. Since I recognized the rarity of such a request, I wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to walk with my sister as we grew closer to Christ together through His Word. We decided to focus on a study of the attributes of God. Each week will be a new attribute. Week one was on the aseity of God, which simply means the self-existence and eternality of God. God had no beginning, and He has no end; He is eternal and all source of life comes from Him. 

Conversely, we as humans know nothing of life without time from the moment we are born. Eternity is so incredibly foreign to us as we experience the constraints and consequences of time here on earth. Although God exists outside of time, He is the creator and cause of it and has a purpose for it. The Lord won’t keep eternity from us forever but longs for us to have it too in Christ. One day we will get to taste unending days that ever-increase with beauty and joy with Him, but until then, we must see time as a gift from God and learn how to use it wisely all for His glory.

I am reminded of a verse in Psalm 90, which is a prayer written by Moses. Moses asks the Lord:

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12, ESV).

Understanding that God is sovereign over all things, including your life, means that you realize that you cannot exceed your lifespan by a single moment. Wisdom is knowing that time here on earth is fleeting, and we do not know what tomorrow brings, so we should not take a single breath for granted. Wise Christ followers are mindful that wasting time limits our fruitfulness and effectiveness for God’s Kingdom. Distracted disciples don’t further the Kingdom of God, so we must learn how to prioritize our time rightly for God’s glory. The Lord has given us work to do and that is to see the gospel spread to the nations and raise up more disciples. Ultimately, numbering our days should be a thrill and a joy. We should wake up everyday longing to not only spend time with the Lord, but to move forward with His mission to give Him glory through all that we say and do. What has become a distraction for you recently that may be getting in your way of being productive for Christ? Are you giving more of your time to worldly, temporal pursuits? Do you find yourself making excuses and giving into laziness when it comes to prioritizing your time to put God first in your life? Often where we spend most of our time is a big indicator of what/who has your heart and devotion. Let us ask the Lord to help us be cognizant of how we are spending our time and how we can wisely prioritize the gift of time. One day we will be free from the bounds of time where we will get to spend forever with the Lord, but until that day, let us give God our best with the time we have here on this earth.

Let’s pray:

Father God,
Help me to see time, not as a thief, but as a gift from You. Although You exist outside of time, You have caused time to exist and have a purpose for me to fulfill while I am here on this earth. I ask that You would help me overcome the temptation to waste my time or give into laziness. Like Moses prayed, teach me to number my days that I may use them wisely and for Your glory. I want to make every moment full of God-honoring choices that point those around me to You that they may come into a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Help me to untangle from worldly pursuits that are not fruitful and give my all to your Kingdom work and purposes. My life is in Your hands, and I am grateful for every breath that comes from You as it is another opportunity to praise You.
In Jesus’ name, amen.