The Depth of God’s Love for Us..Craig Denison Ministries

 The Depth of God’s Love for Us

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:“O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:25-26

Devotional:

There is no force more powerful than the love our heavenly Father has for us, his children. His love can move mountains, stop the roaring seas, heal broken bones and wounded hearts, transform lives, and set free those held captive by sin and shame. So great is his love for you and me that he sent his only Son to die that we might live through him. And in John 17:25-26, Jesus makes an unfathomable statement about how great the depth of God’s love is for us:

O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.

Do you know that God loves you the way he loves Jesus? His heart is full of affection for you. Jesus always prays perfectly in line with the will of the Father because they are one. So when Jesus prays for God to love us with the same love he has been given, his prayer is in perfect alignment with the heart of our Father.

Romans 8:37-39 says, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Through the death of Christ, the barrier between us and  relationship with God was torn in two. The wrath of God was satisfied with Jesus’ death, and now we can experience the full depth of his love. Through Christ, we have been made new so that we can finally walk in unhindered fellowship and oneness with a holy, perfect God.

God loves you simply because he loves you. You don’t have to work for his affection. You don’t have to set yourself straight before God can pour out his love over you. The father in the prodigal son story ran out to meet his son before anything had ever been set right. He didn’t know his son was there to apologize. He didn’t care. He simply wanted to love his child. Your heavenly Father feels the same way about you. He longs to love you right where you are, as you are. He longs to fill you with love to overflowing. He longs for us to experience this love and oneness just as Jesus did when he walked the earth.

As you enter into guided prayer, open up your heart and allow God’s grace to settle in. Allow him to free you from works-based religion and guide you to a lifestyle of relationship. God is not an angry taskmaster who shows affection only when you succeed. He is a loving Father who will always love you no matter what. Take time to receive the depth of his love for you today. Allow his love to heal you, transform you, free you, and lead you to the abundant life he has always longed to give.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the depth of God’s love for you.

“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39

“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” 1 John 4:16

2. Where do you need a fresh revelation of God’s grace today? What’s keeping you from receiving the depth of God’s love? In what ways do you need him to show you how good of a Father he truly is?

3. Ask the Spirit to give you a revelation of God’s grace and love for you. Receive God’s presence and rest in his love. Meditate on and renew your mind to how deeply your heavenly Father loves you.

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

“So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:45

May the whole of Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer be true in your life. May you come into the fullness of what Jesus died to give you. May your life be a wonderful reflection of his love. And may you experience the depth of his love for you in every season. You are a child of the Most High, loving God. He will never leave you nor forsake you. His love is powerful, real, and available. May your day be full of joy, peace, and purpose in light of God’s glorious grace.

Extended Reading: 1 John 4

Defeating the Devil's Strategies..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Defeating the Devil's Strategies

Dr. Charles Stanley

John 21:15-19

All of us make tracks through the valley of failure. Then the key question is, What we will do next? Sadly, many believers who stumble give up a vibrant kingdom-serving life for a defeated existence. But failure can also be a chance for a new beginning of living in Christ's strength.

In pride, Peter thought his faith was the strongest of all the disciples' and swore that even if the others left Jesus, he never would (Mark 14:29). Yet when the time of testing came, he denied even knowing Christ--and did so three times (Matt. 26:69-75). Satan hoped the disciple would be so wounded by his own disloyalty that his faith would be undermined by shame, condemnation, and despair.

Likewise, when the Enemy sifts believers today, his goal is for us to become shelved and ineffective for God's kingdom. That's why he goes after our strengths, especially the areas in which we proudly consider ourselves invincible. But if we're willing, the Lord can use our failures to do spiritual housecleaning, as He did in Peter's life. After the resurrection, Jesus met with the disciple personally and restored him, preparing him to become a great leader in the early church. He made it clear that Peter's potential to serve was defined, not by failure, but by his unwavering love for Christ.

Peter laid down his pride, received the healing Jesus offered, and put on courage with the Holy Spirit's help. He then risked his life fearlessly to further the gospel, and many came to Christ through his example. Failure was the catalyst that grew in him a stronger, more authentic faith.

God Longs to Restore You..Jessica Van Roekel

 God Longs to Restore You

By Jessica Van Roekel

“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locusts has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people will never again be put to shame. You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God and there is none else.” - Joel 2:25-27, ESV

Imagine standing on your doorstep and seeing an odd-shaped cloud in the distance. It shimmered and shone in the sunlight and grew ever larger and ever nearer. Before you knew it, the cloud landed on the ground and began eating every blade of grass, stalk of wheat, and the clothes hung out to dry. There was nothing to do except watch helplessly as the swarm of locusts ate everything in their path.

There are times in our lives when we look on the horizon and see storm clouds brewing. It could be an unexpected biopsy that results in an unwanted diagnosis. For some, it might be shifting relationships at work or at home, which brings devastating consequences. We may not meet literal locusts, but we do face hardships that seem to bring destruction to our lives. What can we do?

Despite our hardships, we can focus on spiritual revival, restoration, and renewal in our love and dedication to God. The book of Joel is an Old Testament book with a look toward a future glory in eternity. It reveals the heart of God for his people. From the moment Adam and Eve chose their own way instead of God’s way, God had a contingency plan. His heart was and is for a relationship with us.

He knew we would choose our own way too, which can create hardship through the consequences of those choices. He is also aware of the hardships which come because we still live in a fallen world pockmarked by disease, natural disasters, and others exerting their will in our lives which create unintended consequences of rejection and betrayal. God, in his love for us, provides redemption. He redeems our hearts and lives so we can be in relationship with him. This is what propels us onward in belief and trust in God’s promises to restore.

Our circumstances don’t determine a vibrant, flourishing relationship with God. God is with us, and he is for us no matter what we face. Revival happens when we refuse to turn our hearts away from God when life’s circumstances bring loss. We have two choices when the landscape of our lives looks barren—to turn away from God or turn toward him.

The Apostle Paul is a great example for us. He was a learned scholar leading the charge to imprison and punish those dedicated to sharing the Good News of Jesus. Then, he met Jesus on the Damascus Road. He went from being the leading scholar of the Law to rejection by his former colleagues to early mistrust of the believers of Jesus. He experienced loneliness, trials, shipwrecks, and poverty. But he also knew spiritual revival, restoration, and renewal because he kept his focus on the Lord.

Our situation may seem bigger than we can handle, but we have a bigger God. Unfortunately, our feelings can scream loud enough to drown out God’s whisper, and we listen to the wrong voice. But when we glance out at the ruin brought by a swarm of locusts in the shape of trials and tribulations, we can determine to look beyond what we see to what we know. God has promised restoration. He promises us eternity with him. This is our glory, and when we can hold onto the truth of our future with him, we view our sufferings through a different lens.

In the late 1870s, when the locusts overtook crops and gardens in the American Midwest, many families stayed, but others left farming to pursue another line of work. Those who stayed planted seeds again and discovered how life comes from dirt. The dirt holds the nutrients needed to nourish seeds and plants. Once the seed breaks the surface, the sun and rain do their nurturing work, and if desolation comes again, the soil still does its work once more to bring life to the surface. A heart rooted in God’s love can know restoration even when life’s troubles overtake it.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Jesus spoke these words in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Troubles are not an if they come but when they come. Because of Jesus’ victory, you can know restoration. If you’re facing heartbreaking news, God can comfort you. If you’re life feels barren, God can grow good in you again. Stand firm in your dedication to the Lord. Remember, God is with you and for you despite what is around you. He brings restoration.

Further Reading:
Joel 2

How to Live Out of the Goodness of God’s Grace..Lynette Kittle

 How to Live Out of the Goodness of God’s Grace

by Lynette Kittle

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” - Philippians 2:3-4

A few years back, I spent numerous hours each week in our mini-van, commuting over 80 miles each day to work and back on the South Florida turnpike. It was tiring to say the least, especially on busy roadways filled with aggressive drivers. Daily, I found myself maneuvering through an onslaught of cars speeding up behind, passing, and cutting in front of me. I tried to keep a good attitude, but it wasn’t always easy.

On one particular day, a car sped up beside my vehicle, then maneuvered to pull in front of my car to exit the ramp. Unlike my usual reaction to let cars in ahead of me, I felt aggravated. Instead of slowing down to make room, I edged closer to the auto in front of me, preventing it from pulling in front of mine. Seeing I wasn't going to let him in, the driver sped ahead and cut in front of the next car.

Almost immediately after doing so, Philippians 2:3-4 came to mind. In examining my own heart, I realized how my actions had fallen short in meeting this exhortation to think of others as more important than myself. I hadn't look out for the merging car's interest, or for the other ones in front of me.

As God’s word gently spoke to my heart, I felt sorry for my prideful and selfish actions, turning to God in confession and repentance. Like 2 Corinthians 7:10 states, sincere, godly sorrow leads to repentance.

Consequently, with my thoughts elsewhere, I wasn’t paying close attention when approaching the tollbooths and unknowingly lined up behind a red light in a closed lane.  Finding myself stuck in a traffic-jam, parking lot type of going nowhere line, I needed someone to let me into a moving line, like the car a few minutes ago had wanted me to do.

Turning on my signal, I hoped someone would be kind. Yet, I thought of how I didn't deserve it after the way I had just acted. Looking in my rear mirror I saw a truck stop and motion to me to pull in front of his vehicle.

Just as immediate as my need to repent had come, I was flooded with the realization of God’s mercy and grace. As James 4:6 describes, God gives us more grace, showing favor to the humble.

In a few passing minutes in an everyday, ordinary commute, one where I behaved poorly, something extraordinary happened. I experienced God's wonderful grace through a person who lived out thinking more of my interests than his own.

A Prayer to Desire More of God’s Word..Ashley Moore

 A Prayer to Desire More of God’s Word

By Ashley Moore 

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” - Psalm 119:103, ESV

Can I confess something to you? As a new believer from a completely unchurched family, I would get bored reading the Bible and fall asleep. In my defense, my first Bible was a KJV, and no shade if that is your favorite translation, but as someone new to the faith, I struggled to follow along. Everything I read was so very foreign. 

I remember being prompted by what I know now was the Holy Spirit to begin reading the Bible for myself. But I just wanted to quit; I easily lost focus in those early days, and I found the Bible so hard to understand. I got so convicted when I would hear passages like Psalm 119 taught, where God’s people talked about loving His Word as much as they loved tasty food! I couldn’t relate, and it baffled and further frustrated me that I didn’t share the same sentiment! 

Have you ever been there? Does reading God’s Word intimidate you? Do you lean on others to preach and teach the Word to you rather than dig in to discover the truth for yourself? Or do you mostly leave your Bible unopened on the bookshelf or tucked away in a drawer somewhere? 

I get it! I have struggled with or succumbed to each of the situations above too! But then, I did something really simple. In my conviction, confusion, and frustration, I turned to God for help. I asked Him if He would increase my desire to read His Word. 

It wasn’t instant, but over time I have developed a deep love and passion for Scripture. To which I credit God for changing my heart and mind about the Bible. And I slowly learned that reading my Bible was less about my complete understanding of every passage and more about meeting with God and discovering more about who He is and what He is like! And that has changed everything. 

Can I encourage you to pray the same simple prayer? 

Let’s pray:

Dear Lord, 
Thank you for giving us the Word. Thank You that Scripture is alive and active and that it cuts through us and changes us from the inside out (Hebrews 4:12). Lord, you know how much resistance we face as we try to obey You and abide in You by reading Your Word. It seems like everything is stacked against us. We have an enemy that wants to destroy our relationship with you and distract us with temptation and lies (John 10:10). And we have our sinful nature that resists what is good and longs for things that are not good for us like Paul describes in Romans 7:15. Lord, forgive us when we are so easily led astray. 

Thank you for not leaving us frustrated and confused. Rather Your Word teaches us that if any of us lacks wisdom, we can ask You and You will give it to us generously (James 1:5). And thank You that Your Word also teaches us that inside its pages is the power to renew our minds and change the ways we think and even our desires (Romans 12:2). But, Lord we wouldn’t know any of that if it wasn’t for your Word. 

So, Lord, we all pray this very simple request, knowing that it glorifies you, God. Would you change our desires? Would you help us to desire your Word more than any fleeting earthly temptation? Would you protect our hearts and renew our minds as we dive into the Scripture? Would you help us to focus and give us wisdom as we read? 

Would you help us to get creative as we read and find ways to make our time studying enjoyable? Maybe draw us to a group of friends to read the Word with so we don’t have to read it alone. Lord, most of all, give us the endurance to keep reading even when we don’t quite understand, trusting that as we fill ourselves, You promise that Your Word will never return void (Isaiah 55:11). We pray all these things in Jesus’ name, amen.