Being a Carrier of Joy..Craig Denison Ministries

 Being a Carrier of Joy

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

As children of the Most High God, we are to be marked by contagious, unceasing joy. Through the Holy Spirit we have access to an unending supply of joy that comes from the wellspring of restored relationship with our heavenly Father. God longs to fill us with his joy that we might live the abundant life Jesus died to give us. He longs to make us children fashioned in the image of our Father that we might share his unending joy to a world without hope. May you discover the greater portion of joy available to you through the Spirit as you encounter the heart of your Father this week.

Scripture:“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12

Devotional:    

As disciples of Jesus, we are to carry the joy of our salvation everywhere we go. You and I have the power to change atmospheres on earth with the joy of the Spirit. We have the power to brighten people’s days, break off heaviness, and lead people to a deeper revelation of the goodness of our Lord when we reflect his joy to others.

God is a joyful God. He is the inventor of happiness and fun. Luke 15:10 says, “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Nehemiah 8:10 tells us “the joy of the Lord is [our] strength.” In order to truly declare to the world who our heavenly Father is, we must be carriers of joy. We must be a people marked by the joy that only comes from restored relationship with an all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving God.

It’s taken me a long time to learn and an even longer time to realize the truth that circumstances, people, trials, work, and worldly stress do not have the inherent ability to steal my joy. It’s when I open my heart to outside elements that I allow stresses to come in like robbers and take what is rightfully mine in the Lord. It’s when I allow a fellow driver, a time crunch, a negative comment, or a troublesome problem to take precedence over the joy and hope I have in Jesus that I step outside of my allotted portion of peace.

To be carriers of joy, we have to choose to value the fruit of the Spirit over worldly emotions. We have to choose to only open our hearts to the things of God and shrug off that which is fleeting. If we don’t take control of our thoughts and cast any fear, worry, or doubt on the shoulders of our heavenly Father, the circumstances of this world will rule our emotions rather than the steadfast joy of the Spirit.

Isaiah 55:12 says, “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” The Lord longs to make us a people that go out in joy. He longs to make us children who are overwhelmed by his love to the degree that the cares of this world pale in comparison to his grace and affections. Ask the Lord for perspective today. Allow the Spirit to help you focus your attention on the true purpose for which you were created: restored relationship with your heavenly Father. Choose the joy of the Lord over the stress and cares of the world. Choose to “be led forth in peace” rather than led by your flesh. And experience today the lifestyle of carrying the joy of the Lord with you everywhere you go. May others come to know the abundant goodness of your heavenly Father through the way you exude joy.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the importance of carrying joy. Allow Scripture to establish a new emphasis on joy for you.  

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17

“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12

2. What do you allow to steal your joy? What circumstances, negative comments, or people have been robbing you of peace? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the root of whatever is stealing your joy.

“The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.” Proverbs 10:28

3. Surrender your emotions and thoughts to the Lord alone. Ask the Spirit to help you open your heart only to the things of him instead of the things of the world. Ask him to make you a carrier of joy.

“And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7

Our heavenly Father is much more patient than we often believe. He is not in a rush with you. He will not let you miss his perfect will for your life if you are willing to follow him in obedience. Trust in his timing. Cast off the burden of paving your own way to an impactful life. Take time to become a carrier of joy by resting in his presence and getting to know his heart. Allow his perspective of patience to become your perspective. May you be filled with peace and joy in the knowledge of your God’s great love for you.

Extended Reading: Isaiah 55

Baptism: Identifying with Christ..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Baptism: Identifying with Christ

Dr. Charles Stanley

Matthew 3

Christ began His public ministry with baptism. At the time, John the Baptist was calling people to confess their sins and demonstrate repentance through immersion in the river. So why did Jesus, the sinless One, ask to be baptized? At first, John actually refused, knowing Christ was the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). But Jesus wasn't demonstrating repentance; He was sacrificially identifying with sinful humankind.

As Christians, we're called to follow His example in all things, becoming more like Him as we grow in our faith. That's why baptism is the first step in following Jesus. As He was willing to identify Himself with us, we publicly identify with Him when we are baptized, which is a symbolic way of declaring, "I have trusted Jesus Christ as my Savior and believe that the debt of my sin is fully paid through His sacrifice. I believe that as He rose from the dead, I will also be resurrected through Him. I look forward to walking in God's will while I'm on the earth and living with Him throughout eternity. Since He loved me enough to identify Himself with me in my sin, I will show my love for Him by following His example right now, and for the rest of my days."

Baptism demonstrates our connection not only with Christ but also with our spiritual brothers and sisters--past, present, and future. We're joining everyone who has walked before us in faith, saying that we are members of one body, redeemed and brought to life by the same Lord.

Freedom in the Fire..Annie Yorty

 Freedom in the Fire

By Annie Yorty

“Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!” - Daniel 3:26-27 NLT

I became a camper after I married. My husband and I and our kids have spent many nights sleeping on the ground, securely zipped inside our tent—away from any bugs, mind you. It’s funny how much I like the outdoors, though I scream and dance at seeing anything with more than four legs. I think it’s the allure of the campfire that keeps me going back to the tent life. These days, I must admit my bones prefer to sleep on my comfy air mattress cot.

We often took my mom along, who was not a camper for most of her life. We’d lounge around the crackling flames every evening after our day’s excursions, sharing stories, songs, and laughter. One evening, long after the light had fled, we sat staring into the glowing blue-orange embers. I sniffed the air, detecting a strange smell. Smoke followed. Then a screech. Mom dropped her feet from the metal fire ring, leaped out of her chair, and jumped like a possessed ape in the dark. The dirt flew as she stomped her smoking sneakers into the ground to put out the fire. I still laugh at the memory of Mom when I smell burning rubber.

During the time of King Nebuchadnezzar of ancient Babylon, three men found themselves in another hot situation. The king created a ninety-foot statue, possibly in his own likeness, and commanded everyone to worship it. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, devout followers of God Almighty, refused to bow to the idol. Furious, Nebuchadnezzar stoked a fiery furnace and threatened to burn them alive if they would not comply.

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.’” (Daniel 3:16-18 NLT)

At the mention of God, things got seven times hotter for the God-fearing trio. The king, incensed by the challenge to his authority, fueled the fire to a temperature so hot the soldiers near the entrance instantly died. He ordered his servants to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then he watched with satisfaction as they were thrown, fully dressed, into the furnace. I’ve been in some fiery furnaces in my life. Though nothing as intense as the three men whose story is told in the book of Daniel, I have faced opposition to doing the right thing. If you’re following God’s ways, you probably have too. Resisting pressure to cut corners at work may result in the loss of a job promotion. Telling a friend a hard truth in love may bring on a spate of gossip about you. Sacrificially giving to God may squeeze your finances.

In some countries, trusting God might cost your freedom or even your life. Sometimes fire is simply a normal part of life. A job loss. Divorce. A prodigal child. Cancer. Death. Sometimes we wonder if we will survive. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego displayed confidence in God we should learn to emulate. They respected and trusted God more than they feared the fire. They lived out what the author of Hebrews taught.

“So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:6 NLT)

You may already know how the story ended for our three God-fearing heroes. From a safe distance, the king peered into the furnace, no doubt eager to see them consumed. Much to his astonishment, he saw four men walking freely in the flames, apparently untouched. He recognized one of them as God. He immediately called Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego out of the furnace. They strolled through the doorway and stood before him. I imagine him touching their intact clothes, which were not singed by the fire. I wonder if he sniffed the air, unable to detect even a whiff of smoke. 

Did you notice the three men found freedom in the fire? In the presence of God, their bonds fell away. They knew no fear. They grew even more confident of God in the flames than when they decided not to bow in fear to Nebuchadnezzar. God uses the fires in our own lives to teach us to trust Him. Just as the heat burned away the ropes that bound Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, God uses our trials to free us from the fear of anything other than Him.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
What pressure do you face to compromise on wholeheartedly following God? How have you experienced God’s freedom in the fires of your life?

Further Reading:
Daniel 3:1-30, Hebrews 13:1-8

Our Role in God’s Kingdom..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Our Role in God’s Kingdom

By Dr. Charles Stanley

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” - Mark 1:15

I don't know how some in today's church got the false idea that the preacher is a servant and the folks in the pews are just members. No one is a bystander in God's kingdom! All believers are in partnership with the Lord (2 Cor. 6:1). He chose to work through mankind to accomplish the gospel mission on earth. To borrow a biblical metaphor, we are the workers cultivating and harvesting His fields (Matt. 9:37-38).

God gave one or more spiritual gifts to every single believer to aid in the work for His kingdom. We each need this special "wiring" to carry out our unique role in His plan. He knits that spiritual gift into our personality and inborn talents to create a useful and effective servant. And just to be clear, there is no such thing as a non-gifted believer.

Believers are the Lord's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for the purpose of good works (Eph. 2:10). Spiritual gifts are not our own abilities. The Holy Spirit manifests them through us. Remember, it is the sap running from the vine into the branches that produces fruit (John 15:5). In the same way, the Spirit lives and works through God's followers to bring forth acts of service. The Lord's power is behind it all. Think of that when you are tempted to shy away from God-given opportunities.

God's awesome power is present in and available to every believer. The Holy Spirit equips us to obey the Lord in whatever He calls us to do. Don't waste your life sitting in a pew! Get busy using that spiritual gift. The fields of this world are ripe for harvest (John 4:35).

Heavenly Lord, the Kingdom of Heaven is not made of brick and stone, but of the people who have pledged their lives to you. May we continue to reflect your glory forever.

A Prayer to Pray for Others..Victoria Riollano

 A Prayer to Pray for Others

By Victoria Riollano

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” - James 5:16

I didn’t want to go.

After being invited to a homeschool mom’s outing, I spent the entire morning coming up with reasons I shouldn’t attend. It was at my children’s naptime. I had too many errands to run. I won’t know anyone there. My children may misbehave. My excuses were numerous, but no matter how hard I tried to get myself out of the event, I could hear the Lord gently tugging at my heart to attend. Out of obedience to the Lord, I went convinced that there must be a greater purpose behind it all. Sure enough, after sitting in the playgroup counting down the moments to leave, the Lord drew my attention to a fellow mother who was having a tough day. 

“Go pray for her.”

Although at this point, I had been a licensed minister for years and I had been in ministry for over a decade, I was filled with the hesitation of approaching a stranger and asking to pray. Somehow, I mustered the courage to ask if I could pray for her. In that church parking lot, I prayed for her peace, I prayed for a strategy for caring for her little ones, and I prayed that she would encounter God in a new way. Little did I know that this simple prayer would change her life. Years later, this same mother from the parking lot plays the keyboard for our church plant and has brought her entire family to church. Her children have a fond love for the Lord and have all been baptized. Whenever sharing how she got to the church, she always shares the story of the lady who prayed for her in the parking lot. My mind always pauses and thinks, “It all started with a prayer.”

My friends, we have been called to pray. The heartbeat of every Christian should be to seek our Father any chance that we have. Yet, we miss a great opportunity when we hoard our prayer life to ourselves, never considering others who may be in need. Yes! There are those around us waiting for someone to simply say, “Can I pray for you?” 

I love the words found in Job 42:10, “After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” 

The story of Job is a powerful example of the importance of prayer. Job had lost everything. His children, his wife, his livestock, and more. Yet, in this moment, Job removes his attention from his own cares and frustrations. Instead, he prays for his friends. And we see that God responds to this act of selflessness with complete restoration.

There is power in prayer! Our friends need others who can pray and intercede for them. When we do so, we will find peace in taking our eyes off our own needs to care for another person. May we be intentional about finding an opportunity to pray. Whether through a text message or in an old church parking lot, may we be bold enough to pray.

Let’s pray:

Lord, I thank you for opportunities to pray for others. I ask that you bring people to my attention who are hurting and are in need. Give me the courage to pray boldly and the words that will resonate in their heart. I pray against fear and insecurity that would cause me to stay silent. Help me to move and speak by your Spirit. I thank you that there is power in prayer and I am believing in you for blessings on behalf of those I pray for. Show up in mighty ways, as you always do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.