New Bloodline of Freedom..Craig Denison Ministries

 

New Bloodline of Freedom

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

As children of the Most High God, we have been granted access to unconditional, tangible, and perfect love. All we need we have in relationship with our Father in heaven. He longs to reveal himself to us as a loving, real Father. He longs for us to live in the fullness of restored relationship with him. He longs for us to experience his vast and limitless affections. May we grow in our understanding and experience of God as our good and loving Father this week as we look at what it is to be his child.

Scripture:“Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” 1 John 3:2-3

Devotional:    

To be the child of God is to be ransomed from a nature bent against God and held captive by the bonds of sin and brought into a new life freed from sin and filled with the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:17 says, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” If you are a believer, you have the Holy Spirit dwelling within you. At salvation you were filled with God himself, who longs to produce the incredible fruits of righteousness and freedom instead of the sin that robs you of the abundant life afforded to you by Jesus’ sacrifice.

You’ve been given a new bloodline of freedom. The sinful nature of Adam no longer flows through your veins. You’ve been made clean and given a new nature by which you can live freed from enslavement to sin. Paul writes in Romans 6:6-7, “We know that our old self was crucified with [Jesus] in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.”

In order to live each day experiencing the newfound freedom you’ve been given in Christ, you must spend time allowing God to give you fresh perspective. Freedom was bought for us by the blood of Jesus but is experienced through our willingness to allow God to transform and heal us. Experiencing freedom will come by allowing God to lead you away from your past mistakes and guide you into his perfect and pleasing will. Open your heart to him and make space for him to heal the wounds that drive you to sin. Renew your mind to the new nature you’ve been given in Christ, and in humility depend on him for your freedom every hour of every day.

You are the child of God now. This world is no longer your home. That which you see is but a mere shadow of the incredible glory in store for you with your heavenly Father. 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” You belong to a new people of God who have the ability and authority to not only live free from sin but also to conquer the terrible acts of our enemy by proclaiming the powerful excellencies of our Father. You have been called out from a life of simply “getting by” into a greater pursuit of seeing God’s kingdom meet the earth and transform hearts and lives for God’s eternal glory.

Take time in guided prayer to allow God to give you a fresh perspective of your new bloodline of freedom. Rest in his love and lean on him for guidance and healing. May you experience a greater measure of freedom and victory today as the result of encountering the powerful love and presence of Jesus. 

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on your new bloodline of freedom. Allow Scripture to transform your perspective about who you are in Christ. Allow God’s word to empower you to fight the temptations that have plagued you.

“We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.” Romans 6:6-7

“So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:11

“And, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.” Romans 6:18

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

2. Ask the Lord to show you a wound in your life that the enemy uses to lead you to sin. What past hurt are you trying to cover with sin? What need wasn’t met? What did someone wrongly tell you?

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

3. Ask the Lord to bring you freedom and healing today. Ask Jesus how he feels about whatever happened to you. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the path of continual healing and freedom that you might proclaim the excellencies of your Father to a greater measure.

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” Titus 2:11-14

Oftentimes we give into temptation because of a past experience we are trying to medicate. Those who struggle with pride are often simply trying to gain affirmation that they’re good enough. Those who struggle with lust are simply trying to be loved. For every habitual sin there is a wound the Lord wants to heal. Take time to continually check your heart for wounds that are keeping you from an abundant life. Don’t medicate wounds with that which will never truly heal you. Instead, allow the Spirit of God to come in and guide you to the path of healing. Your heavenly Father knows every sin you’ve ever dealt with and the reason that you have struggled with it. He longs to guide you into a lifestyle of freedom afforded to you by the sacrifice of Jesus. May you live out the new bloodline of freedom that is yours as the child of the Most High God.

Extended Reading: Romans 6

Perseverance in Prayer..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Perseverance in Prayer

Dr. Charles Stanley

Romans 12:11-13

As a pastor, I speak with many people about their spiritual journey. From these interactions, I know that most individuals are not satisfied with their prayer life. They lack anticipation and faith, and time with God feels empty. Most likely, this is why many Christians pray so little and so passionlessly.

Yesterday, we began looking at obstacles to a healthy prayer life. Let’s explore one more hindrance that blocks vibrant communication between God and us: impatience.

Most of us have at some point brought our supplication to Jesus vigorously but did not see the desired results. Unfortunately, humans are, by nature, fainthearted. We get weary of asking and listening when all we perceive is silence. Remember, though, that God is not some “cosmic bellhop”; He does not act on our cue. In fact, if we could see the big picture as He can, we would gladly wait for His way and time.

Actually, I believe that we benefit by not receiving all that we request. Understanding this concept is a sign of spiritual maturity. When we are thoroughly satisfied with the Lord’s presence, our relationship with Him will flourish, even when we don’t get all we ask. When that is the case, we grasp what prayer is—not a long want list, but a relationship.

Barriers can develop if we persistently cry out to God but nothing changes. Continue to pray. Beyond this “wall,” you’ll sense God’s presence, where you will find peace, joy, and awesome glimpses of His glory. This will be completely satisfying, even if He never gives you exactly what you requested.

This is Not All There Is..Anne Peterson

 This is Not All There Is

By Anne Peterson

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

We all do it. We face something really difficult in our lives, and we ask, “Why?” Why is this happening now? Or why is this happening to me? It’s normal to ask this question, but the problem is, we seem to stay there. And when we are asking that question, peace alludes us.

“I’ve told you these things.”
When we turn to God’s Word, something happens inside of us. It’s the same thing that happened when Jesus would speak to his disciples. They would get glimpses of another world. Being human, we get wrapped up living in this world. And we sometimes forget there is a spiritual realm. Paul referenced this as he told us where our focus should be. Paul said we should fix our eyes on what we don’t see because what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).

This world has trouble.
John 16:33 tells us in this world, we will have trouble. Peter told us we shouldn’t be surprised when we face difficult times. That we shouldn’t think it’s strange (1 Peter 4:12-13). He explains as we participate in suffering, later, we’ll be overjoyed when Christ’s glory is revealed. I didn’t always see that connection. 

When I recently read in Peter about suffering, it confirmed all of it again. Peter asked, how is it to our credit if when we’re beaten for doing wrong and we take it patiently? But if we suffer when we’re doing what is right and we take it patiently, that pleases God (1 Peter 2:20). There is a purpose in suffering.

Then, how can we take heart?
If this world was all there was, it would be disheartening. We’re born, we suffer, and then we die. The end. But Jesus told the disciples to take heart because he overcame the world. When we accepted Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, our sins were forgiven. But at that moment, we were also appropriated Christ’s righteousness, and we became joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).

There is more going on than meets our physical eyes. There is an enemy of our souls who was once a beautiful angel named Lucifer. He wanted to be higher than God, so God cast Satan out of heaven, and he took 1/3 of the angels with him, which are known as demons. Satan loves to discourage Christians. He does it by telling us lies. Lies such as, “God doesn’t care about you. If God cared about you, why does he let so many bad things happen to you?” The short answer is we suffer in this world because it’s a fallen world. When sin entered the world, everything changed.

One day things will be different.
A day is coming when our tears will be wiped away. A day when God will create a new heaven and a new earth. We will live without the presence of evil. And for me, the most exciting thing is that one day I will be able to look right into the face of the one who sacrificed his life for me. That one thought has kept me going through some pretty dark times.

Those of us who have accepted Jesus will no longer suffer. In heaven, there will be no more diseases. No more brokenness. No strained relationships. Can you imagine? 

In the meantime?
So how do we live in this world while we’re waiting for the next? Paul tells us, that we are not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). What is it that transforms our minds? God’s Word. When we saturate ourselves with the Word of God, we can focus on what is unseen instead of what is seen.

In the meantime, when I hear negative things from the enemy, I know they are lies. All Satan can do is lie because there is no truth in him. But God’s Word is truth. So when I focus on the truth, I can recognize lies. I also find it helpful to sing old hymns which are laced with truth from God’s Word. Hymns like Great is Thy Faithfulness or Amazing Grace. 

When I take walks, I focus on God’s character, and then I’m never surprised to look up and see a deer or hear the birds chirping away. Even though I am in this world, it’s becoming more and more obvious that I am not part of this world. I remember a hymn that talked about us being pilgrims. At the time, it didn’t make as much sense to me as it does today. That’s exactly who we are. We really are just passing through.

Let’s pray:

Lord, I thank you for who you are. I thank you that no matter what happens to us on this earth, you are with us. God, we look forward to the day that we will see you face to face, but for anyone who is struggling, we pray that you strengthen them, meet their needs, and let your Holy Spirit comfort them. We pray this in your Son’s precious and Holy name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intersecting Faith and Life:

What are some things you find helpful in keeping your eyes on the Lord?

Jesus Sees You..Adrian Rodgers

 Jesus Sees You

By Adrian Rodgers

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” - Matthew 6:26

Jesus’ disciples were way out in the sea, and Jesus was on the shore. But He saw them toiling and rowing. He never took His eyes off them.

Are you in the midst of a storm? Did you know He sees you right now? You say, “He doesn’t know where I am. He doesn’t know this difficulty. Why is He so far away? Why am I in the storm and He is on the shore?” Friend, He is there, and He’s praying for you. He’s up there on the mountain looking down. He sees right through the dark. You can’t see Him, but He sees you. You can say, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

My advice for you in the midst of your storm is to see Jesus, the great I AM, and see Him walking on the water. And that thing that looks like it’s going to be over your head is already under His feet. You’re seated in the heaven lies with Him. And you can’t drown with your head above water. He is the great I AM. You can put it down: you are guarded by His power.

Heavenly Father, you have created this world and called it good. Yet we are the ones made in your image. Let us never forget how much you love us.

A Prayer to Guard Your Mouth..Emily Rose Massey

 A Prayer to Guard Your Mouth

By Emily Rose Massey

“…to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:2-7,NKJV).

As believers, our speech should be as one who has been forgiven. We have received the gift of mercy from on high, which has triumphed over our dooming judgment. When we do not show mercy to others and condemn them for their sin, we will not receive mercy.

We often give mercy to the measure that we understand we’ve received mercy. If we come up short at showing mercy, the way to increase our merciful responses towards others is to meditate on the mercy we have received from the Lord. We were once enemies of God, and by grace through faith, we have been justified, forgiven, and redeemed. This should cause us to walk in humility and kindness with even the most difficult people in our life. 

One way that we can walk in mercy with one another is to guard our mouths against speaking evil against one another, especially if someone has wronged us or hurt us. We should never resort to gossip or sharing with someone else about another person. 

How do you know if what you are saying is judgmental? Ask yourself: Would I say it to the person’s face? Would this hurt their feelings at all if they overheard me?

Titus 3:2-7 instructs us:

“…to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:2-7,NKJV).

If guarding your mouth is difficult for you when you are upset, and you tend to get offended easily, we must remember that we can ask God for grace to be able to not allow our flesh to rule us. The Holy Spirit will convict us of our sins but also strengthen us to be able to walk in obedience by showing humility and mercy to all. One of the fruits of the Spirit that we have been given is self-control, and if you are born again, you have been endowed with that ability by the power of the Spirit. We are either yielding to the Spirit, or we are yielded to the flesh. We will be given as many opportunities as possible and tests on our faith journey to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit. As disciples of Christ, we should see genuine growth with each passing day that we choose to walk in the Spirit and deny the flesh. Let us reflect upon the mercy that we have received and ask the Lord to help us speak words filled with mercy.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,
I do not deserve Your mercy, but You have been so extravagant with Your love for me. Help me to reflect upon the gift of Your forgiveness daily so that I can extend the same love to others. When I am tempted to lose my temper or gossip, set a guard over my mouth, Lord. Help me cultivate and develop the fruit of self-control by the power of Your Spirit so that I can continue to walk peaceably, with all gentleness and humility as Your Word commands. In Jesus’ name, amen.