The Blessings of Our Father.. Craig Denison Ministries

 

The Blessings of Our Father

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:“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17

Devotional:    

Our Father loves to bless his children. All that we have has been given to us because our Father loves us unconditionally. In Matthew 7:7-11 Jesus says,

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

One of the most important spiritual principles for Christians is that God is good and he gives his children good gifts. With all the depravity, pain, suffering, and wrong in the world, we must establish the unshakable goodness of our heavenly Father as our foundation. The blessings of our Father are vast and numerous. Oftentimes he blesses us in ways that go unnoticed. From a light rain or a cool breeze to an unexpected gift or miraculous healing, our God is constantly working to turn the evil in this world for our good.

James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” The world will try to tell you that God plays favorites. It will look at the life of one and compare it to another as if it were every person’s destiny to be the wealthiest and most successful person in the world’s eyes. God blesses us in far greater ways than worldly success and wealth. He is concerned with that which is eternal and will actually produce the abundant life your heart truly desires. And while provision in this world is most definitely important and God promises to provide every thing we need physically, he has not promised to make you a success in the eyes of the world. He has only promised that if you follow him he will guide you to the best possible life filled with the fullness of relationship with him, purpose, and every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3).

If we truly take stock of our lives compared to what we deserve, we will begin to better see the incredible blessings given to us by our loving heavenly Father. Allow God to guide you away from the pursuit of that which is fleeting so that you might be filled with greater depths of joy at the abundance of eternal life and blessings which are yours in Christ Jesus.

Take time today to reflect on the blessings you’ve been given by your Father. Allow him to shift your pursuits away from earthly wealth and success toward that which will actually satisfy you for all of eternity. May you be filled with joy and thanksgiving in light of the wonderful gifts you’ve been given by your good and loving Father.

Guided Prayer:

1. Reflect on the blessings you’ve been given by your heavenly Father. Take time to really think about all that your God has done for you.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” Ephesians 1:3-4

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11

2. Ask the Lord to help you shift your pursuit away from earthly wealth and success that you might receive to greater measure the joy and blessings he longs to give you. In what ways have you been pursuing the things of the world over the things of God? What worldly pursuit has captured your attention and is guiding you away from the abundant life God longs to provide for you?

3. Take time to receive the love of your heavenly Father and rest in his presence. Often it takes spending time in God’s loving presence to have our perspectives and pursuits shift. Communion with our Father changes everything.

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

“And he said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” Exodus 33:14

When we allow God to free us from pursuing worldly success and pleasing others, we experience to greater depths the joy of relational living. When relationship with our Father is our chief goal and sole desire, we position ourselves to live joyfully and satisfied in every season and circumstance. May you follow the Lord’s leadership into a life of greater joy and peace. And may your eyes be opened to the wealth of blessings given you by your loving, near, and good Father.

Extended Reading: Matthew 6

Our Heavenly Home..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Our Heavenly Home

Dr. Charles Stanley

Revelation 21:22-27

As enjoyable as traveling may be, most of us would admit to having a sense of security and delight upon arriving back home. There's just something comforting about opening the door, seeing familiar things, and feeling we're where we belong.

The apostle John was given a vision that included glimpses inside our future home, the new Jerusalem. You may be surprised to know that some things from our old abode will be missing. But what replaces them will be infinitely better.

For one thing, there were no church buildings in John's vision, "for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" (Rev. 21:22). No longer will denominations divide up the body of Christ. Nor will the sun or moon shine on the city in that day, "for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb" (v. 23). Imagine--no need for electricity, flashlights, or candles.

One other difference is that the city gates will always be open. Since sin will not be a factor, locks will be unnecessary in our heavenly home. Death and decay will also be absent. In fact, nothing impure will ever enter that future residence--utter holiness will characterize the heavenly place, and suffering will be a thing of the past. What we have to look forward to is the abundant life in Christ, pure and unmarred.

Think about the comfortable feeling you have as you open your front door. That's but a hint of what we'll feel some day on arriving at the place our Father has lovingly and personally prepared for us in heaven. We will finally--and permanently--be "at home" in a way that defies description.

The Liberating Power of Forgiveness..Clarence L. Haynes Jr.

 The Liberating Power of Forgiveness

By Clarence L. Haynes Jr. 

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32

Forgiveness falls into the category of things we know we must do, yet it is something we often find difficult to do. I know because I struggled with it for many years. When people confronted me about it, I justified my reason for choosing not to forgive. It’s amazing the number of ways you will justify your actions when you choose not to do something you know you should.

However, I missed that within the act of forgiveness, there was the power to transform my heart, heal my wounds, and break the chains of bitterness that had taken root in my life. Sadly, it took me over twenty years to experience that, and it was my choice.

There is a truth about forgiveness that is unique when you exercise it. Forgiveness is not really about the other person; it is about you. I know we like to frame it as if we are doing the other person a favor, but in reality, you are helping yourself most when you forgive. In many instances, including my own, the one being damaged the most by not forgiving is you, not the person who hurt you.

Knowing the benefits of forgiveness, you would think it would increase the desire to forgive, yet we often find the opposite to be true. For many, one of the most difficult things they will have to do in life is forgive. Deciding to forgive is hard enough, but even if you forgive, then we can become like Peter, wondering how many times we should forgive the person who sins against us. We will give you one, maybe even two or three, but after that, all bets are off.

How do we approach forgiveness as followers of Christ?
As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace forgiveness, both receiving it from God and extending it to others. The challenge is forgiveness may require you to look past the hurtful words, betrayal, and offenses that may have left lasting scars on your heart. It is the pain of the wound that tempts us to hold on to grudges and sometimes to look for ways to seek revenge (that only applies to the most unholy people, not you or I). Yet, as great as the hurt is that you may have experienced, it is through forgiveness that you find true liberation and experience the transformative love of Christ.

Jesus modeled forgiveness for us.
When we look to the example of Jesus, we see a remarkable display of forgiveness. As he hung on the cross, suffering excruciating pain, He pleaded, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Jesus, in his infinite grace, offered forgiveness even to those who crucified him. Such is the depth of love and mercy we are called to emulate.

Choosing to forgive does not diminish the pain you have experienced or justify the wrongdoing. Instead, it releases you from the burden of bitterness and resentment that comes with unforgiveness. When you forgive, you allow God's healing and restoration to take place within your heart. 

If that is not motivation enough, let me give you one more. God has forgiven you. When you grasp that, then you realize unforgiveness is an act of self-righteousness because you are saying that person does not deserve forgiveness. Guess what, we don’t either. Yet we receive it from God. That is why we should offer forgiveness without hesitation. God has forgiven the many sins we have committed against him; surely we can forgive the sins our brother or sister have committed against us.

Your liberation is in your forgiveness.
In the process of forgiveness, you will find freedom. You will be set free from the chains of anger and hatred, and you will open yourself to receive God's peace and joy. Forgiveness can also unlock the door to reconciliation, fostering renewed relationships and rebuilding trust. Honestly, some relationships may be beyond repair, but there is no relationship that is beyond forgiveness.

If someone has wounded you, then surrender your hurts and wounds to the Lord. Ask him to give you the grace to forgive, remembering how much Christ has forgiven us. When that happens, get ready to experience the liberation that flows from a heart that forgives. 

The recent images our world has seen have been of bitterness, anger, and desire for revenge. It’s time we, as the followers of Christ, show his love by extending forgiveness to others. When we do, we can become instruments of reconciliation and bring healing to broken people.

Intersecting faith and life:
A prayer for help with forgiveness.
Dear Lord, thank you for your incredible gift of forgiveness. Help me to embrace forgiveness as you have shown it to me. Release me from the chains of bitterness and resentment, and fill my heart with your love and compassion. Teach me to extend forgiveness to others, even when it is difficult, as I remember how much you have forgiven me. Use me as an instrument of reconciliation and healing in this broken world. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Growing to Look Like Jesus..Kathy Howard

 Growing to Look Like Jesus

By Kathy Howard

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: “For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” ( 2 Corinthians 3:17-18)

You may be familiar with the passage in Paul’s letter to the Christians in Galatia that lists the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” - ( Galatians 5:22-23)

In Galatians 5:22, the word “fruit” is translated from the Greek word karpos. According to Mounces Complete Expository Dictionary, karpos refers to the natural product of a living thing. Primarily used to describe the literal physical product of trees, vines, and crops, karpos is also used metaphorically to refer to the natural product of a spiritual being. Paul used karpos to help us understand the natural product of the Holy Spirit, who lives inside every believer. The fruit of the Spirit then is produced by the Spirit, not by the Christian.

Obviously, an individual cannot display the “fruit of the Spirit” unless the Spirit is present in that person’s life. The Bible tells us that when a person places his or her faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord, God provides and guarantees their salvation by placing His Spirit within them ( Titus 3:4-7 and Ephesians 1:13-14). The Holy Spirit takes up residence or “indwells” every person who has a saving relationship with Jesus. If you are a Christian, you have the Holy Spirit living within you ( Romans 8:9-11).

Yet, like physical fruit needs time to grow, the fruit of the Spirit will not ripen in our lives overnight. Like a successful gardener must battle against weeds and disease to enjoy the sweet fruit they desire, we must constantly work to rid our lives of the “weeds” of our sinful natures that want to choke out the work of the Spirit.

The great news is, the Holy Spirit gives us the power we need to reject those sinful desires and yield our wills to what the Spirit wants in our lives. We can say “no” to sin and accept the “way out” God faithfully provides ( 1 Corinthians 10:13) by following the Holy Spirit’s leading.

Then, as we give the Spirit more and more control of our lives, He begins to do in and through us what only He can do. The Spirit’s endgame – His primary goal - is to shape us and grow us to look like Jesus.

From the moment of salvation until the end of our lives on this earth, the Holy Spirit works to transform our nature and character to reflect Christ’s. Since God’s goal for all His children is for us to be like Jesus ( Romans 8:29), the Holy Spirit constantly works to rid our lives of the “acts of the sinful nature” ( Gal 5:19) and display His fruit instead. Therefore, the presence of the “fruit of the Spirit” is evidence that our character is becoming more like Christ’s.

A Prayer for Rest..Emma Danzey

 A Prayer for Rest

By Emma Danzey

Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

As Labor Day approaches, many of us are thinking about rest. Whether it’s the new school year starting up, church ministries kicking off, health issues, busy schedules, planning for big life events, or just the hustle of the regular work week, many of us are eager for a day off. The Lord was intentional in giving a Sabbath in His creation of the world. He modeled rest to us. He also reminds us that He is the One in whom we find rest for our souls. (Psalm 62:1-2)

How do you need rest today? Is it physical, emotional, or spiritual? All three? The Lord is more than able to handle our weariness. Today, as we come to Him in prayer, may we be reminded that He cares about us and desires for us to have strength from Him. We are human, and we do need rest.

Let's Pray:

Father, we are weary. We have labored and are heavy-laden. We come to You today knowing that You will give us rest. Please give us rest in You. Our troubles, busyness, and hard work weigh us down. We are asking You to meet us in our weaknesses. Thank You that all we have to do is come to You and You promise that You will give us rest. We know that this does not always mean we will have immediate peace or renewal, but it does mean that You will offer it to us and give us spiritual help in this hard life.

You say in Psalm 91:1, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” God, help me to slow down and stop long enough to dwell with You. Help me to be in Your shelter and find rest in the shadow of Your wing. Where I am antsy and scattered, create a sense of peace and stillness. When I am overwhelmed and discouraged, provide encouragement and hope.

Help me to think about all of the ways that You have been so good. Help me to return to rest for my soul because you have been so good. When it is time to work and be active, give me strength to not labor in vain or in my own strength. Remind me to work from a place of rest. May my time in stillness reset my heart and mind to focus on You.

God, you give sleep to Your loved ones. I pray for physical rest for my body and mind. I can become weary and burnt out if I do not take care of myself. Help me to sleep and rest so that I can be most effective for You when I am awake. Thank You that You care for my emotional well-being. Please help my emotions to settle in Your presence. Give me rest and peace where I have had panic and worry. Still, my heart and mind to think on things of You and not the things of this world. Help me to be still before You and wait patiently for You. Although my mind might be filled with concerns and checklists, remove the chaos and give me focus on You.

God, it says in Psalm 23:2, “He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads

me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul;” In any areas where You need to make me lie down, help me to humble myself and depend on You. Give me the desire to rest in Your pastures and be by Your quiet waters. You are the one who restores my soul. Where I am spiritually drained from evangelism, serving, or walking the narrow path, please breathe new life into the dry bones. Give me a sense of newfound strength and joy in following You. Help me to be sensitive to Your leading, to Your yes and Your no. Guide me each morning by Your Word and hold me each night as I fall asleep. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.