Lifestyle of Grace..Craig Denison Ministries

 Lifestyle of Grace

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

The biblical concept of being poor in spirit is foundational to every aspect of the Christian life. Foundational to salvation is a heart-level acknowledgment of our need for a Savior. Foundational to experiencing God’s love is acknowledging our great need of love. Foundational to heavenly peace and joy is an acknowledgment that this world truly offers us neither. If we want all that God in his grace offers, we must pursue a lifestyle of being poor in spirit. May you experience more of the depth of God’s love this week as you discover God’s heart to minister to those desperate for him.

Scripture: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Devotional:

When we live poor in spirit we position ourselves to receive the limitless grace of our heavenly Father. To be poor in spirit is by definition to acknowledge our immense, total need of God’s help. And throughout Scripture, God declares that his heart is for those who acknowledge their need of him. Isaiah 66:2 says, “All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” God’s grace is for those poor in spirit.

Paul demonstrated this truth in 2 Corinthians 12:9 where God told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” And exhibiting the proper response to God’s truth, Paul says, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” I long for the power of Christ in my life. I long to live entirely by his perfect grace. And Scripture declares to you and me today that the way we access the fullness of God’s grace is by living poor in spirit. We must open our eyes to see the true state of our spiritual health, not in comparison to others, but in comparison to Jesus. And we must allow a revelation of our spiritual depravity to lead us to a continual acknowledgement of our need of God’s grace.

The truth is that to be anything but poor in spirit is to live under false pretense, to live a lie. Our humanity screams of our depravity. Our weaknesses are vast and plainly visible. But society tells us we need to work to cover up our mess. Even the church often values appearance above reality. Rather than being a hospital to the weak, needy, and spiritually depraved, church is often a club where only those who speak the lingo, dress accordingly, smell nice, and never speak of their problems feel welcome.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). Fitting in to the cliques of this world is nothing in comparison to an abundant life filled with the limitless grace of God. Getting a slap on the back from the world for looking like I have it all together is nothing in comparison to the freedom of coming before God openly and honestly.

James 4:6 simply declares, “God gives grace to the humble.” May we be those who have the courage to live honestly. May we have the courage to look at ourselves for who we truly are with all our faults, weaknesses, sin, pride, and immense need of help. And may we discover the wealth of life available only in the grace of an all-loving, sinner-accepting, and help-giving God.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the importance of being poor in spirit in receiving God’s grace.

“All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” Isaiah 66:2

“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

“But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:13-14

2. Take an honest look at yourself. Take account of your thoughts, emotions, and actions. Compare the state of your life to the call of God to look like Jesus.

“As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!” Psalm 40:17

3. Come before your loving heavenly Father openly and honestly declaring your need of his grace. Rest in his loving presence and let him reveal to you how deeply he enjoys you just as you are. Discover that his grace meets you at every point of need, sin, and weakness.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

In 1 Corinthians 15:10 Paul says, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.” To be poor in spirit is to accomplish far more than you ever could in your own strength. Being poor in spirit should never result in sluggishness or a lack of good works. Rather, it positions you to receive the grace of God whereby your works are of an eternal nature and filled with the anointing and power of your loving, near, heavenly Father. May you live today entirely by the grace of God and find the help of the Holy Spirit to be constant and tangible.

Extended Reading: Psalm 40

Jesus, Worth Our All..Emma Danzey

 Jesus, Worth Our All

By Emma Danzey

Matthew 13:44-46 says, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it."

Jesus uses many parables throughout His time recorded on earth. He compares His kingdom in Matthew 13 to a treasure hidden in a field that is purchased by a man with all he has and a merchant who finds one great pearl and sells all he has to buy it. In comparing this, He is essentially saying that when you discover the beautiful gift of salvation from Him, you will do whatever you can to be a part and invest in His Kingdom work. Commentator, Matthew Henry elaborates, “Though nothing can be given as a price for this salvation, yet much must be given up for the sake of it.”

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up.
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure. This is so true that it is such a beautiful and mysterious gift that the Perfect God would come down to us in flesh as Jesus and take on our sins through death and raise Himself back to life. He ascended into heaven and now sits at God’s right hand. He has sent us His Holy Spirit. Even though God wishes no one perishes, not everyone accepts this treasures or see it for what it is. To them, it is difficult to understand or believe what they cannot see with their own eyes. When we know what we have been given and found in Jesus, there is a drive and a confidence in His great love and plan that we are thankful and seeking after more and more.

Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
When we truly understand what Jesus has done for us, we will give all we have back to Him. We will share our time, talents, finances, resources, and lives. Jesus not only bore the cross, but He invites us to pick up our crosses and follow Him.

Matthew 26:24-26 says, “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.  For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”

Life following Jesus is not easy, but we can have great joy in the price of living lives that honor Him and be involved in His kingdom work every day through the power of the Holy Spirit. We “sell” or give up what we thought was good for what Jesus has, which is best.

John 16:22 says, “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it."
Another example given is a merchant in search of fine pearls. Everyone in life is seeking after purpose, significance, and their identity. Just like this merchant found the pearl of great value, when we discover Jesus’ love for us and accept His gift of salvation, everything else pails in comparison to His amazing gift. We become fully aware of our sin and His forgiveness. We are in awe that God created us for a purpose and to be part of His kingdom. We are humbled that Jesus loves us, and we are willing to let go of everything else and put Him first because we have finally discovered what life is all about, Him.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
What makes the kingdom of Heaven so exciting to you? How have you found joy, even in sacrifices for the sake of Christ?

Further Reading:

• Mark 8:34
• Luke 9:23
• 1 Peter 2:21

How to Be Content in All Things..John Nelson Darby

 How to Be Content in All Things

By John Nelson Darby

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.  - Philippians 4:12-13

It is evident that he had been in need, but it was the occasion of more entire trust in God. We can easily gather this from his language, but, he delicately adds, he would not, by saying that [the church at Philippi's] care of him had now at last flourished again, imply that they had forgotten him. The care for him was in their hearts; but they had not had the opportunity of giving expression to their love.

Neither did he speak in regard of want; he had learnt-for it is practical experience and its blessed result we find here-to be content under all circumstances, and thus to depend on no one. He knew how to be abased: he knew how to abound; in every way he was instructed both to be full and to be hungry, to be in abundance and to suffer want. He could do all things through Him who strengthened him. Sweet and precious experience! Not only because it gives the ability to meet all circumstances, which is of great price, but because the Lord is known, the constant, faithful, mighty friend of the heart.

It is not 'I can do all things,' but "I can do all through him who strengtheneth me." It is a strength which continually flows from a relationship with Christ, a connection with Him maintained in the heart. Neither is it only 'One can do all things.' This is true; but Paul had learnt it practically. He knew what he could be assured of and reckon on-what ground he stood on. Christ had always been faithful to him, had brought him through so many difficulties and through so many seasons of prosperity, that he had learnt to trust in Him, and not in circumstances. And Christ was the same ever.

A Thought to Keep

Christ gives us the strength to be content in any and every circumstance. This isn't carte blanche power to conquer every problem the world throws our way, but a gentle promise of God's sustaining presence no matter those problems.

A Prayer for When You’re Asked Hard Questions During the Holidays..Molly Law

A Prayer for When You’re Asked Hard Questions During the Holidays
By Molly Law

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” - Jeremiah 29:11,13

Thanksgiving and Christmas are possibly the only times when every family member can come together and finally catch up. Although this can be a joyous time seeing on another, there might be some questions that can go too far. For the younger generation, life changes at warp speed — milestones seem to happen almost every week. So, well-intended parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles want to know everything that is going on in their lives. However, the things that they may wish to know could point out a very painful reality.

Since we see some family members only once a year, they don’t know the intricate details of what has happened to us throughout the year and us them. It’s not entirely their fault — for many people, society has laid out a very clear-cut outline for life (college, career, marriage, children, etc.). Our culture has defined those milestones and the ages in which they should be met for a happy and successful life, especially for Christians. 

As the family comes around the Thanksgiving table, a young married couple may be asked by a well-meaning aunt when do they think they will start a family. Unbeknownst to her, the young wife had a miscarriage in July and for four months, the couple has had one negative pregnancy test after another. After the holidays, they plan on seeing a fertility specialist. But at this moment, how do they answer this after being put on the spot in front of half a dozen people?

Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love everything about it — the colors, the songs, the food, and the care-free feeling it evokes within me. But it can also be a very painful time, as every year, I pray for my future spouse, yet every Christmas, I find myself once again alone. As the only single member of my family, my love life becomes an easy topic of conversation. I have become an easy target as I have chosen not to comply with cultural-mandated milestones that some family members see as a failure.

In adulthood, I have lived up to my own standards of becoming independent, chasing my dreams, and finding who I am apart from my family and any romantic ties. Although I am very happy on my own, there are times I desire to be married. The holidays seem to be the one time of year that exasperates the fact that I am not, especially when a spotlight is put on it by family member. My prayer is for everyone who is dealing with unfulfilled dreams and life expectancies, and the family members who bring it up during the holidays. 

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,
Thank you for this time of year to celebrate the birth of your Son and ruminate on all of your many blessings throughout the year. Thank you for our families and this time of coming together and catching up. I pray for everyone this holiday season. I pray that no matter what we are all going through that we remain aware of the sensitivity of some conversations. I pray that this year, we do not wait until the holidays to catch up — that we make an effort to pick up the phone and check in. I pray we will choose to share our lives with our family if that is a healthy relationship to pursue. 

Be with us, Father, as all of us our going through something. Be with our hearts’ desires and dreams that they reflect your will and bring glory to you and only you. I pray that we show one another grace and allow our family members to choose what they want to share with us. Give us comfort and peace when a deep hurt is revealed in a casual manner. I pray that this holiday season is filled with love, laughter, and joy with those around us. 

We love and trust you with all of our hearts, our Lord and Savior.
In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Why Being Thankful Is a Powerful Way to Live Free..Debbie McDaniel

 Why Being Thankful Is a Powerful Way to Live Free

By Debbie McDaniel

The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.” Psalms 28:7

We have so much to be grateful for in this life, every single day. But reality is that sometimes constant life demands, battles, and worries give more room to defeat than to a heart of thanks. Or we forget, in the midst of busyness and pressures, just to pause and give thanks for all that God has done and continues to do in our lives.

Sometimes it really is a sacrifice to offer praise and thanks. We may not feel like it. We’re struggling. We’re weary. Or maybe, we feel like He let us down. We think God seems distant, like he’s far away, or doesn’t really care about what’s troubling us. Painful life blows and losses might have recently sent us spiraling.

But here’s what can make a lasting difference. We have a choice, every day, to give him thanks. And with a heart of thanksgiving, we realize that no matter what we face, God doesn’t just work to change our situations and help us through our problems. He does more. He changes our hearts. His power, through hearts of gratitude and focused minds on Him, releases the grip our struggles have over us. We’re strengthened by His peace, refueled by His joy.

No matter what our current situation, or the struggles we may be facing, here’s what choosing to be thankful does:

• It gets our eyes off ourselves, and helps us to focus back on God.
• It reminds us we’re not in control, but that we serve a Mighty God who is. It keeps us in a place of humility and dependency on Him, as we recognize how much we need Him.
• It helps us to recognize we have so much to be thankful for, even all the little things, which often we may forget to thank Him for. It takes our attention off our problems and helps us instead to reflect on the goodness of His many blessings.
• It reminds us that God is the Giver of all good gifts. We were never intended to be fully self-sufficient in this life. A grateful heart reminds us that ultimately God is our Provider, that all blessings and gifts are graciously given to us by His hand.
• A heart of gratitude leaves no room for complaining. For it is impossible to be truly thankful and filled with negativity and ungratefulness at the same time.
• It makes the enemy flee. The forces of darkness can’t stand to be around hearts that give thanks and honor to God. Our praise and thanksgiving will make them flee.
• It opens the door for continued blessings. It invites His presence. God loves to give good gifts to His children. He delights in our thankfulness and pours out His Spirit and favor over those who give honor and gratitude to Him.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Maybe you’re in a hard place right now. Maybe you feel like God has left you on your own, to fend for yourself, or the battle seems too hard. Maybe there’s never enough money left at the end of the month and you can’t figure out how to make things work. No matter what, in it all, be assured that God is with you and He cares. Choose a heart of gratefulness today. Make a list of all that God has blessed and filled your life with, that it’s been easy to take for granted at times. Trust He knows what concerns you and is at work even now, to bring you through this uncertain season. Thank Him for providing all you need.

Further Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalms 136, Psalms 103:1-5