Freedom in Spiritual Poverty..Craig Denison Ministries

 Freedom in Spiritual Poverty

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:“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” 1 Peter 2:16

Devotional:

There is abundant freedom from sin available to those who in humility and acknowledgement of their brokenness look to God for help. God’s heart is for freedom. He came, died, and rose again that we might no longer be entangled to the burdens of this world but be set free to experience the fullness of heaven on earth.

Isaiah 61:1 foretold of Jesus’ purposes on the earth in saying, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.” Through the powerful sacrifice of Jesus in living and dying for us, we have been set free.

But the Bible is clear that walking in the freedom made available by the blood of Jesus only happens as we continually yield our lives to him on a daily basis. Romans 6:7 and 11 say, “For one who has died has been set free from sin. . . . So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” 1 Peter 2:16 says, “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” And Galatians 5:13 says, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” We experience continual freedom as we submit our lives to the purposes, presence, and plans of our heavenly Father.

There is freedom for you and me today if we will choose to live poor in spirit. Jesus set us free, not that we would continue to live for ourselves and the world, but that we would experience the abundant life that comes through humility and submission to our loving God. The Godhead continually models submission and humility. They continually serve one another in an irreconcilable paradox of being three and one. And God is calling us to follow his model.

Where are you struggling with the bonds of sin today? Where does the world seem to have a hold on you? Submit your life to the capable hands of your loving heavenly Father and ask him to reveal to you the path to freedom. Look for any parts of your life in which you are still living for yourself and the things of the world. There is no freedom available to us in the pursuits of the world. The abundant life found in God is in direct opposition to the ways and cares of the earth. Choose today to pursue the life God has laid before you, find your enjoyment in his loving nearness, and receive the freedom that comes from abiding in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the connection between humility and freedom. Reflect on the opposition between the things of the world and abundant life in God.

“For one who has died has been set free from sin. . . . So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:7,11

“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” 1 Peter 2:16

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13

2. Where are you not experiencing the freedom available to you in Christ? In what ways are you living for yourself and the world?

3. Take time to rest in the presence of God and ask him for his path to freedom for you. Submit the entirety of your life to him and listen for his voice. Ask him to reveal his love and grace to you that you might live empowered by his presence.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.” Isaiah 61:1

“You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” Romans 6:18 (NIV)

May the words of Romans 8:1-4 fill you with faith to seek the total freedom from sin available to you in God. May your day today be marked by victory over the enemy and his schemes. And may your life be filled with the peace and joy that comes from experiencing freedom from the burdens and cares of sin:

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Extended Reading: Romans 6

Jesus’ Approach to Sin..Emma Danzey

 Jesus’ Approach to Sin

By Emma Danzey

John 8:10-11 says, “Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’”

In John 8, we see the Pharisees (the religious rulers) once again trying to test Jesus. They always seemed to be after Him to stump Him and make Him look bad. Literally, He was the Christ, the One they and their people were waiting on, but His words and His answers were not what they imagined, and instead of having humility and spirits to learn from Him and hearts to love Him, they had hatred and desire to humiliate Him.

At the beginning of John 8, they literally bring a woman caught in the act of adultery to Him publicly to stone her. They must have plotted and watched this relationship unfold so that at just the right moment, they could use this woman as a “lesson.” The Pharisees say that in the Law, she should be stoned, and what does Jesus say about that? After writing in the sand, Jesus says in verse 7, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” All of the people go away one by one, beginning with those who are older (more aware of their wrongdoings). Suddenly, Jesus, the only perfect One, is left there with the woman.

“Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they?’”
The fact is that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. No one was able to stay around and stone the woman. I love how Jesus asks the woman where they were. He is proving the point that He is the only one who is sinless because He stayed, and they were not able to be her judge. Have you ever felt humiliated by others and actually did something that was cause for embarrassment? This woman is caught in her sin. She is wrongly treated. She is a public display of our sinful condition. However, Jesus, who is able to be wrathful and justly stone her, chooses to refrain. He is the only righteous and perfect One.

Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’
Because of Jesus, there is no condemnation in Him. He asks the woman if anyone has condemned her, and she says no. He tells her that He does not condemn her. The point is not that he cannot, but He chooses not to and gives her undeserved grace. The truth is that we are all just like this woman. We all have sinned and been brought before our Savior in our shame and guilt, however, He took on our suffering and freed us instead. This kind of love changes us.

Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’
So does Jesus not care if we sin? Does he ignore the sin? Absolutely not. Jesus cares greatly if we sin. In fact, sin is what separated us from Him in the first place. It is not good for us. He has better for us. Sin is the reason He had to die a horrible and embarrassing death. Jesus continually taught a life of repentance, and He is consistent with that in this message as well. He tells the woman to go and leave her life of sin. We see this instruction given to others. The goal of grace is not to sin more but to understand the depth of forgiveness we have been given and strive by the power of the Holy Spirit to live a life that is honoring to the Lord.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
In what ways have you been like the Pharisees when it comes to the sins of others? How can you relate to the woman and remember the great grace Christ has given to you? In what ways can you repent or turn from the sins that are currently in your life?

Further Reading:

• Matthew 7:3-4
• Romans 8:1
• Acts 2:38

Making it Easier to Apologize..Meg Bucher

 Making it Easier to Apologize

By Meg Bucher

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” - John 8:32

Anyone with children can relate to the desire for an all-access pass to a lie-detector. The look of bewilderment becomes them when accused of withholding the truth. They glance in our direction as if we’ve lost our minds. We know what’s true! So, why do they stronghold us? Why don’t they just admit they’re wrong and apologize? Especially when they know they’ll be forgiven?

It’s not easy to admit we’re wrong. Truth is more difficult to execute than it seems. “Tell the truth,” is a lot harder to flesh out when we’re the ones in the wrong.

We are really good at telling the truths we like to admit to and want to be responsible for, but claiming hurt we’ve caused and retracting false statements and ugly gossip aren’t things we’re known for excitedly admitting and confessing out loud.

“To the Jews who had believe him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31 NIV

Today’s verse tells us to listen for His voice and spend time in His Word. That’s how we hold to His teachings as He instructs in verse 31. Prayer and time in the Word are irreplaceable ways to guide our hearts on a truthful and honest path and guard our hearts from the pride that threatens to kidnap our apologies. It’s only when we are talking to Him that we can listen for His response. And it’s only when we are looking to His Truth for instruction that we can allow the Living Word to translate the truth to our hearts.

The Voice paraphrase reads, “ If you hear My voice and abide in My word, you are truly My disciples; you will know the truth, and that truth will give you freedom.” John 8:31-32

Jesus says when we operate in this fashion, “we are truly His disciples.” Our walk with Jesus will be humbly honest when we seek Him with all of our hearts. It doesn’t just happen. Seek is a verb. Pray is a verb. Abide is a verb. Verbs are actions. He promises to meet us there, but we have to get up and go.

Wafting through life unknowingly hurting people with dishonest intentions, or living a doormat existence because we can’t sense when to move on from being toyed with, is much less joyful than living a life full of Christ. When we seek and apply His Truth to our everyday lives, we will adopt a different outlook on life. A perspective that seeks to serve, not to be served. To love outright, not keep score.

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV

Many days the battle begins between our ears. There’s no filter for incoming thoughts, but we can control which ones we center our lives around. Wake up and seek Him first. Stay aligned. Keep your thoughts in check, and your heart full of Truth. When we know the Truth, we can dump the lies and live freely in our unique purpose. “I’m sorry,” isn’t so hard when the gentle strength of the Holy Spirit humbles our hearts. There’s nothing weak about it. Just powerfully captivating and extremely kind. It’s living, loved.

Father, Praise You for Your Word! Thank You for guiding us in truth! Forgive us for our blindness to it, and our dishonest notions to others. Help us to seek you, pray, and abide in Your Word to live within Your will for our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A Prayer for When Giving Thanks Is Hard..Molly Law

 A Prayer for When Giving Thanks Is Hard

By Molly Law 

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The holidays are never cut and dry. Even though it feels as though life should be put on hold for the most joyous time of the year, unfortunately, it just doesn’t work that way. I cannot describe what Christmas time does to me. It fills me with such unbridled joy — joy that I remember feeling as a child, joy in the way it brings families together. I await this feeling all year long.

As I tend to feel more depressed during the Summer (I know few who feel this way during the summer rather than the winter), when the weather starts to turn, the leaves begin to color and then fall, and I feel the descent of the holidays, it erases that season and I feel joy in life once more. Of course, as I said, it’s not that simple. Tragedy doesn’t wait for the holidays to be over — it doesn’t hold off until the day after Christmas to strike. 

Tragedy, any sort of tragedy, is terrible no matter what time of year it is, yet it doesn’t contrast with “the most wonderful time of the year” like it does around the holidays. When something tragic happens with the backdrop of Thanksgiving and Christmas, it adds another level of grief that would not be there at any other time. 

It can evoke shame when the whole world is telling you “‘tis the season to be jolly!” It can cause us to hide and suppress our feelings when we are gathered around the Thanksgiving table with our families — not wanting to be the one to place a dark cloud over the festivities. 

Life cannot and will not stop for anything. Whereas Thanksgiving and Christmas are wonderful times to give thanks and celebrate the birth of our Savior, they shouldn’t be times where we ignore someone else’s pain all in the name of Christmas cheer. It can be tempting to ignore, especially if our loved one does not volunteer what they are going through and just enjoy the holiday season. 

This time of year is not just about the gifts, the songs, the food, and the decorations. It’s a season of remembrance, it’s a season of giving and serving those around us just as the King of Kings left his home in heaven to come to earth in the most vulnerable form — a baby — to grow, live, and die a brutal death on a cross for us.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,
This year, the holidays will not be joy-filled as many have gone through unimaginable tragedy. I pray that as their family, friends, and coworkers that we show love, compassion, and understanding. I pray that we do not ignore anyone’s pain all in the name of having the perfect Christmas. I pray that our homes will be welcoming — that everyone knows that no matter what has happened, it is a safe place to be. I pray that no one will feel like they have to skip the holidays because they do not want to “bring everybody else down with them.”

Please, God, be with everyone who has experienced tragedy this year and close to the holidays. I pray that this season it doesn’t have to be either, or — for life is an amalgamation of darkness and light. I pray that right alongside of pain that joy can be felt in the same beat. I hope everyone knows that it is okay to feel both at the same time. Please bring us comfort and peace in our time of mourning. Give us people who are caring and understanding. I pray that we turn to you to feel your overwhelming presence, where you cry with us, you comfort us, and take our burdens as your own.

Thank you for revealing your love for us by sacrificing your Son for his entire life on earth and in death. As a Father, I can’t imagine how acutely you felt that pain yourself. I know full well that you know our pain and can shoulder anything we go through. I pray that we, as Christians, follow your example and live in your image for those around us.

We love and trust you with all of our hearts, our Father and Savior.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen. 

Senior Living Ministries..

  Senior Living Ministries

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. -- Luke 2:11

When Pope Julius I declared December 25 to be celebrated as the birthday of Jesus in A.D. 353, who would have ever thought that it would become what it is today? And when Professor Charles Follen lit candles on the first Christmas tree in America in 1832, who would have ever thought that decorations would become as glamorous as they are today?

Even before these two events that shaped what Christmas means today for most, there was a bright, special star that lit the dark night thousands of years ago letting the world know that Jesus the King was born. Usually, we don't celebrate historical figures as children, but in the case of Christ, it is appropriate.

When Christ was born, shepherds came to honor Him, wise men from the East brought Him gifts, and the earth rejoiced at His birth. These people who came to worship Him had no idea what Christ would accomplish as an adult. But they were right in traveling to worship the King because His birth was the most remarkable event in human history. Wise men and women today worship not only the Child of Bethlehem, but the Christ of Calvary.

As we approach the holiday season again, we are faced with yet another opportunity to pause in the midst of all the excitement, decorations, and commercialization, to consider again the origin of Christmas--the One whose birth we celebrate. Let's not forget the true meaning of why we celebrate during this time of year. Celebrate the baby Jesus and trust Him as Savior today.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for sending His Son that glorious night to be born of a virgin, live a perfect life, die on the cross for your sins, and rise from the dead three days later to give you eternal life through Him.

Thanksgiving with a Flourish..Sheri Schofield

 Thanksgiving with a Flourish

by Sheri Schofield

It’s harvest time in America. Pumpkins overflow the grocery stores’ produce areas. Wheat is reaped for baking in the year ahead. Rosy apples, satiny-smooth plums, and all those delicious garden vegetables are everywhere. Giant zucchinis appear as though by magic on doorsteps…and in one’s car if one forgets to lock the doors! 

Thanksgiving is near! Families gather to eat, share their lives, and watch football. Many times the only remembrance of God is said at the blessing. In many homes, even this is omitted. As this day approaches, we have an incredible opportunity to redeem Thanksgiving and turn it into a great blessing for our families and friends. With a little bit of planning, we can make a memory that will impact those in our homes that day.

Consider the first Thanksgiving: On the Hebrew calendar, harvest marks the Feast of Tabernacles, or Booths, when Israel celebrates the blessings God has given them. It is a time of joy and celebration, a time of thanksgiving for how God has blessed them. It is a time of prayer, repentance from sin, and petitions for blessings in the coming year. It also looks forward to the coming Messiah.

Moses wrote: “Celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days after you have gathered the produce of your threshing floor and your winepress. Be joyful at your feast – you, your sons and daughters… For the LORD your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete” (Deuteronomy 16:13-15, NIV).

When America was founded, the settlers also celebrated with a time of feasting at the end of harvest, thanking God for all he had provided, and asking for his continued blessing. Presidents down through the years would sometimes call for days of thanksgiving to refocus the nation on God and his blessings.

During the terrible days of the Civil War, in which an estimated 620,000 men died[1], Abraham Lincoln called upon the nation to give thanks to God, who had blessed the harvest. He wrote in part:

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.[2]

Then Abraham Lincoln established a permanent Thanksgiving Day. Yes, in the midst of all that grief! He turned America’s attention back to God, their Creator, in whose name they had established this nation.

Once again, America finds itself in the midst of great civil unrest. As Thanksgiving approaches, our spiritual leaders have urgently called upon us to repent, to turn from our selfish pursuits, to seek God with all our hearts[3]. For our nation is in grave danger of destruction because of our sins. In our time of national desperation, with our nation on the brink, consider the full scope of God’s week of thanksgiving. Let it be both a time of repentance and a time of celebration, for the sake of our country’s future.

Ask the Lord what activities you can do to re-focus your family on God on this special day. Do you want to re-enact the Feast of Tabernacles? Or the first Thanksgiving Day in America? Could you have everyone write down how God has blessed them this past year and put it in a memory book? With a little creativity, you may spark something awesome in someone’s life. This can be a Thanksgiving like never before: It can be the beginning of revival!

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. -Psalm 107:1 NIV