Vision for Others..Craig Denison Ministries

 Vision for Others

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

We serve a God of boundaries. In his limitless capacity, endless creativity, and boundless existence he still chose to create boundaries. He still had vision for what was good, right, pleasing, and perfect. And as children made in his image, we are to live, think, and create as he does. In a world marked by busyness from seemingly infinite opportunities, it’s important now more than ever for us to create boundaries. May you find freedom and joy this week as you receive vision and set boundaries under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

Scripture:“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4

Devotional:

One of the greatest joys in life is the gift of serving others. Often in the busyness of work, family, and society we draw boundaries around ourselves so tightly that we don’t make room to love others well. God’s desire is to shepherd us to a place of inward abundance, not only that we might live in the fullness of life, but also that we would be empowered to give of ourselves to others. Philippians 2:4-8 says,

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

In his humble, loving sacrifice, Jesus set before us the perfect example of loving others. God might not call all of us to physically die for the sakes of others, but he absolutely leads us to a lifestyle of dying to self that we might live for the kingdom of God. Loving others always requires sacrifice. The gift of love is never free. But in pursuing a lifestyle of looking to the interests of others we’ll discover an eternal purpose more fulfilling than any fruit selfishness could produce.

Often, in reading or hearing exhortations centered around serving others, I find myself feeling more and more weighed down. I know that I’m called to love people. I know that I’m called to give of myself. And in response to these emotions I typically engage in a few more activities, find myself empty and burnt out, and subsequently give up on the notion of living sacrificially. But after years of going through this cycle I realized that I was giving, not from a place of love, but out of coercion. I was giving, not as a response to receiving the unconditional love of my heavenly father, but to earn the affection of a Christian community that often admires actions over motives.

But we serve a God who looks at the heart. The call of God on our lives to love others well is designed to flow from a place of fullness and satisfaction. God doesn’t ask us to give what we don’t have. If you’re not in a place of health and abundance, the first step is to ask for the leadership of the Holy Spirit in how he wants to shepherd you to a place of restoration and rejuvenation. The world doesn’t need burnt-out givers. God doesn’t ask us to die to ourselves if we don’t have life to begin with.

God has amazing plans to use you to further his kingdom today. And those plans are filled with acts of love and sacrifice. But before you can love others, you need to know that you are loved. Before you can sacrifice for others, you need to know that Jesus sacrificed for you to a far greater measure than you could ever hope to reciprocate. And in response to God’s love and sacrifice, ask him for ways you can love others well. Create boundaries in your life in which you can consistently give of yourself. Seek to look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.

May you find profound joy and purpose in loving others today in response to God’s great love for you.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s unconditional love and overwhelming sacrifice.

“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10

2. Reflect on God’s call for you to love and sacrifice for others as a response to his example.

“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” 1 John 3:16

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:4-8

3. In what ways can you love someone well today? Who is God calling you to sacrifice for? In what ways can you give of yourself for the sakes of others? Journal any people or actions who come to mind and commit to the Lord to see them through in his grace.

Inward abundance and rest aren’t always necessarily marked by the emotions of happiness or a feeling of energy. Sometimes God asks us to give even when we’re weary. Just as Paul walked back into Lystra after being stoned to continue sharing the gospel, we have to get up after being knocked down. Inward abundance is living with an unshakable and unbroken sense of God’s love. It’s experiencing transcendent joy that can only come from a God whose goodness surpasses the quality of our circumstances. If you will seek to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit you will know when it’s time to rest and time to act. You will know when it’s time to retreat with him and time to go out. His leadership will not fail you and his grace will always sustain you. Inquire of the Lord today and discover both restoration and purpose in his steadfast love.

Extended Reading: 1 John 3

 Walk into the Presence of God This Christmas

By Meg Bucher

“Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22 NLT

Sincerity is a beautiful quality. Defined as “freedom from deceit, hypocrisy, or duplicity; honesty in intention or in communicating; earnestness.” God’s intention through Christ Jesus was birthed of sincere love for us. Christmas reminds us of His arrival on earth. He humbled Himself, was born as a human baby, and fully experienced what it was like to walk in our shoes. “The Word became human and made his home among us,” the apostle John wrote of Jesus, “He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”  (John 1:14 NLT) 

Jesus was sincere and genuine. The author of Hebrews gives us a powerful word on how to make sure the countenance of our hearts is sincere and genuine, too! We find accountability in the Word:

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” Hebrews 4:12 NLT

With sincere hearts, we can boldly come right into the presence of God. His sincerity sees us long before we turn to Him, and he delights when we genuinely come to Him. 

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By His death, Jesus opened up a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place.” Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT

We walk into the presence of God by the sacrifice of our Savior, Christ Jesus, our “great High Priest who rules over God’s house.” (Hebrews 10:21 NLT) Jesus, who genuinely meets us in our suffering and in our celebrations. Sincerely, He came to accomplish His Father’s will …to make a way for us. God’s love for us is real, deep, genuine, and sincere. This Christmas, walk into the presence of God.

Intersecting Faith and Life:

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:23-25 NLT 

The reality of Jesus’ sacrifice is the blessing we get to live in today! Guilt and shame do not come from the Lord. He is not out to trick us or hide anything from us. He is right here, right now, with us. He loves us with a powerful sincerity which defeated death itself. “We have significant privileges associated with our new life in Christ,” the Life Application Bible explains, 

“(1) We have personal access to God through Christ and can draw near to him without an elaborate system (10:22); 
(2) we can grow in faith, overcome doubts and questions, and have deepening relationships with God (10:23); 
(3) we can inspire and cheer one another on as believers (10:24); and 
(4) we can worship together (10:25).” 

As we celebrate the first tiny cries of Christ, born in Bethlehem, let’s embrace the gift of sincerity this Christmas, and walk into the presence of God. 

Let's pray:

Father,
Praise You for Christmas. For the sincerity of Your love for us, to send Your one and only Son, Jesus, to earth …not just to sacrifice His life for us …but to live and breath as we do. Thank You, Jesus, for taking on humanity so that You could genuinely relate to our plight on a daily basis. We love You so much for who You are, and what You have done and continually do for us. Christmas reminds of You, Jesus, but everyday You are near. May our lives shine as brightly as the star which led the wisemen to You, Jesus, and bring glory and honor to God. Let Your will for our lives be the way we choose to walk, Father. 

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Further Reading 

• Isaiah 49:2
• Ephesians 6:7
• 1 Peter 1:23

Why We Need Forgiveness..Sue Schlesman

 Why We Need Forgiveness

By Sue Schlesman

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

How do you know when your spiritual slate has been wiped clean? What if you haven’t said the right words? What if you’re not truly convinced you needed to ask for forgiveness in the first place? And how do you even know if forgiveness works?

Thankfully, the Bible fully explains the importance of forgiveness and the process for gaining forgiveness from God.

Forgiveness from God is essential for relationship with God.

Because God is holy, He cannot be in relationship with sin. When we live with unconfessed and unforgiven sin, we are unholy. But when we confess and turn from our sin ( 1 John 1:9), God forgives us. Jesus’ death on the cross made Him the substitute for the punishment we deserve ( 1 Peter 2:24). Therefore, God sees Jesus instead of our sin ( 2 Corinthians 5:21) when we repent. Until we confess our sins to God and ask Jesus to be our Savior, we will never fully experience God’s forgiveness ( Romans 10:13).

Forgiveness of others is essential for forgiveness from God.

Admitting our sins before God and getting His forgiveness might be easier than from people with whom we have conflicts. But God says that forgiving others is mandatory if we want forgiveness from Him ( Matthew 6:14-15). If we won’t forgive other people, God won’t hear our prayers ( Psalm 66:18).

Forgiveness from God doesn’t require anybody else doing anything for you.

Salvation by Jesus Christ gives every believer direct access to God. Jesus taught His disciples to pray directly to God in Matthew 6:9-15. You don’t need to be anywhere special or do anything special. It doesn’t even matter if the person you apologize to apologizes back. Forgiveness is a personal transaction between you and God Almighty.

So how do you ask God to forgive you? Is there anything too horrible for God to forgive? Well, King David was called “a man after God’s own heart,” and he stole a man’s wife, got her pregnant, and killed her husband. We’re talking adultery at best (and rape at the worst), plus murder. Paul killed and tortured Christians before repenting and becoming the world’s greatest missionary. You can be forgiven, also. Read David’s prayers of confession and notice his confidence in God’s forgiveness in Psalm 32 and Psalm 51.

Nothing feels better than rebuilding a severed relationship with God or another person. Confession and forgiveness can erase anger, despondency, hurt, bitterness, depression, vengeance, and anxiety. All it takes is a little humility and courage.

A Prayer to Let Things Go..Laura Bailey

 A Prayer to Let Things Go

By Laura Bailey

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 NIV

Recently I had the rare treat of grabbing dinner with some of my closest girlfriends. We began discussing our upcoming holiday plans. Within minutes the topic of in-laws, family tension, and general dread over getting together with relatives in the upcoming weeks was brought up. 

Even in the best circumstances, familial relations can be difficult to navigate. Dynamics can change yearly with new additions, such as a recent marriage or a baby's birth. Or perhaps your family feels the strain from the absence of a beloved patriarch or matriarch. While not always avoidable, relationship tension can be managed or at least subdued.

I’ll admit, I can easily get my feathers ruffled, especially regarding family. I perceive every slight, often take things the wrong way, and typically assume the worse in family members. Complaining to my husband about a last-minute change in holiday plans, my daughter, who I didn’t know was in the other room, piped up, “ Mom, just do like you tell me; let it go!” Welp, I wish I could relive those last five minutes. Had she just heard my whining and griping about something I knew deep down wasn’t a big deal? Nonetheless, she was right; I just needed to let it go.

While this instance shouldn’t have stirred me up, there are times when it may be appropriate to politely, without anger, speak up. When plans don’t work with our family’s schedule, we don’t have completely adjust our calendar, we can gently inquire if there is another date that would work for everyone.

When our family members bring up topics that create strife and discord, we can politely suggest avoiding those subjects and transitioning the conversation. When our in-laws ask a question about a food choice, child’s clothing, or the decision to stay in a hotel over their house, we can assume they are just inquiring, not knit-picking our decisions.

Paul knew that it was impossible for humans to avoid conflict, nor should we. Healthy conflict is good for a relationship; airing our grievances and talking through issues that causes irritation or hurt feelings helps to strengthen bonds. However, we must be diligent in guarding our words, protecting our hearts, and carefully thinking before we speak. 

 Paul gives us two stipulations in Romans 12:18. “ if possible,” and “as it depends on you,” living at peace with everyone means we have a choice. Sometimes that means we say nothing, ignore slights, and actively let things go for the sake of peace. It’s not just around the holiday table, but all year long, to our relatives, the family of believers, and unbelievers.

As you trim the tree, wrap the gifts, and celebrate the Christmas season, let’s do our part to share peace on earth. 

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, we humbly come before you, asking that you forgive us when we fall short. You offer us unlimited grace, abundant mercy, and unwavering love; thank you. Thank you for your son, Jesus, His death and resurrection making way for us to be redeemed. We are filled with hope as we eagerly await the return of your Son; when all will be made new, we will be glorified, and the effects of sin will be gone!

Lord, thank you for the family, both by blood and through Christ, you have placed in our lives. Guide our conversations, convict us when we’ve wronged others, and help us to guard our speech. Let us do nothing out of selfish ambition but think of others more than ourselves, looking to the perfect example in Christ Jesus. We ask that the Holy Spirit work in our lives as we assume the best in people and let the words of our mouths and actions align with someone who professes to be a follower of Christ. 

Should our feelings be hurt, our preferences overlooked, and our opinions ignored, let us forgive quickly, turning the other cheek. Let us choose the path to peace, no matter the cost to our personal pride. Help us to apologize when we’ve wronged others swiftly. May we remember that our Father in Heaven sees all, and You are just, and you will avenge and judge rightly. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Hail the Incarnate Deity..Charles R. Swindoll

 Hail the Incarnate Deity

Charles R. Swindoll

On that still winter's night, something was up... something extraordinary... something supernatural. The shepherds raced to the City of David and found their Savior, just as the angel had said... swaddled and lying in a feeding trough. This was the Promised One, the Messiah! God had finally come to dwell with His people, but in such an unexpected way.

Just who was this holy Child the shepherds gazed upon? Make no mistake: He was incarnate deity. The newborn Jesus existed in eternity past as God the Son. He was coequal, coeternal, and coexistent with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. However, Jesus relinquished the privileges and the pleasures of His existence in heaven when He took upon Himself the limitations of humanity (Philippians 2:6-7). In emptying Himself, Jesus voluntarily set aside the prerogatives and prerequisites of life as He had known it, an existence He had enjoyed; He released His right to that kind of life, saying to the Father, "I will go."

Go where? To Bethlehem. He took "the form of a bond-servant, and [was] made in the likeness of men." Allow yourself to picture what the shepherds saw. There He is, the baby. Do you see His ten fingers and ten toes? His button nose? Can you hear the cries? There's humanity. In this holy infant is the beginning of an earthly life. Look deep into His eyes and see the beginning of life itself.

Later, this divine man, completely unique in His nature and in the perfect life that He lived, "humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Isn't that amazing? Of all ways to die, He died on a cross—the most humiliating and painful kind of death.

God the Son lowered Himself. He took on the flesh of an infant. He died a humiliating death. As a result, God the Father "highly exalted Him." One day, all will bow in worship of the risen Lord, "to the glory of God the Father."

It's all about His glory. What a plan. What an execution. What a perfect, awesome wrapping! The God-man. Jesus is undiminished deity and true humanity, two distinct natures in one person, forever. That's the baby in the manger!

See Isaiah 7:14 and Philippians 2:5-11.

The baby in the manger is undiminished deity and true humanity, two distinct natures in one person, forever.