Vision for Work..Craig Denison Ministries

 Vision for Work

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 the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!” Psalm 90:17

Devotional:

One of my favorite quotes on work comes from C. S. Lewis, who said, “If God is satisfied with the work, the work may be satisfied with itself.” So often I feel unsatisfied in my work. In the age of flexible work hours with never-ending task lists, it’s hard to believe that anyone can stop long enough to be satisfied in their work. And in a society where we are what we do, it feels like there is an ever-increasing pressure to work harder, longer, and better. To rest is laziness. To set healthy boundaries is selfish.

But the truth is that the core of boundaries is not selfishness, but stewardship. If we allow our personal lives to get so out of control that they constantly hurt our ability to accomplish the works laid out before us, then we have a problem with stewardship. And if we don’t set healthy boundaries around work to the extent it becomes all-consuming, then we fail to steward ourselves and our ability to love others. We need to get fresh vision for both rest and work. We need to seek a revelation of God’s heart for work that our lives would be marked by a sense of satisfaction.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Have you ever viewed yourself as God’s workmanship? Have you ever stopped to think that God designed you with a unique personality, a powerful set of strengths and abilities, and has an eternal purpose for you that you are perfectly designed for? God doesn’t create bad things. He doesn’t create without a purpose. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are created in Christ Jesus. You are a new creation, filled with the Holy Spirit, and anointed to see God’s kingdom come to earth.

If you’re lacking vision on what you are to do, look no further than the step in front of you. God has plans for you today that will lead you to tomorrow. He has work for you today that is both valuable in and of itself and will lead you to the next part of his perfect plans. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.” If your desire is to follow God’s will, you won’t miss it. So often we spend so much time trying to figure out what God wants us to do that we don’t do the very work he’s laid in front of us. We spend so much time worrying about what we are supposed to accomplish that we never accomplish anything. Absolutely there are times to get vision. Absolutely we are to inquire of the Lord. But rather than asking the Lord for his master plan, enjoy the work he’s set before you today. Create boundaries around your work that you might be effective and successful in it and experience the satisfaction of a job well done.

May the prayer of David in Psalm 90:17 be your prayer today as you enter into a time of guided prayer:

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on your identity as God’s workmanship, made new in Jesus.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

2. Do you have good boundaries set around your work? Are you valuing the work God’s set before you enough? Are you allowing work to seep into every other area of your life? Wherever you are, go to God and ask him how you can better steward your time and energy.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10

3. What work has God set before you to do today? Ask God for the vision and grace to accomplish it well. Take time to find rest and power in his presence.

I pray that as you go about your day today the Lord would reveal your uniqueness to you. I pray that you would find comfort and excitement in the fact that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. I pray that you would find courage in the truth that God has plans and purposes for your life that are unique to you. And I pray you would find power to both work and rest well that you and God might take a look at your day and find satisfaction in it. May your day be filled with the favor of God.

Extended Reading: Romans 12

When Life Takes a Drastic Turn..Lynette Kittle

 When Life Takes a Drastic Turn

By Lynette Kittle

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register”—Luke 2:1-3

As the holidays roll around this year, we may be finding ourselves in places we didn’t ever dream of being, doing work we didn’t plan on or ever want to do, feeling down and discouraged at where life has led us. How many of us planned and imagined our lives going in a specific direction, then suddenly and unexpectedly, we experienced our lives taking an unplanned turn?

Lately, unexpected job losses and business closures have thrown many of us for a loop, interfering with the goals we have been working towards for years, as well as shutting down the routes we were taking to get there. Suddenly, the direction many of us thought we were headed toward was closed, rerouted, and dramatically turned upside down toward another direction.

The First Christmas 
The First Christmas is a story of a couple whose plans in life were drastically redirected. Luke 2:4,5 explains, “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.”

Both Mary and Joseph found themselves in an unexpected situation at an inconvenient time, headed toward an unplanned destination. Being pregnant and unwed on an unforeseen journey most likely was not how they had hoped their life would begin together. Although both had the benefit of angelic visitations offering them direction and some understanding of the rerouting in their lives, it’s still a lot to process, even when willing to step out and go wherever God leads.

Best Plans Rerouted
Just like the government turned Joseph and Mary’s plans upside down by decreeing a census, there are authorities over us at times when it is outside our control to ignore, dictating the direction we must take at various times in our lives. As with Mary and Joseph, it seems in those times that higher authorities are having the final say in our plans. Yet God is often the One behind the path we have been directed to take. Like them, although it may have seemed like others were in control of their lives, behind it all was God’s will and His plan taking place and being accomplished.

Who Is Really Behind Our Redirection?
Although we like to believe we are the ones in charge of our lives, our steps are really not our own, as Proverbs 16:9 explains. “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

Like Mary and Joseph’s lives, it may feel at times like our whole world has been turned upside down, too. Whereas we may have envisioned ourselves doing things we always dreamed about doing, instead, we are working at a job that wasn’t even on our radar. Maybe we had high hopes of a house on the lake or a mountain cabin but find ourselves living in the most affordable location just to make ends meet and get by each month.

During times in our lives when it seems the direction we intended to take is being rerouted by outside influences and pressures, we want to step back and consider if, possibly, it’s really God changing our direction.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Where do you find yourself today? Are you right on track for the direction you planned on taking? Or, does it feel like life has led you astray, off in a different pathway than you had hoped or expected? No matter your current situation, ask God to reveal His will to you, the purposes behind your current track, and to show you where He is leading you in your life.

Why There’s No Such Thing as a Perfect Quiet Time..Betsy St. Amant Haddox

 Why There’s No Such Thing as a Perfect Quiet Time

By Betsy St. Amant Haddox

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. - James 4:8

Growing up in church, I often heard about “having a quiet time with God.” It seemed to consist of a list of abstract rules that included prayer and an open Bible and usually a devotional of some sort to guide you. But the perfect quiet time always seemed just out of reach. I figured once I got older, I’d be more consistent.

But then I became a wife and a mother, and realized I was even busier. The truth is, there’s no such thing as a perfect quiet time because there’s no such thing as a perfect person.

However, while it’s crucial to lay down condemnation and unrealistic expectations of perfection, it’s equally crucial to realize that time with God is to our benefit and to our family’s benefit. We’re better moms and dads, husband and wives, children and community members when we draw near to the Lord.

Here are a few tips to having a good—not perfect—quiet time!

1. Drop the expectations. Any effort is better than none at all. Stop judging yourself, because no one else is judging you. Go to the Lord however you can, for as long as you can.

2. Think quality, not quantity. There’s been many times that I’ve received more encouragement and conviction from a single verse, than from the times I sat down and read an entire chapter. God can work with just a little bit, trust me! His Word never returns void.

3. Remember that interruptions can be Divine Appointments. It’s tempting to snap at our kids when they ask for juice in the middle of our prayer time—but if we were just praying for patience, that might be the way God chooses to build it up in us. Sometimes, interruptions can be opportunities to minister to someone else around us, and that’s glorifying to the Lord.

4. Make the most of your “white space.” We all have white space in our day—when we’re in the shower, sitting in traffic or carpool line, waiting on kids to get out of school or ballet, waiting on the pasta to boil…take advantage of that space. Quote Scripture. Pray. Acknowledge the Lord and ask Him to reset your emotions and thoughts. Hum a worship song. You’d be surprised how those small efforts can keep you centered all day.

5. Journal your prayers or what the Lord reveals to you. If you write it down, it helps you focus, especially if you’re sleepy. Also, doing so provides an opportunity to go back and see how the Lord spoke to you. This will always fan the flame inside to want more!

Remember, perfect doesn’t exist outside of Jesus. Having a quiet time isn’t about perfectly following a list of rules or expectations, it’s about connecting with your Savior, fueling up for the day in the morning, or processing the day by night. It’s about worship and confession and conviction. It’s about relationship.

He loves you, and He’s waiting for you to come in all your imperfection.

A Prayer for Peace during the Holidays..Lynette Kittle

 A Prayer for Peace during the Holidays

By Lynette Kittle

“Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord! And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger’’ And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests’” - Luke 2:11-14

Peace is a high commodity these days. Desired by the masses, found by few. Often individuals believe if they can gather wealth, family, and a prominent position, peace will come. Yet most find that it is not something that comes through other people, possessions, or social status. Peace is not something we can create on our own or find in worldly endeavors. So how do we find true peace, and why does it seem so unattainable on our own and through our own efforts?

Where Does True Peace Come From?
Because of God’s great compassion and tenderhearted loving kindness toward us, He sent us a priceless gift and the true source of everlasting peace, knowing we could never gain it on our own. While the world cries out for peace and gathers leaders of the world to try to negotiate for it, true peace only comes through one person, Jesus. As the Prince of Peace, He is the only person to ever walk on worldly soil who has the power to bring peace on earth.

As Isaiah 9:6 describes Him before His birth, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Because He is the only source of true peace in the world, He promises us, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).

Peace That Chases Fear Away
The peace Jesus brought to earth calms our heart and chases every fear away. Our hearts no longer have to be troubled by the evil taking place in the world today. When the peace of God is present in our lives, fear cannot consume us or stand-up against it but must back down; it must leave us alone when we trust and take refuge in Him.

Psalm 91:4 describes the security we experience when we find our peace in God. “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings, you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

As well, Proverbs 3:24-26 explains some of the blessings and benefits we receive through remaining in His peace. “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet. Do not fear sudden danger or the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare.”

Let’s pray:

Dear Father,
Although the world is in chaos, with confusion, unrest, and fear, unraveling more and more with each coming day, You, O Lord, are steadfast and faithful, the One I can always turn to find true peace. So today, I’m turning towards You, asking for Your peace to fill my heart and mind. Help me to look towards You rather than today’s headlines.

When fear tries to arise within me, let your peace chase every fearful thought away from my heart. Help me not to be anxious about anything but in every situation, to turn to You with prayer, petition, and thanksgiving with my requests, so that Your peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6,7).

Thank you, Father, for promising to keep me in perfect peace when my mind is steadfast and trusts in You (Isaiah 26:3). Help me, Lord, each and every day to be secure in Your care over my life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

SHOW YOUR JOY TO THE WORLD..Karen Ehman

 SHOW YOUR JOY TO THE WORLD

by Karen Ehman

“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the LORD’s praise, for he has been good to me.” Psalm 13:5-6 (NIV)

When you think of the phrase, “Christmas is coming!” … what sort of emotion does it evoke?

It might be any one of these:

Panic: I only have three more Saturdays of shopping before Christmas. I’m never going to get it all done!

Frustration: Ugh. There are so many activities this month. We are going to be running all over the place with very little time to just be together as a family at home, enjoying each other’s company.

Regret: Why did I say we’d host the family get-together? Now I have to straighten and scrub this place from top to bottom AND make the dessert I signed up to provide, as if I didn’t already have enough to do this month.

Envy: I noticed on Facebook the gorgeous holiday decorations my co-worker has in her home. They look like they are straight from an HGTV Christmas special. Our place looks like we bought ours from the clearance bin at the local secondhand store.

So many sentiments can invade our hearts and minds. But these emotions don’t stay there.

Often, they weasel their way into our behavior. We appear distracted when talking with a friend. Our frustration morphs into hurry as we frantically try to get it all done. Our regret makes us a grumpy and ungracious hostess. Our envy leads to ungratefulness and can prevent us from experiencing the joy that should come from the whole reason for the celebration of Christmas in the first place.

Are these the attitudes we want on display during the month of December? Or should we choose the attitude reflected in the old familiar hymn, Joy to the World?

Joy.

The emotion that ought to be deeply experienced during the Christmas season — and, in turn, displayed in our behavior — should be joy. Today’s key verse states, “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the LORD’s praise, for he has been good to me.”

This verse declares that our reaction to the salvation God freely offers — which began when Jesus came into the world as a baby that very first Christmas — should be that rejoicing.

In this Old Testament verse, the word translated for rejoice actually means “to exult, to go about or to be excited to levity.” What a stark contrast to the emotions we usually display during the yuletide season!

But what if we tried to take our roller coaster of emotions to God, asking Him to replace them with joy instead? If we choose to consciously thank God for the indescribable gift of salvation through Jesus, perhaps we could learn to recapture the joy of Christmas. And not just to feel it in our hearts, but to go about during the season, excited to the point of levity, exulting God in the process.

The word exult means “to leap for joy,” and it’s usually connected with a triumph of some kind. Through Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection, He triumphed over death. We need not fear the future because of the miracle of Christmas. If we have responded to the gospel — the good news about Jesus offering us salvation — we too can experience a victory over the grave and dwell with God forever in heaven someday. What a reason to rejoice!

Today, let’s chase down some Christmas cheer. But not just keep it to ourselves. Parking our minds on the truth of salvation through Jesus helps us show joy to the world during the Christmas season. A spotless house and homemade fruitcake are optional.

Father, may my mind dwell this season on the incredible gift of salvation through Jesus that is the source of all joy in this life and the life to come. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Psalm 89:15-16, “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness.” (NIV)