Solitude with Emmanuel..Craig Denison Ministries

 Solitude with Emmanuel

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

The Christmas season is a powerful and unique time of year to remember that Jesus came to make a way for us to be near God. In his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus built a bridge between us and God allowing us to have continual, unhindered communion with our Creator. But God can’t force us into nearness with him. Even as believers filled with the Holy Spirit, we can choose to live as if God is still far off. So this Christmas season, may we choose to open our hearts to the living God that we might experience fullness of joy in his loving presence.

Scripture:

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Devotional:

One of the greatest privileges of the Christian faith is solitude with God. Engaging in solitude with our Creator is a life-giving celebration of his heart. Our God isn’t after what we can do for him. He’s not after fixing us. He’s all about having us. He’s all about being with his people in restored, unhindered relationship.

Isaiah 7:14 prophesies about the birth of Christ saying, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Immanuel means, “God with us.” How amazing is it that the King of heaven and earth would desire to be called “God with us” and that our Creator would want to be known as one who would write himself into the story of his creation in such a way as to be tangibly, truly present.

When we take time to get alone with the Father apart from any other agenda, to simply open our hearts and be with him, we declare to ourselves and to God that our lives are centered around him. When we make space to hold off on questions (and reading, learning, and growing) to simply rest in his nearness, we discover that God is far better and far more loving than we ever could have guessed.

Solitude with God is a place of abundant joy. It’s a place of peace and encounter that no other spiritual discipline can bring. It’s a source of perspective and freedom in times typically marked by frivolous pursuits and stress. And it’s a cornerstone of Christian spirituality: a pursuit of God that casts aside every ulterior motive to simply and purely be with God.

John 1:14 says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” The heart of Jesus is marked by grace and truth. He sees you as you are. He knows exactly what you need. Take time to discover the grace of God to speak to you as you simply open your heart and listen. Trust in his perfect love and leadership by sitting at his feet and letting him say everything, or nothing at all. Fix your eyes on Jesus today and enjoy the simplicity of solitude. May your heart be filled with peace and joy as you encounter Emmanuel, God with us.

Guided Prayer:

1. Begin a time of solitude by meditating on the availability of God’s presence.

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!” Psalm 139:7-8

2. Take time to receive the presence of God. Sometimes it helps me to take deep breaths as a symbol for breathing in the presence of God and breathing out all my cares and weights.

“Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” Genesis 2:7

3. Rest in the nearness of Jesus. Decide not to ask questions or wonder about the things going on in your life. Instead, simply enjoy the goodness of God.

“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” Mark 1:35

One of the greatest markers in my life for how I’m doing is how consistently I am getting time to simply enjoy God. Loving and being loved by God is foundational to every other aspect of the Christian life. It’s only in experiencing God’s love that I can effectively love others. It’s only in enjoying God that I am able to fully enjoy family and friends. Sometimes the simplest of things are the most powerful. May your heart be light today as you find joy in the simplicity of solitude.

Extended Reading: Psalm 139

O Holy Night..Gina Smith

 O Holy Night

By Gina Smith

"For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God." (Romans 8:19-21)

Christmas time can be a hard time of year. I love buying gifts and spending time with the people I love, but often find myself struggling during the Christmas season. There is the absence of three of our four parents who have passed away, my 86-year-old mom who isn’t able to travel very much anymore, children who are married and have plans elsewhere, the dear friend who is facing Christmas without her husband of 50 years, my brother-in-law who was just diagnosed with cancer, and the young mom friend whose husband passed suddenly. The sadness of these circumstances is magnified during this season, in which we put so much effort into establishing and maintaining familiar routines.

“If you are suffering this Christmas, you have far more in common with Jesus than the comfortable and contented.” - Vaneetha Rendall Risner

This year, the realities of life are causing me to move into the holiday season thoughtfully and soberly. The idealistic picture of Christmas that used to hang in the back of my mind has blown away with the winds of change. Somewhere along the way, I became tired of fighting to make it something it could never really be.

When my children were young, I focused on three things during the holidays: Making sure they knew that Christmas is about the birth of Christ, establishing family traditions, and making memories. I often tried to open my little ones' eyes to truths that only God can cause them to see and make real in their hearts. Time has taught me that, although we may have some fun Christmas memories, what truly made a lasting impact was the authentic living that was done within the walls of our home, along with the unseen, one-day-at-a-time work that God was doing.

There is a type of knowing that comes with years of living as each year builds on the last. God slowly opened our eyes to truth and allowed us to experience the joy and pain of change. Since Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Christ, it’s okay that all the hype during the holidays becomes somewhat meaningless. It’s okay to enter quietly and feel the sadness of the realities and the changes that have occurred. The losses, deaths, sickness, and suffering that are present are merely reminders of why we so desperately need a Savior and why Jesus was born in the first place.

The Thrill of hope. The weary world rejoices!
The birth of Jesus is a celebration because it is the reason we can experience JOY even when we are weary! I am moving into this Christmas season feeling weary, and I am spending a lot of time on my knees fighting the battle in my heart and mind. I have been crying out to Him with a heavy heart, fighting to see things from His perspective. I am reminded of this:

Christ was born for one purpose: To die for the sins of people who rebelled because they thought God and his plan wasn’t enough. They wanted more.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
The Christmas season can be a struggle because the stark realities of life don’t take a holiday break! But we can tune in to the beautiful Christmas hymns we sing yearly and be reminded that we can have JOY! There are days I do have to fight to find joy in the moment, but in the end, it is there. I just need to focus on the reason He came. And wearily rejoice that He was born.

Let’s pray:
Father, It was truly a glorious night when your Son was born. Even the angels rejoiced! The entire world was given a King, and You granted us eternal salvation when Your Son died for our sins. Help me to be reminded that I can have true, biblical joy despite my circumstances if I choose to focus on the truths found in this hymn! 

“A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn…”

O Holy Night 

O Holy night!
The stars are brightly shining.
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'Til He appears and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the Angels' voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night, O Holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the Wise Men from Orient land
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend

Truly He taught us to love one  another;
His law is love and His Gospel is Peace
Chains shall He break,  for the slave is our brother
And in His  name,  all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us Praise His Holy name
Christ is the Lord; O praise His name forever!
His power and glory evermore proclaim
His power and glory evermore proclaim

What Does “Immanuel” Mean? ..Meg Bucher

 What Does “Immanuel” Mean? (Matthew 1:23)

By Meg Bucher

“They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”).” Matthew 1:23 (MSG)

When the angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, he learned that Mary was "with child through the Holy Spirit" and would give birth to a son named "Immanuel" (Matthew 1:18 Matthew 1:23). "Immanuel" is a Hebrew word meaning "God with us" and expresses the wonder of the incarnation, that God "became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (John 1:14). Immanuel explains how God came for us, is here with us, and is coming back for us through Jesus. Jesus appeased the ardent anticipation of our hearts. The questions have been answered. The gaps have been filled. Hope is available for the world to receive.

Christmas Presents vs. the Presence of Immanuel

“Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret.” Mark 7:24

In a world where everyone has access to us, it can be a blessing to go unnoticed. Jesus knew the peace woven into the observatory silence of slipping through a crowd or standing at the back of a room. He was not an audience seeker, yet people followed Him by the droves.

When the busyness of the holiday seasons threatens to derail our perspective, we can reset our agendas by sitting in His presence. Make time to seek Him in Scripture. The best way to lose Christmas spirit is to make it all about what we’re getting and giving. Focus on the right Gift ignites the Spirit of Christmas.

A present is something presented, while presence represents the part of space within one’s immediate vicinity (Merriam-Webster). How many Christmas presents do we forget about, return, or get rid of each year? Christ’s presence is always available and applicable to our lives.

“That’s not fair!!!!!!!” My youngest daughter wailed. “You got a Lego girl the last time you opened up a square …that’s NOT FAIR!!!!”

Their argument over an Advent gift I’d given them to share put the never-enough nature of humanity on display. In the thick of presents about to hit many homes; and the dread of those who don’t have gifts to give; it’s vital to pull the true light of Christmas into focus.

Matthew 1:23, the first of many verses that connect the Old Testament with the new, fulfilled a verse written approximately 800 years earlier!  The treasures tucked inside spanned an eighth-century gap, until God whispered, “it’s time.”

Isaiah, whose name means “the Lord saves,” penned, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14 NIV). Matthew, whose name means “gift of the Lord,” recorded his words within 50-70 AD: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’)” (Matthew 1:23 NIV).

How does the Lord save? Through the gift of Jesus. We’re not always assured the final witness to inspired words. A sign normally fulfilled within a few years took 800, unraveling the scope of God’s timing.  

Does it feel off-putting to revolve an entire season around door-buster deals?  Beyond ancestral traditions and surrounding customs, the Creator of our souls seeks to spend time with us. Our minds will remain elusively angst until we seek the proof we need to believe and unlock our hearts. Presents don’t fulfill human hearts; souls are satisfied by the presence of Jesus. Savior. Immanuel.

A Prayer to Remember the Afflicted This Holiday Season..Lynette Kittle

 A Prayer to Remember the Afflicted This Holiday Season

By Lynette Kittle

“Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering" - Hebrew 13:3

During the holidays, probably more than any other time of the year, people are drawn to remember and help those who are suffering. At the same time, many struggle with thinking of those in dire situations, feeling guilty for enjoying festivities. So, how do we handle the suffering of others throughout the holidays? Is it okay to enjoy the festivities when so many in the world are suffering? How do we remember individuals being mistreated and still celebrate with our family, friends, and community?

As Christians, we know God is close to the brokenhearted, to those who are suffering (Psalm 34:18). He doesn’t forget them in their distresses, nor ever leaves or forsake them even in the darkest, deepest pits of despair (Hebrews 13:5). At the burning bush, God revealed to Moses His heart for those who suffer. “The Lord said, ‘I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering” (Exodus 3:7).

If you’ve ever wondered if God sees the misery, hears the cries, and is concerned with suffering, the answer is ‘yes.’ Still, it’s hard for us to understand how such a loving, compassionate, and giving God could ever even allow any suffering in the world.

When Suffering Entered the World
Adam’s sin brought suffering to all humans. Sadly, ever since then, the world has been a place of suffering with no one escaping it. Romans 5:12 explains, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people because all sinned.”

Not even Jesus escaped suffering and is often referred to as the “Suffering Servant.” Suffering is a result of sin entering the world, yet some, like Job’s friends (Job 1-42), saw it as God’s punishment. True, many do suffer consequences from their own sins, but Jesus, who was sinless, suffered to the point of physical death. His suffering was willingly, and for our sake, to break the power of sin’s curse over our lives. Although most of us usually don’t willingly invite suffering into our lives, becoming more like Jesus usually involves suffering at some level. So, if or when it comes, how do we respond?

How to Respond to Suffering
Even in suffering, we are called to trust God and seek to do His will. 1 Peter 4:19 urges, “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” Because God remembers those who are suffering, it’s on His heart. As He cares for those in distress, He calls us to remember them, too, as if we are right there suffering with them. Although our suffering experiences may not compare to or be at the same depth or level as theirs, our hearts are kept softened when we remember and pray as God leads us.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Father,
Because there are so many in the world suffering today, we ask for Your help in remembering them in our thoughts and prayers. We thank You and praise You, dear Lord, for never leaving or forsaking them (Hebrews 13:5), especially in their distress, offering each one Your comfort and strength in their suffering.

We are grateful for your faithfulness and nearness to those afflicted and cast down this holiday season. Thank you for Your presence with the countless individuals caught in the middle of wars, genocides, persecutions, imprisonment, and more. We ask for your divine protection over their hearts, minds, and bodies, sending Your word to heal and deliver them from destruction (Psalm 107:20) and to relieve their suffering by encouraging, uplifting, and refreshing their hearts.

Lord, help us to remember them. Let us willingly keep our hearts tender toward them and what they are going through. Although we may not understand the depth of someone’s suffering, let us be compassionate, caring, generous, and prayerful toward them at this time of the year and all year long.

Father, move upon our hearts and minds to reach out to them in ways that will encourage, sustain, and refresh them during the darkest of days.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Essential Message of Christmas..Greg Laurie

 The Essential Message of Christmas

Greg Laurie

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name ‘Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.’ ” —Matthew 1:23

At this time of the year, we say, “Merry Christmas.” I prefer that to “Happy Holidays,” but I don’t get confrontational about it. Instead, I want to be gracious. After all, Christmas isn’t always a happy time for everyone. For someone who has lost their job, this is not the most wonderful time of the year, because so much emphasis is placed on a merry Christmas being a materialistic one.

There are also those who have lost loved ones. I am one of those people, and things that once made me happy at this time of year now make me sad. Those things that once brought happiness are now things that bring sadness, because they evoke memories of times we spent together. Therefore, Christmas becomes a difficult time for some.

There are many who are in need of encouragement at this time of year. They don’t need a Christmas present; they need His Christmas presence. They need to be reminded of what this season is all about. It is not about things. It is not about presents.

These things have their place, but we need to remember the essential message of Christmas, which is Immanuel—God is with us. And for the hurting person, the lonely person, the sorrowing person, this is the time of year to bring the gift of encouragement to them and say, “The message of Christmas is: God will be with you. God will help you. God will strengthen you.”

So look for opportunities to share the love of God during this season, because it is a time when we seem to be more open to engaging in conversation with others. Now is a great opportunity for you to bring encouragement to someone who is struggling. Who needs your encouragement today?

Sensitivity in Busyness..Craig Denison Ministries

 Sensitivity in Busyness

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

The Christmas season is a powerful and unique time of year to remember that Jesus came to make a way for us to be near God. In his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus built a bridge between us and God allowing us to have continual, unhindered communion with our Creator. But God can’t force us into nearness with him. Even as believers filled with the Holy Spirit, we can choose to live as if God is still far off. So this Christmas season, may we choose to open our hearts to the living God that we might experience fullness of joy in his loving presence.

Scripture:

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17

Devotional:

In Ephesians 5:15-17 Paul writes, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Do you ever feel like your days are evil? Do you ever feel like the busyness of your life rules you?

Society today loves busyness. We love to fill our plates to the brim and find purpose in what we’re doing rather than why we’re doing it. We speak ill of our own lives, as if we have no choice in the ways we spend our time. We talk about how church, work, family, and friends all pull from us as if the word “no” didn’t exist. And the season of Christmas can be even worse! With finishing work up to be able to take time off and the stress of family, parties, and expectations, Christmas can be one of the busiest times of the year.

Maybe God would have you set better boundaries this season. Or maybe he would have you do everything you’re doing. Only you and the Holy Spirit can know. But regardless of how busy you are, the key to walking in the joy and peace of God is sensitivity.

Even in the most rushed times of life, God is there, beckoning you to let him in to all your doing and feeling that you might do life with him. Even in difficult relationships and too much work, God has wisdom and truth for you that you might have a better perspective on life.

Through the power of the Spirit you can take ownership of your life. By God’s grace you can walk wisely and make every moment a chance to see God’s kingdom come both in your life and the lives of others. Your ears have been opened to the voice of God by the filling of the Spirit. Your nature as a believer is one filled and fed by the very presence of God. You have life within you, the glory of God manifest as the fruit of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Take time today to hear the voice of God. Find God’s heart that you might be sensitive to what he’s saying and where he’s leading, even in the busyness of today. May you find rest for your soul that transcends your circumstances as God fills your every moment with his loving-kindness.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the availability and importance of being sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17

2. What truth would God have you know today? What perspective would he give you on your life? Ask him for wisdom and vision. Take some time to listen to God. 

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5

3. Rest in the presence of God. Discover his nearness that you might stay connected to him throughout your day today.

“But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.” Psalm 73:28

God longs to be a refuge for you. He longs to be a shelter to which you can run when life overwhelms you from any and all fronts. He longs to speak peace over your heart when storms arise. He longs to wrap you up with wisdom and love that you might walk a path laid out before you by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Peace and joy are yours in the Spirit if you will grab hold of him today and trust him with all you are. May you be sensitive to who God is and all he’s doing—even in the midst of busyness.

Extended Reading: Psalm 91