New Beginnings..Craig Denison Ministries

 New Beginnings

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

As this year comes to a close, it’s vital that we take time to both reflect on what God has done and allow him to prepare us for what’s to come. A new year marks a fresh opportunity to center our lives around the goodness of God. I pray that as you begin looking toward what is to come you will make space to gain God’s perspective, ground your hopes and pursuits on his grace, and celebrate all that God has done and is doing. May your time with God this week be filled with the loving presence of your heavenly Father.

Scripture:

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’” Lamentations 3:22-24

Devotional:

A new year marks a new beginning: a time for the children of God to reground themselves in the love of the Father. God loves to use new seasons to remind us of his desire to continually make us new. From winter to spring we see that which appeared dead burst forth into beautiful arrays of God’s glorious work. And God longs for the same fresh start in our lives as he does for his creation. He longs to make things new as the new year begins.

Lamentations 3:22-24 says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’” We have hope in the steadfast love of God. His powerful love can make new all that needs restoration. God’s heart is to free you from that which weighs you down and robs you of the abundant life Jesus came to bring you.

With this year coming to a close and a new year fast approaching, it’s time for us to gain perspective on that which needs rebirth. Whatever sin has entangled you this year does not have to gain victory over you in the next. Whatever lie you’ve believed that’s wrecked your emotions, thoughts, and actions does not have to win the battle over your mind next year. Whatever wound or disappointment that has hurt you can be healed and reborn to empower you for that which is to come.

God’s heart is to meet you where you are today. He longs to meet you at your greatest point of weakness and pain and wrap you up in his love. He longs for you to know he is with you, for you, and will walk with you into newness of life. “His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23). God has limitless, powerful grace for you today. Run to him with your sin. Run to him with your failures and struggles. Run to him with the pain of others’ words that he might speak his healing truth over you.

Your heavenly Father loves you and is for you. He has new beginnings in store for you. But just as a tree needs fresh sunlight, warmth, and rain to bear fruit again, you need the refreshing rain of God’s grace and the warmth of his steadfast love to be made new. You can’t do it on your own. You weren't made to do it on your own. All you need for a new beginning is wholly available in the arms of your loving Father. Open up your heart to him today and receive the newness of life he paid the highest price to give.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s desire and ability to lead you to a new beginning. Reflect on his power over sin, his heart to comfort, and his ability to shepherd.

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

“For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:17

2. Where do you need a new beginning? What sin do you need freedom from? What wound do you need healed? Where do you need new life?

3. Run to God with your sin, pain, failures, and frustrations and open your heart to receive his powerful presence. Ask him to show you the path to victory over sin. Ask him to reveal his plan for healing your wounds. Rest in his loving arms today and allow his presence to be enough.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

Oftentimes the road to a new beginning is wrought with a host of mistakes and defeats. But know that to continue on the path side by side with the Holy Spirit is a victory in itself. Don’t give up on new life. Seek the fullness of God’s goodness with all your might. Allow him to help you, forgive you, and strengthen you along the way. He will be faithful to shepherd you into all his wonderful plans. All you have to do is follow his leadership and enjoy his nearness. May you find comfort and hope in the powerful presence of your loving Father today.

Extended Reading: Psalm 23

Patient Parenting..Meg Bucher

 Patient Parenting

By Meg Bucher

“Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly- not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.” - 1 Peter 5:2-3 NLT

Grudgingly described my slumped over shoulders, sullen expression, and inner frustration. There are not eyeballs big enough to roll at a teenager’s stubbornness. Nor is there a large enough supply of patience in human existence able to deep breathe through an irrational afternoon with one. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” But it doesn’t come with a guide on what to do when they argue with us about the way we are directing them. We know we are supposed to lead by example but become easily frustrated when they don’t follow.

Parenting is a life-time gig. One most of us are thrilled to embark on …until we’re not. Everyday does not scroll along like a perfectly filtered social media story. In the slumped over the counter and deep breathing moments, God has a supernatural supply of patience and grace to strengthen us. Thankfully, we don’t have to rely on our own bountiful mercy to parent our children. 

Watch over them willingly, today’s verse says. Jesus said, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for it’s own.” (Matthew 6:34 NLT) Each child is created by God with a specific purpose. Sometimes, it helps to detach ourselves from taking the credit for who, and Whose they are. Jesus said, 

“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full- pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” (Luke 6:38 NLT) 

When the slumped over the counter conversations have us churning inside, we can default to simple obedience to God. It helps to detach from the emotional offense teens so easily sling in our direction, and remember we are the adults. A great friend of mine told me, “don’t get on the roller coaster with them.” But …it’s …so …hard. Please don’t feel like a failed parent when the ride photos show the evidence of our very human breaking points. Remain eager to serve the Lord willingly, wherever He has us …even in frustrating parenting moments. 

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Put the following verses into practice in everyday live. Write each one on a notecard, and rotate through them each day. Insert personal pronouns and names into the verses, and trust the Lord to be there in every situation, everyday, with the wisdom we need to get through each one. 

Proverbs 14:29: People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. 

Romans 12:12: Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

1 Corinthians 13:4: Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud.

Galatians 6:9: So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Ephesians 4:2: Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.

1 Thessalonians 5:14b: Be patient with everyone. 

Colossians 3:12: Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

1 Timothy 1:16: But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.

Prayer
Father, Your mercies are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness. Help us to parent with patience. Let these rich and encouraging truths equip us to serve the flock You have entrusted to us with patience and care. 
In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Further Reading

• Psalm 127:3-5
• Deuteronomy 6:6-9

4 Ways Joy Enriches Our Lives..Lynette Kittle

 4 Ways Joy Enriches Our Lives

By Lynette Kittle

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’”- Luke 2:10

Growing up I loved singing the song, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy down in my heart” and shouting “where” after each stanza. It was a favorite song choice in Sunday school and Wednesday night services because it’s just fun to sing.

Psalm 100:1 encourages us to “make a joyful noise to the Lord” and singing it really did bring joy to my heart. Although just a simple child’s song, it conveys the kind of deep joy that comes from the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Below are 4 ways this joy enriches our lives 

1. Joy Overtakes Sorrow

Joy has the power to overtake mourning and groaning as written in Isaiah 35:1, “Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighting will flee away.”

The Bible is full of stories of individuals who faced hardships, suffering, and loss. Yet Scripture tells us how God gives everlasting joy to crown our heads and wipe away grief and sadness (Isaiah 51:11). And Psalm 126:5 assures that, “those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.”

The joy God brings is able to take away the deepest sorrow.

2. Joy Gives Strength

Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. As we rejoice before God, joy comes (Psalm 68:3) strengthening, uplifting, and refreshing us.

Scripture describes, too, how God takes great delight in us, how He shouts for joy and rejoices with singing over us (Zephaniah 3:17).

3. Joy Cultivates Growth

James 1:1-2 encourages us to consider it pure joy when we encounter various trials.

However, like me, I’m guessing most individuals don’t look at dealing with difficulties as a source of joy. Still, God urges us to take on a joyful attitude in facing challenges because when we do, we will grow in perseverance, which will lead us to maturity, completeness, and a confidence of being complete in Christ (James 1:3,4).

Choosing joy during trying times produces benefits far more valuable than the wear and tear experienced.

4. Joy Produces Generosity

2 Corinthians 8:2 describes how in the midst of a very severe trial, the churches in Macedonia experienced “overflowing joy.” Scriptures describes how even in an atmosphere of extreme poverty, this joy produced a rich generosity among them.

The theme of many Christmas movies is the story of a hardened, stingy heart being softened and changed to a generous heart.

And it’s true! The joy God brings through His Good News changes hearts and lives during the holiday season and all year long.

A Prayer for God to Reach Out through My Words..Lynette Kittle

 A Prayer for God to Reach Out through My Words

By Lynette Kittle

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone”—Colossians 4:6

Lately, it seems I’ve been spending more time online or on the phone with customer service people concerning orders or delivery gone amiss. It can seem like a big waste of time to many, a chore that steals away our minutes and hours from our days chalked up as a time-consuming and frustrating experience for most.

However, as Christians, we know the people on the other end of the line or chat are real individuals like us who have a soul and an eternal future, whether in Heaven or Hell. So instead of saying negative, upsetting comments to them, we can choose a better option. A truth God doesn’t want me to lose sight of as a Christian is how my influence has the ability to extend even to customer service representatives.

So instead of my letting it feel like it’s taking so much time to straighten things out, God’s been showing me that it doesn’t have to be a draining, negative experience but rather an opportunity to reach out to individuals on the other end of my conversations.

Yet it’s still easy to underestimate how God can move and work in seemingly routine interactions with people we don’t even know. It’s wise to keep in mind how He is able to lead, guide, and connect us with just the right people to talk to in every situation, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem at the time.

What might be just another thing we have to deal with could be a turning point in another person’s life. Maybe not, but what if we approach every opportunity as a possible life-changing interaction? Too dramatic, some may think? Possibly but isn’t it better to err on thinking it may be a God opportunity rather than just a big waste of time?

There are so many things we don’t know about the other person we’re connecting and interacting with online or on a call, such as where they come from, what they’ve experienced in their life, do they have people who love and care about them, or even just how their day began.

These situations open the door for us to extend God’s kindness, forgiveness, and compassion. Although some people believe the squeaky wheel gets results. Romans 2:4 explains, "Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”

Let’s Pray: 

Dear Father,
Thank you that You are not slow in keeping Your promises to me but patient, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Because You are so patient with me, help me, Lord, today and every day to be patient with those I speak to in various situations, often conversations I may find inconvenient and disruptive to my daily schedule. So Father, please help me to “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

I ask for Your kindness, patience, and longsuffering to be present in my interactions with strangers on the other end of conversations rather than being curt and irritated. Help me, Lord, to let the light You put within me shine so brightly they will see it and be led to glorify You in Heaven (Matthew 5:16). If people misunderstand, discount my words, or even respond rudely to me, please let Your Holy Spirit lead and guide me in how to respond and what to say. I thank you because Luke 12:12 assures me, “For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

Also, Father, open my eyes to not miss an opportunity to encourage a customer service person through my words and attitude, even offering to say a brief prayer with them if led by your Spirit to do so. As Ephesians 6:18 urges, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Likewise, let me be open and ready to share Your truth as 2 Timothy 4:2 encourages, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” I look to you today to work within me to cleanse me from all unrighteousness and wrong attitudes to those I exchange words with on a daily basis. Like Psalm 51:2 directs, Lord "Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”

In Jesus’ name, Amen

Untangling Christmas Lights..Meg Bucher

 Untangling Christmas Lights

By Meg Bucher

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12 NIV

The frustration was audible before I stepped into the garage, and the delay evident by the lack of Christmas lights adorning the roofline. “These were expensive LED lights,” he exclaimed in frustration, “I just bought them last year and they are supposed to last ten years!”

The epic struggle to adorn the house in twinkling lights for the holidays isn’t tragic, but it can be frustrating. When we don’t get what we paid for, worked hard to accomplish, or get done in the time we allowed, our patience is tested! Far beyond the topic of exterior illumination for Christmastime are the struggles and heartaches that this season tends to drag to the surface.

In our homes, communities, and countries lie the scars and struggles of this harsh earthly life we are all wading through. As Christians and believers in Christ, we carry a flicker of light through all of the frustration and darkness. A hope that carries us through grief and hardship, especially when magnified by the holiday season.

In ancient Biblical times, Jewish tradition lit up the city of Jerusalem during festivals. Light signified positivity, and most importantly, Isaiah spoke of the Messiah that would be a light for all the nations. As the pillar of light led the Israelites through the desert at night, so Jesus leads us through the darkness of this world. And when we follow Him, as today's verse states, we have the “light of life.” Following Christ leads others to Him, because the change in us beams out noticeably.

“Light” is intentionally capitalized in this verse, because it refers to Jesus, one person in our triune God. The Greek word is “phos,” meaning light. It can be used literally and metaphorically in this context. God is the source of all light. Genesis 1:3 reads, “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” John 8:12 is one of the seven “I am” statements Jesus made. At the time He made this statement, large menorahs illuminated the temple in remembrance of the fire that led the Israelites through the desert at night. The light also signified the coming Messiah, and “after seven days of dramatic illumination in the temple,” states the Moody Bible Commentary, “Jesus declared, ‘I am the Light of the world.’”

Christ, the reason for the season, permeates the presence of Christmas lights. Like the rest of the hustle and bustle of the season, the lights are meant to remind us to celebrate, not replace the reason we celebrate. Keep finding silver linings and holding on to Him for the hope we need to walk on through the dark and heavy pressing of this world. The joy Jesus died to give us isn’t a fleeting happiness that denies the hardships of this world. Christmas, and all of the twinkling lights, reminds us of our reason to celebrate despite of it. Our joy as believers cannot be stolen, though we mourn and grieve, endure pain and strife. Joy is a product of the greatest expression of love there has ever been: Jesus.

Jesus is the light of the world. There with the Father when light, and each one of us, was created. His love and care for us is unexplainable, but it is palpable. Though we trust in an unseen God, we feel His presence and care. He is close to the brokenhearted, and blesses us beyond all we can dream of or imagine. Those who follow Him witness the way He connects the dots of our everyday lives like untangling a hopeless strand of old Christmas lights. Living in the light reminds us there will be a day when we no longer need to hold onto the light for dear life, but will embrace Him in it for eternity.

Twinkle on, Christmas lights. But even when you’re unplugged for the season, we will hold your brightness in our hearts.