Make Space for God to Fill..Craig Denison Ministries

 Make Space for God to Fill

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:“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

Devotional:

The story of Mary, Martha, and Jesus found in Luke 10 encapsulates God’s longing for simple, unfettered relationship with his children. As this year comes to a close I pray that this story would set a fire in our hearts to live out of unhindered union with our heavenly Father. I pray that we would seek to continually make space in our lives for the one thing that truly matters. Scripture says in Luke 10:38-42,

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

I want my life to be centered around “the good portion.” I want all my days to be marked by choosing to sit at the feet of Jesus rather than living a life based solely on works. At the end of my life, I want to look back and know that I sought relationship with my God above all else, and that I gave him my heart in and out of every season, no matter the cost.

The simple truth of Christian spirituality is that God longs to fill whatever space we make available to him with his nearness. The gift he gives us that far surpasses a spouse, a job, a family, earthly success, or financial stability is simply himself. The heartcry of our heavenly Father is simply this, “Abide in me, and I in you” (John 15:4).

What would it look like if your chief New Year’s resolution was making space for God to fill? What other desires of your heart would that take care of? How wonderful would it be to experience the transcendent peace and joy that comes from centering your life around meeting with God? How continually satisfied would you feel in consistently receiving the powerful love of your heavenly Father?

Take time today to reflect on what truly matters. Take time to choose “the good portion” that your life might be centered around he who alone has the power to truly satisfy your every longing. May your year be marked by unhindered union with the God who fills you with his greatest gift: himself.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God being “the good portion.” Allow the story of Mary, Martha, and Jesus to fill you with a longing to seek relationship with God above all else.

“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:38-42

2. Take time to make space for God to fill. Open your heart to him and center your focus on his nearness. Allow Scripture to fill you with faith to receive all he has to offer.

“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” 1 Chronicles 16:11

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

3. Rest in the nearness of God. Cast aside all other concerns, fears, and reservations and simply be with God. He will guide you into all you need, but relationship with him should always be centered around simply sitting at his feet.

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17

“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! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:7-10

If you center your life around abiding in God, your year will be filled with remarkable, heavenly, and eternal impact. May John 15:1-5 fill you with a desire to abide in God that all you do this year may yield lasting fruit:

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Extended Reading: Psalm 139

Ditching New Year’s Resolutions..Laura Bailey

 Ditching New Year’s Resolutions

By Laura Bailey

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” - Micah 7:7 NIV

For as long as I can remember, the days between Christmas and New Year’s were spent evaluating the previous year and planning all the ways I would improve in the following year. I crafted a detailed list with goals, timelines, and rewards if I hit the target. Rarely did I just focus on one resolution. Instead, I filled every line on the paper with a new achievement. And every year around the first of February, exhausted, overwhelmed, and irritated, I threw my resolution in the trash and immediately penned another, this time, a more obtainable list–except it was just as ridiculous to maintain as the first one. 

Last year, however, I decided to ditch the resolutions for good and focus on a word or Scripture for the year. Setting goals and working towards improving oneself isn’t a bad thing. But, we mustn’t let our identity be rooted in what we achieved ( or didn’t). This year I decided to focus on three words, Scripture, and prayer. My hope is to spend a few minutes each day to meditate and abide in Christ, using these words to prompt my quiet time. 

Feel free to use the below phrases to encourage you this year, and remember, it’s not about what we do in 2023, but Whose glory we do it for.

Steadfast

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”  -Psalm 51:10 NASB

Every day I am bombarded with decisions that beg for my attention. What will I eat? Will the kids play soccer or baseball? Do I need to get the roof checked? As I go about slaying my to-do list, I often forget to address the most critical decision of my day: will I choose to live a godly life?

A part of living a godly life is seeking daily redemption and renewal of my heart and mind so that I can be steadfast in the Lord. God graciously gives His Children a heart that yearns to love Him and a spirit of steadfast obedience. Before I go about our day, l take time to call on the name of the Lord and ask for a clean heart that flees from evil and a right spirit that glorifies God in all I do. 

Lord, I pray that you will give me a steadfast spirit that aches to choose to live for you faithfully. Amen.

Pleasing

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” -Romans 12:1

Growing up, one of my favorite restaurants had the slogan, “we aim to please.” It’s the service industry; shouldn’t they always aim to please? But I’d missed the point. The restaurant wasn’t desiring a one-and-done transaction but providing a pleasurable experience that would lead to a lasting relationship.

How often do I treat my relationship with God like a transaction to be completed before moving on to the next thing? God finds great pleasure in the relationships with His Children. I can worship and honor the Lord by simply abiding in Him. 

Lord, may I live in a way that is holy and pleasing to you. Amen. 

Power

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” - Ephesians 6:10 NIV

During the last few weeks before the birth of my first child, the doctor encouraged me to prepare both physically and mentally for my daughter’s arrival. I began to tailor my workouts to focus on the muscles that helped deliver. However, mentally, I was anxious. I confessed to my husband, “I just don't have the power to do this.” 

And by myself, I didn’t have the strength.  But, as a child of God, I had the power of Christ living inside of me. My strength comes from a loving, all-powerful Father, and He graciously gives to those who call on His name. 

Lord, help me be strong in you and rest in your mighty power. Amen

Intersecting Faith and Life: 
Take a few minutes today and read through your favorite Bible verses. Is there a word that speaks to you? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal a piece of Scripture, phrase, or prayer as you embark on a new year.

 

Praying God’s Will for One Another..Lynette Kittle

 Praying God’s Will for One Another (James 5:16)

By Lynette Kittle

Today's Bible Verse: “Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” - James 5:16

Prayer is powerful and effective, and God’s word tells us to pray for each other so that we can be healed of the wounds, hurts, disappointments, and failures suffered in a fallen world.

Yet even in praying for one another, an effort seeming so selfless and noble, we can be tempted to be prideful and to follow our own thinking in how to pray for each other.

In the “Jung Frankenstein” episode of the sitcom, Kings of Queens, the lead character Doug Heffernan (Kevin James), starts seeing a therapist about his overeating habits. When his wife on the show Carrie Heffernan (Leah Remini), sees the positive results occurring from his visits, she starts thinking of the ways she would like him to grow and improve in ways to make her life better.

Her observances lead her to start passing notes to his therapist, pressuring him to direct her husband’s counseling sessions in ways that will benefit her. As she sees noted improvements in Doug’s behaviors and attitudes, Carrie starts adding more and more items to her list of what she wants the counselor to address.

How Am I Praying for Others?

While watching the show’s storyline play out, it challenged me to examine myself to see how I’m praying for others. It encouraged me to ask myself if I ever attempt to use the same type of approach with God, as Carrie did with Doug’s therapist?

Do I ever try to direct God through my prayers to do what I want Him to do in another’s life, instead of seeking His will in how to pray for them? Do I find myself asking God to lead my husband, children, coworkers, and friends in ways I want them to go?

Likewise, how do I pray for my enemies, for those who hate me? Am I praying out of my own hurt and selfish desires for them, or am I truly seeking to pray God’s will for their lives?

Scripture advises to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

Yet how often am I tempted to think I know better how to pray for someone? Still, Romans 12:3 warns us to not think more highly of ourselves than we ought.

Of course, unlike the counselor, we can’t push, bully, or twist God’s arm to do what we think He should be doing in their lives. However, when we submit to His will in how to pray for them, our prayers have the potential to be powerful and effective in their lives.

How Do We Pray God’s Will For One Another?

So how do we pray God’s will for one another rather than our own?

We can start by asking God to help us be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in praying for one another. “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” (Ephesians 6:18)

As well we can filter our prayers for one another through God’s word, by correctly handling His word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15), so that we are praying His will for them rather than our own.

A Prayer to Continue Generosity into the New Year..Alicia Searl

 A Prayer to Continue Generosity into the New Year

By Alicia Searl

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” - 2 Corinthians 9:7

The New Year is upon us and as we begin to possibly ponder resolutions and ways to grow in every aspect of our lives, let’s consider how we can continue to bring forth generosity this coming year. 2 Corinthians 9:7 lays out for us a beautiful depiction of the cheerful giver. If we take a look at the verse before that in 2 Corinthians 9:6, it tells us that whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, but whoever sows generously will reap generously. In this passage, Paul urges the Corinthians to follow through on their giving, as it is a blessing for both the giver and the receiver. He knew the significance of giving financially and what it had to do with the growth of our hearts spiritually. In short, we are commanded to give with an open heart so that, in return, we receive the bounty of Christ.

What a beautiful exchange. Generosity is just as much about giving to others as it is transforming our own hearts, drawing us closer to the Lord (Psalms 36:9). So, let’s unwrap four ways we can give the gift of generosity going into the new year.

Generosity with Your Time
The gift of time is invaluable and speaks volumes to those we extend it to. When we place our busy schedules aside and seek to serve others with our presence, it shows our true compassion and extends an open heart to those who need it. Take time to listen, offer a hug, meet for coffee, or just sit and be present with one who is lost, lonely, or hurting. It will be a gift that will bless you both.

Generosity with Your Random Acts of Kindness
When we offer random acts of kindness, we are never really sure who we touch or bless, but in doing so, it’s bound to bring about joy. Share a smile with a stranger, offer to bring in groceries for a neighbor, help at a local ministry or mission, and be filled with God’s love for you in return (Proverbs 19:17).

Generosity with Your Gifts and Talents
God has so graciously given us special gifts and talents to share with others to show Who He is. Tap into those gifts and see how you can use them to bless others (1 Peter 4:10). Some people are natural gift-givers like my sister, who knows exactly what a person needs to be blessed with, while others have more of a talent to share. Ask God to reveal ways you can use your gifts and talents to share with those in need. 

Generosity with Your Finances
While this is the obvious one, it can also be the most difficult one to do. Christians often struggle with the terms tithe and offering. Yet, by giving our tithes and offerings, we are submitting our financial earnings to the Lord, recognizing He is the One who provides us with all things (Leviticus 27:3, James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 16:2)

Let’s Pray:

O Lord,
We come to you with humble hearts seeking Your guidance. As we head into this new year, we are so thankful for the provision and care You provide. You are the God of promise and are constantly showing us how You deliver on Your promises. In return, we long to be faithful to You by graciously giving with a cheerful heart.

Show us ways in which we can bless those around us. Provide opportunities for us to love others with our time, kindness, gifts, and finances. Open our eyes to see the needs of others while opening our hearts to give with joy and cheer. Lord, if there is also a moment in this coming year in which we are in need, I ask that You help us be open to receiving the gift of generosity as well. Help us put our pride aside and be willing to let others in and love on us.

We thank You for Your bounty of blessings and for all the ways You move in our lives. Please help us see others the way You do and reach out with generosity this coming year. We love you and praise Your Holy Name. Amen.

Living for Christ the Rest of the Year..Unknown

 Living for Christ the Rest of the Year

Unknown

And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever."
Luke 1:46-55

It's always a little sad, isn't it? Christmas is over, and soon decorations will come down and be put away in boxes for the next 11 months. It's like we experience this feel-good high that crashes to the ground.

Unfortunately, that's the way many live the spiritual life, just waiting for the next big event so they can get their feel-good fix. But Mary's first Christmas was anything but feel-good.

Mary sang and praised God for the same reasons that we ought to be singing every day of the year: She sang because of her salvation. Mary knew the challenges that were on the horizon and was getting ready to face some severe scrutiny for turning up pregnant and unwed! And never mind the anguish she was going to cause her family, who would be forced to disown her or face the same rejection.

True praise isn't grounded in your circumstances. So as you unwind from Christmas, don't just settle back into business as usual. Take something special from this Christmas like a better appreciation of who Christ is and what he did. Because while you may celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25th, you should experience the life of Christ every day as he lives through you.