What is a Devotional?..Craig Denison Ministries

 What is a Devotional?

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

This week we’ll spend time breaking down the individual components of First15 by sharing God's desire for each of them. The majority of First15 is dedicated to encountering God and learning about his character, but every now and then we will cover some teaching and tools that will help in pursuing God to greater depths. This week we will get back to the basics and learn some spiritual disciplines that will help us encounter him in deeper, more transformative ways.

Scripture:“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” 1 John 4:16

Devotional:

The devotional section of First15 began with the belief that we need our affections for God to be constantly stirred. In the chaos of life, we need a reminder of God’s goodness and loving kindness towards us. With all the darkness that surrounds, we need help remembering that God has overcome the world and brought us to the light. This devotional exists to serve that need.

Many wonderful and anointed devotionals line our bookshelves. We can access a seemingly limitless amount of incredible teaching available today. I hope that First15 will faithfully draw you into a daily encounter with the heart of God and fill you with a desire to know him more.

You were created for real, tangible relationship with God. You were created with longings that cannot be satisfied until you experience the fullness of God available to you through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. I firmly believe that if you will simply make your heart available to be stirred up by the truth of God’s nearness and love, then you will experience whatever it is you’ve been looking for.

If you will engage with the devotional section of First15 and open your heart that God might speak to you, the Holy Spirit will guide you into an encounter with your omnipotent, omnipresent Creator. God longs to be encountered. He longs for you to know his love. If you will begin each day simply seeking to meet with him for fifteen minutes, your heart will soften and be stirred to live wholly centered around God’s goodness.

Encountering God leads to life transformation. Trivial things that seemed to matter before will no longer matter. That which robbed you of joy, purpose and abundant life will no longer have a hold on you. God's love is powerful and real. His desire is for you. His presence is available to you. Take the next few minutes to open your heart and receive a transforming knowledge of God’s love.          

Guided Prayer:

1. Reflect on the depth of God’s love for you. Allow Scripture to stir up your desire for God as you meditate on his word.

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” >Romans 8:37-39

“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” >1 John 4:16

“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” >Ephesians 3:17-19

2. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a revelation of his nearness. Quiet your mind and open your heart to receive his presence. If you have questions about God’s presence, reflect on these Scriptures.

“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

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11

3. Take a little time to write down how you feel after encountering God's love.Writing down the effects of encountering God will stir up your heart towards his reality and help you seek him more often.

Evelyn Underhill writes, “This is adoration; not a difficult religious exercise, but an attitude of the soul.” May all our lives be marked by an attitude of adoration. May we seek to simply love God moment by moment rather than in infrequent bursts. And may experiencing glorious union with the Holy Spirit as afforded us by Jesus’ sacrifice be the foundation for all we do, think, and feel. I pray that your day today would be marked by humble, simple adoration of the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Extended Reading: 1 John 4

Peace in Troubled Times..Jessica Van Roekel

 Peace in Troubled Times

By Jessica Van Roekel

“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, NIV)

We live in troubled times. The economy, the political landscape, and the polarizing of relationships between people make me think of the troubled waters from the old Simon and Garfunkel song, Bridge Over Troubled Waters. Our coping mechanisms show we’re looking for a way over these times that challenge our tranquility.

Too often I look for it in escape—whether that’s through a vacation, a marathon viewing of the latest, most popular television series, or comfort food. But there’s only so much serenity to be found by the beach. I can ignore my troubling thoughts for a while when I watch a fictional set of troubles. However, once I come out of the television stupor, the set of circumstances I’m attempting to avoid smack me in the face. And comfort food tends to make my favorite pair of jeans less than comfortable.

Searching for escape in these areas provides a temporary kind of peace, but the peace fades when we walk away from the activity. The world’s peace cannot bring us the kind of settled-ness to our hearts that God’s peace brings.

The bridge over our troubled waters is a vibrant relationship with Jesus. He laid down his life and took on the burden of punishment for our sin so that we might know the kind of peace that only he provides. We receive a deep abiding peace when we say yes to him.

The Bible encourages us to not be anxious about anything, but to share our prayers and petitions with a grateful heart. Gratitude paves the way for peace. When we choose thanksgiving over worry, we discover the kind of peace Jesus refers to this passage. It is the kind of peace that guards our hearts and minds.

Have you ever driven on a curvy mountain road? The guardrails bring comfort and an awareness of how close we can be to the edge before we face danger. Our hearts and minds benefit from guardrails too. Thanksgiving points our focus away from the worries that rob our peace and fixes our mind on God’s character.

When we express our gratitude for God’s character, we remember how faithful he is to provide a way through. He is our joy-giver, abundant grace-pourer, and mercy-filler. The peace that comes when we fixate on God, keeps us from going over the edge into the ravine of worry.

Guardrails provide protection and a warning. The peace that Jesus gives trains us to direct our thoughts to trusting him. We can learn to trust him when we remember what he has done for us. Our past reveals how he brought us through times of fear, times of sorrow, and times of hopelessness. Isaiah 26:3 assures us, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”

This perfect peace is complete peace. It encompasses our greatest worries and fears about the future. It holds us steadfast in the face of earth-shattering disappointments. This is possible when we entrench our trust in the Lord. God can be counted on to be with us, to fulfill his purpose in our life, and to love us through the ups and downs of living for him.

Our hearts might feel troubled at different times throughout our life, but we can rest assured that the peace that Jesus gives us bolsters our faith. His peace enables us to walk brightly over the troubled waters and into an uncertain future.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
In what area of your life do you need peace? Troubles come in all shapes and sizes and what’s big for someone else might be small for you and vice versa. You don’t have to deny your troubles because they don’t fit another person’s set of troubles. The important thought to remember is that this world’s peace doesn’t bring long-lasting peace. Jesus’ peace strengthens your feet as you stand on the truth of God’s word. He is faithful and true; steadfast and kind; and he is your strength when you are weak. Fix your mind on God and give thanks for who he is. He carries and sustains you as you walk over troubled waters.

Further Reading:

• Isaiah 26:3-4
• John 14:23-27

A Prayer for a Fresh New Start..Megan Evans

 A Prayer for a Fresh New Start

By Megan Evans

"The faithful love of the Lord never ends! 
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning." - Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT)

My least favorite chore is dusting, yet strangely I find it to be one of the most rewarding tasks of housekeeping. There is nothing like watching a trail of shine emerge as my cleaning rag cuts through layers of dust. The grime is wiped away and my shelves and countertops can breathe once again, and so can I. Like our homes, our hearts can build up layers of neglect as well. When we ignore our heart, our spirit begins to feel weary and burdened. Are you longing for renewal? Is there an area of your life that needs a breath of fresh air? A fresh new start? Praise be to God! In place of our own labor and striving, we need only to bow our hearts today.

Daily tasks, jobs, and roles can regularly leave us feeling depleted and run down. In addition, our stubborn human hearts often deter us from dealing with sin, conflict, and emotion. Besides that, we are finite beings and simply run out of our own meager supply of goodness. Left to ourselves, we are going to fall short every single time.

It is in these moments that we need a fresh new start, and this renewal is found in Christ alone. As dust clings to cloth, we too, can hold tightly to God’s promises. Lord, help me to trust You daily.

God does not give up on us, and His mercies begin afresh each morning. What does this mean? It means that God’s love is steadfast and gracious. It means that when we repent, He always forgives (1 John 1:9). When we pray, He hears and answers us according to His perfect will (1 John 5:14). When we cry out, He promises to be our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1) and His peace comforts us in our troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3).

God’s mercies never cease, and neither does His love. Unceasing love can be hard to grasp in a world where humans break promises and break hearts. In contrast, God’s love is a perfect faithful love that is unmovable and unending. We can count on God to forgive us, take care of us, and help us, not because we deserve it, but because He loves us. We experience mercy not because of who we are, but because of who God is! Thank you, Lord!

Lamentations is thought to be written by Jeremiah as he reflected upon the Babylonian exile. The Israelites blew it big time over and over again, yet God still loved them and kept His promise of salvation and redemption. Over and over God gave them a fresh new start. They didn’t deserve it, and neither do we. Yet every day, hour, and moment we too can experience God’s faithfulness. Don’t let weariness build up; ask God to fill you with fresh new life right then and there. Help me, Lord!

Are you called to respond to a difficult client today? Ask God for His kindness. As a caretaker, are you struggling to meet endless needs? Ask God for His compassion. Are you fighting an illness? Ask God for His strength. The list goes on and on. We need the infinite measure of God’s might and power at work in us every single day, and He promises to give this in abundance.

Let’s Pray:

Father God, thank you for your love and mercy. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me walk as Your Son Jesus did while I am here on this earth. I want to show love and kindness. I want to be patient and gentle. I want to forgive and help others. I want to live obedient to You. Yet, how quickly I reach the end of my own supply.

Forgive me and lead me into a fresh new start today. You alone know the needs of my heart and where I am struggling. Your mercies are steadfast, and so I surrender every hurt, conflict, and struggle today.

Cleanse and renew my heart today. Moment by moment, fill me with fresh new strength to act and respond in ways that are pleasing to You. Equip me to go forth and carry out the tasks You set before me with Your grace and Your strength. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Is the Church in America Really Dying?..Joe McKeever

 Is the Church in America Really Dying?

By: Joe McKeever

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18).

Few things fire me up more than someone saying, “The church in America is dying.” I’m completely convinced that is entirely wrong and completely asinine. It’s an insult to the Lord Jesus Christ about His Church, slander against the thousands upon thousands of faithful congregations hard at work, desperately trying to get it right, and is completely at odds with the real evidence.

In the midst of such a discussion, someone pointed out that it may well be true that nominal church membership in America has declined. And that membership numbers of mainstream churches are dwindling. Even if we concede this, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s not like there aren’t ten thousand churches in America that are thriving–and thriving in the best sense of the word.

“Well, the numbers indicate…” Anyone who knows the first thing about Scripture surely knows the Lord never put a prize on huge numbers.  

To make a case for that, the church of pre-Constantine days, persecuted and driven underground, was stronger and more vibrant than it became once the Emperor legalized Christianity and when pomp and pageantry became the order of the day. The larger numbers and overflowing coffers were accompanied by a lessening of the persecution God’s people had lived under, but church historians have long noted that the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ does not fare well when politicians take ownership. As has been said, when we mix religion and politics, we get politics.

Throughout the centuries, at any given time some churches will be dead and others on life support. Nothing new about that. Toward the end of the First Century, the ascended Lord Jesus said of the church at Sardis, “You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1). So, nothing in this piece should be interpreted as denying that some churches have died on the vine. And even if an entire denomination ceases to exist, that is a far cry from saying the Church itself is on the way out.

God’s people–and everyone interested in truth–must be cautious in making such sweeping statements as “the church is dying in America” or even that a particular denomination has called in hospice.

God is at work today, perhaps more so than any time in my life, working in churches and parachurch ministries and God-called ministers.

Be careful that you do not slander the Bride of Christ. When you pronounce a denomination dead or even one church dead, you’d better be on firm footing and know what you’re talking about.

It’s possible the Lord is doing far more than you can see. Just possible.

Reflect, and Prepare..Craig Denison Ministries

 Reflect, and Prepare

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

As a 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