Live for Love..Craig Denison Ministries

 Live for Love

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

Why should we spend time alone with God? Why is meeting with God in the secret place so important? Until we gain an understanding of the immense value and availability of encountering God, we will never consistently engage in this foundational, vital practice. As we discover God’s heart to meet with us in order that we might experience the depths of his love, I pray that your life would be marked by a new grace to consistently and powerfully encounter the living God.

Scripture:“‘And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”Mark 12:30-31

Devotional:

If there is one major theme in the narrative of Scripture it’s the power of God’s love. It was his love that caused our creation. It was in love that he offered mankind grace even in our continual rebellion. It was his love that sent Jesus to rescue us, and it's his love that will win at our final redemption—the gathering of all of God’s people for the great wedding feast.

God is love. He can do nothing apart from love. Jesus says in Mark 12:30-31 that all of the commandments are summed up for us in one word—love. You were created to be loved by God and to love him and others in return. And you will never find satisfaction until you rest in the unconditional love of your heavenly Father. You will never find true purpose until you live to love God and others.

To live for love is to step outside of the ways and cares of this world and live for the kingdom of God. It’s to choose to root yourself in the unconditional affection of your heavenly Father rather than seeking fulfillment from the fickle love of mankind. It’s to choose to serve and give rather than looking to receive from a world that has so little to offer. To live for love is to seek first God and his ways and thereby receive the fullness of life only he can give.

When you begin your days in the presence of God, you lay for yourself a foundation of God’s unconditional love. To allow God to invade the first moments of your day with the truth of his love for you will strengthen you to stop looking for fulfillment in the things of the world. It is impossible to live for love as Jesus commands unless we first receive daily the perfect, powerful love of our heavenly Father. “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

My hope and prayer isthat First15 could be a beneficial resource for you to encounter the love of God. I pray this love fills your heart to overflowing, and then in response to the love of God you advance his kingdom of loveon earth. God's love for you is so intense, so purposeful, and so abundant that just a taste of it has the power to shift your life from one lived selfishly to one lived sacrificially. May his love stir your affections for him and others. May you live a life transfor

Guided Prayer:

1. Receive God's presence.Take time to focus on his nearness, on how it changes your outlook and emotions. Spend the majority of your prayer time today on this point, just being overwhelmed by the depth of God’s love.

“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

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” Psalm 139:7

2. Give God your affections in return. Tell him you love him. Tell him you love how he makes you feel. Thank him for the work he is doing in your life.

3. Ask God to help you live for others. Ask him to show you where he is working in the lives of those around you. Ask him to reveal how he would have you partner with him today in advancing his kingdom.

“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.” John 15:5

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” John 15:12-14

“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

Take a moment to read Ephesians 3:16-19, which so perfectly sums up the power and reality of love:

That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 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.

Extended Reading: 1 John 3

4 Ways to Showcase Your Faith This Year..Aaron D’Anthony Brown

 4 Ways to Showcase Your Faith This Year

By Aaron D’Anthony Brown

“Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.” (Psalm 90:12)

“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

The Old You and the New You
Every year, in preparation for the next year, we start making plans, spouting hopes, and establishing our so-called New Year’s resolutions. Most of these resolutions will fall by the wayside by the end of January, and sometime after that, they’ll be nearly forgotten. The same love that we generated for one another during the Christmas season doesn’t always follow us into the new year.

Why do we sometimes become someone new for a time, usually someone better, only for the same old us to creep back into the picture? Building ourselves into someone who is mature, healthier, smarter, and wiser takes much time and effort. Often, it seems like more effort and time than we’d like to put in. To begin a change like this, we’d have to admit there’s a need for change in the first place. For some, the prospect of change appears insurmountable, and others simply dread failure, so they do not even begin.

With Christ, we become someone new, someone better, and we can continue to become someone better with the Holy Spirit’s help. Scripture makes it clear that we are sinful, flawed, and in need of a Savior. And thankfully, Scripture also makes it clear that change is possible with Christ in our hearts.

With enough time, effort, and, most of all, relying on God, the old us can become a thing of the past. Addictive eating habits can make way for health, social media obsessions can dissolve into quality time with family, and so much more.

But the difference between the old us and the new us must be a desire for change rooted in Christ. When we change because of Christ our why for why we must change remains clear. When we change because of Christ, we can find a continuous source of motivation through God’s Word.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
There’s no denying that we have been “remarkably and wondrously” made, but with our sinful nature we are not born as perfect beings. Only Christ was born perfect, and not only was He born perfect, He lived a perfect life, and offered the perfect sacrifice to cover all the sins of those who believe. In an effort to become better, we have to strive to be more like Christ. Striving to be more like Christ requires intention in our hearts and full reliance on God.

In this new year, consider some ways the old you can make way for the new you. Here are 4 ways to showcase your faith next year.

1. Practice Introspection.
One way to set yourself apart from others and set your mind on the things of God is to practice introspection - a fancy word for self-reflection. Introspective people spend time thinking about why they do things, where, when, and for whom. They often think before they act, then take time to reflect on their actions and how others responded. It’s no surprise that introspective people tend to make decisions wisely and commit to goals.

With greater introspection, you’ll be able to better spot areas in need of change in your own life. You'll also have an easier time figuring out how to incorporate God’s Word into your life because you’ll think more about how His Word needs to be ever-present.

2. Be Thankful
An attitude of gratitude is hard to cultivate, but who doesn’t appreciate a grateful person? There’s a reason we spend so much time reminding children to offer thanks for the things they receive. Some adults probably need the reminders, too, but if we take the time to ensure we’re being grateful ourselves, those habits are bound to rub off on those around us. Imagine a community where everyone practices gratitude daily.

3. Practice Good Communication
The holidays offer us a time to call and see relatives or friends we don’t always make the time to see, but what if we made a more concerted effort to see them throughout the year? Sure, seeing a bunch of people within a given week is probably too much to handle, but the same number of people spread across an entire year is much more feasible.

All of our relationships prosper when we engage them with good communication. Seek to enrich your own relationships this year by conversing more often with distant relatives and those forgotten friendships. Talk more deeply about subjects you tend to avoid out of fear and listen more intently to what the other person is saying. Both of you will be glad you did.

4. Seek to Serve
People in need do not always ask for help. Sometimes pride holds them back, and sometimes they just don’t know that they can. While they should learn to step outside of their comfort zone, asking others how you can serve is a sure way to love others and grow in your faith. This is also a great way to foster deeper relationships. And if someone is unsure as to how you can serve, then spend time getting to know them and see if you can identify one way to help. Not too many people are willing to turn down a helping hand.

This year doesn’t have to be like last year. Our tomorrow does not have to be like today. Decide to make changes today and watch the new you grow as a result.

Further Reading:

• Matthew 5:16
• 2 Corinthians 5:17
• Isaiah 43:18-19
• Philippians 4:13

A Prayer to Be Anchored in Hope..Jessica Van Roekel

 A Prayer to Be Anchored in Hope

By Jessica Van Roekel

"We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor for the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." - Hebrews 6:19-20 ESV

Have you ever drifted down a river in a boat? When we drift, we are at the mercy of the river current. We risk collision with floating tree trunks or shallow shores. If we do sit with the engine off, the driver needs to stay alert to steer the boat from danger. Drifting might feel relaxing to the passengers, but it isn’t the safest way to boat.

We can find ourselves drifting in our Christian walk too. Humdrum days with the same routines and rhythms send us on autopilot. We check out and let life happen to us. We wake up on a Monday and before we know it, it’s Friday, and we wonder where the week, the month, and the year has gone. Drifting through our days without thought to where we’re headed leads us to the shallows, where we risk running aground.

The hardships we face in our day to day—the relationships that feel like rough grit sandpaper, the depleted bank account balance and the relentless bills, or our own internal struggle for spiritual growth can cause us to drift through life. We focus on survival and hope for a better day tomorrow.

When we place our hope in things and elusive maybes rather than the guarantee we find in Jesus, we struggle to feel secure in him. We wonder where he is in our struggles. We question whether he cares so we drift through our days. Yet, the writer of Hebrews assures us that we have a sure and steadfast anchor for the soul.

Our soul can be defined by our will, attitudes, and emotions. It’s where we process how we feel, what our responses are, and what choices we make. So much of what happens on the outside begins on the inside. Every action makes its roots in a thought, a decision of will, or an attitude. Our soul needs the anchor that we find in Jesus and all that he can do.

Isaiah 9:6 contains a wonderful prophecy about the Messiah that Jesus fulfilled. Isaiah records four names that describe him: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor, possesses perfect wisdom. As we draw near to him, he can lead us into a right relationship with God. We don’t have to drift through our daily lives but can turn to him and seek him for wisdom in each situation we face.

In a world filled with anxiety, the Prince of Peace holds so much hope for us. It’s not that our anxious situations will magically be removed; it’s more that our internal response to our situations can be washed with his peace. Because his peace is part of the hope that anchors us, we can face our anxiety-inducing events knowing that his peace holds us still. We can admit our apprehensions, exercise our faith, and receive his peace.

When we long for protection, we can turn our hopes to the Everlasting Father. Jesus was the perfect reflection of the Father, who loves, protects, and supplies our needs. He is mighty to save and able to conquer our greatest fears to give us the victory we need. Our hope in him holds us secure.

Life holds challenging and somewhat disconcerting experiences. A perfect life is a mirage. When we let go of holding onto the hopes of a trouble-free life, we stop drifting along. It’s when we remember that Jesus is the anchor for our soul we can weather the storms that come and know that we are secure. We are held by him, and no matter what we face, we are safe.

Let's pray:

Holy God,
We drift in need of your hope that anchors us securely when we face the troubles of life. Let us remember that wisdom, might, care, and peace come when we place our hope in you. Forgive us when we forget to remember that our hope is found in you, not in outcomes, answered prayers, or a perfect life. You are the anchor for our souls, and we are so grateful.
In Jesus’ name, Amen

Follow God’s Plan, Not Your Own..Kristine Brown

 Follow God’s Plan, Not Your Own

By: Kristine Brown

“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts,’” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Had we made a huge mistake? We’d prayed about this job opportunity. We’d sought wise counsel from a trusted friend. Then we prayed some more. After two trips to the hospital with our newborn and six weeks of sleepless nights, it looked like this open door for a different job was an answer to prayer. Not only would it bring us close to our home church again, we’d also have friends and relatives around to help out. We could finally breathe a little easier. But after loading up the family and hauling everything we owned 700 miles to our new home, we never expected to face this.

The start-up company that offered my husband the job closed its doors. This turn of events hit hard, leaving us with the uncertainty of unemployment while providing for a new baby. It caused me to question: how could we have been so sure this was God’s will? If He really brought us here, why would this happen? I wondered whether or not I even knew how to follow God’s plan. But through our experience, I discovered life-changing truths in God’s Word to help me understand His plan for my life, and how to follow it with confidence.

When you ask the Holy Spirit to guide you, trust He will.

Sometimes we will not hear God’s audible voice offering the direction we seek. In the quiet waiting, it’s easy to let our minds wander into a whirlwind of questions and concerns. When this happens, we need to remember the moment we invited Jesus Christ into our lives. Because of His deep love for us, He sent the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter and Guide. John 16:30 says,“The Spirit will guide you into all truth.” So even if I don’t have a definite answer, I can trust that the Spirit in me provides what I need to make any decision with clarity and a steadfast heart.

Instead of making it complicated, focus on the simplicity of God’s will.

God’s Word offers simple steps to follow for those who seek His will. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Rejoice. Pray. Give thanks. These three actions will cast aside all the distractions of our runaway thoughts. When we bring our focus back to the simplicity of God’s will for us, we suddenly lose the urgency of having to decide right now. Our focus becomes how we live our lives for God, not how He answers our prayers.

Know God’s plan may go against what makes sense to us.

Instead of giving time and energy to the what-ifs, we can remind ourselves that an unsure outcome opens the door for God to be glorified in our situation. And isn’t that what we desire most? God amazes me again and again with His faithfulness through circumstances that seem impossible. During our 10 months with no income, we never missed a meal. Our family had a place to live, our needs were met, and loved ones who surrounded and supported us. God works in ways so that we cannot find comfort in our own works. We don’t need to worry about how it will all work out; we only need to trust God through it all.

Understand even the bad stuff may be part of the plan.

The familiar words in Jeremiah 29:11 bring us a sense of anticipation. When we hear that phrase,“I know the plans I have for you,” we smile with hope for the adventure ahead. But what about when the next step isn’t so exciting? What about those times when anticipation is replaced with dread for what’s to come? We may not feel excited through life’s darkest times, and that’s okay. God doesn’t expect us to fake a smile when we’re facing trials and turmoil, but He does offer us His presence for peace and comfort. He also promises this.“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose,” (Romans 8:28).

Remember that God’s plan has a greater purpose.

My family’s next step resulted in an extended time of trusting God on a deeper level than before. Each day I had to redirect my thoughts back to God. I purposed to give thanks and find joy in everyday moments instead of dwelling on our situation. Keeping my mind stayed on God drew me into a closer relationship with Him. “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT).

At the end of our unemployment journey, God provided a new job even better than the one before. It involved another move, but from our experience we learned to walk through that door with newfound assurance. We may never know if we made the right decision for our family that fateful day, but we continue to see God’s promises fulfilled.

Ephesians 1:11 reminds us God’s plan has a greater purpose than what we see.“...  for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.” When we show God our willingness to trust Him in every situation, we become a part of that greater purpose.

Setting Sail for a New Year..Adrian Rogers

 Setting Sail for a New Year

Adrian Rogers

“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”
Proverbs 29:18

Helen Keller was born with sight, but became blind as a young child. Yet she had vision. A reporter asked Miss Keller, “Is there anything worse than losing your sight?” “Yes,” she said, “It is to have sight but no vision.” Do you have a vision for your life at the threshold of a new year? On New Year’s Day, I review the goals for my life. These are spiritual, relational, intellectual, physical, and financial goals. I pray over these and ask for God’s will to be done in each one. I hold them in an open hand and ask that God would give me wisdom as to the direction He wants for my life. I don’t want to be a man without vision. I don’t want you to be one, either.

Begin to think about some goals you would like for your life. Pray and seek the Lord’s face as you ponder the future.