God Is Present..Craig Denison Ministries

 God Is Present

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview

This week we'll spend time stirring up our affections for God through the renewing of our minds. Your mind is the gateway to your affections. What you think is worthy of your affections is what will receive them. So, as we grow in our understanding of God’s overwhelming goodness we will naturally give him our hearts. May you be stirred by the unconditional love of your heavenly Father this week as his perfect nature is revealed to you in greater, more transformative ways.

Scripture: “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”Zephaniah 3:17

Devotional:

Hardly a verse in all of Scripture sums up the heart of God for his people better than Zephaniah 3:17. As we walk through this passage today I pray your life would be transformed by the reality of God’s nearness and the depth of his love for you. Scripture says,

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

“God is in our midst”—take a moment to consider that fact. God is not far off; in fact, he is with you right now. If you are a Christian, his Spirit dwells within you, fellowshipping with your spirit. Psalm 139:7 says, “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” God’s presence is with you right now. He is in your midst.

He is “a mighty one who will save.” As a believer you have been saved not of your own accord, but by the humble, loving sacrifice of Jesus. If you have confessed your faith in Christ, you are his forever and nothing can take away your salvation. Rejoice in him today; the Almighty God has come for you, and you now have nothing to fear. Salvation is yours in him; you are a child of God.

“He will rejoice over you with gladness.”To rejoice over you means to rejoice in who you are. Do you believe that God rejoices in who you are? The world is in the business of convincing you that you’re nothing to rejoice about. Your enemy constantly points out things you do wrong, attempting to convince you that you aren't lovable—that you are worthless. But the Bible says that God will rejoice over you with gladness. God believes that you are worth the death of his Son, and there is nothing you can do to change his mind. He rejoices over you today.

“He will quiet you with his love.”How often do you allow God to do this? How often do you take time to let him quiet your life with his love? This is his promise, but like any other gift it has to be received. His desire is to bring a quiet peace to the stress and worry of your world. You have God’s peace available to you any time you are willing to surrender your heart and be filled with his presence.

“He will exult over you with loud singing.”To exult over you means to show or feel elation or jubilation, as the result of a success. Do you know that God sees you as a success? The story of Scripture is God creating mankind for the purpose of having communion and fellowship with us. He lost that perfect communion when mankind chose sin over him, and he has been working to restore it ever since. With the death of Jesus, the curse is broken, our sin is paid for, and we are now able to walk in restored relationship with God. God now has what he has longed for all this time—you. He exults over you because there is nothing between you and him. To God simply having relationship with you makes you a success already.

As a believer you can live out of the great victory God has achieved in you. You get to meet with God face to face. God is present with you today, desiring to do all that Zephaniah 3:17 promises.  Allow God to come and fulfill his promises in your life as you enter into guided prayer.

Guided Prayer:

1. Receive God's presence by meditating on this truth: God is in your midst.

“The Lord your God is in your midst.”Zephaniah 3:17

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

"Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place." 1 Chronicles 16:27

2. Receive the quiet heart that his love brings as you meditate on Scripture.

“He will quiet you by his love.” Zephaniah 3:17

“But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15

“Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136:26

3. Allow the truth of Scripture to go deeper into your heart. Your Father rejoices over you with gladness. He exults over you with loud singing. You are a success in his eyes.

“He will rejoice over you with gladness.” Zephaniah 3:17

“He will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

“Let me see your face, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.” Song of Solomon 2:14

When the cares of the world come and crowd out the peace of God’s presence, turn your attention toward him and receive what he has already promised to give you. Memorizing a verse like Zephaniah 3:17 will help you consistently experience the promises of God. Meditating on it throughout your day is the best gift you could give yourself today. Make some time to memorize Zephaniah 3:17 that it might become more than words on a page and produce transforming, transcendent peace and joy.

Extended Reading: Memorize Zephaniah 3:17

5 Ways to Overcome Feelings of Inferiority..Jessica Van Roekel

 5 Ways to Overcome Feelings of Inferiority

By Jessica Van Roekel

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:13-14, ESV)

A mere look can send daggers through our hearts or send our hearts soaring on the heights. Words can crush our hopes and dreams or give them wings. The two combined can create feelings of inferiority or feelings of empowerment. Our words hold immense power. I know the thrill of life-giving words spoken to me, and I know the death knell of words designed to kill—whether from someone else or the words I speak about myself.

Inferiority fills us with feelings where we feel less than valuable or worthy. It pierces our hearts and can become a complex we struggle to overcome. It stands in the way of walking in our new God-given identity as heirs and beloved by God. However, God heals hearts and leads us nearer and nearer to his heart as we place our wounds in his gentle hands. We can take these five steps to overcome the crippling influence that inferiority holds in our lives.

We can praise God for our gifts, talents, and abilities. Inferiority tries to tell us that there is nothing good in us. It whispers we are talentless, so we view ourselves through the foggy goggles of negativity and nod our heads in sad agreement. Praise and thanksgiving clear the lenses, and we begin to see ourselves through God’s eyes. Maybe you like your smile—praise God for it. He gave it to you. Or you are physically strong—thank God for that ability. When you praise God for your gifts, talents, and abilities, no matter how small they may be, you recognize his hand in your life. You are his, and he has good plans for you.

Another step we can take is to thank God for his transforming power. A surrendered life becomes a transformed life. When we surrender our feelings of unworthiness and allow God to untangle our negative perception of ourselves, we experience transformation. We see that the gifts and abilities he gave us are designed for his purpose. We share our smiles, our strength, and our joy over what he’s doing in our lives and pass the hope we have in Christ to others. Inferiority doesn’t have to trap us in a cage, but God can set us free.

Then, obey God’s leading. When we cultivate an awareness of the good that God placed within us and experience his transformation, we begin to obey his leading. God’s word is filled with instruction, and as we put off the attitudes and behavior that hinder our spiritual growth, we uncover the power of obedience. Feeling inferior creates a negative thinking pattern, but when we choose to think about whatever is noble, pure, and excellent, as instructed to do in Philippians 4:8, we walk in obedience.

We can become an intercessor. There is power in praying for others. James 5:16-17 talks about confessing our sins to one another and praying for each other so that we may be healed. Inferiority is a wound that continues to bleed, but when we confess our struggles with it to a trusted friend, we take the first step toward healing. Praying for others points our attention away from the vacuum our struggles create and develops an awareness of other people’s troubles. This awareness leads to compassion, which leads to actions of kindness and gentleness toward others and, eventually toward us.

Finally, encourage others. It is so easy to focus on the negative. We tend to point out what someone did wrong rather than recalling what they did right. We lose sight of the good that is in us and others in our society’s pressure to do more and be more. A timely word of encouragement can stop the inward negative spiral and propel someone forward.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
When we feel inferior, we reject the truth found in Psalm 139:13-14. We wrestle with how God made us, focusing on what we don’t like rather than seeing how wonderfully God made us. The next time you look in the mirror, find one thing to praise God for. Then, thank him for the work he’s done in your life so far. When your thoughts skitter into the negative, redirect them to whatever is true, lovely, and of good report. Turn your thoughts to others by praying for someone and speaking encouraging words to them today.

Further Reading:
Psalm 139

A Prayer for Co-Laboring with God..Laura Bailey

 A Prayer for Co-Laboring with God

By Laura Bailey

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” - 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 ESV

A few months ago, my middle daughter accepted Christ, it was a day we’d prayed for since her birth, and my husband and I were beyond excited. We attend church regularly, pray, read the Bible as a family, and have numerous godly influences. I wasn’t surprised when Abigail, my daughter, began asking questions about accepting Christ a few months earlier. 

It started with a question on the way to school about what a person should pray to receive salvation. Then it was multiple questions before bedtime, with the final pronouncement that “ Yes! I want to accept Jesus,” was exclaimed at the dinner table. 

Afterward, my husband and I prayed with her, listening as she admitted her sin, asked for forgiveness, and announced that she desired to be saved and for Christ to rule her life. We invited our pastor to come over and speak with her in preparation for baptism in the following weeks. When our pastor left, he looked at my husband and said, “ It is obvious you have spoken numerous times about the gospel, she knows it, and I’m confident she is a new sister in Christ!” 

Walking back inside, trying to hide my annoyance, my husband asked what was wrong. I knew it shouldn’t have mattered that our pastor was just talking in general, with no slight to me, but I couldn’t help but feel resentful that he didn’t acknowledge my role in helping lead my daughter to Christ. After all, I spent hours at home reading Bible stories, playing Sunday School, singing hymns, talking about God in the car, and constantly reminding my girls of God’s grace and mercy in our lives. As soon as the words left my lips, I wanted to snatch them from the air and toss them in the trash where they belonged. 

The truth was that while yes, my husband, our church, and family members all played a part in encouraging Abigail to accept Christ, it was only by God’s grace that she received the gift of salvation. While I could share the gospel with my daughter, I couldn’t open her heart to receive the message, nor could I save her; God is responsible for the heart change resulting in her salvation. While we can’t save others, God, in His graciousness, invites us to be co-laborers with him in the process!

In our key verse, the church at Corinth was arguing about which leader they followed in the church. In 1 Corinthians 3:6-10, Paul reminded the church that rather than following people, we are called to follow God; he is the only One worthy of our worship. Paul and Apollos were both called to minister to the Corinthians, God assigned them tasks that differed based on their abilities, but the responsibility to share the gospel remained the same. Paul, Apollos, and other leaders in the church were equal in that they worked together to share and spread the message of salvation.

Lest the leaders of the church fall prey to thinking their roles are more significant than others; Paul was quick to point out that only God gives salvation and spiritual growth. As believers, we all have kingdom assignments that require planting the seeds of salvation in the lives of others. But let's also humbly remember who we serve. God, alone, deserves the glory when a sinner repents and accepts Christ.

Just as the Lord graciously worked in my daughter's heart, He still works in mine. I responded to the twinge of conviction for my attitude and thanked God for allowing me to co-labor with Him. May we all work together to plant spiritual seeds, encourage other believers as they water, and pray that God will provide growth in the lives of the unbeliever.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you made way for us to have eternal life through the sacrifice of your Son on the cross. Forgive us when we pridefully boast about our own ability instead of always giving you honor and glory. We pray for those who don’t know you as Lord and Savior. May we joyfully serve to share the gospel and help lead others to Christ.
 In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Sometimes I’ve Been Quick to Speak and Slow to Listen..Anne Peterson

 Sometimes I’ve Been Quick to Speak and Slow to Listen

By: Anne Peterson

Today’s Bible Verse: My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. - James 1:19

It happened again. Instead of taking time to listen and respond kindly, I spoke in haste and reacted poorly.

When we are quick to speak, we don’t have a chance to hear what the other person is saying, and more importantly why they are saying it. When I am quick to answer, I react instead of responding with grace. God tells us to be kind and compassionate to one another and to forgive each other (Ephesians 4:32). But when we’re quick to speak and slow to listen, we don’t care how soft our words are, we just shoot them out.

It didn’t take long for God’s Spirit to tell me I was wrong. I knew I was. But my pride tried talking me out of apologizing. After all, what about what my husband said? Wasn’t I justified? I knew I wasn’t, but my feet were stuck in that pride.

I’m glad God gives us free access to his throne room, 24/7. We are not put on hold. We don’t have to worry that God won’t answer us when we send up a quick prayer. Our God is available and he graciously tells us to call on him.  As Peter called out to God when he was slipping under the water and God responded (Matthew 14:30-31), God also responds to our calls for help immediately.

When we are quick to listen, the people who speak to us can tell we value them and what they have to say. People can often be impatient with others in this area. Everyone wants to know they matter, and that their words have merit. When we rush others, they feel insignificant. How do I know this? I’ve experienced it, and sadly, I have been impatient at times with those I love.\

Jesus always took time with those who spoke to him. Even when people brought children to Jesus so he could pray for them, and the disciples rebuked those people, Jesus told the disciples to let the children come (Matthew 19:14). Every person is valued by God, even little people.

God works in our lives from the moment we trust in Jesus and what he did for us on the cross. Paul was confident God would complete the work he had started (Philippians 1:6). We are all works in progress. And sometimes we look unfinished. But God keeps working on us, nonetheless. Little by little, we are becoming like Jesus.

The day I was impatient, I eventually swallowed my pride and approached my husband.

“I was wrong to say what I did. Will you forgive me, Mike?”

And he did, again.

We need to submit to God’s nudges and let go of our need to be right, or whatever else we’re holding onto. When we release our grip, we’ll see God work in ways we never imagined. May we learn to be quick to listen and slow to speak, especially with the Lord. And may we open our hands so God can teach us all the things he wants us to learn. And then we’ll look like Jesus.

The Sweetness of God's Love..Craig Denison Ministries

 The Sweetness of God's Love

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview

This week we'll spend time stirring up our affections for God through the renewing of our minds. Your mind is the gateway to your affections. What you think is worthy of your affections is what will receive them. So, as we grow in our understanding of God’s overwhelming goodness we will naturally give him our hearts. May you be stirred by the unconditional love of your heavenly Father this week as his perfect nature is revealed to you in greater, more transformative ways.

Scripture:“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God, a sweet fragrance.” Ephesians 5:2 AMP

Devotional:

Think about the death of Jesus for a moment. Picture how horrific the scene would have been to witness in person. Now try and imagine witnessing it from the Father’s perspective. Think about how he saw, heard, felt, knew, and wept over everything that happened to Jesus. Think about how he felt placing the sin of the world, the sin of you and me, on the shoulders of his perfect and undeserving Son.

I ask you to imagine all of that for one reason—to gain perspective on the unfathomable love of God as expressed in Ephesians 5:2. Scripture says, “walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God, a sweet fragrance.” When I read that verse initially I skipped over a life changing phrase: “a sweet fragrance.” With all the Father witnessed that day, with all the suffering Jesus faithfully endured, God still considers Jesus’ death “a sweet fragrance.” How is that possible? How could anyone consider the death of Jesus a sweet fragrance, let alone the Father?

Such is the incredible depth of God’s love for us that he would count the atrocities committed against his Son as a sweet fragrance. Such is the enormity of God’s desire for restored relationship with us that he would look upon the death of his Son with favorable remembrance.

I don’t think we as God’s children understand the joy our Father feels when we spend time with him. I don’t think we understand the depth of his love that he would pay the highest price simply to have unhindered relationship with us again. While meditating on this Scripture I realized I had never once thought about how tirelessly God has been working since Adam and Eve sinned simply to be able to enjoy his people again—to walk with them as he once had.

The death of Jesus was a turning point in the scope of eternity. His sacrifice meant a change from all of humanity opposing  God to the crown of his creation returning to  his fold. When God placed the sin of humanity on Christ’s shoulders he was able to take the position of the father in the story of the prodigal son, running out to meet us as we are—his children finally able to return home to him for good.

God so longed for communion with you that he paid the ultimate price. He counts you worthy of the death of his Son. Let that truth shape your identity. Let God’s love be the foundation for your perspective, thoughts, emotions and actions today. May your heart be stirred to live in light of God’s unconditional love. May you be rooted in the unshakable nature of your heavenly Father. And may you live today in the eternal embrace of God, knowing that you are wholly and forever his beloved.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the sacrifice of Jesus. Allow Scripture to form a foundation of unconditional love for your heart.

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God.” 1 Peter 3:18

“He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.” Hebrews 9:12

2. Meditate on who you are as a child of God. Form your identity around the truth of Scripture.

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”1 Peter 2:9-10

3. Ask God to reveal the depth of his love for you.Rest in the reality of his nearness. Let him fill your heart with his love to overflowing.

“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

“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

Don’t let the opinion of others sway you from your firm foundation of God’s love. What is the opinion of man in comparison to the perspective of God? If God counts relationship with you worth the death of Jesus, you are that valuable. Cast aside the fickle thoughts of others for the truthful, life-giving love of your heavenly Father. Rest in his presence and find hope and security in the truth that his arms are always open to you—ready to embrace you just as you are.

Extended Reading: 1 Peter 2