First15 Devotional - First15

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Seeking God through Scripture Oct 10, 2023

Show notes

Did you know you have the ability to stir and satisfy the heart of God, here and now? God has given us the ability to choose him here on earth, and nothing blesses the heart of God like his beloved people intentionally turning their hearts toward him. As we examine how to live an abundant life here on earth, today we’ll search out what it means to choose to worship God in our daily lives.

Our Scripture for today comes from Matthew 4:4, and today's worship is Heal Our Land. by Kari Jobe.

Thanks for listening to today’s First15 Podcast. My name is Ryn, and I’m a part of the First15 Team. If you haven’t downloaded our brand new First15 app, make sure to click the link in today’s show notes to check it out! One of the new features that you can enjoy when you download the app is our Guided Prayers. We are adding new prayers to our library every month, so if you need a moment of peace with God, let these prayers be your guide!

In today’s First15 Podcast we wanted to give you a preview of a new Guided Prayer that our friend Hannah Smith wrote titled, “Renew me with your rest.” Oftentimes when I think about rest and peace I view them as one and the same. But as I read through Hannah’s prayer, I began thinking about how often she refers to action that leads to rest and prays for the grace of God to help her find rest. The first time rest is mentioned in the scriptures is after the work of building the whole world and filling it with life was complete. Hebrews 4:11-12 says, “Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” I love that this set of verses makes achieving rest an actionable thing. What I really love about understanding peace and rest rightly is that we can clearly see that peace is a gift from God that helps us endure as we strive towards entering into God’s rest, and rest is the reward He gives us for having held fast to His calling. I pray today that this prayer reminds you that the work to which he has called us is holy and worthy, and that the promise of the reward of rest gives you the courage to keep going.

Seeking God through Worship Oct 09, 2023

Show notes

Worship through song is one of the most powerful ways to connect directly to the love, compassion, power, and grace of God. In worship, walls we’ve placed between God and us get torn down, just as God tore the veil at the death of Christ. In worship, our hearts become soft, aware, and open to the glorious majesties of God’s nearness. In worship, God makes his nearness known to us and fills us anew with the power of his manifest presence.

Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 132:7, and today's worship is Psalm 34 by Shane & Shane .

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Thank you so much for listening to today’s podcast. If you’re looking to engage in worship in a deeper way today, you can find some fresh worship videos on the blog section of our website, first15.org.

Thanks so much for listening, and may God bless you as you seek him today.

Eternity Right Now Oct 08, 2023

Show notes

As we finish this week on living an abundant life, today we’ll explore where we’re placing our priorities, hopes, fears, and affections. God doesn’t want us to spend our days waiting for heaven, but instead wants to shift our perspective to see that eternity has already begun. Though we spend our days on earth, they matter immensely. And nothing is wasted or pointless in the eyes of God. So how would he have us spend our days?

Our Scripture for today comes from Ecclesiastes 3:11. Today's worship is Taste of Eternity by Bellarive.

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Thanks so much for listening to today’s podcast, the last in our week-long look at living an abundant life.

And make sure to come back tomorrow, where we’ll start our series on exploring seven different avenues down which we can venture to seek God and experience his presence every day. I know that tomorrow will take us all deeper in our experience and relationship with our good, and loving Father.

Have a wonderful rest of your day, and may God bless you as you seek him.

Healed, Transformed, Freed Oct 07, 2023

Show notes

Living an abundant life means letting go of lies and past sin patterns that hinder us. These lies and bad habits can often feel comfortable, but they are truly keeping you from experiencing abundant life every single day. The best truth of all is that they have no power or authority in your life anymore through the power of Jesus. Once we release the lies and old patterns of thinking and acting, we will see new life spring up in our lives everywhere we look. May this be the case for each of us today.

Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 103:2-4, and today's worship is Never Be The Same by First15 Worship feat. Ashley & Bryan McCleery.

With all the emotional and spiritual challenges of our time, one thing is clear — true peace is only found in the midst of God’s presence.

Yet finding that quiet space to be alone with God and receive his abounding love is not always easy.

We love having you follow along with us each day wherever you read or listen to First15, and right now we are offering 25% off when you choose any three or more of our devotionals. Go to first15.org/store and use coupon code Devo25 at checkout! You can also find the link and coupon code in the podcast description.

Whether you are stocking up on Christmas gifts or purchasing for yourself, now is a perfect time to do just that.

Eternal Impact Oct 06, 2023

Show notes

A huge aspect of living an abundant life is the realization your life has purpose and meaning. God truly has a beautiful plan for his glory and your good set before the foundations of the earth, not only for mankind, but for your life. As we begin wrapping up our week on living an abundant life, I hope you leave today encouraged, envisioned and empowered.

Our Scripture for today comes from Ephesians 2:10, and today's worship is

Everything You Are by First15 Worship feat. John Mark Kohl.

Thanks so much for listening to today’s podcast on eternal impact.

Making an impact is ultimately all about people. Whenever Jesus encountered a person in need he sensed God leading him to help, he dropped everything and put all his attention on that person. Your highest calling related to impact is love. If you get the opportunity today, follow the example of Jesus and give someone all of your time and attention while you're with them, and experience the abundant life that comes from bearing eternal fruit today.

Have a wonderful rest of your day, and may God bless you as you seek him.

Passionate Pursuit Oct 05, 2023

Show notes

As we continue our week on living an abundant life, today we’ll explore the topic of pursuing Jesus passionately in our daily lives. As we discussed the past couple days, abundant life is a gift, but doesn’t mean it comes without a choice on our part to receive. Open your heart to the Father today, and allow your mind to be renewed to the good life he has for you.

Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 27:8, and today's worship is Since Your Love by United Pursuit (ft Brandon Hampton)

With all the emotional and spiritual challenges of our time, one thing is clear — true peace is only found in the midst of God’s presence.

Yet finding that quiet space to be alone with God and receive his abounding love is not always easy.

Whether you are stocking up on Christmas gifts or purchasing for yourself, now is a perfect time to do just that.

Glorious Relationship Oct 04, 2023

Show notes

Living an abundant life here and now is as simple as tapping into the rich, boundless, intimate relationship God has made available to us with him through the sacrifice of Jesus. We tend to believe so many lies about the Father’s heart for us, when he really has made it so simple for us to come to him. God is for us and desires to walk closely with us, all we have to do is say yes to his invitation. Will you consider saying yes today?

Our Scripture for today comes from Revelation 3:20, and today's worship is Jireh by Justin Bieber & Chandler Moore.

Thank you so much for listening to today’s podcast.

If this podcast is producing fruit in your life, would you take a moment and ask yourself, is there anyone else I should share this with?

Spending time alone with God alongside others in your life is a really powerful motivator in going deeper in our glorious relationship with God. So if anyone comes to mind, I hope you’ll take a moment today to share this with them.

Have a wonderful rest of your day, and may God bless you as you seek him.

Choosing to Worship Oct 03, 2023

Show notes

Our Scripture for today comes from John 4:23, and today's worship is Where You'll Find Me by First15 Worship feat. Mark Alan Schoolmeesters.

The prayer and worship of King David throughout the Psalms have stood the test of time since over 1000 years prior to Jesus’ birth and remain some of the most beautifully powerful prayers in all of scripture. King David was careful to take time to delight in the Lord particularly when his heart was downcast. 1 Samuel 30:6-8 says, “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” And in several of the Psalms he begins his prayers with praise, recognition of his heart’s truest desire, and rounds them out with self reflection. “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” David’s practice of acknowledging the beauty, majesty, love, power, and good intentions of the Lord toward him is what gave him the stability of mind to be able to be honest with God about reality while not losing hope. It is our prayer that this new Guided Prayer from our friend Laura Woodworth would serve to you as the first part of one of David’s psalms when you have a difficult time finding the words for yourself, and that they would give you the foundation of faith that your heart needs to share with the Lord your concerns so that you can do so with confidence that he hears you, knows you, and is working in all things for your good and his glory.

God Cares About the Present Oct 02, 2023

Show notes

Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus we have been afforded an opportunity to live an incredibly abundant life here on earth. Our God is nearer, more tangible, and has a greater ability to make his presence known than we’ve yet realized. He longs to make his children more in tune and aware of the depths of his love, guidance, empowerment, and nearness. He longs for our days here on earth to be marked by unveiled communion with him. As we look at what it is to live an abundant life here on earth, I pray that your heart will be awakened to the reality of God’s presence and affection in your life.

Our Scripture for today comes from Matthew 6:34, and today's worship is Here Now by Hillsong United.

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Thanks so much for listening to today’s podcast, God cares about the present, the first in our week-long look at living an abundant life.

If you’re looking for a practical way to practice being present today, one long standing spiritual practice is called breath prayer. Taking just a few minutes to focus on nothing but your breath, in and out, is a great way to learn how to focus on the present not just in prayer, but throughout the rest of your day.

Have a wonderful rest of your day, and may God bless you as you seek him.

Life in the Spirit Oct 01, 2023

Show notes

In the last devotional of this week on transformation, we’re going to wrap up this focus by finishing our exploration into establishing a resurrection culture. May God continue this work of ongoing transformation, as we invite him to resurrect us in meaningful, fresh ways today.

Our Scripture for today comes from Romans 6:4. Today's worship is Holy Spirit by Cody Carnes.

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Thanks for listening to today’s podcast, the final episode in our series on transformation.

If God has used this space in a meaningful way in your life, and you sense your heart being stirred to support this space financially, you can click a link the description below to give.

Thank you for making these daily devotionals possible.

Have a wonderful rest of your day, and may God bless you as you seek him.

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