First15 Devotional - First15

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Loving Friends May 25, 2020

Show notes

In today’s devotional, we’ll be learning about what it means to be a friend who loves well. Think about your dearest friends. What role have they played in your life in the best and in the worst times? Does your heart fill with thankfulness as you acknowledge what a good gift God has given you in them? May we pinpoint exactly what it means to intentionally love our friends well today. May we be filled with the love of Jesus and grace of God to go out of way to love and minister to those special people in our lives today.

Our Scripture for today comes from Proverbs 17:17, and today's worship is God So Loved by Hillsong Worship feat. David Ware.

First15 is a daily devotional written and recorded by Craig Denison. If you would like to learn more about the First15 app, books, blogs, videos and our other resources, please visit first15.org. You can always reach out to us on our contact page on the website.

Click here to help even more people encounter God through the ministry of First15.

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Live a life marked by faith.

The Bible has so much to say about our faith. And if I’m being honest, a lot of it is really confusing.

In Matthew 21 Jesus tells us that we’ll receive anything we ask for, if we have faith. Hebrews 11 tells us that it’s impossible to please God if we don’t have faith. 2 Corinthians 5 tells us that it is by faith that we “see” the path forward, and not with our physical sight.

But when I look into my own heart, I come face to face with ways I doubt on a daily basis.

I often trust in my own strength, lean on my own understanding, and seek to provide for myself with my own power rather than relying on the strength, empowering, and provision of God.

But, I also know that simply trying to have more faith doesn’t work either.

This is why I wrote a four-week devotional, Faith, to unpack what the Bible says about living a life marked by an authentic faith.

Faith isn’t something we muster up on our own. It’s not something we produce or create. Faith is the natural response to seeing, experiencing, and believing in God’s faithfulness.

And the pathway to greater faith is greater experience, greater understanding, and a true heart-knowledge of God’s faithfulness to us that guides our thoughts, emotions, and actions.

We've launched Volume 6 of our First15 Devotional Series, Faith, created to guide you into transformative experiences with God’s faithfulness and empower you to start living a life marked by authentic faith.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY!

Loving Family May 24, 2020

Show notes

As we continue in our week of loving people well, today we’re going to learn about loving family. For some this is an easy task, but for many this is a little more difficult. The beauty of it is, our God is with us every step along the way. He has purpose and power for you in loving the family in which he’s placed you. Our families have the potential to be our greatest place of influence. How might he use you today to minister for his goodness and glory? Let’s take a closer look.

Our Scripture for today comes from Exodus 20:12, and today's worship is The Blessing by Elevation Worship feat. Kari Jobe & Cody Caries.

Click here to help even more people encounter God through the ministry of First15.

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Live a life marked by faith.

The Bible has so much to say about our faith. And if I’m being honest, a lot of it is really confusing.

But when I look into my own heart, I come face to face with ways I doubt on a daily basis.

I often trust in my own strength, lean on my own understanding, and seek to provide for myself with my own power rather than relying on the strength, empowering, and provision of God.

But, I also know that simply trying to have more faith doesn’t work either.

This is why I wrote a four-week devotional, Faith, to unpack what the Bible says about living a life marked by an authentic faith.

Faith isn’t something we muster up on our own. It’s not something we produce or create. Faith is the natural response to seeing, experiencing, and believing in God’s faithfulness.

And the pathway to greater faith is greater experience, greater understanding, and a true heart-knowledge of God’s faithfulness to us that guides our thoughts, emotions, and actions.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY!

Jesus is the Model May 23, 2020

Show notes

As we continue our week on loving people well, we’re going to fix our eyes on Jesus. What better example or model is there for how to love than the One who laid his life down for the world? Today may you catch a glimpse of this beautiful King who loves perfectly. May you not only get a picture of how you could love others, but experience his incredible love for yourself afresh.

Our Scripture for today comes from 1 John 3:16, and today's worship is The Way (New Horizon) by Pat Barrett.

Click here to help even more people encounter God through the ministry of First15.

__________

Live a life marked by faith.

The Bible has so much to say about our faith. And if I’m being honest, a lot of it is really confusing.

But when I look into my own heart, I come face to face with ways I doubt on a daily basis.

I often trust in my own strength, lean on my own understanding, and seek to provide for myself with my own power rather than relying on the strength, empowering, and provision of God.

But, I also know that simply trying to have more faith doesn’t work either.

This is why I wrote a four-week devotional, Faith, to unpack what the Bible says about living a life marked by an authentic faith.

Faith isn’t something we muster up on our own. It’s not something we produce or create. Faith is the natural response to seeing, experiencing, and believing in God’s faithfulness.

And the pathway to greater faith is greater experience, greater understanding, and a true heart-knowledge of God’s faithfulness to us that guides our thoughts, emotions, and actions.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY!

Seeing Past the Brokenness May 22, 2020

Show notes

We are all broken people, living in a broken world. It’s that simple. Unfortunately, no one is exempt from the effects of sin. The good news for all of us is that Jesus steps into the midst of our brokenness, is near to us and makes us whole in his love. What’s even more amazing is God wants to use you to see past the broken exterior to the hearts of the people in your life. Brokenness can often make us hard, bitter and difficult to deal with. But we’ve been given the call to see past that hard exterior and love people in the midst of their pain. In today’s podcast, we’re looking together at how we can see past the brokenness in others to love them well.

Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 34:18, and today's worship is Highlands (Song of Ascent) by Hillsong Worship.

Click here to help even more people encounter God through the ministry of First15.

__________

Live a life marked by faith.

The Bible has so much to say about our faith. And if I’m being honest, a lot of it is really confusing.

But when I look into my own heart, I come face to face with ways I doubt on a daily basis.

I often trust in my own strength, lean on my own understanding, and seek to provide for myself with my own power rather than relying on the strength, empowering, and provision of God.

But, I also know that simply trying to have more faith doesn’t work either.

This is why I wrote a four-week devotional, Faith, to unpack what the Bible says about living a life marked by an authentic faith.

Faith isn’t something we muster up on our own. It’s not something we produce or create. Faith is the natural response to seeing, experiencing, and believing in God’s faithfulness.

And the pathway to greater faith is greater experience, greater understanding, and a true heart-knowledge of God’s faithfulness to us that guides our thoughts, emotions, and actions.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY!

Living Without Offense May 21, 2020

Show notes

Loving others is one of the most important and difficult commands Jesus gave us. We are a messy, needy, and broken people. We constantly have to deal with our own wounds and the wounds of others. But if we can learn to love others well, rich, life-giving relationship will be our reward. May you receive the love of your Father given you by his grace, and be empowered to love others this week as we look to grow in our obedience of Jesus’ command to love others.

Our Scripture for today comes from Proverbs 19:11, and today's worship is Open Space by Housefires feat. Kirby Kaple.

Click here to help even more people encounter God through the ministry of First15.

__________

Live a life marked by faith.

The Bible has so much to say about our faith. And if I’m being honest, a lot of it is really confusing.

But when I look into my own heart, I come face to face with ways I doubt on a daily basis.

I often trust in my own strength, lean on my own understanding, and seek to provide for myself with my own power rather than relying on the strength, empowering, and provision of God.

But, I also know that simply trying to have more faith doesn’t work either.

This is why I wrote a four-week devotional, Faith, to unpack what the Bible says about living a life marked by an authentic faith.

Faith isn’t something we muster up on our own. It’s not something we produce or create. Faith is the natural response to seeing, experiencing, and believing in God’s faithfulness.

And the pathway to greater faith is greater experience, greater understanding, and a true heart-knowledge of God’s faithfulness to us that guides our thoughts, emotions, and actions.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY!

First15 Conversations: Debra Fileta May 20, 2020

Show notes

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the need for conversations around mental health is more widespread than ever. I don’t know about you, but my mental and emotional health have been strained as a result of the past few months, so I was incredibly encouraged to have a conversation with Debra Fileta, who is a Licensed Professional Counselor. We discuss the challenges of this season, ways that we cope, and how to manage the transition into this next season of unknowns. Debra’s wisdom, compassion, and Biblical truth deeply impacted me, and I know that you’ll find a renewed sense of hope as we continue this journey together.

The Simplicity of Grace May 20, 2020

Show notes

As we wrap up this week of simple Christianity, today we look at grace. Many of us are so hard on ourselves and struggle to allow ourselves to taste the grace the Father has for us. We look to earn love and acceptance in this world, but God’s way of grace couldn’t be more different from the world who tells us we are what we do. May today be a breath of fresh air as you encounter the grace of God that requires nothing in return.

Our Scripture for today comes from 1 Corinthians 15:10, and today's worship is So Much Grace by Jonathan and Melissa Helser.

Click here to help even more people encounter God through the ministry of First15.

__________

Live a life marked by faith.

The Bible has so much to say about our faith. And if I’m being honest, a lot of it is really confusing.

But when I look into my own heart, I come face to face with ways I doubt on a daily basis.

I often trust in my own strength, lean on my own understanding, and seek to provide for myself with my own power rather than relying on the strength, empowering, and provision of God.

But, I also know that simply trying to have more faith doesn’t work either.

This is why I wrote a four-week devotional, Faith, to unpack what the Bible says about living a life marked by an authentic faith.

Faith isn’t something we muster up on our own. It’s not something we produce or create. Faith is the natural response to seeing, experiencing, and believing in God’s faithfulness.

And the pathway to greater faith is greater experience, greater understanding, and a true heart-knowledge of God’s faithfulness to us that guides our thoughts, emotions, and actions.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY!

The Simple Truth of Freedom May 19, 2020

Show notes

As we near the end of our week on simple Christianity, we look today at the simple truth of our freedom in Christ. Our sin and bondage often feels like a convoluted web that entangles us. Satan would like nothing more than to keep us foggy and confused about the freedom and righteousness bought for us through the precious blood of Jesus. Today I’m praying that chains are broken in God’s presence. May we gain clarity and deep understanding of the freedom afforded to us as children of God. May we adopt the simple truth of our freedom and truly be set free.

Our Scripture for today comes from 2 Corinthians 3:17, and today's worship is No Longer Slaves by Tasha Cobbs Leonard.

Click here to help even more people encounter God through the ministry of First15.

__________

Live a life marked by faith.

The Bible has so much to say about our faith. And if I’m being honest, a lot of it is really confusing.

But when I look into my own heart, I come face to face with ways I doubt on a daily basis.

I often trust in my own strength, lean on my own understanding, and seek to provide for myself with my own power rather than relying on the strength, empowering, and provision of God.

But, I also know that simply trying to have more faith doesn’t work either.

This is why I wrote a four-week devotional, Faith, to unpack what the Bible says about living a life marked by an authentic faith.

Faith isn’t something we muster up on our own. It’s not something we produce or create. Faith is the natural response to seeing, experiencing, and believing in God’s faithfulness.

And the pathway to greater faith is greater experience, greater understanding, and a true heart-knowledge of God’s faithfulness to us that guides our thoughts, emotions, and actions.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY!

The Discipline of Simplicity May 18, 2020

Show notes

Today we are going to explore the actual discipline of simplicity by answering questions like, What does it mean to simplify life? How would Jesus have us actually simplify our lives? How can embracing simplicity enrich our day to day experience? May your heart and mind be open to all the wisdom and goodness God has for you today. And may you find comfort in making Jesus your one necessary thing.

Our Scripture for today comes from 2 Corinthians 1:12, and today's worship is Simplicity by Rend Collective.

Click here to help even more people encounter God through the ministry of First15.

__________

Live a life marked by faith.

The Bible has so much to say about our faith. And if I’m being honest, a lot of it is really confusing.

But when I look into my own heart, I come face to face with ways I doubt on a daily basis.

I often trust in my own strength, lean on my own understanding, and seek to provide for myself with my own power rather than relying on the strength, empowering, and provision of God.

But, I also know that simply trying to have more faith doesn’t work either.

This is why I wrote a four-week devotional, Faith, to unpack what the Bible says about living a life marked by an authentic faith.

Faith isn’t something we muster up on our own. It’s not something we produce or create. Faith is the natural response to seeing, experiencing, and believing in God’s faithfulness.

And the pathway to greater faith is greater experience, greater understanding, and a true heart-knowledge of God’s faithfulness to us that guides our thoughts, emotions, and actions.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY!

Rest in God May 17, 2020

Show notes

As we continue our week on simple Christianity, we have the joy today of discovering what it means to truly rest in God. In all the stress and hurry of life, don’t we all need to find even just a few moments of rest today? May God reorient the way you see him today, and show you his purpose and pleasure over his children taking time for true rest in him.

Our Scripture for today comes from Matthew 11:28-30, and today's worship is God of Peace by Nikki Moltz.

Click here to help even more people encounter God through the ministry of First15.

__________

Live a life marked by faith.

The Bible has so much to say about our faith. And if I’m being honest, a lot of it is really confusing.

But when I look into my own heart, I come face to face with ways I doubt on a daily basis.

I often trust in my own strength, lean on my own understanding, and seek to provide for myself with my own power rather than relying on the strength, empowering, and provision of God.

But, I also know that simply trying to have more faith doesn’t work either.

This is why I wrote a four-week devotional, Faith, to unpack what the Bible says about living a life marked by an authentic faith.

Faith isn’t something we muster up on our own. It’s not something we produce or create. Faith is the natural response to seeing, experiencing, and believing in God’s faithfulness.

And the pathway to greater faith is greater experience, greater understanding, and a true heart-knowledge of God’s faithfulness to us that guides our thoughts, emotions, and actions.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY!

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