First15

As we continue our week on God’s heart to meet with man, today we’ll look at the best example I can think of. Many of us doubt the love of God due to all kinds of circumstances, but I pray today you become even a little bit more convinced and sure of his pursuit and unconditional love for you specifically. Open your heart today and allow God to give you a renewed sense of how much you mean to him. Our Scripture for today comes from Matthew 1:23, and today's worship is Christ the Lord is With Me by Steffany Gretzinger. 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. _____ We just launched Vol. 7 of our First15 Devotional Series, Trust. And I couldn’t be more excited! Trust is one of the devotional books I’ve bee

Oftentimes we look at Old Testament stories of man’s encounters with God and grow jealous. We question why God doesn’t show up in the way he did with Moses for us now. There is a portion of relationship, encounter and intimacy available to us with God today that men of the Old Testament could have never dreamed of. It is my hope and prayer that you leave today having experienced the richness, unity and oneness with the Spirit of God you were made for. Our Scripture for today comes from Exodus 33:11, and today's worship is Face to Face by Kendrian & Lauren Dueck.  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. _____ We just launched Vol. 7 of our First15 Devotional Series, Trust. And I couldn’t be more exci

Have you ever felt incompetent for the work God sets before you? The mission and call of God on our lives can seem daunting and impossible. Know that Gideon felt that way, and it’s okay if you do too. But God wants to speak courage and empowerment to our hearts today that he will be with us, moving through us every step of our journey. Open your heart today that God may fill it with fresh fire and excitement for the call on your life. Our Scripture for today comes from Judges 6:16, and today's worship is Way Maker by Leeland. 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. _____ We just launched Vol. 7 of our First15 Devotional Series, Trust. And I couldn’t be more excited! Trust is one of the devotional books

Throughout Scripture we see countless examples of God meeting with man and countless lives being transformed as the result. These examples are in Scripture to stir our faith and fill us with a desire to meet with our Creator. When we read about the life of David, we should be filled with a longing to live as he did, centered around meeting with our heavenly Father. When we read about Gideon or Moses, we should long to know our God as they did. When we read about Jesus coming down to us or his heart for the woman caught in adultery, we should respond by pursuing encounters with our Savior. And when we read of Pentecost and Jesus’ second coming, we should seek out the fullness of God’s presence available to us on this earth in preparation for the age that is to come. May your heart be filled with a wholehearted desire to pursue meeting with God this week. Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 84:1-2, and today's worship is Know (Be Still) by Jeremy Riddle. First15 is a daily devotional written and record

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been feeling the fatigue set in from months of stress, change, and uncertainty. Not only that, but we’ve lost so many  of the outlets that we would normally run to for relaxation, relationship, and entertainment. So today on the First15 podcast, we thought we’d have a fun conversation with Jason Romano, a long-time producer at ESPN, and the author of books like Live to Forgive and The Uniform of Leadership: Lessons on True Success from My ESPN Life. Josh and I had a great time talking about Jason’s journey at ESPN, his personal story of forgiveness, and the opportunity we all have to be leaders in this time of crisis.  You also don’t want to miss Jason’s prediction on where sports are headed in light of our new realities. To find out more about Jason Romano or his books, CLICK HERE. Sports Spectrum is a ministry that is passionate about connecting sports and faith. To find out more, you can check them out HERE.

People are messy. We are difficult and challenging. And it’s because of that no church is perfect. But there must be some reason Jesus desires for us to be unified and be one. Today we’ll explore how and why it’s important to encounter God through other people. May your wounds be healed, and your heart be opened to how God wants to use others to lead you to him. Our Scripture for today comes from Matthew 18:19-20, and today's worship is Heart and Hands by Sean Feucht. 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. _____ We just launched Vol. 7 of our First15 Devotional Series, Trust. And I couldn’t be more excited! Trust is one of the devotional books I’ve been most anticipating, because of how critical trust

Many of us know God’s presence is always available to us, but rarely do we take a second to become aware of how near he truly is. Today we’ll explore what it means to encounter God through receiving his presence. This simple concept has radically changed my life, and it is my prayer it changes yours too. May we learn to practice God’s presence on a regular basis and see his goodness flood our lives. Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 139:7, and today's worship is Abba by Jonathan & Melissa Helser. 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. _____ We just launched Vol. 7 of our First15 Devotional Series, Trust. And I couldn’t be more excited! Trust is one of the devotional books I’ve been most anti

In this world, it’s not difficult to become disheartened, visionless and confused about the direction of our lives or our circumstances. But God has given us a priceless gift to ground and root us in truth and vision for life—his word. If you’re feeling purposeless or lost today, look no further than the wisdom God has graciously provided through the Bible. Today we’ll dive into how we can encounter God through Scripture. Our Scripture for today comes from Jeremiah 15:16, and today's worship is Your Word by Hillsong Worship. 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. _____ We just launched Vol. 7 of our First15 Devotional Series, Trust. And I couldn’t be more excited! Trust is one of the devotional books I

Worship is essential to a vibrant, thriving Christian life. In worship, much like thanksgiving, we are reminded of who our God is, and who we are. Worshipping Jesus grounds us in our identity because it reminds us whose we are and all that he has done on our behalf. Jesus is worthy of all our worship, and it’s my prayer today that you have a fresh encounter with him through this transformative avenue. Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 29:2, and today's worship is You Remind Me by Madison Street Worship.  Worship Playlist: CLICK HERE 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. _____ We just launched Vol. 7 of our First15 Devotional Series, Trust. And I couldn’t be more excited! Trust is one of the de

Expressing gratitude and thanks to God has a miraculous way of opening and changing our hearts. Today we’ll explore the discipline of thanksgiving, and encounter God in response. May you take away from our time today, timeless principles that quickly get your heart in the right place despite your season or circumstances. Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 100:4, and today's worship is Thank You by Bethel Music. 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. _____ We just launched Vol. 7 of our First15 Devotional Series, Trust. And I couldn’t be more excited! Trust is one of the devotional books I’ve been most anticipating, because of how critical trust is to our ability to thrive in and out of life’s dif

Prayer is so simple, but often times our minds convolute and complicate it. Today we’re exploring how to encounter God through prayer, and I pray you take away a simplified, childlike approach to spending time with your heavenly Father. May your heart and mind be at peace today as you encounter the living God. Our Scripture for today comes from Hebrews 11:6, and today's worship is Confident by Steffany Gretzinger & Bobby Strand. 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. _____ We just launched Vol. 7 of our First15 Devotional Series, Trust. And I couldn’t be more excited! Trust is one of the devotional books I’ve been most anticipating, because of how critical trust is to our ability to thrive in and o

Having consistent and transformational encounters with God while on earth is meant to be foundational to the Christian life. Our God has not left us. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, we’ve been filled with the very Spirit of God who longs to reveal to us daily the nearness and love of our heavenly Father. We are never alone. There is nowhere we can flee from the presence of our God. May this week be filled with transformational encounters with the living God as we learn what it is to seek the face of the one who has formed us, knows us, and loves us unconditionally. Our Scripture for today comes from Hebrews 11:6, and today's worship is Confident by Steffany Gretzinger & Bobby Strand. 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 t

In our final devotional of this week long series on the marks of a true Christian, today we’re looking at God’s command to overcome evil with good. May God show us the pathway to his power today, and illuminate specific ways we can overcome evil with good today. Our Scripture for today comes from Romans 12:21, and today's worship is Let There Be Light by Hillsong Worship.  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. __________ 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’

2020 has been one of the most challenging years we’ve experienced as a nation, and it seems that no other city has had to bear as much as New York City. So today, we are grateful to spend some time with Jon Tyson, lead Pastor of Church of the City, New York, located right in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen. Over the last few months he has gained an up close and personal perspective on the challenges we face as a country and as the body of Christ. In our conversation we cover topics like...  Jon’s personal battle with COVID-19 How we can respond to the division in our country How to hold onto the lessons we’ve learned in this season Jon has a passion for seeing God renew the church in New York and beyond, and I know you’ll be challenged and encouraged by his heart and story. 

As we near the end of our series on the marks of a true Christian, today we’re going to explore together what it means to live in harmony with one another. There’s hardly a better feeling than being in harmony with those that are close to you. We were created for close, thriving relationship with God and others. And God in his power and love wants to equip us to build and keep harmony, even in the midst of our brokenness. May God give us wisdom, and empower us to walk the path of humility and love as we seek to live in harmony today. Our Scripture for today comes from Romans 12:16, and today's worship is Together at the Cross by The Church Will Sing. 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. __________ Liv

In today’s devotional, we’re going to continue our series on the marks of a true Christian by looking at Paul’s encouragement to rejoice and weep with others. One of the most powerful acts of love we can make is to follow the way of empathy and compassion. Jesus allowed himself to be burdened by others burdens, pained by their pain. And may we follow the way of our Savior today as we spend time in his word, and in his presence. Our Scripture for today comes from Romans 12:15, and today's worship is I Am Loved by Mack Brock. 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. __________ 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 the middle of our week on the marks of a true Christian, today we’re looking at Paul’s command to bless those who persecute you. Truly blessing those around us that seem to be against us is an incredible act of love, producing fruit not only in the lives of others, but in our lives as well. May God give us insight into his heart for this command today, as well as the courage to live it out. Our Scripture for today comes from Romans 12:14, and today's worship is Mercy by Amanda Cook.  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. __________ 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

In our third devotional in this week-long series on the marks of a true Christian, today we’re going to explore together what it means to rejoice in hope. In a world that can so often bring us down, so often appear to be without hope, today we have the opportunity to make room for God to give us his perspective, that we might rejoice in his hope. May God give us wisdom, joy, and eternal perspective today as we make space for him to fill. Our Scripture for today comes from Romans 12:12, and today's worship is Living Hope by Phil Wickham.  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. __________ 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 rea

I could not be more thrilled to share with you a conversation that Rachel and I had this week with Latasha Morrison.  Our conversation covers topics like the history of racism in the United States, how we ended up here today, and crucial steps in moving forward. We had a ton of questions going into this podcast and as we walked away we felt a renewed sense of passion knowing that we can actually be a part of God’s plan for racial reconciliation.   Tasha is a bridge-builder, reconciler, and a compelling voice in the fight for racial justice. In 2016, she founded Be the Bridge, a non-profit organization equipping more than 1,000 sub-groups across five countries to serve as ambassadors of racial reconciliation. Numerous organizations have recognized her as a leading social justice advocate, including Facebook’s Community Leadership Program, Forbes, and EBONY magazine. Her first book, Be the Bridge, was released in October 2019, and is now on the New York Times and USA Today best seller lists! Be the Bridge and

As we continue this week on the marks of a true Christian, today we’re going to look at what it means to be fervent in spirit. You were made to live with a fervent faith, zealous in response to God’s passionate love for you. May God fill all our hearts with his love in a meaningful, authentic way. And may we find the courage in him to live our faith passionately. Our Scripture for today comes from Romans 12:11, and today's worship is Refresh Me by Leeland. 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. __________ 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