First15

I don’t know if you can relate to this, but I’m beyond ready for this season to be over. After months of pandemic dominated news and overall unpredictability in life, I’m eager for things to go back to a sense of normalcy. There is no question that all of us have experienced struggle and suffering in some way over the past couple of months, and now the need for peace and healing seems greater than ever. Today in the First15 podcast, Josh and I are joined by Jennie Lusko, the author of a brand new book called The Fight To Flourish. In our conversation, we explore the hope and comfort we can find in the presence of God, even when experiencing the pain of difficult circumstances. In 2012, Jennie and her husband Levi experienced the loss of their second-born daughter, Lenya, five days before Christmas. It’s a tragedy I can hardly imagine having to face. But I believe the story of their journey with God in the midst of such struggle will bring you hope and encouragement wherever you’re at today. 

In today’s devotional, we wrap up our week on God giving good gifts by looking at how God is the giver of courage. Fear is something that plagues us all in this life. But our Father’s way is better. The Lord wants to cast out all fear with his perfect love and empower you to live boldly, full of courage and confidence. Open your heart today in light of God’s love. Let go of anything holding you back from abundant life, and step forward with Jesus into fearless living. Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 27:14, and today's worship is Stand in Your Love 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. _____________ Reimagine what love looks like   Jesus summed up our purpose with two statement

In today’s devotional, we’re going to explore and experience the ways God gives us strength. There is not much better than becoming aware of our weakness and being met by God’s strength and grace in the midst of it. God fills in all the places we lack, and he wants to hold you up and strengthen you today in your weakness. We can release the need to appear strong because we have a very strong God on our behalf. May you experience the embrace of the Father today as you draw near. Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 73:26, and today's worship is Confident 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. _____________ Reimagine what love looks like   Jesus summed up our purpose with two s

As we near the end of our week on God giving us good, heavenly gifts, we’re going to take time today to discover and reflect on the ways God gives us direction. Sometimes life can be confusing, and it is difficult to know which decisions to make. Thankfully, we have a Father who has sent his Spirit to speak and lead us through life’s winding paths. He has a plan for each of our lives, and he desires to partner with us to watch it unfold. May you find rest today in the direction God brings. Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 37:23, and today's worship is Lead Me by KJ Scriven. 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. _____________ Reimagine what love looks like   Jesus summed up our purpose with two

In today’s devotional, we’re going to explore the way God gives us contentment in the midst of every season and place he plants us. May you walk in immense satisfaction today as you open your heart and mind to the Lord’s presence and truth. As you fix your eyes on Jesus and trust him, I pray you experience rich contentment today in God’s love and provision. Our Scripture for today comes from Proverbs 19:23, and today's worship is Every Need by GT 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. _____________ Reimagine what love looks like   Jesus summed up our purpose with two statements: love God and love people. Love is at the center of our Christian faith, but in this season of COVID-19, it can be more

As we continue our series on God the Giver of Gifts, we’re going to take time today to look at the peace God is faithful to give. We all need peace in this chaotic world, and thankfully God has an abundance of it, which he wants to lavish on his children. Open your heart today, be still, and take in the peace of heaven. Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 85:8, and today's worship is Peace 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. _____________ Reimagine what love looks like   Jesus summed up our purpose with two statements: love God and love people. Love is at the center of our Christian faith, but in this season of COVID-19, it can be more difficult than ever to experience it, much

Today as we continue to explore ways God is a wonderful, giving Father, we’re going to focus on the delivering power of God to set the captive free and rescue his people. Wherever you find yourself today, know that God is a safe rescue and the deliverer of our souls. He loves you mightily and is working on your behalf at all times. May that truth bring you immense peace and comfort as you experience his presence. Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 32:7, and today's worship is Defender by Rita Springer. 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. _____________ Reimagine what love looks like   Jesus summed up our purpose with two statements: love God and love people. Love is at the center of our Christia

Our heavenly Father is the giver of every good gift. This week in the First15 devotional we’re going to explore the different gifts only God can give. His mercies are vast, powerful, and real. His love has the ability to completely overwhelm and satisfy every one of our needs. Everything he gives us satisfies, transforms, and leads us to abundant life. As we spend this week stirring up our affections toward God, allow your heart to become soft and open. Allow his loving character to draw you close and provide life to every dry and weary place in your soul. Our Scripture for today comes from Isaiah 66:13, and today's worship is With You by Elevation 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. _______

Craig and I recently sat down with Jeremy and Adie Camp to discuss topics from their new book on marriage, In-Unison. With Covid-19, things are crazier than ever with so many of us stuck at home. Issues that have been swept under the rug by busyness are rising to the surface, not only in ourselves, but in our marriages as well. Adie and Jeremy discuss with us how to have a healthy, thriving friendship with your spouse in the midst of social-distancing. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss! The fresh wisdom the Camps bring to marriage is inspiring, convicting, and deeply motivating.  Through honest stories and real experience, Jeremy and Adie’s story will encourage you to strengthen your own relationship with practical advice for dealing with conflict, cultivating friendship, truly knowing your spouse and building your own family culture. This is truly a conversation for such a time as this. What better time to invest in your marriage than now? We were so encouraged by our talk with the Camps, and we

In today’s devotional, we’re going to respond to God’s open invitation to seek his face. God desires to meet with you just as you are. So great was his desire for real, restored relationship with you, that he would send his only Son. May the weights and cares of the world fall off of your shoulders today as you set out to seek the heart of your good and loving Father. Our Scripture for today comes from Jeremiah 29:13, and today's worship is Be With Me by Bryan & Katie Torwalt. 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. _____________ As the world seems to be spinning out of control, we often wonder where God is in the midst of it. The truth is that God isn’t far away, but he is inviting us into a closer

In today’s devotional we’re going to create space to talk about and receive God’s great gift of love. You and I were made to be loved by God. And until we make room to receive the unselfish, steadfast, tangible love of God, we’ll spend the rest of our lives striving, vying for affection from others. May striving cease today as we receive the lavish affection of our good and loving God. Our Scripture for today comes from 1 John 4:19, and today's worship is Lover by Capital City 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. _____________ As the world seems to be spinning out of control, we often wonder where God is in the midst of it. The truth is that God isn’t far away, but he is inviting us into a clos

In today’s devotional, we’re going to dive deeper into the reality of God’s goodness. At every turn, just when I wonder how good God really is, he always has a plan to show me how truly loving and good he is. So as we begin, where are you questioning God’s goodness today? When things go wrong, when we get hurt, it’s only natural to start questioning and building walls. But rather than going our own way, let’s come before God with confidence, asking our questions and inviting him to meet us in a meaningful way today. Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 27:13, and today's worship is O Praise The Name/How Great is Our God by Influence 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. _____________ As the

In today’s devotional, we’re going to spend time reflecting on how worthy God is of our devotion. Life is never better than when God is fully at the center of our lives, and fully at the center of our hearts. May we authentically give God our devotion today as we take time to discover how holy and worthy he is. Our Scripture for today comes from Isaiah 6:3, and today's worship is Hallelujah Here Below by Elevation 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. _____________ As the world seems to be spinning out of control, we often wonder where God is in the midst of it. The truth is that God isn’t far away, but he is inviting us into a closer and deeper relationship with him. Let’s not allow social d

In today’s devotional, we’re going to take time to simply focus on how trustworthy our heavenly Father is. Our trust is always meant to be a response to God’s trustworthiness, an act of love given as we receive the unconditional, life-changing love of God. May our hearts be filled with greater measures of trust as we make space for God to fill. Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 9:10, and today's worship is This We Know by Vertical Church. 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. _____________ As the world seems to be spinning out of control, we often wonder where God is in the midst of it. The truth is that God isn’t far away, but he is inviting us into a closer and deeper relationship with him. L

Every day we experience fear in some way. Whether it’s fear over the opinion of others, fear of the future, or fear over the ways and plans of evil, we’re in need of comfort and faith. Today we’re going to spend time focusing on protection God offers us every day in his goodness and love. May our hearts be comforted and our hands filled with strength as we make space for God to fill. Our Scripture for today comes from 2 Thessalonians 3:3, and today's worship is Every Battle by Rita Springer. 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. _____________ As the world seems to be spinning out of control, we often wonder where God is in the midst of it. The truth is that God isn’t far away, but he is inviting us int

It’s vital to the Christian life that we as sons and daughters of the most high God allow our affections to be stirred by the loving, powerful nature of our heavenly Father. Too often we feel that God is distant or separated from us. Too often we allow misconceptions or lies to place a rift between us and experiencing God. So as we spend time this week focusing on God’s character, allow who he is to stir up your desire to know him even more. Our Scripture for today comes from Philippians 2:13, and today's worship is You Waited by Travis Greene. 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. _____________ As the world seems to be spinning out of control, we often wonder where God is in the midst of it. The truth

Today I am so excited to share a conversation that Josh and I recently had with Jerrad Lopes, who is a father, author, and founder of the Dad Tired ministry. These times of social distancing are presenting unique challenges to all of us, and men and fathers are no different. From hardships with financial provision in the unsure economy, to unique family and marital dynamics, this pandemic is producing unprecedented challenges.  Jerrad is someone I look to personally for wisdom and insight into how to be a better spiritual leader in my family and work.   And in our conversation we talk vulnerably about the difficulties, temptations, and opportunities we have as men in this unprecedented time. My hope and prayer is that our discussion would encourage you personally or give you a sense of empathy and compassion for those around you today. To find out more about Jerrad and the DadTired ministry, click here To find out more about First15, click here

In the last devotional of this week where we’re seeking to stir up our affections for God, today we’re going to look at God’s faithfulness. You and I can have faith, because God is faithful. His faithfulness lays the foundation we need to love him, follow him, and walk with him. May God draw us closer to him, and give us a greater measure of faith today as we focus on his steadfast love and faithfulness. Our Scripture for today comes from Numbers 23:19, and today's worship is Faithful to the End by Paul and Hannah McClure. 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. _____________ As the world seems to be spinning out of control, we often wonder where God is in the midst of it. The truth is that God isn’t far

In today’s devotional, we’re going to stir up our affections for God by looking at what it means when Scripture calls us his children. As a child of God, you are adopted into the family of the Creator of all. And you have a good, and loving Father, filled with grace, mercy, and compassion. May God give us eyes to see who we are to him today, and the courage to abide in him in life-giving relationship. Our Scripture for today comes from Galatians 4:6-7, and today's worship is No Longer Slaves by Jonathan David and 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. _____________ As the world seems to be spinning out of control, we often wonder where God is in the midst of it. The truth is that God isn

In today’s devotional, we’re going to stir up our affections by looking at God’s invitation to us in Revelation 3:20 to share a meal with him. This metaphor, this image of sitting across the table from God, especially in the context of the author of Revelation, John’s, culture, creates a pathway for you and me to journey down that leads to real, close relationship with our Creator and Savior. May we all draw nearer to God today in this time together. Our Scripture for today comes from Revelation 3:20, and today's worship is Like a Fire 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. _____________ As the world seems to be spinning out of control, we often wonder where God is in the midst of it. Th