First15

As we continue our series, allowing God to prepare us as the new year approaches, today we’ll make space for God to create new beginnings in our lives. Every one of us needs a new beginning in some way, a fresh start in some area of our life. And this season heading into the new year is a perfect time to allow God to fill us with new life. May you get a real sense of redemption and grace today as we seek the heart of God together. Our Scripture for today comes from Lamentations 3:22-24, and today's worship is This Is What You Do 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.

As this year comes to a close, it’s vital that we take time to both reflect on what God has done and allow him to prepare us for what’s to come. A new year marks a fresh opportunity to center our lives around the goodness of God. I pray that as you begin looking toward what is to come you will make space to gain God’s perspective, ground your hopes and pursuits on his grace, and celebrate all that God has done and is doing. May your time with God this week be filled with the loving presence of your heavenly Father. Our Scripture for today comes from Ecclesiastes 3:1, and today's worship is Seasons 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.

In today’s podcast we’ll be celebrating Christmas, Christ come for you and me, by allowing the reality of his coming to fill our hearts with overflowing joy. Whatever is happening in your life today, there is joy to be found in the reality that Christ came for you, wants to make his presence known in your life, and that he will come again. May your heart be filled with joy this Christmas day. Our Scripture for today comes from 1 Peter 1:8, and today's worship is Joy To The World by Jeremy Riddle. 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.

Christmas is a time where we as believers celebrate God’s heart to write himself into our story. Prior to Jesus we had no real picture of God’s love. All we had to know him by was through stories of old and commandments written into law. But only in Jesus was a pathway created whereby we could walk in intimacy with the Father again. Only in Jesus was the veil torn allowing God’s manifest presence into the earth. We owe all that we have to Jesus. We owe all that we have to Christmas. So across the next two days we’ll celebrate the joyful reality of Christmas. May this time together help us center our celebrations around the goodness of Emmanuel, God with us. Our Scripture for today comes from John 6:51, and today's worship is Always Have by Vertical 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

As we finish our week on drawing near to God this Advent season, today we’ll focus outward on how we can carry the presence of Christ into our spheres of influence. We have learned this week that God is with us always and available to us at all times. There is never a time he isn’t by your side, and you have the profound privilege of carrying his presence with you everywhere you go. As you practice sensitivity, God will be faithful to show up and move in amazing ways. May this Christmas season be blessed beyond measure as you seek to show the world his love. Our Scripture for today comes from 1 John 4:17, and today's worship is Jesus Come 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 we begin to wrap up our week on drawing near to God, today we’ll explore what it means to draw from the endless well of living water and life available to us in Christ. In a season where consumerism is at an all-time high, God is inviting us to draw from his wellsprings of life for true satiation and satisfaction in him. Allow God to remind you afresh today of his love and ability to meet every need and longing in your heart. Our Scripture for today comes from John 4:10, and today's worship is In Over My Head by Jenn Johnson.  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.

How often are you alone with God? Truly alone, pulled away from the rest of the world, in the quiet and stillness of his presence? I believe God is beckoning his people this holiday season to experience his Immanuel, God with us, nearness. Our souls need it, and God longs for it. Just as you desire to experience his presence and peace, God wants to experience your nearness too, simply because he loves you. May you be encouraged and motivated today to get truly alone with the Father in these days. Our Scripture for today comes from John 1:14, and today's worship is O Come, O Come Emmanuel by First15 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.

In the midst of this crazy season, it is important to remain sensitive to the Spirit of God. It can be so easy to miss out on the uniqueness of this Advent season because we get busy serving, celebrating, shopping. We are all guilty of it. But I can promise you, if you commit yourself to practicing sensitivity this Advent season, you will be so blessed for it. Our Scripture for today comes from Ephesians 5:15-17, and today's worship is Silent Night by Young Oceans.  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.

Sometimes we just need a reminder that things with God are simple, and the weight of our experiencing God is not on us or dependent upon our ability to be spiritual. Jesus wants to remind us today of how he is pursuing our hearts in this life, and all we need to do is say yes. May you find God today as you open your heart to him, and experience the rest that his presence brings. Our Scripture for today comes from 1 John 4:19, and today's worship is Run to the Father by Cody Carnes.  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 we spend the week focusing on drawing near to God this Christmas season, today we’ll explore a fun concept. Every morning is like Christmas morning when you know and walk with God. God is so, so good. And he desires for us to walk in the gifts of his goodness all the days of our lives. May we reorient our thinking so that each morning with God is more exciting than the next as we experience afresh his love and kindness. Our Scripture for today comes from Lamentations 3:22-23, and today's worship is Garments by Cory Asbury.  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.

The Christmas season is a powerful and unique time of year to remember that Jesus came to make a way for us to be near God. In his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus built a bridge between us and God allowing us to have continual, unhindered communion with our Creator. But God can’t force us into nearness with him. Even as believers filled with the Holy Spirit, we can choose to live as if God is still far off. So this Christmas season, may we choose to open our hearts to the living God that we might experience fullness of joy in his loving presence. Our Scripture for today comes from James 4:8, and today's worship is Draw Near by Jeremy Riddle.  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 we end our week looking to Jesus, today we’ll explore one of my favorite aspects of his nature: his humility. Jesus, the King of all the earth, the one who has every reason to boast and show his power, chooses the path of humility, of submission, of lowering himself. We have so much to learn from this beautiful King. It is my hope that you are encouraged and challenged today. But also that your heart is burst open and flooded with worship at the beauty of our Jesus. Our Scripture for today comes from Philippians 2:5-7, and today's worship is Prince of Heaven 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.

As we begin to wrap up our week celebrating Jesus our King, today we’ll celebrate the justice of God. What does it mean for God to be just? Does that stir up fear in you or peace? As we take a closer look at what God’s justice means for us, I pray you are filled with immense gratitude and worship today. God has looked on us with so much love. And Jesus, our just King, has done so much on our behalf. Our Scripture for today comes from Isaiah 30:18, and today's worship is Here I Bow by Brian and Jenn Johnson. 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 have spent this week looking at different aspects of Christ’s kingship. Today we’ll explore how the Lord is merciful in nature toward us and the world. May you come to treasure the mercy of God in your life as we take time today to explore it. He is truly so good to us, and it is fitting for us to celebrate him in all of his goodness. Our Scripture for today comes from Matthew 9:13, 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.

As we continue our week exploring various aspects of Jesus’ kingship, today we’ll celebrate his triumphant nature. What does it mean for God to be triumphant? Like most things with Jesus, the deeper we look, the more we’ll find he is contradictory to the ways of this world. His victory is no different. Jesus’ victory confounded the Jews on his time, and still confounds many to this day. May the nature of Jesus’ triumph astound your heart and provoke worship and awe in you today. Our Scripture for today comes from John 12:15, and today's worship is O Come All Ye Faithful 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.

As we explore the gift of Jesus this advent season, today we’ll dig into what it means for him to be our Savior King. Is salvation just for a time in the future, or could it also be for the here and now? What would it look like to take hold of our salvation this side of heaven, and experience the fruit of eternal life today? May you feel your faith and desire for more be spurred on today as you encounter this Savior King. Our Scripture for today comes from 2 Timothy 2:19, and today's worship is O Come, O Come Emmanuel by First15 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 we spend this week to celebrating who Jesus is and what he’s done, today we’ll remind ourselves of the great authority and victory of Jesus as our King of kings. There is so much peace available to us today found solely in our shared victory with Christ, our King and his sovereignty over all of our circumstances. Allow this victorious King to settle your heart and mind today as you experience his presence. Revel in his power and might. And worship him as the worthy King that he is. Our Scripture for today comes from Revelation 19:16, and today's worship is King of Kings 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.

What a gift we have in the Christmas season. God himself took on flesh and dwelt among us that we might find eternal relationship in him. His coming serves as a continual reminder of his grace and pursuit of us who are lost without him. As we look to Jesus this week to celebrate who he is and what he’s done, may you find life-giving hope and foundational joy. Our Scripture for today comes from John 1:29, and today's worship is Oh The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus by Audrey Assad. 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 we finish our week on vision and boundaries, today we’ll focus on having vision for eternity. The glorious truth is that this world is not the end for us. In fact, through Jesus, we will see a kingdom that has no end. Christ desires his people to be those that live with fresh vision for heaven and eyes fixed upward. May you be newly envisioned and encouraged today as you’re reminded of the world that is to come through Christ our King. Our Scripture for today comes from Ecclesiastes 3:11, and today's worship is Be Thou My Vision by Audrey Assad. 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 we begin to wrap up our week on boundaries and vision, today we’ll explore having clear vision for community. All of us will likely fall in different places with this topic today. It is my prayer you discover what is healthy and God-ordained for you in regards to community—and that may look completely different than someone else! We all have different capacity, and it’s very important to remember that as we discuss living life with others in community. May our hearts be open today to whatever the Lord might speak. Our Scripture for today comes from Matthew 18:20, and today's worship is Heart and Hands by Sean Feucht, Pat Barrett & 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.