First15

As we begin to wrap up our week on Jesus’s High Priestly prayer, today we look at what it means to reflect God’s glory. How could man ever look like God? In our broken, fallen state, can we ever reflect his glory? Let’s find out as we explore God’s heart and intention behind filling us with his Holy Spirit and giving us his new nature. May your heart and mind be open to God’s truth and will for your life today as we seek him together.   Our Scripture for today comes from John 17:22-24, and today's worship is You Came (Lazarus) by Bethel Music, Jonathan David Helser, Melissa Helser.       Thank you for listening to today’s devotional.  Has this podcast been a blessing to you? You can help make this a blessing for others as well, by giving a year-end donation to ensure we can continue producing this show and reach even more listeners in 2024. First15 has set a $378,160 goal to be reached by December 31 so that together, we can end the year strong and help more people connect with God in 2024.  So I want to

Today we continue our week on Jesus’s High Priestly prayer by exploring the topic of sanctification. What does it mean to be in the world but not of the world? What does sanctification look like played out in our lives practically? Often the concept of being sanctified is daunting and a bit intimidating. But today God wants to clear up our common misconceptions and help us enter this process with joy. Open your heart to the kindness of Jesus and allow him to give you rest. Our Scripture for today comes from John 17:14-19, and today's worship is Give Us Clean Hands by Passion Music.     Thanks so much for listening to today’s podcast.    I hope you’re enjoying the podcasts so far this week as we’re unpacking Jesus’ High Priestly prayer together. Today as you go out, know that the Lord is sanctifying you out of his love for you, remaking you in his image, that you could enjoy life as it was meant to be lived.    We’ve got two more days of looking at this wonderful passage in John 17 together. I hope the en

Jesus is a joyful King, and we find in his High Priestly Prayer that he desires that his people would be filled with his joy too. We all have a myriad of burdens and things in life that cause us stress and worry. But what does it look like to have deep abiding joy in all circumstances? Today we’ll explore that and more. Our Scripture for today comes from John 17:13, and today's worship is Joy Is Coming by Todd Galberth (feat. Travis Greene).     Thank you for listening to today’s devotional.  Has this podcast been a blessing to you? You can help make this a blessing for others as well, by giving a year-end donation to ensure we can continue producing this show and reach even more listeners in 2024. First15 has set a $378,160 goal to be reached by December 31 so that together, we can end the year strong and help more people connect with God in 2024.  So I want to ask you to give a generous gift to help reach the goal. And right now your gift will be DOUBLED by a $65,000 Matching Grant provided by a genero

As we continue our week on Jesus’s High Priestly prayer, today we’ll explore God’s desire to see his people unified. Why would this be important to him? What good could be in unity for us and others? What is Jesus trying to communicate to the world through us? May our hearts be open to the answers we discover today as we take a deeper dive. Our Scripture for today comes from John 17:10-11, and today's worship is This Is The Kingdom by Elevation Worship (feat. Pat Barrett).      Thanks for listening to today’s podcast on the unity available to us in God.    Whenever conflict arises today, remember that God has a perfect plan to lead you into unity with others around you. Take a moment, if you can’t see the path to unity, and ask him to illuminate it for you. A wonderful prayer you can pray is, God help me to see where you’re at work in the lives of others around me. Help me to see you in others.”    May God give you a profound sense of connection with your brothers and sisters in the faith today as you se

As we take a deep dive into Jesus’s High Priestly prayer in John 17 this week, we will discover together the deep desires of the heart of God. Today we explore Jesus’s desire to be known by his people. Isn’t it amazing to think the God of the universe desires to be known intimately by you and me? What a beautiful blessing and gift he desires to give each of us. May we take hold of this gift and experience it fully today as we take a closer look. Our Scripture for today comes from John 17:3, and today's worship is Out Of Hiding by Steffany Gretzinger.     Thank you so much for listening to today’s podcast.    Rest today in the reality that you were made for relationship. You are not what you do. Who you are is the beloved child of God. When you feel the temptation today to define yourself by your accomplishments, or to seek value from the opinion of others around you, stop and remember that you don’t need approval from anyone. The point of life, of all of eternity, is relationship.    Have a wonderful res

We have a great High Priest who constantly intercedes on our behalf. The Son of God and Man loves you more deeply than you can fathom. He prays for you, that you might walk in the abundant life his death affords you. And in John 17 we get a glimpse into the fullness of his desire for all those who would believe in him. As we dive deeply into the riches of Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer this week, may your heart be awakened and your life be transformed by the riches of God’s love. Our Scripture for today comes from John 17:1-2, and today's worship is King Jesus by Brooke Ligertwood.     Thank you so much for listening to today’s devotional.    Stay tuned for the rest of the devotionals this week, as we unpack together this incredible prayer from Jesus. In Jesus’ words we find a wonderful picture of God’s heart, as God prays to God, a perfect prayer given on our behalf.    Have a wonderful rest of your day, and may God bless you as you seek him.  

In today’s devotional, the last in our series on the parables, we’ll be looking at the parables of the lost sheep and coin. May you discover today how precious you are in the eyes of God. And may you be empowered to see yourself, your value, as he does.   Our Scripture for today comes from Luke 15:4-7, Luke 15:8-10. Today's worship is Where I'll Be Found by Restoration Worship. – Outro / Wrap Up:   Thank you so much for listening to today’s podcast, the last in our week-long series on vision and boundaries.    Tomorrow we start a brand new series, looking at Jesus as our King, to help us engage our hearts in this beautiful season of advent. My hope is that together we can center our lives around the goodness of who Jesus is, and establish him as our source in this Christmas season.    Make sure to subscribe to our podcast so you won’t miss an episode. Have a wonderful rest of your day, and may God bless you as you seek him. 

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 King Jesus by Brooke Ligertwood.     --   Next week is Giving Tuesday, the one day a year when the world focuses on unleashing radical generosity. And what better cause is there to be radically generous about than helping people connect with God? A generous donor has offered a $25,000 Matching Grant to help reach First15’s $110,287 Giving Tuesday goal. This means any gift you give today will be DOUBLED. You and I were

Many of us are in a very necessary need of vision for and boundaries around our work. This may be one of the most important topics we discuss all week. We spend so many hours a day working, this time must surely be important. May you discover God’s heart for your work, and find deep purpose and joy today as you submit to God’s vision and boundaries for it. Our Scripture for today comes from Luke 18:10-14, and today's worship is  Mercy by First15 Worship feat. Amanda Cook. – Outro / Wrap Up:   Thank you so much for listening to today’s podcast.    We just launched our final campaign for the year, seeking to raise $100,000 to make our final budget goal for the year, so we can start off 2019 on the right foot. Already this year our readers and listeners have been so generous. So in this final campaign of the year, if you haven’t yet supported this space we’re creating for God’s presence, now is the perfect time to do that.    You can find a link in the description below to give.    Thanks so much for liste

As we continue our week on vision and boundaries, today we’ll explore what it looks like to have vision for loving and serving others well. Is loving people something you do intentionally? Or is something you believe will happen effortlessly as you live your life? Sometimes God is asking us to intentionally discover vision for certain seasons, and is specific about ways we could minister to or bless someone. Today may we learn how to serve people in a healthy, intentional way with good boundaries and vision.   Our Scripture for today comes from Philippians 2:4, and today's worship is Unstoppable God by The War Within.   –   Next week is Giving Tuesday, the one day a year when the world focuses on unleashing radical generosity. And what better cause is there to be radically generous about than helping people connect with God? A generous donor has offered a $25,000 Matching Grant to help reach First15’s $110,287 Giving Tuesday goal. This means any gift you give today will be DOUBLED. You and I were made to

Today we will take some time for ourselves, something we’re often not very good at doing. The reality is God cares deeply for you before you can do anything for him, and he wants that truth to settle deeply into our hearts today. We will be exploring what it means to have vision for ourselves holistically. How do we set ourselves up for success emotionally, physically and spiritually? The truth is you matter, and it’s my prayer you are strengthened and encouraged today. Our Scripture for today comes from John 10:10, and today's worship is See A Victory by Elevation Worship.    -   Outro / Wrap Up:   Thanks so much for listening to today’s podcast, Vision for Yourself.    One of the most challenging things to do can be to simply stop and practice self-awareness. So often we just keep going, ignoring how we’re really feeling or doing, and suffer too long as a result.    As you go about your day today, try and set aside time to simply be aware of how you’re feeling, what you’re thinking, what matters most,

As we focus this week on boundaries for life and vision, today we’ll explore what it would look like to have the right priorities in place in our relationship with God. Many of us live as though God has a long list of expectations for us to meet. Today may God’s priorities for us become our own, and may we set the necessary boundaries in place to keep our priorities in the correct order. Our Scripture for today comes from John 15:4, and today's worship is What I See by Elevation Worship. – Outro / Wrap Up:   Thank you so much for listening to today’s podcast.   As you go about your day today, look for opportunities to ask God to give you vision to see him. If you find yourself staring at a really difficult situation, as God to reveal where he is in the midst of it. If you find yourself not knowing which way to go, ask him to illuminate a path.    I hope that you find God in the midst of your day in more meaningful ways as the result of the time you’ve set aside for him already.    Have a wonderful rest

We serve a God of boundaries. In his limitless capacity, endless creativity, and boundless existence he still chose to create boundaries. He still had vision for what was good, right, pleasing, and perfect. And as children made in his image, we are to live, think, and create as he does. In a world marked by busyness from seemingly infinite opportunities, it’s important now more than ever for us to create boundaries. May you find freedom and joy this week as you receive vision and set boundaries under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Our Scripture for today comes from Proverbs 29:18, and today's worship is Be Thou My Vision by Audrey Assad. – Outro / Wrap Up:   Thanks so much for listening to today’s podcast, being a person of vision, the first in our week-long series on vision and boundaries.    Tomorrow we’ll begin looking at what it means to have vision for specific areas in our lives, starting with what it means to have vision for God. My hope is that God opens our eyes tomorrow in specific ways to s

In today’s devotional, the last in our series on the parables, we’ll be looking at the parables of the lost sheep and coin. May you discover today how precious you are in the eyes of God. And may you be empowered to see yourself, your value, as he does.   Our Scripture for today comes from Luke 15:4-7, Luke 15:8-10. Today's worship is Where I'll Be Found by Restoration Worship. – Outro / Wrap Up:   Thank you for listening to today’s devotional.   Tomorrow we’re beginning a brand new series focusing simply on the presence of God. May our connection with him and ability to abide with him grow every morning as we make space for him to fill.    But if God did something significant as you engaged in these stories this week, consider taking 45 seconds or so to write a review. Sharing your story will help you gain a sense of what God’s doing in your life, and could be just what someone else needs to dive in to a connected relationship with God every day.    Have a wonderful rest of your day, and may God bles

As we near the end of our week on the parables, today we’re going to look at the parable of the prodigal son. Hanging in my office is a print of Rembrandt’s depiction of this biblical scene. It’s hard for me to think of another passage of Scripture that produces such continual fruit in my life on a daily basis. May these words of Jesus redefine our relationship with God for the better today. Our Scripture for today comes from Luke 15:21-24, and today's worship is This Is The Sound by Steffany Gretzinger.     --   Next week is Giving Tuesday, the one day a year when the world focuses on unleashing radical generosity. And what better cause is there to be radically generous about than helping people connect with God? A generous donor has offered a $25,000 Matching Grant to help reach First15’s $110,287 Giving Tuesday goal. This means any gift you give today will be DOUBLED. You and I were made to connect — with others, and most importantly, with God. But many people struggle to find a devotional resource t

One of my favorite stories is the parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector. Through this story, Jesus makes it abundantly clear how we’re to come before God. May we today begin a fresh revival of humility in the church as we humble ourselves before God in prayer and honest worship. I want to encourage you to be open and vulnerable as you approach the Lord today. Our Scripture for today comes from Luke 18:10-14, and today's worship is  Mercy by First15 Worship feat. Amanda Cook. – Outro / Wrap Up:   Thanks for listening to today’s devotional.    As you go about your day today, look for an opportunity to practice humility in a new way. Maybe it will be with your spouse, a child, a coworker, or a complete stranger. Look for a chance to choose humble strength over pride, and pay attention to the effect it has on your heart.    Make sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Have a wonderful rest of your day, and may God bless you as you seek him.  

As we continue to look at the profound, life-transforming concepts Jesus shared through parables, today we’ll focus on the parable of the lamp on a stand. May what might’ve once been a concept that caused many of us to feel pressure, now bring forth peace, purpose and freedom in God’s love and identity for us.   Our Scripture for today comes from Matthew 5:14-15, and today's worship is My Lighthouse by Rend Collective.   –   Next week is Giving Tuesday, the one day a year when the world focuses on unleashing radical generosity. And what better cause is there to be radically generous about than helping people connect with God? A generous donor has offered a $25,000 Matching Grant to help reach First15’s $110,287 Giving Tuesday goal. This means any gift you give today will be DOUBLED. You and I were made to connect — with others, and most importantly, with God. But many people struggle to find a devotional resource that’s easy to understand and relatable to daily life. This is why First15 exists, and I assu

Continuing our week on Jesus’s parables, we’ll look today at the parable of the mustard seed. As we dig into this rich, beautiful parable, may our hearts and minds be enlightened. Take a moment even now to ask God to give you fresh revelation. Our Scripture for today comes from Matthew 13:31-32, and today's worship is Faith of a Mustard Seed by Jesus Co.    -   Outro / Wrap Up:   Thanks for listening to today’s devotional.    As you go about your day today, look for opportunities to allow your faith to grow and produce fruit. Maybe it will be believing for breakthrough in the life of another. Maybe it will be asking for God to move in a supernatural way, and truly believing that he will. Whatever it is, practice faith today and watch as that practice connects you an increasing awareness of God moving in you, around you, and through you.    Make sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Have a wonderful rest of your day, and may God bless you as you seek him.  

As we continue this week allowing the parables of Jesus to speak directly to our situations, mindsets, and core beliefs about who God is, today we’ll dive into the parables of the hidden treasure and valuable pearl. Upon learning about God forsaking everything to find us, we’ll assess our own hearts and see what they value most in this life. Open your heart today and choose to take an honest look. You might be surprised at what you find.   Our Scripture for today comes from Matthew 13:44, and today's worship is Treasure by Madison Street Worship. – Outro / Wrap Up:   Thanks for listening to today’s devotional.    As you go about your day today, what’s one act of worship you can give to your loving heavenly Father? What’s one way you can demonstrate your love for him?    Know that your Father loves you no matter what, but there’s no better experience throughout the day than giving and receiving love with God.    If you’re new to our space, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you won’t miss one of thes

Jesus loved to use stories to illustrate profound, life-transforming concepts. He loved to use real and genuine settings, characters, and ideas that apply to all of us to reveal God’s heart of pursuit and love. This week we’re going to spend time allowing the parables of Jesus to speak directly to our situations, mindsets, and core beliefs about who God is. Open your heart and mind to be transformed by the powerful and captivating stories of Jesus. Our Scripture for today comes from John 10:14-15, and today's worship is Shepherd by Amanda Lindsey Cook. – Outro / Wrap Up: Thanks for listening to today’s devotional, the first in our week-long series on the parables.  As you head out into your day, try and notice the value of stories. Think about the things happening in your life, and what narrative God might be weaving through your story. Even take a moment or two, if you can, to journal the story of your day, taking time to process what God is doing in and through you. And at the end of today, consider tak