God Desires to be Encountered

As we continue our week on God being our Father, we look today at how God encourages us. There is nothing like an encouraging word from the Father when we’re feeling low and discouraged. Sometimes life can be daunting, and our good Father knows just what to say when we need to hear it most. If you’re feeling discouraged today, I pray the Lord speaks courage to your weary heart and strengthens your weary bones to keep running the race set before you.More from First15Read today's devotional or listen to today's worship song at First15.org/todayDownload the First15 appDonate to First15 at supportfirst15.orgFirst15 is a brand of Denison Ministries.

In the kingdom of God, we find a culture different from that of our world. We are often taught to be self-made, pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, and that it’s the survival of the fittest. God’s kingdom turns these principles on their head. We are encouraged to wait, trust, and receive from our God who supplies for our every need. Does your life mimic one of trust and waiting? One of open hands and thankfulness? Today as we move forward in our week of God being our Father we’ll look at his provisional nature. As we learn of God’s intentions to meet our every need, open your heart today to trust in this God who’s our Provider.More from First15Read today's devotional or listen to today's worship song at First15.org/todayDownload the First15 appDonate to First15 at supportfirst15.orgFirst15 is a brand of Denison Ministries.

Many of us deal with a fear of abandonment, rejection, or loneliness, and often for good reason. The beautiful thing about our heavenly Father is that he is present in our lives, and we are never alone. As we continue our week looking at the ways God is good to us, open your heart today to the very tangible presence of your Father, even now in your midst. Allow truth to permeate the broken places and make you confident and whole in God’s ever-present love.

In our fallen state, patience isn’t something we find very often in ourselves or others. I don’t know if I know one person who has perfectly displayed patience for me, myself included. What’s incredible about our Father in heaven is that he is an endless well of patience. He has patience in abundance, and it never runs out for us. Today allow God to reorient the way you understand him and his heart towards you. He is slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, unlike anyone we’ve ever known.More from First15Read today's devotional or listen to today's worship song at First15.org/todayDownload the First15 appDonate to First15 at supportfirst15.orgFirst15 is a brand of Denison Ministries.

There is no better father than our Creator God. He formed us and knows us. He provides for us, loves us unconditionally, and longs for a real, life-giving relationship with us. He runs out to meet us in our sin, clothes us with a new identity, and restores to us the abundant life he has always planned for us. As we spend time looking at the father’s heart, may a fresh revelation of his love for you guide you into greater depths of relationship with your heavenly Father.More from First15Read today's devotional or listen to today's worship song at First15.org/todayDownload the First15 appDonate to First15 at supportfirst15.orgFirst15 is a brand of Denison Ministries.

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.More from First15Read today's devotional or listen to today's worship song at First15.org/todayDownload the First15 appDonate to First15 at supportfirst15.orgFirst15 is a brand of Denison Ministries.

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.More from First15Read today's devotional or listen to today's worship song at First15.org/todayDownload the First15 appDonate to First15 at supportfirst15.orgFirst15 is a brand of Denison Ministries.

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.More from First15Read today's devotional or listen to today's worship song at First15.org/todayDownload the First15 appDonate to First15 at supportfirst15.orgFirst15 is a brand of Denison Ministries.

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.Get your copy of Living Intentionally today!More from First15Read today's devotional or listen to today's worship song at First15.org/todayDownload the First15 appDonate to First15 at supportfirst15.orgFirst15 is a brand of Denison Ministries.

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.More from First15Read today's devotional or listen to today's worship song at First15.org/todayDownload the First15 appDonate to First15 at supportfirst15.orgFirst15 is a brand of Denison Ministries.