First15 is a daily devotional written and read by Craig Denison. Each day, the devotional features scripture, a devotional thought, guided prayer, and action steps. For more information, please visit first15.org. To hear the music from the devotional, search for First15 Worship on Spotify or Apple Music. Tags: First15 Devotional, Craig Denison, First 15, First15 Worship
Made for Relationship
In our second devotional seeking to discover God’s pursuit of our hearts, today we’re going to spend time looking at our true purpose, why you and I were created. Every day, every moment is an opportunity to choose the purpose for which we’re living. But only living in line with our true purpose has the power the produce an abundant life. May God reveal his purpose behind our creation today, and may he make central to our lives his pursuit and love in a fresh way.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.
2/6/2024 • 7 minutes, 25 seconds
God's Relentless Pursuit
In today’s devotional we’re beginning a brand new series, focusing on the fact that God is first and foremost, after our hearts. In a world that defines us by what we do, God looks at who we are. May we openly accept his gaze today, with faith in our hearts that he always looks at us with grace. And may his pursuit of our hearts stir up a pursuit within us of his heart, setting out every morning to experience the fullness of his love and compassion.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.
2/5/2024 • 8 minutes, 20 seconds
Abiding in God’s Joy
As we end our week today on abiding in the True Vine, today we’ll explore how to abide in God’s promised joy. What does it mean for us to walk in joy and be people marked by joy in this world? How do we even go about doing that? May we be filled afresh with joy today as we seek these answers out.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.
2/4/2024 • 11 minutes, 38 seconds
God Prunes Us in His Love
As we start to wrap up our week on different ways we are to abide in the true vine of God, today we’ll look at how God prunes us in his love. Discipline can often be a tricky subject, but it’s my hope our hearts would remain soft and open today as we remember how good and loving the God is that we serve.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.
2/3/2024 • 12 minutes, 55 seconds
Abiding Fruit
Did you know God has plans for your life specifically? He has dreams for you and vision for you. Things in store that would make your heart swell and soar. What does it look like to live a life that brings God glory? How does abiding in Christ bear fruit in our lives? As we explore these concepts and more, may our hearts be open to God’s word and all he has to say.Request your copy of Awaken My Heart 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.
2/2/2024 • 10 minutes, 36 seconds
Abiding in God’s Friendship
Today we will look at what it means to be a friend of God. Friendship with God is a beautiful, sought after thing. And he has made his friendship fully available to us. What a gift! May you fall deeper in love with God today as you learn what it means to abide in God’s friendship.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.
2/1/2024 • 9 minutes, 37 seconds
Abiding through Obedience
As we continue our week on abiding in the true vine of God, today we’ll explore obedience and how it relates to abiding in God. Take a moment even now to open your heart to trust God afresh. He will always be for us, and know what is best for us in every part of life. He is so good. He is so kind. And he simply wants to walk with us.Request your copy of Awaken My Heart 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.
1/31/2024 • 7 minutes, 51 seconds
Abiding in the Heartbeat of God
As we look at the different ways we are to abide in the true vine of God, today we’ll explore the concept of prayer. It is my hope today we walk away with simplified prayer lives. As you learn to seek out the heartbeat of God, may you grow in confidence in his love for you and those around you.Request your copy of Awaken My Heart 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.
1/30/2024 • 9 minutes, 51 seconds
Abide in the Vine
The absolute, most important single act of the children of God is making space to encounter our heavenly Father in the secret place. Abiding in God is the foundation on which every other aspect of the Christian life finds success. May we be marked by wonderful, satisfying, and fulfilling encounters with the presence of God as we look at John 15:1-17 this week.Request your copy of Awaken My Heart 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.
1/29/2024 • 8 minutes, 14 seconds
Do We Know Him?
As we end our week on God’s longing to be encountered, today we’ll examine our hearts and ask the most important question, “Do we know him?” As we take time today to fix our hearts on the single pursuit of Jesus, may your heart swell with fresh love and devotion for him. He alone is worthy of all our hearts. And today may you place your heart solely in his hands.Request your copy of Awaken My Heart 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.
1/28/2024 • 9 minutes, 24 seconds
Mystery is to be Sought Out
So much of our faith is shrouded by mystery. It is impossible to fully comprehend the grandeur and elaborateness of God with our limited human understanding. But as we’ve seen this week, we have a God who longs to be sought out. May your questions and wonderings about God and his creation only push you farther into seeking him. Because he has made it clear that if you’ll seek him, you will find him.Request your copy of Awaken My Heart 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.
1/27/2024 • 8 minutes, 33 seconds
God Longs to Share His Will
The will of God is often a scary and difficult process to discern. But just as we learned earlier this week—God longs for us to know his voice. And God promises to speak his will to us in a way we’ll understand. My hope is that today you can rest at ease in total peace that your future is in God’s hands, and he’s got you. May you gain some insight about next steps for you today, and fresh peace in the midst of whatever season you’re in.Request your copy of Awaken My Heart 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.
1/26/2024 • 8 minutes, 42 seconds
God Longs for Us to Know His Truth
As we continue our week on God’s longing to be encountered, today we’ll dig deeper into how he desires for us to know his truth. God has given us everything we need to walk in his truth and ways this side of heaven. As we look to Jesus as our model, may we be filled with courage and light to love not just in word but in deed and truth.Request your copy of Awaken My Heart 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.
1/25/2024 • 9 minutes, 36 seconds
God Longs for Us To Know His Voice
Hearing the voice of God can always be a tricky subject. Many feel inadequate or wounded when it comes to the topic of hearing God speak. Today we’ll discover the beauty and simplicity of God’s longing for us to know his voice, just as you know the voice of a parent, spouse or friend. Hearing from God is essential to encountering the Lord. May you walk away today feeling more confident and equipped for intimate relationship with Jesus.Request your copy of Awaken My Heart 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.
1/24/2024 • 9 minutes, 42 seconds
God Longs for us to Know His Love
As we focus this week on God’s radical desire to meet with his people, today we’ll explore his longing for us to know his love. There is nothing more transformative than encountering the love of God. It changes everything about us and our lives. Every one of us needs to be reminded of the depth of his love on a regular basis, and it’s my hope that today we can take some time to do so. May you never be the same again.Request your copy of Awaken My Heart 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.
1/23/2024 • 9 minutes, 20 seconds
God Longs to be Encountered
One of the most scandalous truths of the gospel is that our Creator longs to be encountered by his creation. God longs to meet with us. His greatest desire is for relationship with us. God is pursuing each of us with his relentless love, seeking out those who might respond to his open invitation by opening the door of their hearts to him. My prayer is that in response to God’s desire to meet with his people we would be those who say yes to centering our lives around his nearness. May your week focus on God’s desire to be encountered be marked by the reality of his presence and love.Request your copy of Awaken My Heart 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.
1/22/2024 • 9 minutes, 32 seconds
Living from Union
As we finish up our week on centering our lives around meeting with God, today we’ll discover the beauty of living from union with him. Today may you discover and wonder at how incredibly connected and one with God you already are through Christ. May you live each day aware of and benefitting from that union, and be forever changed. It is my prayer that the reality of Christ’s finished work on the cross sinks into our hearts and minds today, and that our lives are turned upside down as a result.Request your copy of Awaken My Heart 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.
1/21/2024 • 9 minutes, 13 seconds
Making the Most of our Time
As we begin wrapping up our week focused on centering our lives around Jesus, today we’ll look at how to make the most of our time. Where we spend our time is where we place our value. As you begin to examine your life today, may God give you eyes to see what’s hindering you and what truly brings you life. How we spend our time is foundational to how we center our lives around Christ.Request your copy of Awaken My Heart 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.
1/20/2024 • 7 minutes, 53 seconds
Jesus is the Center
Like we said at the beginning of the week, this life is marked by a single choice: who or what will we center our lives around? Today we will look to the person of Jesus Christ. He is the first and the last; everything was created for him, by him and through him. To center your life around anyone else is futile and empty. As we look to Jesus today, may our eyes be fixed on his eternal goodness and glory. Allow your heart to be stirred in adoration, worship and devotion to the only true King this world has even known.Request your copy of Awaken My Heart 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.
1/19/2024 • 8 minutes, 56 seconds
The Fruit of Abiding
Every Christian I know wants to live an effective life for Jesus. The key to succeeding in this is abiding in him. Abiding in Christ is foundational to centering your whole life around God. Tapping into Christ’s presence and power is what will allow you to bear good fruit in this life. It is my hope that after today you are more equipped and empowered to live out a life centered about God.Request your copy of Awaken My Heart 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.
1/18/2024 • 7 minutes, 42 seconds
Seeing God as our Father
Seeing God correctly is essential to centering your life around him and his presence. Many of us have a tainted view of earthly fathers, but today God wants to renew your view of him as your perfect heavenly Father. As we grow in understanding of God’s perfect love and relation to us, may centering your life around his presence come naturally.Request your copy of Awaken My Heart 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.
1/17/2024 • 8 minutes, 45 seconds
The Longing of God to Meet with You
As we continue our week on centering our lives around meeting with God, today we’ll explore how this is always preceded by the longing of God to meet with you. God’s affections for us are always meant to be our starting place in seeking him. As you are reminded today of God’s great love and desire for you, may your heart be stirred with fervor to seek him and center your life around his presence.Request your copy of Awaken My Heart 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.
1/16/2024 • 7 minutes, 59 seconds
Choosing a Center
This life is marked by a single choice: who or what will we center our lives around? This choice takes each of us down a path of decisions that shape who we are, what we feel, who or what we value, and what we will have accomplished at the end of our days. To center our lives around ourselves or the things of this world leads only to destruction. But, to center our lives around meeting with God fills each moment with the glorious abundance of God’s love, provision, and transcendent peace. May your life be marked by union with your Creator as we explore what it means to center our lives around meeting with God this week.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.
1/15/2024 • 10 minutes, 20 seconds
Freedom through Enjoying God
As we wrap up this week-long focus seeking to answer the important question, why should we spend time alone with God, today we’re going to look at how God provides freedom through simply enjoying him. I hope and pray that chains weighing you down to the cares and sins of the world fall off of you today as we follow the Spirit down a path to more fully enjoying God.Get your copy of Rhythms 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.
1/14/2024 • 7 minutes, 52 seconds
Life in Surrender
As we near the end of our week long focus of why spending time alone with God is so important, today we’re going to look at the value of living in surrender. Every day there is an opportunity to hand over the burdens and cares of this world that we might pick up the peace and joy of relationship with God. And for me, that opportunity has presented itself most often in the rhythm of spending time alone with God. So I hope today that we both learn a little about the value of living in surrender, and experience the life that comes through actually dying to ourselves, that we might live in Christ more fully.Get your copy of Rhythms 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.
1/13/2024 • 9 minutes, 12 seconds
Having Time Alone
As we continue our week-long series looking answering the important question, Why should we spend time alone with God, we’re going to look today simply at the value of having time alone. In a world where we’re inundated with media, people, stress, and work from the moment we wake up, God has a better beginning to every day in store for us if we’ll follow him.Get your copy of Rhythms 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.
1/12/2024 • 9 minutes, 49 seconds
Renewing Your Mind
Today we’re going to look at how spending time alone with God every morning provides a daily opportunity to renew our minds to the goodness of God, the goodness of this life, and the moment by moment potential of living in real relationship with God. I pray that after today’s time, your mind is clear and focused on truth, and that your emotions and actions are marked by abundant life as a result.Get your copy of Rhythms 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.
1/11/2024 • 7 minutes, 21 seconds
Live for Love
Today we’re going to look at what it means to live for love, to build our lives on the foundation of giving and receiving love. You and I were made in God’s image, and his very nature is love. So may he guide us into a deep discovery of who we are in him, and how we can live our lives filled with the passionate pursuit of love.Get your copy of Rhythms 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.
1/10/2024 • 8 minutes, 28 seconds
Storing the Treasure of Your Heart in Heaven
As we continue our series looking at the heart behind spending time alone with God, today we’re going to look at the daily opportunity to store the treasure of our hearts in heaven. May God guide us into a passion for investing our lives in his kingdom, that we would have the most joy and peace possible here on earth as well as in heaven.Get your copy of Rhythms 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.
1/9/2024 • 7 minutes, 6 seconds
Start Your Day with the Best Thing
Why should we spend time alone with God? Why is meeting with God in the secret place so important? Until we gain an understanding of the immense value and availability of encountering God, we will never consistently engage in this foundational, vital practice. As we discover God’s heart to meet with us in order that we might experience the depths of his love, I pray that your life would be marked by a new grace to consistently and powerfully encounter the living God.Get your copy of Rhythms 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.
1/8/2024 • 8 minutes, 39 seconds
What is Christian Meditation?
In our last day focusing on getting back the basics of a quality time alone with God, we’re going to focus on what it means to meditate as a Christian. There is so much life to be had in the practice of meditation. And there is so much history within Christianity around this wonderful practice of meditating. May the encouragements of Scripture and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit lead each of us to an embracing of this incredible opportunity in Christian meditation.Get your copy of Rhythms 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.
1/7/2024 • 6 minutes, 54 seconds
The Presence of God
As we near the end of our week getting back to the basics of a quality time alone with God, we’re going to take time today to look simply at the presence of God. As mysterious as it may sound, God’s presence is meant to be a regular part of all our lives. Just as we experience the nearness of those we do life with every day, and the fruit of them simply being with us, God wants us to experience his nearness as well. My hope is that today the presence of God is demystified a bit, and becomes a regular part of every day we set aside to meet with him. He’s done so much to be close to us, and I can’t wait to see how he fills the space we set aside for him today.Get your copy of Rhythms 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.
1/6/2024 • 11 minutes, 20 seconds
Communion with God
Today we’ll explore what I hope is the fruit of every day’s devotional, communion with God. We serve a God who is simply after being with us. Every moment of every day is a chance to let God in, to live in real restored relationship with him.Get your copy of Rhythms 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.
1/5/2024 • 8 minutes, 58 seconds
What is Prayer?
Today we’re going to look at what I believe is the most life-giving aspect of daily time alone with God, prayer. There are so many ideas out there about what prayer should be. Today my hope is to clarify what prayer can mean for you and me in this space we’re creating for God’s presence by looking at Scripture together. And then ultimately, making space today to really pray. My hope is that today clarifies a pathway for us that we can walk every day into deeper relationship with God.Our Scripture for today comes from 1 Corinthians 14:15.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.
1/4/2024 • 9 minutes, 44 seconds
What is a Devotional?
Today in our week-long focus on the foundations of a quality time alone with God, we’re going to look at the devotional piece of our times together. I’m so excited to share the heart behind writing what you hear every day, and I know that our time together will help you get even more out of this space for God’s presence.Get your copy of Rhythms 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.
1/3/2024 • 8 minutes, 2 seconds
What is Worship?
Today we’ll continue our week looking at the foundation of a quality time alone with God by looking at the value of worship. Worship is perhaps the most foundational part of a quality time alone with God. It takes what can so often be a self-centered time, and empowers us to put God, with all his love and goodness, right at the center of our time instead.Get your copy of Rhythms 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.
1/2/2024 • 11 minutes, 58 seconds
What Does it Mean to have Time Alone with God?
This week we’ll spend time breaking down the individual components of First15 by sharing God’s desire for each of them. The majority of First15 is dedicated to encountering God and learning about his character, but every now and then we will cover some teaching and tools that will help in pursuing God to greater depths. This week we will get back to the basics and learn some spiritual disciplines that will help us encounter him in deeper, more transformative ways.Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 27:8. 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.
1/1/2024 • 11 minutes, 7 seconds
Dream
God has so many incredible plans for you this year. He has so many dreams in his heart for you. And today as we create space for him, my hope is that he shares those dreams with us, that we could partner with him in running after the abundant life he has for each of us.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.
12/31/2023 • 9 minutes, 29 seconds
Hope in God's Nearness
Today we’re going to take a look at the fresh hope we have in God’s nearness. God’s promise to be near to us as his people, and the great lengths he’s gone to commune with us in the Holy Spirit, has the power to change every moment of our lives. And one of the most powerful changes his nearness provides is hope, and the peace that comes with it.Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 33:22, and today's worship is Closer by Brandon Lake. 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. Click the link in the show notes or go to supportfirst15.org to give today.
12/30/2023 • 9 minutes, 8 seconds
You Can Do All Things
As we continue our series allowing God to prepare us for the new year, today we’re going to look at the promise of God that we can do all things in his strength.My hope is that we’re filled with courage and hope today for what God can and will do in us as we make space to live and work in him in this new year.Our Scripture for today comes from Philippians 4:13, and today's worship is Center of All History by Steffany Gretzinger.Thanks for listening to today’s podcast, You Can Do All Things.We’re in the last days of our year-end campaign, where we’re seeking to raise $100,000 to wrap up 2018 in a place of strength for the new year. If God is moving in your life through this resource, please click here to support this space for his presence. Have a wonderful rest of your day, and may God bless you as you seek him.
12/29/2023 • 11 minutes, 16 seconds
Trust in God’s Promise
In today’s devotional, we’re going to go deeper into the place of trust, seeking to open more of our hearts to our good and loving Father, so we can experience more of his promises, moment by moment. Without trust, we’ll miss out on so many of the gifts God wants to give us every day. Without trust, our hearts will be closed off to the fullness of what this life has to offer us. May we as God’s children trust him more fully today in response to his trustworthiness. Our Scripture for today comes from Isaiah 26:3–4, and today's worship is Take Me Home by Matthew McGinley. Check out our Worship for the Weekday playlist on Spotify! ________ Your gift will be DOUBLED to help more Spanish-speakers connect with God Two years ago, First15 began a Spanish version called Primeros15. And God is using it to impact many lives. But today, he’s calling us to more. More Spanish-speaking men and women connecting with him and impacting the culture around them. That’s why we’ve just launched a summer campaign to deepen the reach and impact of Primeros15 — and why we’re asking you to jump in with us! We’ve set a $100,000 goal, and a generous $25,000 Matching Grant has been offered to double the impact of any gift given by July 31. So please give to help more Spanish-speakers connect with God. CLICK HERE TO GIVE
7/18/2021 • 10 minutes, 18 seconds
Communion with God
Today we’ll explore what I hope is the fruit of every day’s devotional, communion with God. We serve a God who is simply after being with us. Every moment of every day is a chance to let God in, to live in real restored relationship with him. May God guide us ever closer to him as we create room for him to fill right now. Our Scripture for today comes from John 15:4-5, and today's worship is I Always Will by Vineyard Anaheim. ________ Last year felt like a wilderness and a desert in many ways. Yet in the midst of the fear, unrest, and anxiety, God moved. In fact, during 2020, over half a million men and women joined the First15 community! With all this growth, we need financial help to propel forward the mission to guide believers all around the world to experience God the first 15 minutes of their day. We’ve set a goal of seeing 221 new monthly donors come on board this first month of 2021. And we want to invite you to give your first gift as a First15 monthly partner today. Become A Monthly Partner! _____ 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.
1/5/2021 • 8 minutes, 51 seconds
A Conversation with Val Woerner (Val Marie Paper/Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday)
Valerie Woerner is the owner of Val Marie Paper and author of Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday and The Finishing School. Her mission is to create practical tools, including prompted prayer journals, and content that equips women to cut through the noise of everyday life and find fullness in the presence of the Lord. She lives in South Louisiana with her husband Tyler and two girls, Vivi and Vana. To sign up for Val's prayer course we referenced, click here: https://valmariepaper.mykajabi.com/
11/11/2019 • 31 minutes, 47 seconds
Misconceptions About God - An Interview with Stephen Murray
Our relationship with our earthly father often shapes how we view God. Stephen Murray works with Forerunner Ministries to raise up mentors for those without a good example of a father's love. To find out more about Forerunner Ministries, click here. You can also watch the video on our Youtube Vlog! 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.
10/30/2019 • 57 minutes, 17 seconds
An Interview with Rise+Shine
Today we're talking with Bethany and Jordan Cranfield from an incredible ministry called Rise+Shine. Their mission is to come alongside the less fortunate in South Asia, helping them to rise above their current circumstances, and then train and release them to rise and shine in their communities. You don't want to miss this! For more information on Rise+Shine, click here!
8/22/2019 • 53 minutes, 7 seconds
Forgiving Yourself - Aug 19
As we reach the end of our weeklong focus on forgiveness, today we’re going to look at what it takes to forgive ourselves. For some of us, forgiving ourselves can be the hardest part of forgiveness. May God give us the grace to see ourselves as he does, and offer ourselves love, compassion, and forgiveness regardless of what we’ve done. Our Scripture for today comes from Proverbs 28:13, and today's worship is Always Have by Vertical Church Band. If you feel called to support First15 financially and double your impact today with a matching grant, you may give here or text GIVE15 to 50700. 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.
8/19/2019 • 9 minutes, 9 seconds
A Life of Sacrifice - July 11
On the third day of our series on pursuing simple Christianity, we’re looking at what it means to live a life of sacrifice to God. May we discover what it means for our hearts, minds and will to be fully surrendered to Jesus, and in return may we find the abundant joy he has promised. He is trustworthy and true. And we will find the life God has planned for us when we surrender all to him. Our Scripture for today comes from Luke 9:23, and today's worship is I Surrender by Hillsong Worship. If you feel called to support First15 financially and double your impact today with a matching grant, you may give here or text GIVE15 to 50700. 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.
7/11/2019 • 9 minutes, 49 seconds
Seeking God Through Worship - July 2
Worship through song is one of the most powerful ways to connect directly to the love, compassion, power, and grace of God. In worship, walls we’ve placed between God and us get torn down, just as God tore the veil at the death of Christ. In worship, our hearts become soft, aware, and open to the glorious majesties of God’s nearness. In worship, God makes his nearness known to us and fills us anew with the power of his manifest presence. Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 27:14, and today's worship is Breathe by Influence Music feat. Matt Gilman. 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. And, if you feel called to support First15 financially, you may give here. We'd love your feedback! Please help us improve our podcast by filling out our survey here.
7/2/2019 • 10 minutes, 19 seconds
How Do I Lead My Family Like Jesus?
Join us in a conversation about how to lead your family in a way that honors Jesus. Jerrad, founder of Dad Tired, shares his story of becoming a better father and husband through the power of Jesus. Dad Tired is a ministry specifically meant to reach fathers who are tired and looking for peace and rest in Jesus. The community is hundreds of thousands of men strong, and you can find them on all major podcast platforms. If you're a dad looking for help on how to raise your kids well and love your wife well, this ministry is for you. And if you're not, you probably know someone who is. Listen to the Dad Tired podcast 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. And, if you feel called to support First15 financially, you may give here. We'd love your feedback! Please help us improve our podcast by filling out our survey here.
5/23/2019 • 39 minutes, 12 seconds
What is Inner Healing Prayer?
Are you curious about what Inner Healing Prayer is? Do you have deep hurts in your own life that you haven't yet submitted to the Lord in prayer? In this month's interview, Craig talks with a friend of the ministry, Bonnie, who does inner healing prayer ministry. Listen to learn more about what prayer for inner healing is, and to be encouraged by Bonnie's testimony. And, we'd love to hear from you! If you want to help us better understand our podcast audience, please fill out the survey 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. And, if you feel called to support First15 financially, you may give here.
3/28/2019 • 22 minutes, 2 seconds
Rejoice in Hope - March 14
In our third episode 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 day comes from Romans 12:12, and today's worship is Get Your Hopes Up by Josh Baldwin. 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. And, if you feel called to support First15 financially, you may give here.
3/14/2019 • 12 minutes, 12 seconds
Light and Dark - Nov 5
We live in the reality that there is both light and darkness around us at all times. This world has both good and evil, right and wrong. As believers we must grow in both our acceptance of this reality and our pursuit of the light. We must allow God to mold and shape us into those who rid ourselves of any darkness, become fully known to God, and allow his light to transform us into reflections of his Son. May the Lord open our eyes to see the glorious light before us this week. Welcome to the First15 podcast. Our Scripture for today comes from Ephesians 5:14, and today's worship is Let There Be Light by Hillsong Worship feat. Matt Crocker. Last week, we announced a really exciting new project we’re hoping to launch January 1st, called Primeros15. For the first time we’ll be offering our daily devotional for Spanish speaking believers in their original language. If God is stirring your heart to give First15 to another believer just like you, you can do so 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. And, if you feel called to support First15 financially, you may give here.