I think one of the hardest things to do in life is to live with joy in the midst of trials and challenges. It’s so easy to let life dictate to us our emotions and state of being. But in God, there is a joy available to us right where we are, no matter how good or bad the situation may be.

Today we’re going to make space together to simply open our hearts and minds to receive the joy of the Father. I hope and pray that you find real, life-changing joy in God’s presence today.

Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 126:5-6, and today's worship is Taste & See by Travis Greene.

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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 our third day of looking at Joy, we’re going to take time today to look at David’s statement in Psalm 16:11, where he describes a “fullness of joy.”

There is a greater fullness of life available to you and in me in God that most of us will ever experience. To experience more of God almost always requires laying down more of the things of the world. But if we, today, will give a greater measure of our hearts over to God, we’ll find greater joy than we could have imagined experiencing this side of heaven.

May your heart be filled to the fullness today as we experience God together.

Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 16:11, and today's worship is Joy in Your Waters by Capital City Music.

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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 of looking at Joy, we’re going to take time today to receive a fresh revelation of how God rejoices over us.

God not only loves you, but he likes you. He rejoices over you, just as you are. I hope and pray that you get a real, tangible sense of God’s joy over you today as we create space in his presence together.

Our Scripture for today comes from Zephaniah 3:17, and today's worship is I Am Loved by Mack Brock.

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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 a world that knocks us down, joy can feel so elusive. But Scripture is filled with encouragement, that there is a joy available to us in God that transcends the pain and suffering of the world.

This week on the First15 podcast, we’re going to take time every day to open our hearts and receive the joy of the Father, that we could be children marked by the joy of heaven.

May you discover the greater portion of joy available to you through the Spirit as you encounter the heart of your Father this week.

Our Scripture for today comes from Nehemiah 8:10, and today's worship is Joy of the Lord by Rend Collective.

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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 devotional we wrap up our week on seeking God by looking at the act of seeking God through community. You may be a people person, or a total introvert, but either way, God wants to use his church to encourage you and draw you closer to him. The Lord loves unity in his body, and he longs for his church, his Bride to worship and seek him as one. May God open your heart and mind today to the community in which he’s placed you in this season.

Our Scripture for today comes from Hebrews 10:24-25, and today's worship is We Love Your Name (All Cry Glory) by Jay Thomas feat. Chris Tofilon.

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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 near the end of our week on seeking God, today we will focus on seeking God in solitude. Our world is a busy place. Our home lives are busy. Our church lives are full. When are you ever alone to simply fix your eyes on the Father, and be uninterrupted by the things going on around you? If we will take up the discipline of solitude, our lives will look very different. Imagine for a second the inner peace and sanity you could gain if you set aside consistent time to seek God in solitude. May you be encouraged to do just that as you experience the nearness of Jesus today.

Our Scripture for today comes from Matthew 14:23, and today's worship is The Secret Place by Phil Wickham.

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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 devotional, we’re going to explore the act of seeking God through his creation. God wants to use the world around us to declare his glory, goodness and love for us. May we take the time to open our eyes and hearts, to slow down for a minute and behold the beauty of our God in all that he has made.

Our Scripture for today comes from Nehemiah 9:6, and today's worship is So Will I by Hillsong Worship. 

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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 on seeking God, today we’re exploring what it means to seek God through fasting. This may be a new or even unpleasant topic for some, but my hope is that you would be energized and encouraged toward the act of fasting today. There is power in surrender and self-sacrifice for the sake of more of God, and I pray you experience that power as you learn more about this important tool God’s given us to seek him. I’d encourage you to open your heart today in full surrender to anything the Spirit might speak.

Our Scripture for today comes from Ezra 8:23, and today's worship is Hunger by MDSN.

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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 series on seeking God, today we’ll explore the intimate closeness of seeking God through prayer. How amazing is our Father that he wants to commune with us? With you? With me? Take a second to fathom how beautiful that truly is. Today, may your heart be stirred to take advantage of the unbelievable gift of prayer as you experience God.

Our Scripture for today comes from Matthew 6:6, and today's worship is Here Again by Elevation Worship.

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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 our second day of exploring what it means to seek God, we’re going to focus in on the act of seeking God through the Scriptures. We have been given an endless well of life-giving truth through the gift of God’s word. Whatever need you have, God wants to use his words to bring peace, life, strength, guidance and hope to you today. He promises you will find him when you seek him with your whole heart. And God is ready and waiting to meet with you today, eager to meet all your needs and exceed all your expectations. May your heart be opened to God’s truth today as you experience his presence.

Our Scripture for today comes from Matthew 4:4, and today's worship is Be Thou My Vision by Audrey Assad.

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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.