365 Days of Praise
I AM to BE WISE & GRACIOUS
“Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.“
Do you ever do anything you’re ashamed of? Are you ever careless with your words? Or, to take it a step further, have you ever intentionally chosen words that were critical or unkind? Do you sometimes miss rather than make the most of opportunities to share Christ? I’m guilty on all accounts. If you join me in acknowledging that your actions are not always wise, that you don’t always make the most of opportunities to speak to non-Christians about Jesus, and that your speech isn’t always gracious; then consider these verses again. Reflect on them. Then, if convicted that Christ wants us to reflect Him through our conduct and words, repent. It’s never too late for us to start doing the right thing.
Heavenly Father, forgive me for my behavior and words that are unwise and ungracious. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit today so my conduct is wise and my words graciously reflect you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
GOD OPENS DOORS
“praying…for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ,“
Have you thought of the fact that God can open doors for you? He can! That’s the reason Paul asked for that specific prayer. He was conscious that God could do what he couldn’t do. Paul yearned to fulfill the mission God had given him. Therefore, his prayer was in accordance with God’s will. God can open doors for you, too. Are you praying that He does? Are you asking others to pray that for you? Are the doors you’re asking to be opened in accordance with God’s calling? Do the doors you desire to open have to do with furthering God’s kingdodm; or are they self centered? Remember, our purpose for remaining on earth after receiving Christ has nothing to do with “getting ahead in the world” or pleasure seeking. Our presence on earth has everything to do with Christ’s commissioning words, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you;” (Matthew 28:19-20) Christ’s focus while on earth and His final thoughts before ascending into heaven were on this age, this age ending, and the future age of eternity in heaven or hell. Let’s allign our priorities with Christ’s. Then, let’s pray God open doors for us to teach others about Him.
Heavenly Father, Forgive me when I become self-centered and think only of “doors” to my pleasure and happiness. Redirect my thoughts and impassion me with the same fire Paul had to walk through doors You opened for Him to share Christ with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
I HAVE PRAYER SUPPORT
“praying at the same time for us as well, …“
I know some people who seldom ask others to pray for them. However, there is nothing in the Bible to suggest that is a noble, humble, or even wise practice. Rather, the Bible teaches that Christians are “one body” in Christ; and that as one body, we should pray for one another. Clearly, the apostle Paul was not too prideful to ask for prayer. Rather, he said, “pray for us.” James 5:16 instructs us, “confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” You don’t have to expose details about yourself or your loved ones when asking for prayer. For example, a person who has an addiction can ask for prayer that God strengthen them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They can leave off stating, “to stand against my dosexvideo online pornography or drug addiction.” If a person learns their spouse is having an affair, they can ask for prayer for God to guide their steps and guard their emotions. Neither of those prayer requests divulge private matters of the couple. In Christ, we don’t have to fight spiritual battles alone. We can experience the blessing of others praying for us; even as we pray for them.
Heavenly Father, Thank You that in Christ we are a community of sisters and brothers who love and pray for one another. Help us recognize the privilege of both praying for others and of others praying for us.
Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
I AM ALERT in PRAYER
“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it...“
As believers, we are not only to be devoted to prayer; we are also to be ALERT in it. Alert is a powerful word. In this verse, it means “to watch, give strict attention to, take heed lest through remission some destructive calamity suddenly overtake us.” Does that describe our prayer life? If not, it should motivate us to give more strict attention to it. Why? What destructive calamity could possibly overtake us if we fail to be devoted and alert in prayer? We find the answer in 1 Peter 5:8 where Peter warns us of the devil who prowls like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. We’re reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 26:41 to keep praying because the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Ephesians 6:11-18 warnings of principalities and spiritual forces of darkness in the heavenly realms come to mind. If we are wise, we will not only pray. We will be alert it in.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the warning to not only be devoted to prayer, but to also be alert in in it. In Christ, I have access to You 24/7. May I be an ever-increasingly devoted, alert prayer warrior.
Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
I AM DEVOTED to PRAYER
“Devote yourselves to prayer,“
“In Christ,” we have the opportunity to be different from those who do not know Christ. We have the opportunity to scale the heights of heaven with our needs, concerns, and praises. We are not isolated or alone. The Holy Spirit is glued to us for eternity and is available to help us pray our deepest concerns. Our part? Begin the conversation with God. Open the spiritual door. And, keep it open. How? When your eyes open in the morning, train yourself to open a conversation with God. “Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You that You are with me. Thank You that You are with my loved ones. You are a good and gracious God. Thank You for your presence with me. Direct my mind and thoughts to honor You today.” Then, keep praying whatever is on your mind. You may pray while still in bed. You may begin while waking, then move to a place where you “meet with God” for Bible study and continued prayer. But the point is, as Christians, we are to do more than pray The Lord’s Prayer at funerals and weddings. Rather, God’s instruction is to DEVOTE myself to prayer. “Devote” comes from a word that means “be steadfastly attentive to, continue in, persevere, be in constant readiness for one.” So, we are attentive to our first thoughts when we wake and turn our thoughts to prayer. We continue in prayer through the morning, afternoon, and evening. We are in constant readiness to pray when concerns arise or we are tempted. DEVOTED. That is the word that describes the Christian’s prayer life; unlike the unbeliever’s occasional “arrow prayer” in crisis.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of being able to talk to You. May I never take the opportunity to pray for granted. Rather, may You know me as one who is devoted to prayer.
Correction: The Scripture reference for the prior 365 Days of Praise:, “I HAVE a MASTER in HEAVEN, is Colossians 4:1.
Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
NAS Bible Verses, Bible Gateway, #bgbg2
*http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/10/17/this-map-shows-where-the-worlds-30-million-slaves-live-there-are-60000-in-the-u-s/
I HAVE A MASTER
“Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.“
Christians have a Master. A heavenly one; which is a blessing. Why? Because “master” means owner. At the time the Bible was written, slavery was common; just as it is today. “Today?” you ask. Yes. Sadly, there are 30 million slaves in the world; 60,000 in the United States.* The word master means owner; one who has control of a person. Unfortunately, many slaves have horrible masters. But not us. Our owner is good and loving and kind. What He commands is in our best interest and for kingdom purposes. Can you imagine what it would be like if we only did, said, and thought what our Master dictated? What attitude would change? What relationship would change? What thoughts would change? What words would change? I’m glad to be reminded that I have a Master in heaven. Are you?
Heavenly Father, You are a good and gracious Master. Help me be a good servant; thinking, saying, and doing only what You dictate and what brings You honor.
Thank you for your patience while 365 Days of Praise was on hold last week.
Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
NAS Bible Verses, Bible Gateway, #bgbg2
*http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/10/17/this-map-shows-where-the-worlds-30-million-slaves-live-there-are-60000-in-the-u-s/
I WORK As for the LORD, Principle 5
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men;“
In my book, If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?, I include “15 Principles of Work” that are related to this and the next few verses in Colossians. Principle 5 is: I Am to Work As If I Am Working for the Lord. When Paul wrote Colossians, slavery was an established institution in the Roman Empire. According to author Warren Wiersbe, there were 60 million slaves. Many were well-educated people with great responsibility, who served in the homes of the wealthy and helped to educate and discipline children. Christianity introduced a new perspective on slaves and masters. Masters were no longer to treat slaves as objects, but rather as fellow heirs of salvation. Slaves were not to halfheartedly serve their masters, but were to work as if they were serving the Lord. Paul points out that everyone has someone “over” them. In regard to our relationships, we are to work/serve in sincerity of heart rather than be “man-pleasers” who give external service with an insincere heart. The Lord often brings this verse to my mind when I’m faced with tasks I don’t want to do or if I’m having a difficult time completing a task. It’s a relatively easy verse to memorize and definitely worth it as it makes so much sense. If our lives are Christ’s, then both menial and important tasks should be done with integrity and without complaining; for we’re serving the Lord. If we’re exhausted at the end of the day and tired of taking care of little ones, being a care-giver, paying bills, or working a 12+ hour day, we can remember that God sees us. What we’re doing and the attitude in which it’s done is important to Him, even if no one else notices. It is God whom we serve.
See right here for more of what the scriptures have to say about work and what every Christian needs to know about it.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunity to serve You in whatever work I am doing. Help me keep this verse on my mind as I remember who I am in Christ.
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Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
I Am GOD’S CHILD
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.“
Personalize this verse. It reveals how God views you as His child. “Whatever I do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” If we keep that in mind today, it will frame our choices. It will put boundaries on our thought life. It will affect what we do with our hands. Keeping this verse in mind will control my tongue and more importantly my heart. Will you memorize this verse with me and repeat it often throughout the day? Let’s see if hiding this verse in our hearts makes an impact on our choices and mood today, okay? Let me know.
Heavenly Father, thank YOU for setting a boundary around my mind, heart, emotions, and actions. If I can’t do it, speak it, think it in Jesus’s name, then it is off limits. If I can, while giving thanks to You for the thought, feeling, words, actions, then I have a green light and Your blessing.
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I HAVE the WORD of CHRIST & SONGS of PRAISE RICHLY DWELLING in Me
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.“
I love this verse because it reminds us that we may have been raised in a home where we heard how bad or unworthy we were, but now we have “new tapes.” We have the Word of Christ richly dwelling in us. We have new songs to play in our minds – spiritual songs about our Heavenly Father, how much He loves us and we love Him. If you’ve listened to the “tape” that you’re not a good singer or decided you don’t care for Christian music, replace that thought with the truth of today’s verse. Singing in our hearts to God isn’t a performance before others. Rather, it changes us from the inside out. If you aren’t familiar with Christian songs or hymns, listen HERE for FREE. Tune into Christian music to tune your heart to the many blessings and joy that are yours in Christ.
Heavenly Father, thank YOU for giving me new words – the Word of Christ and new songs – songs of praise.
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Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
CHRIST RULES in MY HEART
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts;“
When we become Christians, we become citizens of the kingdom of God. We fall under HIS GODLY RULE. Rather than being slaves to our old temperament or slaves to sin, we are freed to experience His peaceful rule. Rule means to be an umpire, decide, determine, direct, control. Commentator Wuest quotes Lightfoot on this passage. “Whenever there is a conflict of motives or impulses or reasons, the peace of Christ must step in and decide which is to prevail.” When you’re experiencing Christ’s peace, a traffic jam doesn’t throw you for a loop because you know God can make all things work together for good. Peace is not going crazy when well-laid plans fall apart because you know God has a better plan. You prayerfully turn your situation over to Him and let Him rule. Peace is knowing that God can work in your child’s life even when things look dismal. Peace is letting Christ calm the raging storm that threatens to blow you off course. Peace is trusting your marriage to God as you let Him rule over your emotions, mind, and actions. Peace is not fearing the unknown, but rather resting in God who knows all. Who is ruling your heart? Christ is offering.
Heavenly Father, thank YOU for the unbelievable gift of Christ and His rule in my heart.
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Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
