365 Days of Praise
BLESSED with SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.“
Thrilled. That’s how my heart felt this morning as I turned in my Bible to Ephesians. After completing our discovery of who we are in Christ as revealed in the book of Colossians, we’re now turning to Ephesians. I pray your heart took a leap as mine did when you read verse 3. In case you hurriedly read it, reread it. God has (past tense) blessed us. That’s good news in and of itself. “How, in addition to salvation?” we might ask. “I’m hurting. I need something to which to cling,” we might admit. And that’s why we read on. God knows you need something now. He knows that there are earthly blessings some may never experience – the house, great spouse, having children, a rewarding job. So He gives us something beyond the physical realm. He gives us love. Love in our hearts that no person can give. He gives us peace when we think we may “lose it.” He gives us hope. Not a false hope in earthly things. Rather, He teaches us to redirect our eyes to hope in Him. Open your Bible and begin reading through Ephesians with me. Take hold of the spiritual blessings associated with who you are in Christ.
Heavenly Father, You have blessed me with spiritual blessings that far outweigh earthly blessings; yet too often I’m not mindful of them. Open my eyes and heart to take hold of them over the next weeks and months. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
FULLY ASSURED in the WILL of GOD
“laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.“
Wednesday I was a guest speaker for The God of Hope Ministry, which has a “faith dorm” at the Lockhart Prison in Texas. During a break, an inmate approached me and asked how she could know if something was of God or Satan; how she could know if something was right or true. I was thrilled to encourage her that she could look to the Bible; that it is God’s words and she could be fully assured in it. Have you ever floundered with a decision? Have you ever wavered between knowing if something was wrong or right to do? Because believers are set apart in Christ, we have the blessing of trustworthy guidelines for how to live. We have assurances and promises on which we can depend. We can be fully assured that if God said it, it’s true. We can live day by day fully assured in the will of God.
Heavenly Father, it’s a blessing to know that I can be fully assured in all Your will. Help me walk faithfully in Your will today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
WE ARE ENCOURAGERS
“Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me.“
Could you use some encouragement today? I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t appreciate being encouraged. Why? There are so many ways and things that can discourage us; that a person who has an encouraging heart is a breathe of fresh air. Are you that breathe in people’s lives? Are you an encourager? Do you realize what a great gift that is? Today, while writing, I received an email from a friend. It was a word of encouragement about how much our study of If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case? has meant to her. My heart soared when I read her words. As a matter of fact, I reread, printed, and saved the email. It’s precious that she took time to email me. God used this “sister” in my life today. Would you be an encourager to someone today?
Heavenly Father, thank You for the hope that is in You. Use me to encourage others in their daily walk and struggles. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
WE ARE FAMILY
“…our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. …and also with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you of the situation here.“
I grew up in a loving family. My mama had three sisters and one brother and their families lived only a few blocks from our house. We were together for every birthday, holiday, and in between for watermelon on hot summer days or hot chocolate on cold ones. “Yoohoo!” alerted us that someone was walking in the unlocked front or back door. “Come on in,” was followed with hugs and greetings. As we continue to discuss who we are in Christ, it’s important that we remember that the Bible identifies believers as family. God, our Heavenly Father, has adopted us. Christ is our brother. You are my sister and brother. What does this mean? A world of things. We are to treat each other kindly. We can be open with one another. We are to take interest in each other’s lives. We are to help each other. You may not have had a good family experience growing up or even now. But, in Christ, you have the opportunity to learn what it means to be family; to be brothers and sisters in Christ.
Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting me into Your heavenly family. Thank You for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Help me treat them with love, kindness, and respect. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
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/