365 Days of Praise
I CARRY the HOPE of GLORY
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Several weeks ago my husband called me with the sad news that a friend had committed suicide. Unfortunately, his state of “hopelessness” is felt by many today. But what is the Christian’s message? It is that we have hope! It is a hope anchored in Christ. It is grounded in the reality that Christ is in us, and that in Him we have the hope of glory. It is not an illusive glory. Rather, we are to fix our eyes on the glory that awaits us, but also pray daily for Christ’s glorious presence to fill us. We are not as those who have no hope. Rather, every believer can lay hold of their identity; that they carry Christ within them, the hope of glory.
Heavenly Father, Thank you that my hope does not rest in how “good” I am today. Rather, my hope is in Christ, who resides in me and is the HOPE OF GLORY.
CHRIST IN ME
“God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Of all the ways the Bible describes our identity in Christ, there is none more profound than “Christ in you.” Can we ever fully grasped the reality that we are not only “sealed” with the Holy Spirit, but Christ’s Spirit is “IN us”? (John 14:7) The potential for a changed mind, heart, and life is ours because of the believer’s transforming “new birth.” (John 3:6-7) Paul stated it well when he used the words, “riches,” “glory,” “mystery,” “hope of glory.” Never let it be said that you or another person “can’t change.” No, not on our own, we can’t. But through the new birth and Christ is us, all hope abounds.
Heavenly Father, It is mind boggling and glorious to think on Christ being in me. Help me never take His presence for granted, but rather honor Him and yield to His guidance day by day.
From “If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?”
POSSESSOR of a GLORIOUS MYSTERY
“God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
When Paul referred to his message as a “mystery manifested,” it was a direct confrontation to false teachers who wooed people from the simplicity of the gospel. False teachers urged people to add to their faith “fullness of knowledge.” They claimed only a select few could experience fullness of knowledge, and it was only available through the mystical experience they offered. However, rather than secretive, Paul explains that God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of the mystery. What is the glorious mystery once hidden but now revealed? The mystery is the birth of the church. The mystery is God unitying Jews and Gentiles into one body in Christ. The mystery is Christ in the believer. Now that’s a mystery to rejoice in and share!
Heavenly Father, what a glorious mystery You have give me by which to live and share!
From “If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?”
I AM GOD’S STEWARD
“Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit…”
In 2013 we looked at the many ways in which the Bible describes God. This year, we’re looking at how Christians are described. In Colossians 1:25, the apostle Paul refers to himself as a steward of God. A steward was one to whom the head of the house entrusted the management of his affairs, the care of receipts and expenditures, and the duty of dealing out the proper portion to every servant. The New Testament repeatedly describes God as the head of the household (believers). And, it describes believers as God’s stewards, who are to serve Him by using the gifts He has given us. Consider what 1 Peter 4:10 says: “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Paul writes to believers, “Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” His exhortation to the Corinthian believers continues to us, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.” 1 Cor 4:1-2. Our identity in Christ begs us to examine ourselves. Are we simply happy that we’re saved? Or, are we humbly serving the One who saved us?
Heavenly Father, help me be ever mindful that You, as my Head, have entrusted gifts to me to use in Your household. May I be a faithful steward.
I Am MINISTER of the GOOD NEWS
“Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit…”
“Oops, Debbie. I think you made a mistake in saying that all Christians are ministers,” some might comment. However, would you consider what the Bible says about believers? 1 Corinthians 12:4 and 6 state, “Now there are a variety of gifts, but the same Spirit; and “to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” In addition, Jesus commissioned us, “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. One of the definitions of “minister” is “servant of the king.” Certainly, all believers fall in that category! We are servants of the KING! Who do we serve? Christ. How? By taking the good news of salvation to those who don’t know Him and then “teaching them to observe all that He commanded.” Paul understood that he was a minister. Do we?
Heavenly Father, what a precious privilege to be called to minister in Your name. Help me serve You well!
from If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
I Am Part of CHRIST’S BODY, the CHURCH
“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church…”
Who are you? If someone asked that question, we might reply, “A wife, mom, a CEO, a son, a mechanic.” However, one of the most important ways in which God looks at us is as HIS BODY on earth. We are a body of believers. We are Christ’s body on earth. My role, your role in Christ’s body is important. Ask someone whose knee or back is hurt and they will tell you how that one part of their body affects their whole body. If I’m a sin sick Christian, it’s going to affect you. If you’re a sin sick Christian, it’s going to affect me. We are a part of each other in Christ. And our individual and corporate health is important. Say it loud. Say it clear. Let it take root in your mind and then act accordingly, “I am a part of Christ’s body on earth.”
Heavenly Father, Your Son has embraced me. You have adopted me. We are more than family. We are united in one body in Christ. Help me not only sigh relief that I am “in Christ.” Help me also honor Christ in my body and represent Him well as I serve in and among the body of Christ.
from If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
Holy, Blameless, & Beyond Reproach
“And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach—”
Picture it. You’re in heaven. Myriads of angels surround God’s throne. You’re overwhelmed by God’s glory and majesty. You fall prostrate before Him. Then, suddenly, Christ presents you to His Father. “This is _(insert your name)___.” Jesus continues, “She/he is holy, blameless, and beyond reproach.” Gulp! Me, holy? Me, blameless? My mind is whirling with sins I’ve committed.” But neither God the Father or Son seem concerned. Their faces show only love. Their eyes welcome me. Jesus extends His nail scared hand. “You are holy, blameless, and beyond reproach. I took care of things in your past for you.” There is no way to describe the relief, the weight lifted from my chest. “Christ is going to present me holy, blameless, and beyond reproach.” Say it to yourself. Say it often. Then in gratitude, bow and worship.
Lord God, no words can describe what it feels like as I contemplate that Jesus will present me to You as holy, blameless, and beyond reproach. Thank You for the great sacrifice You both made! Thank You for the gift of forgiving my sin and the guilt of my sin.
from If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
I Am at PEACE with God
“For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.”
There are few things for which people seek more than to be at peace; and especially at peace with God. When we were reconciled to God, which means, “bring back a former state of harmony,” our lives changed. No longer were we at war with God. Rather, harmony was established. I don’t know about you, but I love knowing that God and I are in harmony. “I am at peace with my Maker.” Say it aloud. Say it often. It’s who you are because of Christ.
Heavenly Father, thank You that because of Christ, I am at peace with You!
from If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
I AM HELD TOGETHER by CHRIST
“He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
“I can’t hold it together another day!” I once heard someone say. What did they mean? Life was “falling apart.” Hopes, dreams, aspirations were not “falling into place.” Sometimes we say, “Hold on. It will get better.” But the fact is, sometimes one person’s definition of “better” isn’t another person’s. In the midst of the chaos of life, what can “hold us together?” I’ve found no one better or more faithful than Jesus. He has literally “held me together” when it seemed things were crumbling apart. Author and pastor Warren Wiersbe, in The Bible Expositon Commentary, tells the story of a guide who “took a group of people through an atomic laboratory…The tourists studied models of molecules and were amazed to learn that matter is made up primarily of space…One visitor asked, ‘If this is the way matter works, what holds it all together?’ For that, the guide had no answer.” Not only is Jesus the agent of creation and one for whom the world was created, He is also the one who holds it together. As Christ holds all things together, He holds you together. You are a wonderful creation of Christ – held together by Him.
Heavenly Father, thank You that in the midst of the chaos of life, You remind me that I’m not alone; and I don’t have to carry my responsibilities alone. At the center of each day is Christ – loving me and holding me and holding me together.
from If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
CREATED by & FOR CHRIST
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.”
Just when we might think, “I know what the Bible says. I don’t need to read it every day,” God refreshes and convicts us with the profound reminder of who He is and who we are in relation to Him. And, if you’re familiar with the old Burt Bacharach song, “What’s It All About, Alfie?”, it answers his question.
What’s it all about, Alfie?
Is it just for the moment we live?
What’s it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
The lyrics continue….
As sure as I believe there’s a heaven above, Alfie,
I know there’s something much more.
What is the MORE? Colossians 1:15-16 tells us. We have been created FOR CHRIST. Does that blow you away? It certainly negates modern culture that tells us we are to live for ourselves; and to be successful we must be beautiful, handsome, rich, famous, at the “top” of our competitors. Could the answer to why there is so much discouragement, doubt, greed, and self-centeredness be found in Colossians 1:15-16? We don’t “get it”? We were made by Christ for Christ. We are not self-made. We are not made to live for ourselves. I pray it gives you pleasure to know Christ created you for Himself. Knowing that, we can direct our minds and hearts to live for Him today…and everyday.
Heavenly Father, thank You that I don’t have to wander aimlessly or anxiously through my day – wondering, “Who am I?” and “What’s life all about?” You have given me the answer. Christ created me for Him.
from If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
