365 Days of Praise
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?
You’re FORGIVEN
“Jesus… in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Have you ever done something for which you feel terrible? Something that causes you to hang your head in shame and that weighs heavy on your heart? Something that you can’t get out of your mind? Take a deep breath, friend. The word “forgiven” wasn’t just for the adulterous woman or thief on the cross. Jesus speaks those words to you and me. “Forgiveness” means “release from bondage or imprisonment, pardon for sins.” What a beautiful word. Would you say the definition aloud and personalize it? “I’m released from the bondage and imprisonment of my sins. I’m pardoned. Totally.” Once and for all, when we turn to Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He forgives us of our sin for eternity. Daily, moment by moment, when we fail to live to live according to His Word and we turn to Him in repentance, He washes and restores us to Himself. FORGIVEN. Wear the word proudly across your chest. FORGIVEN. Wear the word humbly through your day.
Heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving me; for releasing me from the bondage and imprisonment of my sin. Thank You for pardoning me. I love You and praise You!
from If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
You’ve been REDEEMED!
“Jesus… in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
When was the last time you thought about the fact that through Christ’s blood you’ve been redeemed? You are no longer identified as “separated from God.” Rather, you wear Christ’s mark and seal, “REDEEMED.” The word redemption means “liberation procured by the payment of a ransom.” And that is what God and Christ did for us. God liberated us from Satan and sin’s snare by offering Christ as the ransom. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses,” Ephesians 1:7. Never forget how precious you are to God.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You so loved me that Christ laid down His life for me; that by His blood, i’ve been redeemed. I love You and praise You, Lord God.
from If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
I AM TRANSFERRED to CHRIST’S KINGDOM
“For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,”
Work transfers. Plane transfers. We’re familiar with the concept. There’s a move – a change from one location to another. With the transfer comes a change in relationships, atmosphere, pay. Everything changes. But there is none that compares to God rescuing us from Satan’s domain of darkness and transferring us to the kingdom of His beloved Son. From darkness to light. From hate to love. From enslavement to freedom. From lies to truth. From guilt to grace. Say it proudly. Live it loudly, “I am trasferred to the kingdom of God’s beloved Son!”
Heavenly Father, there are no words to express the depth of my gratitude for You rescuing me from Satan’s domain and transferring me to the kingdom of Your beloved Son. I pray my life demonstrate the heartfelt thanks of my soul.
from If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
RESCUED from the DOMAIN of DARKNESS
“For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,”
If you’ve been in one of my Bible studies, you’ve probably heard me quote this verse. It astounds me. In this verse we’re told that there are two domains or powers of rule – God’s and Satan’s. God’s heart is for us to experience abundant life. Satan’s plan is to steal, kill, and destroy. John 10:10. Christ’s domain is light. Satan’s domain is darkness. You can’t find a greater contrast. The word, “rescue” has two meanings: “to draw to one’s self” and “to deliver.” As a fireman rushes into a blazing home, calls to a child, then rescues them; so Christ entered humanity, calls to us and draws us to Himself. Continuing with the fireman illustration, we know the fireman doesn’t stand in a burning house once he’s drawn a child into his arms. Instead, he runs out of the house and takes the child to a place of safety. Likewise, our Lord not only rescues us from hell, but also delivers us to a place of glorious safety, His kingdom. We are rescued.
Heavenly Father, Your love and power amaze me! My heart overflows with joy when I think of all You’ve done for me. Thank You for Your gracious, abounding love! Thank You for rescuing me from the domain of darkness.
from If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
QUALIFIED
“giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.”
Qualified here means “made sufficient, rendered fit.” Our prior sin state that disqualified us from our eternal inheritance no longer marks us. Rather, by turning to Jesus in faith, and believing God sent Him to die for our sins, God qualifies us. Let me give you an example. Many are hopeful to compete in the Olympic finals. But not all qualify. In the same way, except to an even further degree, no human qualifies for heaven. However, in His love for us, God stepped in and entered Christ in the race for us. His victory was accounted to us. “Qualified for Heaven” – that’s an identity to which we hold tightly and wear humbly.
Heavenly Father, thank You that in Christ I am qualified for heaven. What a great honor and privilege. May I keep my identity as qualified close to my heart and mind; cherishing all You and Jesus have done for me.
from If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
STEADFAST PATIENCE
“strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience;”
Last night my husband and I discussed how many people we know who are going through a hard time. As we visited, I was reminded of Christ’s words in John 16:33, where He said that in the world we have tribulation. We have pressure, oppression, affliction, and distress. However, Jesus tells us to “take courage.” Why? Because He has overcome the world. With both Christ’s words in mind and prayers for Him to strengthen us, we can go through difficulties with steadfast patience and endurance.
Heavenly Father, thank You that You never leave me. Thank You that in the midst of trials and tribulation, You are a present help. Strengthen me so that I patiently endure difficulties in a way that brings You glory.
STRENGTHENED with GLORIOUS POWER
“strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience;”
Do you ever feel like you know the right thing to do, but fail to do it? If so, keep reading. Strengthen in this verse means “to make strong.“ In other words, we’re to apply God’s principles not by our might, but by His glorious might. Whenever I read a verse that refers to God’s power or glorious might, I think back to when I first understood the difference between living by the Spirit and living by the flesh. It literally changed my life. (Galatians 5:16, 24-25) When was the first moment you understood the difference? Rather than live by our natural power, we can live by the glorious, dynamic power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8, Galatians 2:20, Romans 8:8-9) Why not go to God’s throne room? Be still and quiet in His presence. Let Him strengthen you with His glorious power.
from If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
BEARING FRUIT
“bearing fruit in every good work”
Have you ever thought of yourself as a “spiritual fruit bearer”? If not, isn’t it exciting to realize that God wants us to bear fruit for eternity? What does it mean to “bear fruit in every good work”? To help us grasp the concept, it helps to consider what it is like to bear children. Recently, as my husband and I visited on the back porch, he asked, “Was it the most incredible thing in the world to have a human being grow inside you?” “Yes!” was my response, as I thought back to the first time I felt Taylor move within me. More incredible, however, is to feel Christ move within!
from If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
