365 Days of Praise
I AM HEAVENLY MINDED
“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”
What are you thinking? Has anyone ever asked you that? It’s a good question. Are our thoughts anxious? Are they negative? Or, are they rejoicing on the things above and God’s goodness? This is the second time in two verses that we’re directed to “things above.” Above here means “on high.” Paul explains that, since we’ve been crucified with Christ, we should continuously think on Christ and our higher calling in Him. This doesn’t mean that we ignore our earthly responsibilities. However, it does mean that we take proactive measures to think on and absorb Christ’s perspective, love, and power over earth’s values, emptiness, and weakness. How do we do this? It’s a choice. To set means “to direct one’s mind to a thing.” Every day when we wake, we set our minds on the things above by directing our thoughts to God in prayer. We set our minds on the things above by reading the Bible. We set our minds on that which is outlined in Philippians 4:8. Gravity may pull our feet to earth, but God calls us to set our minds on the things above.
Heavenly Father, help me set my mind on the things above. May I be increasingly heavenly minded rather than earthly minded.
From If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
I am a TEACHER
“We proclaim Him (Jesus), admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom,…”
Do you think of teaching others about Jesus as only the job of a pastor or person who leads a Bible study? If so, you’re in for a joyful surprise: every Christian is a teacher. Matthew 28:18-19 Some of us may be actively engaged. Others of us may have fallen behind. Some of us may be good examples of what we teach. Others of us may speak one thing but live differently from our message. Those we teach are family. They’re neighbors and co-workers. What does it mean to “teach”? It means to “impart instruction, instill doctrine, explain, and expound.” To admonish means “to warn and exhort.” Teachers – preachers, parents, spouses, and friends – both warn and instruct others about Christ and His ways.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of teaching others about Jesus. Help me teach not only in words but by example.
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.
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.
UNDERSTANDING
“…we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His (God’s) will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,”
Last year we looked at who God is. This year we’re looking at who we are in Christ.Today, we’re considering the gift of “understanding.” Understanding “is what the Greeks sometimes described as critical knowledge, meaning the ability to apply first principles to any given situation which may arise in life.” When Paul prays for believers to have wisdom and understanding, he’s praying we not only understand the great truths of Christianity, but we also apply them to everyday living. In other words, it’s not enough to have head knowledge of God’s Word. We must take the great teachings of the Bible and apply them to our hearts and daily lives. We must connect the dotes between what the Bible teaches about child rearing and how we actually raise our children. We must connect the dots between what the Bible teaches about marriage and how we treat our spouse; between what the Bible teaches about difficult people and how we handle relationships.
Perhaps we’re sometimes “basket cases” because we fill our minds with spiritual teachings, but leave them at the church door rather than apply them when our child is upset, we’re under financial pressure, our spouse angers us, we’re at wits end with a co-worker, or despair looms like a black cloud. But, we have a choice! We can choose to live filled with God’s gift of understanding.
Lord, thank You that You not only supply Biblical truths, but through the filling and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, I can apply Your teachings to my life.
from If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
FAITHFUL
“To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ …”
Colossians 1:2
Before you jump ship and wonder how many days we’re going to stay on Colossians 1:2, hang in here with me one more day as we consider our identity in Christ. “Faithful,” Although this can be a general term for believers, Paul uses it as a description of those being faithful to their heavenly calling. Yes, we may fall under the category of faithful. The big question is: Are we being faithful day by day, not only on Sundays? It’s something to think about.
Lord, You are faithful to me. Help me be faithful to You and my heavenly calling.
from If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
YAHWEH
Friends, few of you know the story of how 365 DAYS of PRAISE came into being. I’ll be posting about it on my bi-monthly E-Devotional and think you will rejoice with me when you hear the story. If you’re not signed up for my E-Devotional, you can sign up HERE. For those who already receive it, be sure to read it. It won’t be my typical newspaper column. 🙂
And NOW – for our 365th DAY of PRAISE! Believe it or not, I’m having trouble deciding which to post. I still have SEVERAL that I haven’t shared! However, I believe we’ll do the oh so important Yahweh.
“This is the account of heaven and earth when they were created, at the time when Yahweh made earth and heaven.”
Genesis 2:4
According to scholar Charles Ryrie, YAHWEH is the most significant name for God in the OT. Here is what He says about it. Yahweh,” literally “YHWH,” has a twofold meaning: the active, self-existent One (since the word is connected with the verb meaning ‘to be,’ (Ex 3:14); and Israel’s Redeemer (Ex 6:6). The name occurs 6,823 times in the OT and is especially associated with God’s holiness, His hatred of sin, and His gracious provision of redemption.” Isn’t it exciting that YAHWEH, our redeemer, who is holy beyond what we can envision and who hates sin, is our gracious redeemer!
All PRAISE to YOU, YAHWEH, active, self-existent ONE! I sing Your praises and give You honor and praise now and forever! Amen!
Lord God, thank You for the opportunity to better know You in 2013. Now lead us in the ways You want us to go so that we better reflect Your name and bring You honor. Amen.
UNFATHOMABLE
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!”
Romans 11:33
Can you hear the passion in Paul’s heart as he spoke of God to believers in Rome? To the Greeks who boasted of their wisdom, knowledge, and ways, Paul said, “You think you have wisdom and knowledge? You can’t begin to comprehend the riches of God’s wisdom, knowledge, and ways. UNFATHOMABLE! That’s our God.
Lord God, You who are UNFATHOMABLE, thank You for the UNFATHOMABLE riches that You’ve given me in Christ!
© Debbie Taylor Williams. Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to forward or share this material provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee for it. Any exception to the above must be approved by Debbie Taylor Williams. Please include on any web posting or printed distribution: © Debbie Taylor Williams, www.debbietaylorwilliams.com. Thank you.
TESTED STONE
“Therefore thus says the Lord God, ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.’”
Isaiah 28:16
Jesus wasn’t just a “man of God.” He did what no other person has done – withstood every temptation. We are tried and tested and we fail or perhaps sometimes successfully stand faithful. Jesus was tested in the fire of temptation, suffering, and human agony and He shone as pure gold. Why? How? Because He is pure God. And, because He is, we’re to build our lives on Him. Say “no” to humanistic and passing social religious views. Say “yes” to Jesus – God’s tested stone.
Lord Jesus Christ, once again I’m reminded of the joy and privilege it is to call You my God. Pure, tested, strong, You are foundational to all I believe. I praise You and worship You!
© Debbie Taylor Williams. Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to forward or share this material provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee for it. Any exception to the above must be approved by Debbie Taylor Williams. Please include on any web posting or printed distribution: © Debbie Taylor Williams, www.debbietaylorwilliams.com. Thank you.