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Praise to Our WORTHY Lord
“so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;”
Have you ever considered that because Christ paid for your sins you are worthy of heaven? Say that a few times to yourself and let it sink in. “I am worthy of the Lord! I am worthy of heaven!” To be found worthy is a heavenly gift. And now, because we are worthy, we’re reminded to walk in a manner worthy or “suitably” of our Lord. We may have a hazy understanding of what it means to be worthy, but we do know what it means to be suitable. A child who puts on dirty clothes for school is told to put on something suitable, something clean. In the same manner, we are to walk worthily (suitably) of the Lord.
Lord, thank You for making us worthy of Your presence and of heaven. Help us to walk worthily of You!
from If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
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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?
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.
PLEASING to GOD
“…walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects…”
Have you thought about the fact that you can please God? We please God when we’re filled with the knowledge of His will with all spiritual wisdom and discernment and walk in a manner worthy of Him. In other words, we please God when we know what He wants us to do and we do it! Perhaps if I’m frustrated with life or filled with disappointment, it’s because I’ve been more interested in pleasing myself than God. Or, I may want to please God, but don’t make the effort to learn how to live in a manner that pleases Him. Today, though, I can read my Bible. I can think on Him. I can please God.
Lord, it is a wonderful thing to know that I can please You. Please help me better know You and walk in Your ways so that I please You in all respects.
from If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
ARE WE SPIRITUALLY WISE
“…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,”
Paul prayed for believers to be overflowing with spiritual wisdom. The word spiritual is significant. If defines the kind of wisdom we should seek. We can be street wise, money wise, smart in business. However, the wisdom for which Paul prays is divine wisdom. Think about that. Do you have spiritual wisdom? Do you know individuals whose intimacy with God enhances their ability to determine His will? Do you know those who are so intimate with God that their thoughts reflect His? This is the divine wisdom Paul prays we have. Is his prayer being answered in us?
Lord, the fact that You created me with the capacity to have spiritual wisdom is incredible! Please help me not live the rest of my life with only earthly wisdom, but rather seek the wisdom from above.
from If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
FILLED with KNOWLEDGE of GOD’S WILL
“Since the day we heard of it, 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,”
How often do we say, “I just don’t know what to do,” regarding our marriage , children, finances, career, or church situation? God has a will for our lives and Paul prays we be filled to the brim with it. In other words, God isn’t asking us to play “hide-and-see” with His will. Rather, God has provided both a general will, given through biblical principles, and a specific will for us as individuals. The Bible and Holy Spirit work hand in hand to guide us into both. One will never negate the other. The more we know the Bible, the more the Holy Spirit can lead us in both God’s general and specific will. Sometimes I wonder if God doesn’t reveal more of His specific will because I’m not obeying His general will, which He’s already given in the Bible. Might that be true of you?
Lord, thank You for the opportunity to not only know You, but to also live according to Your will. Forgive me when I ask for more knowledge; yet I’m not acting according to the knowledge You’ve already given me. Today, may I be a better steward of what I know so that I am increasing filled with the knowledge of Your will for my life.
from If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
