Debbie Taylor Williams
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.
from If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
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?
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?
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?
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?
BREAKFAST PIZZA
When I showed this recipe to my husband and asked him if he wanted it for breakfast, he said…YES! He thought it looked amazing! Most mornings, I have hungry boys, my hubby included, so I need something easy! This is definitely one easy recipe that any boy would love…sausage and crescent rolls?! Please and thank you! My husband requested I use his deer sausage in the recipe, so we did, but just a Jimmy Deans, Owens or any breakfast sausage will do! This would be perfect for a Saturday or Sunday morning, or any morning! It turned out great and my boys, even my picky 5 year old, loved it! Mmmm!
BREAKFAST PIZZA p. 108
1 can refrigerator crescent rolls
1/2 lb sausage
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese 
4 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup milk
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp salt
Fit crescent rolls into 9×9-inch baking pan, covering bottom and sides; press edges to seal. Brown sausage in skillet, stirring until crumbly; drain. Layer sausage and cheese in prepared pan. Combine remaining ingredients in bowl, mixing well. Pour over layers. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.
Yield: 6 servings
” ‘So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.’ ” Matthew 7:12
TABLE BLESSING
God, thank You for this food.
I pray right now for those who go without.
Comfort and be with them.
Strengthen their faith so they may overcome their doubts.
To order your Taste & See Cookbook, click HERE.
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?
IN CHRIST
Friends, many of you have replied that you miss the morning praise, so….how about we continue a few times a week and also look at who we are in Christ and God’s calling on our lives? And, thank you for your patience when you get a double email, as you did Saturday. I’m trying to fix a timing “bug.” Please don’t give up on me in the next day or two if you get duplicates. We WILL figure this out! 🙂 And, now, from Colossians….
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.”
Colossians 1:1-2
“In Christ.” The wording must have baffled the Christians in Colossae to which Paul wrote. Think about it. You would never say you were “in” your pastor. Yet, Paul wrote that believers are “in Christ.” What does he mean? We are more than residents “in” the city in which we live. We also reside “in Christ;” in the blessing of His holiness, His eternity, His grace, His favor, His empowering. Our praise extends beyond who God is, but also to what He has done for us.
Lord God, to be securely “in Christ” is an overwhelmingly grand thought. But it is more than a thought. It is a truth on which I can stand and for which I praise YOU!
from If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
