Debbie Taylor Williams
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?
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?
