If God is In Control
Are You Ready for Jesus’s Answer
John 2:19-21 records a a question the Jews asked Jesus and His response. Their question? “What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?” The “things” Jesus had done included driving the sheep and oxen out of the temple, pouring out the money changers’ coins, overturning their tables, and ordering them, “Stop making My Father’s house a place of business.” In other words, Jesus acted like He owned the TEMPLE. Jesus’s replied, “Destroy the TEMPLE and I’ll rebuild it in three days.” Jesus wasn’t talking about the stone temple, however. He was talking about His body, the temple of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus foretold, He raised His body three days after they destroyed it. Miraculous, yes. But a point God is driving home to me are Jesus’s actions and words regarding His temple. He drove out all that wasn’t supposed to be there. Certainly, He must feel the same about our bodies, His TEMPLES, in whom His Spirit dwells. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
Lord Jesus, TEMPLE of the Most High, thank You for coming from heaven and tabernacling in us. Drive out all in us that is dishonoring to You.
Do you need encouragement that Jesus cares about you and your body? If so, you’ll find His tender mercy in these 6 short, meaningful chapters.
Dark World, Radiant God
NEWS! 6 WK Online BIBLE STUDY (means we can study & discuss here) begins 9/18. FIND OUT MORE
HAPPENING NOW: I’M IN Las Vegas, leading my P.R.A.Y. with Passion Conference. It’s been almost a year since Stephen Paddock opened fire on a crowd of concertgoers in Las Vegas; killing 58 people and injuring 851 in the deadliest mass shooting committed by an individual in the US. PLEASE PRAY for an outpouring of GOD’S SPIRIT, for healing, recommitments, salvations, and safety. THANK YOU.
Are you concerned with how our world seems to be getting darker? Religious persecution, disease, abuse, terrorists at home and abroad, moral decline, and political shenanigans contribute to the anxiety and depression we may feel. In the midst of discouraging days, what can believers do? We can keep our eyes on Jesus, who Hebrews 1:3 describes as the radiance of God’s glory. The word “radiance” is only used 5 times in the Bible and in each of those, refers to God. Commentator Vines defines God’s “radiance” as “shining forth, of a light coming from a luminous body.” Isn’t that exciting? Even when things around us are dark, God isn’t. One sweet, glorious day, we’ll join those who have glimpsed God’s radiance. We’ll fall on our faces as they did; overwhelmed by what our eyes see. The day is coming when we go to Jesus or when He returns through the clouds. Keep watching and living for Him!
Heavenly Father, our hearts are overwhelmed as we read the accounts of those who have had glimpses of You. We can’t imagine what it will be like to see Your glory. We praise You now and forever.
“And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature,…” Hebrews 1:3
Praise to Christ, the TEMPLE of God
“Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?’ But He was speaking of the TEMPLE of HIS BODY.”
The question the Jews had asked Jesus was, “What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?” The “things” Jesus had done included making a scourge of cords and driving the sheep and oxen out of the temple, pouring out the coins of the money changers and overturning their tables; and saying to those selling doves, “Stop making My Father’s house a place of business.” In other words, Jesus acted like He owned the TEMPLE, and the Jews asked for a sign of His authority. “I’ll give you a sign,” Jesus said in so many words. “Destroy the TEMPLE and I’ll rebuild it in three days.” But, ahh, He wasn’t talking about the building. He was talking about His body; which they did destroy, and He raised in three days. Miraculous, yes. But the point God is driving home to me is the action Jesus took in the TEMPLE. He drove out all that wasn’t supposed to be there. Certainly, He feels the same about our bodies – His TEMPLE – in whom His Spirit dwells.
Lord Jesus Christ, TEMPLE of the Most High, thank You for coming from heaven and tabernacling in us. Help us honor Your presence.
Do you need encouragement that Jesus cares about you and your body? If so, you’ll find His tender mercy in these 6 short, meaningful chapters.
WE ARE ENCOURAGERS
“Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me.“
Could you use some encouragement today? I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t appreciate being encouraged. Why? There are so many ways and things that can discourage us; that a person who has an encouraging heart is a breathe of fresh air. Are you that breathe in people’s lives? Are you an encourager? Do you realize what a great gift that is? Today, while writing, I received an email from a friend. It was a word of encouragement about how much our study of If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case? has meant to her. My heart soared when I read her words. As a matter of fact, I reread, printed, and saved the email. It’s precious that she took time to email me. God used this “sister” in my life today. Would you be an encourager to someone today?
Heavenly Father, thank You for the hope that is in You. Use me to encourage others in their daily walk and struggles. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
WE ARE FAMILY
“…our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. …and also with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you of the situation here.“
I grew up in a loving family. My mama had three sisters and one brother and their families lived only a few blocks from our house. We were together for every birthday, holiday, and in between for watermelon on hot summer days or hot chocolate on cold ones. “Yoohoo!” alerted us that someone was walking in the unlocked front or back door. “Come on in,” was followed with hugs and greetings. As we continue to discuss who we are in Christ, it’s important that we remember that the Bible identifies believers as family. God, our Heavenly Father, has adopted us. Christ is our brother. You are my sister and brother. What does this mean? A world of things. We are to treat each other kindly. We can be open with one another. We are to take interest in each other’s lives. We are to help each other. You may not have had a good family experience growing up or even now. But, in Christ, you have the opportunity to learn what it means to be family; to be brothers and sisters in Christ.
Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting me into Your heavenly family. Thank You for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Help me treat them with love, kindness, and respect. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
I AM to BE WISE & GRACIOUS
“Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.“
Do you ever do anything you’re ashamed of? Are you ever careless with your words? Or, to take it a step further, have you ever intentionally chosen words that were critical or unkind? Do you sometimes miss rather than make the most of opportunities to share Christ? I’m guilty on all accounts. If you join me in acknowledging that your actions are not always wise, that you don’t always make the most of opportunities to speak to non-Christians about Jesus, and that your speech isn’t always gracious; then consider these verses again. Reflect on them. Then, if convicted that Christ wants us to reflect Him through our conduct and words, repent. It’s never too late for us to start doing the right thing.
Heavenly Father, forgive me for my behavior and words that are unwise and ungracious. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit today so my conduct is wise and my words graciously reflect you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
I PRAY with as ATTITUDE of THANKSGIVING
“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.“
Have you ever said of someone, “He’s got an attitude!”? Or said to a person, “You need a better attitude!” Thanksgiving, eucharistia, means thankfulness. If we can see other’s attitudes, don’t we realize God sees ours? How do we think it makes God feel when we pray with an ungrateful or negative attitude? Which of the following attitudes is reflected in your prayers?
- I don’t know if You’re listening, God.
- If You’re listening God, You probably won’t do what I’m asking, but just in case…
- I don’t know why I’m praying. It never does any good.
A few days ago I walked on the front porch and heard the loudest tweeting I’ve ever heard. I expected to see a gigantic bird and watched for the branches to rustle so I could spot the happy caroler. Instead, my eyes fell on a tiny little bird. It was the cutest thing I’d ever seen. It was stretching and straining, causing the bough to bend up and down. As I listened and found pleasure watching that little bird, I thought how much pleasure my heavenly Father must have when we stretch our tiny arms heavenward and praise Him. Does God see us? Of course He does! Does God note the one who joyfully comes to Him thanking Him for answered prayer? Yes!
A negative question from a negative loved one or negative co-worker doesn’t engage us as a positive question from a thankful one. For instance, there’ve been times when my husband has asked me to do something I wasn’t in the mood to do; but I couldn’t resist his engaging grin and playful big brown eyes. What does God see when we call on Him? A sullen, doubting saint or an expectant, hopeful one?
Heavenly Father, Thank You for who You are and all You are. Thank You that You are ever present for me to pray to You. Thank You that I can pray to You with confidence; knowing You hear and answer my prayers according to Your will.
Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
I AM ALERT in PRAYER
“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it...“
As believers, we are not only to be devoted to prayer; we are also to be ALERT in it. Alert is a powerful word. In this verse, it means “to watch, give strict attention to, take heed lest through remission some destructive calamity suddenly overtake us.” Does that describe our prayer life? If not, it should motivate us to give more strict attention to it. Why? What destructive calamity could possibly overtake us if we fail to be devoted and alert in prayer? We find the answer in 1 Peter 5:8 where Peter warns us of the devil who prowls like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. We’re reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 26:41 to keep praying because the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Ephesians 6:11-18 warnings of principalities and spiritual forces of darkness in the heavenly realms come to mind. If we are wise, we will not only pray. We will be alert it in.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the warning to not only be devoted to prayer, but to also be alert in in it. In Christ, I have access to You 24/7. May I be an ever-increasingly devoted, alert prayer warrior.
Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
I AM DEVOTED to PRAYER
“Devote yourselves to prayer,“
“In Christ,” we have the opportunity to be different from those who do not know Christ. We have the opportunity to scale the heights of heaven with our needs, concerns, and praises. We are not isolated or alone. The Holy Spirit is glued to us for eternity and is available to help us pray our deepest concerns. Our part? Begin the conversation with God. Open the spiritual door. And, keep it open. How? When your eyes open in the morning, train yourself to open a conversation with God. “Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You that You are with me. Thank You that You are with my loved ones. You are a good and gracious God. Thank You for your presence with me. Direct my mind and thoughts to honor You today.” Then, keep praying whatever is on your mind. You may pray while still in bed. You may begin while waking, then move to a place where you “meet with God” for Bible study and continued prayer. But the point is, as Christians, we are to do more than pray The Lord’s Prayer at funerals and weddings. Rather, God’s instruction is to DEVOTE myself to prayer. “Devote” comes from a word that means “be steadfastly attentive to, continue in, persevere, be in constant readiness for one.” So, we are attentive to our first thoughts when we wake and turn our thoughts to prayer. We continue in prayer through the morning, afternoon, and evening. We are in constant readiness to pray when concerns arise or we are tempted. DEVOTED. That is the word that describes the Christian’s prayer life; unlike the unbeliever’s occasional “arrow prayer” in crisis.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of being able to talk to You. May I never take the opportunity to pray for granted. Rather, may You know me as one who is devoted to prayer.
Correction: The Scripture reference for the prior 365 Days of Praise:, “I HAVE a MASTER in HEAVEN, is Colossians 4:1.
Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
NAS Bible Verses, Bible Gateway, #bgbg2
*http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/10/17/this-map-shows-where-the-worlds-30-million-slaves-live-there-are-60000-in-the-u-s/