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?
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?
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?
