Fullness In Christ: A New Year's Resolution

"...and you have been given fullness in Christ, Who is the head

over every power and authority."

Colossians 2:10

Every time someone asks me what my astrological sign is,

I tell them, "Jesus is my sign. I'm a Christian."

Often the person will continue, "Yes, but what month 

were you born in?" Still I persist,

"I'm a Christian. I'm born again."

For centuries people have believed that their destiny is

controlled by the month of their birth. They are slaves to the stars.

Thank goodness that for those who believe in Jesus Christ there

is freedom from such bondage.

Colossians 2:10 tells us we are complete in Christ, not in 

anything else. He is the head over every power in the universe.

We need never be threatened by the forces of darkness that

may surround us. Christ reigns above those forces.

The stars can't control our destinies-

Jesus created the stars!

He is our Authority.

It is a wonderful thing to be made whole and full.

This means we can stop searching for identity and self-worth

in the elemental and base philosophies of the world.

Our future is sure in Christ because we are no longer

incomplete creatures, helpless in the face

of an unseen destiny.

Nonethless, we must guard against seductive philosophies

and false religions, just as we must look inward at our own

personal, unbridled needs.

I have counseled countless people who are insecure,

moody, and desperately dependent on the approval

of other people. These things can imprison us just as

miserably as the deceptive philosophy of astrology.

Jesus Christ is the head over every power and authority,

and He is more powerful than sorrow, gloom, fear, insecurity,

and the need for approval.

It is important that we tell ourselves daily,

"I find my personhood in the Lord Jesus and not in

other people, not in success, relationships, ideal circumstances,

or the stars."

Then, tell the Lord triumphantly,

"Thank You for giving me fullness in You."

-Marie Chapain

Author and Radio Ministry Host

 Marie Chapain

I first became acquainted with Marie's writing

after reading her heart-wrenching novel,

"Of Whom The World Was Not Worthy"

(1978)

the story of a Yugoslavian Christian family's

survival during World War II.

This deeply moving story centers around the life of

an evangelical Christian man named Jakob,

his young wife, Jozeca, and other Yugoslavian

Christians swept up in the turmoil of the Nazi invasion,

their unshakable faith in the face of appalling evil,

and the victorious power of prayer.

Balm In Secret Prayer

Pray on, pray on, O trusting heart,
Let not thy courage fail;
But take thy Savior at His word,
And know thou shalt prevail.

Refrain

Tho’ the cross is hard to bear,
There is balm in secret prayer;
Go and tell thy sorrows there,
And leave it all with Jesus.

What tho’ thy prayers thro’ many tears
May reach His throne on high;
He knows the anguish of thy heart,
And will not pass thee by.

Refrain

Perhaps in some desponding hour,
When hope has well nigh past,
The light will burst upon thy soul,
And joy be thine at last.

Refrain

Pray on, pray on, O weary not,
Whate’er thy trial be;
But lean thy faith on Him Who said,
“It shall be well with thee.”

Refrain

Written by Fanny Crosby

(1900)