365 Days of Praise

Are you a builder? If so, you know how important the cornerstone is when constructing the foundation of a building. Just as a cornerstone is necessary for a stable and strong foundation, Jesus is essential to the foundation of our Christian faith. He is described as a precious cornerstone in 1 Peter 2:6: “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious cornerstone, and he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.”

Did you catch that? Peter says that when we build our lives on the precious cornerstone of Jesus that we will not be disappointed. That is a divine promise. If you’ve encountered any disappointments in life, and no doubt you have, then you know what a blessed promise that is. As a matter of fact, what is your testimony of how something in your life initially shook you to the core, but Jesus, foundational to your faith, held you together?

In addition, and importantly in Peter’s description of Jesus, he uses the word “precious.” Whereas in some places in the Bible the word “precious” means excellent and of surpassing value, Peter uses a word that means “honorable, noble.” Yes, a neighbor might build a home on an excellent and expensive foundation, but it not be an honorable, noble one. The believer’s faith is built on not only a firm, excellent foundation, but on the Father’s noble, honorable Son. 

Your life of faith is of great value. It is built on the precious cornerstone of Jesus, and as Peter writes, you will not be disappointed. Yes, although we may have disappointments on this side of heaven, get ready for the unveiling of what you have built your life on when the curtains are drawn and your eyes behold Jesus, the precious cornerstone of your faith. 

Lord Jesus, You are the PRECIOUS CORNERSTONE of my faith. I love You. I adore You. I am not disappointed, but rather enthralled with You. Thank You for the incredible, eternal blessing of building my life on You. May others see my relationship with You and it draw them to also build their lives on You. 

Spend more time in God’s Word and walk in the light of His wisdom with one of Debbie’s Bible studies. You can purchase printed Bible studies in our shop by clicking HERE. You can also complete free online Bible studies by clicking HERE.

“I’m just so busy.” “There never seem to be enough hours in the day.” We can probably all relate to those statements at some point in our lives. Do you know who else was busy? Jesus. He was very busy during His earthly ministry. He traveled to different regions sharing the good news, ministered to crowds of people, healed the sick, and spent time shepherding and fellowshipping with His disciples and other believers. Even though Jesus was busy, He was intentional about spending time alone with God, the Father, in prayer. One example is found in Mark 1:35. It says, “In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.” 

Not only did Jesus model spending time with God in prayer, but He showed us the importance of spending time alone with God. One-on-one time with God allows us to eliminate distractions and hear His voice more clearly. Matthew 6:6a says, “But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” 

<If Jesus felt that prayer was necessary, then so should we. Prayer is one way that we can stay connected to Christ and abide in Him. The Bible says that Jesus is the true vine and we are the branches. A branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine (John 15:1-8). We cannot bear good fruit in our lives unless we abide in Christ through prayer.  

When Jesus ascended into heaven, He didn’t stop praying. Romans 8:26-27 says, “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 

How comforting to know that the Spirit is interceding for us. Let us continue to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence in prayer, so that we may receive mercy and grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). 

Jesus, thank you for showing us what it means to be PRAYERFUL. Help us to prioritize spending time alone with You in prayer. Enable us to abide in You as You have called us to, so that we may bear good fruit. 

Learn to seek God in prayer through Debbie’s book, Pray With Purpose, Live With Passion. Purchase your copy HERE.

Many of us today are seeking peace. Although we may not directly identify what we’re seeking as peace, that’s ultimately what we long for. We may pursue peace through organizing and decluttering our homes in an effort to create a more serene living space. We might try to quiet the never-ending chatter in our brains or turn off our anxious thoughts by watching a movie or mindlessly scrolling through social media. We may seek peace through financial security, believing that more money in our savings or investments will bring a sense of calm and security. 

Although pursuing things like a tidy home or financial security isn’t bad in and of itself, we need to recognize where true and lasting peace comes from. Judges 6:24 says, “Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and named it The Lord is Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.” We see from this verse that the Lord Himself is peace. 

Before Jesus’ ascension into heaven, He reassured His disciples with these words, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27). The peace that Jesus promised was not just for the disciples, but for all followers of Christ. Jesus knew we would face troubles and trials in this life, but in the midst of those struggles, He offers us a spiritual peace that surpasses understanding and is unlike anything the world can offer. We can be encouraged knowing that we don’t need to be tossed around by the cares, worries, and trials of this world. Instead, we can set our minds on Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Romans 8:6 says, “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” 

In addition to setting our minds on the Spirit, we can recall and apply the words of Philippians 4:6-7 if we notice worry or anxiety creeping in. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Lord, we thank you for the PEACE that only You can provide. You knew that we would face troubles and trials in this life, but we are grateful that You quiet our hearts and minds with Your Peace in those times. Help us to set our minds on You and look to You in all circumstances. 

Although the holidays are often a joyous time spent with loved ones, they can also be a difficult and painful season for those facing challenging life circumstances, such as the recent loss of a loved one or illness. If you find yourself in such a season, here are some encouraging resources: Experiencing Grace and Peace in Cultural Chaos, Prayers of My Heart, From My Heart Poems of Faith, The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World. 

Many non-believers today, especially those in the entertainment industry, have no qualms about openly mocking God and Christians. Although witnessing such actions may feel disheartening and grieve our spirits, it should come as no surprise to believers. The Bible warns that there will be mockers and scoffers in the last days (Jude 1:18; 2 Peter 3:3). In 2 Peter 3:4, the Bible also forewarned that scoffers will challenge the truth of Christ’s return by saying, “Where is this ‘coming’ He promised?” 

Second Peter 3:9 goes on to declare that “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 

Christ can choose to return at any time, but His desire is for all to come to repentance. He wishes for none to perish, but for all to have eternal life by believing in Him (John 3:16). What might seem like a delay in Jesus’ return is actually an incredible display of mercy and patience towards those who don’t believe, and even those who openly mock God. 

Here’s something to keep in mind, though…”the day of the Lord will come like a thief” (2 Peter 3:10). Although the Lord is patient with the lost, He will come. Just as Christ’s first coming was prophesied and fulfilled, we can rest assured that the prophecies about His second coming will be fulfilled as well. 

Lord, we thank You that You are patient, NOT WISHING FOR ANY TO PERISH. Although You are merciful and long-suffering, we never want to take that for granted. We know that Your Word is true and that You will soon return. Help us to live each day in light of that promise.

We can’t take material possessions with us when we pass into eternity. The only thing that will go with us is other people. Store up treasures in heaven by helping us spread the Word and love of Jesus. Here are some ways you can help. 

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How many movies have you watched that portray love as a warm and fuzzy emotion? We’ve probably all seen those sappy movies that depict how a couple “fell in love” after knowing each other for a few days, or even a few minutes. This is often what the world thinks of when they hear the word “love,” but the Bible speaks of a different type of love. 

First John 4:7-8 says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” In this verse, John is writing to believers. He is exhorting them to love one another. The love spoken of in this passage is agapē, a self-giving love that is not selfish, but sacrificial. God demonstrated this kind of love by giving his only begotten Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus demonstrated this type of love by willingly sacrificing His life. 

You see, love is not based on feelings like so many in our world are accustomed to believing. True love, like the kind spoken of in the Bible, is unselfish and giving. It puts others first. 

How can we demonstrate this type of love? First, it’s important to recognize that we can’t give what we don’t have. Our ability to love in the way the Bible speaks comes from having a relationship with God, the source of love. As believers and recipients of Christ’s love, we are called to allow His love to transform us and to willingly extend that love to others. 

Lord, we thank you that You are LOVE. That is the very essence of who You are. As recipients of Your love, help us to extend Your love to others. Help us to love the body of believers as You have called us to. 

Would you like to learn more about how Jesus demonstrated His love for us as well as His command to love one another? Watch Debbie’s teaching on John 13.

Throughout history, earthly rulers and leaders have ascended to positions of power, only for their authority to eventually be removed through the succession of another leader or by death. However, the Lord has always reigned over all the earth, and His reign can never be undone or overthrown. 

Joshua 3:13 confirms God’s unmatched position of authority: “It shall come about when the soles of the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth …” 

Psalm 24:1 also declares God’s supremacy: “The earth is the LORD’s and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it.”

I often hear people say that it doesn’t matter who you worship, as long as you worship someone or something. But it matters to the Lord of all the earth. Why would the Lord of all the earth want His creation to bow to and follow another god? He doesn’t! He’s the One we’re to bow before, listen to, and follow—Him alone. Unlike earthly rulers, God is perfectly loving and just. We can trust His authority and leadership in our lives. 

Heavenly Father, we praise You, LORD OF ALL THE EARTH! Your majesty and power are glorious. You reign in perfect righteousness. 

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Do you need a rallying point—some place you can go to find victory over your old nature and the devil’s temptations? Moses discovered that the Lord was his rallying point in Exodus 17. When he held the staff of God high, the Israelites were victorious over their enemies. They fought in God’s name and strength, not their own. After the battle was over and the Israelites defeated their enemies, “Moses built an altar and named it The LORD is My Banner” (Exodus 17:15).

As believers, we can declare the same truth for our lives as Moses did —“The LORD is My Banner.” He is our leader, protector, and the source of our victory. When we lift His name high in prayer and look to Him for strength, we find victory over our sin nature and the enemy. 

LORD MY BANNER, I praise You and lift high Your name over my flesh and the enemy.  

As we approach the holiday season, let’s focus on all we have to be grateful for. The Prayers of My Heart prayer journal is a great place to record your thanks to God for all the ways He is revealed in the Bible. It is also a thoughtful and meaningful gift to give to someone else. 

On April 8, 2024, millions of people witnessed the rare total solar eclipse. People watched in awe through their solar eclipse glasses as the moon passed in front of the sun, blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on the Earth. This extraordinary event gave observers a small glimpse into what life would be like without the light of the sun. 

Just as the sun illuminates darkness and provides light to the earth, Jesus provides spiritual light to the world. We’re reminded of this in John 8:12: “Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.’”

Although the sun may be dimmed by solar eclipses and clouds, Jesus is constantly brilliant and will one day be the source of Light by which we live for eternity. No doubt, when Jesus announced He was the Light of the World, He must have sounded braggadocios to His listeners. How could a carpenter from Nazareth claim to be the Light of the world? Yet, Jesus made the claim, and He is who He says. 

Jesus came from heaven bringing truth that enlightens every man who will receive Him. Invite Jesus into your heart and live in His brilliance for eternity.

Lord Jesus, You are the LIGHT OF THE WORLD and our Light. We give You honor and praise!

Want to learn more about Jesus being the Light of the World? Debbie addresses this topic in her teaching on John 8. Watch it HERE. 

Have you ever looked for “life” in someone or something apart from Jesus? Perhaps in your younger years you were “the life of the party.” Maybe in your adult years you bought into the idea that the right job, house, car, or person would bring you all you wanted in life. But, perhaps later you realized that things and people can disappoint and fall short of that for which we long. 

If the temporal things of this world fail to provide true life or lasting fulfillment, then where or to whom can we turn? Jesus declared in John 14:6, “…’I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’” This verse encourages us to turn to Jesus as the source of all life, both physical and spiritual. 

You see, nothing in this world can bring complete satisfaction. Our hearts will never be truly happy or fulfilled until they’re at home with the Lord. He is the life for which we yearn.

Lord, You are the way, the truth, and the LIFE! We bow and worship You.

To learn more about Jesus as the gate to eternal life in heaven, watch Debbie’s teaching on John 14 HERE or listen to it HERE.

“That’s not fair!” How many times have we heard that impassioned objection from a child when they perceive something as unjust or inequitable? From an early age, we gain a sense of what’s fair and unfair or what’s just and unjust. We can quickly recognize other people’s sin nature when they’re acting unfairly, but as we mature, we must also learn to contend with and recognize our own sin nature.

The good news is that there is One who is not only perfectly just, but the ultimate justifier as well. That One is God. Romans 3:26 says, “…so that He [God] would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

What does this verse explain? That God declares us righteous when we repent of our sins and confess Jesus as Savior and Lord. God’s justification is not based on anything we’ve done. Rather, it is a gracious and merciful gift from God, based solely on the sacrificial death of Christ.

If we’re not already lifting our hands in praise of God; that He is both just and justifier, now is a good time to praise Him. “I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name” (Psalm 63:4).

We praise you, God, both just and JUSTIFIER!

Want to learn more about how to live by Christ’s divine nature instead of our sinful, fallen nature? Grab a copy of Debbie’s 2 Peter Bible study, Living by the Divine Nature Instead of Our Fallen Nature, HERE. You can also access the free accompanying videos and podcasts by going HERE.