365 Days of Praise

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Have you ever promised something and then didn’t fulfill your promise? If you have, you know what a horrible feeling it is. Maybe we promised, “I’ll never say that again.” Then we did. Or, maybe we said to God, “I promise. If you’ll get me out of this mess, I’ll do better next time.” Then we failed to do as we said. Or, maybe we don’t trust people because they’ve made promises  they didn’t keep. When it comes to God, however, Romans 4:21 assures us that what God PROMISED, He was able also to perform.” What a blessing to know that God speaks the truth and keeps His promises.  In the midst of the world’s lying and cover-ups, it’s a great time for us to read our Bibles and God’s promises; ones we can be assured are true. Which of His promises are your favorites? Please comment below. I’d love to hear from you.

Heavenly Father, in our world that is filled with lies and cover ups, we praise You that You are a faithful promise keeper.  

“being fully assured that what God had PROMISED, He was able also to perform.”Romans 4:21

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Have you ever called the psychic hotline or used Tarot cards for the purpose of divination? If so, you’ll be encouraged to know there’s another, better option. The Bible warns us to not seek knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means of divination such as Tarot cards or a psychic hotline. Ezekiel 13:7 says, “Did you not see a false vision and speak a lying divination when you said, ‘’The Lord declares,’ but it is not I who have spoken?'” Throughout the Bible we’re warned to not listen to unclean spirits, but rather to His Word and those He inspired by His Holy Spirit. Yes, at times we may want to know the future and what to do, but the right way to find those answers is to read the Bible and pray, “Lord, direct me.” Luke 24:19  tells us that Jesus was a PROPHET mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people.” He is the One we’re to seek and can trust.

CHECK THESE OUT:  Prayers for Different Occasions,  Meet Jesus

Jesus, You are God’s PROPHET who speaks truth. May we seek and obey You. 

“…Jesus the Nazarene, who was a PROPHET mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people.” Luke 24:19

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Have you heard of the legal term “double jeopardy”? In our legal system it means that a person can’t be tried for the same crime two times. In God’s system, it means the same; which is an incredible blessing. Jesus was tried for all the sins we’ve ever committed and will commit. God has promised to not try us for sins Jesus has already been convicted of and paid for when we repent of them and confess Jesus as Lord. There’s more. Hebrews 2:17 explains that after Jesus took our place and died for our sins, He then assumed the role of High Priest and entered into God’s presence to offer His blood as the sacrifice for our sin. Jesus demonstrated the greatest of mercy when He took our place at the judgement seat and was convicted for our crimes. We can’t be tried again for our sins because Jesus was tried for them, found guilty, and sentenced to death. Resurrected, He sits as God’s right hand. Run to Him in gratitude.

Lord Jesus, we praise You, our Lord and high PRIEST!  Thank You for taking our place at the judgement seat and dying for our sins.  How can we serve You?

“Therefore, He (Jesus) had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high PRIEST in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.”

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Have you ever defended your bad behavior by saying, “Nobody’s perfect.”  Or, has someone ever said to you, “Nobody’s perfect!” in defense of something they’ve done wrong? It’s a common response because it’s true. Nobody is perfect except Jesus. However, and this is a big however, our imperfections aren’t excuses to stay as we are. Rather, they’re signals for where we need to look to Jesus for His example and empowerment to change. For instance, in  Matthew 5:48, Jesus doesn’t say, “Heh guys, give yourself a break. Nobody’s perfect.” Instead, He says, “Your Heavenly Father is perfect. You’re to be perfect.”

Heavenly Father, You are PERFECT. Thank You for the gift of Your Spirit who transforms us when we walk according to His power in us. 

“’Therefore, you are to be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is PERFECT.’”

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Do you ever get perturbed when someone tells you “chin up,” that everything will get better? I get it. People may be well intentioned, but the fact is, things may not get better. We may not be able to keep our marriage together. Our child may have special needs the rest of their life. Our job may be tough. A person may refuse to forgive us. That’s why 2 Thessalonians 3:16  tells us to find our peace in Jesus, the Lord of peace. Is it easy? No. But, it’s real. I experienced it when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I experienced it when my parents were dying. In John 14:27, Jesus describes His peace as “out of this world.” In other words, it comes from heaven into our hearts so we can go through our day with inner peace. Moving the direction of our chin doesn’t change anything. Opening our heart and asking the Prince of Peace to fill it changes everything. 

Thank You, Prince of PEACE, that You supercede circumstances. Fill us with Your peace.

“Now may the LORD of PEACE Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.”

2 Thessalonians 3:16

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Are you concerned for a family member or friend who refuses to trust Jesus for salvation? Are you worried they’ll die apart from Christ? If we’re concerned for the unsaved, it’s for good reason. This world isn’t all there is. There’s life beyond the heavens just as there’s life below the ocean that we can’t see until we enter into it. Yes, all people are alive after they pass through this life – either in Christ’s presence or apart from Him.  Jesus implores us to take the road to heaven through Him. So, what do we do if an unsaved friend or family member refuses to turn to Christ? We align ourselves with the Lord, who we’re told in 2 Peter 3:9 is not slow about His promise, but is PATIENT…, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” God is PATIENT. Keep praying. Keep looking for opportunities to speak the truth in love.

Heavenly Father, thank you for being PATIENT. Help us be like you – patient and prayerful.

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Paraclete), that He may be with you forever;”

John 14:16

The Holy Spirit is described as a Paraclete (Helper) who is with us forever. Studying the Greek definition of the word “Helper, Paraclete” ummm – helps.  Consider the following definition of Paraclete:*

• Someone summoned, called to one’s side, esp. called to one’s aid
• One who pleads another’s cause before a judge, counsel for defense, an advocate
• Of the Holy Spirit destined to take the place of Christ with the apostles (after his ascension to the Father), to lead them to a deeper knowledge of the gospel truth, and give them divine strength needed to enable them to undergo trials and persecutions on behalf of the divine kingdom

When we think of the magnitude of God’s provisions for us, it’s staggering. Our Heavenly Father not only took it upon Himself to send His Son to save us, but also made sure that His Spirit, the Paraclete, would be an abiding divine strength within us. We never walk alone.

To learn more about the Paraclete – Holy Spirit and how to listen to Him, click HERE.

Heavenly Father, Son, and Paraclete – Holy Spirit, the gift of Your Presence is something we will only fully realize when we are in Heaven. Thank You, Lord!  

*https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G3875&t=NASB

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Lord Jesus Christ, You are the OVERCOMER. We praise You for the peace You give us when we trust in You.