365 Days of Praise

Have you ever wished someone would listen to you? You may have even asked a person with whom you were talking, “Are you listening?”

We don’t have to wonder if God listens to us. Jeremiah 29:12 says that if we pray, He’ll listen. “Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.”

Ponder God’s words. Say them out loud. Take hold of the reality, “When I call on God, go and pray to Him, He listens to me.” Yes, yes, yes! The God of the universe, the God of creation listens to you when you go to Him and pray to Him.

I think there is something we may miss in our multi-tasking culture. When God says, “come and pray to Me” that means we stop what we are doing in order to go to God. It’s the “come to Me” part, rather than shooting “arrow” prayers toward God while we are doing something else.

Because God is Spirit, we do not have to leave our home or office to go to a certain place to meet with God. But we do need to be intentional about going to Him and calling on Him.

Do we take advantage of the amazing privilege and opportunity to live beyond ourselves; to live by the Almighty God’s guiding voice? If not, begin today. Go to God. Ask Him to lead you through your day. Ask for His wisdom. Pay attention to His voice in your thoughts.

Heavenly Father, thank You that You are a God who LISTENS when I come to You and call on Your name. Help me to be mindful of the great privilege it is to come to You.

Would you like to develop a deeper prayer life? Get a copy of Debbie’s book, Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion, to learn how.

Do you ever feel like you’re eaten up with sin? Or can you look back to a time when you succumbed to temptation and Satan “chewed you up and spit you out”? If so, no doubt you praise Christ for being the victor over the devil who prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). 

Yes, Satan is the great pretender. He prowls like a roaring lion but he isn’t a lion. He mimics everything about Christ because he is insanely jealous that Christ is Lord, not him. The true lion? The genuine, real deal lion? Jesus is, as Revelation 5:5 explains—“Behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.”

Jesus’ title, Lion of Judah, is traced to Genesis 49:9 when Jacob blessed his son, Judah, and referred to him as a young lion. Christ is traced to this noble tribe of Israel. Rather than being a “young lion,” however, or a fictional lion king movie character, Christ’s title designates Jesus as the true Lion King, the noblest and most powerful One. As Revelation 5:5 states, Christ has overcome all, even death. He’s our Lion King. Give praise to Him and turn to Him when Satan nips at your heels.

Lord Jesus Christ, LION OF JUDAH, I worship You! Thank You for all You have done to defeat Satan and secure my salvation. Move in me increasingly so I am aware of Your presence and power. 

Would you like to learn more about standing firm and resisting the devil, especially in the times in which we live? Watch Debbie’s teaching on 1 Peter 5 HERE or listen to it HERE. You can also purchase her whole Bible study on 1 Peter HERE. 

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 had your head “hangin’” low? Perhaps you were depressed. It seemed everybody or everything was against you. Or, maybe your head was “hangin” low in shame. Or maybe you were at a crossroads in life and didn’t know what to do. 

The acclaimed King David knew what it was like to have his head hanging low. He penned these words, “You, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head” (Psalm 3:3). His head had been down, but he knew on whom to focus—the Lord.

If your head is hanging low today, remember that God sees you and cares about you. Whatever you are facing, He is the lifter of your head, just as He was David’s. You can also try the following:

1) Turn to Psalm 3 and read it. It is only 8 verses. Read Psalm 1, only 6 verses.

2) Write in your journal a verse that is meaningful to you and a verse that is instructive. Personalize the verses. For instance, I wrote in my journal, “Psalm 1:1a, 2-3b. How blessed is the woman whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law she meditates day and night.” Blessed, not stressed. Blessed, not head hangin’ low.

What happens when we follow our Father’s instruction and lift our heads and eyes to His glorious Word? We experience hope, peace, grace, and glory in Him. 

Thank You, Heavenly Father, that Your Word is the LIFTER OF OUR HEAD. I love and praise You.

Happy Fourth of July! As you enjoy the fireworks this July 4th , think beyond them to the Creator of the night sky and the true light of the world. Help spread the light and truth of Christ by encouraging someone you know to subscribe to 365 Days of Praise. 

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! I 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.

When you were a child, did you play “follow the leader”?

If so, you probably remember how important it was to do what the leader did. If they placed their hand on their head, you were supposed to place your hand on your head. If they touched their toes, you were supposed to touch your toes. In order to follow, you had to keep your eye on the leader. You had to pay attention to the leader’s words. 

In Isaiah 48:17, God explains something that is not child’s play. Rather, it’s an incredible offer by our Spirit guide and leader from on high. He says, “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, Who leads you in the way you should go.”

Many people seek a human guide, palm reader, or turn to tarot cards for direction. Yet those are mere human instruments. God freely offers Himself, His Holy Spirit, to lead us. 

How closely are we listening to Him? How well are we following His lead?

God, You are my LEADER! What a blessing to follow You! Help me follow You more closely.

Have you ordered a copy of From My Heart, Poems of Faith? Within the pages, Debbie beautifully records her thoughts and prayers through the following sections: “Prayers to the Father,” “Poems of Faith,” and “Poems to Encourage.” As you read through each poem, you’ll find words of hope, comfort, and encouragement that deeply resonate with your heart. Grab a copy HERE. 

If you’re a parent or teacher, have you ever “laid down the law” to a child and said, “Look left and right before you cross the street”? Why do we say that? Because we don’t want them to get run over by cars. In like manner, our Heavenly Father lays down moral and ethical laws so we don’t get run over by the devil and our fleshly carnal nature. 

If we don’t obey Christ and His teachings, we hurt ourselves and those close to us. Flattened by sin, face in the gravel, groaning in pain (physical or emotional), our eyes are opened to the “why” of God’s commands that we perhaps ignored. Isaiah 33:22 explains why as citizens of God’s kingdom we are to live by His laws. “For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; He will save us.”

Our Heavenly King gives us laws to save us from pain, guilt, untimely death, loss, regret, and so much more. In what way might you be running in the streets of sin chasing a ball of self- indulgence, pride, money, resentment, or an unhealthy friendship about which God has warned you to stop? 

God is our spiritual, physical, mental, financial, emotional, and relational lawgiver. We’re saved from pain and blessed beyond measure when we listen to Him and obey His commands. Are we?

Heavenly Father, I praise You as the LAWGIVER. I praise You for Your commands and teachings that protect me from getting run over by sin. 

God is not only our Lawgiver, He is also our Judge. In a world that often resists truth, are you prepared to stand before Him? Debbie’s Contend Earnestly for the Faith Jude Bible Study will equip you to recognize deception, stand firm in your faith, and be ready for the day of judgment. Click HERE to get your copy.

Are you living lavishly? I am. It’s so wonderful to have more than I need or could use in my lifetime. I feel blessed beyond measure. I hope the same is true for you. Peace replaces worry when we know we are safe, secure, and covered regardless of what comes our way. Oh, I’m sorry. Did you think I was talking about money? No, I was talking about grace. Money doesn’t get you into the kingdom of heaven. Grace does. Money doesn’t satisfy. Grace does. Money doesn’t make your heart sing. Grace does. Money runs out. Grace doesn’t. Oh, friend, are you mindful of the riches of God’s grace? Are you living in the joy and reality of it? Ephesians 1:7-8 calls us to praise and sing. 

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.” 

I often look up words in their original language to get a deeper grasp of the fullness of their meaning. The word “lavish” comes from the Greek word perisseúō which means to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; abundant, enough and to spare. So, yes, I’m living lavishly. Daily, His lavish grace sustains me for heaven. When I sin and turn to God in genuine repentance, He responds with lavish grace. It’s amazing, friends, and we ought to be living joyfully, mindful of God’s superfluous grace that He continually pours on us. If you’re not a Christian, I pray you’ll join me in living lavishly. No cash can substitute for grace. 

Heavenly Father, I am dancing in my spirit and soul over Your LAVISH GRACE. Help me live mindful of it with joy in my heart and a smile on my face. I love You and thank You! 

Would you like to experience more of God’s lavish grace? Check out Debbie’s Bible study, “Experiencing Grace and Peace in Cultural Chaos” by clicking HERE. You can also access the free accompanying videos and podcasts by clicking HERE.

“‘The first man, Adam, became a living soul.’ The last Adam became a life-giving spirit” (1 Corinthians 15:45).

Adam, the first man, brought sin and death into the world. Jesus, who is called the last Adam, brought righteousness and eternal life.

People are living souls. Therefore, Christians are living souls who have received the last Adam’s life-giving eternal Spirit.

Would you like for God to forgive your sins? Would you like to receive Christ’s life-giving Spirit? If so, repent and confess Jesus as the Son of God who died on the cross to pay your sin penalty. Receive Jesus’s eternal life-giving Spirit.

Prayer of Repentance

Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus who died on the cross for my sins. Please forgive me and fill me with your life-giving Holy Spirit.

Prayer of Praise

Lord Jesus, I praise You, the LAST ADAM, for giving me Your life-giving Spirit.

“For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself” (Acts 2:39).

Want a simple tool to help you take action on what God puts on your heart? Download the free I Can & I Will printable notepad by clicking HERE. It’s perfect for writing down Spirit-led prompts and setting spiritual goals. 

It’s another day. Maybe it’s a great day. Or, it may seem like the worst day of your life. What are we to do when it’s the worst day? If we’re wise, we’ll follow David’s example. He had ups and downs and promises unfulfilled for what seemed a long time. What do we learn from him? In 2 Samuel 22:29, we find his key to success. “You are my lamp, O Lord; and the Lord illumines my darkness.” If we didn’t know the context in which he said this, we might think David is sailing through life with God as His lamp. But when we read the verse in context, we discover he’s been in the dark, battling an enemy, and has walls to get over (2 Samuel 22:29).

Are you in the dark? Are you battling something? Are there walls you need to get over? The fact that there are dark, difficult struggles in our life is not what is unusual. The fact that the Lord of the Universe is our personal illuminator through them is incredible! There are many people, according to Jesus (Matthew 7:13-14), who do not have God as their lamp. If you are one of the few who does, you are incredibly blessed. The question is, are you turning to your lamp? Are you walking in the light He shines on your path? Are you reading His enlightening Words in Scripture? Are you following His illuminating Spirit as you quieten your heart in prayer; asking, then listening for His guidance? 

Lord, the fact that You, the Lord of the Universe, offer Yourself as a LAMP to my path is unique and incredible. May I who know You respond gratefully and wisely seek and follow Your Light. 

Are you facing disappointment or struggling with unmet expectations? Get a copy of The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World to discover how to take charge of your thoughts and let God reignite your hopes and dreams.