365 Days of Praise
Jesus is Coming!
I love to gaze at the glory of the moon. The moon is something that exists. The moon was created by God in eternity past. The moon is set to rise in the night sky again tomorrow and in the nights ahead. It appears in different phases but it is still the same moon.
Why, then, would we doubt that Jesus is the Lord who was the self-existent creator in heaven and in our hearts, and who is to come? On December 25, we celebrate the Lord who came in the past in the appearance of a baby. But Revelation 1:4 says Christ is “He who is and who was,” He is the Lord “who is to come…” Think about it. Jesus is coming again!
Lord Jesus, WHO IS, WHO WAS, AND WHO IS TO COME, help us mindfully serve Your purposes until You return again!
Are you ready for Christ’s return? Would you like some resources to help you better understand the times in which we live and to shift your focus to His return and eternity? Check out End Times: What You Should Know, What You Can Do as well as Contend Earnestly for the Faith.
Storing up Treasures in Heaven
“How much money do you make?” In our materialistic society, people often place value on the almighty dollar instead of the Almighty Lord. However, Isaiah 33:6 addresses what we should value: “And He will be the stability of your times, A wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; The fear of the Lord is his treasure.” Isaiah reminds us that the Lord is the greatest treasure.
Jesus echoes Isaiah’s understanding of what true wealth is. In Matthew 6:19-21 He says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Christ’s command should cause us to stop and ponder. Are we storing up treasures on earth or are we storing up treasures in heaven? To the point – on what is our heart most focused – things of the earth or things of heaven?
Lord, You are a WEALTH OF SALVATION, WISDOM, AND KNOWLEDGE. Stir our hearts to seek the treasures that count for eternity rather than the fleeting things of earth.
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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Born a Warrior King
As the celebration of the birth of Christ nears each year, we focus on the babe in the manger. But, that babe was born a Prince with a kingdom to defend. That babe was born with an angelic army at His beck and call. That babe was born a “Warrior” King as Isaiah 42:13 foretold, “The Lord will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies.”
The babe stormed hell and overcame death. The babe is the victor over the devil and his demonic army. Christ will one day return to earth but not as a babe. He’ll return as the Warrior King that He is. With whom will we share the good news?
Lord, we praise You, WARRIOR King from on high.
Do you ever wonder if we’re in the end times? Would you like to learn more about the signs of the end times? Grab a copy of Debbie’s Bible study, End Times: What You Should Know, What You Can Do HERE. Access the free accompanying videos and podcasts HERE.
Why Bother Worshiping Our Heavenly Father?
Do you ever wonder, “Why bother praising God?” If so, Isaiah 40:21-22 & 25 explain why.
“Do you not know? Have you not heard?
Has it not been declared to you from the beginning?
Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
It is He who sits above the circle of the earth,
And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers,
Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain
And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in” (vs 21-22)
“‘To whom then will you liken Me, that I would be his equal?’ says the Holy One” (vs 25).
God makes it clear that no one is equal to Him. He calls us to lift up our eyes and see the heavens He created. What does this mean for us? It means we are not alone. It means that nothing is too difficult for God. It means our Heavenly Father deserves our worship.
Lord God, we worship and praise You, eternal, UNEQUALED Creator. You are wise and powerful beyond our imagination. Thank You for caring for us, loving us, saving us, and preparing a place for us to be with you for eternity. We love You!
God demonstrated His unequaled nature in several ways in the Book of Acts, including the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the performance of miracles, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the rapid expansion of the church. Check out all of Debbie’s teachings on the Book of Acts as well as all the free Bible studies offered online through our website, HERE.
Here’s Something for Which to be Thankful
It will be here before you know it. Thanksgiving will be upon us. Is your heart filled with thanksgiving? Or do you feel like a deflated balloon, that many things for which you’d hoped have fallen flat? No one will argue that life is hard. It is. Some time ago someone said to me, “The only good I have is because I’m a Christian.” What did they mean? They were saying that Christ is the “goodness” in their life. He is, in fact, what makes us good.
Hebrews 7:26 uses the word “undefiled” to describe Christ because He is more than good. Jesus is “holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.” In other words, Christ is more than a good prophet. He is the high priest of heaven who saves us not because of who we are, but because of who He is.
No matter the circumstances you are facing today, your good Savior is facing them with you. This day will pass. Christ’s goodness and presence with you will never pass. For that, you can be thankful.
Lord Jesus, holy, UNDEFILED Savior, we love and praise You, the goodness in our life, our purity and salvation. We are grateful for and love You.
First Thessalonians 5:17-18 instructs us to pray without ceasing and to give thanks in all things. Would you like some resources to help you with these commands? Check out Debbie’s book, Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion HERE. Another great resource is the Prayers of My Heart prayer journal, which can be used to cultivate a deeper prayer life and record praise and thanksgiving to God. Purchase your copy HERE.
Thank You for Your Prayers
Do you feel under fire by a barrage of personal, financial, physical, spiritual, or other attacks? If so, call out to your Heavenly Father, who David describes in Psalm 3:3 as a shield about him. Put on the spiritual armor He’s given you (Ephesians 6:13). Take His Word and soak your heart and mind in it (Psalm 119:97-98, 110-111, 114). Jesus hasn’t left us alone to suffer through life’s trials by ourselves. Cover yourself with His love and truth (from Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion).
The above words are from an excerpt of my book. Although you likely agree they are true, they are not always easy words to live by. Would you agree?
I am personally walking through a trial and would appreciate your prayers. I am having a lung biopsy this morning. We are praying that our Great Physician has gone before us and that the mass that was seen on a PET scan is not what it appears to be to the surgeon; but rather, is benign. While no one likes the fire of trials, I can testify to the Lord’s goodness, faithfulness, peace, and that He shields us from fear and enables us to walk by faith. We serve a good God who loves us. Our trials are not a surprise to Jesus so I pray you run to Him, call out to Him, and are assured He loves you and is with you every step of the way; as I am assured He is with me this morning. Thank you for joining us in our prayer for a benign result.
Lord Jesus, You are a SHIELD about us. Thank You for Your love and for always being with us. Use us for Your glory.
The Lord is always present and wants us to talk to Him. Learn to pray more purposefully through Debbie’s book, “Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion.”
Soak Your Soul In This
The news often reminds us of how dark our world is. But, be encouraged. God is the opposite. Psalm 76:4 says “God is resplendent,” which means luminous.
Lord, You are RESPLENDENT! Illumine my life with Your glory.
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A Wonderful Ask by Jesus for Us
Are you familiar with Jesus’ teaching, “Ask, and it will be given to you,” Matthew 7:7? Ask means to call for, to request of someone. Jesus teaches us to request of the Father what we need. But Jesus not only teaches us to ask God for desired needs, but He also asks God for things. In John 14:16, Jesus told His disciples, “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Paraclete), that He may be with you forever…” Who is the Paraclete? He’s the Holy Spirit (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, especially 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 undergo trials and persecutions on behalf of the divine kingdom.
It’s staggering when we think of the magnitude of God’s provisions for us. Our Heavenly Father not only took it upon Himself to send His Son to save us but also sent the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, to be an abiding divine presence within us. We never walk alone.
Heavenly Father, Son, and PARACLETE, the blessing of Your Presence is something we will only fully realize when we are in Heaven. Thank You, Lord!
Want to learn more about the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, and how to discern His voice? Listen HERE.
*https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G3875&t=NASB
Pray to be Open Lipped
Which are you? Tight-lipped or open-lipped? In other words, are you reluctant to speak and don’t reveal much about what’s going on inside of you? Or, are you more open-lipped and let what you’re thinking and feeling readily come forth? No doubt James 1:19 tells us to be quick to listen and slow to speak when we’re angry. But what about in relation to praising God? In this case, we are to be like the psalmist, who prayed in Psalm 51:15:
“O LORD, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Your praise.”
Are we grateful? Are our hearts flooded with God’s goodness? I hope so. Even when there seems to be nothing for which we can praise Him, we can open our lips and praise Him for His presence with us, His provision for us, and His purposes He will bring forth.
Develop a mindset of gratefulness. Fill your heart with praise. Open your mouth and let your praise flow to God. Pray, “LORD, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Your praise.”
Lord, thank You for who You are and for all the incredible ways You have worked in our lives, are working, and will work. You are worthy of our praise day and night. OPEN OUR LIPS so we declare Your praise.
Download this free printable of the attributes of Jesus from the book of John. As you read through them, praise God for each one!
Do You Remember When
How old were you when you first heard John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life”? It’s an incredible invitation to every person in the world. Think about it!
- God so loves the world that He took action to save us.
- God sacrificed His Only Begotten Son on our behalf.
- God invites everyone to believe and be saved.
- God promises the gift of eternal life to those who believe in Jesus.
Pray fervently for any unsaved person you know to respond to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and be saved. Pray for eyes to see the opportunities God is giving you to share Him with others.
Heavenly Father, thank You for your ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, Jesus Christ. Stir us to draw closer to You and to share You with others. We love You and thank You for the incredible gift of the forgiveness of our sins and salvation in Christ.
Would you like to deepen your relationship with God? Discover the many resources on our website that can help you grow in your walk with the Lord. We offer several free resources, including podcasts, video teachings, listening guides, and more!