365 Days of Praise
The King Who Reigns Forever
Elizabeth II of Great Britain, who died on September 8, 2022, reigned 70 years. The length of her reign is second only to Louis XIV of France who reigned 72 years. Their reigns can be counted to the day.
There is One, however, Jesus, Zion’s King, whose reign cannot be counted by days, months, or years. He is an eternal king.
John 12:15 describes Jesus, Zion’s King’s first coming to earth as being lowly. “FEAR NOT, DAUGHTER OF ZION; BEHOLD, YOUR KING IS COMING, SEATED ON A DONKEY’S COLT.” However, when Jesus, Zion’s King, returns to earth, He will come in power.
Revelation 19:11-16 describes His second coming.
“I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
ZION’S KING, You and Your reign are eternal and glorious. Praise, honor, and glory to You now and forever, amen.
As the New Year begins, would you like some resources to help you better understand the times in which we live and to shift your focus to Christ’s return and eternity? Check out End Times: What You Should Know, What You Can Do as well as Contend Earnestly for the Faith.
A Time for Zeal
When we and our nation sin, are we mindful that God sees us?
The Bible clearly says that God sees us and that there are consequences to sin.
Joel 2:11 says, “The day of the Lord is indeed great and very awesome. And who can endure it?” Joel 2:12-14a continues, “‘Yet, even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘Return to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, weeping and mourning; and tear your heart and not merely your garments.’ Now return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in mercy and relenting of catastrophe. Who knows, He might turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind Him…”
What is God’s response when we repent?
Joel 2:18 says, “Then the Lord will be zealous for His land and will have pity on His people.” God is zealous for us. Why? He wants us to take hold of the joy, beauty, and glory of the abundant life He gives us in Christ Jesus.
What better time than now for our nation to repent? What better time than now for us to individually repent, to be zealous for Christ and live purposefully for Him? Will you respond to God’s zeal and pray more purposefully and live more passionately for Christ?
Lord, thank You for being ZEALOUS for me. Kindle in me a zeal for You that produces holiness and a zeal to reach my family, friends, neighbors, and nation.
Learn to seek God in prayer through Debbie’s book, Pray With Purpose, Live With Passion. Purchase your copy HERE.
Knock, Knock
Have you ever experienced someone who you deeply love being distant with you? Maybe your spouse has become busy at work and “doesn’t have time” to talk. Perhaps a child or the person you were dating moved away and it seems they’ve forgotten you. Or, perhaps someone you care about has put Jesus on the “back burner” and doesn’t want to talk with you about spiritual matters.
Just as we yearn for a relationship with those we love, James 4:5 tells us that Christ longs for a vibrant relationship with us. “Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: ‘He jealously desires (longs for) the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us’?”
Yes, the Lord created us with the capacity to have His Holy Spirit in us and to be in an intimate relationship with Him through the Spirit. The Spirit seals us for eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).The Spirit empowers us to witness and walk out our Christian faith (Acts 1:8, Galatians 5:22-23). The Holy Spirit is the One through whom we have intimate conversations with the Lord. (Ephesians 6:18, Romans 8:26)
James 4:5 is a wake up call to believers who are neglecting time and intimacy with Christ. What can we do if that has been the case; if we have been ignoring Christ’s Spirit who dwells in us? We can open the door to intimacy with Him as Revelation 3:20 tells us. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me,”
Lord Jesus, YEARNING SAVIOR, You long for intimacy with me. Forgive me for my preoccupation with other things. I love You and desire increased intimacy with You, Lord.
Would you like to learn more about Christ’s gift of the Holy Spirit? Listen to this podcast teaching: Listen UP! 31 Points Every Christian Should Know About the Holy Spirit.
Self-Existing, Eternal God
Can you imagine what it was like before the universe was created? It’s difficult for our minds to fathom, but the Bible states that God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit existed before the universe (John 1:1; Genesis 1:2).
God has always been. He is self-existent and eternal. There has never been a time when He didn’t exist. God references this amazing quality about Himself when He appeared to Moses in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush. Exodus 3:14 records God’s words to Moses. “I AM WHO I AM…Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
“I AM WHO I AM” and “I AM” come from the word “Yahweh” or “YHWH” in Hebrew. “Yahweh” describes God’s self-existing, self-sustaining, and eternal nature.
God is not only the sustainer of His life, He is the creator and sustainer of all life. Nothing exists apart from Him. Colossians 1:16 explains, “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.”
Acts 17:28 says “we live, move, and exist in Him.”
Yahweh not only gives us physical life, He gives us spiritual, eternal life through Jesus. If you don’t already have a relationship with the self-existing creator and sustainer of all life, call on Him today.
YAHWEH, self-existing Creator and sustainer of life, I am in awe of You. Thank You for not only giving me physical life, but eternal spiritual life through Jesus. I love You.
Would you like to experience God’s sufficient grace and peace in your life? 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 Excellence of Our God
I love the focus on God today and Psalm 8:9 KJV, which points to His excellent name: “O LORD our Lord, how excellent is Thy name in all the earth!”
Isn’t this what 365 Days of Praise is about: the names of God that draw us to more deeply appreciate the excellence of His character and marvel at every facet of Him that sparkles like a multi-cut diamond? I hope you are saying “yes” with me and are increasingly impacted by His excellence as you gaze on Him and yield your life to Him.
Look back at the names, titles, and characteristics of God in this book. Have you highlighted any attributes you want to remember and for which you are most thankful? Does it put a smile on your face to think about who God is? I pray it does, and I invite you to celebrate the following verses and praise God for His excellence:
“How excellent is Thy lovingkindness, O God!” (Psalm 36:7 KJV)
“Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.” (Psalm 150:2)
“Praise the LORD in song, for He has done excellent things.” (Isaiah 12:5)
“…[Jesus]…has inherited a more excellent name…” (Hebrews 1:4)
“…He has obtained a more excellent ministry…” (Hebrews 8:6)
“…because an excellent spirit was in him…” (Daniel 6:3 KJV)
“…from the excellent glory…” (2 Peter 1:17 KJV)
Yes, the Lord’s name, ways, lovingkindness, ministry, Spirit, and glory are excellent. As Psalm 148:13 KJV instructs, “Let them praise the name of the LORD: for His name alone is excellent.” Pray to increasingly reflect God’s excellence by your behavior (1 Peter 2:12).
Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, You are EXCELLENT in all Your ways. I love and cherish You. Please infuse me with Your glory so people see and believe You are the only way to heaven. I love you, LORD.
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Worthy Because of Christ
Have you ever considered that because Christ paid for your sins you are worthy of heaven? Say that a few times in order for it to sink in. “I am worthy of heaven.”
Yes, believers are worthy of heaven but only because Christ exchanged His righteousness for our sins so that we would have His righteousness. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Colossians 1:10 reminds believers of our high calling; of being found righteous and worthy through Christ. Rather than ignore the gift of our salvation, Paul writes to believers, “so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
Yes, as Christians we’re to walk in a manner worthy of or “suitably” of the Lord Jesus, who is worthy.
We may have a hazy understanding of what it means to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, but we know what it means to be suitable. A child who puts on dirty clothes for school is told to put on something suitable, something clean for school. In the same manner, but to a much greater degree, believers are to “put off” the old self. We are to “put on” the new self and walk in a manner worthy (suitable) of the Lord. (Ephesians 4:22-24)
The Lord is worthy. We are to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. How well are we doing?
Lord, You are WORTHY of honor and praise and glory. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so I walk worthy of You, pleasing You in all respects.
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Are You in Need of Wonder Working Power?
Christmas morning children wake from their sleep with expectations that a wonder-working Santa, pulled by a sleigh of flying reindeer, has stopped by their home while they were asleep. Children believe Santa magically delivers full sized bicycles, doll houses, and toys.
Why is Santa such a legendary success? Children want to believe in someone who has wonder-working power. However, there could be no greater Wonder-Working One to point them to than the Lord God.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if parents raised their children with the same belief in God that they raise them to have in Santa?
Our Worker of Wonders shows up every day, not once a year. Our Worker of Wonders doesn’t give gifts to His children on the basis of their daily behavior but rather on the basis of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Moses praised our wonderful God, “Who is like You among the gods, O Lord? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, Awesome in praises, working wonders” (Exodus 15:11).
If you’re in need of wonder-working power go to God. Be still in His presence. Ask Him for help. Listen to what He impresses on your heart.
If you’ve never experienced God’s wonder-working power, consider Jesus’ words to believers in Acts 1:8, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses…”
Yes, as a believer you have God’s Holy Spirit, His wonder-working power, in you. Offer your life to Him. Experience His wonder-working power.
Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus Christ, WORKER OF WONDERS, there is none like You who has worked wonders through Your incarnation, sacrificial death, burial and resurrection. I love and celebrate You.
The Lord is always present and wants us to talk to Him through prayer. Learn to pray more purposefully through Debbie’s book, Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion.
Merry Christmas! We hope your day is filled with the joy that only our sweet Savior can bring.
The Most Important Word
If you were asked what the most important word in the world is, how would you reply? Would it be love, hope, or peace? Do a search on the topic and you’ll find a variety of answers such as the most important word is a person’s name. Another answer you might find is “thank you,” which is only one word in French.
The Bible has an eternal perspective on this topic. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Bible passages such as Revelation 19:13 explain the most important Word is Jesus. “His name is called the Word of God.”
Acts 4:10-12 warns us there is salvation in no other name except Jesus.
Now that you know the most important Word, why not start up a conversation with someone on the topic? It might lead to an opportunity for you to share Christ and tell them how they can be saved. If the person is already a Christian, but not closely following Christ, it gives you an opportunity to share with them how life and light are found in Jesus. Let’s not keep this Word to ourselves!
Is Lip Service a Big Deal to God?
A person who is not a Christian once asked me why believers talk about God’s love but never His wrath. I thought about his question and realized that I had been guilty of that very thing. While it is important to recognize God’s love, gentleness, and favor, it is also important to consider the context in which God’s actions are described as wondrously marvelous. The description is in regard to His judgment of people who give lip service to Him rather than truly worship Him.
God uses the prophet Isaiah to call out these people. “Then the Lord said, ‘Because this people draw near with their words and honor Me with their lip service, but they remove their hearts from Me, and their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote, therefore, I will once again deal marvelously with this people, wondrously marvelous,'” Isaiah 29:13-14.
God warns the people through the prophet Isaiah of the consequences of their lip service and rote worship.
While we might want to confine the LORD’s wrath and judgment to the Old Testament, Revelation 16 speaks of a future day in which God’s judgment will be poured out on those who reject Christ.
In case we wonder if God notices our worship and if it is done in sincerity from a heart of love or if we merely give God lip service and rote worship, the answer is, “Yes. God notices.”
Lord, You alone are worthy to be praised in sincerity and truth. You extend mercy to anyone who calls on You, but are WONDROUSLY MARVELOUS in Your discipline of those who give You lip service and rote worship.
One of the ways we can avoid giving lip service to God is by listening to and being led by His Spirit. If you’d like to learn more, listen to this free podcast teaching: Listen UP! 31 Points Every Christian Should Know About the Holy Spirit.
If You’re Wondering What to Do About Something
Are you at your wit’s end? Do you need someone to talk to who can give you wise counsel? If so, look to Jesus, who Isaiah 9:6 says is not only our Counselor but rather, Wonderful Counselor. ”For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
Yes, Jesus is Wonderful Counselor.
What does it mean for you, your life, that Jesus is Wonderful Counselor? Wonderful, pele’ in the Greek, means unusual, extraordinary.
Isn’t that our desire—to have someone we can go to who will give us extraordinary counsel; who will tell us what to do that is not “run of the mill” but rather unusual; that we hadn’t considered?
I can testify to the Wonderful Counselor doing just that. More times than I can count, I’ve gone before the Lord and poured out my heart, confessing, “Lord, I don’t know what to do.” In the quiet of those moments, the Lord God, Wonderful Counselor, has brought to my mind the exact course of action I should take or the words that I should speak.
Talk to your Wonderful Counselor. Pour out your heart to Him. Follow His counsel.
WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, I love and praise You. Thank You for Your extraordinary counsel.
If you enjoyed this content and want to watch video teachings by Debbie, subscribe to her YouTube channel. Go HERE and click the subscribe button to be notified of new teachings.