365 Days of Praise

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 victor over the devil who prowls 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, 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’s title, Lion of Judah, is traced to Genesis 49:9 when Jacob blessed his son, Judah, and referred to him as “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 the true Lion King, the noblest and most powerful One. As Revelation 5:5 states, Christ has overcomes 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, we worship You! Thank You for all You have done to defeat satan and secure our salvation. Move in us increasingly so we are aware of Your presence and power. 

“You can’t see God, so how do you know He’s there?” people sometimes ask. I think one of the best responses is found in Romans 1:19-20.

because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His INVISIBLE attributes, His eternal power, and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

In other words, look at the glory of the heavens. Look at the glory of the flowers, trees, animals, oceans. Look at the wonder of the human body. God may be invisible, but His handiwork is clearly visible.  Our privilege and calling is give credit where credit is due for the creation, eternal power, and divine nature that is displayed in our world, universe, human body, air we breath. Join me in the following chorus of praise.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17

King eternal, immortal, INVISIBLE God, we praise You and thank You for the glory of Your creation and for making Yourself clearly seen through Your handiwork. 

Learn more about the Divine Nature in one of my favorite  studies!

Have you ever looked for “life” in someone or something apart from Jesus? Or, 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 what was important in life. But perhaps later you realized that things and people can disappoint and fall short of our expectations. Our hearts will never be happy until we make the Lord our life not just in words but in reality.

Jesus said in John 14:6, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the LIFE; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’”  

We find LIFE in Jesus not only for eternal salvation but for daily salvation. Ask Him to live His LIFE through you today.

Lord, You are the way, the truth, and the LIFE!  Fill us with Your LIFE. 

David wanted us to know. He used his voice. He was crying out which means he did more than shoot a quickie silent arrow prayer to God. This saint was serious. He was cryING to the Lord. What did David know that led him to exercise his faith in such a serious and intentional manner? Psalm 3:3 tells us.
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God is ALL KNOWING as Psalm 139:4 explains. “Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you KNOW it all.”  He knows our thoughts, weaknesses, and heart better than we do. Romans 8:26,27. He knows our future. Acts 11:27,28. He knows what others are thinking, doing, and planning. He knows Satan’s schemes. There is no one to whom we can go who is more knowledgeable, loving, caring, wise, and invested in our best. When we begin our day bowed before Him, confessing our love, proclaiming His majesty, and thanking Him for His grace, His ears are tuned to our confessions, struggles, and needs. Our confidence to enter into our day, our inner peace, and joy aren’t in our circumstances and things beyond our control, but rather are in our loving Father in whom we have placed our trust. Whatever lies before us, we know our Father loves us, will be there for us, walk with us, and guide us. The wise believer acknowledges God not only in routine blessings before meals, but also acknowledges God in every area of their life. In other words, they are joined to Christ at the spiritual “hip.” They are united spirit to His Spirit from the time they open their eyes in the morning until they close them at night. Does that describe you?

Heavenly Father, You are the ALL KNOWING, OMNISCIENT Lord who loves us so much. Waken us to the gift of Your presence Who is present to guide us through every moment of the day. May we live joyfully because we are aware of Your presence.