365 Days of Praise
The Nativity
Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams
And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths; and laid Him in a manger. Luke 2:7
The nativity is the centerpiece of Christmas. Here, in a humble manger, the magnitude of God’s love is seen. Christ came into the world not just for the rich, but for all people. As we decorate our homes with nativity scenes, let us be ever mindful of the Christ, who humbled Himself to become man. And not only man, but also babe. And not only babe, but poor for our sake so that we might know the richness of His glory.
Blessings, sweet friends, as we are mindful of Christ’s humility, as we follow His example.
No Room for Christ
Blessings, sweet friends, as we make room for Christ at the beginning of each day.CHRISTMAS PEACE
Copyright, “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” by Debbie Taylor Williams
CHRISTMAS PEACE
Debbie Taylor Williams
Christmas is not the tinsel.
Christmas is not the tree.
Christmas is about God’s love,
His love for you and me.
Christmas is about the season
When in each of our lives
We thank God for our Savior
Who gives to us new life.
A baby born of woman, yet God
A God born of man, yet divine
God gave to the earth a Savior
Peace, eternal, divine.
So if you are seeking heaven
Would you look and seize the Truth
God’s gift of Jesus on earth
Is God’s gift of Peace to you!
Blessings, sweet friends, as we set our hearts on Christ, the Prince of Peace.
CELEBRATE CHRIST
The Real Christmas Story
Blessings, sweet friends, as we share the real Christmas story with family and friends.Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas
THANK YOU to everyone who gave generously on #GivingTuesday. I continue to be amazed at the expenses of social media ministry and unexpected ongoing ministry, so THANK YOU. No doubt, you bring a smile to our Heavenly Father as you do to me.
Over the next few weeks as we approach the celebration of Christ’s birth, I invite you to join me in “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” based on my devotional book by that name.
Blessings, sweet friends, as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s Mass.
“Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas” Devotional Book. Email me at debbie@debbietaylorwilliams.com to get your own copy. Limited supplies available. $10.
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If You’re Faltering
I’ve had the blessing of holding our newborn children and grandchildren. Holding them was no problem. They weren’t heavy. As a matter of fact, it was a delight to hold them. I could intently gaze on their faces. I could pray for them. The more I held them, the deeper my love grew. Wouldn’t it have been silly if our little ones had argued, “Don’t hold me. I’m too heavy.” Or, what if they had said, “I don’t want to bother you. You don’t need to hold me.” In light of that, consider our Heavenly Father’s words in Isaiah 41:10, “I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will UPHOLD you with My righteous right hand.” In the Bible, God’s right hand symbolizes His strength. His right hand is a strong righteousness hand. We can relax in His grip, in Him. As He upholds us, we become increasingly aware of His deep, abiding love for us. If you feel like you are faltering and unsure of your steps, rest assured – God has you.
LORD, Thank You for UPHOLDING us with Your righteous right hand. Thank You for the depth of Your love for us. Thank You that we don’t have to be afraid.
“For I am the Lord your God, who UPHOLDS your right hand,
Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’” Isaiah 41:13
*Copyright Debbie Taylor Williams, Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion. This is the book that began my collection of God’s 365 names, titles, and attributes. It features chapters that give an in-depth description of 26 of His A-Z names and includes lined space for you to record your prayers, repentance, and praise. Also included are discussion questions for group or personal study. I pray it blesses and deepens your prayer life. It also makes a great Christmas gift for friends and family as they begin 2021. BUY NOWat hillcountryministries or AMAZON.
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Do You Have a Problem
Do you have a problem? Are you in a quandary about what to do about something in your life? If you are in need of insight about a course of action or a relationship, look to Christ. Why? Proverbs 3:19 tells us that He is a God of intelligence, skill, and insight which is proved by His creation of the earth and heavens. “The LORD by wisdom founded the earth, By understanding, He established the heavens.” The Hebrew word for understanding means “intelligence, skill, and insight.” In other words, when we look at the earth and heavens, we’re seeing evidence of God’s intelligence, skill, and insight. Trust God to provide you with the wisdom, intelligence, skill, and insight you need for daily life, decisions, and relationships. Pray. Listen. Walk by His Words and Spirit.
Jesus, we praise You that You are a God of UNDERSTANDING to whom we can look for skill and insight.
If You’re in Need of Love and Grace
Are you the kind of person who easily feels guilty? Do you want to live for Christ, but often feel like a failure or like you’ve let God down? Do others remind you of your sin or hold your wrongs over your head? If so, Micah 7:18 is a comforting verse on which to meditate. “Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity… He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in UNCHANGING LOVE.” Think about that verse and personalize it. God forgives me. God pardons my sin. God doesn’t stay angry with me. God delights in UNCHANGING LOVE for me. Yes, we should go to God and others when we sin and ask their forgiveness. Yes, we should practice walking in God’s ways. But not until heaven will we be perfect. God doesn’t forgive us then want us to walk in guilt. Rather, God forgives us so we walk in grace. What a wonderful verse on which to meditate. Is there someone with whom you could share it to encourage them in their faith walk?
Lord, thank You for Your forgiveness and UNCHANGING LOVE! What a blessing You are.
When Your Head is Hangin’ Low, Try This
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’re at a crossroads and don’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 this comforting truth – God sees you and cares about you. Whatever you’re facing, He is the LIFTER of YOUR HEAD, just as He was David’s. How?
Try the following. 1) Turn to Psalm 3:3 and read it. It’s 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, Prayers of My Heart, “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 head and eyes to His glorious Word? We experience hope, peace, grace, and glory found only in Him. If your head is “hangin” low, lift it to God and His Word.
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for giving us Your Word that lifts our head. We love and praise You.