365 Days of Praise

How are you today? If I asked that in passing, you’d probably say, “Fine. And you?” I might answer, “Fine.” Or, “Doing great!” However, often, we aren’t fine. It’s not that we’re intending to lie when we reply. Rather, it’s a societal politeness. “How are you?” And, “how are you?” With those with whom we’re close, however, we share how we really are. We may say, “I’m sick of quarantining.” Or, “I’m really concerned about…..” If you’re wishing you had someone to confide in, remember that you do. Jesus is more than a God to worship. He’s a God who counts you worthy to die for and most certainly worthy to listen to. When we read in 1 Peter 5:7, “He cares for you,” that’s not a platitude. It’s our Heavenly Father letting us in on a little, no a big secret. Our wonderful Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ care for you. Talk to them. Tell them the secrets of your heart.

Thank You, Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ for caring for us. Thank You that we can talk to you about any and everything. Thank You that You listen and respond. We love you. 

Prayer of My Heart – where I record my prayers and my Heavenly Father’s responses. Available on Amazon. 

A few days ago I had a reality check. Was the woman in the mirror really me?  What about you? Have you ever had a reality check about yourself, but rather than do something to correct a bad habit you continued in it? Is there help available to those of us who want to change?  Yes. In Luke 24:49 Jesus said He would send the Holy Spirit who would clothe His followers with power from on high. Talk about power dressing that affects not only us but our relationship with God and others. God knew we needed supernatural power to live out our faith. If you’ve not liked something you’ve seen about yourself lately, read Galatians 5:13-26, a great spiritual mirror. Then, pray to God to fill you with power from on high to walk out your faith. Find more tips in The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World and The Plan A Mom in a Plan B World.

LISTEN

“The Son of Man has come to SEEK and to SAVE  that which was lost, ” Luke 19:10.

Has anyone ever sacrificed something for you? Have they sacrificed sleep so you could sleep? Have they sacrificed advancing so you could? Have they sacrificed their plans so you could do yours? Sacrifice. Sometimes we sacrifice but do so begrudgingly. But Ephesians 5:2 tells us Jesus willingly SACRIFICED His life for us. He thought of us, not Himself. Hill Country Ministries is dedicated to telling others of Jesus’s great love and sacrifice. One way we have done this is by taking our P.R.A.Y. with Passion Conference to every state. Christians are inspired and equipped to pray more purposefully and live more passionately for Christ. Seekers are given the opportunity to respond in faith to Christ. Thank you for your prayers as we seek how to reach the last 2 states – Oregon and Maine – during the Covid pandemic.

Do you sometimes wonder what our world will be like in the future? Revelation 1:5 tells us. “Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the RULER of the KINGS of the EARTH…” Yes, one day Christ will rule the earth. Can you imagine what bliss that will be? Naysayers will be no where to be found. Lying. What’s that?  Shooting sprees. What are you talking about?  Yes, one day, the supreme RULER whose reign has no end and who reigns with justice and with mercy will rule the kings of the earth. If you’re a citizen of Christ’s kingdom, that’s a joyful thought when you put your head on your pillow tonight.

Have you ever heard someone say, “This stinks!” Or, maybe you’ve said it. It’s a saying for when something awful or suspicious occurs. If bad things repeatedly happen, the term might be broadened to “life stinks.” Instead of focusing on the foul, though, we have a choice to breathe in what Song of Solomon 2:1 refers to as the Rose of Sharon, a reference to Christ and His splendor, heavenly fragrance, and beauty. When life stinks, stay extra close to Christ. Breathe in His fragrance. “I am the ROSE of SHARON, the lily of the valleys.” Song of Solomon 2:1

Do you know who your ancestors are? How far back can you trace your family tree? Being able to trace one’s lineage is important to many and is definitely important in Jewish culture. Jesus’s human lineage can be traced to Israel’s King David. But, Jesus has an even more illustrious lineage as He states in Revelation 22:16. He says, “I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” In other words, His roots go further back than David. They go all the way to creation. Jesus is the bright morning star, heaven’s light. In our often dark and lonely culture, it’s important for us to daily bask in the SonLight. It’s important for us to invite others to join us.

I’m the richest woman in the world. I know. You’re wondering why I would say that since I’m not. I can say that because of Jesus, and you can say that, too. He’s given us riches beyond our comprehension. Sit back, take a load off from the cares of your day. Marinate your soul in the riches that have your name on them.

1. I am rich in mercy.  Ephesians 2:4  “God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved me (us), even when I was (we were) dead in my (our) transgressions, made me (us) alive together with Christ.” I was poor and pitiful. Then, Jesus saved me. He poured His rich grace all over me. I am filled with His rich mercy.
2. I am an heir of the kingdom of God. James 2:5 “Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose (me) the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?” Earthly real estate a concern? Take heart. You’ve got a piece in the sky.
3. I am the rich bride of the King and His glorious brilliance. Revelation 21:2, 11  “And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband…having the glory of God. Her brilliance was like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper. Woohoo!  Our new home!

Friends, lift your head high and walk with a humble heart. Quiver at the reality of who you are, whose you are, and the glorious brilliance awaiting you.

Are you concerned about people’s shifting views about the Bible and Jesus? If so, remember that Jesus is who He says He is – the solid Rock, truth, and Savior. You are doing the right thing by building your life on Him and His Word. As a matter of fact, Jesus says in Matthew 7:24-27 that you are wise.  “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall.” Today we are seeing the sad reprecussions of those who are not building their lives on Christ. What can we do? We can pray for them. We can be faithful to build our lives on the Word of God.

Lord Jesus, we worship and adore You, the ROCK of OUR SALVATION.  Thank You for the confidence we have in building our lives on You. 

Several years ago the world was sickened by the confirmation that Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi had been confirmed dead after being tortured in a Saudi consulate.  Can you, would you, expect to see him walking around and eating with family and friends after his death was confirmated? No, of course not. Does that help us better grasp why people didn’t believe that Jesus was alive after they witnessed His torturous scourging and crucifixion? Matthew 28:6  gives the shocking angelic announcement to Mary as she stood outside Jesus’s empty tomb. “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.” In addition to Mary and the disciples seeing the resurrected Christ, more than  500 eyewitnesses saw Jesus after His resurrection. The grave couldn’t hold Jesus because He is life. He gives eternal life to everyone who acknowledges they are a sinner and asks forgiveness in His name. People are dying every day because of natural causes, disease, and senseless evil random shootings. None of us know when the life of our family, friends, and neighbors will end. It is time for us to be bold and lovingly ask those who are unsaved, “Do you know where you will be when you die? “Gentle Boldness” is the title of one of my chapters in Discovering His Passion. Prepare yourself to share Christ with others.

Jesus, we celebrate You – the giver of eternal life. Help us gently, but boldly share You with others.