365 Days of Praise

Have you heard people who are good-hearted and well-intentioned say they believe there are many ways to heaven? 

Have you heard people who claim to be Christians say they don’t believe Jesus is the only way to God? Let’s think about that for a moment. These same people typically also say that Jesus was a good teacher. Yet, how “good” a teacher is Jesus if what He teaches is not the truth because Jesus taught He is the only way to heaven. “No one comes to the Father but through Me,” (John 14:6).

If there are, in fact, other ways to get to heaven besides Jesus, then He is not a good teacher. In fact, how can Christians be assured they have access to God through Jesus if He either intentionally lied about being the only way or was mistaken? Is our faith in Jesus misplaced? 

We can’t have it both ways. Jesus is either the One Mediator between God and men, as 1 Timothy 2:5 states, or He is not. “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 

We have to make a decision. Although we might want to say there are many ways to heaven to appease others, that’s not what the Bible says or Jesus teaches. There is one God, and one mediator between God and us, Jesus. If you don’t yet know Him, get to know Him. Submit your life and eternity to Him. He is trustworthy and proven. 

Lord Jesus Christ, You are the ONE GOD and mediator in whom I trust. I praise You for making peace between God and me. 

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Have you ever wondered if God knows everything you’re doing, saying, and even thinking? The answer is yes. The Bible is filled with examples. In John 1:44-51, Jesus saw Nathanael, a man He had never met, coming toward Him. Jesus greeted him, “Behold, an Israelite… in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael was stunned and asked,  “How do You know me?” Jesus replied, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you” (John 1:48). In awe, Nathanael responded, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.”

Jesus knows everything.  He knew Nathanael before Nathanael came to Him. He knew his innermost being.

Jesus knows you, everything about you. Does that make you comfortable or uncomfortable? If it makes you uncomfortable, consider if there is something in your heart or mind that you know is not in alignment with Christ. Then, be honest with Christ. Confess any sin. If it involves another person, apologize to them. If your sin is an ongoing habit or thought, ask the Lord for help to overcome it. Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit and help you walk in His power. Then, consume the Word of God like you would a favorite meal. Focus your mind on how wonderful Jesus is. Replace sinful thoughts with thoughts of truth and the Lord. 

Rather than attempt to hide from God, embrace the all-knowing Christ who loves you more than you can imagine and is ready to forgive you, fill you with His Spirit, and empower you. 

Lord, You are the all-knowing, OMNISCIENT Son of God. Thank You for loving and forgiving me. Cleanse me. Fill me with Your Spirit and empower me to live a holy life before You. 

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Are you familiar with the significance of the number three in the Bible? Jesus prayed three times in the Garden of Gethsemane, “not My will but Yours.” Jesus told Peter three times, “feed My sheep.” Jesus rose from the grave on the third day. God is a triune Deity. 

Yes, the number three has significance throughout Scripture. Mindful of that, we should pay attention to when the LORD says something three times, as in the following:  

• “’I am the Alpha and the Omega,’” says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty,’” Revelation 1:8.
• “Then He said to me, “’It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end…,’” Revelation 21:6.
• “’I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end,’” Revelation 22:13.

Three times in Revelation Jesus announces who He is: the Alpha and Omega. We often talk about Jesus being at creation and His presence in Scripture. Less often we talk about Jesus in terms of what He refers to as “the end,” the “Omega.” 

What does Jesus mean when He says He is the Omega? Among many points, Jesus is telling us that this world as we know it will end and He will be there. Keep reading and you’ll learn that He is ushering in a new heaven and a new earth and He will be there. Jesus is the Omega, not just the Alpha. Are you ready for when this world ends…to meet Jesus? 

Lord, You are the Alpha and OMEGA, who is and who was and who is to come. Knowing that You hold the present and future is a blessed comfort. I praise You.

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.

When you think about Jesus, what comes to your mind? Is it Jesus teaching or healing? Or, perhaps you think of Jesus, the suffering servant in the Garden of Gethsemane, submitting His will to the Father.  For many, they think of Jesus on the cross.  

Hebrews 1:8-9 points to a wonderful visual of Christ, “But of the Son He says, ‘…Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your companions.'”

Isn’t that a wonderful image for us to think of—Jesus anointed with the oil of gladness above all others? What does that mean? The words “anointed with” are often used in reference to the Holy Spirit being upon a person. We know from Galatians 5:22 that joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Joy. Gladness. Jesus is anointed with the Holy Spirit, with gladness, joy “above” others. And rightly so. He accomplished what no one else could do. He paid mankind’s sin debt. He obtained salvation for all who call on Him. Jesus is overjoyed…more than anyone else on earth or in heaven. 

But there’s more. Isaiah 61:3 prophesies that Jesus Messiah would give, “The oil of gladness instead of mourning, the cloak of praise instead of a disheartened spirit.” Jesus, having accomplished salvation for all who call on Him, pours out the Holy Spirit and His joy on others (Acts 1:8).

If you’re disheartened, remember Jesus, anointed with the oil of gladness. Ask Him to fill you with His gladness. Then, let His joy flow through you to others.

Lord Jesus, I praise You, anointed with the OIL OF GLADNESS above others. Overflow Your gladness on and through me so others see and believe in You.

One of our key verses today is from Acts 1. To watch all of Debbie’s teaching on Acts 1, click HERE. To listen to her teaching and download the listening guide, click HERE. You can find all of her teachings on the book of Acts on her YouTube Channel.

Me. Me. Me. 

We probably wouldn’t want to admit it, but in our innermost being, we may be more self-centered than Christ-centered. Our day may not begin with, “Heavenly Father, how can I serve You?” Rather, our first thought may be what we want to get out of the day. 

Have you ever considered doing a 180: a turnaround based on Ephesians 5:2?  “Walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”

In other words, followers of Christ are told to follow His example. 

We’re to walk in love and offer our lives to God to serve His purposes. What happens when we do? We have the opportunity to be a fragrance of Christ to God and others.

Christ Jesus, You are the ultimate example of being an OFFERING and sacrifice to God. Help me follow Your example so my life is a fragrant offering to You. 

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Do you ever find something to be beyond difficult? If so, I can relate. I’ve often found myself in “over my head.” I wanted to quit. Many of the things we find difficult are not those we can or should give up on. Our marriage, parenting, families, job, health, church, and friendships all require commitment. When we find them to be difficult, we can remember what Jeremiah 32:17 says that, with God, nothing is too difficult—”Ah LORD GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You.”

Isn’t that a great verse? I hope it makes you smile. It does me. God wants us to know “He’s got this.” It’s an incredible reminder that instead of cratering when we’re under pressure, we can call on God who “made the heavens and earth by His great power and outstretched arm.” He can help us with whatever we’re facing. He wants to help us. Call on Him now. Then, prayerfully record the things weighing you down. Ask God for wisdom on how to handle them. Then, be sure and record how He guides you. Date and record your thanks to Him as He walks you through each day.

Lord, I’m encouraged by the truth that NOTHING IS TOO DIFFICULT FOR You. Thank You for Your presence, Your power, and Your provision. I love You!  

Are you facing disappointment or struggling with unmet expectations? Get a copy of The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World to discover how to take charge of your thoughts and let God reignite your hopes and dreams.

Many non-believers today, especially those in the entertainment industry, have no qualms about openly mocking God and Christians. Although witnessing such actions may feel disheartening and grieve our spirits, it should come as no surprise to believers. The Bible warns that there will be mockers and scoffers in the last days (Jude 1:18; 2 Peter 3:3). In 2 Peter 3:4, the Bible also forewarned that scoffers will challenge the truth of Christ’s return by saying, “Where is this ‘coming’ He promised?” 

Second Peter 3:9 goes on to declare that “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 

Christ can choose to return at any time, but His desire is for all to come to repentance. He wishes for none to perish, but for all to have eternal life by believing in Him (John 3:16). What might seem like a delay in Jesus’ return is actually an incredible display of mercy and patience towards those who don’t believe, and even those who openly mock God. 

Here’s something to keep in mind, though… “the day of the Lord will come like a thief” (2 Peter 3:10). Although the Lord is patient with the lost, He will come. Just as Christ’s first coming was prophesied and fulfilled, we can rest assured that the prophecies about His second coming will be fulfilled as well. 

Lord, we thank You that You are patient, NOT WISHING FOR ANY TO PERISH. Although You are merciful and long-suffering, we never want to take that for granted. We know that Your Word is true and that You will soon return. Help us to live each day in light of that promise.

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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Jesus told a parable in Luke 19:11-22 portraying Himself as a nobleman who went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for Himself and then returns. 

Before He departed, He gave minas (wages) to His servants so they could carry on His business while He was away. 

Two of the servants took seriously what He entrusted them to do. 

When the nobleman returned, he honored them and entrusted more to them. But he called the servant who didn’t do anything with the mina He had given him, “worthless” (Luke 19:22).

Let’s break this down. 

Jesus is the nobleman. At salvation, He entrusts a spiritual gift to every believer so we can do His work on earth while He is in heaven. We are either faithfully doing the good works He’s prepared for us to do (Ephesians 2:10) or we’re being unfaithful to Him. 

What has Jesus called you to do? How faithfully are you doing His work while He is away?

Jesus Christ, heaven’s NOBLEMAN, stir my heart to serve You faithfully and fully.

Discover the joy of praying more purposefully and living passionately for Christ as He equips you to do His work on earth. Get a copy of Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion HERE. The book can be used as a personal study or a 10-week group study.

Jesus told His disciples He was going to die and ascend to His Father in heaven, but that He would not leave them as orphans (John 14:16-18). 

Jesus explained that He would send a Helper to them and that the Helper would not only be with them, but also in them. 

Did you catch that? “In” them? 

You can’t get any closer to someone than to be in them. 

That is God’s gift to believers. Christ’s Holy Spirit is in you. Not far away. Near. In. 

Still not convinced? Read what Psalm 145:18 says: “The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.”

God is in you, believer. Near as near can be to you. Call on God in sincerity and truth. 

Lord, You are NEAR, not far removed from me. You are so near, You are in me through Your indwelling Holy Spirit. Thank You that I can call on You in sincerity and truth. 

In Debbie’s teaching on John 14, she discussed Jesus’ promise of sending a Helper (the Holy Spirit) to not only be with His disciples, but also dwell in them. To watch a clip from Debbie’s teaching on this subject, click HERE. 

“Why?” That was the question Millennials asked me at a conference where I was speaking. Why this… Why that… “I guess that’s why we’re called the Y Generation,” a 29-year-old explained. “We want to know why.”

Millennials, the “Y Generation,” are those born during the 1980s and early 1990s. They’re the children of Baby Boomers. Those in Generation Y aren’t prone to accept pat answers. In other words, just because a preacher, teacher, or parent says something, that doesn’t necessarily make it true.

So how do we answer their question, “Why believe in and follow Jesus?” For this reason: Jesus demonstrated that He was more than just a man. People witnessed His resurrection from the dead three days after He had been crucified by skilled executioners. Jesus was who He proclaimed to be—the way, truth, and life. Peter, a witness of Jesus’ life, death, burial, and ascension into heaven spells it out, “there is no other name under heaven that has been given by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). That’s why. There is no other name by which we are saved. Confidently, boldly, and gladly speak the truth out loud to the “Y Generation” and everyone else.

Jesus, NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES, I praise You, Lord and Savior. You are the answer, and I love You. 

Our key verse today is Acts 4:12. To watch all of Debbie’s teaching on Acts 4, click HERE. To listen to her teaching, click HERE.