365 Days of Praise

I love to gaze at the glory of the moon. The moon is something that exists. The moon was created by God in eternity past. The moon is set to rise in the night sky again tomorrow and in the nights ahead. It appears in different phases but it is still the same moon.

Why, then, would we doubt that Jesus is the Lord who was the self-existent creator in heaven and in our hearts, and who is to come? On December 25, we celebrate the Lord who came in the past in the appearance of a baby. But Revelation 1:4 says Christ is “He who is and who was,” He is the Lord “who is to come…” Think about it. Jesus is coming again!

Lord Jesus, WHO IS, WHO WAS, AND WHO IS TO COME, help us mindfully serve Your purposes until You return again!

Are you ready for Christ’s return? Would you like some resources to help you better understand the times in which we live and to shift your focus to His return and eternity? Check out End Times: What You Should Know, What You Can Do as well as Contend Earnestly for the Faith.

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. 

• Invite a friend to one of our in-person Bible studies.
• Tell others about our free online Bible studies.
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• Join our prayer team. 
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As the celebration of the birth of Christ nears each year, we focus on the babe in the manger. But, that babe was born a Prince with a kingdom to defend. That babe was born with an angelic army at His beck and call. That babe was born a “Warrior” King as Isaiah 42:13 foretold, “The Lord will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies.”

The babe stormed hell and overcame death. The babe is the victor over the devil and his demonic army. Christ will one day return to earth but not as a babe. He’ll return as the Warrior King that He is. With whom will we share the good news?

Lord, we praise You, WARRIOR King from on high.

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.

Jesus is interested in you and if your life and days are meaningful. Why? He designed us to bear fruit. In John 15:1-2, Jesus explains how our lives can be fruitful if we live in a close relationship with Him. “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.”

Why does God prune the dead, fruitless branches and eagerly watch to see if we begin bearing fruit? A fruitful life brings us joy and Him glory. I didn’t understand that until I planted a garden several years ago. Then I understood the joy of seeing a branch bear a flower and then fruit.

God is our vinedresser. He watches us every day and prunes from us that which is unproductive so we bear glorious fruit. Without a doubt, the apple, peach, or tomato that reaches peak ripeness is the most flavorful and delicious.

If we sometimes feel the pressure of the Father’s pruning shears on us, it’s proof that He loves us and is present in our life. Rather than resist the ways He is pruning you, be glad that He cares about you. Yield to His touch. You’ll bear more fruit and experience more joy.

Sin. It’s here. Our sin or another person’s sin is a part of this earthly life. Perhaps one of the most glaring sins is selfishness. We want what we want. We want it when we want it. Things or people who stand in our way frustrate us. But what if sin didn’t exist? What if we were free of sin? The good news is that day awaits us. Because of Christ, our Savior and victor over death, we will one day be sin-free. As 1 Corinthians 15:57 reminds us, “…thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Gives. Us. Victory. We will one day experience the victory and magnitude of what our Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ did through the virgin birth and cross. In the meantime, let’s remember to give thanks to God for the daily victory over sin we have through the Spirit’s empowerment. Let’s remember and give thanks to God for the eternal victory over sin through Christ. Today, let’s raise our voices in praise of Christ. If you know the song, “Victory in Jesus,” sing it with all your heart.

Lord, we praise You for being VICTORIOUS over sin and death. We worship You. 

Want to learn more about how to live by Christ’s divine nature instead of our sinful, fallen nature? Grab a copy of Debbie’s 2 Peter Bible study, Living by the Divine Nature Instead of Our Fallen Nature, HERE. You can also access the free accompanying videos and podcasts by going HERE.

Have you ever considered how old Moses was when he commissioned Joshua to take his place? He was 120 years old. Moses’ words, ever so eloquent, are recorded in Deuteronomy 32:2-4. I’d love for you to read them. Moses poured forth, “Let my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, … For I proclaim the name of the Lord.” Moses continues, “upright is He.”

Why did Moses say that God is upright? He wanted us to know that God is believable. He is just, and true, and His word is just and true.*

As you go about your life in a fallen world where people act unjustly and speak untrue words, let Moses’ refreshing words of praise to God wash over you – God and His Word are upright, just, and true! Blessings on you, friend.

UPRIGHT LORD GOD, we praise You that You and Your Word are upright, just, and true. All praise and glory belong to You! 

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*http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=H3477&t=NASB