Debbie Taylor Williams
I AM ALERT in PRAYER
“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it...“
As believers, we are not only to be devoted to prayer; we are also to be ALERT in it. Alert is a powerful word. In this verse, it means “to watch, give strict attention to, take heed lest through remission some destructive calamity suddenly overtake us.” Does that describe our prayer life? If not, it should motivate us to give more strict attention to it. Why? What destructive calamity could possibly overtake us if we fail to be devoted and alert in prayer? We find the answer in 1 Peter 5:8 where Peter warns us of the devil who prowls like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. We’re reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 26:41 to keep praying because the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Ephesians 6:11-18 warnings of principalities and spiritual forces of darkness in the heavenly realms come to mind. If we are wise, we will not only pray. We will be alert it in.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the warning to not only be devoted to prayer, but to also be alert in in it. In Christ, I have access to You 24/7. May I be an ever-increasingly devoted, alert prayer warrior.
Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
I AM DEVOTED to PRAYER
“Devote yourselves to prayer,“
“In Christ,” we have the opportunity to be different from those who do not know Christ. We have the opportunity to scale the heights of heaven with our needs, concerns, and praises. We are not isolated or alone. The Holy Spirit is glued to us for eternity and is available to help us pray our deepest concerns. Our part? Begin the conversation with God. Open the spiritual door. And, keep it open. How? When your eyes open in the morning, train yourself to open a conversation with God. “Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You that You are with me. Thank You that You are with my loved ones. You are a good and gracious God. Thank You for your presence with me. Direct my mind and thoughts to honor You today.” Then, keep praying whatever is on your mind. You may pray while still in bed. You may begin while waking, then move to a place where you “meet with God” for Bible study and continued prayer. But the point is, as Christians, we are to do more than pray The Lord’s Prayer at funerals and weddings. Rather, God’s instruction is to DEVOTE myself to prayer. “Devote” comes from a word that means “be steadfastly attentive to, continue in, persevere, be in constant readiness for one.” So, we are attentive to our first thoughts when we wake and turn our thoughts to prayer. We continue in prayer through the morning, afternoon, and evening. We are in constant readiness to pray when concerns arise or we are tempted. DEVOTED. That is the word that describes the Christian’s prayer life; unlike the unbeliever’s occasional “arrow prayer” in crisis.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of being able to talk to You. May I never take the opportunity to pray for granted. Rather, may You know me as one who is devoted to prayer.
Correction: The Scripture reference for the prior 365 Days of Praise:, “I HAVE a MASTER in HEAVEN, is Colossians 4:1.
Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
NAS Bible Verses, Bible Gateway, #bgbg2
*http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/10/17/this-map-shows-where-the-worlds-30-million-slaves-live-there-are-60000-in-the-u-s/
GRILLED SALMON
This recipe is SO GOOD! My Mom and I made this recipe for our family whenever we were in town visiting! My Dad is used to his normal salmon recipe, but was pleasantly surprised with the deliciousness of this recipe. All of us loved it. It is one that will definitely be made again and again. I appreciated how quickly it could be made and that it’s simple but has a beautiful presentation. Those two things are very important. This salmon would be perfect for a dinner party, friends coming to visit, or just a normal evening with your family. Hopefully you’ll make it, try it, love it and make it again! Enjoy!
GRILLED SALMON P. 336
2 salmon fillets (about 1 lb each)
1/2 cup oil 
1/2 cup lemon juice
4 green onions, sliced
3 TBS minced fresh parsley
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Place salmon in shallow dish. Combine ingredients. Mix well. Set aside 1/4 cup for basting; pour rest over the salmon. Cover and refrigerate, at least 30 minutes. Drain and discard marinade. Grill salmon over medium coals, skin side down, for 15-20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Baste occasionally with reserved marinade.
“…’I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.'”
Jeremiah 31:3
TABLE BLESSING
Worthy, Lord, You are worthy,
Worthy of all praise.
We give You all the glory.
We will worship you, O Ancient of Days.
To order your Taste & See Cookbook, click HERE.
HEAVENLY WAFFLES
This recipe we made at my Mom, Debbie Williams’ house, and it was simple, delicious and easy! It has a special ingredient to make it extra light and fluffy, so you don’t walk away feeling heavy and super weighed down! My boys gobbled it up, Chris and my Dad included, and Mom and I really enjoyed them as well! Try this easy, quick waffle recipe and you’re family is sure to come back and ask for more. Be sure to let me know what you think.
HEAVENLY WAFFLES, p. 125
1 egg, beaten by hand
1/2 cup oil 
1 1/2 cups club soda
2 cups Bisquick
Combine oil and beaten egg; add to Bisquick along with the club soda. Pour into waffle iron.
Yield: 4-6 servings
Note: These are much better prepared in a Belgian Waffle Maker
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.”
Ephesians 1:3
TABLE BLESSING
Worthy, Lord, You are worthy,
Worthy of all praise.
We give You all the glory.
We will worship you, O Ancient of Days.
To order your Taste & See Cookbook, click HERE.
I HAVE the WORD of CHRIST & SONGS of PRAISE RICHLY DWELLING in Me
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.“
I love this verse because it reminds us that we may have been raised in a home where we heard how bad or unworthy we were, but now we have “new tapes.” We have the Word of Christ richly dwelling in us. We have new songs to play in our minds – spiritual songs about our Heavenly Father, how much He loves us and we love Him. If you’ve listened to the “tape” that you’re not a good singer or decided you don’t care for Christian music, replace that thought with the truth of today’s verse. Singing in our hearts to God isn’t a performance before others. Rather, it changes us from the inside out. If you aren’t familiar with Christian songs or hymns, listen HERE for FREE. Tune into Christian music to tune your heart to the many blessings and joy that are yours in Christ.
Heavenly Father, thank YOU for giving me new words – the Word of Christ and new songs – songs of praise.
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Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
CHRIST RULES in MY HEART
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts;“
When we become Christians, we become citizens of the kingdom of God. We fall under HIS GODLY RULE. Rather than being slaves to our old temperament or slaves to sin, we are freed to experience His peaceful rule. Rule means to be an umpire, decide, determine, direct, control. Commentator Wuest quotes Lightfoot on this passage. “Whenever there is a conflict of motives or impulses or reasons, the peace of Christ must step in and decide which is to prevail.” When you’re experiencing Christ’s peace, a traffic jam doesn’t throw you for a loop because you know God can make all things work together for good. Peace is not going crazy when well-laid plans fall apart because you know God has a better plan. You prayerfully turn your situation over to Him and let Him rule. Peace is knowing that God can work in your child’s life even when things look dismal. Peace is letting Christ calm the raging storm that threatens to blow you off course. Peace is trusting your marriage to God as you let Him rule over your emotions, mind, and actions. Peace is not fearing the unknown, but rather resting in God who knows all. Who is ruling your heart? Christ is offering.
Heavenly Father, thank YOU for the unbelievable gift of Christ and His rule in my heart.
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Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
I HAVE CHRIST’S PEACE
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body;“
Are you peaceful? Certainly we would agree that we need Christ’s peace, not only as a state of our salvation, but also flowing through our hearts. But, how is it possible on a day in, day out basis to have Christ’s peace? The answer is the same way we experience God’s other virtues. When Christ established our eternal peace with God, a conduit of grace opened to us. The Holy Spirit freely flows in our spirits. He urges us, “Take off your rags of bitterness, worry, unkindness. Put on my coat of divine peace.” Peace means the “tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot.” Does that describe us?
Heavenly Father, forgive me for so often worrying and being anxious when, in fact, I am assured of my salvation in Christ. I have nothing to fear for You are with me. I have every reason to be content. Thank You for the peace Christ gives me.
IF for any reason you STOP receiving 365 Days of Praise, please RE-SUBSCRIBE. You may have been unsubscribed in error.
Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
I AM LOVING
“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.“
In Christ, we are new creations and love is one of the main identifying characteristics. As a matter of fact, we’re exhorted “beyond all“ to “put on love.” Paul’s use of beyond all is best translated “upon.” In other words, if you’re layering your virtuous clothes of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, long-suffering, and forgiveness, remember to put love as your outer garment. Love is the belt that holds everything together. It’s the jacket, the outer garment that must be seen. As Weust words Colossians 3:14, “And upon all these, put on divine love, which is a binding factor of completeness.” Have you ever had a great outfit, but it lacked something? Perhaps a belt, the right shoes, or jacket? Love is the complement to all the other divine virtues. Don’t leave home with out it! Without love, what are we like? A shiny, clanging cymbal who annoys others (1 Corinthians 13:1).
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that the essence of my life is to be about love – Your love – reflected in and through my heart. Fill me to overflowing with Your love today.
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IF for any reason you STOP receiving 365 Days of Praise, please RE-SUBSCRIBE. You may have accidentally been unsubscribed in error.
Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
I AM FORGIVING
“…forgiving one another, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.“
Can you say, “I am forgiving.” Without Christ, it would likely be impossible for us to be forgiving. But, because we have received mercy, we can and SHOULD be forgiving. We may need to underline those words in our Bibles as a reminder of who we are in Christ: forgiven and forgiving. Does forgiving someone mean what they did was OK? No. Does forgiving someone mean you have to put yourself in harms way with the person again? No. Does forgiving mean the person won’t be judged or pay for what he or she did? The blessing is, we don’t have to figure that out. The person will stand before God. Vengeance is His. He will repay. (Hebrews 10:30) Our responsibility is to obey God and be the new creation we are in Christ.
Heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving me. Help me remember my identity in Christ. I am not the “old” me. I forgive as You have forgiven me.
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Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
I AM CHRIST’S VESSEL
“put on…humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another,“
As we consider who we are in Christ, it’s important to remember that we’re His vessels on earth. Humility stands in stark contrast to pride. It isn’t cringing-submission or thinking poorly of ourselves. Rather, it’s humble submission to God and service toward others. Gentleness isn’t weakness. It’s power under control. It’s a mother firmly, lovingly disciplining her children rather than lashing out. It’s a spouse boldly speaking the truth in love rather than being cutting and rude. To be patient and bear with one another means to be long-tempered rather than short-tempered. It’s holding up under pressure. We may tire of situations or even people. However, as Christ bears with us, we’re to bear with others. To bear with one another and forgive means “to hold up, sustain, endure.” It’s the opposite of quitting on each other. It affects every relationship of our lives. Whether you’re in a difficult marriage or work relationship; in the throes of child rearing, serving as caregiver; or battling your own sins, God has a word for you: Don’t give up. Hang in there! With God, nothing is impossible. Lk 1:37
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder of who I am in Christ. Fill me and use me today as Christ’s vessel.
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Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?