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Julie Long

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Soul Shepherd

1 Min Read

“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” (John 10:14 in the King James Version of the Bible)

You may be on a steep mountain path, down a deep valley, across green pastures, or beside still waters, but God always knows exactly where you are. God takes care to watch over you and He provides times of refreshing and restoration for your soul. He will even pursue you if you wander away from the path He has chosen.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I’m so thankful that You know where I am. You know me inside and out. You provide for my needs and ensure my safety. What a wonderful Shepherd You are!

Devotion by Julie Long

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Humble Human Hearts

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“He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree” (Luke 1:51-52 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

Pride has no value. It gives a false sense of self-importance that exists only in the imagination of the heart. When God was looking for a human vessel to accomplish His will, He bypassed all of the high profile candidates and chose a humble young woman who was “powerless” in the eyes of society. God demonstrated that His favor rested upon those who followed Him in spite of the world. Though God handpicked her from all of the women on the face of the earth, Mary did not claim any glory from it.

Prayer: Lord, You value faithfulness, trust, and obedience above everything. Teach me these essential qualities and help me to never claim glory for myself. Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

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Magnificent Mercy

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“For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation” (Luke 1:49-50 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

Mary understood that she did not merit the tremendous honor God had given her as the mother of the Saviour. All she had done for her part was live in obedience to God’s commandments and followed Him to the best of her ability. Throughout Scripture the Israelites constantly vacillated between faithful obedience and wayward disobedience, but God’s mercy was always available when they turned their back on sin. Today, God extends His faithful, loving, mercy to everyone who follows Him.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the great blessings in my life. May I always walk with You and never leave the protection of Your abundant mercy.

Devotion by Julie Long

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Impossible Prayers

1 Min Read

“And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:36-37 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

The angel, Gabriel, used the miraculous pregnancy of Mary’s cousin, Elisabeth, to illustrate to her that God could indeed do anything! I often pray for the impossible to happen in my own life and the lives of family and friends. I believe God has answered every prayer I’ve prayed. Sometimes the answer is “No”, sometimes it’s “Not now” and at other times God says, “Yes!”

Prayer: Mighty God, When I believe for the impossible today, I know that You are fully capable of making it a reality. If the time is right, and the answer is in Your will for my life, it will be accomplished! Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

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Indescribable Gift

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“Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

The next time I feel unimportant or overlooked in some way, I will remember that God gave me an indescribable gift – the gift of Himself! Of all the gifts I will ever receive, none will compare to the gift of living a life that is free from sin and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Many people today think of the birth and death of Jesus Christ as only a story with a tragic ending, but those who have received Your gift are truly living a life of unspeakable joy!

Devotion by Julie Long

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Significant Insignificance

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“My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed” (Luke 1:46-48 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

Incredibly, God chose a young lady who was insignificant by the worlds standards to bear the Savior of the world. Mary recognized the great honor that was granted to her and responded with a heart of full of worship. Mary’s role in God’s plan to redeem mankind would be remembered forever. She gladly accepted the responsibility and expressed her joy at being chosen.

Prayer: Lord, I too have been chosen to fulfill a special purpose in Your Kingdom. I pray today that my reaction to this wonderful privilege of bearing Your Name will be one of thanksgiving. Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

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Asking for Good Gifts

2 Mins Read

“So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” (Matthew 7:11 in the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible)

Where does that irresistible urge to buy gifts for children come from? It’s almost an uncontrollable desire to shower little ones with wonderful treasures for their enjoyment. We would do anything to see a child’s eyes light up with pleasure. If I feel that way about my own children, how much more does our Heavenly Father desire to pour out abundant blessings on us? All of heaven’s bounty awaits the child of God. It’s ours to enjoy if we will ask for it!

Prayer: As the time for exchanging Christmas gifts approaches, I can’t help but think of the many wonderful gifts You have given me through the years. Gifts of forgiveness, family and friendship. There are too many blessings to name! And, yet, there are more requests on my wishlist this year…the gift of healing for a friend; the gift of peace for a loved one; the gift of salvation for a neighbor. I’ll keep on asking, Lord, for these good gifts. Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

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Wonder and Worship

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“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)

Who, but God, would think of such an incredible way to save the world? He wrapped Himself in human flesh and made His home among us. It’s too amazing for me to comprehend that kind of unfailing love and faithfulness to sinful creation. The only fitting response is to fall on my knees in awestruck wonder and authentic worship.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for exchanging Your heavenly robe for a human robe so my relationship with You could be restored!

Devotion by Julie Long

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