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Julie Long

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Devotions

It’s Not Over

2 Mins Read

prayerhands“And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” (Luke 1:33 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.)

The family of Jacob, or the descendants of Jacob are the same as the children of Israel. This was the name by which the ancient people of God were known, It is the same as saying that he would reign over His own church and people forever. He’s in charge. He guides them and defends them. He has given laws for them to follow.

This scripture addresses Mary when she was told she was with child. Mary had seen turmoil in her world; Kingdoms rising and falling all around. The child she would give birth to would form an everlasting kingdom.

I’m so glad I have an interest in His Kingdom. He shall reign among his people on earth until the end of time, and be their King forever. His Kingdom is the only Kingdom that will never end. How exciting to think about! You can be a part of this kingdom also.

Prayer: Thank You Lord, that You have made me a part of Your unending Kingdom. One day we will be with You forever. It’s hard for my mind to imagine being with You forever!

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Devotions

De-Stress Yourself

1 Min Read

tasteandsee“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” (Matthew 6:34 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.)

Stress is the buzzword of the 20th century. It’s interesting that Jesus addressed this issue centuries ago. God undestands the weaknesses of humanity and doesn’t allow us to know what lies ahead. We must learn to trust Him totally.

Why do we bring such a load on ourselves when He has already taken care of it?

I believe in planning, however, sometimes things don’t turn out as planned. For instance my plans include mowing the yard tomorrow. Clouds gather and it begins to pour so my plans have to be changed. No big deal; God is in charge and He’s the one who decided to send the rain. De-stress yourself and let God handle today, tomorrow and forever!

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to understand that sometimes my plans have to be scraped for Your will to be accomplished. I want to learn to turn it over to You!

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Devotions

Death Certificates

1 Min Read

clouds“Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” (Matthew 24:40-41 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.)

I’ve been thinking so much lately about His coming. This passage compares Noah and the flood with the day of Jesus’ return. That day will be a surprise and a day of separation. I take comfort in the fact that it won’t be long until He returns for those who love Him. And I plan to be one of those taken.

Death certificates are required to collect a life insurance policy. After the rapture of believers, how will our loved ones be able to collect without a death certificate? Something to think about, isn’t it?

Prayer: As I look into the Heavens it excites me to think that today could be the day of Your return! Nothing else really matters except You Lord. Thank You for that Blessed Hope!

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Devotions

A Strong Tower

1 Min Read

wall“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.)

There is nothing like His name. He is not just a tower, but He is a strong tower. The word strong is an adjective describing the tower. It’s not one in need of repair; it stands strong against the winds of adversity.

When I call on His name I feel complete safety. He is a refuge and my security. I have no need to fear whatever comes my way. His name brings peace to any situation.

Prayer: When I whisper Your name I feel automatic strength and peace. As the songwriter so apply wrote, “Jesus is the sweetest name I know. And He’s just the same as His lovely name. That’s the reason why I love Him so. For Jesus is the sweetest name I know.”

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Devotions

Sin = Death

2 Mins Read

The Bible declares in Romans 3:23, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Nobody is exempt from the fatal effects of sin. It not only separates us from a relationship with God but it keeps us from restoring that relationship on our own. Sin will keep us from understanding God; it will keep us from seeking God and it will keep us from fearing God. The consequence of sin is eternal separation from a holy God. So, is there any hope? Oh, yes! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). The mercy of God is calling to all who will recognize their need for a Savior and turn to Him. God will forgive their sin and heal their soul so they can start to relate to Him as He originally intended. “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (II Corinthians 5:19). The cross put to death our old, sinful life destined for an eternity without God and the resurrection gave us a brand new life with power over sin and an eternity with God!

Prayer: My sin had sentenced me to death, but O, how You loved me! The results of sin were so serious that You wrapped Yourself in flesh and came to earth to die a cruel death in my place. I was without hope and eternally lost, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were afar off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13). Thank You for such amazing, sacrificial love!

Devotion by Julie Long

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Devotions

A Living Witness

2 Mins Read

“Whoever does not have the Spirit cannot receive the gifts that come from God’s Spirit. Such a person really does not understand them, and they seem to be nonsense, because their value can be judged only on a spiritual basis. Whoever has the Spirit, however, is able to judge the value of everything, but no one is able to judge him.” (I Corinthians 2:14-15 in the Good News Translation of the Holy Bible)

I recently read this quote by an anonymous writer, “When you don’t witness, you just did.” It made me think about how my life is a witness of the truth that God’s Spirit has revealed to me. The ladies at the library; the guy at the gas station; and the gal at the coffee shop cannot understand the awesome power of God’s Truth unless my life reflects the impact the Gospel has made in my own heart.

Today, as you go through your daily routine, ask yourself this question, “Do my words, thoughts and actions bear witness to the transforming love of Jesus Christ or have the stresses of everyday life obscured the beauty of Christ in me the hope of glory?”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your Word has reminded me today how critically important my witness is to the people around me. When others cannot understand the Bible or why I choose to follow you, it is my responsibility to live out the principles of Your Word in such a way that it will bring revelation and understanding of spiritual truths. Help me be a living witness! In Jesus Name, Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

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Flying Blind

3 Mins Read

While flying a plane in thick fog, the pilot cannot be sure of his direction unless he gives full attention to his instruments. In a thunderstorm, the turbulence can toss the plane about; the darkness within the clouds may cause disorientation. Sometimes the pilot will feel as though he is going up or down or turning around. But he cannot depend on his feelings. Only the gyros can be trusted, so the pilot must hang on to the controls in the turbulence, and discipline his mind to concentrate on the instruments-not on the storm.

There is a parallel spiritual truth for the believer in troubled times.

Undisciplined feelings will cause disorientation-even a crash- unless we keep ourselves stabilized by the facts of God’s Word.

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Devotions

Head in the Clouds

1 Min Read

“And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way;” (Exodus 13:21 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

Walking around with your head in the clouds is not always negative! Oh, how I want to spend my day walking under the cloud of God’s direction. The cloud of His presence can provide protection from the heat of difficult circumstances or bring a refreshing rain to my soul.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being my pillar of cloud everywhere I go!

Devotion by Julie Long

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Devotions

A One-Track Mind

1 Min Read

“Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.” (John 4:34 in the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible).

It’s not often that we accept the statement, “You have a one-track mind”, as a compliment. But, when it comes to serving God and fulfilling His will in my life, I want to have singleness of purpose. Just as Jesus did not allow friends or family to sidetrack Him from the mission, it is my prayer that God would keep me from distractions that would blur my vision and keep me from reaching my Heavenly goal.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You for a single-minded focus!

Devotion by Julie Long

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