[do_widget id=polylang-2] We all have them. Some more than others. James tells us to count them all joy (1:2), but it’s easier said than done. The book of Job offers wisdom for trusting God in times of distress. When Job emerged from his test of faith, he told God, “I…
[do_widget id=polylang-2] “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” (Psalm 127:1 KJV) God used visions and dreams in the Bible to reveal His plan, to further His plan, to put His people in places of influence, and to provide information that was unavailable elsewhere.…
[do_widget id=polylang-2] « Si l’Éternel ne bâtit pas la maison, ceux qui la bâtissent travaillent en vain. » (Psaumes 127 : 1) Dieu a utilisé des visions et des rêves dans la Bible pour révéler son plan, pour faire avancer son plan, de placer son peuple dans les positions de…
A little girl was invited for dinner at the home of her first-grade friend. The vegetable was buttered broccoli and the mother asked if she liked it. “Oh, yes,” the child replied politely, “I love it!” But when the bowl of broccoli was passed, she declined to take any. The…
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“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him. Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done. Don’t let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ” (Colossians 2:6-8 in the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible). My mother has been a seamstress every since I can remember. Although I have not been blessed with her talent, I have learned from her skill. Mom was always a stickler for following the pattern. In order to get a pleasing result, she would carefully lay out the pattern and cut the fabric to the precise specifications. I am reminded today that the pattern of my faith that I example to my children and others must be based on God’s Word. If my Christian experience is not rooted in the Scriptures, I will not only endanger myself, but my children and others as we may all be drawn away into beliefs that aren’t true.
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Prayer: Precious Savior, thank You for the pattern of Your Word that I can follow to eternal life. Help me to stay grounded in Your Word. Remind me each and every day to point my children to a relationship with You by spending time together in Your Word. Amen.
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Devotion by: Julie Long
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“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” (Ephesians 4:1 in the New International Version of the Holy Bible). There is no more important question to ask ourselves than, “What is my life purpose?” Without the answer to that question, we will live unfulfilled, unhappy lives. The good news is God has a life purpose for every individual. It is our responsibility to seek out that purpose through communication with God and His Word. We are called to live a life that constantly reflects God’s purpose for us. All of the decisions we make in life should be rooted in that purpose.
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Prayer: There is no higher calling than to fulfill Your purpose for my life, Lord. Help me to seek after it and listen for it. May my heart be centered in Your will today. Amen.
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Devotion by: Julie Long
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“Losing self-control leaves you as helpless as a city without a wall.” (Proverbs 25:28 in the Contemporary English Version of the Holy Bible). Ancient cities that had no walls were easy prey for their enemies. A person without self-control is just as defenseless against Satan’s attack. Self-control enables us to counteract external and internal negative forces that can cause us to make wrong choices. We need the Spirit of God working in us to help us do what is right.
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Prayer: Lord, I ask You to activate Your Spirit inside me to enable me to turn away from wrong actions. Though the temptation to lose control of my emotions and desires will challenge my faith, I will choose to build a wall of self-control around my heart. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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Devotion by: Julie Long
It takes time for the healing process to become apparent to the eye. When a wound is inflicted, the body responds immediately to the crisis but the results are not yet visible. God’s response to wounded emotions, broken hearts and hurt feelings are not always obvious. While the casual observer is unaware of the healing process, I am intimately aware of the guidance and support He provides during the critical rebuilding phase. “Praise ye the Lord…He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds” (Psalm 147:1,3 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).
Prayer: Lovingly and patiently You restore the broken pieces of my life. Thank You, Lord Jesus!
Devotion by Julie Long
“The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places” (Habukkuk 3:19 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible). God created the deer to be an incredibly agile and graceful creature. He knew that it would need the ability to navigate its often treacherous habitat. Let’s pray together that God will give us that kind of sure footed stability to safely traverse the steep paths of life’s journey to greater spiritual heights.
Prayer: Lord, plant my feet on solid ground and enable me to reach extraordinary places in You.
Devotion by Julie Long